by Alexa Aston
Only a few stragglers remained in the great hall. The trestle tables had been returned to the wall, and the usual group of servants had begun to bed down.
Alys took his hand. “Come. Let’s go to the solar.”
The corridor upstairs was deserted. They made their way to the end. Kit rapped his knuckles against the door.
Moments later, Geoffrey de Montfort opened it. After a quick glance, he ushered them inside. Lady Merryn appeared in the bedchamber doorway and looked at her daughter and then to Kit. She came to stand by her husband, a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth as she slipped a hand into the crook of his arm.
“You have a different look about you, Emory.”
“I do, my lord.”
“Would you care to sit?” De Montfort gestured to the group of chairs near the fireplace.
He and Alys went and took their seats. Lady Merryn sat across from them while her husband stood behind her, his hand on her shoulder. Alys propped her elbow on the arm of the chair and took his hand.
“I would first tell you that my memory has returned,” Kit said. “All of it. I knew my name before, thanks to Devereux, and now I’ve recollected my past and present.”
Lady Merryn gave him a generous smile. “That’s wonderful news, my lord. I was hopeful your memory would come back before you left us.”
“I also know that I had planned to visit Kinwick all along,” he continued.
“But why?” Lord Geoffrey asked, a puzzled look crossing his face as he studied his daughter’s hand in Kit’s.
Kit looked to Alys, who nodded encouragingly.
“My mother has been ill while I fought in France. I wanted to find the best healer for her that I could. I had been introduced to Lady Alys when I arrived at the royal court several years ago. Though she was young, her reputation was unsurpassed. If the king and queen had entrusted her with their well-being, I knew she would be the one to seek out and help find what ailed Mother.”
“So you came to Kinwick for my daughter.” Lord Geoffrey’s eyebrows rose. “And?”
“Not only did I find Lady Alys to be here, along with my memory, but I also found love.”
“With Alys,” Lady Merryn added, wanting confirmation.
“Aye, my lady. I am an only son to Lord Godwin Brentley of Brentwood. One day the estate will be mine. I would be most pleased to make Lady Alys my wife. She will be mistress of Brentwood and the keeper of my heart.”
Lord Geoffrey rubbed his chin in thought. “Do you feel you know my daughter well?” he asked.
“I do, my lord. She is happiest caring for others and puts them before herself. She has an iron will and is a bit on the stubborn side. She likes to hum because her singing voice is terrible. Her beauty is only exceeded by her intelligence. She loves mundane tasks and is a most wonderful listener. She claims to be efficient with a sword, though I have yet to see that.”
Kit paused and looked at Alys before continuing. “Most important of all, I love her. I love the joy she brings to me and those around her. I love her free spirit and her kind heart. I even love her every time she beats me at chess,” he admitted. “I am a better man than I was before because she is in my life.”
Lord Geoffrey nodded solemnly. “I always told Merryn that when a man knew Alys as well as Ancel—or even better than her twin did—that man would be the one for her. But that is not enough.”
The nobleman turned to Alys. “I have heard how this man feels about you. I would ask if you return his feelings.”
Alys’ fingers tightened around Kit’s in reassurance as she said, “I have waited all my life for Kit, Father. You know I have a mind of my own and would never settle, especially when it comes to marriage. I have always desired to find the right man to share my love and my life with, much as you and Mother have.” She looked tenderly at Kit. “Kit Emory is definitely the man for me. No other can compare.”
Lord Geoffrey took a few steps to close the gap between them and offered Kit his hand, a satisfied smile on his face. “I needed to be sure ’twas a love match on both sides.”
Kit rose and accepted Lord Geoffrey’s hand as the nobleman pumped it enthusiastically. Lady Merryn came and kissed his cheek, tears cascading down her own. She embraced her daughter. Kit felt surrounded by a warmth unlike any he had ever known.
“Welcome to our family, my lord.” De Montfort grinned. “Where the women are far smarter than the men and their world becomes yours.”
