“Have you seen Mistress Merriweather?”
She skipped along through the great hall. “Follow me. She’s in the garden. We’re planting flowers.”
“I didn’t know you could eat flowers. Don’t vegetables belong in a garden?”
“You’re so silly. You always need a little bit of something pleasing, that’s what my lady says.”
He smiled. Charlotte had won over the people in the time she’d been at Ravenskirk. They all treated her as the lady of the castle. He sent up a prayer. Please don’t let me have the kind of marriage my parents had. Was it possible? He’d seen so many marriages where the man a woman barely tolerated each other. Henry had always thought he would have someone he could talk with. Someone intelligent. A woman who cared about his lands as much as he. Charlotte was all those things. Mayhap their union would not turn bitter.
“Mistress Merriweather. I hear tell every garden needs flowers.”
She was kneeling in the dirt. Henry offered a hand to help her up. She brushed the dirt off her skirts as she stood, and he was struck again by her beauty. It would not be so unpleasant to wake up next to her every day. And if they had children? They would be the most beautiful children in all the realm.
She put a hand up over her eyes to shade them from the sun. Then, seeing his face, she stiffened.
“Addie, thank you for your help today. I’m going to rest and talk with Lord Ravenskirk. Go to the kitchens and tell the cook to give you one of the small cakes we made.”
The little girl giggled, picked up the basket full of green things, and ran toward the kitchens.
“From the look on your face, I’m afraid you’re going to tell me something I don’t want to hear.” Her hands were clenched in her lap. “News about my sisters?”
He sat next to her. A short stone wall enclosed the garden. There was a bench in each corner. ’Twas a most pleasant place.
The sun turned her hair gold. Henry resisted the urge to twist a lock around his fingers. “There is no news as of yet about your sisters. My brothers are sending messengers out across the realm. If they are in England, we will know.”
Henry thought of John. His older brother always knew what to say. Could deliver bad news without sounding like a dolt. Henry missed him still. Wished he were here now to tell Charlotte what must happen.
“’Tis a grave matter indeed. Know I have spent much time thinking on another way, but there is none.”
She looked up at him, a smudge of dirt on her nose. Henry reached out with his thumb and wiped it off. His hand hovered in front of her face. He wanted to stroke her cheek, run his finger over her lips. Truth be told, he wanted to kiss her. But now was not the time. He pulled back and the spell was broken.
“Timothy is cousin to a powerful bishop. The corrupt man has coveted my land, my brothers’ land, and our gold ever since we each received our castle from our father. He is ever watchful. Looking for reason to confiscate all. And now I fear he has one.”
Her eyes widened. Today, next to the growing things in the garden, they looked the gray of the water around the castle after a summer rainstorm. She was kind and good. She would understand.
“What’s happened? That little weasel is nothing more than a troublemaker. I knew from the moment I laid eyes on him. And he obviously hates women.”
“Aye. He believes all women to be evil.” Henry looked up to see a small boy coming toward them, and was grateful for the distraction. “Would you care for a glass of wine? I fear you will need it by the time our speech is done.”
Her sun-kissed skin paled, but she didn’t say a word.
“What are the small cakes you spoke of to Addie?”
She smiled at the boy and accepted the wine. “I call them cupcakes. I hope you don’t mind we used the expensive flour to make them. And some of the sugar.” She blushed and said, “And some of your spices. I’m afraid the small cakes cost a great deal of money. But you can taste for yourself—here comes Addie.”
The little girl ran toward them with a basket over her arm.
Henry ruffled the boy’s hair. “A cake for you, then off to do your chores.”
The boy let out a whoop and reached for a cake. Addie smacked his hand, making Henry bite his cheek to keep from laughing at the boy’s expression.
She pulled back the cloth covering the basket. “You may choose one.”
“Thank ye, Addie.” The boy took a bite and groaned. “I will do your chores for a fortnight for another.”
