The Lady Bornekova

by Sara R. Turnquist

  "I don't want to hide anymore. I want everyone to know how we feel."

  For a few wonderful seconds, Karin believed it was possible. Then reality crashed upon her. Nothing about such a pronouncement would be appropriate. Or received well.

  "It is impossible." She raised a hand to his face.

  Pavel placed a hand over hers. He gazed deeply into her eyes, never wavering. "Not when your father returns. I will ask him for your hand."

  "What are you saying?" Her eyes widened.

  "Karin, I want to marry you. No matter what happens, I want to know that we'll be together."

  It was all too wonderful for her to take in, so it spilled out through her eyes. With great tenderness, he wiped her tears away.

  "Are those happy tears?" His voice was so soft.

  "Yes! Of course...yes!" She threw her arms around his shoulders and kissed him.

  "Karin?" Stepan's voice came from just inside the stables. Would they be found out? Or could they bide their time?

  With regret in her heart, she pulled away.

  Pavel ducked farther out of sight.

  Karin stepped out of the stall. "I am here, Stepan, moving about. I am feeling much more myself," she said, pacing toward him. Could she draw his attention away from the horse stall? “As I told you, I only needed a few moments of rest. And I am well.”

  "Hmmm,” His brow rose. “As I see. However, I still think you should be seen.”

  “If that is what you wish.” Taking his arm and turning them toward the chateau, she afforded a glance over her shoulder in the direction of the stall.

  Soon, Pavel. Please let it be soon.

  * * *

  Pavel watched them go, trying once more not to let the twinge of jealousy overtake him. He remained in the stable, trying to calm himself from the happenings of the last hours—the spooked horse taking off with Karin was one of the scarier things he had experienced. In that moment, he had prayed that God would trade his life for hers. And in this moment, he was thankful God saw fit to spare them both.

  The distant clip-clop of hoofbeats brought Pavel back to the present. He stepped out of the stall. Zdenek, Radek, and Whiskey neared. From all appearances, the horse was ready to race off, pulling and fighting against the thin straps of rein that bound her.

  Zdenek and Radek employed what tactics they could to control the possessed horse and their own.

  Pavel rushed toward them. He would help. But how?

  Whiskey bucked.

  "Whoa, Whiskey!" Zdenek called out, "Whoa." He pulled hard on the straps that strained to their breaking point.

  Now as they were just outside the stables, Zdenek and Radek slid off their horses.

  Pavel grabbed for Zdenek's horse's reins, and a stable hand grabbed for Radek's.

  Once those horses were in their stalls, Pavel returned to Zdenek and Radek’s side. With his friends holding the reins taut, Pavel and the stable boy attempted to soothe Whiskey.

  Pavel laid a hand on her neck, rubbing as much as he could while speaking in soft tones. Moving his hands over her neck and chest, he tried to calm her.

  Whiskey stilled somewhat but continued to shift.

  Pavel continued to coax Whiskey to stop moving while the stable hand checked her hooves. Perhaps something had become lodged there.

  The boy glanced at Pavel and shook his head.

  Moving his hands over the horse's body, Pavel worked on the saddle’s straps. As it was removed, he spotted a sharp burr under the back of the saddle. It was stabbed into the horse’s flesh. Had it been situated there under the saddle? Waiting for Karin to but shift her weight as she urged speed from the animal?

  He jerked the burr out.

  Whiskey stirred and then calmed.

  The stable hand took the reins of the now docile horse and walked her to a stall.

  "How unfortunate for Karin," Radek said.

  Pavel glanced at Zdenek. Was his friend thinking the same as he?

  Zdenek’s eyes were dark and his face drawn. Yes, he knew too.

  This was no accident.

  Chapter 8

  The Ball

  Karin afforded herself a long look in the mirror and could not help but admire the picture she presented. The dress the Viscountess had designed suited her quite well. Dark green velvet set against her pale complexion and strawberry-blonde hair was a stunning contrast.

