by Aston, Alexa
Michael wanted her. Of that she was certain.
And she wanted him.
As each day passed, that became more obvious to her. Elysande observed the happy family that her uncle had and knew she wanted the same for herself. The de Montforts interacted constantly with one another, with everything from encouragement to love. Elysande wanted children just like her cousins, ones that were polite and sweet, who loved to express themselves and were curious about the world. She would miss Ancel, who, after tonight, would return to Winterbourne, the estate next to Kinwick, where he fostered with the earl. She would have more time with Alys, thanks to the royal court’s summer progress. Alys and the other younger girls had been excused and would not rejoin the court until it return to London in early September.
Most of all, Elysande had come to adore little Hal. Almost halfway between one and two years of age, the tyke fell into more mischief than most children. But one look at those large, round eyes gave him license to run wild. Even when scolded, his sweet disposition caused him to reward a person with a huge smile and hug and then take off again in search of trouble.
Elysande finished dressing and made her way to the chapel for morning mass. As was his habit, Michael awaited her at the door and escorted her inside. Even within the walls of the castle, he kept a watchful eye upon her.
After mass, they went into the great hall to break their fast. Michael joined a table of soldiers while Elysande went to sit on the dais with the family. She greeted Geoffrey and then became engaged in conversation with Ancel, who was eager to return to his duties as a page. He told her everything he liked to do for the earl and countess, and Elysande became caught up in his enthusiasm.
Once they completed the small meal, Ancel excused himself to go to the training yard.
Alys asked, “Would you like to go to the meadow and into the woods to gather herbs with me?”
“I’d be delighted. You must promise me that you’ll tell me all about what we gather and what you will do with it.”
“Of course. I learn more every day from Mother.” Alys looked around and frowned. “I haven’t seen her this morning. I wonder where she could be.”
Elysande remembered that Merryn had looked somewhat pale the night before and that Geoffrey had encouraged her to retire early. “Mayhap she slept a bit later since she was feeling poorly last night.”
A determined look crossed Alys’ face. “I hope she can come with us. If not, I’ll fix whatever ails her. For now, I’ll go and gather baskets for us to collect our herbs.” She thought a moment. “I’ll even speak to Cook about taking something to eat and drink with us. Many times we’re gone several hours, so we might miss the midday meal.”
“Then I’ll check on Merryn while you accomplish your tasks,” Elysande offered. “We can meet back here.”
Alys skipped away happily.
“And what might you do today, my lady?”
She turned and found Michael at her elbow. “Alys and I have plans to go to the meadow and beyond. She wishes to replenish the store of herbs and she’s going to teach me a bit about their medicinal nature.”
He nodded. “Young Alys is already a healer in her own right. Lady Merryn has taught her well. ’Twill be an interesting day for you.”
“So you’ll accompany us to the meadow?”
“Aye. When do you leave?”
“Not for a while. Alys has gone to gather her things. I’m to find Lady Merryn and see if she wishes to go with us. Have you seen her this morning?”
“Nay.”
“Then I’ll check the solar and meet you back here.”
“As you wish.”
Elysande left, feeling Michael’s eyes following her the length of the great hall. She arrived at the solar and paused before the closed door. As she lifted her hand to knock, she heard an awful retching sound. Concerned, she pushed open the door.
Merryn sat in a chair next to the table, a small pail in her lap. She glanced up and gave a weary smile before she bent over the pail again.
Elysande rushed in. “What ails you, Merryn? Should I fetch Uncle Geoffrey or Tilda?”
Merryn lifted her head and swallowed hard. After pausing a moment, she took the pail and rested it on the floor, pushing it under her chair with her foot. She looked very pale as she dabbed a linen cloth to her mouth.
“No, thank you, Elysande. ’Tis Geoffrey’s fault to begin with.”
“Why would you—” She stopped, realizing what Merryn meant. “You’re with child?”
