William cleared his throat and looked at his feet. “Well, sir…I was hoping to have a word with Melissa.”
Myrna nearly jumped, her joy obvious until Melissa’s stern look subdued her. “Shall we leave the two of you alone, then?” asked Myrna, her smile retaining some of her initial joy. “Katie, Tom, come with me.”
“That won’t be necessary,” said William. “I’ll be brief, and I’m happy to have you hear what I have to say. Or ask, rather.”
The entire Reid family stood motionless as William approached Melissa and took her hands in his. He stared into the violet eyes he hadn’t seen in too long a time, and nearly forgot what he wanted to say. Someone cleared their throat—Ruskin, he was fairly certain—and William gathered his senses. “Melissa, will you marry me?”
A series of emotions played out on her face, from sadness, to elation, to doubt. William’s own feelings rose and fell with every flick of an eyelid or twitch of her lips. Just as he prepared himself for the worst, she took a deep breath and seemed to make up her mind, a smile of resolve replacing any trace of doubt.
She punched him.
“Took you long enough,” she said, anger replacing her smile.
“Melissa, what on Esper are you doing?” asked Myrna, her eyes wide with shock. Katie fell to the floor, shaking with laughter, while Tom simply stared with his mouth agape.
William rubbed his arm. “It’s no more than I deserve, Mrs. Reid.”
Myrna shook her head in denial. “Oh no! Not so, Lord William. And since we’ll be family soon, you must call me Myrna.”
“Mom, Melissa hasn’t answered Will yet,” said Katie with an impish grin. “Didn’t you teach us not to assume anything?”
Myrna waved Katie’s comment away. “That was your father. I’ll assume what I please. When should the wedding take place, William?”
William paused, uncertain how to answer. He looked at Melissa, whose expression gave him no aid. “Uh…”
“Okay, Mom, you’ve helped enough now,” said Melissa after a moment, guiding her mother by the shoulders to the far end of the kitchen. “I’ll take it from here. And Katie, you stay out of this.” She approached William slowly, her gaze downward until she reached him. She gathered his hands in hers and stared into his eyes. “Yes, you idiot. I’ll marry you.” She stood on her toes and kissed his forehead. “Now get lost. I have a wedding to plan.”
The three women immediately gathered around the kitchen table and began speaking at once. The chatter was impossible to follow, although he caught snippets occasionally, like “summer wedding”, “long dress”, and “feast.” He saw no point in interjecting—his presence was already forgotten, and he had little to offer anyway. A wry smile crossed his lips as he watched his beloved immerse herself in the joy of planning, and when she giggled at something Katie said he knew all was well.
Tom’s hand landed on William’s shoulder and gave it a friendly squeeze. “Congratulations, Lord William. Well done!”
William turned to shake Tom’s other hand. “Thank you, Tom. But could we drop the ‘Lord’ and ‘sir’ now? I see no need to wait until the wedding to drop the formalities.”
“As you wish, William. As Myrna said, we’re family now, or will be soon. Although you and I will probably have no say in where or when that occurs. But now that plans have been set in motion, you and I should talk. However, your agent may want to sit before we begin.”
William spun around, startled to realize he had forgotten Ruskin’s presence.
“Actually, sir,” said Ruskin, “it might be best if I head to the Inn to see to our rooms.”
“Good idea,” said William. He leaned in close and spoke quietly so only Ruskin would hear. “One room. We’ll be pinching coppers for a while yet.”
Ruskin nodded. “Before I leave, let me add my congratulations, Lord William. And to you, Mr. Reid.”
“Come into my study, William,” said Tom as the door closed on Ruskin. “I have a new wine you should try.” He poured two glasses and handed one to William, saying, “To your unending happiness.” He guided William to a pair of stuffed chairs and sat opposite him. “Speaking of happiness…I’m sorry—this is difficult. I remember Myrna’s father having the same talk with me as though it happened yesterday, but I can’t seem to find the right words myself.”
