Chapter 8
Is There Such a Thing as Awkward Chivalry?
The internal battle within Sophia continued, and while she was happy about getting back to the quiet routine of the Priory on Holy Island, she would have been just as happy about reliving May Day at Bamborough...as long as Beon was still there, that is.
For quite some time, the convent had felt like her true home—now and forever. However, forever seemed like it might be too long now.
She’d let go of her fears about Father discarding her when he’d been so eager for her to dance with Lord Percy. Obviously, he was working on making a match for her.
A beautiful spring day lay before the three travelers as they trotted along the road and an exhilarating wind blew up from the sea. Even so, having two escorts who had armed themselves to the hilt only made her more anxious to be off the road and safe on the island, where monks knew how to deal with that demon. Bamborough Castle seemed safe enough, but it appeared as though Father wasn’t yet aware of this new danger. This thought made her consider the safety of her brothers as well. But with their young ages in mind, she’d reasoned that they wouldn’t likely be too far from Father’s side and would, therefore, be quite safe.
Sir Lyndon and Beon rattled along noisily with all the extra ‘demon-repelling’ accouterments they carried. The knights had brought along strings of garlic, several crucifixes, drams of holy water, axes, knives, spears, and stakes of both wood and iron. Sophia found it a tad reckless to go seeking a blood-sucking creature—why not avoid it completely?
As she watched Beon talking to Sir Lyndon, she decided to start referring to Beon as ‘Knight’ even though he was still just a page, because to her, he seemed more knightly than most of the men in her father’s employ. Indeed, Sir Lyndon was an exception. She couldn’t help but feel safe in the presence of such a giant of a man who was both fearsome and kind.
“You still haven’t answered my question, Sophia—”
“That is because I am ignoring you, Sir Knight,” Sophia remarked, interrupting Beon before he had the chance to tease her once more about the plethora of male attention she’d received over the course of the holiday. And when he winced at her new nickname for him, she giggled.
“I’m not yet a knight, as you well know, my lady.”
Sophia shrugged her shoulders. Beon sent a frown her way. Sir Lyndon caught her glance and offered up a wink, nonverbally encouraging her, and she giggled again.
“How many marriage proposals were you given, did you say? Was it ten or twelve?” Beon went on.
“I am ignoring you,” Sophia repeated.
“As am I,” Sir Lyndon added. “I can’t abide this blathering any longer. You’re embarrassing yourself and the lady, now cease your taunting of the poor girl or I shall have to trounce you for good measure.”
When Sophia laughed louder this time, she slapped a hand over her mouth and shot a wide-eyed look Beon’s way, wondering what he might do about being accused of teasing her when it was really the other way around.
His frown deepened, and Sophia decided he was just adorable when he frowned. “Forgive me, my lady. I meant no harm,” Beon said a bit sadly as his cheeks flushed.
She quickly regretted her words, not wishing to hurt his feelings. Because, if she were honest, she rather liked the attention she had been getting from Beon ever since the feast.
“No harm done, so there is nothing to forgive,” Sophia said, hoping to rid his face of the frown to ease her own guilt.
“Speak for yourself, my lady, for my ears are throbbing. Beon, you may be gifted in many areas but in the ways of wooing a woman you have much to learn.”
“I beg your pardon, Sir—” argued Beon, appearing horrified the conversation would take such a turn with her there to witness it.
Undaunted, Sir Lyndon went on, “I suppose it falls upon me to teach you that as well.”
Sophia found herself gaping at Sir Lyndon. Truly the man had no soul...well, that might have been an exaggeration, but it seemed Sir Lyndon would not let up on the poor lad. Sophia couldn’t quite decide if she still thought it was funny or not.
“Let us begin with a bit of civilized conversation that does not include badgering or belittling the poor lady, like so,” Sir Lyndon turned back to Sophia and addressed her with a nod of his head, “How did you enjoy the feast, my lady?”
Deciding to play along, she said, “I enjoyed it quite well, thank you. I do not recall the castle being as lively in many a year.”
