“Thank you.” Serra focused on the dress again. It had a low scooped neckline, narrow shoulders, tight bodice, and a long flowing skirt. “It’s too nice for a family dinner. It’s made for a banquet.”
“Maybe so, but it’ll please them if you wear it.”
Serra thought for a moment. “I’ll need to wash up and fix my hair. How long do I have?”
“They’re expecting us around five. You have plenty of time,” Yani said with a smile. “I’m going back downstairs and finish making dessert. See you later.”
~~~~
The front parlor was already full when they arrived at Ester’s. In addition to Kyra and Arden, Ester had invited three guests, all male, all single, and all very interested in meeting Serra.
When Serra walked in, Ester draped her arm around her and said, “This is the young lady I told you about, my granddaughter, Serra.” Then she motioned to a tall, thin man with short blond hair and pale blue eyes. “Serra, I’d like to present Gaffrey. His family owns the dry goods store.”
Ester nodded as Gaffrey bowed his head towards Serra.
Then Ester guided her to a stocky man with long brown hair that fell over dark brown eyes. “Otto’s apprenticing with our blacksmith. He’ll open his own smithy in another year.”
Otto stepped forward and took Serra’s hand. “My pleasure,” he said as he bowed over it.
Ester smiled at Otto as she and Serra moved on to the third man, a short man with curly black hair and green eyes. “Leif’s father owns the local tavern. Leif’s planning to add some bedrooms out back when he takes over, giving Ridgeville a second inn.”
Leif stood a bit straighter as he smiled and said, “I’m happy to make your acquaintance. I’ve heard so much about you I feel I know you already.”
After the introductions, Kyra took Tonnie’s hand and led her towards the door. “There’s a game set up in the back parlor. Let’s go take a look at it. We might have time to play some before dinner.”
Before they got out of the room, Ester asked Yani to help her in the kitchen and asked Arden and Thanzer to set up the table and chairs on the back patio.
Within a few minutes of her arrival, Serra was alone with three men who were totally focused on her. With just a few well-placed questions, she had the men talking about themselves, and by the time Ester came back to announce dinner, she knew a lot more about each of them than she wanted to.
Dinner seemed to drag on forever. Serra was seated between two of the men and across from the third, and to complete the block, Ester and Kyra were seated on each side of him. Thanzer, Yani, Arden, and Tonnie were at the other end of the table, too far away for Serra to talk to but not too far away for them to hear Ester and Kyra sing Serra’s praises. Serra wasn’t sure who they were describing, but it certainly wasn’t her.
When they returned to the front parlor after dinner, Gaffrey suggested a stroll around town. Before Serra could come up with a reason to decline, Leif said, “That’s a good idea. We can stop by the tavern for a mug of scog. I’d love to show you where I’m going to build the inn.”
“And while we’re out,” Otto said, “we can stop by the livery stable. I’ve got a mare I want you to meet. The two of you would be perfect for each other.”
Ester, who had followed them out of the dining room, answered for Serra. “I’m sure Serra will enjoy that. It’s a lovely evening. Who will see her home afterwards?”
All three volunteered, so Ester suggested they all escort her. “Thanzer and Yani will be home within the hour, so any time after that will be fine.” Then she all but pushed Serra out the front door and held it open for the men to follow.
As soon as they were outside, Leif took Serra’s arm possessively and glared at the other two. Serra gently withdrew her arm, which Otto took as an invitation to take her other arm. Serra rolled her eyes as she withdrew that arm, too. Then she took a deep breath and said, “I’m sorry, but this isn’t going to work.”
Leif frowned. “What won’t work?”
“Walking with all three of you. We’re falling all over each other. Gaffrey, why don’t you show me around town and then take me to the livery stable? Otto, I’ll meet you there. You can introduce me to your mare and then walk me over to the tavern where I’ll join Leif for a mug of scog. After that, Leif can walk me back to Thanzer’s. Is that all right with you?” Serra looked at the men, who were all frowning. “If all of you insist on walking with me, we’re going straight to Thanzer’s house and I’m going inside, by myself.”
