by Abby Gordon
“We don’t have –”
In answer, Edward jerked the other staff from the second boy, raised them both. Bringing both staffs down quickly, he smacked both boys along their shoulders, then their asses when they instinctively turned away. Both yelped in pain.
“You will leave, or I will beat you from the yard,” he ordered.
Beck glared at him, then at Denby. “You said –”
“Denby, you too,” Edward told him, jerking his head to the gate. “Leave.”
“What?” The man was startled. “Why me?”
“These boys aren’t properly trained. You’re a disgrace. Now, get out.”
For a long moment, the three didn’t move. Edward started to raise his arms. Beck and his friend took off running for the gate. Edward squared off at Denby. Glaring and muttering under his breath, Denby slowly followed. Turning towards the waiting and shocked boys, Edward saw Edmund watching from the stage.
Raising the staff in his right hand, Edward saluted him. Nodding, Edmund returned the gesture. Before his half-brother turned though, Edward caught the speculative expression on his face. Does he see me as more of a threat now? Or as someone who could be an ally? Shit. Well, let’s focus on the boys.
Tossing the staff in his left hand toward the pile, Edward faced the boys.
“Now, let’s start from the beginning and make sure you know it correctly. Two lines of four, largest four in the back. Facing me.” A bit stunned by what had happened, the eight moved about. “Those in the back a couple steps further. Let’s not behead the boys in the front,” he joked. “They’re your friends, not the French.”
There were some chuckles and wry comments from an older sibling about his brother before him. Standing in front of them, he positioned his feet.
“Set one. Offense. Watch first, then we’ll do it together.”
Going through it, he counted the eight steps, then returned to his original place.
“Now, count with me. Slowly.”
By mid-day, Edward was quite pleased with the progress made.
“Well done, boys,” he told them as they collected their small pouches with bread or whatever food they’d brought. They sat on the dirt or on a couple barrels. Edward accepted the plate and tankard a maid brought him from the manor. “After we eat, we’ll review sets one and two, then start set one of defense.”
“Sir Edward,” one of the smallest called out.
“Yes? Micah, isn’t it?”
“Yes, sir. Do you really think someone like me could beat Beck or Thornby by the harvest?”
“Definitely,” Edward told him, nodding.
“They’re so much bigger,” the next smallest protested. “And they stay together so we can’t beat them.”
“Then you need to stay together. Work together,” advised Edward. “They’re arrogant because they are bigger and, for now, they’re stronger. But I’ll wager that by the harvest, most of you will be of a size with them. So be ready for that moment by training hard now. Get your mind and muscles ready so when your body decides its ready to grow, you’ll be ready.”
Seeing the skeptical expressions, Edward smiled. This really is much better than training the men. Teaching the boys means I make a bigger impact.
“Beck and Thornby were the oldest of you, right?” he asked.
Heads bobbed in answer.
“What happened when they grew? Were they coordinated?”
“No,” replied one of the oldest. “They were knocking everything over this winter.”
“Exactly,” Edward nodded, pointing at him. “They hadn’t been practicing to control their bodies. That’s what you’ll be doing this spring and summer. You’ll be ready whether your body grows now or next year.” Planting his fists on his hips, he studied the mixed expressions of amazement and awe at what he described. “That sound like something you want to do?”
“Yes!” they cheered.
“Well, then,” he clapped his hands together. “Let’s get started.”
Eagerly, they finished their food, each drank water from the dipper and ran to pick up their staffs and reform their lines. Grinning, Edward finished his tankard, asked the maid to get another bucket of fresh water from the well and picked up his staff. Going to the end of the double lines, he walked through, making slight adjustments in their positions.
“Ready? Offense, one,” they shifted their left foot forward and brought their right hands up.