Sir Lyndon turned to Beon and said, “You see? And then you follow up with an affirmation, coupled with a compliment, like so,” then turning back to Sophia he said, “I couldn’t agree more, my lady, and might I say you looked most becoming in your new gown.”
Sophia blushed and said, “Why thank you, sir, that is most kind of you to say…however, it wasn’t exactly new.”
“Well, then it must’ve been your inner beauty shining forth that made the dress anew, for I’ve never seen you look so radiant.”
Who was Sir Lyndon teasing now? Her or Beon? she wondered. Sophia knew she’d blushed a deeper shade and looked down at the reins she was holding. “Thank you, kind sir.”
Sir Lyndon turned back to Beon and said, “And there you are. Perhaps that last bit was a tad poetic, but you get the idea… Ask her opinion on a subject, listen and agree, then give a genuine compliment. Now you try.”
“But it’s Sophia…she’s like a—well, like family.”
“No matter! Sophia is a lady now, and it is high time you learn how to speak to one. Now go on,” Sir Lyndon pressed.
“Yes, sir…ask her opinion on a subject…listen and agree…then give a genuine compliment,” Beon repeated before glancing up and briefly making eye contact with Sophia. She was still blushing and wasn’t sure if she was delighted by this game or beyond horrified. Did Beon view her as ‘family?’ He cleared his throat and continued, “What did you converse with Henry de Percy about, my lady?”
Finding she was a bit taken aback by this question, her eyes widened, but Sir Lyndon didn’t give her a chance to answer.
“No, no, no,” Sir Lyndon said, interrupting. “That’s far too specific to start out with, and it isn’t a subject you can agree or disagree on because you weren’t present to form an opinion.”
“I don’t mind, Sir Lyndon…I mean, I’ll answer the question,” Sophia said. Why she wanted Beon to know she couldn’t say.
“Very well, but for the sake of the exercise it doesn’t suit us at all,” Sir Lyndon said.
Sophia turned to Beon and said, “He asked me if I was enjoying the festivities and told me that I looked most becoming in my new gown.”
Sir Lyndon laughed. Beon seemed to be doing his best to ignore his mentor and buoyed himself up in his saddle. “Well, I…I couldn’t agree more with the man. You did look quite lovely.”
Feeling her cheeks go extremely warm, she ducked her head, letting her hair cover her face. Surely, her cheeks must be the same shade of red as an apple.
“Much improved! Perhaps you do have a talent for this after all!” Sir Lyndon exclaimed. “Or perhaps I’m just a wonderful tutor! Carry on, carry on!”
Emboldened, Beon continued, “What did you think of Lord Percy, my lady?”
“Now, now, again too invasive, too soon. Go gently!”
“I found him to be extremely charming…and different,” Sophia said, answering anyway.
“Yes, very different indeed…but you too are different, are you not, my lady? In the very best of ways, I mean,” said Beon, ignoring Sir Lyndon’s protests.
Sir Lyndon chuckled. “Masterful! Now follow with another question.”
“You didn’t find him to be a bit of a coxcomb, my lady?” Beon asked.
Sir Lyndon choked. “Not exactly suitable conversation for a—”
“No more so than you, Sir Knight,” Sophia said, again interrupting and giggling.
“Quite right, my lady, I can’t argue with you there. I a
m the biggest coxcomb of them all. And justifiably so, for I would best everyone in that room, including Sir Henry de Percy, to win your favor.”
Beon’s gaze captured hers, and they stared at each other for a time as their horses continued to meander along the path. At that moment, Sophia felt she knew what Beon thought of her and he did not think of her as ‘family.’ At all. If Sophia were to hazard a guess, she would say his thoughts were more along the lines of building a family.
Sophia hardly paid any attention to Sir Lyndon when he shook his head and addressed Beon with a tsk, “That won’t do at all. You started out well enough with the deprecating comment about yourself, but you followed with a compliment that was cocky and self-centered.”
She watched as Beon visibly steeled himself to try again. Sophia knew what was going on and it was rather thrilling. Beon was communicating his honest feelings to her, right under Sir Lyndon’s nose. It was so bold, she found herself highly intrigued.