After a moment, Otto nodded. “I’ll wait for you at the stable.” Then he looked at Gaffrey. “It won’t take long to walk around town. It’s not that big.”
Leif tilted his head towards the tavern. “I’ll be inside.” Then he looked at Otto. “You don’t need to come in. I’ll be right inside the door.”
Gaffrey stepped beside Serra and held out his arm. Serra slipped her arm through his, gave him a slight nod, and the two of them walked off down the street.
“I don’t know what my grandmother told you, but I’m only in town for the night. I’m going back to Milhaven tomorrow.”
“I know, but you’ll be back soon.”
“Only to visit.”
“For now.” Then Gaffrey directed her attention to the dry goods store. He pointed out various items in the window and told her he’d see to it she had everything she needed after she moved to Ridgeville.
Half an hour later, he handed her over to Otto at the livery stable.
As Otto led her to his mare’s stall, he asked if she did much riding.
“Some, but my job keeps me pretty busy.”
“You work?”
Serra nodded as she petted the mare. “In the castle housekeeping office.”
“You’re a maidservant?”
“Not really.” Serra continued petting the mare. “I help Cryslyn. We handle purchasing for the castle and keep the castle books.”
“Have they found someone to take your place when you leave?”
“Leave?” Serra looked at Otto.
Otto nodded. “Ester said you’ll be moving here as soon as you find a husband to provide a home for you.”
Serra turned back to the mare. “I’m afraid Ester’s mistaken. I’m not leaving my job or Milhaven. I like it there.”
“Well, would you marry me if I moved to Milhaven? I guess I could be a blacksmith there as well as anywhere else.”
“We already have two.”
“Oh, then I don’t guess that would work.”
“No, I guess not.” Serra turned back towards Otto. “Would you mind if we went to the tavern? I’d like to get back to Thanzer’s before it gets much later.”
Fifteen minutes later, Otto turned Serra over to Leif.
Leif led Serra to a small table in a quiet corner of the tavern. As soon as they sat down, the server brought two mugs of scog and set them on the table.
“Would you care for anything to eat, ma’am?” the server asked Serra.
“No, thank you. This is fine.”
Leif shook his head. “We have a cheese and biscuit plate that’s perfect in the evening. I insist you try it.”
The server raised her eyebrows at Serra, and when Serra nodded, left to go get it.
“I’m not hungry,” Serra said, “so don’t be insulted when I don’t eat much.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll help you eat it.” Leif reached across the table and put his hand on top of Serra’s.
Serra waited a second before she slid her hand out from under his and picked up her mug. After she took a sip, she set it back down and put her hands in her lap. “Didn’t you say you’ve lived here all your life?”
Leif nodded. “Born and raised, and you won’t find a nicer spot to raise children. And it’s safe here, much safer than Milhaven from everything I’ve heard.”
“Oh? What have you heard?”
“Other races go there to see Myron, some even stay a while,” Leif said. “I’ve heard an elf’s actually l
iving there now.”
Serra nodded. “Rhianna.”
“I know Myron has to deal with them as a member of the Federation of Terah, but I don’t understand why he exposes the rest of you to them. They have their own places to live, and they need to stay there. Most humans go their whole lives without having to endure their presence, and once you move up here, you won’t have to either, and neither will your children.”
The server chose that moment to bring the plate. Serra picked up one of the biscuits and a bit of cheese and ate it. After she took another swallow of scog, she cleared her throat and said, “I think you’re mistaken on several levels. For one, I have no plans to leave Milhaven and move up here. I like it there. It’s my home. And for another, Rhianna’s a good friend of mine and I’m glad she’s living in Milhaven.”
“Surely you’re joking.”
Serra shook her head. “I’ve got a question.”
Leif nodded.
“How many elves have you known?”
“None, thank goodness.” Leif shuddered.
