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“Because that is what pages do,” Allyn said. “And when we become squires, we’ll have to polish the armor. You wanted to be a knight because you thought it would be easier than being a monk.”
“Did not.”
“Did, too.”
“You don’t fight in front of your betters.” Dewey cuffed them both, and as they stood rubbing their heads, he said, “Come with me and I’ll tell you what to do.”
Hugh and Edlyn watched as they were led away. “They’re good lads,” Hugh reassured her. “They’ll settle in and learn their duties.”
“I know.”
He took an audible breath and made his voice deeper as if to impress her with his earnestness. “As I toured the demesne this morning, I could see that I, too, have much to learn.” He scuffled his feet in the reeds. “There’s more to this than just sitting on my arse waiting for a maid to bring me ale.”
From the smell of him, she thought he’d had plenty of ale. It didn’t seem to be affecting him adversely, except for the way he squirmed. “Hugh, I will gladly excuse you to use the garderobe.”
“I don’t need to bleed my sausage!”
He seemed totally indignant, and she murmured an apology.
“At least, not much.”
She grinned.
“I’m trying to…that is, I wish to thank you for…” he stammered.
His uncertainty made her serious. What did he want?
“My thanks for helping me make the…proper decisions about Roxford Castle.”
“Louder!” someone stage-whispered, and Edlyn glanced around. All the servants had paused to listen again, but this time Hugh didn’t chase them away.
“Without your gracious guidance”—he boomed so loudly she flinched—“I would have made a serious mistake by dismissing the steward and his wife, and it is with great good cheer that I thank you and encourage you to continue to lend me the wisdom of your expertise.”
“Oh, Hugh.” She blinked back tears and impulsively leaned forward and kissed him. “You are too good.”
He caught her when she would have retreated. “Not good enough. Not yet. But I will be, and you’ll give me all soon.”
She hugged him, and the servants cheered quietly, then hurried about their business as if expecting Hugh to yell again.
He wouldn’t. Not now. Not while he was feeling so cocky.
“Edlyn?”
And sensitive. Somehow, for some reason, he’d sensed the temblor that rocked Edlyn to the soul. The girl who’d fallen in love with Hugh had been buried, and Edlyn thought her dead. Now it seemed she had only been sequestered by the insulating walls that she’d built to block the pain of experience. One wall had already fallen this day; would another tumble?
“Edlyn?” he said again, his voice eager and his body expectant.
She pulled back, just enough to see his face. If she gave her heart into his keeping, it would be the biggest gamble of her life. For if he failed her, she would wither. And if she didn’t give her heart into his keeping, wouldn’t she wither anyway?
“Hugh.” She cupped his face in her hands. “Hugh…”
“M’ lord!” Wharton’s shout brought a chorus of shushes, but he persisted. “M’ lord, ’tis th’ prince’s messenger.” His eyes gleamed with anticipation. “He brings news of the war. We’ll be fighting again soon!”
18
She’d almost made a serious mistake.
Edlyn moved through the bustling great hall, directing the packing.
