Page 43 of Castle of Refuge

Truly, he was being very understanding.

“Perhaps there is something you can do that is more fitting for a viscount’s daughter. I will think on it and ask our priest if he has any ideas or insights. And you must ruminate on it too.”

“I will. Thank you.” Audrey spoke more quietly, removing her hands from her hips. “That sounds agreeable.”

“What languages other than French do you know? What have you studied in your education?”

“I know German. I am able to translate and copy Bible texts from Latin to English. I studied a smattering of science, particularly botany.”

“How well do you know German?”

“Well enough to speak it. But not well enough to translate more complicated or academic texts.”

“Would you be willing to teach German to me? I have beeninterested in learning it but did not want to trouble with engaging a tutor.”

How strange that he, a man and an earl, would be willing to be taught by a woman. Her father certainly never would have been.

“I would be pleased to study German with you.”

“And to speak French with me? So I do not forget it?”

“Of course.” Practicing languages with Lord Dericott would not keep her occupied for many hours in the day, but it was something at least, a way to earn her keep. And the prospect of spending extra time with him was appealing on another level; she enjoyed talking to him, and she was eager to try and figure out his character. Was he as honest and good as he seemed?

Perhaps they would even become friends. There must be very few people Lord Dericott could talk to, within an easy distance of travel. His brothers were all far away, training or engaged in their duties. He was pledged to be married to the daughter of an earl, but she apparently lived too far away for him to visit often.

Audrey sat down opposite him as they started speaking in French. At first it was a little awkward, trying to think of things to say, but soon they were having a conversation about the walk they had taken together after the badger caused his horse to throw him. She even corrected him once when he used the wrong word. They only stopped talking when one of his guards came into the room to speak with him.

“I shall go.” Audrey took a book off the shelf and went toward the door. As she left, she peeked over her shoulder. LordDericott’s eyes were trained on her, watching her leave. He quickly looked away.

It was strange, but he was the first person, man or woman, who had ever treated her as an equal. She felt a peace when she was with him. But perhapspeacewas not the right word. She felt... safe. Safe to say whatever she was thinking, safe that he would not ridicule or deride her, would not criticize or look down on her. But how did she make him feel?

She liked to think that even though she had caused him some trouble, perhaps he didn’t mind. Perhaps he had little to trouble or interest him. Perhaps she added a bit of color to his life.

The thought made her smile.

Eleven

Edwin was sitting in his chair the next day, gazing out the window. The sky was so overcast there was not a hint of blue anywhere. Then he thought of Audrey. She would be entering the room any moment for their meeting together with the priest.

He suddenly realized how his spirit had lifted at the thought of her, as he anticipated the moment he would see her again. How could he be thinking so much of her when he was pledged to marry Lady Ophelia? Besides, no one as full of life as Audrey could want a man as broken and morose as he was.

His heart ached, but in a pleasant way, whenever he remembered something she said or the way she smiled. She was very conscious of her scars, but they did not detract from her beauty. In fact, she seemed not to understand how lovely she was, which was even more appealing.

Engeram, the priest, entered the room. He had been atDericott Cathedral for less than half a year, and Edwin liked him very much. He was young, and whenever Edwin talked to him he always seemed genuinely motivated to do and say good things.

Edwin stood, and they greeted each other. Before they could finish their greetings, Audrey arrived.

“Audrey, this is the Lord’s priest, Engeram, who serves our village. And this is Audrey, the daughter of Viscount Engleford.”

The two exchanged nods and polite words, then they all sat down.

Engeram spoke first. “Lord Dericott asked me if I knew of something a lady with an education such as yours might do, perhaps some good work that would benefit the community. I do not know if you will wish to do it, but I have an idea.”

“Thank you. I would like to hear it,” Audrey said with a smile, leaning forward in her chair.

“I teach the free villagers’ sons to read and write. We have three hours of lessons in the morning five days every week. If you would like, you could teach the free villagers’ daughters. You could have the girls’ lessons in the afternoons at the church. But I understand if you consider this task too menial for you.”

“I do not consider it too menial.” She shook her head. “Not menial at all. I shall start as soon as possible.”