Wooing Kate

Chapter: Seventeen

~~~~~~~~~~

A sense of deja-vu swept over Kate, her mind sending her back to that morning just over two months earlier. Waking now was much like waking then in the fact that she woke with him. This time, there was no dreadful hangover pounding at her skull and no surges of nausea proclaiming that she'd drunk far too much.

A hand trailed along the bare flesh of her arm, lips kissed her shoulder. "I half expected you to flee in the night like last time."

She rolled onto her back, stared up at him a moment, then shook her head. "I made my decision with a clear head. I stand by it."

If Kate wanted more than a quick affair with him, she'd have to keep him a constant state of fascination with her. So far, she'd done that unknowingly. How she fascinated him exactly, she didn't know. Was it the chase itself that had snared this man? Or was it something more? Now that she'd given in, would he become bored with her as he had with that wretched Helene? She'd no desire to become like that woman, fawning over him in hopes of a ten second acknowledgement. That was a pathetic existence, something Kate didn't really count as living.

"Good. I'm in no mood to chase you again so quickly."

"I'm in no mood to run."

Kate slid her hand up, buried it in his hair. She met the kiss he gave her and the morning hours slid away into rapture.

~~~~~~~~~~

In all his years of serving, Wat had managed to avoid being pressed to serve in a war with his master. Now, several masters down the line and technically not a servant any longer, he went willingly onto the battlefield.

He shifted in the saddle.

All right, not willingly. But he did go for the sake of a friend. For Kate. That would be his battle cry against Kit's brother's army. For Kate. His lips twitched as he imagined himself riding across a field shouting it out at the top of his lungs. What a sight he'd be.

If he was telling the truth, he also went for Will. No man should go into battle without a friend at his back. He wasn't particularly happy with saving Adhemar's neck, but if the end result was Kate safe and sound back in the arms of all her friends, then so be it. Wat would hold his tongue, an exercise in restraint that was hard to keep at. For once in his life, he'd keep such a tight reign on his tongue that none who knew him would recognize him.

This road was long. In two days, they'd rendezvous with Kit's army, then continue to the southern road and into battle.

Wat took in the lush scenery; the wildflowers cheerfully bright along the side of the road and in the meadows; the green carpet of grasses. There were many lovely places to dally and while away the hours along this road. They had no time to do so and little time to rest. Kit was in a hurry, anxious to meet his brother now that he'd decided to stop him.

He sighed. By the time they returned -- if they returned and didn't go to their graves -- the flowers would be gone and winter settling onto the land. He took his fill now of the warmth of the sun and the beautiful flowers and vowed to hold the sights in his mind for contemplation on a cold gray day.

Will rode silently beside him. Wat could only wonder at the will power it took for a newly married man to leave his bride so soon after the wedding. Then again, friends meant the world to Will and he made no bones about letting the fact be known. He would do anything for his friends, even ride off to war.

They'd all naïvely assumed their adventure was over when Adhemar was unhorsed and Will won the joust. They'd celebrated and looked forward to settling back into sedate life. Idly, he wondered what Geoff would say of this turn. He imagined the other man taking it all in stride, declaring delight in the prospect of continuing excitement. He'd talk of writing it down, of sharing the story with the world.

Wat sighed once more. All he'd ever wanted in life was to own his own tavern, a place where he could serve good food and enjoy the company of those who passed through the doors. It was looking like his dream was never going to be realized.

His regard turned to Kit. Were all men stupid in love? Yes, he thought, a huge resounding affirmative. The touch of a woman's hand, gentle upon our arm and we go as soft as rotten fruit. All of us.

Kit had fallen for his sister-in-law. He loved her and he'd watched his brother try to destroy her until he could stand it no longer. His objective was to destroy his own brother, to strike down a man filled with hatred and greed. He then planned to approach Bess' brother about marrying her. Kit never had mentioned whether or not Bess reciprocated that feeling of love. It seemed to Wat that he was assuming she did based upon the light conversation the two of them had had in that household. Assuming was never a good thing, he'd found. It often got one into trouble.

This war was trouble. Neither he nor Will were soldiers, but here they were.