“I am.” Merryn leaned back in the chair, a tiny smile crossing her lips. “With the twins, I was sick every morning for the first few months. Then I felt absolutely glorious. I had more energy than ever before. I got more done in a day than most women did in a week. But by the last two months, I barely left my bed.”
“Were you sick again?”
Merryn laughed. “Nay. I became as round as a turret. It was too much effort to waddle about. And the twins warred within my womb, kicking away, fighting for space. I worried day and night that they would come out as mortal enemies, but I was proven wrong. They were as thick as thieves from the beginning and always looked after one another.”
“They do seem very close.”
“They spoke another language known only to them the first few years. And when they finally abandoned it, it seemed as if they could speak to each other without using words. Even now, I catch them glancing at one another and I know I’m missing an entire conversation going on between them.” She sighed. “But come. Sit with me.”
Elysande took a seat. “Were you that ill with Hal?”
Merryn laughed. “I was a mess with Hal. I was never sick a single morning, but every evening before bed? I couldn’t stop retching and was miserable up till the very day I delivered him. Frankly, I couldn’t wait for him to leave my womb. I thought once he arrived, the difficult part would be behind me.” She gave Elysande a knowing look. “Little did I know Hal would cause as much trouble outside my womb as he did within.”
“What about this time?” she asked, her curiosity growing.
“It’s proven to be different than the first two times being with child. I seemed my usual self. Only slightly more tired the first two months. ’Twas only since we’ve returned to Kinwick that I am puny in the mornings. But I think the worst of it has passed for today.” She looked to the table. “Would you pour me some of the weak ale? That seems to help. If I keep it down, I can try a little of the bread that Tilda brought me.”
Elysande poured the ale into a pewter cup and watched her aunt sip at it. She finally nodded, so Elysande gave her some of the bread, as well.
“How are you settling into Kinwick?”
“Quite well. Everyone has been most welcoming. I’ve spent several hours in your stables. You may not know, but it’s almost time for one of your dams to foal.”
“Ah, that would be Hera. She is normally as sweet-tempered as any horse I’ve known, but I fear you’re seeing her at her worst. She’s foaled twice before. Both times, her temper has grown until she gives birth, then she returns to the loving, good-natured mare we know.”
Elysande nodded. “I’m glad you shared that with me. I may have Hera’s groom take her to the pasture instead.”
“Why would you do that?”
“I’ve found with certain horses that being confined in a stall worsens the situation once they’re nearing their time to give birth. Hera may prefer being out in the open. It may make the process easier on her.”
Merryn patted her hand. “You know so much about horses.”
“Father allowed Avelyn and me to pursue our passions.” Elysande gave her aunt a sheepish grin. “Mine always happened to be horses.”
“I know it was difficult for you to leave Morningstar and Happy behind.”
Elysande nodded. “But Michael convinced me it would be too soon for the two of them to embark upon a journey of such length. My head agreed with him, but it saddened my heart. Yet somehow, he convinced a ver
y rude groom to do his best in looking out for them till I returned to Hopeston.”
Merryn nodded wisely. “Michael is a most persuasive man. And speaking of him, have you come to any decision regarding your future?” She gave Elysande a wry smile. “Somehow, I don’t picture you spending a majority of your hours on your knees doing penance for something that was a natural occurrence.”
Elysande sighed. “I’ve come to see it the same way,” she agreed. “My stepfather was in poor physical shape. His health had faded ever since we came to Hopeston. I know now it was not my fault that he passed so suddenly. Besides, Mother would never forgive me if I entered a nunnery for such a weak reason. She’s often told me that she wants many grandchildren.”
“Have you shared your decision with Michael?”
“No,” Elysande admitted. “In fact, we haven’t shared much at all. Ever since we returned to Kinwick, we’ve barely spoken to one another.”
“Yet he is almost always hovering nearby.”
“Thanks to Uncle’s orders.”
