Frantisek and Jakub walked to the Constable's office door.
Jakub peered at Frantisek. His eyes were wide. Was he nervous about their report?
Frantisek knocked.
“Come in,” the booming voice called.
They entered the smaller room as Borivoj sat behind his desk.
"Anything today?" Borivoj pulled his ledger book toward himself.
"Not much," Frantisek said. "There was one woman who said she remembered the carriage and may have seen someone around it at some point."
"That is something," Borivoj said, making a note. "Did she describe this person?"
"Man. Average height, average weight, brownish-blonde hair."
Borivoj wrote it down and then glanced up. "That could be anyone. It could be you."
Frantisek nodded.
Borivoj let out a long sigh. "I suppose it is someplace to start."
"You cannot be serious!" Frantisek’s voice rose. He calmed himself, lowering his tone. "She could have seen someone looking to steal something. Or someone passing by. Or just one of the servants in the party."
"It is still worth looking into," Borivoj said. "Besides, it is all we have."
Frantisek nodded. He had known he would be following up on this vague description anyway, so he would do well just to accept it.
* * *
Petr heard movement on the balcony below. He watched as Mary escorted Karin to a seat in the sun. Mary tucked a blanket around Karin. Was she so concerned as to her mistress’s comfort?
"Thank you, Mary," Karin’s voice was small.
It was difficult to make out her words from the floor above. Was a new understanding developing between Karin and Mary?
Petr was pleased. He had found this corner balcony—a place where Karin could get sunshine in peace and quiet. There was no reason for her to spend time among the others in the chateau. Not yet.
It had been difficult, but Petr kept the concerned noblemen at bay with simple reports of her progress. Perhaps it was overprotectiveness, but Petr was not willing to risk what Vlastik or Stepan would think if they were to see her in this state. Or worse, what if they were to find out about her brief attachment to Pavel? This was best.
Now that they started her treatment, sunlight and a more stringent routine, she was already much improved. Each day, Petr and Mary would bring Karin to this forgotten balcony and leave her with her thoughts. Little did Karin know, her father watched over her from a window one floor above.
The door to the balcony opened. Did Mary forget something? Had she come to check on Karin’s progress with the tea?
As the figure stepped through the doorway, its broad shoulders and solid form belied that it was not Mary.
One of the noblemen? Had someone discovered Karin’s secluded spot and trespassed upon her quiet?
The straight brown hair shifted as the man moved a step toward Karin. Stepan. It had to be.
Petr spun. He must make haste and insist on Karin’s privacy.
As he turned, he came face to face with Vlastik.
"My friend," Vlastik said in a calm voice, holding up a hand.
Were Petr’s features so telling of his ire? He pulled in a ragged breath.
"Do not keep my son from your daughter."
"Karin is not well..." Petr clamored for words as he moved to step around Vlastik. How was he to explain the situation? What would convince Vlastik to let him pass?
Vlastik moved to block him again. "I understand. And I hope you know we are all concerned for her, no one more so than Stepan. Do not let pride guide your decision here, friend. I do not think my son is discouraged by your daughter's illness, quite the opposite. So do let him speak with her, if only for a short time. We can keep watch from here."
Petr’s breathing was as rapid as his pulse. But he dare not refuse his host such a request. In that moment, his options were closed off. He must hope Karin had enough sense not to speak of her relationship with Pavel.
Chapter 10
A New Hope
Gazing across the side meadow, Karin closed her eyes and let the wind whip strands of hair across her face. Trying to envision a future seemed a futile venture, but still she looked to the days ahead. Would she ever remain in this dark place? Or would the sunlight eventually penetrate it?
The door creaked open behind her. Was Mary come to collect her already? Or was Mary out to check on her?
She glanced at her cup. Karin had not been faithful at drinking it. The herbs were rather bitter, and it was even more unpleasant once the warmth had gone. Lost in her thoughts, it was easy to let her tea get cold.
Lifting the cup to her lips, she drew in a couple of long sips. There now, some progress. Perhaps Mary would not be so perturbed.
But the footsteps drawing near were heavier than Mary's and the breathing was deeper than Father’s. Had someone else come? Who?
Her chair angled away from the door, she could not see who approached. Should she be concerned? No fear rose within. Because she had no need? Or because she cared not for her own safety?
At length, she turned, more from curiosity.
"Stepan." Karin met his gaze. How long had it been since she had laid eyes on him? On any of the others?
He stepped closer so she did not have to turn quite so much.
"Karin." His features were drawn. Was he concerned for her? "How are you?"
His worry was endearing. Did it stir something in her? Yes, there was a gentle, subtle warmth in her chest.
"I have difficult days and days that are not so…trying."
His eyes seemed to be the source of the warmth.
He nodded. "And today?"
How was she to answer? Each day seemed so much the same as the last. One melting into the other. That would not serve him.
She waved a hand toward the only other seat. "Please, sit."
Stepan obeyed.
The corners of her mouth tugged, but she could not make them move upward. "Today has begun to brighten."
Stepan’s lips broadened and a slight blush touched his cheeks.
