"Dobry den, Stepan. And congratulations. Well done!" She looked up at him, placing a hand over her brows.
Did the sun shine in her eyes? He sat on the chair next to her to ease her vision.
Smiling, she nodded.
He loved the way the upturn of her lips lit her face.
"What brings you out here?" Karin faced the treeline once more.
"Does a young man need a reason to desire the company of a lovely young lady?"
"Is that it? When I find a lovely young lady, you shall be the first to know."
Did she think him a tease? He leaned forward on his elbows. What words would move them forward, but not offend? How could one move beyond a light-hearted friendship toward something more?
"Was your hunt successful?" Karin faced him again, still squinting in the brightness.
He nodded. "A couple of quail, some birds."
"We will have a good dinner."
It was his turn to smile. As his face fell toward his boots, he caught a glimpse of something in his periphery. Shifting his focus toward it, he noted the book facedown on her lap.
"I apologize. I did not mean to disturb your reading." He rose, preparing to excuse himself.
"No, it's all right." She laid a hand on his arm.
Did she wish him to stay? His gaze landed on her hand, making contact with his arm. Perhaps there was more, could be more, between them.
He sat. "Is it a good book?"
"No." She shook her head, the gentle laugh rumbling in her throat. "No, it is not. It is rather boring."
Leaning his head quizzically to the side, his brows furrowed. "Boring?" Why would one continue with a book they abhorred?
"It is not so bad. The story is intriguing, but I care not to read as much about geography and history. I am much more of an action person. Rather than so many details, I wish the story would move along."
"The same for me," he clasped his hands together. "I don't wish the story to be muddled with extraneous conversation and exhaustive, irrelevant information."
Her lips spread in a wide grin. "So we are agreed?"
“Agreed,” he nodded once.
They shared a small laugh between them.
Yes, there must be something more here. Something that could…would grow.
* * *
Pavel came to meet Karin on the balcony. He watched as she placed a hand on Stepan's arm and how they conversed with ease. Something unpleasant welled within him. Something hard and pained.
Though his relationship with Karin had changed, that did not diminish the fact that she had developed friendships with the other young men. This he had to repeat to himself a few times. Still, he couldn't help the dark cloud which seemed to settle as he watched.
It would be best if he walked away from the scene. Turning opposite, he remembered his arranged meeting with Zdenek. They planned to inspect the carriage wreckage. Perhaps that would keep his mind off this gloominess that loomed over him.
* * *
Luc wandered around the cabinet in which he broke his fast each morning, examining the artwork of the tapestries. Though he sat in this room each day, he had never taken the opportunity to study the work of the artists’ hands.
He had dabbled with many forms of art himself and wished he could make it his career. But this was not possible. As the sole heir, his family relied on him to become something more… productive and affluent. So, he sought instruction in the law. Yes that was more distinguished. And the university he attended was quite prestigious. It was all rather grand.
But it was not where his true passions lay. Truth be told, not many of his peers had real zeal for the law. Many were there for the same reason as he—an esteemed career which afforded a comfortable living. However, he doubted any of them were in as desperate a situation as he.
While he moved from tapestry to tapestry, admiring the weave and the color palette, a maidservant approached him.
"Pardon the interruption, my lord. You have a missive." She held a tray bearing a letter.
"Thank you," he said, taking the folded paper.
The maidservant curtsied and left as quickly as she came.
He watched after her and then his gaze swept the room. Was he alone? Finding a seat nearby, he tore at the seal. His parents’ seal.
Dearest Lucas,
We hope this letter finds you well. Are you enjoying your time at the royal hunting grounds? Making good connections, we hope. You are fortunate to have made such fine friendships with such men as you have. Do not take this for granted, as fortunate friends are always an asset in life.
All is well here. Your father continues in his treatments, but his prognosis remains the same. We are glad not to have to worry as we once did, as you are so well off in your studies.
Your sister's courtship continues to go well, and we hope the nobleman will soon make an offer of marriage. If so, then our fears will be laid to rest.
Only a little longer, Lucas. Our secret must be kept for only a little longer. Then our future will be secure.
Chapter 7
Danger
Pavel and Zdenek took great care as they moved down the hill to the wreckage below. It was difficult to discern if the rubble had been disturbed, as there was not much remaining that resembled the grand carriage. But Pavel only sought two things: the wheels and the wheel mounts. He and Zdenek parted and moved around the debris. As he picked through piles of wood and metal, trying to make out anything he could, his stomach turned at the thought of what might have happened to him and Karin.
After a while of searching the remains and the surrounding area, he and Zdenek found enough pieces of the wheels, but the wheel mounts were not to be discovered. Piecing together the wheels as best they could, Pavel hoped to get a better idea of what happened before they were smashed.
A couple of the wheels were in fair condition. The others had been broken to bits. Perhaps the wheels in good shape had rolled free of the carriage before it plunged down the hill. Pavel examined one of those. Was this the one that left the carriage first? From all appearances, it seemed this wheel had broken away from the carriage by force—the force applied by a large mass landing on it as it rolled down a hill, for example. No, this wheel was not to blame. The other wheel yielded something curious.
