The Lost Lady Read online

  The King laughed and ushered the boys inside the keep. “John, Henry, why do you not escort your mother to the fireside.” The boys looked pleased to be given some task, though the little one looked at Luveday as if he wished to stay with her a bit longer. Both boys took their mother’s hand, one on each side, and tried to drag her through the great doors. She laughed and walked inside.

  Luveday thought she heard herself say, there were refreshments prepared inside, but she wasn’t really sure if she had said the words aloud or not. Elysant still had a hold of her elbow, and the two turned as one as they bowed to the King as he passed.

  King Edward called over his shoulder, “Benjamin?” but was swiftly informed that the boy was occupied unloading the horses and helping the men. He seemed pleased by this and continued on.

  Luveday and her new appendage waited until their guests had passed inside, before entering with Lady Emmalyn who took Luveday’s free arm and patted it reassuringly.

  The older lady looked wary, but happy and explained how she had come to be among the royal party. “What an honor for the King to visit. Then again, Iain is his Champion.” Luveday had forgotten over the ensuring months, that up until recently, Lord Iain had lived in the saddle and on the battlefield. “You may not have known, but I left the Abbey with Lord Frazier and traveled to Olean, a castle about a day’s ride from the Cloister.”

  Elli finally spoke, “We did know of your departure, Lady Emma. A messenger was sent to fetch you, but you were already gone.”

  “Fetch me? Whatever for, child?” She looked to Luveday and not Elli for her answer.

  Luveday nodded to the reluctant women across the room to signal that the trays and wine should be served. “Young Clair went into labor the day after you left. Cassandra called for aid.”

  “Oh, no!” Emmalyn knew it must have been serious for the seasoned healer to call for help.

  “The babe is fine, and the mother is recovering nicely or, so I am told.” Luveday gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

  Elli could not keep quiet on the subject and blurted out that Luveday had brought the child back from the dead using a healing technique from her homeland.

  Emmalyn looked at her curiously.

  “I will explain it to you later.” She said as Emmalyn steered them closer to the royals and their entourage. The boys looked happy as they munched on cold meats, cheeses, and some flatbread. Luveday suggested one of the women get some of the juice she had made for her own breakfast for the boys if any remained. Elli ran off saying she’d do it as Iain’s knights presented themselves to the King and his Queen.

  The two women drifted closer yet remained a little outside of the crowd surrounding the fireplace. Luveday was happy they had made new cushions for the wooden chairs and benches their group occupied each night. Perhaps they were not up to royal standards, but the cushions were extremely comfortable never the less.

  As the men started to depart and head back to their duties or up to the chambers Luveday and Emmalyn had quickly assigned to them, the two women settled beside the royal couple. The two young princes were joined by a third, Benjamin who looked to be in his early teens and was taking on the role of squire for his father, though the King already had two.

  Luveday didn’t know what she expected, but the royal couple was very down to earth and friendly people though they carried the mantle of authority and the fate of a nation in their hands.

  Queen Augusta was clearly affectionate with her children and had a hand in their day to day lives which still shocked many of her court. Lady Emmalyn seemed on more than friendly terms with the Queen, and so Luveday was also drawn into the conversation. “We were traveling north to see you, Iain, and to visit Olean and Frazier. We are thinking of Fostering John with him this winter, though I will be sad to see him go.”

  Emmalyn nodded in understanding. “At least you will have little Henry with you.”

  “Yes.” She looked at the boys as they sat before the fire playing with something Luveday couldn’t see. The dogs would come by every so often for attention but mostly left the children to themselves. “They grow up so fast.”

  “Indeed, they do.” Luveday noticed the wistful note in her friend’s voice and felt a longing of her own. Children had always been in Luveday’s future, but she had never really found a man that she felt any connection too; certainly not enough to marry. She shook herself and noticed that Iain was looking at her strangely. Had he interpreted her thoughts? Had her expression given her away?

  The conversation shifted to Luveday as the King’s attention fell on her. “We hear you are responsible for the keep’s transformation, Lady Luveday.” He sipped his goblet of wine and Luveday felt his perusal of her was anything, but ordinary. She feared he could see more than she was willing to reveal.

  “I was not alone in the endeavor. Lady Emmalyn and I may have overseen the project, but it was the people of Lander’s Keep that did the hard labor.”

  “I hear you were working beside them, Lady.” The Queen chimed in.

  Emmalyn smiled at Luveday’s humility. “Indeed, she was.” She was willing to see her friend get the credit she deserved.

  “I could hardly ask someone else to do something I, myself, was unwilling to do.” Luveday countered.

  The King laughed. “My thoughts exactly, Lady.” He leaned forward, suddenly engaged in the conversation. “I hold the same sentiments were my Lords are concerned.”

  Augusta patted his knee, and the King turned to smile at her and held her hand. “That is why he insists on visiting the north and see these restless lord-lings for himself. Always looking for trouble, my love.”

  To Luveday’s surprise, the King did not shrug off his wife’s concerns. “My dear, how else am I to know what is going on up here? I must judge for myself.” He looked at Iain. “Not that I do not trust your opinions, Champion, but things are not always what they seem.”

