Mary frowned, her disappointment written on her face. "Of course, my lord."
* * *
Karin gazed in the small hand mirror as Mary finished fitting her dress for the evening meal. Mary was in a terse mood. She had not spoken a word to Karin and her movments were jerked and harsh. So Karin did not object when Mary pulled out one of the dresses she did not wear often. The gown was becoming, that was not Karin’s hesitation, rather, it was Karin's preference to wear simpler dresses. It would have been her desire to be in something more comfortable. But Mary's mood left no room for discussion, and Karin decided not to create more tension than already existed. With dismay, she realized she was not aggressive enough to have such a strong-willed servant.
The gown was deep blue and hugged her torso after dropping into a wide V-neck trimmed with gold thread. As she watched her reflection in the mirror, she remembered that this dress was one of her mother’s special commissions. And it remained one of Mother’s favorites. Perhaps that thought would make the hassle of maneuvering in this elaborate skirt that much easier. She would imagine her mother was with her when the weariness threatened to overtake her.
Mary apparently hadn't the patience to do anything as elaborate with Karin's hair, for which she was thankful. The maidservant braided and twisted back the front and sides, securing them with a simple headpiece, letting the majority of Karin's hair flow down her back.
Taking a step back, Mary sighed. She appeared satisfied that everything was in place.
Karin had to acknowledge the complete picture Mary created was quite lovely.
"Thank you," Karin commented in a soft voice.
Mary nodded, still not allowing a smile or word to pass her lips. Picking up the now discarded dress, she moved across the room.
A wave of dizziness overcame Karin, but she refused to let Mary see. Yes, she could be just as stubborn. She was thankful the chair she had vacated long moments before was not far away. The room spun, but she managed to work her way to the chair and land, not with as much grace as she would like, solidly into its seat. There she remained until a knock sounded on the door.
"Come in," she called, attempting to straighten herself.
Father entered. Was it time for him to collect her for the evening meal already?
"Karin?" He made his way to her side. If only she could disguise her pallor!
"I am well, Father. Just a slight headache," she stretched the truth. "I am better now."
He exchanged glances with Mary, who only then seemed to notice that her mistress was in distress.
"Please believe me, Father. I am well enough to venture into the dining hall. I assure you."
Father studied her, his eyes searching her features. After some moments, he heaved a deep sigh. "All right." He extended his arm to help her up. "But I insist you tell me at once if you feel the slightest bit ill."
Karin nodded. "I promise." She reached to take his arm. So determined was she not to let him see how weak she was that she strained her body to its very limits, pulling herself out of the chair. She tried to catch her breath by forcing air to come in and out to a normal rhythm.
Father continued to watch her with concern but said nothing.
The trip from her bedchambers to the great hall was slow, and she leaned heavily on her father. It was tiresome, but she didn't let her father know. She was desperate to be out of that room and longed for conversation on topics beyond her health. Any hint of difficulty, and she feared he may reverse his decision. Besides, the more she walked, the steadier her footsteps became. Still, it would be some time before she would be walking on her own.
As they approached the Golden Hall, a servant announced them, "Earl Petr Bornekov and his daughter, the Lady Karin Bornekova."
Some of the men were seated, some standing, but all were in conversation when she and her father made their appearance. All paused, standing and bowing as Karin entered on her father’s arm. Father slid his other arm around Karin’s waist to assist her slight curtsy as he returned their bow. Then everyone returned to his or her conversations.
This particular room where they met before dinner was referred to as the Golden Hall. Almost everything in this room was inlaid with gold: the carved mahogany of the doorframes and fireplace, and even the furniture. The gold and dark wood colors were dazzling together. Tables for four were spaced around the room as well as additional chairs for seating.
"Where will you sit, Karin?" Her father looked to a seat near the viscountess. Did he wish her to sit there?
"I would like to meet the men who rescued me. I should like to thank them for the part they played in saving my life." Karin squeezed her father’s arm under her hand.
"Of course, of course." Father’s gaze drifted about the room, settling on the young men near the grand fireplace.
Moving in that direction, where the three young men stood, conversing at depth about something, Karin steeled herself. She was only beginning to catch a sentence here or there between her concentrated efforts in walking when one of the men noticed her and Father approaching.
The young men also moved closer to the fireside table and chairs, indicating for Karin to sit. She was grateful. Once she was settled, her father introduced the trio.
"This is Zdenek, Pavel, and you may remember Vlastik’s son, Stepan." He indicated each in turn.
When she met Pavel's eyes, she knew it was not for the first time. His eyes were a striking blue, the clearest blue of a sky on a calm summer's day. His skin boasted the slightest tan, perhaps as fair as hers when he was not in the sun as much. The sun had also lightened his hair, but it was most certainly blond year-round. Pavel's features were slightly angular in an attractive way, and his jaw was strong. And those eyes, those striking eyes. She almost couldn't pull her gaze away, but she did, blushing.
"Gentlemen, my daughter, Lady Karin.”
The men greeted her, but their words were jumbled as she fought to focus.
“Karin,” her father spoke, leaning toward her, “It was Stepan and Pavel who discovered you in the meadow."