She giggled and, with a look at Charlotte, handed the boy another cake. Then she turned to Henry. “Mrs. Benton says to bring you the small cakes before we eat them all.” With a frown, she put her hands on her little hips. “I would never eat all the cakes, not like the boys. They’re always eating.”
Charlotte covered her mouth but couldn’t hold in her laughter. Hearing her made him laugh as well.
“Thank you for bringing them. I was just telling Lord Ravenskirk about them.”
Addie held out a small, round cake. He took a bite—truth be told, a rather large bite. Right. Half the bloody cake went in his mouth. He chewed. Sweetness filled his mouth. He looked up to find them grinning.
Henry wiped his mouth and looked at Charlotte. “Spend as much as you desire to make more of these cakes. Delicious.”
He had wasted enough time. Henry ate one more cake, drained the wine, and faced her. “Timothy swears you are a faerie. Or perhaps a demon or the devil incarnate.”
She started to laugh, then stopped upon seeing his expression. Did he look so fearsome?
“Is that as bad as being considered a witch?”
He nodded. “’Tis a grave matter, Charlotte.” He watched her jump.
“You’ve never called me by my name before. This must be serious.”
“Timothy met with the bishop and swore before him that you are all of these things. I am commanded to turn you over for questioning within the se’nnight.”
“Where do I have to go? What happens when he questions me?”
Henry shook his head. “The kind of ‘questioning’ the bishop performs ends up with you likely tortured and then dead.”
“Hells bells. I’d forgotten those kinds of things still happen.” Her voice trembled as she said, “When are you planning to send me to the bishop?”
Odd. What did she mean, these kinds of things still happen? There was something strange about Charlotte he could not put his finger on. But it would have to wait. They had more important matters to discuss.
“Nay, Charlotte. I would never turn you over to that man. He is corrupt and would not hesitate to use you for his own gains. But I fear once I tell you the only way to save you, you may wish I had turned you over.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Henry thought Charlotte looked as he felt. She swallowed and looked in her cup as if it held the answers to the very heavens above. “I think I’m going to need more wine to hear any more.” Henry called one of the servants over and sent them to fetch more wine. They sat in silence waiting. Neither wanting to continue their speech.
The man came back and left the jug of wine. Henry poured another glass for her. She drank half of it and set the goblet down beside her on the bench. He watched as she sat up tall, looking as regal as any queen.
“Whatever it is, I’m ready. Tell me.”
“If I refuse to turn you over, I forfeit everything I own. My land, my gold, Ravenskirk. And then he will send soldiers to take you by force. The man is cruel. You would suffer horribly. Those under my protection would no longer be safe. They too would suffer. The only way to save you and my people…is for us to marry.”
She blinked at him. Her mouth opened and closed, and he watched as her skin turned from a lovely rosy color to the color of the first winter snow. With a shaking hand, she drained the rest of the wine, poured another goblet, drank it down, and poured yet another.
“I’m sure I heard you correctly, but did you say we have to get married? As in ‘I do,’ rings,
cake, and a big white dress?”
“We shall have the small cakes you make after the ceremony and the feast. You may wear whatever dress you like. You will have one made.”
She held up a hand. “Stop. I was making a jest. But I see I should not have. I can’t marry you.”
“Are you betrothed?”
“No. I’m not engaged and I’m not married. But we can’t marry. We don’t even really know each other.”
“Many marriages are arranged. The first time a man sees his new wife may be at the ceremony.” He winced. “My own parents did not know each other. Truth be told, they could not stand to be in the same room together. I care for you and hope that in time you would come to care for me.”
She looked like she was ready to bolt or faint, so Henry took her arm and pulled her close. “A walk on the battlements always does me good.”
When they reached the top of the battlements and started pacing, Henry spoke again.
“Is there anyone who can aid you? Any other family? I could send you to them wherever you come from. The bishop’s reach would not extend to another country.”
She shook her head. “No, there is no one and it is too far.”
His pride suffered as he saw how desolate she looked.