"Zdenek, look!" Pavel called him from his work assembling the pieces of the other two wheels.
Zdenek peered over Pavel’s shoulder.
Pavel shifted to give his friend a better view of where the wheel would have joined the wheel mount.
"What does that seem to be?" Pavel laid his finger on a strange crisscross mark on the wood. It would not have been made by the crushing pressure of being fallen on or by the weight from the carriage as it was drawn. Zdenek would come to the same conclusion he did—these were the marks of a blade.
"It can't be!" Zdenek drew in a sharp breath, eyes wide.
Pavel caught his eyes.
Zdenek had only come with Pavel, as he said, to keep him level-headed. Pavel’s friend did not believe there could have been foul play. But that changed.
Pavel nodded. The nature of this near miss gave him cause to wonder…and question. Was Karin’s near-death experience upon their arrival at the chateau not as accidental as it seemed?
"We have got to inform the —" Zdenek’s voice rose.
"No." Pavel’s voice was firm, certain. "We do not. Someone did this, and I do not want him to think we are watching now."
"We cannot keep this a secret."
"We can, and we will." Not only did Pavel not want to give warning to this person with a murderous heart, he also thought of Karin. No good could come from her knowing these incidents were not accidents. "Think, Zdenek. If not for my sake, do this for Karin. We will reveal all in time. Grant me a few days to find more evidence."
Zdenek fell quiet, looking to the ground as if it would yield his answer.
"I will trust you," he said after some moments, raising his eyes to meet Pavel's. "But only a few days."
>
Pavel nodded, relieved to have that time. "Let us examine the other wheels and see if they were also touched."
One of the other wheels, most likely the wheel on the same side as the one marred wheel, had the same knife marks. If Pavel were to wager, he would bet that both wheels were supposed to give at the same time. Pavel and Karin would not have had a hope of survival next to the incline had that occurred. The one wheel hanging on the rock was their salvation. Surely God's hand was on them.
As they prepared to leave, Pavel took a last look over the wreckage, which could just as well have been the place where his and Karin's lives came to an end. His stomach lurched. He was ready to leave this place.
"Let's go," came his simple request.
Zdenek's gaze rested on his face for a moment, then he nodded.
They climbed the hill to their horses in silence. Pavel could not muster words when his stomach turned so. And the hair on the back of his neck stood on end. He paused.
Was someone watching them? Had someone trespassed on them? He scanned the area with careful gaze, taking in the most minute of detail.
“Something amiss?” Zdenek called from farther above.
Pavel held up a hand. He finished his search and shook his head. It was nothing but his own nerves playing tricks with his mind. “It is my imagination.”
Zdenek nodded and continued the rest of the way up the slope.
Pavel followed, but he could not shake the feeling. Not until they were a couple of leagues away from the site.
* * *
What Pavel had only guessed, and what Zdenek did not know was that someone was watching them. Watching and waiting.
Constable Borivoj had heard about yet another incident within his jurisdiction, and he had come to do his own investigation.
* * *
The meal came to an end, and Karin's gaze moved toward Pavel, heart aflutter. It was his turn to escort her. This would be the first time they would be alone since the new development in their relationship. Excited chills tingled down her spine. Would he find a moment to kiss her again?
"Lady Karin," Pavel started, as he stood. "Are you ready to retire?"
She nodded, afraid to speak, almost unable to breathe.
"Please," the Viscount interjected, "allow me." He rose and walked to where Karin sat. Reaching toward her, he pulled her chair out as she stood.
"Gentlemen." She nodded and curtsied. But her gaze rested on Pavel. What could this mean? What could the Viscount want?
Pavel's eyes held hers. There was a tranquility about him, as if he wanted to communicate a sense of calm.
There was little time to glean such, as the Viscount escorted her out of the great hall without so much as a pause to catch her skirt lest she trip.
The Viscount led her through the halls and toward the stairs. He attempted to make conversation. "How do you find your accommodations?"
"I must say I am well pleased." She forced a smile onto her face. If only her nerves would believe it.
"Good." He nodded. "And I have been well pleased with your return to health."
"Thank you, my lord." They began to mount the stairs.
"And I wish to celebrate it." His eyes were bright as he shifted to catch her gaze.
"That is most kind." She worked to keep her face from contorting into a confused expression.
"I shall host a ball in your honor. Would that be agreeable?"
Nothing could be farther from Karin's preferences. But this was a great honor he bestowed upon her. How could she not submit?
"I do not wish you to trouble yourself on my behalf."
"Think nothing of it." He waved a hand. "Your father is like a brother to me. He would do the same in my place."
They reached the top of the stairs, and Karin could think of no way to object and maintain propriety.
"Then I thank you for your kindness, my lord."
He nodded. "It is decided then."
They walked the rest of the short distance in silence. What would the ball bring? Would her father and mother come? Would she dance with Pavel?