  The dress created a wide "v" over her front, revealing the kirtle's neckline. As elaborate as any other part of the dress, the kirtle was made from the dark green heavy satin with a gold damask pattern to it. A low waist and a scoop neckline, which hung low enough for her to display an ornate necklace, was flattering to her shape.

  Karin's hair had been twisted and braided up off her shoulders. A pair of gold-inlaid drop pearl earrings adorned her ears, and Mary clasped a matching necklace behind her neck.

  "I think you are ready, milady," Mary commented.

  Karin nodded.

  As if on cue, there was a knock on the door.

  Karin rose as Mary crossed the room to open it.

  "It is time for the Lady Karin to be announced." The manservant’s voice carried into the chambers.

  Karin moved forward and stepped into the hall, nodding to the manservant.

  He led her from her rooms to the grand staircase in silence.

  Stepan waited at the top of the stairs. He, too, was dressed in all his finery.

  He turned. Had he heard them coming? His eyes widened as his gaze landed on her. And did his breath quicken? Or perhaps he simply suppressed a sneeze?

  "My lady," he managed, "You are exquisite this evening."

  "Thank you." Her face warmed under the intensity of his stare. "You are rather handsome yourself."

  He reached forth, offering his hand.

  She slid her fingers into it.

  Raising her hand to his lips, he turned it and pressed a kiss to her wrist. Why did he do that?

  His eyes never left hers.

  It became more difficult to think. Was Stepan interested in—?

  Stepan turned and led her down a couple of steps. Then stopped.

  Why must she be in all these constricting clothes? She couldn’t breathe. Were Stepan’s eyes still on her? It was as if she could feel them boring into her. Dare she look?

  The manservant had descended ahead of them. Was he to announce them? What was he waiting for? As the man continued his downward progress, so painfully slow, Karin believed she would faint before he reached the bottom.

  However, he halted a few steps short of the landing. Raising his staff, he thrust it toward the floor. A loud bang sounded.

  Then silence.

  All eyes were on them.

  "The Lady Karin Bornekova and Lord Stepan Dvorak," he announced.

  Stepan had set foot on the next step down as soon as the manservant started speaking.

  Karin gripped his arm and moved alongside him. What should she anticipate from this ball? The crowd greeting her? She glanced about for Pavel in the sea of faces, but she could not find him. There were too many people.

  The crowd parted as she and Stepan stepped to the floor. Stepan led her to the center of the room’s open space and spun her in a single circle. They would share the first dance of the evening, starting off the celebration as host and guest of honor. Music played from somewhere on the other side of the room, and Stepan moved to the cadence of the instruments.

  Were all eyes on her? She and Stepan were the only dancers. And then at the second round of the song, others joined them on the floor.

  Relief flowed through Karin when she was no longer the center of attention. So much had it disturbed her that she hadn’t been able to pay much mind to Stepan as they whirled around the room. Did she smile enough? Had she conversed pleasantly with him?

  "It is a bit much, is it not?" Stepan smiled.

  "Yes," she admitted. "But I appreciate everything your father has done for me," she was quick to add.

  He waved her off,
reminding her of the Viscount. "I am certain. But I am also curious how a woman who is so deserving of all this seems so uncomfortable receiving it."

  She searched his eyes at the compliment. "I thank you, but I am afraid I have no answer. Perhaps because I am not often the object of such admiration."

  "Something we must remedy," he said, his voice husky as he drew closer. But just as soon as he did so, he pulled back and led her toward the far side of the room.

  Karin wondered after these words, these actions. These compliments did not seem as if they were delivered in friendship. What was she sensing from Stepan in his words? Or was she seeing something that wasn’t there?

  Her gaze wandered from Stepan to the crowd around the room. Pavel continued to elude her. Where was he?

  "Some refreshment, perhaps?" Stepan held a beverage toward her.

  "Yes, thank you." She took the cup, but avoided meeting his eyes. Lifting it to her lips, she had only begun to sip when Zdenek appeared.

  "I insist I have the next dance with the loveliest lady at the ball."