  “Just so, your majesty.” Iain nodded as something seemed to pass unspoken between the two men.

  Benedict arrived after showing some of the King’s men around the castle. He jumped into the conversation and had everyone laughing within moments of setting down. The group conversed for some time, topics wavering between the humor and antics of court politics to the unrest in the north.

  Luveday was able to sidestep most of the questions about herself, but answered as truthfully as she could, using the story she had concocted soon after coming to the castle. It was not long until she found a little hand, and then a little body snuggled up next to her.

  “How extraordinary, Lady Luveday.” The Queen commented as little Henry quickly fell asleep in the lady’s arms. “Henry is not one to open up to strangers.”

  The King looked her over again. “The boy has a way about him, a good judge of character. He seems to like you.” Luveday only smiled and looked down at the dark head nestled against her breast.

  It was not long after that their guests retired for a while before dinner. Luveday helped carry up the young prince to the room he would share with his brothers and their servant. Laying the little boy in bed and helping to settle the others, the longing that Luveday had felt earlier hit her like a sucker punch. She had no idea what the future could bring and saved off dreaming about things that might never be.

  The royal visitors stayed for several days, meaning only to check up on the lord of Lander’s Keep before moving on to visit other northern lords before finally reaching their target of Lord Ladislaus of Sterling, the man behind the trouble in the north. There was yet to be outright defiance of the King, but the talk around the fire at night inevitably turned toward the topic. There were some rumors that Lord Sterling was gathering supporters and would soon rise against the King. There was no love lost between the two men, or even Sterling and De Lane. There was a long-standing grudge between them, and Iain was the first to declare that Ladislaus had a conniving and ambitious nature that lent itself to the rumors of his rebellion against the crown. The men spent many h
ours sequestered in the solar making plans outside of the women’s hearing.

  The days were filled with laughter, and children and touring the estate. The King was impressed with the improvements and liked to watch Luveday blush and try to deflect his compliments. It came to light that the King had visited once with his champion right after coming home from his battles abroad. It had been before Lady Emmalyn had been installed at the keep, and she could only imagine the sorry state of the castle then.

  Lady Christabel did not return, though a message was sent to the Abbey asking her to come and meet their guests. Queen Augusta did not seem insulted by her absence, but in fact, relieved by it. It seemed that rumors of the girl’s behavior had reached even her ears, and she was not pleased. She hoped her words of displeasure would have some effect on the girl, but even the Queen kept from commenting openly on the situation. The general consensus was that Lady Christabel should make the best of the situation, and change her attitude to one of polite resignation, but many thought that was impossible.

  When the party finally departed it was to gracious farewells and a reminder that the royals would be back for Iain’s wedding in the fall.

  As the castle’s inhabitance dispersed, Iain took Luveday aside. “I have to thank you Lady Luveday. Your work and diligence have impressed even the King. Without you,” he looked into her eyes and cleared his throat. “Without you, I cannot imagine in what state Lander’s Keep might still reside.”

  Luveday blushed, and for once didn’t try to deflect the compliment. She simply said, “You’re welcome, My Lord. It has been my pleasure.” They smiled at each other for a moment, before Iain nodded and walked swiftly away. She watched him for a moment before returning to the keep helping tidy up after their guests’ departure.

  Luveday smiled the rest of the day remembering Iain’s words.

  Chapter 7

  Since when was genius found respectable?

  ~Elizabeth Barrett Browning

  In Luveday’s mind, summer lingered as if it would stretch on forever. Yet, guests began arriving, not for the wedding itself, that was still a way off, but to see Lord Iain, and more importantly, the transformation of Lander’s Keep. They also came to hear of the trouble Sterling was causing farther north. Many came to hear Iain’s opinion on the matter and offer their support should things continue to build.

  With a rather steady stream of visitors, Lady Emmalyn and the women of the castle were making more of an effort to be presentable. Colorful scarves and ribbons were often seen on the women as they worked. It was with some surprise that Emmalyn and Elli invited Luveday into their room on an almost quite afternoon.

  Luveday couldn’t help but laugh at their sneaky smile as they ushered her into the room. “What is all this now? What are you two up too?” She looked to see Henna looking over a pile of fine gowns. “Henna?” She greeted and questioned the girl at the same time. Henna nodded back and continued to contemplate the six or so gowns laying on the large four-poster bed.

  Some of the gowns were velvet and some wool, several were colors that called to Luveday; they wanted to be touched, but she hung back, still not understanding.

  Lady Emmalyn was the first to break the silence. “Well, what do you think child? Will they do?”

  Luveday turned to look at the lady and asked, “Do for what, Emmalyn?”

  Elli huffed. “For you, silly, to wear.”

  Luveday was already shaking her head. “These are too fine for me.” Though she fingered the trim on a lovely dark blue gown. “Won’t you miss them, Emma?”

  “No, no, Luveday.” She laughed. “These are not my gowns. They belonged to Gwendolyn, My sister-in-law, Iain’s mother.” She came closer to the bed and stood beside the hesitant young woman. “Well, Henna, dear. Do you think we can salvage some of these? The style is over a decade gone, but the material looks almost new.”