Chapter Six York – six days later
Told her father wanted to see her, Celeste immediately left the gardens and hurried indoors. The maid who had brought the word helped her remove her gloves and apron. Patting her hair into place and hoping she didn’t look too much of a mess, she walked quickly to the office near the front of the manor. As she walked, her gaze moved, seeking to make sure all was in order. Wondering why her father would want to speak to her during the day, Celeste was crossing the main room when she groaned and stopped near one of the lower tables.
How could I have forgotten? Joan. Irritating bit of a sister. With a sigh, and a prayer that her father didn’t shout the roof off, Celeste resumed her course, much slower and with much more reluctance. For a few days, Joan had been held to Celeste’s schedule. To the surprise and growing suspicion of her older siblings, the youngest hadn’t even grumbled that much. Until word came that their father would be returning in two days. With a triumphant smirk, Joan had promptly reverted to her spoilt ways, refusing to do even the slightest thing she was tasked with. The tantrum when Celeste had kept her word about not being given dinner had been spectacular and cringeworthy. Even if all in the manor have seen the like before.
Reaching the closed door, Celeste paused, gathered herself and knocked.
“Enter,” came the deep voice.
Opening the door, she saw with some relief that her younger sister was not seated opposite the desk. Of course not, she’s rarely up this early unless forced. With Father home, she may not leave her room until mid-day.
“Good morn, Father,” she greeted him with a small curtsy before closing the door. “How fare thee?”
“Quite well, daughter,” he replied. “Sit.”
Only then did Celeste move from the door and go to one of the chairs. Carefully spreading her skirts, she perched on the edge, head up and eyes alert. Now, she waited for him to speak.
“I saw this,” Thomas Black lifted the parchment with the lists she had been using for Joan. “It’s for four days, then nothing else is scratched off. What is it?”
“The tasks Joan was given,” Celeste replied.
“Really?” He seemed surprise and glanced back over them. “Why only four days?”
“Because word came of the day you would be returning, and she refused to do anything else.”
“I see,” murmured her father, frowning. “What did you do then?”
“I had told her that if she did not do the tasks set to her each day then she would not eat dinner that evening.”
“You starved your sister?” he roared at her, eyes wide in shock.
“Certainly not,” Celeste protested. “She was given breakfast and the noon meal each day. She had plenty of time in the afternoon to complete the list but.” Celeste decided it was time to be blunt with her father. “Joan is quite spoilt, Father. And has become quite unlikeable by all but Meggie.” She smiled slightly for Meggie was the sweetest of the Black cousins. “Word has spread wide and far about her behavior as you know for no father of any means or suitable rank wants her married to their sons. I was hoping that while you were away I could affect a change. Show her how a job well done could give her contentment. How helping things run smoothly changed how people acted towards her.”
“And it didn’t work?”
“It did,” Celeste answered. “Until word came that you would be returning. As soon as she heard you’d be home late yestereve, she refused to do another thing.” She sighed. “It was actually quite pleasant those four days.”
“And when sh
e didn’t finish this list?” Thomas held up the one in question. “And you didn’t let her have dinner?”
Shuddering Celeste shook her head. “It was much like that day when she was ten and it rained on her birthday so she couldn’t have the picnic she wanted.”
Thomas winced, remembering that day all too well. “Why would she do it four days and then not?” he wondered.
“She knew you would countermand my decision as usual and she could go back to doing—”
“I have never!” he thundered in denial.
“Father, you have,” Celeste replied, trying to stay calm and firm but her hands trembled on her lap. “Whatever Joan has wanted, you have let her do or have.”
The door flew open and Joan sailed in, all sunny smiles. “Father!” She rushed around and embraced him. “It is so wonderful to have you home again.” She smirked at Celeste who ground her teeth. “It’s been absolutely horrid while you were gone.”
“Oh? How is that, my angel?” Thomas asked her, patting her arm.
“Celeste was terribly mean to me,” pouted Joan. “She made me get up at the same time as her and John. Neither of them cared at all for how delicate or ill I was feeling. She made me do so many of her duties that I couldn’t do anything fun on my own. I was doing simply everything. Everything in the manor. And then, Father, you wouldn’t believe what she did!”
