“There’s no need to put yourself out on my account,” Helena stated. The drab little house seemed to grow smaller by the minute.
“ ’Tis no bother, Milady,” Mary said, clearly acknowledging that she accepted Helena as her superior.
Helena said nothing about this. She watched as Mary put more peat on the fire before bringing her a wooden bowl filled with steaming broth.
“This will see you right,” Mary said with a meager smile. “I am sorry ’tis not more.”
Helena sampled the soup. “ ’Tis fine broth—the best I’ve ever known.”
In spite of her concern, Mary beamed at the compliment.
“Thank you, Milady.” She quickly went back to the fire and stoked it with a poker.
Straightening up and looking again at Helena, Mary spoke.
“Ye are gentle born, of that there is no doubting.”
Helena swallowed hard and nodded. “I suppose ’tis true enough. The evidence is upon my body.” She waved a free hand over her surcoat of velvet.
“Aye, that and the way you talk. Mayhaps someone at the castle knows of you.” She left it at that and bustled over to the only other piece of furniture in the house, the herb-laden table.
Mary’s plump frame did nothing to slow her down. Helena watched the woman dart around the room and decided to leave well enough alone. If she showed fear or objection at Mary’s suggestion, it would no doubt give her further concern. Besides, Helena reasoned, no one at the castle would know her because she had never heard of Gavenshire.
Helena relaxed, drank the soup, and watched Mary at work. She was an earthy creature with a dark brown braid that hung down her back. Her coarse wool kirtle of woad blue did little to make her more attractive, yet there was kindness about Mary that made Helena feel like the shoddy one.
Mary glanced up from where she ground herbs. “Feeling better?”
“A little, thank you. I am certain that your fine care has given me health.” Helena finished the broth and started to get up.
Mary rushed to her side. “Nay, stay and rest. My husband will return shortly and we will send word to the castle for your care.”
Helena eased back against the straw-filled mattress with a sigh. She glanced across the room to the only window and noted the fading light. There was nothing to do but wait for Mary’s husband.
Soon enough the sound of someone nearing the hovel caused Mary to perk up and cock her head. “ ’Tis Felix,” she confirmed for Helena’s benefit, then went to open the door and greet her husband.
Helena watched as a large filthy man in a ragged wool tunic entered the door frame. The man had huge hands, which quickly wrapped themselves around Mary’s stout waist.
“Wife,” Felix said with a grin, “ ’tis the face of an angel ye have.”
He gave her a quick kiss on the lips.
“Go on with ye.” Mary’s mock protest was given with a smile.
Felix noted that Helena was awake and dropped his hold on Mary. “So ye have come around.”
Helena nodded. “Mary tells me that you found me in the fields. I am most grateful for your care and hospitality.”
Felix noted Helena’s refined manner of speech with an arching of his brow and a questioning glance at his wife. Helena saved Mary the trouble of explanation.
“My name is Helena, although I can scarce offer more than this. Your wife suggested that someone from the castle might best assist me. I would be grateful if you would send word on my behalf.”
Felix nodded. “Were you traveling alone?”
“I–it seems so.” Helena hated being caught up in the deception, but she feared reprisal from Roger more than the consequence of her actions.
“Ye have no memory of it?”
“I–I’m confused.” Helena sat up and threw her legs over the edge of the bed. “If it is too much trouble to send word, I can attempt the journey myself.”
“Nay, I could not let you,” Felix replied firmly. “I will find the bailiff and ask him to settle the matter.”
“Thank you, Felix.” Helena’s voice rang sincere even if her heart questioned the sanity of her actions.
Felix was to only have been gone for a matter of minutes, but instead was gone for nearly half of the hour. Mary began to fret, and Helena worried that she’d somehow caused the man grief. When he did finally reappear, he came with a stranger by his side.
“Milady,” the man said, stepping forward to offer his hand to Helena. “I am Devon Pemberton. I am the estate steward for the duke of Gavenshire.”
Helena allowed him to help her to her feet and then she curtsied. “Sire, I am Helena.”
Devon Pemberton was a tall, handsome man, and Helena found him most reassuring with his warm smile and bright eyes. He eyed her over from head to toe and back again before speaking. “Felix tells me you have no memory of your kin or home. Is this true?”
“My travels have exhausted me, I fear. I remember only a little of the trip, but nothing of the travelers. I’m certain I know naught of the names of those who went with me.” Helena comforted herself in the fact that this was no lie.
“ ’Tis no matter. You are welcome at the castle, and we will search to find your family on the morrow. Be ye well enough to walk, or shall I send a cart for you?”
“I can walk,” Helena said hesitantly. She avoided his searching eyes for fear she would break down in her charade. “I would like to see these people rewarded,” she quickly added. “They have been most kind in caring for me and have shared their meager foods with me as well.”
Devon nodded. “It will be done. Felix, come with me to the castle and I will issue you food.”
Felix and Mary both gasped in surprise and exclaimed in unison, “The castle!”
“ ’Tis not necessary, Sire,” Felix protested. “We gave nothing more than the good Lord would have asked of us.”