  Henna was still looking at the gowns. “They should do nicely, My Lady. They are a little large in certain areas, but I should be able to re-work the garments into a more suitable style.”

  “Lovely.” The older woman sighed.

  “I don’t need all of these gowns, surely.” She could not say that some of the colors would look poorly on her, and so suggested an alternative. “One or two simple styles would be nice, especially for the wedding.” Frowns crossed the women’s faces at the thought of the impending nuptials, but Luveday suggested her idea. “Perhaps you can make a gown for Elysant as well. One of these colors would look very striking on her.”

  Elysant who had moved to the far side of the bed looked shocked. Her eyes look about the size of saucers as she waited for Lady Emmalyn to answer.

  The lady laughed. “I told you, Henna.” The women looked at each other.

  “That you did, My Lady.” Henna pulled out a burgundy gown and looked at the color and back to Elli. “This one should do nicely.” Elli ran around the bed with a squeak of happiness and hugged each woman in turn.

  “I knew your kind nature, we guessed you would suggest such a thing.” She spoke to Luveday before turning to the younger girl. “Henna said she could make a gown for you, Elli.”

  The redhead seamstress handed the garment to Elli who held it up to her chest. “Plenty of fabric, the garment is in good condition, and I can rework the piece nicely.” Henna smiled at her friend. “You’ll be fit for a prince, Elli!”

  Emmalyn and Luveday shared a look, having the same thought. She’ll be fit for a warrior monk! Both women had commented on how much time Gregori and Elysant were spending together, and they hoped that this would lead to another wedding in the near future. Both women could not be happier with the idea, though they were unsure if Iain knew of the situation and worried about how he might react.

  “Oh, Luveday!” Elli twirled with her gown, “this is the best gift I have ever received! Thank you, Lady Emmalyn!”

  Everyone was smiling at the girl’s enthusiasm. “Yes,” Luveday turned to her friend and wrapped her left arm around the woman in a half hug. “Thank you, Emmalyn. And you as well, Henna.” Luveday pulled out the gowns she liked best, a deep blue velvet garment that reminded her of the outfit she wore the day she arrived there, a coal gray wool, and pale green mint gown that looked to be silk or some other thin material. The gowns looked to be about the right height, perhaps an inch or two long, but the busts were much too large by the looks of them. Luveday was not ashamed of her figure, but she guessed that Iain’s mother had been very well endowed in that area.

  Henna wrapped the gowns in a large piece of material that would protect them, then placed the bundle back in the small trunk from which they had come. Luveday helped the girl carry the trunk into the sewing room and asked how long it would take her to rework the garments.

  “I can’t say, Lady. I have other duties, and the castle has been rather busy of late.” Henna had them place the trunk in the corner of the sewing gallery where she usually sat.

  Luveday looked at the spools of thick thread in dozens of different colors. “I know my sewing is not as fine as yours, but if you think I can be of help, don’t hesitate to give me something to do.”

  The seamstress laughed. “I will, My Lady. It may take both of us to get something done before the wedding.”

  Luveday nodded, and both women headed down to the hall.

  Another party that had arrived that afternoon had only been in residence for a few hours, but Luveday was ready to see them gone. Unfortunately, that was not going to happen any time soon. Christabel was home from her extended visit to the Abbey. She talked non-stop about the generosity of Mother Mary Odilia, that was until their visitors arrived. When her father walked into the room unannounced, the mood changed abruptly.

  There was a strained moment where father and daughter were reunited. Lord Iain was more formal than Luveday had ever seen him. It seemed that every time she looked up that evening, Iain was surrounded by his knights. There was clearly some tension between the two groups, and though she had been very poli
te to their guests, Luveday had the feeling that Lord Henric Sumerland was watching her.

  Sumerland’s men were given rooms, though several stayed in the barracks. Some of Iain’s men moved into the back hall, now called the under-gallery, a long and narrow corridor at the back of the keep that was more of a grander hallway leading downstairs to the kitchen than a true room. The under-gallery was usually used to store things, as the castle had not had enough visitors to fill its many rooms for over a decade. Now it would house the fiercest of Iain’s knights, leaving the servants and other guests to the great hall.

  It seemed with every passing day more people arrived, most having heard that so and so was at Lander’s Keep. The women were overtaxed and grateful that some of their guests traveled with their own servants and those servants were much more tolerable than their masters.

  Luveday and Emmalyn were pulling out the stops for dinner a few days later, while many of the guests looked to Christabel for details about daily life in Lander’s Keep. They asked simple questions like what would be served for dinner or who decorated the hall, or even details about the coming nuptials. Each time Christabel would shrug, too delighted to be the center of everyone’s attention to see the disapproving glances of men like her father as she turned to Luveday or Emmalyn for the answer to those questions.

  It was clear that Lord Sumerland thought that Luveday was overstepping her boundaries. Word had traveled through the castle about a rather loud argument between father and daughter that had brought up Luveday on more than one occasion. He had even gone so far as to subtlety suggest Lord Iain might be keeping her as a mistress. Lady Emmalyn had taken her sharp wit to the man before Luveday could even form a reply. Luveday hated to think that she might be one of the reasons why tension was thick in the air.