“Mayhap he is waiting to hear from Geoffrey what the king says.” Merryn took her hand. “I know he has strong feelings for you, Elysande. But he would not press his suit if first, you did not want him to and second, if the king objected.” Her aunt squeezed her hand reassuringly. “I think you need to let Michael know you’re not opposed to match between you. He’s probably still under the impression that you’re ready to lock yourself away in a nunnery and suffer most prodigiously.”
Elysande laughed. “Somehow, I can’t see myself doing that. I believe I was being rash when I made that statement.”
“It was natural for you to experience some guilt because of the circumstances,” Merryn said. “But I would definitely clue Michael in as to your change of heart. And I hope we’ll hear soon from King Edward. I think a match between you and Michael would be ideal. He’s a fine man. I know you’ve seen how good he is with children.”
“I’ve never seen a man more comfortable with them. Especially children that are not his own,” Elysande teased.
Merryn laughed. “I must admit that there are some days when I would give Hal away. Can you imagine what that boy will be like as he grows older? The Earl of Winterbourne has it easy now with only Ancel under his care. When we send Hal his way? Hardie might send him back to us the very same day!”
Elysande giggled. “I hope that I can one day have a child as adorable and mischievous as Hal.”
“Be careful what you wish for,” her aunt warned, though Elysande saw the teasing light in Merryn’s eyes.
“If things come to pass—and Michael and I are meant to be together—then I would be happy to have a boy that looked like Michael. Even if he acted as if the Devil himself were his sire!”
They laughed. Elysande decided that she would draw Michael away today and, in private, tell him how she’d decided not to enter a convent.
And when she did? Elysande hoped he would kiss her senseless.
Chapter Twelve
Elysande returned to the great hall. She spotted Michael talking with Tilda. The servant met her eyes as she approached.
“Lady Merryn is staying behind?” Tilda asked.
Elysande nodded. “She’s feeling better, but she didn’t want to tax herself by being out in the hot sun for so long.”
“Lady Merryn is ill?” Michael asked, concern written on his brow.
The two women pursed their lips. Wordless communication passed between them.
“The venison didn’t agree with her,” Elysande offered. “She had a rough night after consuming it, but she’s recovered. She decided she would prefer a day resting in her chambers, but she’ll be at the evening meal tonight.”
“I’ll go tend to her now,” Tilda said, excusing herself.
Before Michael could pursue the matter, Alys came rushing up, two baskets hanging on each arm.
“Michael, you need to go to see Cook. She has food for us to take, but you’ll need to carry it.”
“I’ll retrieve it at once, my lady.” He bowed formally and stepped away.
Alys giggled. “Michael is so funny.” She looked around. “Is Mother coming?”
Elysande decided that Merryn would have to share her news with her family and retainers in her own time. She didn’t think a small untruth would matter.
“Actually, your mother said she had many things to do. She hoped you wouldn’t mind taking me to the meadow. Merryn said no one knew herbs and flowers as well as her Alys did. She told me I would learn more in your company than hers.”
The young girl glowed at the compliment. “I’ll try to be as good a teacher to you as Mother has been to me.” Alys looked over her shoulder as Michael approached, laden with a large basket.
“Hurry, Michael! We must stop wasting time. I’ve got so much to show Cousin Elysande.”
“I am at your command, ladies.”
Alys giggled again and handed over two of the empty baskets to Elysande. They set off. Many greeted them as they passed through the inner and outer baileys and left the castle grounds. Michael followed several steps behind them. Elysande knew he listened to her conversation with Alys, but he didn’t join in.
They reached the large meadow, which stretched across a wide spread of land. Many flowers dotted the way. Elysande saw the forest beyond it.
“What are we looking for today?” she asked.
Alys looked around and then pointed. “Over there. See the chartreuse yellow blossoms on tall stems?”
“The ones with a feathery foliage?”
“Yes. That’s dill. We need to pick lots of that. And we’re down to the last of the rosemary at this time of year.”