Lovely.

~~~~~~~~~~

Christiana was glad when her journey came to an end. Lady Elizabeth had protected her well, but she was sick to death of the conversations of men. She found she was looking forward to meeting Lady Isobelle and seeing Kate again.

Adhemar met them, his brows raising when she lowered the hood of her cloak. "Christiana," he murmured, a calculating gleam appearing in his eyes. On it's heels was a smile that suggested he'd learned something of great importance and found it humorous.

Quickly, she handed over the letter from Lady Elizabeth and waited demurely while he read it. It didn't take him long. In minutes, he'd handed the letter to a man waiting and crossed his arms.

"Under what circumstances did Lady Jocelyn part with her favorite maid?" His voice was nonchalant.

"The letter --" she began.

"Tells me nothing," he interrupted." "Why did you leave Lady Jocelyn's employ?"

Now was the time to give the full story she and Jocelyn had agreed upon. "Her father decided Sir William should pay for my employ and if he couldn't, I was to find employ elsewhere. I was an unnecessary expense once she married."

He nodded, circling her. "Of course. Unnecessary." Back in front of her, he grasped her chin, turned her face this way and that. "You look healthy enough, save that scratch. How did you find yourself with my sister?" His tone indicated that it was quite a coincidence that she'd been hired by his sister. Amazing even.

"I was on my way back to my home region and got caught in a storm. Her party rescued me, cared for me and she offered me a position."

Adhemar snorted. "That certainly sounds like Elizabeth. She'll take in any stray she comes across." He jerked his head towards the manor, releasing her. "Well, you might as well stay. Mother no longer needs a full time companion, but I believe you could help with the children in afternoons and evenings."

"A companion has been found already?"

"In a manner of speaking."

Arrangements were made for her belongings to be taken into the manor and then, he led her across the courtyard, stopping near a lean-to. His hand swept towards the lean-to in invitation. "I believe you know Kate? Sir William's blacksmith."

Christiana struggled to show surprise. It was difficult though, already knowing that Kate was in the Adhemar household. "Kate is here?"

"Oh yes, I thought you knew. Thatcher did send you to..." his eyes narrowed. "rescue her, did he not?"

"I..."

"Kate has no need of rescue," he announced firmly, striding into the lean-to. The sounds of work stopped and Christiana heard Kate's voice asking what he wanted because she still had a couple hours until the noon meal quitting time.

Kate was brought out, her mouth opening at seeing Christiana there. "Christiana. What are you doing here?" She wiped her hands on her surcoat and came forward, embracing her, then gingerly touching the nearly healed wound on Christiana's brow. "When did this happen?"

Adhemar strolled to them, putting his arm about Kate's shoulders. "Quit early today, Kate. I think Christiana has quite a tale to share with you." Without taking his triumphant gaze from Christiana's, he dropped a kiss to Kate's temple. "I'll leave you to show Christiana around, hmm?"

Mercifully, he left them alone. Christiana was quick to ask about the circumstances, but Kate would tell her nothing as they strolled the manor, only that she'd come to terms with herself and was content.

"Content? Here? Kate, we worried about you. You left so quickly, not stopping to speak to any but Roland." She made a tiny noise in the back of her throat. "Count Adhemar showed up not long after you left, looking for you."

Kate led her into a bedchamber just to the right at the top of the stairs. She gestured about with one hand. "I sleep here."

Christiana glanced at the bed and at the clothes laid atop the trunk. She perused the furnishings, then cast a shrewd eye at Kate. "It's obvious that whatever relationship you share with him is not a chaste one. That arm he placed about you outside was possessive, as was the kiss. Sleep, Kate, was not what had you running from him in the first place."

The woman crossed her arms. "I really do sleep in this room." Her lips twitched with good humor. "Of course, that's not to mean that I sleep in here every night."

"You're really happy then? With Count Adhemar?" Christiana forced her tone to be idle, picking up one of the dresses on the trunk and running her fingers along the soft fabric. She adored fabrics; the sensual feel of them beneath her fingertips. It was one more thing she and Roland had in common. The love of fabric.

"I'm content for the time being. He's not as horrible as I thought." Going to the window, she perched upon the ledge, turning her face to the view. "He's contradictory in many ways and I find I'm...intrigued enough to stay." A glance over her shoulder. "Of course, just in case I decide to make a run for it, I'm still under guard. He doesn't trust me and I wouldn't either were I he, not with some of the things I've done these weeks."

"Like what?"

Kate laughed and shook her head. "Let's just say that I've been very disagreeable and taken it out on everyone and leave it at that."

Now Christiana took a closer look at the room. The wealth of this family was apparent on every surface she'd seen so far. Rugs covered tables, tapestries adorned walls and rich fabrics draped about the beds in the chambers. There were even some rugs on the floors, supplementing the rushes, though the rugs seemed reserved for the family chambers only. The Great Hall had permanent tables, not the sort that are taken down after each meal and several of the windows sported glass.

This room had a large rug on the floor. The chamber was well appointed, with beautifully carved chairs at a small table equally as beautiful. The bed curtains were thick and heavily lined to keep out the chill during the night and Christiana gave a quick thought to the structure of the upper levels. "This is the chamber set aside for the lady of the manor, isn't it? Not his mother, but his wife when he marries. This is where she will stay if she chooses not to stay with him in the master's chambers."

Kate stood. She seemed startled by Christiana's observation and that one wondered why. "I was told it's only an extra chamber. The best. For important guests."

The more Christiana looked about the chamber, the more she realized her assessment was correct. This was the lady of the manor's chamber. It was solely a woman's chamber, to keep women's things. Did it mean something in particular that Kate had been given that chamber? Was there some motivation that perhaps Adhemar himself didn't realize? The mildly unsettled sensation Christiana had been feeling at being found out so soon in her rescue plan melted away under the fascination of the relationship between Kate and Adhemar. She sensed, beneath the surface of it, something more than a battle of wills between the two. There were layers there that she decided to peel away -- for their own good, of course.

She'd played this game before and it was one she knew. No longer was this house unfamiliar territory. She could discern the truth of the two and, after six months, return to her friends with her mission accomplished, one way or another. Six months was surely long enough to know if Count Adhemar had intentions for Kate besides dalliance.

"Will you show me the gardens?" Christiana asked with a bright smile. "I'm anxious to learn more of this place if I'm to work here."

Kate gave her a funny look, but didn't comment, nodding amiably. They left the chamber.

If Kate had been better acquainted with Christiana, she'd have recognized the gleam in the woman's eyes and gone straight to Adhemar to beg him to send the woman away. But she didn't and was blissfully unaware of the workings of her mind.

