The Clearing

by Lina J. Potter

  I’ll go to Earton. If the earl objects, I’ll leave. I just need to survive this winter. Earton is in the middle of nowhere, which means that Darius won’t bother looking for me there. This may even save me some money. Once I’m out of Altver, the countess will send Torius packing so far that he’ll never get home. And my family will be safe.

  Now what are the drawbacks?

  The distance was great. It would be hard for him to correspond with merchants. On the other hand, he knew that if he had products people wanted, he would find a way to deliver them to markets. Safety was more important than convenience to him at that moment.

  Helke smiled to himself. He’d been in worse spots before. When he was a boy, he and his family had escaped from their burning house with nothing but the nightclothes they were wearing.

  And we survived!

  Lily stayed in bed three more days. She read Shirvey’s confession. He was sitting in the dungeon next to the would-be murderer and singing like a canary. As it turned out, Shirvey had a sizeable war chest hidden away. They also learned that he had a wife and two children. Lily didn’t give a damn about his family, but she was determined to get her hands on his money.

  I’ll need my father’s help. There’s no way I can get to the money on my own.

  She figured she could count on her father and Helke, and perhaps even on Avermal, if she cut him a share. Everything else would be invested in her projects.

  Once again she paused to consider whether it was really a good idea to manufacture her inventions on the estate.

  If that husband of mine shows up, he’ll probably shut everything down. Could I buy land on my own?

  She didn’t think that was a possibility. Women were only allowed to own land if they had a grant from the king. Lily didn’t have a grant and doubted she could get one.

  What if I put the title in someone else’s name?

  As soon as she thought it, she laughed at herself. In her own world, she had seen enough to be skeptical about that kind of deal.

  Today he’s your partner, tomorrow he scams you out of everything you own.

  She rested her chin on her hand as she gazed out the window.

  Here’s an idea: I could put on man’s clothes and pretend to be a man.

  She shook her head.

  Right. I’d have to leave these huge boobs at home.

  In the end, she came back around to a conclusion that contained little comfort. She would have to find common ground with her husband or her father.

  I’d rather work with my father. He obviously loves me. Jerrison Earton, on the other hand…

  Lily hoped that her personality would win him over, but she knew that stereotypes were hard to change. If he was used to thinking of her as a stupid cow, no matter what she did he would always expect dirty tricks.

  Could I divorce him and make it without him?

  If she was honest, Lily didn’t think so. As Jess’ wife, she had a title and status. If she was the divorced daughter of a minor baron, no amount of looks and talent would help her.

  I’ll just have to wait and see what happens.

  She finished reading through the estate’s records and reached a sad conclusion. Earton was the armpit of Ativerna. Getting goods in and out of the estate was an expensive, nerve-wracking pain in the ass.

  Selling anything from out her isn’t worth the trouble. Or is it? Perhaps if the goods are expensive enough…

  Lily wrote down everything she remembered about glass. Later that day, she called for the glassblower. As soon as she began questioning him, she found that he hadn’t brought much in the way of materials with him. He needed to travel to the sea for fine, white sand. And he needed soda.

  Lily asked him if he had finished putting his workshop in order. He nodded vigorously. He was ready to start tomorrow if she gave the command. He had purchased some tools before leaving Altver, and the local blacksmith had made a few other things for him.

  The countess told him to wait for the time being. He could get his sand when she sent men to the shore to pick up loads of fish and salt and the peasants who had been working down there. Her plan was to turn the existing path into a road that was good enough for wagons.

  After she dismissed the glassblower, she thought about all the things she wanted him to do.

  I know what I need for coloring glass, but I have no idea where to find it here. I suppose I can always send the village children on a scavenger hunt. Even if they bring me a ton of stuff I can’t use, I’m sure some of it will be useful. I’ll have to run some experiments to be sure.

  She called for Emma, who reported that the rooms she had chosen for her future chemistry lab were cleaned out and equipped with a fireplace and a variety of clay dishes.

  I’ll make an alcohol lamp and some test tubes as soon as I can. While I’m at it, I should set up a still and make sure that I’ve always got plenty of alcohol on hand. That way I can use what I need and sell the rest. “The Earl’s Wheat,” “Beetroot Lightning” and “Tight Potato.” We’ll use branded bottles and sell them for three times more than the local hooch. Frostbite remedy. For external and internal use.

  Lily shook her head. She hoped Helke hadn’t already started selling alcohol using her recipes. She felt she was entitled to a good share of the profits for providing the know-how.

  Should I write to him? I think I should…

  August Broklend felt awful after his sea voyage, but he had arrived just in time for the more intimate of the king’s weekly receptions. The palace was quiet, with only a few of the most highly placed nobles on hand. It was not August’s social circle, but he could count on being received because his boatyards were of such strategic importance.

  King Edward was an intelligent man. He knew that August was essentially minting gold for the kingdom and that few other men would do as well. August was talented and he only had one daughter. The king knew that he had slowly been handing over some of the management to Jess as he got older. Eventually, August’s grandson would inherit the entire concern.