Devon smiled and took firm hold of Helena’s arm. “A kindness, nevertheless, and one worthy of repayment. Come.”
Helena felt the strength in Devon’s hand as he pulled her forward. She was deeply aware of his presence. He is a powerful man, she thought. He was determined and self-assured, and the very nearness of him gave her cause to think about her beloved Tanny. Would he be as tall as this man? Would his hair be soft and brown like this?
Tanny had dark hair, she reminded herself. Rich brown hair the color of newly plowed dirt and eyes so dark they were nearly black. She could almost see him in Devon’s place, and her heart skipped a beat. Where are you, my love? Why am I not upon your arm instead of this man’s?
In the soft blue and purple haze of twilight, Gavenshire Castle rose beyond the village. The town was closing down for the night, and the soft glow of firelight illuminated the windows of the houses as they passed by. Helena felt a chill and gave an involuntary shudder.
“Are you cold, Milady?” Devon inquired.
The silhouette of his face in the fading light caused Helena to tremble more. Fear was gnawing at her like a hound to a bone.
“Aye,” she whispered, unable to offer any other explanation.
Devon removed his own cloak and placed it around her shoulders. “This should keep you warm enough.”
Helena snuggled down in the warmth, grateful that Devon could not see the blush that crossed her face.
Gavenshire Castle was a grand affair, Helena decided. She reviewed the bailey as they crossed to the outer stairs and noted the large number of men who guarded the grounds. Torches had been placed strategically to offer light and, in their glow, Helena could make out stables and mews where the falcons were kept.
Devon’s ever-present hand upon her cloaked arm made Helena painfully aware of her inability to escape. There was no reason to fear, she reminded herself. But her thought were not all convincing.
&
nbsp; She turned at the stairs to find Felix’s face awash in wonder.
“ ’Tis a fine place, is it not?” she questioned, and Felix smiled broadly.
“To be sure, Milady. To be sure. I must remember every detail and tell my Mary.” Devon smiled at the exchange and assisted Helena up the stone stairs.
The castle was fairly quiet, even though the evening meal was in progress. Supper was not as much of an affair as was the noon meal. Many people simply took their food to their own chamber and spent the evening in retired silence or quiet conversation.
“Would you care to dine, Helena?” Devon questioned.
“Nay.” She was not anxious to be made the center of attention.
Sensing this, Devon led her to a small room off the great hall. “Wait here while I see to Felix. I will find the duke and announce your arrival.”
❧
Helena watched as Felix padded off in dumbfounded silence behind Devon. She then allowed herself to survey her surroundings, noting the red and blue woolen hangings that draped the walls. Seeing the way they ruffled in particular spots, Helena had little doubt they blocked out the draft and helped to keep the room warm.
The chamber looked to be a private solar of some type. Perhaps it was a place where the duke received guests privately. At this thought, Helena felt herself weaken. She sank down in the nearest chair and wondered as to what type of man the duke of Gavenshire might be. Would he find it acceptable to take in a young woman with no memory and little more than gentle speech and velvet clothing to prove her right at hospitality in his home?
It was several minutes before Devon returned. With him came a rugged-looking man whose brown beard made him look to be the senior of Devon. On his arm was a woman who was great with child. Helena instantly rose to her feet and smoothed out her skirt.
“May I present the duke and duchess of Gavenshire,” Devon announced.
“Your Grace,” she said, curtseying first to the man and then again to his wife.
“I am Arianne,” the woman said, taking Helena’s hand. “Devon is my brother, and he tells me that you are to be our guest. I am glad to receive you, for there is a definite shortage of women in this castle.”
“Don’t I know that,” Devon said with a laugh.
“Don’t mind him.” The duchess instantly put Helena at ease. “Are you hungry or would you prefer I show you to your room so you might rest?”
“Please, Milady,” Helena replied, “do not put yourself out on my behalf. I would not wish to overtax you. ’Tis you who should rest and care for yourself.”
The duke laughed. “If you can get my wife to heed your counsel, you may have a permanent home here.” Then extending Helena a broad smile, he added, “I am Richard. I will bear up with no formalities between friends. Why don’t you sit and tell us how you came to be here?”
Helena swallowed hard. She had allowed the villeins to believe a lie, as had the estate steward, and now she was to lie to a duke and his wife. The moment was too much for her and nearly before Devon could catch her and break her fall, Helena fainted dead away.
Chapter 4
Helena was treated with the utmost care, and the question of her arrival to Gavenshire did not again become an issue. She could only imagine that Devon had shared her situation with the duke and duchess and that they had all agreed the trauma to be too great for her to bear.
Whatever the reason, Helena was glad for the reprieve. She was quickly welcomed into the inner circle of the duchess, becoming fast friends with Arianne, as well as with an older woman named Matilda, who acted as the duchess’s closest confidante and friend. Helena soon relaxed in the unconditional friendship offered her.
“You look quite fetching, Milady,” Devon offered, taking the seat beside hers at the noon meal.
