Margo Maguire (8 page)

Drogan scratched his head while Oswin paced.

“’Twill make the winter a misery, my lord,” Oswin said, “as if it weren’t going to be bad enough.”

“How will we find out who did this?” Edric asked. “Half the village passed through here tonight. Anyone could have gone down to the cellar and ruined the corks.”

Oswin shook his head in puzzlement. “I can
question everyone who attended the wake, my lord. See if anyone saw anything suspicious.”

“Aye. It seems the only course to take.”

Aidan was still asleep when Kathryn returned to her chamber. So was Gwen. She roused the girl and sent her on her way, glad of the quiet solitude of her chamber.
Lord Edric had nearly kissed her
.

With shaky hands, she hung her shawl over the back of the chair, then stoked the fire while she tried to settle the flames that burned within her. Merely standing so close to the Saxon lord was more arousing than Geoffroi’s kiss had been. Kathryn could hardly imagine how it would feel if their lips had actually touched.

She pressed a hand to her chest as though she could slow her pounding heart. If Drogan had not interrupted, there was no telling how far Edric’s advances would have gone.

Kathryn’s face heated with belated embarrassment when she considered what she’d told him…that she was a virgin. ’Twas hardly decent discourse between a woman and a man who was all but a stranger to her. What could she have been thinking?

More to the point, why hadn’t she taken her leave of the man before he’d had a chance to corner her?
’Twas more likely he had
not
intended to kiss her. He had just buried his beautiful wife, and was still angry about Bryce’s wound. Mayhap he’d had something else in mind when he’d stopped her by the door, when he’d touched her face and drawn her close to him. Might it be a new punishment…humiliation?

She had no experience with the ways of men and was likely mistaken in everything Edric made her feel. She reminded herself that she must get away. Her only reason for staying here was Aidan, but she could not remain at Braxton Fell much longer, or Lord Edric would succeed in punishing her for her part in Bryce’s injury.

Besides, tales of her survival would surely reach Kettwyck. Then all choice would be removed from her. She would have to return and face society’s scorn.

And that was something she was not willing to do.

Edric was just about to mount the stairs to sit with Bryce once again, when he caught sight of Lora coming into the hall with a small bundle in one hand. “I heard what happened in the cellar, my lord.”

Edric raised an eyebrow. “Word travels fast.”

“Aye, it does. In every way,” Lora said. “Which
is why you should find out who Kate really is, before her kin comes looking for her.”

He did not like to think about changing anything now, especially with regard to his son’s nursemaid. “Who she really is? She is Kate of Rushton.”

“She is no serving maid, as well you know it.”

“So?”

“She told me she intends to go to the nunnery at Evesham Bridge.”

“
What?
She is a nun?”

Lora clucked her tongue. “Edric—think.”

There were few at Braxton Fell who could speak to him so familiarly, and Lora was one. Daughter of one of his father’s huscarls, she had grown up in the old keep with him and Bryce, much like an older sister. Oft were the times when she had been given charge of Edric and Bryce as young lads, though she was only a few years older than Edric.

“Kate—if that is her true name—believes she was disgraced by her abduction and cannot return home.”

“Absurd.”

“She is Norman, Edric. You know how they—”

“Aye. You needn’t remind me.”

She handed her bundle to him. “Here. I’m sure Kate has not eaten since early in the day. Mayhap you can take this to her and see what you can
learn about her while I go and put a new poultice on Bryce’s wound.”

“Likely Rushton assumes she is dead.”

Lora shook her head. “If her father survived, he will do all that is earthly possible to find his daughter.”

Which was a complication Braxton Fell did not need. Not when Wulfgar of Tredburgh was on his way, and Cecily’s father likely to arrive at any time. Edric took the parcel of food and started up the stairs just as Drogan came into the hall.

“Mistress Lora, you were missed this afternoon,” Edric heard him say.

“My apologies,” the healer replied as the two followed Edric up the stairs. “’Tis not my intention to disappoint.”