William gave a sheepish smile. “I think I understand. You want to know if I’m devoted to your daughter. Trust me, Tom, I am. I know it doesn’t look like it because I stayed away for so long, but—”
“No William, it isn’t that. Your reasons for delaying are your own, and I won’t pry. What I’m most concerned about is the rumors I’ve heard about your barony, and I want to be sure you can provide for her. I know you’re a lord, and protocol dictates a certain politeness from me, but we’re talking about my daughter, my firstborn. When I proposed to Myrna, I was a mere apprentice, but her father knew I worked hard and would have my own business eventually. And it’s with the eyes of an experienced cobbler that I look at your boots and see how worn they are and worry these rumors might be true. So be honest with me, William. How bad are things?”
William gulped his wine, willing the burning of his cheeks to subside. What could he say? He couldn’t lie to Tom, not if he intended to be family. “Finances are tight at the moment, but we knew they would be. If I heard right, the women mentioned a summer wedding. The mill will be running by then, which will bring in plenty of money. Our other long-term plans are maturing as well. And I still have my dragon trade income.”
“I thought that had dwindled,” said Tom.
“It has,” admitted William. “We’ve already sold them copies of everything in the Library that they’re interested in, but they’re still ordering custom work—mostly on mathematics and science. It’s not what it used to be, but it’s not nothing.”
Tom stared at him for a moment before speaking. “Good. This puts me at ease somewhat. It can’t have escaped your notice that Melissa can talk anyone into anything. Both my girls can. Myrna too, for that matter, but Melissa especially. Once she marries into nobility, who knows how expensive her tastes will run. Frankly, I want to be certain you’ll pay for it and not me.”
William brows knotted in confusion. “I’m not sure I understand. Of course I intend to pay for her needs, but I don’t know what you mean about her talking people into things. What sort of things?”
Tom raised an eyebrow. “William, Melissa is a master manipulator. I mean that in a good way, or at least the best possible way. She won’t try to convince anyone to do anything harmful for instance, but at the same time I could never deny her anything. Believe me, that wasn’t easy when I was starting my own shop, but at least her tastes were inexpensive as a child. But you must have noticed her clothes are a little above my station. Her art supplies are not cheap either, and I’ve been buying those for years. At least when she worked at the Library she bought her own—mostly.” He paused a moment before continuing. “I haven’t talked you out of marrying her, have I?”
“No, it’s not that,” said William as he looked up quickly from his reverie. “I’m simply trying to reconcile what you’ve told me with what I know about her. It doesn’t add up.”
Tom smiled and shook his head. “She can be subtle. Or blatantly persuasive. Whichever she needs at any given moment. My worry is that if you can’t fulfill her desires that she’ll come back to me for them. I can’t work forever, and I need to put money away for my old age.”
“I still don’t quite understand, but you have my word that I will provide for Melissa. I will not burden you with our expenses.”
“That’s all I ask, William. For now, will you let me give you an early wedding gift? Or perhaps we should consider it an engagement gift.” He didn’t wait for William’s answer, but disappeared into an adjoining room. He returned carrying a pair of boots, calf-high in polished black leather, and handed them to William. “Try these on. I’ve got a pretty good eye for size, but I’d like to be sure.�
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William slid the boots on, gasping at the comfort. “They fit perfectly. And the leather is softer than anything I’ve owned before. Thank you, Tom. I don’t know what else to say.”
Tom put a friendly hand on his shoulder. “Say you’ll at least keep up appearances, William. They mean more than you know. Now, I shouldn’t keep you, as I know you have friends waiting at the Inn. The women seem to have disappeared into another room. Probably looking at dresses or something. Shall I fetch Melissa for you?”
“Uh…probably not. I don’t want to interrupt their fun. Or get asked for my opinion on something I can’t possibly understand.”
Tom laughed as he walked him to the door. “Smart man. You’ll do fine, son.”
William drew a deep breath as the door closed behind him, the cold misty air soothing his burning face. His new boots were more comfortable than anything he’d ever worn, but it would probably take years before he could put them on without recalling the sting of Tom’s words. But at least the ordeal was over.