~~~~~~~~~~

The day was a fine one and it was too bad that London sanitation was not up to the standards of the country, Jocelyn thought, wrinkling her nose at the odor that came in through the window she'd opened. She was ready for some fresh air, but with chamber pots and everything else emptied into the streets, she was beginning to doubt there was any sweet air to be found in the whole of the city.

She was finding that for long stays, she preferred the country, or at least a city somewhat smaller than London. It wasn't just the sanitation that was getting to her, though it was a big part of her displeasure at present. She was also missing her friends. Philippa was nice enough, she supposed, graciously spending what time she had free with her guest, but they were far from becoming fast friends. Philippa had grown up in a slightly different setting than Jocelyn and she knew many people at court.

If Jocelyn had desired to find influential acquaintances, here was her opportunity to do so. Philippa had offered several times to have Jocelyn presented formally at court, but Jocelyn was hesitant to do so without Will at her side. He should be with her for any introduction, she decided. It wasn't right to go when he could not benefit personally.

She sighed, shutting the window and closing the latch, then sinking into the chair nearby. The Chaucer household was a joy in that she could spend as much time reading as she desired and letter writing was taking on a new art form for her. She'd never realized how passionate and detailed her letters could become. They were almost like mini stories now, with bits of conversations placed down onto the paper to punctuate her points and illustrate the events.