“Do you plan to see young Bryce?”

Edric knew he should give the food back to Lora and tell her to deal with it, but Drogan would not thank him for interfering with his moment with her. He found himself heading toward the nursery, drawn to the feminine softness he knew he would find there.

His own chamber was not far from the nursery, the room Cecily had left so bleak and bare. She had taken little interest in the cradle made especially for their child, nor had she sewn any tiny
clothes or blankets for her bairn. She was an unnatural woman. A Norman.

All was quiet at the nursery door, so Edric gave a gentle knock, rather than barging in as he’d done before. There was no answer, so he eased the door open and stepped inside.

The shutters were closed against the sudden rain, but Edric heard it pattering outside. The fire had burned low, but there was enough light in the room to see Kate, lying sound asleep in the bed. Edric had come upon her undressed once again, though this time she wore a thin linen undergarment that left her arms bare to the shoulders.

Aidan was not in his cradle, but lay beside her in the bed, against the fullness of her breast. He, too, was fast asleep with his empty milk cup nearby. Edric took an unsteady breath at the sight of the two of them lying together, and fought the urge to slide in beside them.

He muttered a curse. He should have sought out Felicia at the Silver Dragon. A quick lay would have drummed this lust from his loins and he would be able to think rationally once again.

He turned his back and placed Lora’s food on the table where Kate would find it if she awoke before morning. After adding wood to the fire, he banked it for the night. He worked in silence so as
not to wake either Kate or the bairn, but when he turned to take one last look at her, he saw that her eyes were partially open, unfocused.

Edric knew when his presence registered in her mind, for her nipples beaded against the thin linen of her shift. She was as aware of him as he was of her. As she looked at him with a sleepy gaze, there were questions in her eyes.

“Lora sent you a meal. I brought it.” His throat felt raw and he cleared it.

Her hair was loose and covered the feather bolster. Her eyes were heavy-lidded, giving her an expression of sensual awareness. Edric took one forbidden step, and then another. He crouched down beside her, his attention fully caught when she moistened her lips. Aidan made a small sound and Kate lightly stroked his forehead.

Edric felt a pang of nostalgia rather than the punch of lust he expected. As a young lad he’d once blundered into his mother’s bedchamber and discovered his parents lying contentedly with their limbs entwined in the aftermath of loving. He’d always hoped he’d share the same kind of moments with the wife that was chosen for him.

But he had never counted on marrying a Norman shrew.

Kate kept her eyes upon Aidan as she touched
the bairn. “’Tis sad that your son will never know his mother.”

Edric’s mind returned to the present, to who and what she was—a Norman wench, no more, no less. He stood and walked to the door. “Sad? The woman did him a service by dying. Never has anyone been more despised than that Norman harpy. He is far better off without her.”

K
athryn had never felt so lonely. She missed Isabel and the abbey, and the friendly smiles of those who served her family at Kettwyck. Here, no one spoke to her unless ’twas absolutely necessary. With the exception of Lora, Drogan, and Bryce, Kathryn felt most unwelcome here.

She felt little satisfaction at being right about Lord Edric’s attitude. ’Twas clear how he felt about Normans, and Kathryn realized he tolerated her only because of Aidan’s needs. That encounter at the rear door of the keep had been intended to
make a fool of her, to make her feel more vulnerable than she already was.

She would not be so susceptible to him in future.

When morning came, she fed Aidan, then carried him down to the kitchen where she was given a bit of bread and honey, and a cup of cider. She saw Gwen, whose manner toward her was cool and aloof.

Clearly, she could not go on this way. She had to speak to Lora about other arrangements, and tell Lord Edric she was leaving. One way or another she was going to make her way to Evesham Bridge.

Hoping to find Lora in Bryce’s chamber, she returned to the second floor, but saw that Edric was already there, standing alongside Drogan. Anxious to avoid him, she turned to leave, but Bryce stopped her.