“What did she do?”
“She starved me,” wailed Joan, covering her face with her hands.
Rolling her eyes, Celeste stood. “Father, from this day until Sunday next, I am going to spend my days as Joan does.”
“What?” he exclaimed, stunned.
Shocked at such a statement, Joan lowered her hands, again showing a face with no tears.
“And to start enjoying myself, I am going to go for a ride,” decided Celeste. “I’ll see if Edward is finished training the boys and if he’d like to go.”
“I want to go,” Joan said eagerly.
“No,” Celeste shook her head. “I don’t wish to be with you.”
Before her sister or father could protest further, Celeste turned and left the office. Seeing one of the kitchen boys scrubbing the table, she called out.
“Stephen, please go to the stables and tell them to saddle Vesper for me.”
“Vesper, miss?” he stared at her in shock.
Indeed. I haven’t gone for a ride in weeks. It would be quite a surprise if my mare even remembers me.
“Yes,” she replied. “I’m going riding.”
The boy’s jaw dropped. Dropping the cloth, he ran back through the kitchen. Walking quickly to the stairs, she gathered her skirts and gave a little laugh at the puzzled voices coming from her father’s office and the kitchens. Grinning, she hurried to her room, closed the doors, and giggled.
It might be only for a day or two, but we’ll see what happens. Changing into a sturdier skirt, she pulled on her boots before gathering her hair into the netting. Picking up her short cloak and gloves, she walked out of her room with a smile on her face.
“Well, now, there’s a tasty morsel,” Edmund commented. “I wouldn’t mind nibbling on some of her.”
For some reason, Edward’s blood chilled as instinct told him who Edmund referred to. Turning from the smithy, he saw Celeste trotting in on her mare.
“Who is she?” Edmund wanted to know. “I’ve not seen her here before.”
“Celeste,” one of the other men replied. “She’s Edward’s betrothed. Or will be in a few weeks.”
Edmund whistled and clapped Edward on the shoulder. “Is she as tasty as she looks, brother? Or have you not had the balls to sample her wares?”
Ignoring Jasper’s warning glance, Edward spun around, stepping out of Edmund’s reach.
“Celeste is a lady of York,” he stated firmly, gaze going to each man, hearing the mare’s steps drawing nearer. “And she is to be treated and spoken of as such. Any man who doesn’t respect her as she ought to be will answer to me. Is that understood?”
While the newcomers seemed startled at his declaration, they nodded obedience, for now. Edmund however seemed to take it as a challenge. And a chance for mockery. As Celeste pulled up next to the group, the bastard swept his cap off with an extravagant bow.
“My lady,” he greeted her. “Welcome to Talbor Manor.”
“Good morning to you, sir,” she replied with a light laugh as John joined them. “Gentlemen.”
Edward smiled as she reached her hand toward him. Taking it, he kissed her gloved fingers.
“Is all well at home, Celeste?” John inquired, obviously as surprised by her appearance as Edward was.
“Everything was well when I left it,” she answered. “Joan spoke with Father.”
“Saints help us,” he muttered.
“I told Father I was going to be like Joan until Sunday.”
“You what?” John stared at her. “What about the rest of us? We’ll starve and – and—”
“John, I’ve spent my life taking care of everyone else,” Celeste stated. “Last week Joan complained I wasn’t any fun. So, for a few days, I’m going to have some fun.” Her gaze went straight to Edward. “I know it’s still morning, but can you take a break in training? I was hoping you could ride with me. It’s been since Easter at least.”
“The boys can go through their drills without me for an hour,” he told her, gently pressing her fingers between his. Glancing about, he caught sight of a groom. “Have Storm saddled for me. Quickly.”
With a startled nod, the groom hurried away. John caught at the mare’s bridle.
“Celeste, you are joking, right? You wouldn’t really do that to us, would you?”
