The chemise with the elaborate hem had been repaired as well, and with such care that it might have been an outer garment itself. Isabella found herself smiling as she dressed, and running her hands over the vivid silk. “Not so tightly there,” she said to Mathilde when the woman pulled the laces, cupping her hand protectively over her own stomach.
Mathilde smiled, her gaze flicking to Isabella’s in understanding. “Of course, my lady,” she murmured and Isabella knew she had inadvertently revealed her secret.
Amaury must be told immediately, before he heard the news as a rumor.
“Oh!” Mathilde said, surveying the result with satisfaction. “It is a garment fit for a wedding.”
“Indeed.” Isabella turned before the other woman. “And it fits perfectly. I thank you, Mathilde. Would you help me to remove it? I will put it away for a special day.”
“But is this not one, my lady?” Mathilde appeared to be confused.
“Why should it be?”
Matilde frowned. “I had understood the dress should be completed by today, for there is to be a wedding.” She nodded at Isabella’s surprise. “The Count de Sant-André and his party approaches. All the village is talking of it.”
“But who is to be wed?” Isabella asked as a familiar shadow appeared against the silk.
Amaury announced himself and she called for him to enter, watching his eyes light as he surveyed her. “Perfection,Mathilde,” he said warmly, his gaze never leaving Isabella. “The tales of your skills fell short indeed.”
“I thank you, my lord.” Mathilde curtseyed and Amaury paid her in coin. Isabella watched the woman’s eyes widen slightly and knew he had paid more than the agreed sum. She thanked him repeatedly, curtseyed, then left them alone again.
“And I thank you, Amaury, for such a surprise as this.” Isabella turned before him. “It is finer than ever.”
“I knew you would wish for its repair.” He came to her side and lifted her hand to his lips. “I would change my tabard as well before our guests arrive.”
“But who is to be wed? How do I not know of this?”
Amaury chuckled. “I confess that I have a scheme, though it was to be a surprise to you.”
“A scheme, sir?”
“A wedding relies upon witnesses for its authority, and there are precious few surviving of our initial exchange of vows. And, to be sure, that was a modest event, though celebratory in its way.”
“Amaury,” Isabella whispered, guessing his intent.
“I thought we should renew our vows, before our esteemed neighbor and his family, before the villagers of Montvieux and Marnis, before all of those who could stand witness to the legitimacy of our sons.” He smiled at her, now garbed in the blue and white silk tabard of Montvieux, the one embroidered with three fleur-de-lis. “I would give you a wedding, Isabella, as it should be, with a priest and guests, a feast and dancing.” His resolve made her heart thunder. “I would give you the wedding you should have had.”
“Amaury!” Isabella cast herself at him and he caught her close, capturing her lips in a triumphant kiss. “You should not indulge me so.”
“How can I resist? It is so rewarding to see your delight when you are surprised. I fear I will be granting you gifts all our days, simply for the sight of your pleasure.”
Isabella smiled, for she knew she had a surprise to offer him on this day. “You are not the sole one with a scheme, sir.”
“You have a scheme?”
“I have tidings I have kept secret.” She reached up and touched her lips to his ear. “We will welcome a child in the spring.”
“Isabella!” he whispered in wonder, then caught her close, his satisfaction so clear that she smiled. “But you must rest then, and not exert yourself. There will be no dancing for you on this night…”
Isabella placed her fingertips over his lips to silence him, loving how his eyes continued to sparkle. “If you believe, sir, that you will keep me from dancing at my own wedding, you will have to think again.”
He laughed then and kissed her again. “Ah, Isabella. I love you so.”
“And I love you, Amaury, with all my heart.”
They kissed again, and were so readily lost in each other that Philip cleared his throat three times before either became aware of his presence.
“Sir, the count arrives and awaits your welcome.”