Ruth A. Casie

by The Guardian's Witch

  Alex smiled and wondered if the old man was cold or merely eager for the ale. On their way into the library Alex called for Ann to bring refreshments. A short time later the men sat by the fire enjoying their drink. The flickering fire cast shadows across Howard’s elegant but worn face. Alex sat back. There was a vitality about Howard that belied his age. There was also a glint of humor in his eyes and the faintest suggestion that he knew more than he ever let on.

  “How goes it in London?” asked Alex, his throat coated with the rich ale.

  Howard put down his tankard and looked through a leather case. “The talk is all about Wales.” He handed Alex a missive. “With the campaign over, His Majesty seeks to put select men in some of the oldest Welsh houses.” He took up his ale and took a long swallow. “I understand he’s made you an offer.”

  Alex watched on as his old friend reveled in the brew.

  “Perfect. It tastes as I remember.” He took another long swallow.

  Alex took the opportunity to quickly scan the king’s message. “Yes, he informed me I could return to Wales and finish my mission there. But I’ve decided to stay here at Glen Kirk,” he answered, a bit distracted. “Well,” he lifted his head from the document, “His Majesty is paying us a visit.” He placed the message on his desk. “We’ll make things ready for him. Howard, you should know there’s been some activity at the farms recently. His Majesty may be better off visiting here at another time.”

  “He’s aware of your situation. He has his reasons for visiting at this time. He’s eager to see your new bride and how well you both enjoy married life. He’s so in love with his queen he expects everyone else to also be enraptured. I don’t think there’s anything we could do to sway him from his visit. But I’m glad you told me. I will pass on the information.”

  The tankard drained dry, Howard got to his feet. “I must be going. Many thanks for the ale.” Alex rose and the two men started for the door. “Oh, I almost forgot.” He turned to Alex. “When your father knew I would see you, he asked me to give you a message.”

  Howard fished in his pouch. He rifled through several documents until he found the one with the firm hand of Lord Stelton. He handed Alex the letter.

  “I’m eager to read the family news.” Alex took Howard to his waiting men.

  “I’ve always envied your father and the closeness of your family. How wonderful you all looked when your father brought you to court. Seven sons and two daughters. Your father was the envy of many.” Howard bent over and whispered in Alex’s ear. “Even me. I wanted the secret of your family strength. Your father’s answer was so simple. Trust and love with a modicum of rules. The best advice I ever received at court.” He straightened. “I must be off. Ah, but I am remiss. How is your wife?”

  Alex hesitated. “She is well, thank you. It is good of you to inquire. Good day to you, Howard. I wish you success on the rest of your journey.”

  The man mounted his horse, nodded, and led his impressive troop away.

  Alex set off for the estate room, opening his father’s letter on the way.

  I hope this finds you well and in good spirits. I must be brief as Howard is mounted and ready to leave. Your mother, brothers, sisters and I will be visiting Glen Kirk with the king and look forward to seeing you. Your mother is eager to meet her new daughter and welcome her to the family, as am I.

  The king and his family are visiting to see my wife. He ran his hand through his hair. “Faith!”

  A flash of skirt caught his attention. He looked up to see Lisbeth going down the hall.

  “A moment, if you please,” he called after her. He rubbed the nape of his neck. How to begin? The king is coming for a visit. So are my parents. Have I told you? They are your parents-in-law. Oh, didn’t I mention you’re my wife? He gave her a quick glance and realized he’d rather face an angry mob.

  Lisbeth stopped in midstride. “Yes?”

  He put on his best smile. “How’s young John?” His heart hammered in his chest. No, perhaps now is not the best time.

  “He’s resting comfortably. He took a bad beating. Luckily, he doesn’t remember much of what happened. I suspect he will over time.” She continued down the hall. “Alex.” She turned to speak to him. “I told those around him you wanted everyone to stay close to the castle. I also told him I’ve returned to be under your protection. I suspect they will spread the word quickly.”

  “I’m grateful.” He dipped his head.

  Lisbeth looked at Alex grasping the letter. “Is the news bad?”