He found his horse waiting patiently for him and stuffed his old boots into the saddlebag. He was about to mount when he was startled by a muffled thump and a distinct “Ouch!” coming from the Reid house. Melissa emerged from the shadows and rushed toward him, waving an angry finger at him. “Just where do you think you’re going, mister?”
William stared in surprise. “Did you climb out your bedroom window?”
“Yes. Daddy doesn’t like it when I go out alone after dark.”
“I suppose I’m not crazy about it either, but at least you’re safe with me right now.” He remembered Tom’s words and decided to test them. “Why did you sneak out? Couldn’t you convince him to let you come out to talk to me?”
“Easily,” she said with a grin. “But this was faster, and I didn’t want you to get away before I could talk to you.”
He backed away slightly. “Will you be talking with your fists?” He raised his arms in mock defense.
“Depends on your answers, silly.” She rushed forward and threw her arms around his neck and kissed him soundly. After several seconds she pulled back, her smile fading into an angry frown. “Eight months you kept me waiting! And now you were about to leave without saying good-bye, right after we got engaged. What on Esper is wrong with you?”
He grimaced, realizing he’d guessed wrong. “I figured you were busy.”
“Of course I was busy. I’ll be busy until our wedding day—which is the tenth of July, by the way; make sure you’re home that day—but you could have said good-bye.”
He smiled sheepishly. “Okay. Lesson learned.”
She turned serious after a moment’s pause. Then she spoke quietly, her voice pleading. “What about the eight months, Will? I thought I’d lost you. Not even a word. Do you know how much that hurt? How could you do that to me?”
He hung his head, unable to stand the pain in her eyes. The view of his new boots was no less painful, so he looked up again. “It’s too embarrassing,” he said.
“Was there someone else?” she asked.
“No,” he said, squeezing her hands. “Not now, not then, not ever. It’s…I don’t want you to laugh…”
She shook her head slowly. “It’s hardly a laughing matter, Will. I figured you’d found someone else, or that you’d decided I wasn’t worthy of being a nobleman’s wife.”
William’s heart sunk. He couldn’t leave her in doubt; it wouldn’t be fair. “No, it’s nothing like that. I simply didn’t understand when you turned me down the first two times I proposed…well, I thought you…I never knew…”
Melissa covered her mouth in shock. “King’s shinbones, Will! You didn’t know about the three proposals?”
“Why would I know about them? It only applies to nobles. My father was as common as you can get—in fact, he was a foundling, never even knew his real parents. My mother was a baron’s daughter, but she rejected that lifestyle when she married my dad—after one proposal.”
Melissa tilted her head and gave him a chastising glare. “My parents aren’t noble either, Will, but I still knew. Everyone knows! I might have guessed if you’d given up after one proposal, but you asked me a second time.”
He shuffled his feet nervously. “Well, yeah…I really wanted to marry you. And I thought maybe you weren’t ready the first time. But after the second refusal, I figured you really meant it.”
“Oh, you sweet, loving fool, Will. How did you ever figure it out? Your mother?”
William shook his head. “I never told her about either refusal. Or Jack, or Ruskin. Katie told me.”
Melissa’s eyes bugged out in surprise. “Katie? My sister? When?”
“She told me not to tell you this, but she walked all the way to my manor a couple of weeks ago, by herself if you can believe it, and chewed me out for leading you on until she realized my mistake.”
“Why that little brat…so that’s where she went. Daddy was so angry at her—even accused her of running off with a boy. Do you realize what sort of trouble she was in? You didn’t send her home on foot, did you?”
“Of course not! I rode back with her and left her at the edge of town so your folks wouldn’t see me—her idea, I should add. I know she had fun with my ignorance, but she really didn’t want you to find out.”
A mischievous grin spread across her face. “Well, I’ll think of some way to torture her now that I do know.”
He smiled and kissed her cheek. “As long as you don’t torture me.”
She smiled back with an impish grin. “Oh, I plan on doing that too.”