“My lady, do you think someone like Lord Percy could ever make you as happy as, say, someone you’ve known for most of your life?” Beon asked.
“Again, too forward for—”
Sophia interrupted Sir Lyndon to respond, “I do not, Sir Knight. I don’t think he’d stand a chance.” She held Beon’s gaze once again and for a moment everything else faded away.
Beon gave a nod and a slight grin as he said, “My lady is most wise. You have an acumen beyond your age.” Beon next performed a flourish of his hand and a bow of his head. It was a very knightly gesture.
Sophia had to look away as she blushed so fiercely she must be redder than an apple.
After taking a calming breath, she turned back.
Silence held them for a beat or two and then Beon said brightly, “I thank you for the pleasure of your company, my lady, and may I offer to fetch you some wine or sundry morsel?”
Sir Lyndon applauded and laughed. “Well done, Master Everard, well done! You will make me proud yet!” He turned to Sophia, “What say you, my lady? Do you think our young master is ready to be an effective suitor?”
“I do indeed,” she agreed softly.
The sun was beginning to set as Beon and Sir Lyndon rowed across the low to Holy Island. It was thrilling to know that Sophia’s feelings did, indeed, mirror his own. With that in mind, he questioned once again whether he should be returning her to the convent. However, no other plan made sense at this point. He needed to earn his knighthood before thinking about courting a lady such as Sophia.
The exhilarating conversation had also made him completely forget about pursuing the demon, and while he knew it wasn’t wise to set his plans to capture it aside, he found he was less motivated in the task than he had been. He also knew it would be irresponsible to pretend it wasn’t a real threat.
Beon could see no way around it. Sophia had to go back to the Priory. His heart sank at the idea, but it was the safest option.
As their boat neared the island, Beon looked over his shoulder and noticed a lady waiting at the dock who caught Sophia’s eye and began to wave excitedly well before they reached the shore.
“Eva! Halloo!” Sophia called with a smile stretched across her face.
The orange light of the sun behind Sophia cast a glow around her hair and shoulders. Beon thought she was the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen. Sophia Gall. Since he had retrieved her some days before on this very spot, she had become his everything. His life had been transformed, and he hardly recognized himself.
“Might I ask who you are attempting to capsize our vessel for?” Sir Lyndon asked as he strained to look behind him as he rowed.
Beon glanced over his shoulder a second time to see that this lady was still waving vigorously too.
Smiling broadly, Sophia said, “That is Lady Eva. We share a cell in the convent, and she is like a long lost older sister to me.”
Sir Lyndon paused in their strokes to take a proper look. When the man did a double take, his jaw dropping a bit, Beon took in the fact that Sir Lyndon seemed transfixed by the lady on the shore.
Beon cleared his throat, and the knight snapped out of his trance. They finished rowing to shore and helped Sophia disembark. As soon as she was free of the boat, Eva embraced Sophia heartily and they laughed like little girls.
“Oh, I missed you, dear sister! It felt like ages passed without you here,” Eva said.
“I missed you too! Oh, it’s so good to see you…it’s so good to be back!”
Beon’s stomach clenched at that. Beginning to feel awkward, Beon stood with Sir Lyndon as they silently watched the reunion.
Lady Eva was only slightly older than he, but taller, which was saying something. She had striking black hair that was plaited to her waist and only accentuated her unusual height. Her eyes were a piercing blue, but not as piercing as Sophia’s, to his way of thinking.
“May I introduce you to Beon Everard,” Sophia said, finally remembering he was still standing there. “He has been fostered under my father for many years…we have grown up together.” Bashfully, Sophia averted her eyes from his when she placed a hand on his shoulder by way of introduction.
Beon took Eva’s hand and bowed.
“What a pleasure to meet you,” said Eva, “Yes, I do remember you from stories Sophia has told of home…you are a formidable opponent at hide and seek, as I recall!” With this, she laughed a very high-pitched honking sound that was quite amusing in and of itself.
Beon had never heard such a ridiculous laugh and restrained a giggle.
“And this is Sir Lyndon, my father’s most trusted knight and man-at-arms,” Sophia said, smiling toward Sir Lyndon.
