Page 82 of Castle of Refuge

“A man and me?”

He sighed. Waited. Then said, “A man and me and another man and you.”

She smiled and leaned forward to kiss him.

He had been giving her control, letting her decide when and how much affection to show. But now when she kissed him and pulled away, he leaned toward her and pulled her closer,his eyes reluctant to open. Her heart jumped and she kissed him again.

How good it was to love and be loved by someone as gentle and attentive as Edwin, someone so completely unlike her father.

***

Audrey took Edwin’s arm, squeezing it tight, as they started down the hill toward the village.

Edwin exulted in the feel of her hugging his arm while they walked. In the past month, his balance had improved so much that it was no longer as difficult to walk or ride as it had been, although he would probably never gain back the stability he’d enjoyed when he was a knight.

But Audrey was helping him realize it wasn’t brute strength or his ability to sit a horse or wield a sword that made him a man. Self-sacrifice and courage were what defined the best kind of man.

Instead of riding to the church for her lessons, Audrey had asked to walk with him. So he sent a guard ahead of them to make certain Maris and her henchman were not there threatening the children or lying in wait for Audrey. Two more guards, fully armed, rode beside them at a slow walk. He did not want to regret once again not being adequately protected. Besides, Audrey was worth any measures it took to keep her safe.

“I am so thankful you are allowing me to continue my lessons with the children,” Audrey said softly.

He kissed her hair. “I want you to be happy.”

“Ever since I was a child I wanted my life to be extraordinary, to be a bright light in the world. I know that sounds daft.”

“Not daft at all.”

“I didn’t know what that extraordinary thing would be. I just knew I wanted my life to matter and to make a difference. But when Maris caused these scars on my face, I was afraid I’d never be able to do anything remarkable. Father stopped trying to marry me off to a nobleman with a title. I felt ugly. I felt I was damaged.”

His heart expanded inside his chest. He knew exactly what she meant.

“You are not ugly or damaged. You are beautiful, the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.”

She squeezed his arm. “I’m so glad you think so.”

“You know you are beautiful, do you not?”

“You make me feel beautiful.” She squeezed his arm again, gazing up at him in a way that made his chest ache. “And as long as people cannot see my scars... I don’t feel ugly anymore. And my students tell me I’m pretty.” She smiled up at him again.

“I’m glad. You are lovely. The fairest maiden in all of England.”

“You are just seeing me through the eyes of love.” She laughed, a soft sound.

“I am in love with you.”

She squeezed his arm again. “And I am in love with you.” After a few moments she went on.

“I have been thinking a lot about what God would want me to do with my life. I don’t think I ever would have found my purpose had I married Sir Clement.”

“I’m very happy you did not marry Sir Clement.”

She rewarded him with another squeeze and a smile. “When I started teaching the girls, I felt as if that was the significant thing I had been hoping to do. These children have become so very dear to me, and I enjoy teaching them. I couldn’t bear to give that up because of Maris. Does that make sense?”

“Yes. I understand.” But his heart felt a little heavy. He had to think about why.

“Do you feel that way too?”

“I was told I would one day be the Earl of Dericott, but I was glad I was able to train as a knight. I always wanted to be a strong fighter and do courageous things and fight for the oppressed. But the only fighting I did was to save myself and my brothers from our stepmother. That doesn’t sound very noble, does it?”