Page 53 of The Favourite

“No, not formally,” he agreed. “But we have been blabbing our life stories to one another, which such distressing frankness, that it hardly seemed necessary.”

She peeped up at him. “You do not usually exchange confidences?” she asked.

“With my mistresses? Gods no!”

“Oh.” She reached out and pushed the curtain aside. They had cleared the wood by that point and, feeling the rigidity of her body relax against his own, just a little, he smiled. She just had to accustom herself to him, that was all.

The bells of St. Danita’s church were striking eight by the time they reached the city walls of Aphrany. Night had fallen some two hours, so poor Anne would not have had much of a view for her first glimpse of the royal city.

They had entered the southern gate before Jane stirred, and Alisander glanced down to find her rubbing her eyes. “We’ve arrived,” he told her. When she struggled to sit up, he let her, though he felt a surprising reluctance about it. Jane fussed with her cloak fastenings while he pushed aside the curtain and spoke to the guards.

It was not until they had all climbed the three flights of steps to the courtiers’ housing and he started towing her in the direction of the west wing that she dug her heels in. Behind her, Ayleth and Anne, carrying the children, and Wat and Davis, carrying their trunks, all came to a halt. “But where are we—?”

He halted. “To my quarters,” he responded.

“Your quarters?” She looked at him blankly before gazing away to the left.

“Married couples are not permitted in the east wing,” he pointed out. “Only single ladies reside there.”

“But all my things …”

“Your possessions were removed to my rooms after we left. My servant Robert saw to it.”

“Oh.” She still sounded uncertain, but noticing the others all patiently waiting, she cleared her throat and inclined her head. “Lead on.”

Old Robert answered the door at his knock and peered out at them in confusion. “My lord!” he faltered, his face falling. “I had not prepared for your return so soon!” He looked down at his stockinged feet in mortification. “If I had but known …!”

“It is of no matter, Robert,” Alisander assured him, squeezing his shoulder as he walked past him. “So long as you have a merry fire burning in the grate, we will forgive you all. Now make way, there’s a good fellow, for our household has increased apace and there are many introductions to be performed.”

Robert peered shortsightedly out into the corridor and gave a start at the amount of people gathered there. “Of course, milord, of course.” The old man fell back at once. Alisander drew Jane immediately inside.

“Jane,” Alisander said, “this is my faithful Robert, who I trust above all others. Robert, this is your new mistress, the Lady Jane. I have told you much of her already.”

“My lady,” Robert cried, looking as though he wanted to burst into tears. “Forgive me, naught is made ready for you. I had your trunks brought down but—”

“Please do not fret yourself, Robert,” Jane responded kindly. “You could not possibly have anticipated our arrival.”

“Everyone come inside,” Alisander beckoned. “Jane, you sit here,” he said, leading her to the table where Robert’s supper was laid, half-eaten. “We have interrupted your meal, Robert,” he observed. “Apologies.”

The poor old man looked much stricken, as everyone gazed down at the white loaf, buttered capons, and the bottle of red wine he had been enjoying.

Anne’s stomach rumbled. “Beggin’ your pardon, Master Robert,” she said, “but is there any chance you have any more of that stowed away, only I’m powerful famished, not having eaten since noon.”

It took Robert a split second to realize she was referring to him. “Of course, dear lady,” he said, taking a hurried step toward the door. “Let me just repair to the kitchens, and—”

“No, Robert,” Alisander said gently, taking his arm and leading him back to his seat. “You do not have any shoes on. Finish your meal. Wat can go.”

“Yes, my lord,” said Wat, looking up from dragging his master’s trunk inside the door.

“I couldn’t eat another morsel,” Robert protested faintly, “not when there is so much to be done.” He attempted to get up from his seat, but Alisander prevented him by pressing down on his shoulder. “You are not to stir a step,” he said sternly. “Now eat your supper.”

Feeling Jane’s gaze on him, he could only hope she would ascribe his solicitude to eccentricity. “Make sure you bring plenty for everyone, Wat,” he added as the servant disappeared out of the door. “Davis, collect the rest of our things and then join us for supper.” Davis nodded and followed after Wat. “Now, Robert, you must attend carefully to everyone’s names. First, I think, you must meet my daughter, Celestia.”

Anne stepped forward and deftly twitched back the blanket covering the child. Robert gaped down at the sleeping face. “Daughter, you say?” he quavered, blinking. “That were quick work, Master Sander.”

“Yes, wasn’t it?” he agreed. “And this is Anne, her nurse,” he said, gesturing to the beaming young woman.

“Pleased to meet you, Master Robert,” she said, bobbing a curtsey.