"And for that, I am most thankful.” Karin met Stepan’s eyes, dark brown. Pleasant, but not as captivating.
"We are glad you are well," Stepan spoke up.
He was a fine young man. She would not have picked him out as Vlastik's son, but now that she knew, she saw the resemblance in their features. Perhaps if she'd known the viscount in his younger days, the link would have come to her quicker.
Stepan and Pavel seemed to be opposite in physical features, but they had similar builds. Stepan's face was round, but not from extra weight like his father's. His nose was more angular, similar to Pavel's, and his mouth was small with a pleasant smile.
The third man in the group, Zdenek, was taller and lankier than the others. He had brown-blond hair, green eyes not unlike Karin's, and an olive complexion. There must be some Moravian in his ancestry. His nose was more prominent, and his mouth was made to smile. A pleasant sort of fellow.
"Petr," Vlastik called from across the room, where he spoke with two of the young men. "Come help me settle a dispute!"
"Gentlemen. Karin." Her father nodded at them before taking his leave.
The men sat around Karin.
"May I get the lady something to drink?" Zdenek offered, pulling out a chair.
"No, I thank you. I'm fine."
He nodded and sat.
"It is good to meet you like this," Pavel said. His voice was a smooth baritone, the words pouring out like a thick liquid.
"I'm sure. I must have been a sight!" she said, surprised to find herself blushing yet again.
"Oh no, I only meant that we were so concerned, and we have all been worried about your recovery. It is good to make your acquaintance."
A smile graced her lips. "Of course."
"It can't have been so pleasant a meeting for you either, I should think," Stepan interjected. His voice was strong and kind.
"I don't remember much. And what I do remembe
r is not clear enough to trust."
"I should think that is a blessing." Stepan leaned forward on his elbows.
Karin smiled. How could she change the subject? "I am rather curious about all of you. I was not even aware the Viscount was expecting more guests."
"It is an annual trip for myself," Stepan said. "Pavel has come with me for many hunting seasons along with Radek there." He indicated one of the men speaking with her father, the one with dark curly hair and a beard. "This year, we were able to talk Zdenek into coming along."
"Yes, hunting and sports in a summer palace sounded dreadful, but someone had to keep an eye on these two," Zdenek spoke up.
Karin laughed. She was going to like Zdenek.
"And there are five of you in all?" Karin scanned the room, counting.
"Yes," Pavel answered, but his gaze was on her. "The fifth among us is Lucas. Round two for him."
"And you all come for the hunting?" Karin caught Pavel’s eyes again, but soon pulled away.
"And general merriment, of course," Stepan said, eyes smiling.
"And good beer," Zdenek said. He did not smile, but his eyes shone his earnestness.
They all laughed. Yes, she felt much better not talking about her condition or being the focus of conversation. These gentlemen were relaxed and genial. She liked them.
"We had not expected to encounter a lady among us when we arrived," Stepan confessed, his eyes more serious, though his mouth still betrayed his genial nature. "Save my mother, of course."
Karin shifted. "We arrived only days before you. And our trip was not planned much in advance." Would they sense her discomfort and leave the matter alone?
But Stepan continued, "My father has often hoped for Earl Bornekov to come for an extended visit. But I have never known my father's friends to bring daughters or wives unless it is for something more than hunting. What brings you here? Do you hunt?"
"I'm afraid not, my lord. I enjoy riding but have not been on a hunt."
Pavel broke in, "You must come riding with us, then. When your health is more improved. Perhaps we will even convince you to come for a hunt."
Karin offered him a grateful smile. "Perhaps." She appreciated any excuse to look at those eyes.
Stepan did not seem satisfied with her answers, but he did not speak of it further.
A manservant entered the room. "Dinner is served."
Around the room, everyone moved toward the door.
Karin looked for her father. He was not to be found. Had he stepped out for some reason?
The three men at her small table had risen to make their way to the dining room as well.
Zdenek had been seated to her right. He paused. "Are you coming to dine with us?"
"I'll wait for my father to escort me," Karin said, attempting to mask her concern.
He offered his arm. "Allow me."
"Thank you, my lord, but I warn you, I am rather unsteady on my feet. Are you up for the challenge?"
"I assure you I am." He smiled. When he smiled, it filled his whole face.
She grasped his arm and, with a lot of help from her new friend, got to her feet.
Karin's father stepped into the room. His gaze caught hers. Karin laid her other hand on Zdenek’s upper arm. Father nodded his appreciation and made his way to the dining room.
Chapter 3
Subtle Inquiry
Dinner trenchers had been cleared, and everyone lingered over whatever was left of their drinks. The presence of the young men made for a much more lively dinner than the last time Karin sat at this table. Father was in a jovial mood as well, more so than usual, perhaps because of her recovery. She noticed he had matched the Viscount in drink consumption. The beer and wine were flowing freely. And she saw that Zdenek had only been somewhat joking about this. It was a holiday for them all, she reasoned, and Czech men do enjoy their beer.