“If we can’t find Lucy or Melinda, I am all alone,” she whispered.
“You will never be alone with me by your side. I swear it.”
“This is not what I expected.” She tripped, and he caught her arm. Henry thought she looked like a frightened deer.
“As Lady Ravenskirk you will be safe. The bishop will not risk the wrath of my brothers by taking my lady wife. And the king would involve himself in the affair. We would declare war, my brothers would send armies and gold, but I have seen too much bloodshed and would prefer not to send men to their deaths when we can prevent it.” He took her hand. “I do not wish to marry either.”
Had he imagined it, or did she flinch? He looked at her like she was a mystery he couldn’t quite work out.
She didn’t speak, but continued to walk. Henry let her think, walking back and forth next to her, watching the fast flutter at her neck. As close as he stood, he thought he could hear her heart beating as fast as a galloping horse. He walked until his feet started to ache. The sun was low in the sky by the time she sat down on a low bench and let out a great sigh.
“I can think of no other way around this. But isn’t there someone you care for? Are you betrothed?”
Henry shook his head. “Nay. I am not promised. There is no one. I vowed never to marry.” He shook his head. “The fates are laughing at me. One should never make a vow about marriage or matters of the heart.”
“Oh, Henry. I am so very sorry. I only wanted to find my sisters. You probably wish you’d never rescued me off that beach. You’ve been so kind, shown me hospitality, and this is how you are repaid. I will run away.”
“The bishop’s men would find you. He knows I would come for you. I will not allow you to be harmed. As my wife, you will have the protection of my name. As Charlotte Thornton, Lady Ravenskirk, no one will dare speak ill of you. No harm will come to you. The bishop will go away and try to steal from someone else, and I will try my best not to kill Timothy for what he has done. Though I will banish him forevermore from Ravenskirk.”
He took her hands in his. “As my wife, you also have the protection of my brothers. They will stand with me if anyone tries to harm you. What say you, Charlotte Merriweather? Will you consent to marry me?”
She shook her head. “Wait. Did you say your name is Henry Thornton? I don’t know why I never asked. I knew you were Lord Ravenskirk, but for some reason I never thought to ask your last name.”
She was looking at him as if a question had been answered, and he couldn’t tell if the look was one of fear or joy.
“Is aught amiss?”
Charlotte hesitated, as if she was going to tell him something, and Henry knew once again she was keeping secrets. He only hoped she wasn’t in league with Lord Hallsey. For soon he would be tied to her forever.
“No, nothing’s wrong. I just didn’t know your last name.” She started for the door that would lead them back inside the castle, turned, and said, “All the musicians that have played here, I’ve never heard a piper. Does one usually play for you?”
’Twas a strange question. Henry thought about it. “Nay. One passed through a year or so ago. My brother John had a piper, and so does my eldest brother, Edward. John loved the music; said ’twas his favorite. He died years ago.”
“I’m sorry. I know what it is to lose those you hold dear.” He felt the trembling, yet she did not weep.
She looked sad. “I had always hoped if I ever did find the right guy, we would marry for love. I cannot let you do this.”
With the lightest touch, she stopped him in the courtyard. “Turn me over. I’ll find a way out of this mess. You’ve done more than enough to help me.”
“You would be tortured. Have you ever seen the inside of a dungeon?”
At the shake of her head, he nodded. “I thought not. Nay, Charlotte. ’Tis my knightly duty to aid you, and I will marry you to save you from the bishop. My name and my family will protect you.” He dropped to one knee.
“I ask you once more, will you marry me?”
Her eyes full of tears, she favored him with a small smile. “I will. I can never thank you enough for saving me.”
He nodded stiffly. They walked into the great hall to eat supper. As a member of a most powerful family, Henry could arrange a hasty ceremony. The bishop would be full of fury when he found out Charlotte was no longer within his reach—and even angrier to know Thornton lands and gold had escaped his greedy grasp once again.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Marriage. To a medieval noble. Sure, she had a huge crush on Henry. Who wouldn’t? And yes, she really liked him a lot. But love? It took time to fall in love. To know without a doubt this was the person you could picture yourself growing old with. Charlotte sat back on her heels in the garden and wiped a dirty hand across her brow.
