He gave a reluctant chuckle. “You speak as though I am a greybeard of seventy years, rather than a man who has not yet reached thirty. I think my back will fare well enough.”
“But — ”
“I will be fine,” he cut in, his tone implacable. “However, you may give me the coverlet to wrap around myself. That will leave you the blanket, and, as the night promises to be mild, I think you will do well enough with only the one covering.”
It seemed he was not to be argued with. Mere stubbornness had never stopped me before, although I was beginning to think that in Corin Blackstone, I had met my match. At any rate, it seemed foolish to keep protesting, especially since I knew deep down that I would do much better if I had the bed to myself. We had a long future as husband and wife ahead of us. What difference did one night make?
With a sigh, I lifted the coverlet and began to pull it away from me. Corin came to the bedstead and took hold of the heavy quilted linen, lifting it completely off the bed so he might tuck it under one arm. After that, he bent and blew out the candle on the bedside table. The tapers in their sconces and the short pillar on the table remained lit, but even losing that one candle was enough to make the room darker than I had expected, the corners alive with shivering shadows.
“Good night, Marenna,” Corin said, and moved away from the bed so he could extinguish the rest of the candles. Full dark fell upon us, with only the faintest illumination from the slender moon that hung outside the chamber’s east window.
“Good night, Corin,” I replied.
Somehow I doubted either of us would spend a good night, though.
I awoke and blinked at the unfamiliar ceiling of whitewashed plaster and dark beams above me, so different from the carved and gilded ceiling in my bedchamber at Silverhold. From the floor on the other side of the bed came a faint groan, and all the events of the day before came rushing back to me — my father’s wrath, the limping journey here to Oakfold…the man who was now my husband.
He sat up, brushing the hair out of his eyes. Although he had kept it tied back for the night — just as I had left my own hair confined to its braid, so it might not tangle too badly — some of his heavy dark locks had fallen away from the cord that bound them at the base of his neck. His head turned, and his dark eyes caught mine, somewhat sleepy but still very aware. “And how did you fare last night, Marenna?”
“Probably better than you, my husband.”
A wide grin then, far bigger and brighter than it probably had any right to be. “Ah, I am not so sure about that. This coverlet was quite thick, and the room warm enough. It is better than I have had for the last fortnight.”
I wasn’t quite sure whether I should believe him, or whether he was teasing me. Although he had been dressed plainly when I first met him, his person had been clean and neat enough, and he looked nothing like someone who might have spent several weeks sleeping under trees or in hedgerows. “If you say so.”
“I do.” He stretched then; I could hear joints popping, but as he seemed more pleased by the sound than not, I refrained from making any comment.
“And so your plans for today?” I inquired, although I thought I knew the answer. Still, I couldn’t quite prevent myself from hoping in my heart that perhaps he had changed his mind and had decided that it would be safe to remain here for another day. While my feet weren’t currently giving me any particular twinges or throbs, I guessed they would have a different story to tell once I attempted to stand upon them.
One eyebrow lifted, but he appeared calm enough as he replied, “First, to obtain more suitable footwear for you, and then off to Marric’s Rest. Even if we do not get on the road until late in the morning, we should be able to reach Lord Sorthannic’s estate before dusk. It is not so very far — no more than twenty miles at the most.”
Twenty miles. That sounded as far away as Keshiaar itself, but I did not protest. We had already settled on this plan the day before, so the time for arguments was past.
Corin pushed himself to his feet, and I immediately looked down at the blanket that covered me, in case he was not suitably covered. However, from the corner of my eye I could see that he was still fully clothed, had only taken off his suede vest and shoes, so my precautions turned out to be unnecessary. He went to his pack and got out a fresh shirt, then threw me a devilish look over one shoulder.
“You may wish to avert your eyes again, my lady wife.”
I could not mistake that glance, nor the teasing note in his voice. But I did as he requested, because I was not sure I wanted to look on his bare torso. If a mere touch from him was enough to send my blood racing, what might seeing his partially clad body do?
He went on, “You may stay here and get dressed. I thought I would take one of your slippers with me so I might match the size at the local cobbler’s, and hope he has something that will suit.”
“That sounds like a good plan,” I agreed, then shot a surreptitious look at him from under my eyelashes. By that point, he had already pulled on a new shirt, and there was not much to see. Not sure whether I was disappointed or relieved, I went on, “Are we to have no breakfast?”
“I will inquire with the innkeeper when I go downstairs. I am used to not breaking my fast until lunch, except for perhaps having a bit of bread, but I assumed you would need something before we got on the road.”
“That is very kind of you, Corin. Thank you.”
He picked up his suede vest from where he had draped it over the back of a chair, and drew it on. “You’ll need your strength for our walk today. It is nothing.” After that, he bent and retrieved one of my slippers, which I had left at the foot of the bed when I changed into my night things the evening before. “I hope I shan’t be too long.”
