Through a Dark Glass

by Barb Hendee

  How had Jarrod let things fall into this state? Had it happened slowly over the years?

  The slim older woman came around the table, her face chagrined. “My lady,” she began, and I heard an apology in her voice. “Would Sebastian and Kai like something else?”

  She knew the household schedule well enough to know that Jarrod and Rolf were out.

  “If they want something else, they’ll send for it,” Lavonia interrupted.

  Even taking their ages into account, I was not certain of the hierarchy here. The elder woman did not appear to be in charge.

  “What is your name?” I asked her.

  “Ester, my lady.”

  I nodded. “Ester, will that bread you’re making be baked by midday?”

  “Yes, my lady.”

  I spoke only to her. “I haven’t taken stock of the larder, but I brought some things with me from Chaumont. In a short while, I’ll have boxes of tea and several casks of wine brought in. At midday, I will send Matilda and Betty to you. I want trays prepared with slices of fresh bread with butter, bowls of strawberries, boiled eggs, and several pots of tea. I want this carried up to the hall for any of the men who come in to eat. Is that clear?”

  “Yes, my lady.”

  “If they want anything, they’ll send for it,” Lavonia repeated angrily.

  I looked her up and down as if she were an insect—as my mother would have done—and then turned back to Ester. “I assume there is ham in the larder?”

  She nodded and glanced nervously at Lavonia.

  “Do you know how to make cream sauce?” I asked Ester.

  “Yes, my lady.”

  “For dinner tonight, you will make roasted potatoes and a large dish of peas in cream sauce. You will heat a ham, slice it, and lay it out on a tray. I’ll have decanters sent in, and I want two decanters of red wine drawn from the casks.” I paused. “I will send Betty and Matilda right at dusk this evening, and everything will be ready for them to carry out. Is that clear?”

  “Yes, my lady.”

  I looked again to Lavonia. “I trust you will be of help with this if you wish to keep your place in this house.”

  “Is that a threat?” Her pretty face twisted with anger. “Lord Jarrod will hear of this!”

  In my mother’s voice, I answered, “I certainly hope so.”

  I swept from the room.

  * * * *

  By evening, I took a short break from my work to run upstairs and let Miriam lace me into a silk gown and pile up my hair. I wore the diamond pendant.

  When I came back down, I looked the part of lady of the house.

  Upon reaching the main hall, I heard masculine voices and walked in to find Jarrod, Rolf, Sebastian, and Kai all there. Jarrod and Rolf were both looking about the place in surprise, for it had indeed undergone something of a transformation.

  For one, it was clean.

  The newly scrubbed table had been laid with white cloths, porcelain plates, and pewter goblets. All of these had come from Chaumont Manor. Four enormous tapestries hung on the walls, and I think my mother chose them well. They bore vibrant vivid colors and all four of them depicted a story in sequence of men hunting a pack of wolves. My parents had never cared for these, as they were from before my grandfather’s time, but Mother had guessed Jarrod would like them.

  From the look on his face, he did.

  The half dozen spaniels still wriggled about the men, seeking attention. I had no intention of displacing these dogs from the hall. This was their home. I simply intended to make certain the maids cleaned up after them.

  “Dinner will be served shortly,” I said from the archway.

  All the men turned as I walked in.

  “You approve of the changes?” I asked Jarrod.

  He glanced at the table and the nearest tapestry. Then he walked over and picked up an engraved pewter goblet. “I do. I wouldn’t know how to buy any of this with all the money in the land.” He nodded to Rolf. “We’ve made a better bargain than I realized.”

  I supposed this was high praise coming from Jarrod.

  At that moment, Betty and Matilda came in carrying trays of sliced ham, roasted potatoes, peas in cream sauce, and two decanters of wine.

  “Shall we sit down?” I suggested.

  With a snort of laughter, Jarrod shook his head as if amused. “A good bargain indeed.” Then he looked again at Rolf. “Now I want a grandson.”