  "If you must," Karin smiled at his words. She surprised herself with how eager she was to be released from Stepan’s presence.

  Zdenek led her to the dance floor, not giving her much chance to set her drink down.

  Her young men came each in turn to dance with her. Strange, how she had come to think of them as her young men. But, they were each special to her.

  The ball had been progressing for a couple of hours, and Karin had danced with all the young men of her acquaintance…except Pavel. He continued to evade her. Why? Had she upset him?

  Taking a deep breath, she found a seat. Perhaps it was just as well. For she was tired and in need of respite. Yet her heart weighed heavy and a thickness rose in her throat. Would he not come to her? She smoothed her hands over her skirt and fought the sting in her eyes.

  The hair on her neck tingled. A warm breath feathered near her ear.

  "Come now, my lady, you would not forgo your favorite?"

  Karin turned to meet Pavel’s eyes. Was he not concerned what others would think of his closeness? For in that moment, she did not. "Indeed I would not, my lord."

  Sliding a hand into his, she let him lead her onto the floor. Her feet were tired, but she was thankful for every moment she had in Pavel’s arms. And for this, the tears continued to threaten.

  As they moved through the steps of the dance, she relished each time their hands connected. The way his eyes held hers. And how his arms surrounded her. It was not dissimilar to the way the other men moved through these steps with her, but it felt different with Pavel. They moved together to the music, and it was exciting. He held her a little tighter than he needed to, a little closer than he should have. But she didn't care. Not one bit.

  The music drew to a close and the dancers stilled, moving to the sides. Karin laid a hand on Pavel’s arm and worked to catch her breath. Placing a hand on hers, Pavel secured her attention as he led her onto the balcony. She glanced over her shoulder. Had anyone noticed their parting?

  Their friends were on the other side of the room, apparently deciding whom to dance with, jabbing at each other. No one seemed to notice as she and Pavel quit the room.

  Breathing in the fresh, cool air, Karin was grateful for the break from the crowds, from the warm room, even from dancing.

  Pavel moved them to the edge of the railing overlooking the gardens below. For several moments, Karin enjoyed the quiet and the soft breezes from the east. As Pavel did not speak, she did not either. What was there to say?

  At length, Pavel broke the silence. "You are breathtaking this evening, my lady."

  She shifted to look at him, not caring she was blushing. "Thank you."

  He rested his hand on hers already on the railing. Was there more he wanted to say? Did he hold back? So much of what she wanted could not be said. Must they content themselves with what could be communicated in a look, a few harmless compliments, and the touch of one hand on another?

  "There you are," Stepan said, coming out of the festivities.

  Pavel took a step away from Karin.

  "Karin needed some fresh air," Pavel said. It was true.

  "Ah." Stepan was closer to them now. "You both missed Zdenek trying to ask that brunette to dance. It was truly sad, Pavel. But I suppose not altogether so terrible... she accepted the dance. I think all bets are open as to what happens next."

  "Shall we?" Stepan held out an arm for Karin.

  "I am sorry, Stepan,” Karin fought to keep her voice light. “But I think my feet have had enough for the evening."

  "Then we shall find a seat from which to enjoy the rest. There will not be much more. I promise."

  Karin was reluctant to leave Pavel’s side, but took Stepan's arm, looking back at Pavel as Stepan drew her away.

  Pavel raised an eyebrow as if to ask her a question. Was he being coy? Implying she might enjoy Stepan’s attentions?

  She gave him a stern look.

  His face opened into a smile.

  Then she directed her attention forward. Pavel would find out how unwise it was to tease her!

  * * *

  Lenka watched as her husband finished a letter to his daughter, telling her of his return. She loathed the thought of Petr returning without her. How long had it been since she had seen her katka? Once again seated in her cabinet, Lenka worked with diligence on her cross-stitch. As the tension tightened her shoulders, she returned her focus to the thread.

  Petr’s return to the chateau had been a scarce subject. He must know it was a sore matter for Lenka. Still, she could no longer keep her peace.