“Ah, ’tis Kate. You just can’t stay away from my comely face, can you?” He smiled warmly and Kathryn hesitated. She would ask about Lora and not be intimidated by Bryce’s scowling brother.

“Take a seat, lass,” said Drogan before she could pose her question. “And show us the bairn.”

The chair beside the bed was vacant and Kathryn sat down, much too aware of Edric’s ice-blue eyes upon her.

“He’s grown, hasn’t he?” asked Drogan.

“What would you know of it, old man?” asked Bryce jovially.

“Er…His cheeks are fuller.” The huscarl was clearly out of his element with the bairn, but Kathryn appreciated his attempt at easing the tension in the room.

Bryce gave a weak laugh, but Edric still said naught, turning his back and stepping away to the window. He opened the shutters and looked down, an obvious snub of Kathryn.

“How do you fare, Lord Bryce?” she asked, annoyed for feeling so flustered. She had done naught to incur Edric’s wrath. On the contrary, if Lora was to be believed, Kathryn had saved Aidan’s life.

“If Lora would allow me out of this bed, I’d fare much better.” Bryce glanced in his brother’s direction. “I’d find out who ruined our ale supply.”

“You can leave it to Oswin. We’ll soon know what happened,” Edric said without turning.

“The ale supply?” asked Kathryn.

“Someone went to the cellar and pulled all the corks during the wake,” Drogan explained. “We lost more than half our ale.”

“What has Oswin learned?” Bryce asked.

“Naught.” Edric put his hands upon the window frame. “He will be questioning all who
attended the wake. Mayhap someone saw something suspicious.”

“What will we do, Edric, without enough ale to get through winter?” asked Bryce.

“’Tis the least of our problems. Though we still have most of the hens sent by Cecily’s father,” he replied, “the rest of her dowry is gone.”

“Cecily’s dowry was…food?” Kathryn asked incredulously.

When Edric turned, his hard gaze bored straight into her. “What other reason would I have for tying myself to a Norman?”

Kathryn swallowed.

“Our fields were ruined, so many of our people would have starved had I not negotiated with Baron Gui for food.”

“What will we do this year?” asked Bryce.

Edric crossed his arms against his chest. “We will raid the Fergusons and take what they have.”

Bryce let out a low whistle as his brother began to pace.

“He owes us…for our fields and forests, and for your injury.”

“More warfare? Has there not been enough?” Kathryn said. “So many will be killed. Or wounded as Lord Bryce was.”

All three men stared at her in disbelief. “You, of all people, should not question our desire for
revenge against the Fergusons,” said Edric.

Lora swept into the room just then and looked at Edric and Drogan with irritation. “Did I not tell you both that Bryce needs his rest?”

Drogan’s face flushed with color as he took the tray she held and placed it on a table near the bed. “Aye, lass. We were just going.”

But Kathryn was not finished. Now was the time to ask for an escort to Evesham. War against the Scots was Edric’s business and she wanted naught to do with it. She preferred to be far from Braxton Fell when news of more injuries—and deaths—came from the battlefield.

She held Aidan against her shoulder like a shield. “My lord, I have a request.”

Edric turned, his gaze resting first upon his son, then on her. When he spoke, ’twas with impatience. “What is it?”

“I wish to…to take my leave of Braxton Fell,” she said, stepping back a pace. “Is there someone who might escort me to the nunnery at Evesham Bridge?”

“Not until we find a new nurse for Aidan,” Edric replied. “Besides, ’tis too dangerous.” He dismissed the subject out of hand, unwilling to dwell on any other motive he might have for wanting to keep her at Braxton Fell.

“If you’re concerned about my safety—”

“I’m not. But the man who escorts you would be at risk. ’Tis forty miles through dangerous country.”

Lora gave a wry laugh. “You might teach her—as you did me—to defend herself if she comes upon any Scots or other brigands upon the road.”

