Knight of Runes (9 page)

She also intrigued him with her fighting ability and her self-assured manner—both of which he would have to control. He couldn’t let her go around undermining his authority.
Is that why she is here? Has she come to invade from within the walls?

He could not help wondering about her and her mission. He had instructed his field captains to step up training and stay alert, to keep an eye on her and give him daily reports. It was all they could do for now. He was confident the proper controls were in place. He moved out of his shadow to get a better look at her. She was enticing as well as intriguing which could be a deadly combination if he wasn’t careful. He leaned a little closer trying to decide if he should wake her. He caught a whiff of lavender and rose. He took a deeper breath. Pleasant, he thought. He relaxed a bit and caught the acrid smell of Leticia’s brew. Of course, Jeannie always gave a dose when she stitched. No wonder the woman slept so soundly. He moved the hair away from her face to get a better look.

The slight brush of his fingertips against her soft cheek set off a deep tingling sensation. He pulled his hand away as if burned by a flame. He felt the same sensation when she sat in his lap crossing the river. He smiled, remembering her reaction when he whispered in her ear. He stood up and let out a deep breath. He didn’t want any more confrontations this day. Another opportunity would arise soon enough. He wouldn’t wake her. If he did, it wouldn’t be to question her. He left her room, quietly closing the door behind him.

Rebeka watched the morning sun burn off the silver gray mist until only small smudges of fog remained hanging in the cooler shaded areas. She wrapped her arms around herself. Even in the soft robe, the morning was chilly.

“Good morrow, m’lady.”

She turned. “Good morning, Jeannie.”

“Did you sleep well? I’ve brought you a cup of tea and some fresh clothes to wear. How is your leg this morning?” Jeannie put the tea on the table.

“My leg feels fine, a bit tender and achy but nothing serious. Thank you again.” Rebeka washed up in the basin, put on more salve and looked at the clothes Jeannie brought.
Blend in. Well, when in Rome…
She slipped into the clothes as Jeannie busied herself in the room. The chemise was very fine white linen embroidered with the smallest pink rosebuds around the neckline and hem, followed by a pale green petticoat, and finally the dark green cotton gown. Jeannie fastened up the back of the gown, adjusted the top of the chemise to peek over the bodice and tucked up the hem of the gown on one side to show the petticoat.

“Well, m’lady, this color suits you. I was concerned about the fit on the top. You are a bit chestier than most, but you fill out the gown well.”

Rebeka stood in front of the long mirror to get a good look. She admitted the dress fit her pretty well. She sat down at the small table to have her tea.

“Here, m’lady, let me help you with your hair.” Without waiting, Jeannie went about combing Rebeka’s hair, sweeping it up.

“Logan said he would meet you at the top of the stairs to take you to the hall to break the morning fast. The family is there, Lord Arik of course, and Skylar and Aubrey, Lord Arik’s orphaned nieces, and Lady Katherine, a distant cousin. Logan told his nieces all about you and they’re excited to meet you. Guests don’t come here often so your being here is a great event. Skylar hopes you can tell her what the women in court are wearing. Logan on the other hand has told everyone about your ordeal with the thieves on the road. Aubrey already wants to invite you to the summer harvest festival and she is talking about taking you around the Manor to show you everything. Doward stayed the night as he often does and will also be breaking the fast with you. There, m’lady, done.”

“You told me about everyone but Lady Katherine.”

“She didn’t tell me anything but to hurry up and not forget my chores.” It was obvious from Jeannie’s tone she didn’t care for Lady Katherine.

“Well then, I’ll go and find Logan so you can get on with your chores. Thank you, Jeannie, for all your help.”

Logan stood at the head of the stairs propped against the wall, waiting for her.

She took a good look at him as he straightened to his full height. As she came near, she saw his broad welcoming smile. He was in his early twenties, tall, about six feet, with a lean but solid build. His dark short hair and mesmerizing blue-green eyes—so like his brothers—would make any coed’s heart stop, and his smile would make them weak. He was definitely a candidate for the big man on campus.

“Good morrow.” Taking her arm, he led her down the stairs toward the hall. “I hope you slept well.” He spoke easily. “I have to warn you, my nieces are eager to talk to you.”

“I’m eager to meet them too.”

“I’ve brought our other house guest, Lady Rebeka, to break the fast with us,” said Logan as they entered the Great Hall.

The conversation stopped and all heads turned toward Logan and Rebeka. She felt Arik’s eyes on her as soon as she entered the room. Her skin sizzled as the heat of his gaze followed her across the hall. She stole a glance and saw his eyes focused on the pink rosebuds on her bodice. Logan seated her between himself and his brother.

