The Lady Bornekova

by Sara R. Turnquist

  Her gaze upon him, green eyes flashed with new understanding. The color drained from her face and her mouth fell open. One of her hands slipped free and flew to her lips.

  Karin’s eyes slid closed and moisture appeared at the corners of her lids.

  "Look at me!" Pavel commanded under his breath.

  Her eyes opened, glassy and sad. And her breaths came rapidly. Would she become light-headed? Still, she obeyed him, keeping her gaze on him.

  "You cannot let them see, Karin.” His eyes searched hers. He worked to keep his voice as gentle as a caress. “Do you understand? This is not the time."

  She nodded, swallowing against a tightness in her throat. He saw the struggle to do so. The tears that threatened dried, but her breathing was still sporadic.

  Pavel held her gaze, taking deep breaths in and out, silently inviting her to breathe with him. After several rounds of soothing inhales and exhales, her shoulders fell.

  He sent up a prayer of gratitude. Then he scanned those sitting around the table. Everyone was caught in their conversations—in celebration or inquiry. No one seemed to notice Karin or her distress. For that, he was thankful.

  This was only the beginning. The followers of Jan Hus would not sit by. What would this mean for him and Karin?

  * * *

  Stepan could not stifle his smile. Who wouldn’t with such a turn of luck? Jan Hus had been executed. Perhaps he would be able to return to the University...if his father allowed. There would be no more of Hus's inane teachings and and end to the controversy on campus surrounding his ideals.

  The students and professors as a whole had become enamored with Hus. It made Stepan's stomach turn. Few retained their senses throughout the sensationalism which swept the campus. For certain his friends had kept their heads straight. At least in his father's house, if they found a Hussite, they could deal with them as the traitors they were.

  A letter had arrived an hour earlier from Professor Evzen, but Stepan knew what it would contain—details of Hus’s last days and the execution. It was not for lack of wanting to read these delicious details that Stepan carried the letter rather than reading it immediately; rather it was because there would be a better time and place. He would need to bide his time with Karin in the house.

  Her reaction to the treatment of the Hussite servant girl gave him pause. She was a sensitive soul and needed to be shielded from the harsh realities of the world.

  His father could have been exhibited more tact the day before when announcing the demise of Jan Hus. Karin had been at the far end of the table, but Stepan noted her reaction. She was quite beside herself at the reality of executing criminals. Pavel had helped ease her, and for that Stepan was grateful. Still, he was determined to protect Karin's eyes and ears from such harsh things.

  As Stepan neared his room, he passed Pavel in the hall.

  "I have been looking for you. Are we on for an afternoon ride?" There was a spark in Pavel’s eyes.

  Stepan nodded. "After I have a chance to read my missive from Professor Evzen."

  "More reports?" Pavel’s brows furrowed.

  Stepan nodded. "I suspect some details about the execution."

  "Ah," Pavel said. Something in his features changed, but it was difficult for Stepan to discern his thoughts.

  "Would you care to—?" Stepan started.

  "No, I...um...I wanted to take a short ride before," he said. Why was Pavel having such difficulty finding his words?

  What was happening to Pavel these last few days? He had been distant. And disappeared without notice.

  "As you wish." Stepan quirked a brow at him. "But this is the best news to come our way, my friend. You will see."

  Pavel nodded, looking off down the hall.

  Why was Pavel’s gaze so forlorn? Did he think of Karin’s upset over the news of the execution? Of course he would be.

  "Are you concerned after the Lady Karin?" Stepan softened his voice. "No lady should have to deal with such concerns. I wish my father had been more thoughtful of her presence."

  "Indeed," Pavel's gaze met Stepan’s once more, his words were slow, measured.

  "It is a shame she saw that treacherous servant thrown out. I truly regret the entire incident. Karin is so innocent. For her to be exposed to such dreadful occurrences…I must better shield her.”