I hoped not, either, but it seemed terribly forward for me to say such a thing. Instead, I nodded, and waited for him to go out and shut the door behind him. As soon as he was gone, I slipped out of bed and gingerly stood, testing my weight on my feet. They still ached, but I thought that if I had a good pair of sturdy shoes and some thick socks, I should be able to do well enough. Or rather, I hoped I should fare well. Twenty miles was a great distance, especially for someone not used to walking even a fraction of that length.
Still, I didn’t have time to dwell on future pain. Since I was blessedly alone, I needed to take advantage of this time to get dressed and prepare myself for the day as best I could. On most mornings, I would have had a hot bath, but it was clear no such luxuries would be forthcoming today. All I had was the basin of water I had used to soak my feet, and I shuddered at the thought of trying to bathe in that. I had to settle for finding a clean corner of the cloth Corin had used the day before to dab at my wounds, and very sparingly using some of the drinking water in the jug the innkeeper had left for us to wipe off my face and hands.
Then it was time to strip off my nightgown and put on a fresh chemise, and the other of my two linen dresses, since the one I had worn the day before was already dusty and stained. No doubt the one I put on now would suffer a similar fate, and I fretted over what I should do after that. Yes, I had the silken gown I’d been wearing when Corin came to my father’s castle, since Sendra had packed it away for me, but it certainly was not suitable for walking the high road.
As I fastened the laces on my linen dress, I tried to reassure myself that the silk gown would do just fine once we reached our destination. We might not be living in luxury, but we would have four walls and a ceiling, and I would be done with foot travel.
And what if they turn you away? I fretted, fingers working to undo my braid so I might brush my hair and start over again. Then you will be back on the road, and in a gown that will make you a likely target for thieves.
No, that wouldn’t happen. I wouldn’t allow myself to believe that such a terrible outcome might be waiting for us. We would have a placid walk to Marric’s Rest — a glance outside the window told me that the day was sunny and fine again, with only a few clouds in a bright blue sk
y — and then they would welcome Corin, glad to take on someone with such experience. We would be safe.
After that…well, we would just have to see. Certainly I could not envision a marriage where my husband spent every night sleeping on the floor.
I folded my nightgown and put it away, then fastened the buckle on my valise and went to set it on a chair. My feet twinged as I did so, and worry darted through me. If they hurt taking only a few steps, how on earth would I be able to manage twenty miles or more?
Someone knocked at the door. Would Corin be back that quickly?
Trying to keep from wincing, I hurried over to answer the knock. No, that was not Corin outside, but the innkeeper’s daughter, a tray with bread and fruit and a nice thick slab of ham in her hands.
“Your husband said as you’d like some breakfast.” The girl’s gaze slipped toward the bed, which I hadn’t bothered to make up. Back home, that task was something one of the chambermaids had done, since such chores were beneath Sendra’s station as well. Corin had carelessly tossed the coverlet onto the foot of the bed, making the whole thing look more rumpled than ever. The girl gave me a knowing smile, although she didn’t say anything else.
No doubt she thought that Corin and I had gotten up to…well, whatever it was that married couples got up to when they were in bed together. I knew I was blushing, but managed to calmly say, “Thank you.”
“It’s nothing. There’ll be an extra two grauts on your bill to cover it.”
“Which my husband will take care of when he returns,” I said.
“Oh, no doubt. He looks like a straight-up one. Enjoy your breakfast.” Then she went out and shut the door after her.
I stared at the closed door for a moment. “Straight-up one” wasn’t precisely in my vocabulary, but I assumed that the girl meant she thought Corin looked like an honest man.
He had certainly given me no indication that he was anything else. Some men might have joined me in bed, no matter what my wishes might have been, but he had been utterly respectful. I reflected that it very well might have been the gods who sent him into my life.
Since I didn’t know when he would come back, I thought it best to eat quickly. The food was simple but tasty enough, and I was glad of it, since another long day stretched ahead of me. After I had finished everything on my plate, and drunk it down with some of the water from the pitcher, I got up to take the tray over to the door, just as Corin had the night before. Before I got there, however, I heard his voice.
“Marenna? Are you dressed?”
“Yes,” I replied. “And I have just finished my breakfast. I was about to put the tray out.”
“Splendid.”
He opened the door then, and took the tray from my hands. However, because he did so, I could not help but notice that his own hands were empty.
“Were you not able to find any shoes?”
“I fear not. But,” he went on quickly, obviously noting my crestfallen expression, “I have come up with an even better solution than that.”
A carriage and a pair of horses? I thought, but of course did not voice the question aloud. “Better than a new pair of shoes?”
“Oh, yes,” he replied. “A donkey.”
“‘A donkey’?” I repeated, my voice blank.
“Yes. You will be able to ride after all. This is such a small village, the cobbler here only repairs shoes or makes them as needed, but has no stock on hand. However, his brother, the miller, happened to have a donkey who needed a new home, and for only ten silver pieces.”
Yes, riding a donkey would certainly save my feet — but oh, the ignominy of being seen on such a mount! I could only pray…once again…that we would not encounter anyone I knew. I did not know if I could bear such shame. “That sounds like an excellent bargain.”