Arik’s voice filled the silence. “I hope you slept well,” he said as he began to eat.

Rebeka took the offered seat. Arik was commanding on their trek, but he was compelling sitting at his table. She caught a whiff of cinnamon and bay with a touch of something sweet. She took a deeper breath. Ah, yes, it was honeysuckle. Through the rain and sweat yesterday, the fragrance had clung to him.

“Yes, Arik, thank you. I did. And please, call me Rebeka.”

The woman beside Arik gasped. Rebeka sighed inwardly—would she ever get the hang of what she should and shouldn’t say?

Smoothly ignoring her faux pas Logan spoke up. “Rebeka, let me introduce you to everyone. This is Lady Katherine, our cousin. These are my nieces Skylar and Aubrey. You know Doward.”

“Good morrow, Rebeka. You look well after yesterday’s ordeal,” said Doward.

“I’m Aubrey.” Rebeka faced a young girl about twelve with large ice-blue eyes, brimming with excitement. The pretty oval face was framed with jet-black hair that fell in a riot of untamed curls down her back. She sat at the edge of her seat, giving Rebeka the impression she would dash up to her any minute. “We’re so glad you’re visiting us.”

“And I’m Skylar.” Rebeka focused on a beautiful young woman, about sixteen. The girls looked very similar only with different coloring. Skylar’s hair was a rich mahogany-brown with touches of gold, her eyes a beautiful dark green. Skylar too seemed excited but in a more sophisticated way. Rebeka watched as Skylar gently pulled Aubrey back on her chair. “I too am glad you’re visiting us.”

While the girls smiled and greeted her warmly, Katherine was cold and remote. She gave no greeting. She barely faced Rebeka.

As Rebeka sipped her tea, she assessed Katherine. She was a good-looking woman. Rebeka estimated her to be about her age, mid-to late-thirties, a bit shorter than herself and a lean straight figure with limited curves. She had blond curly hair, and while separately the features on her face were pleasant enough, her set expression gave the appearance of a dour personality. She wore the dress of the day in rich fabrics accessorized with a chatelaine, “the keys to the castle.” Formal and rigid, yes, that was the impression she gave. No one would dare call her Kate.

“Where was I?” Doward went on. “Yes, I was in Easton, having the wagon wheel fixed. The villagers were all talking about the…”

Rebeka looked around the hall.
The tapestries and the sideboard are the same.
This was the same hall she saw two days ago. “Lady Rebeka, where are you from?” Katherine’s question brought her back into the moment.

Inwardly annoyed, she gave Katherine her full attention. Katherine demanded an answer. This attitude must run in the family. Lady Katherine was very well suited for Lord Arik. The thought irritated her.

She returned Katherine’s glare with a smile. “Please, Rebeka will do. I’m from London.”

Arik repeated what Doward had told him on the trail. “She’s a scribe, here to use our library.”

“A scribe, a woman scribe, how absurd, besides why would she be coming here? What information?” She was indignant and looked to Arik for an answer.

Arik raised one eyebrow and gave her a cold stare.

Katherine looked surprised.

Rebeka started to answer but Arik stepped in. “She is here at my bidding. I petitioned Jamie and he sent her.”

Rebeka didn’t feel any compunction to correct him. A glance at Doward and she guessed he felt the same.

“Rebeka,” said Aubrey, as the meal drew to a close. “Would you like me to acquaint you with the Manor?”

“Aubrey,” Katherine barked at the child. “You have things to do. Besides, all she needs are directions to the library across the hall.”

Face fallen and shoulders slumped, Aubrey looked at the empty plate in front of her.

“Aubrey, that’s a good idea,” said Arik, finishing his ale. “Katherine, she can do her chores later. Go ahead, princess, acquaint our guest with her new surroundings.”

Arik started to get up from the table. Rebeka briefly touched his arm to stop him. “Arik, I have several things to discuss with you including the ambush on the trail.” Arik and Katherine both looked surprised.

“Not now.” Arik was emphatic, throwing his napkin on the table. Again he got ready to rise.

His response startled Rebeka. “Lord Arik.” He turned toward her. “In order to carry on my research, I need some additional information. I suppose we can talk about the ambush some other time,” she said sweetly, giving him her most devastating stare.

“Before you came down to the hall, I had the books gathered. They’re on the desk. Draft a list of any others you may need and I will make certain they’re available to you,” he said matter-of-factly. He started for the door.

“Thank you, how considerate of you.”

Katherine gave Rebeka one final glare as she got up to leave the table. “Aubrey, make certain you don’t take all day.” She turned on her heel, heading for the kitchen, calling to Jeannie.

“Jeannie, call the cook and downstairs maid. I want to speak to them about this awful meal and ill-kept room.”