He bowed abruptly and stammered, “A—a pleasure...my lady. At…at your service.”
When he arose from his bow, his face began to turn red as if he were holding his breath. Beon was feeling rather stunned at the moment. Had he really just heard Sir Lyndon stutter out his words like a silly young lad?
“The pleasure is all mine,” said Eva. “It is lovely to meet you, Sir Lydia.”
“Sir Lydia,” Sir Lyndon repeated.
“Yes, Lydia…an unusual surname, but quite—”
“Pardon me…the name is…Lydia. No, I mean to say…” Sir Lyndon continued to splutter, completely making a cake of himself, as Beon barely contained his laughter. Never in all of the years he’d known Sir Lyndon had he seen the man so utterly flustered.
“It’s Sir Lyndon,” Beon corrected, finally interjecting. “Not Sir Lydia.”
“Oh, forgive me!” Eva exclaimed accompanied by that high-pitched laugh. “Sir Lyndon! Yes, that suits you much more than Sir Lydia.”
While Beon and Sophia joined her in the laughter, Sir Lyndon continued to gape at them with the same dumbstruck look on his face.
Before things became too awkward, Beon leaned over and whispered, “Ask a question, agree, and compliment, remember?”
Sir Lyndon looked at him and blinked. Beon gave him a sardonic smile.
As an uncomfortable silence fell, Sir Lyndon cleared his throat and steadied himself. “Forgive me, Lady Eva, for today’s travel seems to have me out of sorts. But isn’t it grand weather we’re having?”
“Oh yes, simply divine weather. I’ve spent the better part of the day collecting shells along the shore.”
“The perfect occupation for a day like today. You must have a stunning collection.”
“I do! Every shape and color you can imagine.”
“I would be honored to see it someday.”
“It would be my pleasure, Sir Lyndon,” Eva said as she curtsied.
The two stared at each other for a moment longer before Beon once again spoke up, “Well, we must beg your leave, ladies. Duty calls.”
“Yes, yes,” Sir Lyndon agreed, “Duty calls.” Sir Lyndon took Eva’s hand and bowed to kiss it. “Farewell, for now, Lady Eva.”
As if by reflex, Beon reached out and grabbed Sophia’s hand. He bowed and kissed it, lingering to take in her scent.
/> Beon expelled a measured breath as he stood and watched the ladies retreat through the Priory gate, walking across the grounds hand in hand, giggling to one another, until they finally disappeared inside one of the main structures.
Looking to his side, Beon took in the fact that Sir Lyndon had done the same. How fascinating it was for him to see Sir Lyndon behave this way. Had he just witnessed love at first sight? If he had, he was quite happy for his mentor, as he was feeling just as star struck by Sophia.
This entire trip had brought to mind the things he’d learned when he’d studied up on courtly love, and he wanted to do something romantic and knightly for her. Beon suddenly pulled out his knife and said, “I just thought of something.”
Sir Lyndon looked at him quizzically. “Should I be concerned?”
“Not at all,” Beon said with a smile. “I just thought of something I could leave behind for Sophia.”
“Is a bit of mayhem afoot?”
“No, just a bit of wooing.”
“Even better,” said Sir Lyndon.
Chapter 9
A Longing Heart
“I missed you,” Sophia said as she and Eva walked along the shore, picking up shells now and again for their collections.
“Are you sure you missed me? With the magic of May Day celebrations all around you…and lords trying to woo you? I’m not sure I would have missed me.”
Sophia laughed. “Don’t be silly. It feels like home here.”
“I remember the last May Day I got to attend,” Eva said dreamily. “The Maybush was my favorite part. Or, well, maybe the Maypole was what I fancied most. Yellow flowers everywhere…that was wonderful too...” Eva’s words trailed off when she stopped, bent down, and picked up a shell. “This one would have been perfect on the Maybush if it were painted yellow, don’t you think? Did you get to paint shells for the Maybush?”
Lifting her hands for Eva to see, Sophia asked, “What do you think?”
Myths & Magic: A Science Fiction and Fantasy Collection Page 202