  Pavel nodded, the movement rather slight. "I do fear that Karin, as so many women of the nobility, will be forced to suffer seeing and hearing the things we must deal with. Is there any way to protect them?" Why was his voice so timid?

  "Our women of stature do a fine job providing a sense of refinement and culture, but I fear they don’t realize the true teeth the world carries." Stepan clapped Pavel on the shoulder. "It is up to us, the next generation of nobility, to elevate the fairer sex above these ghastly things. You and I can make that happen. Come, I think I shall join you for that ride. It is a fair day to chase the wind."

  Stepan stuffed his letter into his pocket. There would be other times to read it. Perhaps that evening, he could devour it by candle in his chambers. Pavel was right. It was an excellent afternoon for riding.

  * * *

  Two days later, a letter arrived for Karin. As she slid the folds of the paper open, she saw the penmanship—her father’s. She excused herself from her conversation with Radek and Luc and took the letter to her bedchambers. Once she was settled in a chair, she reopened the letter and concentrated on its contents.

  After the opening pleasantries and well wishes as to her continuing improved health, the letter spoke of her father’s imminent return to the chateau with good news. She could scarcely believe it!

  Was her time of confinement coming to an end? Was that the good news? Was this due to the execution of Jan Hus and the civil unrest following in the wake? Was Father concerned for her safety? Did he think it best she remain under his watchful eye? Or did he think her less of a threat without someone to follow? Nothing was certain, as there was so little information given in the letter.

  But what of Pavel? Would the end of her time here be the end of their relationship? No, he said he wanted to marry her. So her father’s arrival would mean Pavel would ask for her hand! The thought caused a swell of warmth to fill her. Wasn’t this the very thing her parents wanted? A marriage to a nobleman of good breeding and standing…something that would be advantageous for them. What reason could they have to refuse such an offer?

  Her parents did not need to know he was a Hussite. No, that was something they could discover once she and Pavel were wed. Just thinking of the possibility of their joining made her heart leap. How would she contain this joy? This thrill at the thought of becoming Pavel's wife? Would it always be like this? The excitement, the acute awareness of her heart’s beating, and of the beauty around her? Just a few more days, and they would not have to hide.

  * * *

  Karin's intended purpose was not for the Viscount, the watcher sighed. But anger still burned deep within. She could not live. The watcher despised the young woman. Had she not become more insufferable? More unbearable with each passing day? Karin would not become connected to any member of this family, least of all become the future mistress of the house of Dvorak. It would not stand, would not be tolerated.

  If only the same young man the watcher tried to protect was not busy thwarting such well-laid plans, the deed would have be done. But this young man could not be faulted. He did not know how devious Karin was. How could he? For he only saw what she wanted him to. She had entraped him in her web. Shrewd. The watcher could see it all, even if he could not, and it would not be allowed to continue.

  Karin would be dealt with.

  * * *

  Karin pulled her cloak tighter around herself as a breeze brought with it a chill. How long should she wait for her beloved? But she knew, she would wait all night for even the hope he would appear. Seated on a bench in the garden, far from prying eyes, among the beautiful blossoms she had enjoyed on numerous occasions, she waited.<
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  The stars enraptured her, pulling her gaze heavenward toward the many twinkling lights above. Pavel and Karin had never attempted such before—sneaking out to meet in the late evening. But Father would be here the following day and, with him, the promise of many more things to come.

  Karin needed to see Pavel, to speak with him. Alone. So, at the evening meal, she had slipped a note into his hand when she was certain no one watched. In the note, she asked him to meet her here after nightfall.

  Hands fell over hers, crossed and on her upper arms. They rubbed her arms, generating warmth there and also in her core.

  Turning, she confirmed with her eyes what she knew in her heart—it was Pavel.

  "It is rather cool this night." He sat next to her, losing contact with her arm. She missed his touch at once.

  "But it is beautiful." She raised a hand toward the stars. Her gaze followed. "So clear. It is almost as if you could reach out and pluck them from the sky."