  “Bad?” He stared at her, baffled.

  She nodded at the letter in his hand. “You are holding a letter.”

  “It appears His Majesty and my family plan to visit Glen Kirk in late October. At the same time actually,” he added. He fanned the paper against his thigh.

  “Late October.” A soft gasp escaped her. “That’s only two weeks. How long will they be staying?”

  He thought he heard an edge of panic in her voice. “His Majesty has not said but I suspect he and his court will be here a few days. Howard mentioned the king planned to visit others before the winter.”

  He knew something was awry. Her skin went from pale to gray. Perhaps she wasn’t used to royal visits. He knew his way around the king’s court. “You needn’t worry. I’ll help you with what you need to know.”

  “I’ll return to the hunting lodge…” Her hands nervously smoothed out her gown.

  Her words splashed over him as if he were doused by ice water. “You will not.” A sudden chill hung on the edge of his words. “The king and my family will see a well-functioning estate with the king’s ward safely in residence for however long they remain.”

  “Be reasonable, Alex.”

  “What frightens you so?” He took her hand. “The king? I’ll show you what to do.” He caught sight of the stiffening of her back in revolt. “The king expects you to be here. I won’t have the king or my family see you living in exile in the hunting lodge. I will have them see that you are well protected behind the castle walls and showing support for my position.”

  She boldly met his accusing eyes and pulled her hand away. “Support your position! What they see? You care about what they see?”

  He had never heard her raise her voice. He doubted she even knew she had.

  “You can’t have the king and his court here. Look around you, Alex. Look at what they will see. Is this the castle of great lord, or the barracks of a warrior? Glen Kirk is not ready for visitors, let alone the king.” She crossed her arms tightly across her chest in defiance.

  “What’s wrong with Glen Kirk? It may be a bit stark but it will do,” Alex said, pretending not to understand her look.

  “Listen to yourself. ‘Will do.’ What will they sleep on? What will they eat? Salty meat made by your field cook simply won’t do. And who will serve them? There are hardly enough servants here to manage now.” Her voice grew louder with each question.

  “I’ll find a way.” He faced her almost nose to nose and matched her vehemence.

  “You do that. And while you ‘find a way’ you can also find a place to put your guests.”

  “There are plenty of rooms here. You know that better than I.”

  “Oh yes, there are plenty of rooms, but very few are habitable. Have you looked lately?”

  “Are there any other concerns?”

  “No, none.” Her anger spent, she turned and proceeded down the hall.

  “Then I expect your full cooperation in presenting Glen Kirk in its best light,” he called after her in controlled anger.

  She straightened and continued on.

  *

  Lisbeth fought the escalating panic. Her mother’s final words raced across her mind. The king must never know.

  She was back in the runaway coach with her mother’s arms around her. “I’m sorry. I should have told you. Lisbeth, the king must never know.”

  If the king had any idea she had visions she knew he would brand her a witch a
nd everyone would suffer. If he didn’t, all would go well. Mother had obviously kept it from him. New hope filled her. Laura and Jamie were the only ones who knew, and if they did see the king, which she suspected they wouldn’t, they wouldn’t say anything. She stroked the stone in her pouch. The panic subsided.

  She entered the Great Hall and gave it a thorough look. How this room used to sing with music and laughter. Best not to think about the past. After all this time the pain still caught her by surprise. The heartbreak didn’t go away. It would never go away. She would carry her guilt with her for eternity.

  She took a deep breath and scrunched her nose. The foul odor distracted her from her thoughts. Her eyes caught the haphazard table and benches. She stood in the middle of the room and took a more critical look.

  “Ann.” Her eyes caught the dullness of the furniture. She ran her finger across the table and rubbed her forefinger and thumb together, feeling gritty grease. The furniture used to sparkle and smell of lavender oil. She walked over to the hearth. Was there a bone in the rushes? “Ann!” she called more insistently.

  “Yes, m’lady.” The housekeeper rushed into the room, drying her hands on her apron.