Corin paused then and peered down at me, as though to get a closer look at my face. “You do not seem very happy about it.”
“No, I assure you, I think it’s excellent news. Only….” My words trailed off as I considered the best way to continue.
“Only what?”
“Only I had thought that you did not want the care and feeding of a horse, that it would not be practical for us in our current position.”
His expression cleared. It seemed he had thought I might have a slightly different reason for my objections…which of course I did, but I was not about to disabuse him of that idea. Far better that he think I was only concerned because of what we should do with the donkey once we reached Marric’s Rest.
“Well, for one thing, a donkey requires far less fodder than a horse, and tends to be sturdier. I had thought we would see if there was any use for one on Lord Sorthannic’s estate. If not, I have no doubt that someone in the area would be willing to take it off our hands.”
I could see how that might work. If Corin offered the donkey as an enticement to hire him for the remainder of the season, he might have a better chance at gaining employment with the duke. If not, well, there must be a farm nearby that could use one.
Mustering a smile, I said, “That seems like a splendid idea. I have already packed, so I suppose there is no need to linger here.”
“No, none at all, for I have already settled our account with the innkeeper.” Corin went to gather up his pack, slinging it over one shoulder, then took my valise in his left hand and offered me his right. “Let me help you downstairs.”
I almost protested, told him that I was certainly recovered enough to descend the staircase on my own. But I did not want to sound rude…and also, even though I did not quite want to admit it to myself, I looked forward to putting my hand in his.
Which I did, finding some comfort in the strength of this fingers, and the steadiness with which he helped me descend the stairs. The innkeeper beamed at us and said she hoped we would easily pass the rest of our journey, while her daughter, who was standing by a shelf full of pewter mugs and polishing one of them, gave me another of those knowing glances, followed by a very obvious inspection of Corin’s person, looking him up and down with a gleam in her eyes.
Luckily, my husband did not notice, or at least he affected not to. We went outside, where indeed waited a small donkey with a thick blanket on her back. No saddle, of course, but we should be going at a sedate enough pace that I hoped I would be able to manage. Corin helped me up onto my new mount and handed me my valise. I gripped it with one hand while I clutched the blanket with the other, and then we were off, the donkey’s lead rope firmly in my husband’s hand, his pack now resting on his shoulders.
The sun was warm on my back, the wind cool and fresh. Truly a lovely day, and yet…
…and yet I could not quite be happy, for I did not know what awaited us on Sorthannic Sedassa’s estate.
CHAPTER 5
The donkey did not make our journey any speedier, but it was far more comfortable for me. My abused feet, now tucked back in their worn slippers, felt better already, now that they had been given a few more hours to recover. And while the rough gait of my mount did tend to jar me, it was still a welcome alternative to having to trudge the weary miles.
I noted that the hills of my own ancestral home had given way to rolling plains, covered in rich farmland. The wheat and barley waved golden beneath the friendly sun of Sevendre, and we also passed groves of apples and pears, the branches of the trees heavy with fruit. Truly this land did seem friendly and abundant. No wonder Lord Sorthannic had decided to attempt growing grapevines here. Even though that crop had traditionally been confined to the southernmost parts of Sirlende, I saw no reason why it shouldn’t prosper here as well.
However, lovely as the day might be, I could not help brooding over the master of the lands where we now traveled. I had tried to reassure myself that there was no reason why his path should cross with that of a common laborer, let alone the laborer’s wife, but what if I was wrong? How could I possibly explain the way I had spurned him over something as foolish as an unkempt beard, but had no problem marrying a man fa
r beneath my station?
I could not explain it, because, put that way, the situation made little sense. Yes, much of the blame for my current circumstances could be laid at my father’s feet, but then again, if I had not been so heedless, he would have had no reason to be angry with me.
“There is a pretty little grove up ahead,” Corin told me, swiveling his head slightly so he could look back over his shoulder. “It does not appear to be fenced in, so I thought it would make a good place to stop and have our luncheon.”
“That sounds like a good idea,” I replied, and glanced past him so I could see the grove he had mentioned. Yes, there was a stand of beech and elm, their leaves fluttering in the breeze, a patch here and there of gold and amber telling me that they would soon be putting on their autumn colors. I did not mention that my backside was beginning to feel quite sore from jouncing up and down on the donkey’s bony spine, for that would make it sound as if I would not be content with any mode of transportation that did not involve a couch and four. Inwardly, I believed that to be the case, but I kept my thoughts to myself. No doubt Corin already thought me spoiled and sheltered enough.
We came to the little grove, and he tied the donkey’s lead rope to one of the slender beech trees, although loosely enough that the animal would be able to reach the grass growing around the base of the tree. Once Corin was finished with that task, he slipped out of his pack and set it on the ground, and at last reached over to help me off the donkey’s back.
It did feel good to stand again, to stretch and work some of the stiffness out of my legs and back. And although I only wore my battered slippers, the grass underfoot was soft and springy, and posed no hardship at all.
The Song of the Thrush Page 6