“I know what that looks like,” Elysande said. “What else?”
Alys took Elysande’s arm and walked her into the tall grassland. She motioned to their left. “Do you see the cones of lilac-pink bells past the dill? That’s spearmint. I definitely want some of that.” She thought a moment. “And lots of blackberries for Davy.”
Elysande asked, “Who is Davy? I don’t believe I’ve met him yet.”
“He’s very old now. He lives in a cottage that way.” Alys pointed to the south. “Mother told me he’s been fighting the flux. His waste is very watery and not solid at all,” she said matter-of-factly. “The blackberries will aid his digestion.”
Elysande was a little shocked someone as young as Alys could talk of such things which usually were left unspoken, but then she remembered Merryn’s practical nature. The lady of Kinwick would never shy away from sharing knowledge with her daughter, especially if it would help one of their tenants.
“The blackberries are at the edge of the woods and just beyond it. Why don’t you start with that, Elysande? Pick as many as you like. I’ll put the excess in jars since they can’t be picked after Old Michaelmas Day.”
Alys’ words piqued Elysande’s curiosity. “And why is that?”
Her young cousin laughed. “If you listen to most people, they’ll say ’tis the Devil himself who makes blackberries unfit to eat after October. Tilda swears that the Devil spits on them so that we can’t eat them without growing violently ill. But she’s wrong.”
“How so?” Elysande asked.
“Mother tells me that it’s really the wet and cold weather that causes mold to grow on them. That alone makes the blackberries poisonous, not some silly legend.”
Elysande thought Alys seemed well beyond her years at that moment. And her next words confirmed that.
The girl moved close to her. “Now go and hunt for those blackberries,” she instructed, her voice low. “I’m sure Michael will trail after you. In fact, you might have to step into the seclusion of the woods to find the best ones.”
Elysande’s jaw dropped. “But—”
“I’ve seen the looks pass between you two. You remind me of Mother and Father. They still act like a pair of lovebirds. ’Twould be nice for you and Michael to be the same.”
Alys touched Elysande’s cheek.
“I would be so happy if you and Michael were to wed.” Alys glanced over at Michael, who still stood on the road. “Michael is my favorite of all Father’s knights. He will make an excellent husband.” She dropped her hand. “So it’s the blackberries that are most important,” she said, her voice louder now.
Alys looked over her shoulder and called out, “Michael, go with Elysande. I need plenty of ripe blackberries for Davy. Don’t come back empty-handed,” she warned.
Michael came to where they stood. “Where will you be, my lady?” he asked Alys.
“Right over there. I have dill to pick. And rosemary if I can find it. Please look for that, too. I’ll join you shortly.” Alys moved away with a determined step. Once she reached the dill, she knelt and began to place it in her basket.
Michael turned to Elysande. “We have our marching orders. Come, my lady. I know exactly where to find the best blackberries.” He grinned. “This is not my first time aiding Lady Alys as she collects flowers and herbs.”
He led Elysande to the edge of the woods and beyond. They quickly located a patch of blackberries. She dropped to her knees and began picking the fruit, putting bunches of it in one of the baskets that Alys had thoughtfully provided. Michael sat down on the ground and began adding to her basket.
“You don’t have to help with women’s work,” she teased.
Their hands brushed as he pulled a berry from its resting place. A jolt shot through her. Elysande yanked her hand away as if she’d been scorched. She dropped it into her lap and stared at it. Her mouth went dry. The blood began pounding in her ears.
Then, warm fingers lifted her chin and held it in place. Her eyes became lost in Michael’s dark blue ones.
“We haven’t really talked since you’ve come to Kinwick,” he said softly.
“I know,” she whispered.
“You’ve seemed happy this past week.”
“I have been.” His fingers burned into her flesh.
“Lord Geoffrey and Lady Merryn are fine people.”
“They are.” Elysande continued to gaze into his eyes. She swallowed. “And I told Merryn today how I was mistaken.”