Doward, Logan and Skylar made their excuses and left the hall.

Aubrey started the tour in the entranceway and proceeded on to the rest of the house. They entered the Grand Gallery and Aubrey stopped in front of a picture of a beautiful lady dressed for court. She looked at it with deep sad eyes.

George had stopped in front of this picture too, Rebeka remembered, racking her brain. What had he said her name was? And was this the connection? She looked behind her and was disappointed Arik’s picture was not there.

Rebeka returned her attention to Aubrey. “Who is this?”

“This is my mother, Lady Leticia. I miss her, but when I come here, I feel I am near her. See how she smiles at me?”

“Yes. She is very beautiful and has a beautiful smile, like yours.” Rebeka gently squeezed Aubrey’s hand, trying to ease her distress.
So she is not his wife, but his sister.

“Come see my picture. It isn’t completed yet but it will be soon.” Aubrey’s smile brightened.

In the corner of the gallery, where the light was very good, there was an easel draped with cloth. Aubrey uncovered it to show a large picture of Arik, Logan, Skylar and herself.

“It’s a wonderful picture of the four of you. It will be even more wonderful when it’s finished.” The artist captured not only a good physical likeness of the family but also a sense of animation.

“Come, Rebeka, we’ll go to Mother’s garden.” Aubrey face lit up and she eagerly led the way downstairs and along the hall.

Rebeka paused as they passed a young girl polishing the furniture.
Déjà vu.
The fragrance of the lavender and oil on the newly polished furniture was the same as the last time she had seen it, in her own time. She half expected Charles to be standing next to her. Aubrey pulled her toward the estate room doorway. Rebeka closed her eyes. Maybe when she opened them she would see George and everything would be back to normal.

“Hello, Uncle Arik.”

Rebeka opened her eyes, startled to see Arik sitting behind the desk. Thrown off balance for the moment, she grabbed the door.

Arik saw her surprise. “Are you all right?”

“Yes, just startled.” She tried to regain her composure.

“Who were you expecting to see?”

She didn’t answer. She didn’t trust herself to answer.

He turned to Aubrey. “Ah, princess, how is the tour? Where’re you off to?”

There was softness in his eyes. It surprised Rebeka.

“I’m taking Rebeka to see the garden.”

“Don’t be long, Aubrey. The woman has work to do.” As he looked at Rebeka, the softness faded.

“We won’t be long.” Aubrey was already leading Rebeka out of the terrace door and down the marble steps, along the footpath edged with herbs toward the garden. The remnants of wild herbs grew haphazardly with some areas almost bare and others running wild. She could just make out the slight sweetness and spicy aroma of marjoram, the clean freshness of mint and the savory, citric fragrance of thyme. Rebeka looked around. It was unkempt, sorrowful somehow.

“Nothing grows here anymore, not since Mother died. It’s the only place where I can talk to her.” Aubrey’s voice was almost inaudible. She looked up at Rebeka, her eyes on the verge of tears.

Rebeka knew the hurt and devastation of losing a parent. For her, remembering happened at odd moments, around a campfire, in the grocery store, at graduation, when she was awarded her Ph.D. The ache never went away. Rebeka needed to distract Aubrey, get her away from the garden. “I think the only place left for us to see is the library. Will you show me the way?”

Aubrey looked at Rebeka and nodded. She took Rebeka’s hand and they walked along the terrace to the library. They opened the doors just as Jeannie entered from the hallway with tea and scones.

“Ah, there you are, Aubrey. You had better go on and do your chores before Lady Katherine gets vexed. You know how she can get.”

“But I haven’t shown Rebeka the tower or the dungeon.”

“Another day perhaps, now go.” Jeannie gave Aubrey a scone.

“All right, I’ll go.” She turned to Rebeka. “I’ll take you to see more tomorrow.” Aubrey took a bite of the cake.

“Thank you, Aubrey. It was a wonderful tour.” Aubrey left, grabbing a second scone from the dish and flashing Jeannie and Rebeka a smile before she dashed away.

“You’re very good with her,” said Rebeka.

“Her mother’s death was hard for her. I try to ease the pain. Some days are better than others.”

“She gave me a wonderful tour. There’s intelligence behind those eyes. My father would call her an old soul. I enjoyed her company.”

“Your father would be correct. Now, it seems we all have to get to our chores, you too, m’lady. If you need me call out. I’ll not be far away.”

Alone in the library, Rebeka made a cursory inventory of the books piled on the table. As far as she could tell, they were all almanacs and books on plants. She looked for something else, anything to give her some hint. She stretched and flexed her fingers like a musician getting ready to play an instrument. It must be close, hiding in the open. All she needed to do was recognize it.