Edric shot Lora a look of pure aggravation, willing her to remain silent. He had no intention of allowing Kate to go, even though he knew it would be best. The attraction he felt was absurd, knowing what he did about Norman women. Cecily had been a beauty, too…All outward loveliness, but possessed of a soul as cold as the blade of his sword in the darkest days of winter. The farther removed she was from Braxton Fell, the better. Yet…

“I’ve already said she is not going.”

“On the contrary, my lord, I will not stay here.”

“Will not?”

The wench did not cower at his raised voice, but her full lips tightened into a straight line and a small crease appeared between her eyebrows.

“She should know how to defend herself in case of trouble even here at Braxton Fell, my lord,” said Lora.

“You’re our best at hand to hand, Lord Edric,” said Drogan. “I’m sure you can teach the lass a few tricks.”

“No he can’t,” said Bryce. “My brother may know how to fight, but he’s the worst tutor I ever had.”

“Well, you may be right about that,” Drogan interjected. “Mayhap I should do it. We can—”

“’Tis not necessary,” said Kate. She raised her chin in a defiant gesture that made Edric want to press his lips to the rapid pulse in her neck while he explored every womanly curve of her body. “I’m sure I can avoid trouble until I arrive at the nunnery.”

Edric dropped his arms to his sides and headed for the door. What did any of them know about it? As a Norman, she could very well be subject to a hostile act here at Braxton Fell. His people were decidedly unfriendly to her kind. “Meet me in the solar in the southwest corner, in one hour.”

He left Bryce and the others, angry that he’d allowed himself to be goaded into teaching Kate what he’d taught Lora years ago. He had more important matters to attend, starting with meeting with his steward. He went to his study, where Oswin was writing in a large, leather-bound ledger, and decided to forgo the Norman’s lesson in defense. Let her stay within the keep and there would be no trouble.

“What have you learned?” he asked the steward.

“So far, no one I spoke to saw anyone but me near the cellar door.”

Edric took a seat at the desk as Oswin pushed aside the ledger. To Edric’s knowledge, his steward kept impeccable records, being one of the few on the estate who had learned to read. Oswin’s son, Sighelm, had had a talent for it, too, and Oswin had been preparing him for the stewardship sometime in the future. Edric sometimes thought that these quiet moments in the study reminded Oswin too much of all he’d lost to the Normans. ’Twas better when he was out scrutinizing the fields and assessing Edric’s other estates.

“Who profits by our loss of ale?” Edric asked.

“Wilfred the tavernkeeper.”

Edric shook his head. In his wildest imaginings, he could not see Felicia’s father causing such trouble. The man liked Edric and wanted his favor, which was the primary reason his daughter had been so available to him. “I don’t think so.”

“Then I can think of no one,” said Oswin. “What of the Norman wench? You know naught of her.”

“Kate? How would she manage such a thing while she was caring for Aidan?”

“Mayhap she does not keep the bairn with her constantly.”

“To my knowledge, she’s left him only once in the charge of another.” It had been the evening
before, when he’d stood so close to her he’d been able to smell the scent of the previous night’s bath on her.

“She is Norman, my lord. You know better than to trust her.”

“Aye.” She hadn’t been truthful about who she was. In fact, he wasn’t even sure
Kate
was her true name.

Oswin began to pace. “Mind that she doesn’t set fire to the keep while she’s here.”

“Oswin, I hardly think it would be in her best interests to do such a thing.” For as much as he distrusted Normans, she’d shown naught but true affection for Aidan.

The steward came back to the desk and sat across from Edric. He spoke with urgency. “My lord, you should meet with Wulfgar when he comes. With our fyrd behind him, we could unseat the Normans in Northumbria. We’ll carve out our own kingdom. Wulfgar’s daughter, Odelia, could be your queen.”

“Never again will I take a wife, as well you know, Oswin. Besides, it’s all pointless now. We haven’t the resources to fight the Normans. Remember, I’ve seen their king in battle. He is a formidable leader.”

