August set aside the letters and called for Taris Brok. As his agent answered his questions, August’s surprise grew even greater.
Intelligent, strong-willed, ambitious…is this my shy little girl he is talking about?
As he thought back to scenes from his own youth, however, he began to feel a warm sense of pride. His father had tried to force him into a military career, but he had run away from home at the age of ten and found himself a job working for the master shipbuilder Torney Faray. Old Faray saw that the boy was ready to sell his own soul for a chance at building ships, and he taught him everything he knew. August remembered his third and last wife, old Faray’s youngest daughter Mariella. A magical girl who reminded him of the ocean, she was many years younger than August and her family’s favorite, but she had always stubbornly insisted that she would marry him someday. And she did, giving birth to a tiny daughter before dying of a fever.
August had loved his third wife with all his heart, just as he loved his daughter. He would walk through fire and water for Lily, and it brought tears to his eyes to hear that she was spreading her wings.
There’s no surprise there. Old Faray was as stubborn as rock and was bossed by no one. Mariella was always very determined, too.
He could still remember the look on her face when she announced, “You just wait. I’m going to marry you.” It mattered nothing that he was already married at the time. She had her plans and would wait to see them through.
No, upon reflection, August was not terribly surprised that his daughter had turned out like her parents. He nodded for Brok to continue.
Taris had been watching the play of expressions on his master’s face. He handed him a scroll. “This is the confession of the man who tried to kill her.”
August took the scroll and unrolled it. He read it closely, paying attention to each word. Then he frowned. “How do we know about the mistress?”
Taris raised his eyebrows. “The man said that he was hired to get rid of your daughter.”
“I understand that. But how did he know who hired him and why?”
“We had the same question.”
“And?”
“Apparently, he went back to the tavern the next day and saw the man who hired him. He followed him back to where he was staying.”
“Is that so?”
“He saw him go into a house that was frequented by the earl. It was the home of a woman named Adelaide Wells.”
“I see.”
“Jerrison Earton often visits her there.”
“And?”
“Our man wasn’t as big a fool as you might think. He talked to one of the servants and found out that his client was Lady Adelaide’s cousin, and that she and her cousin have a very interesting relationship.”
“How delightful.”
“She has an interesting relationship with your son-in-law, as well.”
August frowned. “So says the servant. That isn’t enough.”
“Of course. But with a little effort we could…”
“I will consider it. You may go.”
Taris bowed and left. August sat down to think out his next steps. He hated to watch and wait, but he saw no way around it. He would need to see the report from the king’s envoy in order to be sure of making a strong case against Jess. In the meantime, he would write to her and ascertain what her financial position was. He couldn’t leave his boatyards, but there was plenty he could accomplish without leaving home.
Imagine that you are sitting at home minding your own business, when suddenly a large mail truck pulls up to your house and dumps a mountain of packages and boxes at your door. That is how Lily felt when her livestock arrived in Earton. She briefly had time to be glad that she had ordered the peasants to fix up the barns before dashing off to make sure that the animals were properly taken care of.
The barns and sheds were all teeming with cows, pigs, goats, chickens and geese. Lily’s original intent had been to give the livestock to the peasants, but she began to wonder if that was a good idea.
If they have trouble keeping themselves fed over the winter, how will they feed all these animals? I bought good breeding stock. I have to make sure they are in good shape come spring.
She decided to keep all the livestock in her own barns for the time being, which multiplied the already long list of things she had to oversee and otherwise see to. Emma helped as much as she could, and so did Ingrid, who had hastily returned from the shore. Still, there was much to do each day. In the evenings, Lily fell into bed, almost too tired to tell Mirrie a story.
Mirrie. There’s another problem. I love that little girl. What will happen to her if I can’t find a way to get along with her father?
In the end, Lily had no time for spiritual conundrums, because the king’s envoy finally arrived.
Adelaide Wells was extremely pleased with herself. Why shouldn’t she be? She was a lovely, charming woman (or girl, as she preferred to think of herself). She was traveling with Prince Richard’s delegation as a future lady-in-waiting for the future princess. Once he chose his bride, Adelaide would befriend her and tell her all about her new home…and many other things, as well. She knew that some women managed to hold onto the post of lady-in-waiting for years. They shone at court, engaging in intrigue and taking lovers. Life at court was a dream come true, at least for Adelaide.
She frowned. Unfortunately, her income was insufficient to support that dream. Her cousin Alex was poorer than the proverbial church mouse. His only merit was between his legs (and in his quick mind), but still… At the moment, she was providing for Alex with some of the money she received from Jess. The earl was another serious problem to be solved.
Adele had no illusions about her lover. He was a smart man. He was skilled at business and knew how to play the role of the king’s right-hand man. With women, however, he was weak. He said he loved her, but she knew he would make love to any woman who offered herself without feeling that he was unfaithful.
Adele’s hands balled into fists. It was so unfair! Why did Jess – handsome, wealthy, insatiable in bed – end up married to a fat cow, while she – intelligent, sensitive and generally wonderful – had spent her best years married off to an old goat who constantly farted whenever he wasn’t asleep? She deserved so much more.