“Maybe you should get to know some before you judge them.” Then, before he could say anything else, she changed the subject. “These biscuits are nice, and so is the cheese, but I’m full. Are you ready to walk me back to Thanzer’s? It’s getting late and I’ve had a long day.”
Leif started to argue but the look on her face changed his mind. “Of course. But let’s finish our scog first.” Then he called the server over and handed her the plate. “Put this up for me. I’ll be back later.”
The server nodded and took the plate away.
Serra finished her scog and waited in silence for Leif to finish his. As soon as he was done, she stood up to go.
Since Thanzer lived only a few houses away, it didn’t take long to get there. When they reached the front yard, Serra turned to tell Leif goodnight, but he shook his head. “Thanzer’s not home yet. I’ll wait with you until they get home.”
“That’s not necessary,” Serra insisted. “I’m perfectly capable of looking after myself.”
Leif didn’t argue. He walked her to the front porch and motioned towards the rocking chairs Yani had off to the side. “We’ll wait here.”
Serra shrugged and sat down.
“Why don’t you want to move here?” Leif asked. “Is there someone in Milhaven?”
Serra started to say no, but stopped. If the people in Ridgeville thought there was someone in Milhaven, they might leave her alone. She’d use Darrell. He’d never know. “Yes, a man I care for very much. He works at the castle.”
“What does he do?”
“He’s a guard.”
“One of Myron’s guards?”
Serra nodded.
“Oh,” Leif said in disappointment. “Does Ester know?”
Serra shook her head. “I haven’t told anyone up here. I just met them a few months ago.”
“Ester mentioned she hadn’t met you until recently. Why is that? She’s your grandmother.”
“My parents were killed in a slaver raid when I was a baby.” Serra sighed. “I didn’t know anything about them.”
“But why didn’t anyone make arrangements to get you back with your family? Why keep you away from them?”
“No one knew anything about them. Debra was visiting someone else in the village when the slavers raided. If she hadn’t pretended I was hers after my parents were killed, the slavers would have killed me, too. She didn’t even know my parents, but she saved my life that night and raised me as her own. She’s the only mother I’ve ever known.”
“Then how did you find out about your people up here?”
“Yani saw me when she was in Milhaven and thought I looked like her sister. That’s when Debra told me what had happened with the slavers.”
“So why are you up here now?”
“Because they want to get to know me, and I want to get to know them, too. But my life’s in Milhaven.”
Before the conversation could continue, Thanzer, Yani, and Tonnie came home. After Leif left and Tonnie went to bed, Serra cornered Yani in the kitchen. “Did you know Ester was going to invite those men?”
“I’m not sure how to answer that,” Yani said. “Ester told me she was inviting a couple of young people from town, but I thought she meant women. I had no idea she was playing matchmaker.”
“Why would she do that?”
“Probably to get you to move up here.”
“You know I’m not going to, don’t you?”
Yani hesitated. “I know you’re happy in Milhaven. Do I hope you’ll decide to come up here to live someday, at least for a while? Yes. But I also know it probably won’t happen.”
“Milhaven’s my home. Do I need to explain that to my grandmother?”
“It might be a good idea, but you need to talk to both of them. I’m sure they were both in on it.”
“I’ll see them tomorrow.” Serra chuckled. “At least that explains the dress.”
~~~~
Shortly after breakfast Sunday morning, Serra knocked on Kyra’s front door.
“Child, you don’t have to knock,” Arden said as he opened the door. “You’re family.”
“Thank you,” Serra said. “How are you this morning?”
“Fine, just fine. But I doubt I’m the one you’re looking for. Kyra’s in the kitchen.” Arden looked back over his shoulder and called out, “Kyra? Put some water on. Serra’s here.”
Kyra leaned through the kitchen doorway. “Hi! Come on in here.”
Serra thanked her grandfather again as she joined her grandmother in the kitchen. “Do you have a few minutes this morning?”
“For you, I’ve got all day.” Kyra squeezed Serra’s hand. “Did you enjoy your evening?”
