Page 81 of Castle of Refuge

“I don’t expect to be treated like a guest,” she said quickly. “Put me to work. I can do anything.”

“We can discuss that later,” Audrey said. “For now you can sleep in the little room next to my chamber.” Then Audrey leaned closer to Sybil and said softly, “Lord Dericott and I are to be married.”

Sybil’s eyes flew wide and her eyes filled with tears. “I am so happy.”

They embraced each other again, Audrey with a little laugh and Sybil with a squeal. But she soon recovered herself and turned to Edwin.

“Lord Dericott, Audrey was always the sweetest child. She used to kiss my cheek every morning and every night and tellme that someday I was going to marry a knight with a purple feather in his helmet.” Sybil laughed.

“That was a very long time ago.” Audrey glanced shyly at Edwin.

“Perhaps you will,” he said.

Once Sybil had gone into her chamber to rest, Audrey and Edwin went for a walk to the lake where the swans lived. She squeezed his arm.

“How glad I am that Sybil is here safe.”

“Yes, and my steward is finishing the letters to the rest of my brothers and my sister, inviting them to our engagement ball and wedding.”

“I am so excited to meet them. I love your stories about them, and Gerard is so pleasant. Do you think they will like me?”

“Of course they will. Delia always wanted a sister—she will adore you.”

“Also, are you sure we should have an engagement ball? It seems so... public.”

“We don’t have to invite many people—mostly just my brothers and my sister and her husband. And I will hire some singers and players, of course. My steward always takes care of the details. You can speak with him and make sure he doesn’t invite too many people.”

“But if my father is invited, I’m afraid Maris will hear about it somehow and cause trouble.”

“I’m afraid we cannot avoid inviting your father.”

“I suppose not.” Audrey was worrying her lip with her teeth when Edwin bent and kissed her cheek.

“All will be well. Your father’s men and some of mine are still out looking for her. I received word that they found a fire they thought may have belonged to her and her henchman. They will soon locate her and capture her.”

“I am glad you feel that way, because I was hoping to have lessons tomorrow with my students.”

“I’ve been thinking about that.” Edwin took a deep breath and let it out.

“Uh-oh. You have that look on your face.”

“What look?”

“Your lordly look.”

He shook his head. “I just want to keep you safe.”

“Please don’t tell me you’re not going to let me teach the children anymore.”

“No, but I want you to do your lessons here at the castle.”

“But that’s too far for the children to walk.”

“No, it’s not that far. And you walked that far when you went to the church for the lessons. They won’t mind.”

“But I must at least go one more time to the church so they will know—”

“I will send a man to tell them.”