“And so is Wulfgar.”

Edric had never seen anyone as powerful as
King William. He and Bryce had witnessed the wrath of the Norman monarch when he’d put down the rebellion in York and did not want to risk bringing the same down upon the people of Braxton Fell. There was no point to it, and his people had suffered enough.

But the Fergusons were another matter altogether. War against them was a matter of honor. And survival.

He pushed the ledger toward Oswin. “Tell me about the harvest. How bad is it?”

“Let me carry Aidan,” Lora said to Kathryn as they left Bryce’s chamber. “I’ll keep him while you’re having your lesson with Lord Edric.”

Kathryn turned the bairn over to the healer and took the crock of milk she carried. “I have no intention of going.”

Lora stopped. “What?”

“He can wait all day for me in the solar, but I will not be there.”

“’Tis not wise to defy the man, Kate.”

“I want to leave Braxton Fell.”

“But there is no one else to care for Aidan.”

Kathryn tried not to feel quite so desperate. “Surely you can find
someone
to take my place. Help me, Lora.”

The healer considered Kathryn’s words. “There
are two women in the village who will soon deliver their bairns. One of them will likely suit.”

“You will tell me as soon as—”

“Aye. Though Aidan could not want for a better nurse.”

And Kathryn could not imagine anyone else loving the bairn as she did, but she was not going to end up like Berta, completely devoted to her charge, with no life of her own.

“Edric taught me a few effective maneuvers…and they came in handy more than once before I had my husband to protect me. What’s the harm in letting Edric teach you, too?”

What harm, indeed,
Kathryn wondered. Her clumsiness had been a source of embarrassment all her life. She knew not what Edric’s lesson would entail, but she had no doubt ’twas likely to demonstrate how awkward she could be.

And how he would enjoy that.

“I know what it is to be attacked by a man…by
men
. There was naught that I could do against them,” Kathryn said.

“Even the strongest man can be brought down. Don’t you want to know how to do it?”

“Of course.” She never wanted to find herself as helpless as she’d been when the Fergusons had carried her from Kettwyck. “But Drogan is likely a
more patient teacher. Mayhap we can summon him—”

“He will not go against Lord Edric’s wishes.”

Kathryn did not understand why Edric would want to bother wasting his time with her, if not to humiliate her.

“You’re not afraid of him, are you?”

“Of course not,” Kathryn retorted. “’Tis just that…Tell me about Lady Cecily. Why was she so despised here?”

Lora glanced sharply at her. “Who said she was despised?”

“Her husband.”

Lora led her into a large, cold chamber. ’Twas furnished, but there was no fire in the grate, and no signs of recent use. Kathryn sat down upon a long settee that spanned the space in front of the fireplace and Lora placed Aidan on the cushion beside her. “Let me get some heat in here.”

Lora laid wood on the grate and soon had a fire going, and Kathryn wondered if she would speak freely. She dearly wished to understand what had happened to make Edric—and his people—despise not only Cecily, but herself, as well.

Lora returned to sit beside Kathryn. “Why must you hurry to Evesham Bridge?”

“I am not welcome here, Lora. The servants
ignore me or they’re deliberately unfriendly. Though it may be because of my part in Lord Bryce’s injury, I fear it has more to do with my being Norman.”

Lora tapped her fingers on her knee. “Did you know Lady Cecily?” she finally asked.

Kathryn nodded. “But only briefly when she came to the abbey de St. Marie in Normandy.”

“And do you know why she was sent to that place?”

“Because she refused to wed the bridegroom who was chosen for her.”

“The
Saxon
bridegroom.”

Kathryn lowered her eyes. She had already realized ’twas Edric whom Cecily had refused to wed.

“Lord Edric fought for your king,” Lora explained. “His ‘reward’ was Braxton Fell—his own lands were granted him by King William. The pact was to be sealed by marriage to a highborn Norman wife.”