“Are you ill, mistress?” Addie peered up at her. “You have a strange look upon your face.”
“I’m not ill. Just thinking.”
The girl smiled. “You’re going to be Lady Ravenskirk. You’ll be very rich, and Lord Ravenskirk is most handsome.”
“And you will still help me in the gardens.”
The horrified look on Addie’s face made Charlotte laugh.
“Nay, you cannot work in the gardens. Fine noble ladies do not do such things.”
“I think fine noble ladies do as they wish. And I wish to work in the garden.”
The girl looked scandalized as she pondered what Charlotte said. Finally, she wrinkled her nose and said, “’Tis rather nice to plant and watch things grow. I like the flowers best. I don’t care for how dirt smells.”
“It is a nice feeling.” Charlotte looked at the girl. “I rather like the smell of the earth. Reminds me we’re all here for such a short time. Now take the basket of herbs into the kitchens.”
As the child scampered away, Charlotte sat back against the cool stone wall, tilting her face up to the sun.
She must’ve fallen asleep. When she woke, her wrist was sore from sitting on it. Charlotte yawned. It felt good to stretch. What she wouldn’t give for a yoga class right now. Many times she’d been tempted to practice, but fear of being branded a witch kept her from it. There was always someone around. Even in the privacy of her chamber she was worried Addie or someone else would walk in.
A sound made her look up. Where was it coming from? In the time she’d been at the castle, she’d come to recognize the various sounds. Swords clanging, animals, people coming and going, the sound of the blacksmith, and other everyday noises.
But this…something was out of place. She needed a better vantage point. The battlements would be perfect.
Up top, she slowly walked around until she came to the far northern corner. This sectio
n was guarded by the three men she used to see with Timothy. Charlotte peered into the woods when she heard the sound again. It seemed to come when the man on duty was at the opposite end of the battlements.
She caught a flash of green, not leaves or the wind blowing the trees. It was as if someone were moving. Trying not to be seen. She blinked and it was gone. Charlotte was trying to decide if her eyes were playing tricks on her when Chester appeared. He popped up throughout the day whenever Henry wasn’t with her.
“Lady?”
“I thought I saw someone moving in the woods. Wearing a green tunic. When I looked again, they were gone.”
Chester peered over the wall into the woods. He went stiff, speaking in a quiet voice. “My lady, act as if nothing is amiss. I will find my lord.”
She walked beside him. “What’s wrong?”
He shook his head. “I am not sure, but we have had much trouble with Lord Hallsey and his men. ’Tis better to send men out to scout the area.”
He spoke to the sentry on duty while she tried to nonchalantly walk along the battlements, stopping here and there to look out over the walls into the water. With the breeze making ripples on the surface, she couldn’t see her reflection today. Living in a castle in the middle of the water felt like being on your own private island. This was now her home, or would be soon.
Married. After watching her friends graduate college and marry, seeing her sisters’ friends marry and start having babies, after so many failed relationships, she’d given up. Maybe all those boyfriends were practice for Henry. He was the real deal, and she hoped as they kept getting to know each other, he would love her.
Ever since the castle inhabitants found out she was going to marry Henry, they’d quit calling her mistress and started calling her lady. They’d all accepted her without question. And for that she was grateful. The lady of the castle. Charlotte still couldn’t wrap her head around the idea.
What a huge difference from her own time. In the future, the church had no such power. If someone threatened her, she would’ve simply gone to the authorities. But here, things were very different. She knew how much the people relied on him. Had heard stories of other lords and how awful they could be. Henry was an anomaly in how much he cared about the welfare of his people.
Lonely is the Knight (Merriweather Sisters Time Travel Romance Book 3) Page 10