  "How long will you be gone?" Lenka kept her head down, eyes on her stitch work.

  Petr glanced up from his letter and paused. Must he think on it? "I do not know." He then returned to his paper.

  A letter had come from the Viscount, requesting Petr's presence to discuss a matter of great importance involving Stepan and Karin. He did not say anything further on the matter, but he did not need to. Lenka knew what it meant.

  "It seems as if you will soon announce an engagement." Lenka worked her needle with great intensity.

  "I believe that is true." Petr glanced in her direction, smiling.

  Lenka looked up to meet his eyes. "Do you not think I should to be there for such a day?"

  "Should you be there?” Petr rose. “I think, dear wife, there is some confusion." He walked to where she sat. Leaning over her, he cupped her face with one hand. "Do not worry yourself. I plan to send for you before we make such an announcement public."

  She met his gaze. "Send for me?"

  "Do not think I would stand alone on such a happy day.” Petr laid the backs of his fingers on Lenka’s face, running them gently down her cheekbone. “No, you will be by my side the day we announce our daughter's engagement. It is a day we have both sacrificed and worked for. We will stand together on that day."

  Her lips tugged upward as a tear made a trail down her face.

  Petr wiped it away and pressed a kiss to the place it had been.

  "The end is in sight," he said, his face breaking in a smile.

  * * *

  Pavel watched Karin. She was not eating much of her lunch. Caught in conversation with Zdenek and Luc, she gave him little consideration. How to direct her focus back to her meal?

  He nudged her.

  Her green eyes were on his. It almost caused him to forget his reason for summoning her attention.

  "Do you have no appetite, my lady?"

  Karin leaned back and moved the food around on her plate. "I am simply distracted…listening to Zdenek recount his first hunting trip.” Then her eyes were on him again. “Have you heard this story?"

  The corners of Pavel's mouth turned upward. "Many times." It was a rather diverting story.

  "And why praytell are you so interested in my eating habits?" A brow arched as she leaned toward him.

  "Perhaps it is that your disposition in the afternoon u
pon a missed lunch affects me." He forced his features into a serious expression and leaned nearer.

  Karin's cheeks colored, and she leaned away, glancing around the table. Did she fear someone might notice their closeness? Shouldn’t he concern himself thusly?

  Pavel’s gaze cut left and right, confirming what he already knew—everyone was too involved in their own conversations to notice.

  There was movement in the doorway to the far side of the great hall. Pavel watched as a man, by all appearances a courier, entered with a folded paper. The young man made his way straight for the head table.

  The Viscount barely acknowledged the man. He reached out and took the missive. Though the Viscount afforded the young man little more than a glance, the courier bowed and slipped into the backdrop, having been dismissed.

  Ripping at the seal on the paper, the Viscount set eyes on the words within. After what could have only been a few lines read, he rose, his chair legs scraping the floor.

  A hush fell over the room.

  "The news has just arrived," the Viscount announced, "The the deed has been done. We are rid of the menace."

  Pavel reached under the table and grabbed Karin's hand. Could he keep her calm?

  Her gaze flitted about the faces of those around her, but there was no recognition in her eyes. Only confusion on her features. Did she not understand the Viscount’s words?

  A breakout of murmurs surrounded them, but Karin's response was Pavel’s only concern.

  "What does he mean? What menace?" Karin said. Her voice was louder than Pavel would have liked.

  Pavel leaned toward her. Their faces so close. But he cared not for how it may appear. Only that he be as discrete as necessary. Would she? "He speaks of Jan Hus." His voice broke.

  The man he had known and respected was gone. Just like that. A man who had been his professor at one time, someone whose ideals Pavel believed in and followed…and now his voice had been silenced.

  "The trials to decide whether or not to execute him on charges of heresy…” Pavel quieted. Could he speak the words? “They made their choice." He wanted to retreat within himself, but he couldn’t. Karin needed him right now. And he had to keep her calm. Reaching out with his other hand, he pulled both of hers between his. Could he draw her attention?