  * * * *

  That night, Rolf came to my room again.

  “My father was pleased with the hall and with dinner,” he said.

  I found his praise strangely gratifying. “So was Sebastian. He even helped hang the tapestries.”

  Rolf’s face clouded. “Of course he did.”

  The dislike in his voice was clear. Last night, I’d noticed his affection for his youngest brother, but this warmth did not spread to Sebastian. I wondered why.

  With nothing else to say, I climbed into the bed again, and Rolf joined me.

  He treated me gently, and when he kissed me, I tried to respond and kiss him back. The rest of the act was over quickly. As I knew what was coming, it was not so invasive this time, but I still couldn’t help feeling the entire act was merely a duty on both our parts.

  Though I’d never expected to marry and had never given it much thought, in the back of my mind, I somehow thought there should be . . . more.

  Chapter 3

  As the weeks passed, I somehow became “the lady” of Volodane Hall.

  While my mother hadn’t had time to have a proper trousseau made for me, she’d sent bolts of velvet and silk from our stores, and Miriam was a skilled seamstress. With some regret, I retired my comfortable old blue wool and was not seen in it again. I had a part to play now, and if I wished to survive, I needed to look that part.

  In addition, though Jarrod was somewhat tight with money, he was soon more than aware of my value as a keeper of his home, and he put me in charge of the household accounts. This gave me the freedom to order food and goods from the village when necessary. I never visited the village, but I arranged to hire a laundry woman. While the care of my own gowns was left to Miriam, I ordered washings of all four of the men’s clothing, along with sheets, blankets, and curtains.

  Almost before I knew it, the rhythms of daily life here had become familiar. Jarrod and Rolf were often out overseeing the land or running drills with the guards. Kai spent much of his time in training with a sword, even though the family did not appear to be at war with anyone. Sebastian spent his time playing cards with the guards . . . or talking with me.

  I learned a good deal from him. My question about the guards’ food source was soon answered, as they had their own cook—a man—and supplies were delivered directly to him. Apparently, the guards ate a good deal of boiled oats and mutton stew.

  I learned that Jarrod, Rolf, and Sebastian all loved Kai, but Rolf and Sebastian had no brotherly love for each other, and Jarrod had no affection for Sebastian either, nor did he seem to require any work or assistance from his second son. This didn’t faze Sebastian at all. He was popular among the guards, as he was both a gracious winner and loser at cards, and he seemed to have several close friends among them, especially a handsome young man called Daveed.

  Inside the family, Sebastian was quite content with the company of Kai and me. He often told me how glad he was that I’d come to live here, and he offered more than once to deal with problems of difficult servants for me—especially with the kitchen staff.

  “I’m embarrassed things had become so lax in the first place,” he once apologized. “It wasn’t always like this. Until a few years ago, we hadn’t stood around the table eating whatever was served. I’m not quite sure how that happened, but you shouldn’t be expected to clean up the mess entirely on your own.”

  Tempted as I was at time
s, I never once took him up on his offers. He was not my husband, and Rolf was, and Rolf respected only strength. Even with what little I could sense from him, I sensed that much. As a result, I could never show weakness. I couldn’t allow myself to lean on Sebastian.

  Rolf and I carried onward. We seldom spoke, but he was never unkind.

  Soon enough though, the rhythms of the house were interrupted when Jarrod sought me out to tell me he’d arranged for a formal dinner, the first hosted here in many years. I found his plans to bring his family “up in the world” to be steady and methodical. First, he had spent years gaining and keeping wealth. Then he had purchased me. Now, he was putting me to use.

  I had no illusions about his expectations.

  “Who is coming?” I asked.

  “Lord Allemond Monvílle, his wife, and his brother,” he answered. “Their lands border our southern line, and I’m trying to buy a section of forest covered in oak. The timber alone is worth the purchase.”