“That’s what I want to talk to you about, but could we go over to Ester’s first? I don’t want to go through everything twice.”
“Just give me a minute to finish up in here.”
Serra dried the breakfast dishes as Kyra washed them. Finally Kyra said, “I get the feeling you’re upset. Is something wrong?”
Serra paused. “I wouldn’t say wrong, but I think there’s been a misunderstanding. Let’s wait until we’re at Ester’s to discuss it.”
Kyra frowned but she didn’t say anything until they finished the dishes. Then she asked, “Do you want to use the buggy or walk?”
“Walking’s fine with me, but we can do whichever you want.”
“Let’s walk then. It’s not far.”
Half an hour later, Serra and Kyra were seated in Ester’s kitchen. As Ester set a plate of pastries on the table, she asked, “Did you enjoy your evening, dear?”
“Dinner was nice. And the dress you had made for me is lovely. Thank you.”
“And the gentlemen?” Ester prompted.
Serra hesitated. “They were nice, but I think they had the wrong idea last night. They seemed to think I was looking for a husband.”
“Well, aren’t you?” Kyra asked. “You’re well past marrying age. It’s time for you to settle down and raise your family.”
“I’m not ready to have a family yet,” Serra said. “I have a job I like and I’m looking forward to working at the castle for many more years. That’s where I want to be.”
Ester and Kyra looked at each other and then Ester looked at Serra. “That’s all well and good for another year, maybe two, but a woman’s place is in the home, caring for her husband and children. It’s what we do.”
Kyra reached over and laid her fingertips on Serra’s arm. “I realize you didn’t have a typical childhood, and I’m not blaming the woman who raised you. She did what she had to do to survive, but I think she gave you the wrong impression of what a woman’s supposed to do.”
Serra shook her head. “You’ve got it all wrong. Debra was married by the time I was four years old. We lived on the castle grounds because Korman was apprenticing with Neiven, but my mother didn’t work there.”
“Then why do you?” Ester asked. �
��I assumed you started working there to help her.”
“Not at all,” Serra said, shaking her head again. “I did help her while I was growing up though. I helped with the house, the family garden, and my younger brother and sister. I didn’t start working at the castle until I was sixteen, and it was by my choice.”
“But why would you want to work there?” Ester insisted.
“I like castle life,” Serra explained. “When Debra and Korman moved to Milhaven, I asked Cryslyn if I could work at the castle. She talked to Mother and then told me yes. I’ve lived there ever since.”
“Don’t you want your own home?” Kyra asked.
“One day, maybe, but I’d want it to be on the castle grounds.”
“I can’t believe being on the housekeeping staff is much fun,” Ester said. “Don’t you get tired of cleaning up after other people?”
“Dusting, sweeping, mopping, and cleaning windows can get tedious, but if I got married, I’d have to do it anyway, along with cooking, washing dishes, washing clothes, gardening, and lots of other chores.”
Kyra looked at Ester. “That’s true.”
“But if you have your own home, you can do it the way you want, not the way someone else wants,” Ester argued. “Don’t you have to put up with a lot of faultfinding?”
Serra shook her head. “I’ve always done my job, so no one’s ever complained. And they must have been happy with my work because by the time I was eighteen, I was working in the offices with Badec, Governor Wrenn, Jana, Gen. Crandal, and Captain Lawrence. I enjoyed taking care of their offices, and when Myron took over, I was able to make things a little bit easier for him and his people by making sure their offices were ready for them every day. But my job’s different now. I work in Cryslyn’s office with her. I’m learning how to handle the business end of the castle, how to order, keep the books, and deal with the problems that come up. I love it.”
Kyra frowned. “What problems?”
“Nothing bad,” Serra said. “Things like preparing for guests or events. We had to order a lot of extra stuff for the ministers’ conference last month. And Laryn’s reception last year took weeks of planning, but I wasn’t involved in that much. I was supervising the playground.”
The Rambling Spy Page 9