  “Ann, what has happened here? Mother would be appalled to see the room in such condition.”

  “There’s been a great deal of change over the last years. Each of the men the king sent put in their own staff. Some from your mother’s household were kept on but many left until there were only a few who remained. No one wanted to stay here without any of the family in residence.”

  Lisbeth cringed at the words. He had brought her back for his own purpose. He needed her in the castle for stability and to ensure cooperation. Her heart sank but she didn’t have time to dwell on that now. She shifted her thoughts back to the problem at hand. Hopefully John would spread the word that she’d returned to Glen Kirk. Perhaps that would encourage servants to come back. “How many from Mother’s household remain?”

  “Five, m’lady.”

  “They will have to do,” she said, mostly to herself. “Gather them here in the hall. There’s a lot to do before the king arrives. And there isn’t much time.”

  “Yes, m’lady. Lord Alex instructed me to give work to any capable person who enquired. Some came to see if you were back and asked for a position.”

  “I hope Eve was one of them. Mother said she was the best cook she ever had.”

  “I saw her at the market yesterday. She asked about a job in our kitchen. I’ll speak to her and see what I can do.”

  “Wonderful. If she agrees see if she can start with tonight’s dinner. His Majesty and his court plan to visit Glen Kirk. They will be here in two weeks. And Ann, Lord Alex’s family is traveling with them.”

  “Oh dear, there isn’t much time.” The woman rubbed her hands on her apron.

  “No, there isn’t. When was the last time these rushes were changed? And the windows cleaned? And the furniture polished? Where did we put the cushions for the chairs?” The more she looked, the more she found lacking. “No.” She held up her hand to stop Ann before she could answer. “No, no matter. What does matter is this room must be cleaned. Get someone to clear out these rushes and bring new ones in.”

  She pushed the rushes aside with her foot. A foul odor wafted up and made her dizzy. She grabbed the table to steady herself. “We need to scrub the floor before new rushes can be laid. Water Ann, we need buckets of water and scrub brushes to clean these stones.”

  Ann’s face broadened into a bright smile. “Yes, m’lady. I’ll see to it.”

  Several hours later she stood at the door to the Great Hall. Her back ached. Her arms and legs screamed from the strain. She looked around the room at everyone’s accomplishments and let out an exhausted sigh.

  With legs that felt as heavy as boulders, she climbed the stairs and entered her room. Her trunk, still packed, stood by the door where the soldier had left it weeks ago. She chuckled at the thought she would be here only a short time. Where was the chambermaid? She slumped in the chair, drained from the afternoon’s activities.

  “M’lady? I’m Alice. Ann sent me to see to your needs.” The maid entered the room.

  “Alice. Well thank you. Empty the trunk and help me organize this room. I’ll be here longer than I first thought.”

  The sound of tramping feet caught Lisbeth’s attention. She bent her head to see its source. Two men stood at her door. Alice took control.

  “Put the tub by the hearth and light the fire.” Alice turned to Lisbeth. “I’ll organize the room and your things. I’ve ordered a hot tub for you, m’lady, to soak some of the grime off.”

  Boys arrived with buckets of hot water and splashed them into the tub.

  “Careful now.” Alice scolded the boys. “Don’t go making a mess.” The boys left and closed the door behind them.

  Lisbeth stood there staring at the tub. The steam settled on the surface. The hot water looked velvety and inviting.

  “Here, m’lady, let me help you out of those things so you can take a nice soak.”

  Too tired to think, Lisbeth let Alice direct her. She removed her grimy clothes and stepped into the tub. She stretched out and let the hot water leach out the stress of the day.

  “Ah, m’lady.” Alice began to empty the chest and put things away. “I found some fine lavender soap.” She handed Lisbeth the fragrant bar.

  The scent of the soap brought her back to another time. She wrinkled her nose and took a deep breath and relaxed. While she soaked, she gathered her energy and focused on what needed to get done. The Great Hall had been in such poor condition, she could imagine what the rest of the rooms were like. She lathered up and ticked off a list in her head. If Alex wanted her people to trust him, she would start by making certain he had a place worthy of a great leader. Restoring Glen Kirk to its former splendor would make everyone proud. The fact the king, and Alex’s family were coming—well, they would reap the benefit.