  Pavel made a sweeping gesture as if to gather many stars at once. "For you, my lady."

  Smiling, she could not help but shiver as another chilled breeze whipped by.

  Pavel wrapped an arm around her. "You are cold, my lady." His words were soft and warm near her ear.

  "Not anymore." She gazed into the azure pools of his eyes. Just beyond him, she caught sight of a star streaking across the sky. "Look!"

  Pavel turned, following the direction of her hand. But it was too late for him to catch a glimpse.

  "A shooting star," she explained when his eyes met hers again.

  "Then you must close your eyes and make a wish." Pavel whispered.

  She let her eyelids fall. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. The heat coming from his body soaked into her. He was so close.

  What should she wish for? She couldn’t seem to put a thought together. All that existed was Pavel and this moment.

  Soft lips pressed against hers.

  She let out a sound and tilted her head to deepen the kiss. This, this is what she wanted.

  After a few moments of bliss, he pulled back.

  Without opening her eyes, she said, "It came true."

  His mouth met hers again for another, lighter kiss. Then he pulled her into a warm embrace.

  "Pavel?" she said against his shoulder, now opening her eyes and gazing across the gardens again.

  "Yes?" he whispered into her hair.

  "My father is coming tomorrow."

  "Oh?" He stroked the hair falling down her back.

  "I too am weary of hiding. Will you speak with him soon?"

  He buried his lips in her hair. "Yes. I will arrange to speak with him as soon as he will receive me."

  She moved ever closer to Pavel, rubbing her cheek against his chest. "How will I endure the wait?"

  Pavel clasped her tighter and then loosened his hold, keeping her in the cocoon of his gentle embrace.

  Was he, too, eager for an end to these secrets? Was he anxious for the talk with Father? How could she reassure him? Could she?

  Moving her face against his shoulder, she relished in this moment. And prayed it would be the first of a lifetime.

  One thing was certain—after tomorrow, there would be no more hiding.

  Chapter 9

  Hopeful

  Petr prayed for his journey to be over long before he spotted the familiar shape of the chateau and the burgundy and yellow of the structure. It had rained much of the trip, and it seemed impossible to remain dry with the direction of the rain. The portico was a welcome sight.

  Once in visual range, only a matter of moments separated him from the drier interior. His coach pulled under the overhang and the door of his carriage was opened. He stepped down and found his daughter prepared to greet him. Had she been watching for him? She stepped forward and embraced him. Was she not bothered that he was drenched?

  "Father, I am glad you have returned."

  "Thank you.” He stepped back, displeased to note that her dress was now damp. “I am pleased for your continued recovery."

  She nodded, moving toward the entrance to the chateau. It was likely she was more aware of the chill in the air now, having soiled her dress from their embrace.

  Moving into the chateau, he was grateful to get out of the cold, rainy weather. He wanted to be shown to his room forthwith for dry clothes, but Vlastik would want to receive him. So they moved toward the same receiving room they had waited in weeks ago. Thankfully, the Viscount did not keep him waiting long.

  "My dear friend, you will catch your death of cold in those wet clothes!" Vlastik admonished Petr as he laid eyes on him.

  "I assure you I am quite all right." Petr resisted the urge to wipe at his nose.

  "Nonsense!" Vlastik continued, his brows furrowed as he led Petr father into the chateau. "I insist a hot bath be prepared at once and dry clothes be put out." the Viscount all but shouted to a nearby manservant. "And show the earl to a fireplace for heaven's sake."

  The young manservant seemed at a loss. Perhaps he did not know whether to wait for the hot bath before preparing the dry clothes or put the earl in dry clothes forthwith while the bathwater was heated. It wasn’t long before he moved toward Petr. Had he made a decision?

  "Follow me, my lord." The man led Petr up the stairs, away from Vlastik and Karin.

