Page 54 of Fortress of Snow

Mazy pressed a hand to her chest, willing her heart to slow down. Why had fear suddenly gripped her when Ro leaned close to her? Why had she jerked away from her friend?

Mazy did her best to sound reassuring. “Forgive me. I was lost in my thoughts. I am well.”

“Good, because I am thinking of going to that shop that sells Flemish dress material, and... Oh, look! It’s Sir Berenger!”

Mazy’s heart pounded, but not out of fear. Sir Berenger was dismounting from his horse. He left it with another guard, then came walking in their direction.

“I do love to watch him walk.” Ro made a series of sounds in her throat.

“Behave in a seemly manner, please.” But Mazy loved to watch him, too, as vendors in the market called out to him and he raised his hand and said something polite and kind. He was so mild and tranquil, except when he was clouting an evil man on the head.

“Mistress Mazy, Mistress Ro,” he said, nodding to them. “Any trouble at the market in the last few days?”

“No, all has been calm.” Mazy tried to smile without looking flirtatious.

“No trouble since you saved us,” Ro said, arching her brows and smiling out of one side of her mouth. She just could not behave.

“I am glad to hear it. I wanted to let you know that I will be going on a trip to Suffolk and I shall probably be gone for some time.”

Mazy felt her stomach drop.

“Will you be traveling on the king’s business?”

He shifted his feet, glanced up at the sky, then said, “Yes. And no.”

“Does this have to do with the king rewarding you for what you did in Prussia?”

“Yes.” He spoke hesitantly, then finally looked Mazy in the eye and gave her a wan smile. “I have to decide if I want to accept what he is offering.”

“Why would you not accept? Is it land? Property?”

“Yes, and a title, but I will have to marry the widow of the Earl of Bristow.”

Mazy’s heart stopped beating and the blood drained from her face. “Oh.” She had to pretend she did not care. She could not act sad. Casting about in her mind for something to say, she said, “Have you met her?”

“Yes.” He looked at his hands as he fidgeted with a knife handle that protruded from a belt around his waist.

Ro’s mouth was hanging open. Mazy had never seen her speechless before.

“I wish you a safe journey,” Mazy said. “I hope you find the information you need to make the best decision.”

“Thank you.” He gazed into her eyes, almost a questioning look, and then he glanced away. “Has Sir John been here to see you lately?”

“He was here two days ago. He asked me about the men who attacked the market.”

“He was glad you were safe, I am sure.”

“Yes, of course.”

She could think of nothing else good to say about John’s visit. He had seemed concerned at first, but then he became rather sullen after she assured him she had not been injured. He had little to say, did not stay long, and bought a flask of strong drink from Ro’s father before leaving.

“I’m glad he came to see you. You know how to send word to him if you need him, do you not?”

“Yes.” Mazy pulled her woolen cloak higher on her neck as the cold wind sent a chill through her.

Suddenly she wanted Sir Berenger to leave. Why was he here? Why come and tell her he was leaving, that he would not be there for her, any more than Warin or John was there for her?

Mazy saw Martin walking in her direction. She waved him over and began talking to him as if Sir Berenger was not even there. Let him talk to Ro. Mazy didn’t want to talk to him anymore.