In Bed With A Stranger(4)

"Leave."

Replacing her cap, Anne made it halfway to the door before Philipa stopped her.

"Have you been attentive in your studies, girl?"

Turning back to face the lady, Anne answered, "Aye, lady."

But not because of your dictates.

Her temper would be the worse for her but she couldn't stop it from  rising. Still, she studied hard because learning was something that was a  skill. It resided inside her and could never be stripped away.

"Take yourself up to the books and remain there."

Anne lowered her head because she didn't trust her voice to be smooth or  anywhere near respectful. Lady Mary getting married wasn't any reason  for the mistress to turn sour. Anyone with half a wit in their head had  been expecting such an announcement for years. Having to be dragged home  by her father-now that was reason for worry. Mary was fortunate her new  husband didn't know what a brat she was; otherwise she just might gain  her wish and escape consummating the marriage. But that would brand her a  spinster and the gossips would have a heyday with it. Suspicion would  grow as everyone wondered why Mary was so loath to commit to a marriage  that would gain her a better estate than her mother governed. With her  dowry to join with her husband's land, their children would live a  better life than they did. It was a grand match.

Lady Mary was simply too childish to understand how food appeared on the  table when she sat down for supper. Anne knew where the grain for every  loaf of bread came from. She knew when the harvest was slim or the  sheep not lambing as often as they should. It took a keen wit to balance  everything and ensure there was enough stock to see the castle  population through the winter. If you sold too much, there would be  empty bellies. A true noblewoman was the mistress of the castle,  shouldering the responsibilities of running the estate.

"What did she want?"

Joyce was hiding around the corner, the senior housekeeper wringing her  apron as she waited to hear what had happened after she left the  chamber.

"She ordered me to the books. I'd wager she plans to raid the coffers again for Mary's wardrobe."

"That tongue of yours came from your father. Only a noble would talk  that way. Better have a care, girl; the mistress has no love for you."

"I know it well."

Joyce softened her stern look. "Oh, my lamb, I'm sorry as can be. She's a  mean-spirited one. You've been a faithful daughter. Your father should  be proud of the way you give that sour cow her deference."

Anne felt her face brighten. Her father was home. At least she might  enjoy the secret that he'd be in her mother's chambers tonight. He  always came when he was home, much to Philipa's disdain. Sometimes Anne  suspected that he did it to annoy his fine-blooded wife.

After sunset

Anne hurried along the corridor; her duties had kept her late tonight. A  smile brightened her face when she neared her mother's chamber. It was  on the far end of the castle, facing north. It could be a bit chilly in  the winter but Ivy refused to leave it even when the earl suggested it.

Ivy didn't want trouble. Her family had to live with Philipa while the  lord was away at court. The lady had given her the chamber, so she would  be content in it. Winter chill or not.         

     



 

Anne opened the door. Yellow light shone out from several candles.

"There's my girl. My wife claims you're the worst maid she'd ever had to tolerate."

"Good evening, Father." Anne lowered her head, for once meaning the  respectful gesture. Her sire nodded with approval. His face was  unreadable for a long moment before he spread his arms wide.

Anne flew into his arms, laughing as he squeezed her tight. He released her and thumbed her nose.

"You're a good girl to not complain. Nothing pleases my wife but 'tis not your fault."

"I promise to try harder tomorrow, Father."

The earl smiled. "I know you shall. Just as I know that Philipa will  still be unsatisfied. But I am not here to talk about my wife."

He laughed as he reached for Ivy. Drawing her close, he placed a kiss on her cheek. "I have missed you all very much."

"Tell us about court, Father." Bonnie, her parents' youngest child, eagerly awaited her father's tales.