Chapter 14
They arrived at Brentwood three days after they left Kinwick and a round of lengthy goodbyes. The Le Rouxs had returned from visiting their three children at Wellbury, and Lady Beatrice knew at once something had occurred. She had to draw Alys aside, which led to both Lady Merryn and Lady Elysande joining in, all three women pumping Alys for details of her new love. While Kit was anxious to be off, Lord Geoffrey had pulled him aside and told Kit it was best that the women get their gossip out of their systems, else it might make for a long journey.
Father William was one of the first people Kit saw as they passed through the Brentwood gates. The old priest swung his head around and gaped at the large guard that accompanied him from Kinwick. Lord Geoffrey had sent some of his best men to escort them north, wanting his daughter to arrive safely at her future home.
“Good day, Father,” Kit called. He slowed the borrowed mount from Kinwick. “How is my mother?”
“Worried sick about you, my lord,” the priest affirmed. “Though I told her you were most likely on one of your frequent jaunts and had forgotten to send word to her.”
He winced at the man’s words. He remembered how, in the past, he’d charged off without a thought to the consequences, worrying his mother many times.
“I’m back now for good. No more wandering about,” he confirmed. “And I bring both a healer for Mother—and my future bride.”
Father William cast his eyes upon Alys and nodded with approval. “My lady. ’Tis good to have you at Brentwood. I congratulate you for taming Sir Kit’s wild ways. I hope you will be as successful in helping Lady Berengaria.”
Alys gave the priest a sweet smile. “I’ll do my best, Father.” Then she cast a reproachful look at Kit.
He reached over and took her hand in order to press a kiss to her fingers. “I was no angel in the past,” Kit told her. “But I promise to do my best under your watchful eye, my lady.”
“Don’t think I won’t hold you to that, my lord.”
They rode straight to the keep, and he helped Alys from her horse. She untied her case from the saddle horn as he gave instructions to Sir Gilbert to have his grooms take care of their horses and settle the Kinwick guard.
“There’s plenty of daylight left,” Gilbert said. “We’ll spend it in your yard if you don’t mind, my lord. My men would enjoy challenging new partners amongst your soldiers before we leave for Kinwick in the morning.”
“I am sure our men would welcome the challenge, Sir Gilbert. I will see you all when we sup tonight,” Kit said.
The dismissed guard rode off, and he escorted Alys into the keep. Dawkin met them.
“I’m glad to see you, my lord. Lady Berengaria has been informed of your return and would like you to come to the solar at once.” The steward eyed Alys with interest.
“Lady Alys de Montfort is a renowned healer, Dawkin. Have our best guest room readied for her.”
“At once, my lord.”
Kit took Alys’ case in one hand and her hand in his other. “Let us go see Mother.”
She took a deep breath. “I’m a little nervous.”
“Why? My mother will fall in love with you more quickly than I did,” he teased.
She blushed at his words. “Lady Berengaria will be my future mother-in-law. I want to make a good impression on her. Mayhap I should change into fresh clothing.”
“Nay,” he said, leading her up the staircase. “She is eager to see me—and I am eager for the two of you to meet.”
They arrived at the solar, and he tapped li
ghtly on the door before entering. The outer chamber stood empty.
“Kit?” his mother called.
“Coming, Mother.” They crossed to the opened bedchamber door and entered.
His mother was in her bed, an abundance of pillows behind her. Her pale face emphasized her dark eyes. Kit handed Alys her case and rushed to the bed.
Taking her hands, he asked, “How are you, Mother?”
She gave him a wry smile. “I am better now that I know my son is alive and back home.”
“I’ve much to tell you. But first,” he motioned Alys over, “I would like you to meet Lady Alys de Montfort, the healer that I sought.”
Alys came forward. She set her case down and took his mother’s hands. “I’m most pleased to meet you, Lady Berengaria. And I want more than anything for you to be healthy for your people. Your son has shared with me what a strong woman you are, both in mind and body, and how your leadership has kept Brentwood thriving for many years.”
His mother eyed Alys carefully. “So you are here to discover what ails me?”
“I will do the best I can. May I examine you and ask you a few questions?”