Was there, deep down, a hint of the old Karin in that moment? She so enjoyed the company of these young men and how their attention and consideration had made her days of isolation easier.
"We have all been so anxious," he said. Then he hesitated before confessing, "I have been anxious after your well-being."
His words caused a chill to shoot through her. The sting of heartbreak was too fresh for her to entertain another’s interest.
It would make her father happy, she thought darkly. Was she overreacting? Perhaps Stepan was reaching out as a friend. And she needed friends.
"Thank you.” Karin looked toward the chateau grounds.
Silence fell between them.
What should she say? What did she have to give?
"I appreciate you coming to—" Karin started while Stepan said, "I do not know if your father told you—"
A smile touched her features at their awkward timing. It was a genuine smile. The first in so many days.
"Please, you," Karin said with a brief nod.
"I did not know if your father told you about Pavel. The timing of your... " Was he struggling to choose the right word? "Illness...perhaps prevented you from knowing that he has quit the chateau."
Karin's gaze shifted away from Stepan once more at the mention of Pavel. Now she fixed her gaze back over the grounds. She did not hear all he said. It had not occurred to her how others would find Pavel’s sudden flight. Closing her eyes, his face was before her. And her heart was sad. All semblance of warmth left her.
"No one had a chance for a proper farewell." Stepan's voice cut into her thoughts. "He left early in the morning. Perhaps there was some urgent business at his father's house. I cannot imagine he would leave in such a way under any other circumstances."
Karin closed her eyes and fought tears threatening to overcome her. Her pulse thundered in her ears so loud she could not hear Stepan.
; His hand fell on her arm.
How much time passed in the silence?
"Karin, are you well?" His tone was gentle.
Turning to face him, she tried to push down her warring emotions. "I am just tired."
"Shall I call for your maidservant?" His voice was filled with concern.
She placed a hand on his. "No, thank you. She will be along soon. Please sit with me. Tell me of Zdenek, Radek, and Luc."
He seemed uncertain. Did he fear for her health? Did he think calling for Mary would help?
After some moments, his features relaxed. "I do have a story of Zdenek.” His mouth quirked into one of his more devious smiles. "Do you remember the young lady from the ball? Eva? “
Karin nodded.
Stepan continued with a tale of Zdenek's overtures toward courtship. How strange that these noblemen viewed her as friend and yet still a lady worth pursuing. The relationships she had formed with these men were rather unique.
The door creaking drew both of their attention, cutting into Stepan’s story.
Mary stepped out to the balcony and moved toward the pair.
Taking another long sip of her now cold tea, Karin swallowed and cringed. The cup was not drained, but it was close to it.
As she neared, Mary peered in the cup and frowned.
Karin shrugged. Why would she bother? Why would she care about Mary’s thoughts?
But Mary's eyes softened. She gathered the cup and tray.
Karin swung her legs over the side of the lounge, and Mary collected the blanket from Karin’s lap.
"I fear I must take my leave." Karin directed her gaze toward Stepan. " I have enjoyed our conversation."
Stepan rose and offered his arm to Karin.
She accepted it, offering him the same small smile she had come to manage.
Now on her feet, she paused to squeeze the arm that she held. Karin then released him and moved toward the door.
"Karin," Stepan called after her.
Turning, she sought his eyes. "Yes?"
"May I join you again tomorrow?"
The corners of her lips tugged, this time into a smile. "I would like that."
He bowed.
She tilted hers and, with Mary in tow, moved into the chateau.
* * *
Petr peered at his friend, who had long since seated himself across the room.
"Yes?" Vlastik asked, eyes meeting Petr’s.
"Karin is back in the chateau.” Petr turned back toward the window. What words had been spoken between Karin and Stepan?
"What do you think?" Having given up his vigil by the window, Vlastik had no idea what had transpired below.
Petr's focus drifted downward to the balcony where Stepan still stood.
Stepan continued to gaze after her for a few moments. Then his head shifted so that he looked toward the grounds. Was he deep in thought? About what? Did he suspect anything?
Petr had seen glimpses of the old Karin in her exchange with Stepan. Should it encourage him? There was a moment when Karin had become distressed, but it had been fleeting. Stepan had recaptured her attention, and her smile. Something Petr had sorely been missing.
"I think it was best," Petr admitted.
Vlastik sighed. "I knew it would be."
Rising, Vlastik crossed the room, moving to stand next to his friend. "I think if you continue to let Stepan visit your daughter, then we will have two happy children when we announce that plans for their wedding are already in place."
Petr nodded. What had Pavel told Karin? Had he disclosed this? The betrothal that was in place? What exactly had Pavel and Karin said to one another?
* * *
Karin gazed over the countryside as she picked at the food on her plate. Having finished her meal, she was enjoying the banter between her father and the Viscount. She glanced in Stepan's direction. His smile betrayed his amusement.
Soft brown eyes met hers. And they shared a stifled laugh.
Their fathers were close friends, but their conversation could get quite colorful when one of them remembered something with the slightest difference. It was almost as if no one else was at the meal at this point, the Viscount and Petr were so engaged with each other.