Helena felt shy next to this man. She’d had so little experience with men, having stayed so close to the protection of her mother. Devon was obviously interested in her, and whether it was simply as a means of solving the mystery about her or because he was attracted to her, Helena was uncertain.
“Thank you, Sire,” she whispered and turned her attention to her other side, where Richard seated Arianne. The duchess was laughing about something, and Helena instantly felt a pang of envy for the happiness that emanated from her face.
She watched as the duke leaned down to whisper something in Arianne’s ear and caught the look of deep love in his eyes. Oh to be loved like that, she thought. Turning away, almost embarrassed for having intruded, Helena caught Devon’s smile of knowing.
“ ’Tis truly a great love affair,” he whispered in her ear.
Just then the noise of the hall faded as a grave-looking man rushed to the duke’s side.
“What is it, Douglas?” Richard questioned.
“There is news, Your Grace,” Douglas Mont Gomeri, chamberlain to the duke, announced.
“Pray tell?”
Douglas glanced to Arianne, then beckoned Richard to join him outside.
“Nay, Douglas,” Arianne stated with a fierce shake of her head. “Share your news here.”
Douglas looked at Richard, who questioningly nodded. “I fear ’tis Her Grace’s father and stepmother. A fever has taken them.”
Arianne dropped her chalice. “They are dead?”
“Aye.”
Helena watched as the color drained from Arianne’s face. She heard the swift intake of breath from the man beside her and remembered that Devon and Arianne were siblings. She turned to offer her condolences and noted the shocked expression on Devon’s face. Little more was said, however, as the duchess doubled over in pain and gasped her husband’s name.
“ ’Tis the babe,” she whispered.
Richard immediately pulled her from the chair and lifted her into his arms. “Douglas, get the midwife. Helena, find Matilda and send her to our chamber.”
Helena nodded, watching as the duke carried his weeping wife to the stairs. Devon sat motionless, and Helena wished she could offer some comfort. Not knowing anything she could say, she placed her hand upon his arm, met his gaze with her sympathetic one, and went in search of Matilda.
Richard paced nervously in the great hall. With sidelong glances at the stone stairs that led to the upper level and the lying-in chamber where Arianne lay, he prayed fervently for his wife’s safe delivery. Helena sat in silence. She no longer envied the duchess.
She knew full well that pregnancy and childbirth were frightening times for women. Should a child struggle in finding its way into the world, there was little that could be done to assist it. She knew Richard took some comfort in the fact that Matilda was assisting the midwife. Matilda had waited upon his own mother, and Richard trusted her to be honest with him about his wife’s condition.
Still, it had been some time since she’d come to tell them any news, and Arianne had been confined to the room throughout the night. Now with daybreak upon them, Richard found exhaustion overtaking his weary mind.
“Dear God,” he prayed aloud, “please ease her pain and deliver her safely of our child. Give life to the seed that You caused to grow from our love. ’Tis a selfish man I am, Lord,” Richard continued, “but I plead for their lives and beg forgiveness for my concern.”
Helena’s heart ached for the man. He was clearly worried sick for his wife, and the helplessness of the matter left him frustrated and ill tempered.
“Your Grace would do well to rest,” Helena said softly.
“Aye,” Devon offered, coming into the room. “You will need your rest to show off that fine babe. ’Twould be a pity should the child have more strength than his father.”
Richard tried to laugh, but it came out little more than a huff, and foreboding crept over the hall.
Matilda appeared nearly an hour later, shaking her head. “ ’Tis time it tak
es for these little ones to come into the world. God’s timing is best.”
“You will let me know as soon as something happens?” Richard asked, already knowing the answer.
“Aye, you know I will.” Matilda then turned to Helena. “Her Grace would like it if you would bear this with her.”
Helena’s face registered surprise. “Arianne has asked for me?”
“Aye. ’Tis certain enough she would prefer her husband,” Matilda said with a grin, “but the midwife will have none of that. Come.”
Helena looked at Richard, who nodded. “ ’Twill ease my mind to know you are with her.”
“Very well.”
Taking a chair by the fireplace, Richard watched them go and knew that his heart went with them. He thought only to rest his eyes a moment and await word of Arianne. A storm had brewed up off the coast, and the howling wind outside made him feel even more tired. The damp chill of the room caused him to pull his chair closer to the flickering fire. He would just sit a moment and pray. Instead, he fell into a much-needed sleep and dreamed not of Arianne, but of his brother.
Helena patted Arianne’s hand supportively, knowing little else she could do. She was honored that the duchess had asked for her, but she found the entire scene quite foreign and frightening.
“Milady,” Matilda said to the laboring Arianne, “I’ve placed jasper in the four corners of the room. ’Tis a good stone to bring about the quick delivery of a child.”
Arianne felt the contraction ease and relaxed against her pillow, while the midwife, an ancient woman dressed all in black, rubbed a soothing ointment on her distended abdomen.
“Aye,” the midwife said with a nod. “Jasper will quicken the birth.” Then turning to Matilda, she questioned, “Did ye open all of the doors and drawers within the castle?”
“Aye,” Matilda responded quickly. “The cupboards and larder doors as well.”
Alas My Love Page 3