She had already written back to Alex, telling him to get rid of the countess no matter what it cost him. Once she was gone, Adele knew that Jess would be hers. She would not lose him.
Both helplessness and flattery were skills that Adele had perfected over the years.
Now, however, she was feeling impatient. She picked up a pen. There was still time to write another letter before the diplomatic mail went out. Her letter would be cautious, with veiled phrasing, but its point would be clear. Alex must remove the woman whose place Adele intended to take: the Countess of Earton.
“Your Majesty?”
Gardwig turned and saw his adopted brother at the door to his study. “Don’t just stand there, Altres. Come in.”
Altres Lort went to bow, but the king stopped him. “Next you’ll be crawling on your belly! Aren’t you tired of that?”
“I’ve been bowing to you all these years, so no, I’m not tired of it.” Altres could see that the king was in a fine mood, so he sat down next to him and nodded at the bottle of wine on the table.
“Pour yourself a glass and pour me one, too.”
“You should drink less wine. The medicus said…”
“I should have a pair of those fraudsters hung from a high tree. Idiots! If only one of them knew anything!”
“They do know a few things, and they are telling you the truth.”
The king sneered. “Want to hang with them?”
“Fine. I apologize.”
Gardwig nodded. “What did you want?”
“Our guests have arrived in Tarima. They should be here in a few days.”
“You should see Milia running around. Clothes, jewelry, balls, hunting…all that mon
ey would be better spent on ten new ships.”
“Gard, I’m sure you understand…”
“I know. I have to bait the hook if I want to go fishing.” He leaned back in his chair. “Do you remember running away from the summer palace with me so we could go fishing?”
Altres nodded. He let himself relax for a moment as he thought back to two boys climbing out of a window, wet grass under his bare feet, the sky still dark, feeling something heavy strike his hook… One of the boys became king, but they were still the closest of friends. Altres had never married or had children. His job kept him too busy, but he knew he didn’t have the looks for it, either. He might have found a woman who could overlook the fact that he was the king’s jester, but he didn’t know of a woman in the kingdom who would marry a short man with a hunched back and a pronounced limp. He was brave and intelligent and he was the king’s own adopted brother, but when women looked at him he saw curiosity in their eyes, often followed by disgust. Altres didn’t want to see that look every day of his life. So, he never married.
Altres looked up at the king. “I remember all of it. Let’s run down there this summer and do some fishing.”
“We still have to reach an agreement with Ativerna.”
“Ativerna.” Altres’ face became focused. “They threw a ball for Prince Richard in Tarima. I expect his delegation to arrive in another four days at the most.”
“Good. What do you know about him?”
“He’s smart. He had a little fun in Tarima, but he hasn’t brought any whores with him.”
“What did he do in Tarima?”
“He spent the night with a baron’s wife. In the morning, he gave her some jewelry. She was pleased. According to the report, he’s an ordinary man with no strange tastes.”
Gardwig nodded. “I’m glad to hear it. Anna is a stupid girl, but she is my daughter, after all.”
Altres said nothing. He had no intention of exposing exactly how stupid Anna had been. Gardwig would just get upset and do something stupid of his own. That was not part of the plan.
The king set down his glass. “Does he have any weaknesses?”
“It’s hard to say. Edward has been training him since he could walk. One weak point might be his cousin. They are close, almost like brothers. The man’s name is Jerrison, Earl of Earton.”
“What do we know about him?”
“He’s got brains, but he can’t stay away from women. He has one with him now. She’s officially called a future lady-in-waiting, but everyone knows that she’s his mistress.”
Gardwig smiled. In his youth, he had made the rounds of all the ladies at court.
Altres went on. “He keeps up appearances, but we can still use it against him. Richard trusts him implicitly.”
“Do you have something in mind?”
The jester nodded. “Yes. I will give Anna a few weeks to work her magic. If she is not successful, I have an idea.”
“Tell me.”
Altres looked his brother in the eye and began to speak quietly. The king leaned forward to hear him. Together, they worked out a plan. Richard would leave Wellster betrothed to Anna.
Lily sometimes thought that fire and flood would be less trouble than managing her estate. It took all the self-control she had not to use profanity, since Miranda was always right behind her and would be sure to pick up any useful new words. And Lons would look at her disapprovingly.
Chevalier Avels had quickly made himself irreplaceable, becoming something like a personal secretary to Lilian Earton.
“Lons, write this down! Tell so-and-so to do such-and-such! And by the way, I need to know the right way to do this, that and the other.”
He wrote, he gave orders, and he always provided the information she needed, all the while wisely keeping his opinions about the countess’ oddities to himself. Which was exactly what she required of him.
After just a few days, Lily realized why top managers all had secretaries. There were situations in which Lons was absolutely vital to the functioning of the estate. Like now, when two large ships came lumbering up the Earta and discharged a crowd of people.