"Excuse me, Father," Stepan interrupted their repartee. "I think after this wonderful meal, I need to walk a bit. If you will excuse me."
"Of course." The Viscount didn’t seem too set on Stepan’s request. He turned toward Petr, opening his mouth. Would these jabs never end?
"Karin, would you care for a walk?" He stood and offered her his hand.
She allowed a smile to grace her features as she reached for it. “I would.”
The Viscount and Petr exchanged a look. Karin wanted to roll her eyes. At least they had halted their quarrel.
"Are you quite certain they are not in need of a chaperone?" the Viscountess spoke to her husband. "It is not proper for a young lady and young man to..."
The Viscount shushed her. "They will be all right. Stepan will not wander far. We will chaperone from here."
"Petr, you must speak some reason to my lord husband. After all, she is your daughter."
"As you see, my lady, there is no speaking reason to your husband. Certainly not from me."
"Now, listen, Petr, if you will but remember..." the Viscount started.
That was all Karin heard as she and Stepan moved farther away. She held a hand to her mouth to contain her laughter. Glancing at Stepan, she saw him doing the same.
They moved deeper into the forest. Karin would inquire about various plants she admired and Stepan would point out tracks of animals. Twice, they chanced upon a clear view of an animal in the distance.
He is a gifted hunter. It is lucky I will never be his prey.
Continuing their walk, Karin was thankful Stepan did not use his full stride. Rather he paced his step to hers. Their conversation was comfortable and easy. They had developed a solid friendship. Was this not the best basis for anything else?
With Pavel, everything happened so fast. And everything between them was so heated. With Stepan, she did not feel the same nervousness, or the same magnetism. Which was better? She did not feel for him the way she had for Pavel—she was not in love. But, perhaps what they had could develop into love.
Stepan’s words grew louder as his hunting tale continued.
Karin’s face warmed. She had lost track of what he had been saying.
"What? I'm sorry. I must have—" she started.
"Shhh!" Stepan’s voice was harsh. He cocked his head to one side. It seemed rather odd.
A laugh bubbled in Karin at what a strange picture Stepan made.
He jumped toward her. "Get down!"
What? Was there danger?
He shoved her to the side and toward the ground, landing on top of her.
Karin let out a hrumph as everything in her lungs rushed out. Gasping for breath, she struggled for air. Could she not breathe? She clawed at her neck.
Stepan's weight lifted and shifted to the side.
Her hand grazed something. And pain slammed into her. There was heat, a stinging in her shoulder. Touching the source of the pain, she felt a gash in her upper arm. She pressed a hand over the wound and clenched her teeth against the pain. Her breaths rushed in and out, seething through her teeth.
What had injured her? Was there some sharp rock that could have caused it?
"Are you well enough to move?" Stepan’s face was over hers. There was an urgency in his voice.
"I think so." Karin sat up. Did he not care about her wound?
He jumped to his feet and held out a hand to her.
She allowed him to lift her.
His eyes moved over her from top to bottom. "We need to clear the area before whoever that was takes another shot."
Did he still not see the blood coming from her arm? Still, Karin nodded, her world spinning. What was he talking about? Someone was shooting at them? She didn’t have time to think before he tugged on her, pu
lling her behind him as he shuffled through the trees.
Stepan pushed her to continue as fast as she could. It was madness. But he was quick to assist her at every turn.
Karin focused on blocking out the pain. She followed him, wishing he would let her pause. Her breathing was uneven and burned.
But he did not. So, she kept her eyes to ground, mindful of anything that may trip her.
As they neared the spot they had departed from, he slowed his pace.
Thanks be to God! She glanced toward him. His face was quite pale. "Stepan, what's wrong?”
He shook his head. But his breathing was worse than hers! What good would he be to her a heap on the ground?
She opened her mouth to insist, but felt him slow even more.
"There is a stream nearby I know well."
Karin nodded. Perhaps she would tell him of her injury once they made it to the stream.
Moments later, she heard the sound of water rushing over stones. And soon after, they arrived.
“Please, drink. You need it.” His voice was firm, but not as demanding as it had been. And she found no reason to argue.
Falling to her knees, she scooped water toward her mouth. "What happened? Why the rush? Did you not see that I have been wounded?"
He had not the space to answer before she spun on him.
Then the pieces came together. Stepan was twisted toward his left side, examining his own arm, which was now home to a hunter’s arrow.
How had she not seen? Not known? He had kept her to his right side. Why had he hidden this from her?
The arrow pierced his arm, now sticking through. Had the blade been what grazed her arm? He had fallen on her. When the arrow came through, the head would have fallen on her arm.
How childish was she! So worried after her own wound when he incurred such a serious injury while protecting her.
"Stepan!" She manuevered to examine the arm.
He jerked the impaled limb back and away from her. "Please, Karin, you don't need to see." His eyes were wide and darker against his pallor. "I don't want you to see."
Why? Why hide it from her? "I want to help you."
The Lady Bornekova Page 17