Jocelyn was bored. It was time to admit that she was honest-to-God bored out of her skull. Having Christiana about had made her days go so much faster. They'd spend their time laughing and talking and singing and playing the lute and harp rather horribly. They'd amused themselves.

Christiana was gone though, and Jocelyn wondered if her maid had found her way safely into the Adhemar household. Had she found Kate there or was Kate still traveling with Germaine? For that matter, had Kate and Germaine found favor in each other's eyes?

She was beginning to understand Geoffrey's obsession with observing the world around him. Quiet observation of detail usually managed to relieve some of her boredom. She'd become quite good at identifying the pickpockets in the streets. Not that she went out much. One never knew when someone in an upper level would tip out a chamber pot without giving a loud enough warning.

Ahh, city life.

She could not go shopping, for she didn't have the extra money to do so. She didn't really feel like entering the merchant buildings, though Philippa had coaxed her out on a few occasions. On those outings, Philippa never spent any more coin than Jocelyn did. Whether this was to make Jocelyn feel better or simply a natural prudence with coin, Jocelyn didn't know. She suspected something of both. Philippa had been remarkably adept at sensing Jocelyn's moods and adjusting her behavior and conversation accordingly.

Jocelyn picked up the book that Philippa had loaned her, but didn't look at the pages she opened it to. Geoffrey had gone before Jocelyn even arrived at the house. Apparently, he had a rather important position that meant he traveled quite a bit. During the past year, he'd taken a 'break'. He'd decided he needed to rest from his duties and been given leave to pursue life at leisure for a certain number of months before he'd needed to be back at work.

She still had a bone to pick with him about his view on Kate's situation, but it was looking as though she'd have to wait on that for awhile. It occurred to her that she might never get the chance to speak with him on it again. If his travels were as constant as Philippa confided they were....

She wondered again if Kate was well and fervently hoped the woman was safe somewhere. She'd not known Kate long, but she'd liked her from what she knew of her. Strong women needed to keep a fellowship together, for there weren't as many strong women in the world as Jocelyn thought there should be. Too many women simply accepted their lot in life. They let their family and society tell them what they could be. How could anyone be who God intended them to be if they didn't challenge themselves?

She considered herself strong only in that she'd held on to love as it appeared to be snatched from her grasp. She'd vowed that losing Will, if it came to that, would not break her. She'd hold him safe in her heart for all eternity. Luckily, fate had smiled, giving Will first the way to joust legally and then the victory.

Will was gone from her again and she kept him close to her heart every day. They'd not hesitated to agree with Kit Guin's plan. Wat had grumbled a bit, but chosen to go with Will. How long would they be gone? Jocelyn didn't know. This war Kit proposed could go on for months.