  The manservant took Petr to his previously inhabited bedchambers. A fire was stoked with all due haste. Two servants together stripped him of his wet clothes as another young manservant prepared a hot bath. It wasn’t long before all was ready.

  Sinking into the tub, Petr welcomed the heat of the water to warm his chilled body. As he returned to normal temperatures, he could relax. It was short-lived, however, as his thoughts soon shifted to Karin.

  What had her time here been like as he was away? From all of Mary’s letters and reports, she had kept herself free of any objectionable materials.

  And why had Vlastik summoned him if not in hopes of making official some plan to wed their children? Perhaps he could gain an audience with his friend that evening lest his curiosity keep him from the sleep he so needed.

  Would everything finally fall into place?

  * * *

  Karin had not been able to sleep. She was too eager for what her father would say to Pavel. Surely he could not refuse her this happiness. Why would he? Pavel was a good man from a noble family, a fine match for her. A baron’s son. How could her father refuse his daughter to make such a connection?

  Still, something in her feared the worst. Such nonsense. There was nothing to indicate that her father would deny her, but her worries kept her from peaceful rest. As sleep continued to elude her, she gave up any hope it would come and rose just before dawn.

  Dressing for the day in silence, she longed for the solitude of a walk by the stream. Pavel had arranged to meet with Father before the hunting activities. Would their meeting happen within the hour? Regardless, Karin’s secret place beckoned her. So, she made her way to the stream. Still, it was just as difficult to quiet her thoughts. At last, leaning her head back, she closed her eyes and prayed.

  Father, help me place all in Your capable hands. You know my heart's desire, and You know I only want to serve You with my life. I ask that You, in Your gracious loving kindness, grant Pavel and I this happiness of serving You together.

  Karin prayed the words over and over, beseeching God in the silence, as in her torrent of emotion she knew not what else to pray. How long she lingered or how many times she uttered those few lines of prayer, she did not know.

  Her face warmed. Could it be? She opened her eyes. Yes, the sun had crept over the treetops. The hour for the men to rise for breakfast and prepare themselves for the hunt had come. Pavel and Father would be deep in conversation. Shouldn’t she return?

  Standing, she whispered the words of her simple prayer once more, pouring her whole heart into her supplication. Then she shook her skirts clean of any clinging grass and made her way toward the looming walls of the chateau
. She tarried only to gather some of the beautiful wildflowers growing along the way.

  Climbing the hill, she spotted a figure moving from the massive structure to the stables. Who would be out so early? A servant? No, the figure was finely dressed. She narrowed her eyes to hone her vision. Could it be…Pavel? Fair hair, tall, somewhat muscular physique…the figure certainly looked like him.

  Karin quickened her step and changed direction toward the stables. Several minutes later, she closed the distance, still she was practically jogging by the time she reached the entry to the smaller structure.

  Once inside, it took only a matter of seconds to find the man readying a horse.

  It was Pavel.

  Dropping her basket, she rushed to him.

  "Pavel? What is it?" Her words were breathless. She gasped from the exertion of her hurried walk.

  Without turning, he continued to prepare his horse. Why would he not look at her? And she knew. Something terrible had happened. They were not to be married.

  If it were not so, he would have taken her in his arms right then. They would be the happiest people in the world, speaking words of love to each other.

  How? Why? A new kind of heat filled her. It burned between her shoulder blades. How could he? How dare her father deny her this! "What, Pavel? What did he say to you?"

  Still no answer. But he paused.

  Karin grabbed his arm. He would have to push her out of the way or stop and answer her.

  "It is not to be." Though he did not continue to work the straps of the saddle, he still wouldn't look at her.

  "Why? Why would he refuse us?" Her voice broke. There were tears in her eyes, hot, angry tears, and she gripped his arm. Why wouldn’t he face her? Though she pulled at him, he wouldn’t budge.

  "Karin, you are promised to another!" His voice was firm. And he turned, his eyes on her at last.