“Aye. I can tell you that our priest believes I have dysorexy, with the occasional day fever mixed in, and that is what’s caused my recent fatigue. I haven’t been hungry for several weeks, and I have always possessed a hearty appetite in the past.”
“Dysorexy does reduce a person’s appetite,” Alys confirmed, “but other factors might contribute to your weakened condition.” She ran her fingers lightly through his mother’s scalp and hair. Touched her face. Looked inside her ears. Had her open her mouth and stick out her tongue. Felt along her neck.
Kit became restless and started pacing the room. Alys continued to ask questions. She even had his mother blow her nose into a cloth and cough and spit into a different cloth so she could study the phlegm. He had to admit that she was quite thorough.
Alys finally pulled a chair next to the bed and sat, so Kit rejoined the women.
“From what you’ve said, I believe it’s more than one thing troubling you. The nagging catarrh has lingered in your nose and throat, causing drainage. This is something seasonal and starts in the spring for some and the fall for others. Have you experienced it before?”
“Aye, always in the spring, but not to this extent.”
“Sometimes, it worsens as a person ages. My Aunt Milla suffers from this springtime ailment. Besides her runny nose, she sneezes overmuch and has a cough that continues for a few months. Because of this drainage, it has caused you to lose your appetite. You also seem weak to me. That could be from not eating well, or mayhap it’s chlorosis. To keep your energy up, you should eat more chicken, oysters, clams, and lentils.”
His mother smiled. “I favor all of those foods.”
“And since your bowels have not moved as often as they should have, you may have costiveness. In that case, it means eating more fruit and some oats.”
“I will tell Cook.”
“I would like to go and grind some herbs for you now to take in boiled water. It will help your nose and raw throat and keep the drainage at bay. The sooner you partake of this mixture, the quicker your appetite will return.” Alys stood and retrieved her case. “I’ll return soon, my lord. I would like to prepare this treatment for Lady Berengaria at once. For now, I will leave you to visit with your mother.”
After Alys left, Kit took the seat she had vacated and reached for his mother’s hands. “It’s so good to see you, Mother. I feel as if I have wandered in the desert for years.”
“You are so different, Kit,” she said. “What has changed?”
“Everything.”
He related his experience on the open road and how the band of thieves attacked him and then left him for dead. How the de Montfort party came upon him and took him back to Kinwick to care for his injuries.
“I would have sent word to you, but I knew not who I was. I suffered a severe blow to my head, and my memory became a blank. I did not know my own name. Where I lived. Who I was.”
Tears welled in her eyes. She gripped his hand. “How awful for you, Kit. I cannot begin to know what you suffered or how helpless you must have felt.” She gave him a sheepish look. “And here I thought you had forgotten about me and merely traipsed through the country on one of your merry jaunts. I feel guilty now.”
“You shouldn’t,” he said firmly. “This experience has caused me to mature. I cannot say I’ll always make the right decisions in the future. I know I was rash and impatient in the past, but I do believe that I’ve changed for the better—and that I am a better man.”
“Because of Lady Alys,” she said, an understanding smile lighting her face.
“Aye.”
“I could tell from the moment you entered my bedchamber that something had changed in you.” She pursed her lips a moment as she searched his face. “My goodness, Kit—you have fallen in love with this woman!”
“Hopelessly and utterly in love,” he admitted.
She studied him for a long moment. “I must say that I envy you. I never had that with your father, nor did I ever discover love with another. I had no time to take a lover. I was too busy running Brentwood and the estate consumed me.”
She squeezed his hand. “I am happy for you, my son. Lady Alys is not only incredibly beautiful, but she seems to have a sweet spirit.”
“You’ll be happy to know that I now understand what is important in life. I’ve always fought against rules and putting roots down. I was happiest charging into battle, not caring if I fell or found victory. While I will always fight for king and country if called upon, I am now content to remain home, here at Brentwood, with the woman I love.”
His mother laughed heartily. “Surely, Lady Alys has worked a miracle. Christopher Emory wishes to become a man who remains at home?”