For the first time Edward could remember, Celeste seemed angry. “John, I’m wondering if you’re not as spoilt as Joan. I get up before the sun and rarely see my bed before eleven. When was the last time I left the manor except for services on Sunday? When was the last time I did anything that wasn’t for anyone else?”
That stumped her brother and she sighed. Edward wondered at this new side of her. Must be from having to deal with Joan. That tantrum John mentioned two days must have exhausted Celeste. I will not argue the opportunity though. I can’t remember the last time we rode. Surely it hasn’t been so long as Easter?
“Black, how do you know her?” Edmund was demanding.
“She’s my sister,” John answered. “The older of the two younger than myself.”
“You have another even younger as well?”
Edward felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up at the intense tone of voice. A quick glance at Edmund made him shake his head at John who ignored him.
“I do. As well as two younger female cousins,” the man replied with a shudder. “Is it any wonder I prefer to come to Talbor so much to get away from women?”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Edmund smiled up at Celeste. “If the other three are as pretty as this one, I wouldn’t leave home at all.”
Snorting, John shook his head. “You haven’t had to live with any of them.”
“Well, then, if my company and care of the manor is so tiresome, John, perhaps I should ask Father to speed the banns between myself and Edward,” Celeste said sharply. “I’ll leave you to Joan’s tender care and see how you like that,” she finished with a hard glare.
Startled, John tried to make amends. “Now, Celly, it was just men talking.”
“Really?” she countered with more fire than Edward could recall. “Well, this is just a woman talking. Fend for yourself if you don’t like the way I take care of things.”
Jerking the mare’s head out of his grasp, she turned her mount and put her heel to the side. With a brief whinny, she galloped out. Edward glared at John.
“I wouldn’t mind the banns being read sooner, but it would serve you right to have to deal with Joan on your own. You’ve no appreciation for what Celeste does at Black One Manor.”
“Black One Manor?” hooted Edmund. “Is there a Black Two then?
Is that where your cousins live?”
“Our father’s brother lives on the other side of York,” John told him. “Julia is more congenial than Celeste.” Casting a disparaging look after his sister, he shook his head. “Celeste is more concerned about being a lady of the manor than making a man feel comfortable in his home.”
“You say that?” Edward demanded as the black was brought out. “After wanting to know who would take care of the rest of you if she didn’t?” Putting his foot in the stirrup, he swung up and gathered the reins. “Celeste is right. You’re as spoilt as Joan.”
As the groom stepped back, Edward moved his heels against the stallion’s ribs and the horse jumped into a gallop. Given Celeste’s mood, a rare one at that, he hoped she would head for the stream where they had often met as children before she had to take on more responsibilities at Black Manor. And I’d started my ‘training’ to be a soldier of York. It’s amazing that the company’s not known for being a joke. Leaving York proper, he smiled, seeing her short red cloak in the distance.
“C’mon, boy,” he murmured, giving the black his head. “Our lady wants a chase? We’ll hunt her down.”
Eagerly, the stallion went after the mare. As he’d expected, Edward found her dismounted and sitting on a large flat rock. Her mare was loosely secured to a low branch and was contentedly nibbling at the grass. Celeste’s expression was still stormy as she gazed out over the stream. A bit piqued she didn’t turn to acknowledge his arrival, Edward wrapped Storm’s reins around the same branch and went to her.
“You do have a bee in your bonnet,” he observed, standing next to the rock.
“I’ve a right to, don’t I?” she snapped back, then sighed. “I’m sorry, Edward. You don’t need that from me. Nothing I’m dealing with compares to your troubles.”
“What troubles?” he asked lightly, knowing exactly what she meant. I’m keeping her out of that. She can’t suspect anything. “Edmund has the men, and much joy may he have of them. I have eight eager young boys who are in the courtyard before the sun is up. All of them practicing what I had them doing the day before.”
“You didn’t like training with the company?” she wondered, seeming puzzled.