Realizing she had ignored the Viscount, she turned her attention back to him. Thankfully, he seemed to be deep in thought as well. In moments, they approached her bedchambers. And she held back a sigh of relief that this was where the Viscount would part ways with her.
"I thank you for your assistance, my lord, and for your many generosities bestowed upon me."
He waved it away again. "A pleasant evening to you, Lady Karin," he said, as he released her arm.
Karin dipped her head in a slight nod and curtsied before making her way through the door and into her room.
* * *
Viscount Vlastik Dvorak watched her go. Perhaps he was older now, but he was not blind to the happenings between the young people under this roof. Yes, he could see the spark forming between this lovely young lady and his son. And he could not be happier.
Stepan approached him and let on as much. To be sure, the Lady Karin met with the Viscount’s approval. He would be thrilled to approach Petr on his son's behalf. Perhaps they would have a good, long laugh about it. From the birth of their children, they had joked that Karin and Stepan would be intended for one another but nothing had been made official.
Truth be told, the Viscount had hoped for this exact thing when he offered to house Karin for such a time as her parents needed. Why they required she take time away from her home was still a mystery, but it mattered not. Vlastik had been thrilled it coincided with Stepan's favorite season for the hunt.
And so his plan, it seemed, had worked to perfection. Smiling to himself, he imagined the look on his friend's face. The smile stayed with him as he retired to his study.
* * *
Pavel stretched the bowstring back as far as it would go, feeling the strength in the weapon as he pulled it taut. He, Stepan, and Zdenek were testing different bows; gauging weight and general feel in preparation for their next outing.
Their morning hunts were spent on horseback with a crossbow, but that afternoon they would be traveling on foot and would take on the challenge of the more traditional bow and arrow.
They perused the Viscount's rather extensive collection of hunting equipment to find pieces which would best suit them. Stepan had the added advantage of greater familiarity with the selection.
A loud wham disrupted their concentration. They exchanged glances. What had made that sound? It seemed to come from outside. Perhaps the large front door had been flung open.
Zdenek seemed to have the same idea, as he moved to the window. His eyes widened and his mouth became drawn.
Pavel and Stepan’s gazes clashed and they moved toward the window.
A servant girl, who couldn't have been more than seventeen, was thrown out onto the dirt road. She recoiled from the strong voice and words coming down on her from her overseer. The girl's olive-colored skin was bruised and swollen from a beating, and much of her dark hair had been pulled free of a ponytail and now hung around her face, disguising her features.
Pavel peered at Stepan. What was happening here? Should they step in to defend the girl? He was prepared to, but it was not truly his place. Rather it was Stepan, or his father, who should speak against such treatment.
"The girl is a Hussite," came Stepan's simple reply. His eyes fixed on the scene below. Was that disgust in his voice? And why did he speak as if this fact alone explained the abuse?
"And this implores such treatment?" Pavel spoke with a boldness unlike him, the emotions that welled within him were heated.
Stepan glared at him, confusion naked on his face. "She is also a thief," he added. "The Constable will be here soon to collect her."
Pavel knew it was a fabrication. If the girl had been found with stolen goods, they had been planted. The Viscount and, by extension Stepan, were loyal to the king's brother, Sigismund. Thus, they would, of course, share in his special hatred for Jan Hus and his followers. But Pavel never would have expected such ext
reme apathy from the men Pavel thought he knew.
Another sound interrupted his thoughts. This one from the hall.
"Here you are!" Karin's lilting voice came from behind.
Pavel closed his eyes, wishing her away. He did not want her to see the happenings below. But it would be unavoidable as she saw that they were transfixed on the events outside the window. It would break her heart, as well it should. How would she react? Would she give the truth of her loyalty to Jan Hus away?
Zdenek spoke, moving away from the window. "Karin, what brings you to seek us out?"
Pavel prayed Zdenek’s attempt to deflect Karin’s attention from being exposed to the girl's plight would be successful.
"What are you all looking at?" she asked, unmoved by his efforts at distraction.
"It is nothing," Stepan said in earnest as if he truly failed to see the problem. Could he not? Was he this cold? This inhumane?
She walked toward the window.
Pavel tried to stop her, taking a step forward to block her.
But Karin caught his eyes. Could she see it had struck a chord? Did she already know him so well?
As he gazed into the depths of her green orbs, he knew he would not be able to keep her from it. She was determined to find out for herself. He did not stop her again as she moved past him.
Closing his eyes, he prayed she would have the presence of mind not to expose herself or him. Perhaps if she saw, she would understand how dangerous it was, how important it was to be careful, and how low Hussites were viewed in the homes of those loyal to Sigismund.
As she came to the window, she gasped. Karin's hands went up against the opening as if to reach out to the girl.
"What ... what is ... ?" was all Karin could manage.
"She is a Hussite and a thief," Stepan said in a firm, flat voice without feeling. "The Constable will be here soon to collect her, and we will be rid of her."
"Is this how you treat all thieves?" Karin dared to ask.
Stepan met her eyes. He stepped toward Karin and his voice became timid. "She fought back when the manservant tried to remove her from her quarters."
The Lady Bornekova Page 11