  But when will I have a grandson?

  August could leave everything to Lilian if no grandson was forthcoming, but she would need royal permission to manage the assets on her own. King Edward generally avoided giving such permission. A woman’s place was in the home with her children, not out fighting for her place in the world. Lily would have to prove herself on a daily basis, and August’s little girl couldn’t do it.

  Perhaps she is more capable now.

  August had asked Helke’s nephew in great detail about Lilian’s affairs in Altver. He was pleased by what he learned. She seemed to be demonstrating some of her father’s business acumen.

  What a wonderful girl she is!

  He had no way of knowing how she was doing at the moment, but he would do his best to show off her new wares in the capitol.

  “Your Highness,” August murmured as he bowed to the king.

  Edward nodded graciously. “I am pleased to see you here, August. You do not come to my receptions often.”

  In plain Ativernese, the king was asking “What has happened? Why are you here?”

  August wasted no time. “Your Highness, I have a request.”

  “Yes?”

  “Your Highness, might I have a few minutes of your time?”

  “Alone?”

  “No, Your Highness. I would never dare ask for a private audience. I just wished to give you a modest gift as a sign of your servant’s affection.” He bowed and held out a velvet case.

  Edward was curious. He took the case and opened it. August knew what the king would see. Helke had outdone himself. The gold ink well and gold pen were incrusted with diamonds and beautifully engraved. There was no shame in offering the king such a gift.

  Edward’s eyes opened wide. “What is this?”

  “Your Highness, it is a pen and an unspillable ink well.”

  “Is that so?”

  “If Your Highness will call for parchment and ink…”

>   Both were soon procured, and August demonstrated the gift in action. Edward was skeptical at first, but soon found himself extremely pleased.

  “How unusual. That is a fine thing. A very fine thing.”

  The courtiers in the room began to whisper. August permitted himself a tiny smile. He had no doubt that they would pepper him with questions about the pen and ink well set once the reception was over. He had another pen in his pocket. Nobody would get anything for free, but they could order all the sets they wished. August would guarantee the deliveries.

  “Your Highness, I also have a small gift for the young princesses. Something to show off their beauty.” He held out two small boxes, one with pink pearl earrings for the older princess and the other with black pearl earrings for the younger. It was quality jewelry, but what set the earrings apart were their clasps. Edward examined them and again gave voice to his surprise.

  “I believe the girls will be pleased. Who designed these?”

  “Your Highness, they were made by a jeweler I know. If you please…”

  Edward waved a hand. “They’re lovely. Come see me after the reception. I would like to talk with you at greater length.”

  August bowed, avowed his loyalty in the standard phrases and stepped away from the king. As he left the room, he was attacked by several courtiers. The king had already turned his attention to the next petitioner. August felt that he had an advantage over all the men who had come to ask for things. He was the only one who had simply given the king a gift.

  Helke’s workmanship was sure to be appreciated, but August knew there was a role for him to play, as well. He knew exactly how much he could charge this or that noble or merchant. He was prepared to do his very best to help his beloved daughter.

  The word “marketing” meant nothing to August, but he knew high society and how changing fashions could influence sales.

  Most of these aristocrats can barely write their own names, but that doesn’t matter. They’ll all want to be seen holding fancy diamond and gold pens instead of plain quills.

  And the earrings would do well.

  Once a woman sees Lily’s new earrings on someone else, she’ll stop at nothing to get a pair for herself. These new clasps will be just the thing. I’m sure of it.

  Ali Akhmet glanced at his assistant and cautiously put some weight on his leg. It held him up. There was no pain. He took a step. And another. He could walk without limping.

  “My lord,” Omar bowed. “You can walk. You are not lame.”

  Ali’s eyes filled with tears. “The countess has worked a miracle.”

  “I didn’t believe her.”

  Ali had had doubts, too. But he had kept the brace on his leg for the duration she had prescribed. He had endured painful massages and being confined to his bed when he had affairs to attend to, but it had all been worth it. The Star Mare was still on his side. She had sent Lilian Earton to him.

  Ali had given much thought to this matter while he was laid up in bed. He had decided that if he recovered and was able to continue leading his people, he would owe a great debt to the countess.

  I must sail to Earton and thank her. On the way, I will stop in Altver. She and that jeweler may have come up with other interesting ideas. Gratitude is sweet, but money is more useful.

  August waited to be called into the king’s study. The servants were polite to him, which indicated that he had the king’s goodwill. They brought him a tray of sugared fruits, cakes and wine. August was delighted, but he only had a sip of the wine. His stomach was still uneasy after the sea voyage, and he did not wish to provoke it further.

  After about twenty minutes, he was called into the king’s presence. He entered the room and bowed. Edward gestured for him to take a seat.

  “Sit down, August.”

  He bowed again and sat down on the stool the king had pointed to. Yes, it was a stool. As a baron, he could expect nothing higher. But this particular stool was covered with velvet and had a cushioned seat. If Edward had not been pleased with him, August would have been kept standing.

  “How may I be of service, Your Highness?”