The earl held up a thick finger. "I suppose I might tell you about the mask the Earl of Southampton presented last week … "

Bonnie wiggled with excitement. Anne enjoyed watching her younger  sister. She reached for a dried fruit sitting on a plate. The humble  table that often held only porridge and whey tonight offered fruits,  scones and small beer. Brenda must have snuck the fruit tarts out of the  kitchen in response to the tongue lashing Philipa had given her that  morning. Such treats were only made for the mistress of the house but  since the lady of the manor didn't know the first thing about how to  prepare a meal, her servants could retaliate by using more than they  needed. Philipa would have a fit if she witnessed Anne's children eating  the same fine fare that was presented to her and Mary.

That fact made the tarts taste so much better.

Anne tried to reprimand herself for thinking so meanly but failed.

The rich fare made for a holiday humor but it was her father's attention  that all the occupants gorged on. The chamber was lit well into the  night, laughter spilling beneath the doorjamb. When Anne finally sought  her bed, her heart was full.

No, Philipa's insults could never puncture such love as Anne had from  her father. The mistress of the house might believe herself powerful but  she could not break the bond Anne's sire had with her.

Everyone had something distasteful to bear in life. Philipa's disdain  was hers to bear. It was nothing to worry about. It was, frankly, not  important at all.

Sunrise

The Earl of Warwickshire swung up into his saddle with as much skill as  any man riding with him. There were no fine clothes on him, but good  English wool to keep the chill at bay. Anne watched from a second-floor  window, the shutters pushed open, her sister Bonnie sharing the last  view of their father.

"Do you think Father will bring you back a husband next time?"

Bonnie, at fourteen, was still unaware of the harsher realities of being  born out of wedlock. Of course, the entire family went to great lengths  to shelter her. Bonnie would grow up soon enough.

"I don't know, sweet, but I will try not to worry. Father always takes care of us."

Bonnie laughed, her blue eyes sparkling. "I think he shall bring you a  knight. One who earned his spurs doing a noble deed for the queen and  she dubbed him a knight with her own hands."

Bonnie sighed, lost in girlish foolishness. Anne couldn't help but enjoy  the moment. Even she liked to believe that there was happiness for  everyone. Tugging on Bonnie's hair, she smiled at her.

"Maybe that knight is waiting for you to grow up."

Bonnie's eyes glittered as her chin dropped and her mouth hung open in surprise. "Do you really think he might?"

"I do. Every town from here unto London knows what a treasure you are. You will likely have to choose between suitors."

"You are teasing me." Bonnie's lips twitched. "That isn't very nice. I might become vain."

"Now, sweet, I am but joining you in your daydream. You wouldn't deny me that pleasure, would you?"

Bonnie lifted a hand, waving to the earl. Their sire spurred his mount  and started for the outer gate. Anne left her hands on the wooden window  casing because she knew that her sire would not turn to look back. He  never did. Philipa and Mary stood on the front steps, in their place as  the ladies of the house. Her father never looked back at them when he  left.         

     



 

"You will have a husband, Anne, I dreamed it last night."

Anne pulled the shutter closed, ensuring the lock was secure. Casting a  glance down the hallway and back the other way, she shook her head at  her sister.

"Bonnie, you know what Mother has told you about your dreams."

Bonnie refused to be contrite. She raised her chin high in stubborn display.

"Well, I did dream it and I'm only telling you because you're the one  he's coming for. By next spring you will have a baby growing in your  belly. It will be a boy born before harvest moon. I saw it. Do not fear,  you will not die."

A shiver went down her spine as Anne stared at her sister. Bonnie had  the sight. The whole family knew it and tried to cover it up. There were  men who burned people at the stake for less. With the queen so old, the  local magistrates wielded their power with iron fists.

"You told no one else?"

Bonnie shook her head. "You know I promised Mother I wouldn't talk about  my dreams. Only it was about you, and Mother did say no one outside the  family, so I haven't broken my word."

"Very good, sweet, make sure you hold your tongue. Knights don't like women who act like ravens, chattering all day long."

"But he is coming for you, Anne. I saw him on a black steed. He has a  huge sword that he wears on his back like the Scots we saw at the faire  last spring."