  “Lord Allemond?” I repeated, surprised. He was on the Council of Nobles. He was also a friend of my father’s and had visited Chaumont at least once a year since I was a child. “He’s selling his land?” That seemed unlikely.

  Jarrod’s eyes sharpened. “You know him?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good. Try to remember what dishes he likes and what kind of wine. He’s only coming to look down his nose at me. I want him off guard by what he finds.”

  Considering the arrogance of Lord Allemond, I suspected Jarrod was probably right. Neighboring lands or not, I could hardly imagine the Monvílles even considering an invitation to dine with the Volodanes, and selling Jarrod land seemed beyond the realm of possibility.

  The household burst into activity. Matilda began cleaning madly. Miriam worked hard to create a gown for me. With Betty’s help, I started sewing clothes for the men.

  Sebastian was particular about his clothes being perfectly tailored, and so he came to my room for a fitting. This event gave me a clearer understanding of how his mind worked. Within moments of walking through the door, he pulled his long-sleeved tunic over his head and tossed it onto the bed. He was bare-chested beneath it. He bore a scar on his left collarbone. Betty and I were both mildly startled by his action, but we recovered quickly, and she picked up the white shirt she’d been making for him. I couldn’t take my eyes off his arms. I’d wondered why he was the only man in the family who traveled without a weapon.

  Apparently, he didn’t.

  Sebastian had a long, sheathed dagger strapped to each of his forearms. The hilt of the dagger on the left arm was ornate, with pearl inlay. The one on his right arm was quite plain, with a tan hilt. Unlike his father and brothers, he didn’t strike openly. He would keep his weapons hidden until the last moment.

  He noticed me staring, and I glanced away.

  Not long after his fitting, I closeted myself away with him to plan menus. I was too concerned with the upcoming evening’s success not to take advantage of his help.

  “We’ll need at least three savory courses,” I told him. “Fish, poultry, and then either beef or lamb.”

  He nodded. “I think beef would be best. I’ll arrange for several roasts. The poultry course is easy. We can have Patrick kill some of our own chickens. Can you handle the fish?”

  “Yes, Ester told me there is a fish monger in the village. I’ll send an order and have four large river salmon delivered. I know Lord Allemond enjoys salmon. We’ll need a sauce for the side though.”

  “A simple white sauce,” Sebastian suggested. “Ester makes a delicious white sauce.”

  In bits and pieces, I’d learned that Ester had been with the family for years, since Rolf was a boy, and she had apparently once been a fine cook, but the slow breakdown of household order had left her without support from the family, and I feared she was now being bullied by the likes of Lavonia.

  “What about dessert?” Sebastian asked, bringing me back to the task at hand.

  Although I’d never planned a formal menu before, together, Sebastian I did quite well, and I submitted our list to Ester who was pleased by our choices and went to work with Patrick arranging for the fruits and vegetables.

  All seemed to be in hand until mid-morning of the day of the dinner when Jarrod and Rolf walked into the main hall where I was busy experimenting with centerpieces. Though Patrick maintained fine vegetable gardens, the Volodanes grew no flowers, and I was having to make due with what I could find growing wild.

  “Is everything ready?” Jarrod asked with an edge in his voice.

  I turned to face him. “Yes, I think so.”

  “It better be,” he warned. “I want Allemond impressed by what he finds here.”

  I wasn’t certain anything would impress Lord Allemond, but I could at least make sure nothing went wrong. The salmon had just been delivered and were now in cold storage in the cellars.

  My mind was so busy on running details through my head that I was caught completely off guard when Jarrod said, “And you know I’ll expect your help with this land deal. I want your best efforts.”

  My eyes widened. For an instant, I couldn’t draw breath. My father had told him. Then my shock began to fade. Of course, Father told him. Jarrod had been expecting the beautiful Helena and arrived at Chaumont to find he’d have to make due with me. What better way to sweeten the deal than to tell Jarrod about my ability?