  *

  “Alice, where is my dress? I can’t wear this.” Wrapped in linen and ready to put it on, Lisbeth stared at the simple amber gown trimmed in magenta ribbon that lay on her bed. It was the one she had planned to wear to court before her parent’s accident.

  “M’lady, I found it among your things. Your everyday gown was too soiled. I’ll have it back to you in the morning. Here, let me help you.” It went on easily. Alice stood back and looked at her. “You look wonderful, m’lady.”

  Lisbeth gazed at her reflection in the polished metal. She had planned the gown carefully with her mother and Laura. The lines were sleek and becoming. The neckline strained to contain her ample breasts but was tasteful.

  “I found slippers to match, m’lady.” Alice put them on Lisbeth’s feet.

  Lisbeth looked at the soiled black dress that Alice held. Guilt weighed down her. How could she wear the bright colors? For a moment she heard her mother’s voice. You look like a princess. She let out a sigh.

  She glided down the stairs, her mind preoccupied. There were so many things to do. The chandelier in the entry way needed cleaning, the tapestries needed to come out of storage and the woodwork needed to be scrubbed. Rooms needed to be prepared for the king and his courtiers. Someone had to send the hunters out to fill the larders. Menus needed planning and entertainment must be arranged. Did they have enough ale?

  “Good eve, Lisbeth.” A startled expression on Alex’s face quickly faded. He dipped his head. “I hope your day went well.”

  She entertained the notion of listing her grievances to him but fell silent. The touch of his eyes sweeping from the tip of her tiny magenta slippers to the deep plunge of the amber gown’s neckline unnerved her.

  “You do me a great honor wearing my colors.” He nodded in a graceful short courtier’s bow.

  His voice was deep and velvet-edged. Her checks flushed, and a chill sped up her spine. She nodded at his compliment. Her mother had specifically chosen the fabrics. Lisbeth hadn’t realized they were his colors. “It
’s good to be home. I have been remiss.” She hoped her remoteness covered her struggle to control her emotions.

  He gave her his hand to escort her into the Great Hall. “I understand there was a lot of activity here today.”

  Lisbeth heard his quick intake of breath when they entered the hall. She glanced in silence as his gaze darted around the room.

  His mouth curved into a brilliant smile. “I see your hand in this.” He slid a sideways glance at her. “Well done. It’s a Hall to make a man proud.”

  His sensuous smile sent a ripple of awareness through her. Deciding to focus on his words rather than the warm sensation they caused, she reveled in his open admiration. She too was pleased with the work the servants completed.

  New rushes were strewn on the floor, mingled with sprigs of lavender. The soft clean fragrance was a decided change from the smell of rotting food. Ever since she had returned, she found that the stench overpowered the room and made eating an already tasteless meal difficult. The tables were scrubbed and cleaned of grease. The scratches were filled or colored to blend with the wood. Clean linens dressed the table. Cushions with the Reynolds family crest were on the large chairs waiting for Lord Alex and Lisbeth.

  She noticed Alex’s shoulders relax and his free fist unclench. She studied him and observed a variety of emotions flitter across the knight’s face. They approached the dais and took their seats.

  His men swaggered into the hall loud and noisy, but stopped when they noticed Alex and Lisbeth seated and waiting. The surprise on their faces did not escape her. They filed into their seats and sat quietly—for Alex’s soldiers.

  Duke wandered into the hall, his large head sweeping the lower tables looking for scraps. Lisbeth snapped her fingers and gave the dog a hand signal. His response was immediate. He slinked away and curled up at the hearth.

  Out of the corner of her eye she noted Alex’s disbelief. Inwardly she smiled. The dog had taken advantage of the situation. She wasn’t surprised. Duke had played the same game with her and her father.

  Alex leaned over to her. “He growled every time we approached him to get him away from the table.”