“Oh good. I can’t wait,” he said. “In the meantime, I wish I could stay here in the cold rain forever, but…”
“Fine,” she said with a look of mock hurt. “Leave me here alone with a mother who’s gone mad with wedding fever.”
“You’re not exactly alone,” he said. “You have Katie and your father to help.”
She rolled her eyes at him. “Mother will run roughshod over them now that you’ve gotten her all excited. So, what’s so important that you’re abandoning me all over again?”
“Supper at Deacon’s Inn,” he said as he threw his leg over the saddle. “I have to get there before Jack does what I think he will.”
Chapter 5
“You didn’t have to pay for our rooms, Jack.” William dug into his second bowl of pea soup with the gusto of one who’d had nothing but tea, cakes, and wine since breakfast.
Jack grinned back at him and shrugged. “No, but you weren’t here to stop me. If you’d let me join you on your visit to Earl Bradford, we would have gotten here at the same time and you could have paid yourself. As it is, you left me on my own to make whatever decision I wanted.”
“Well, it was unnecessary—but I appreciate it.”
“No problem. So what happened with the earl? Did you get the deferral?”
“Not so loud,” said William as he spun around to see who might be listening. “Ruskin, you tell him.”
“He charged a stiff penalty, Mr. Doran, but we got what we needed.” Ruskin had long since finished his supper and was now sipping tea. “How did you fare with your other task, Lord William?”
“Well enough,” said William.
Jack waited for him to say more. Eventually, he lowered his beer and sulked. “That’s not fair,” he said. “Not only did you go to a secret meeting, but now you won’t tell me how it went. Some friend. And after I paid for your rooms, too.”
“I’m not saying a thing about it, Jack,” said William. “Get over it.”
Jack gave William a smirk. “Actually, I don’t think I will. I can guess in three tries—maybe two. Hmm…who could you have visited in Marshland besides Earl Bradford? Cairns, of course. But you wouldn’t hide that from me, and you wouldn’t send Ruskin ahead. So let’s see…oh, of course. Maybe it’s the only other person you know in Marshland. So how is Melissa?”
“She’s fine.” William continued to stare at his soup.
“Th
ose are mighty fine boots you got there. Tom Reid is a cobbler, right? Did he give you those? Perhaps as an engagement gift?”
William shook his head in frustration. “King’s dirty undergarments, Jack! Why can’t I keep anything private from you?”
Jack sat back with a smug smile. “Because I’m your best friend, and you have no secrets from me. Also, that was the worst swearing I’ve ever heard.”
“Never mind my swearing. If we’re such good friends, why do you still have secrets from me?”
“I’m a better friend I guess.” He shot William a goofy smile that got even Ruskin chuckling. “Seriously, though, what secrets have I got?”
William looked up from his soup with a scowl. “Try this one: where’s Rachel, Jack?”
“Sorry, that’s a secret. And here comes Dan Deacon, just in time. Evening, Dan. Will needs a beer to celebrate his upcoming engagement.”
William slapped his hand on the table. “Jack, I never said I was engaged.”
Dan Deacon, a large man with a russet beard and a friendly face, turned to William with a joyous grin. “Well, congratulations, Lord William! Don’t worry—your secret’s safe with me. What’ll you have? It’s on the house in honor of your celebration.”
Something inside him gave way, and William decided he was done being secretive. “You know what, Dan? I think I will celebrate—even though I haven’t admitted anything yet. Got any good wines in stock?”
“I have just the thing,” said Deacon, snapping his fingers. “Young fellow from the Guard, the new Quartermaster—Slovik, I think his name is—brought in a couple of barrels from Azuria and sold me one. Top notch stuff if you like reds. How about you, Mr. Ruskin?”
“Just tea, thanks. No offense to your spirits, but it’s not for me.”
“Nothing wrong with keeping a clear head,” said Deacon. “I try it once or twice a year to remind myself what it’s like. I’ll be right back with your wine, Lord William. And I’ll send Lucy with another bowl of soup, seeing as you’ve polished off that one.”
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