He joined in her laughter. “Indeed. I plan to marry the lady and make a life at Brentwood. I know I still have much to learn from you regarding farming the land and keeping the records. Alys has already taught me how to speak with tenants and truly show them that you care for them and their families.”
A hopeful look danced in his mother’s eyes. “And children?” she asked.
“I want to fill Brentwood with an army of children,” Kit declared. “The more, the merrier.”
Alys entered the room at that moment and wrinkled her brow, her look questioning their peals of laughter echoing throughout the room.
His mother held out a hand. Alys came and took it.
“My son tells me he loves you, Lady Alys. And because he does, I do, as well.” She pulled Alys close and kissed her cheek. With a mischievous look in her eye, Berengaria asked, “So when is the wedding?
*
A sennight passed, and Kit was delighted that his mother grew visibly stronger. She partook of the herbs Alys gave her in tinctures and hot water and ate everything put before her. She left her sickbed after only two days and returned to most of her duties around the keep. Each passing day seemed to bring a happier look to her appearance. She already treated Alys as the daughter she never had and the two seemed thicker than thieves.
He showed Alys around Brentwood’s lands, having them ride the perimeter of the estate so that she could see its scope. He decided to wait for her to meet their workers until they had wed. He longed for the time when he could introduce her to the world as his wife. She agreed when he suggested the marriage take place soon. Because of his mother’s rapid recovery, they would leave in the morning for Kinwick. The women packed upstairs while Kit readied a missive to be sent to his father in London, informing him that he would marry Alys de Montfort in a month’s time. Kit only agreed to wait that long because his future bride wanted to send word to all of her extended family so that they could plan to attend. He looked forward to meeting more of her relatives and becoming a part of those she held dear.
Kit shared with her that he doubted his father would take time away from court to a
ttend their nuptial mass, but he aimed to be a dutiful son, which was why he now composed a missive to send to London.
Dawkin knocked at the open door. He looked up and motioned the steward into the room.
“Your father approaches, my lord. I thought you would wish to know.”
As usual, Godwin Emory gave no warning of his return. He so rarely came home to Brentwood that Kit had a hard time picturing him within the walls of the keep. He couldn’t remember the last time his father had been at the estate.
“Give me a few minutes in which to greet my father and speak with him privately, then inform my mother and Lady Alys of his arrival,” he instructed.
Kit pushed aside the parchment and ink. He wanted to apprise his father of his upcoming marriage before he introduced him to Alys. At least by his unexpected visit, his father would meet Alys in the flesh. Godwin would also know Lord Geoffrey from the nobleman’s recent trip to court to discuss the truce with the king and his advisers. Between that and meeting Alys, Kit hoped his father would know what a wise choice he had made in his bride-to-be.
Kit left the room and hurried outside in order to meet his father as he rode in. As he reached the inner bailey, Kit heard the thundering of hooves and knew arrival was imminent. A large group of twenty horsemen or more rounded the corner, and he picked out his father at once since the man headed the party. Kit hid the shock he felt as the horses stopped in front of him.
His father, riding on his usual dappled gray mount, was visibly ill. He rushed to help him from the saddle. As Kit stood next to him, his father seemed to have shriveled in height. He was gaunt. His hair had thinned. He seemed unsteady on his feet. He looked nothing like the man Kit had seen in London merely a few weeks ago.
Immediately, he thought that Alys could determine what was wrong and help him. If she could, that would endear her to her future father-in-law.
“We weren’t expecting you, Father,” he said. “It’s good to see you again so soon after our last encounter.”
The nobleman began to wheeze and couldn’t catch his breath. Without warning, deep, harsh coughs began to rack Godfrey’s thin frame. Kit pounded his father’s back as Godfrey brought a discolored rag to his face and spit into it. He quickly folded it and slipped it into a pocket. A sliver of fear cut into Kit. He’d never been close with his father, but he had never wished the man ill. With the speed that his appearance had changed and the sound of his lungs, Kit feared Alys would not be able to provide a lasting cure.