But Karin had been enjoying the conversation of the young men, especially Pavel. She had thought her initial draw to him had been only because of his prominent blue eyes and her striking memory of them. But there was something else about him that was magnetic; something about his personality warmed her and put her at ease. She had smiled and laughed more in the last hour than she had in the last month. So diverting was it that much time passed before she started to feel the weight of the day. Though she hadn't done much, it had been much for her over-taxed body. Just thinking about her bed brought on a yawn.
She was in conversation with Pavel and apologized, "I assure you it is not the company or your conversation."
"I understand," he replied. "Perhaps it is time for you to retire?"
Karin would have liked to stay and talk into the wee hours of the morning, but she had made a commitment to her father. Looking over, she saw that her father was deep in conversation with the Viscount and Stepan. And, based on the slight slur in his speech and more boisterous behavior, she doubted he would be the most able-bodied person to assist her.
Pavel's eyes followed her gaze and, apparently, her thoughts. "I would be pleased to escort you, Lady Karin."
"Thank you, my lord. I do not wish to take you from such spirited conversation." She indicated Radek, Zdenek, and Luc, who were even more robust than her father.
Pavel glanced at his friends and laughed a little.
She liked this slight laugh of his; as much as it was stifled, it was still a nice, full sound.
He turned back, fixing those azure pools on her. "To the contrary, my lady, it is for the sake of warm conversation that I wish to steal more moments with you."
She prayed the lights were dim enough he could not see her face color. Karin gazed at him as he watched her, the candlelight flickering across his features. At last, she pulled away and touched her father's shoulder.
"Father, I think it is time for me to retire."
"Oh?" He made a move to stand.
Pavel had already risen, "My lord, please stay and enjoy your beer and conversation. I am not so engaged at the moment and would be glad to escort the lady."
Father gave him a half-smile and nodded. "Thank you. I shall have Mary sent for."
"Thank you, Father.”
Pavel held his arm out, his other hand ready to assist. Taking his proffered arm, Karin used her free hand to push up off the table.
After sitting for so long, her body protested the movements, her muscles stiff. His other arm slid around her back, offering additional support. Once on her feet, she smiled and readjusted to grasp the crook of his arm as she said her farewells.
The men stood as she exited. It was a rather difficult feat for some of them. As Karin and Pavel left the dining room, she heard chairs scraping the floor as her father and friends landed. Some not so soundly.
Progressing down the hall, Karin leaned on Pavel more than she cared to, and her steps were slow. "I think my body does not want to work anymore tonight.”
"It is all right," he assured her, "Take your time. There is no hurry."
Though her body was in a weakened state, she wondered if part of her light-headedness was from his closeness. Never had she such a reaction to a person before! Pavel had a magnetism that drew her deeper. Into his eyes. Into the mystery that he was to her.
She shook her head. It was difficult to think of anything else, but she had been waiting, wanting for an opportunity to speak about that day. And it was all the better now that she had developed an acquaintance with him.
"You and Stepan are close?" She spoke between breaths.
"Yes, he is a good friend to me," Pavel said, allowing her to lean even more into him as they neared the stairs.
"I don't have visual memory of him that day, but I do remember he was there. Was he the one who came upon me first?"
Pavel took a deep breath. Was he surprised at her question? Would he answer any questions she had?
"Yes." He maneuvered his head to look at her.
She was silent, waiting.
After some moments, he took this as the cue she wante
d him to continue. "We arrived midafternoon. The weather was turning, and your father was concerned because your maidservant had not seen you. Lord Bornekov supposed you had gone for a walk and was worried that you had not returned with the rain coming.
“Like any men of sound mind and body, we went looking for you, each in separate directions. Stepan and I both went toward the stream. It was he who came upon you and called for my assistance."
"I remember being awakened. Did I speak?"
"Perhaps..." He tried to remember. "Yes. But whatever you said was not discernable. You wanted to understand what we were saying, maybe explain something to us.... And you were concerned about your papers."
They had come to the stairs. Going down had been a challenge, going up would be a monumental task.
"Yes." Karin wanted to appear nonchalant about the matter and remain concentrated on the stairs. "Whatever happened to those papers?"
"Stepan gathered them and, I think, returned them to your father. Perhaps he gave them to your maidservant for safekeeping."
Her heart sank. It was as she had feared. They must have ended up with her father. Was he waiting to confront her? Or had he not read them yet? Set them aside perhaps? Maybe Mary did have them.
"Are you well?" Pavel's concerned voice was close to her ear. He had leaned near. Had he noticed her mood shift?
"Yes," she attempted, having a difficult time thinking with him so close. "It's... I'm tired and still working to piece it all together." It was the truth, if not the whole truth. So many stairs! It's because of those high ceilings, she grumbled to herself.
"Give yourself time, Karin." He patted her hand. "You've been through quite an ordeal."
She liked hearing her name fall from his lips. And she felt his care for her, both now and in his recounting of that horrible day —real concern for a stranger.
After much effort, they reached the top of the stairs. She took a deep breath, smiling at Pavel once again, thanking him for his help. Relief washed over her, only to be followed by a stab of disappointment. Her room was close, marking the end of her fine evening. The door to her bedchambers was open, and there was movement within. Mary was already there.
The Lady Bornekova Page 4