There were Helke and his large family – Who are all these people? His wife and children? I thought he wasn’t married! – who turned out to be nieces and nephews.
Then there were Ali and Omar, both smiling. Ali was walking confidently without even a hint of a limp.
I did it! I fixed his leg, even in these awful conditions. That’s something to be proud of!
Ali was followed by an old man with a gray beard and a strange animal sitting on his shoulder. There was another strange animal looking out of a fold in his tunic. Lily knew she had seen similar animals before, but she couldn’t remember where.
Then she caught sight of an obviously important courtier, who bowed politely to her. “My lady, allow me to introduce myself. I am Chevalier Hans Tremain, envoy of his majesty Edward the Eighth. The mayor of Altver, Torius Avermal, said that you needed to see me.”
Tremain neglected to mention that he had also been sent to Earton by the express wish of the king. He knew better than to release information when it wasn’t strictly necessary.
Lily smiled and bowed her head slightly. Once again, she thanked the heavens that she had Lons to train with. It was a perfect bow, slightly deeper than what she would have given her own secretary. Tremain was just a chevalier, but he was the king’s envoy.
“I am glad to see you in Earton. I hope your trip was pleasant?”
“It was long, and I am thankful for a chance to rest.”
“Chevalier Avels?” She glanced at Lons. He stepped up and bowed to Tremain, who was almost his equal.
“Chevalier Lons Avels. Please follow me. Our accommodations are nothing like what you are used to, I’m sure, but we will find room for you.”
“Why do you say that? This is the family seat of the Eartons.”
“True, but the earl is only here a few times a year. And there was trouble with the manager…”
Lily didn’t hear the rest of their conversation, but she was confident that Lons would present a picture of Earton that was painted in the blackest of tones. He would also whisper to Emma what she was to say.
He’s right. We have to try to look worse off than we really are whenever officials come snooping around.
She turned back to find Ali and greeted him warmly in the Khangan manner, arms crossed over her chest and eyes on the ground as a sign of trust. “May your legs be light, your horses swift and your wives beautiful. What brings you to my humble home, friends?”
Ali’s smile flashed against his dark beard. Omar smiled, as well. “My lady, may the light of your loveliness shine on all those around you, and may white roses grow wherever you set your foot. We were brought to Earton by the winds of fate, which bring good fortune to all of us.”
Ali had much more experience with this sort of conversation. After about three minutes, Lily could no longer tell what they were talking about. When he saw that she was confused, he stopped and smiled. “I am so glad to see you, my lady. Did you see me walking?”
“I did. You will have to let me examine your leg later, but I am almost sure that everything is as it should be. Have you been drinking milk as I instructed?”
“That is all I have been drinking. It does not mix well with wine…”
Lily laughed.
“But I did not come all this way to complain about my treatment,” Ali continued. “I want you to meet Tahir Djiaman din Dashar.”
The old man with the funny little animals took a step forward and gave a low bow. Lily responded in kind. She wouldn’t stand on ceremony with the friend of a friend. Also, she knew that women were chattel property in Khangan culture, so the fact that they were talking to her as an equal was a great achievement.
“Lilian Elizabeth Mariella Earton. Countess of Earton. I am pleased to meet you.”
“My lady, I heard of your art and decided I must meet you.”
“My art?
”
“You healed Ali’s broken leg. I could never have made it straight again.”
Lily took a deep breath. “Are you a medicus?”
“I have devoted my entire life to the art of healing. If the Star Mare allows it, I will continue as a healer for the rest of my days.”
A local doctor. Wonderful.
“I’m sure we will find plenty to talk about,” Lily said. Addressing all three men, she continued, “I will be honored if you will stay at my home as my guests.”
Ali shook his head and gave a long speech that boiled down to one simple fact: he would be delighted to stay, but the storm season was already upon them. He would stay the night so that the countess could examine his leg one last time, and then he would head for home in the morning. She could expect him to come for a longer visit in the spring.
Lily nodded and replied that she would be overjoyed to see her friend again in the spring. Then she turned to the healer. He indicated that he would stay until Ali’s return if the countess would have him. Lily tried to contain her excitement.
A Khangan healer! To stay over the winter!
As things stood, she was afraid to treat people because she feared that rumors about the strange countess were already getting around.
If I have this Khangan as cover, I might actually be able to get something done.
Once the ships were unloaded, Lily had the satisfaction of looking over her purchases. Torius Avermal had sent some of the things overland, but the rest had come in Ali’s ship. The greatest prize of all was several cages of carrier pigeons. She told some boys where to put them and ran back to trade a few more bows with Ali and Omar.
It was late afternoon when she finally found Helke in the courtyard, overseeing the movement of his family’s many boxes and bags. They were not alone, but no one was close enough to hear her, so she asked him why he had left Altver. The Eveer’s story gave her pause. “You are certainly welcome to stay here, and I am glad to see you. However, now that you no longer have a shop in Altver, we have to decide how to sell the things we make.”
The Clearing Page 23