  I had so much hoped to leave that part of my life behind.

  With my mouth tight, I asked, “Who do you most wish me to focus upon? Allemond himself? Or is his brother handling the financial arrangements for him? I hope Father told you I can only read one person a day, and there are limits.”

  Rolf frowned in confusion, and Jarrod’s expression went still.

  “What do you mean by ‘read’?” he asked slowly.

  In a split second I realized how foolish I’d been. My father hadn’t told him anything. Jarrod’s mention of my help must have referred to me using my manners and family influence to throw Allemond off guard.

  “Nothing,” I responded, sounding nervous as I stepped away. “I thought you wished me to gauge his reactions and offer counsel later.”

  In a flash, his right hand snaked out and grabbed my wrist. I gasped as he jerked me up against his chest. I’d never had a man use his strength against me before, and the pain in my arm was startling.

  Rolf’s face flickered in alarm, but he didn’t move. I could expect no help from him.

  “Don’t lie to me,” Jarrod ordered, speaking close to my face. “What did you mean?”

  On instinct, I used my free hand to try and loosen his fingers. I don’t think he noticed.

  I was terrible at lying, and he was no fool. The only option now seemed the truth.

  “I would sometimes read people for my father,” I rushed to say, hoping he’d let go of my wrist. “To see if they were honest. The Chaumont women can sometimes do this. My great aunt could and so can I.”

  He jerked my arm again, and I couldn’t help crying out.

  “To see if they’re honest?” he pressed.

  At this point, the pain in my arm was nearly blinding, and I had no choice but to keep talking.

  “I can see the person’s intent and sometimes pick up flashes of images! How else do you think my father borrowed so much money with no one finding out? Before we ever mentioned money, Father would have me read a potential lender to make certain he was discreet.”

  Jarrod’s grip loosened slightly. He looked to Rolf and then back to me. “So . . . you’re telling me you can read Allemond at dinner and let me know later if the deal he offers is honest or not?”

  “Yes.”

  Without warning, his grip tightened again. “And what’s to stop you from using this on one of us?”

  “I would never! My father made me swear to only do readings under hi
s direct orders.”

  “And you’ll swear the same thing here?”

  “Yes,” I answered and then added, “my lord.”

  He smiled without warmth. “I think it’s time you started calling me Father.”

  * * * *

  As soon as he let go, I fled from the hall and hurried down the passage toward the stairs to the tower. I wanted a few moments in my room. In addition to being unsettled by the scene in the hall—and having stupidly given away my secret—my wrist was turning purple, and I needed to change into a long-sleeved dress.

  Unfortunately, I made it only halfway to the entrance to the tower when Betty came trotting behind me. “My lady.”

  Holding back a sigh, I stopped. “Yes?”

  “Lavonia is asking for you in the kitchen. She says the fish has gone bad.”

  All other concerns vanished. By some miracle, Lavonia had actually volunteered to prepare and bake the salmon, leaving Ester free to focus on the sauces and other courses. But the salmon was to be the first, and therefore most important, course. I’d paid well for fish caught that very morning, and I’d checked them myself upon delivery.

  “Gone bad?”

  “That’s what she says, my lady.”

  Poor Betty appeared distraught, and I couldn’t help a rush of pity. She was a good servant and didn’t like being the bearer of bad news.

  “Don’t worry,” I told her. “I’ll go and see about it now. I’m sure she’s just being overcautious.”

  I wasn’t sure of any such thing, but I did an about-face and headed west toward the kitchen. Upon arriving, I found it a busy place, as it should be with a formal dinner planned for that night.

  Ester was rolling crusts for strawberry tarts, and two girls I’d hired for temporary help were scrubbing pots in a large washbasin. Cora sat peeling potatoes.

  Lavonia appeared to be supervising.

  Relations between Lavonia and myself had not improved, but so long as she followed orders, I had as little to do with her as possible.