  “I have examined the new things you showed me. I like them. Where did you get them?”

  “These are my daughter’s inventions.”

  “What?”

  “It is true, Your Highness.”

  “Your daughter?”

  “Lilian, Countess of Earton. She lost her baby and is living alone on the estate.”

  “I am aware. I also heard that she expelled the medicus her husband sent.”

  “Your Highness, Lily may have written to me, but I have not had a letter from her yet. I assume she had serious cause for such a step.”

  “Do you?”

  “Your Highness, Lily is a healthy young woman. She couldn’t have lost the baby without an explanation.”

  The king pondered this for a moment.

  “The medicus said that apparently she fell down the stairs.”

  August’s face darkened. “My poor girl! How did it happen?”

  Edward shrugged. “I suppose she lost her balance. I have something you may want to read.”

  He handed the baron a copy of the letter from Torius Avermal. August scanned it and nodded.

  “Yes, Your Highness. I know all these things.”

  “What do you think about it?”

  What can a man think about his own child? It was a foolish question, and Edward was soon sorry he had asked it. He learned that Lilian was the best, most wonderful woman the world had ever known. She was intelligent, beautiful, clever, loyal and all-around perfect. She was a treasure that Jerrison Earton – that dirty parasite – did not appreciate. He left her alone in Earton and only visited once a year. It was shameful… Lily had already invented the fountain pens and the new-fangled earrings. August was sure there were even more brilliant inventions teeming in her head. She was a smart one, just like her father!

  Edward betrayed no emotion, but he filed the new information away. The more he learned about Lilian Earton the less he understood.

  Whom do I believe? Who is telling the truth?

  While August went on about his daughter’s finer qualities, Edward was deep in thought.

  “Winter is almost here, August. I cannot ask Lilian to come see me now. Perhaps she will pay a visit in the spring. I will send her an invitation.”

  “Your Highness, that is a great honor for Lilian and for me.”

  “The Countess of Earton is always welcome at court, even without an invitation from me. But for some reason she has never attended before.”

  “Lily is a quiet girl. A homebody.”

  Edward nodded. “Fine. I will send her an invitation. For now, tell me about the frigates. How many of them are ready? What will it take to finish them as soon as possible?”

  “If you’ll allow me, Your Highness…” August took a scroll from his bag, unrolled it in front of the king and began a detailed report. Edward listened closely. At the same time, he decided that he would send someone to Earton. After that, he would examine her on his own.

  Is Jess lying when he calls his wife a hysterical fool? Or is August lying when he praises her for her intelligence and kindness? He is her father, that is true. But Torius Avermal would not bother praising her to the skies without reason.

  Edward began to wonder just how much credence to give Jess’ words. He hadn’t desired the marriage – it was done for the good of the kingdom and his own financial good. But was he such a fool that he couldn’t see the woman’s decency? Had he allowed his first impressions to blind him?

  I’ll never know unless I look into it on my own.

  Jerrison, Earl of Earton, lay on his narrow cot and stared up at the ceiling of his stateroom. He was feeling dreamy.

  Adele…

  It had finally happened between them. He had overcome her entirely. True, he had ordered one of his men to keep her lady’s maid out of the way, but that was nothing. The girl was unharmed.

&n
bsp; Adele had finally given in. She was so fragile and elegant in his arms, and her moans… Jess felt himself begin to harden again. He wanted to go back to her, but he decided it wasn’t a good idea. After their lovemaking was over, she had wept on his shoulder, brokenhearted that he would no longer respect her and that no one would ever marry her now.

  Jess would have gladly married her, but he had a wife and possibly a child in Earton. He wondered if the child had arrived or if it was still too early. In any case, he had a wife. When he recalled her rolls of fat as she lay under him, and her constant tears and her prayers and her love of the color pink, he recoiled in disgust.

  Why am I so unlucky with wives?

  He was only eight years old at the time of his first engagement to Eliza Errosltone, but just four years later the girl died of spotted fever. Despite their age, the church saw this as a lawful marriage.

  Jess was fifteen the next time he was married. Magdalena was a slim brunette with a good shape. Jess had enjoyed his time with her. Magdalena laughed often. Her dark eyes shone with kindness and her voice was like a crystal bell. Just two years after they were married, she gave birth to a little girl and died in the process.

  Jess had mourned her deeply, but four years later his father said it was time to remarry and offered him Lilian Broklend. At first, Jess had been surprised by his father’s choice. She was the daughter of a non-hereditary baron and much older than most Ativernese girls at the time of marriage. He wondered why she was still unattached at eighteen. Something must be wrong with her.

  Jyce had explained that Lilian was her father’s much-loved only child by his third wife. Broklend had simply not been ready to part with her before. And later, when he began considering possible suitors, he encountered a problem: he didn’t want her to marry a merchant, but his own position was not quite good enough for her to marry a true aristocrat. August was stuck between two worlds. On the one hand, he had a title; on the other hand, he managed his boatyards and engaged in trade. It was a difficult position. Lilian’s suitors were all the wrong sort: too poor, or widowers, or younger sons.