Jocelyn decided to begin her search for a residence. She'd send inquiries all about to everyone she knew and hopefully, she would find something they could afford. She'd begin writing the letters tomorrow.

~~~~~~~~~~

Alain Adhemar rode his lands, noting with a sure eye those things that needed work before winter came in full upon the land. Periodically, he would stop and inform the estate steward, who rode beside him, of the changes. He'd already discussed household changes with the domestic steward and been to see the chaplain. He'd given permission for the almoner to distribute a bit more coin to the poor, something that he did every year. He'd also decided that his daughters did not need Christiana as a supplemental nurse.

But what to do with that woman? He'd wondered why none of Thatcher's group had come forward after Kate and Christiana's arrival was no real surprise. He'd expected Thatcher himself to come, but supposed Christiana's appointment in his stead was a well thought out plan. It showed a familiarity with the Adhemar family, that knowledge of his mother's needs, and the ability to form a plan of action. Grudgingly, he allowed that Thatcher was not a simple brainless peasant. He'd executed a military maneuver, even if it was transparent. The man was learning.

It also showed him that his sister was still much disgruntled with him.

Oh, her letter had been affable enough, writing about a softening of her feelings on his actions and how she was coming somewhat closer to forgiving him for destroying her life. He snorted softly. Destroying her life. How had he destroyed it exactly? He'd wed her to the one man who'd made a serious offer for her. Vachel was a loyal man, fairly wealthy and willing to lend his family resources to the Adhemar's whenever required. That made him a prime catch.

Elizabeth had prattled on about love, however. She wanted to marry for love. The rest of her brothers and sisters had married for duty, so couldn't she marry for love? He'd asked her who she had in mind to profess to love, but she'd not had any prospects, admitting that she didn't feel the emotion for anyone in particular. Therefore, he'd decided her outburst was nothing to be concerned with. She simply hadn't become used to the idea of marrying yet and would fall in line accordingly when the day came. She'd do her duty like they all did.

Wrong.

Alain had never thought his little sister would come at him with a knife, intent upon slitting his throat. She had though, subdued by Germaine.

He stared off into the distance. Where was Germaine at that? No word had come of his whereabouts. With Elizabeth still angry, he'd suspected Germaine would head there. Birds of a feather and all that, but the men who'd brought Christiana denied it, claiming they'd not seen him since the wedding. There was no other familiar place for him to go to. Had the man really set out on his own and successfully eluded the reach of Adhemar influence? He supposed it was possible.

The cottages to the east caught his attention and he guided his mount towards them. The roofs needed work before the winter and the fence holding the livestock was rickety at best. A mention was given to the steward and they rode on.

His mind returned to Christiana. It was likely that if he sent her away, one of Thatcher's other acquaintances would come on the pretext of looking for employ, so why not give the woman a position. Where would be best though? The manor was quite capably filled already with servants who knew their jobs and were good at them. Perhaps he'd hire her to companion Kate.

Alain's lips twitched with the idea. Yes, he'd announce his decision the same morning the artist came to paint Kate's portrait. Then she could grumble to Christiana about all the ridiculous things he'd done so far, including hiring a companion for her.

The afternoon went as planned and he returned to find the manor a flurry of activity, with Kate at the center of it.

He followed the trail of people up the stairs and to his mother's chambers, where he caught a glimpse of blood soaked linen before Kate was pushing him from the room. Alarm twisted along his spine, snaking up it to coil about his tightening throat. "Mother!"

Kate took a stance before the door, ordering those who watched to leave the hallway. "Go about your duties, all of you." She braced herself in the doorway. "There is nothing you can do, Alain."

"There has to be," he gasped, craning his neck to see in the room around Kate. He could easily move her, but was afraid to go in and see fully what had happened. "Tell me. Is she --"

"Alive, but very ill." Slowly, Kate relaxed, stretching a hand up to turn his face to her. "Look at me."

"Mother --"

"Look at me." Kate's eyes were wide, her words measured. "She's been poisoned. Christiana and I came with your house physician to visit with her and found Helene holding a vial of poison. She claimed she found it on the table by the wine, but we watched her try and hide it in her skirts. Lady Isobelle was vomiting blood and it looks like she had been for awhile."

A sound oddly like a whimper left his throat. "Is she..." he couldn't finish the sentence.

"Her illness for these past months is now coming to light. The symptoms are of gradual poisoning, but without knowing which herb was used --"

"Where is Helene?"

"I had two of your men guard her in her chamber."

Without another word, he strode to that room, flung open the door and went straight to Helene. She didn't even try to justify herself, for which he was glad. If she'd spoken at all, he'd have lost the tenuous control he had over his temper and beat her to a pulp. Gritting his teeth so hard that his jaw began to ache, he motioned for his men to bring her and follow him.

Kate watched from the doorway of Isobelle's room. "What are you doing?"

"Attempted murder is punishable by the lash in this household." Behind him, he heard Helene begin to cry, her voice pleading with him not to have her whipped. He drew in a hard breath.

She made no protestation over Helene's fate, just nodded. "Don't let your anger get in the way of just punishment, Alain. Don't kill her."

"It's my house, Kate, and my mother's life." With exaggerated care, he pushed her into Lady Isobelle's chamber and closed the door in her face. Then, without further pauses, he led the two guards and Helene out into the courtyard. He called for restraints, then the whip, instructing one man on the number of lashes. Alain detached himself from the situation, looking out the front gate at the horizon as the sounds of the lash striking flesh filled his ears.

Rain clouds, purple and swollen, gathered in the sky.