Eva wondered if that was why her father had indulged her now by giving her an unending supply of coins. Was guilt for his absence the reason for his generosity? Her family had left her on her own but she never lacked for anything, except, of course, for companionship and family.
“Your wedding will give me great favor with the king. I was able to convince Alexander to release Richard from his duty. Your brother will return with me and will stay on. I shall be gladdened to hand over the reins of keeping this manor and travel to him for he is the eldest.”
“But you like to travel and shall miss it, will you not?” She disbelieved he would so easily give up his profession of trading across the channel. “Ah, so you took advantage of my departure?”
“Departure, sprig? With your marriage, you will find a new home and life. Your wedding is coveted by the king and queen. You will be married to a worthy man and I cannot allow my emotions to interfere with my sire’s command or what is best for you.”
Her shoulders sagged a little and she sighed. “Very well, I will go then and make ready. I shall meet you outside shortly.”
She took the last bite of her sweet roll, drank the rest of the mead in her cup, and set it gently on the table. Eva hoped whomever she married wasn’t a staunch lord who forbade her from her pursuits—not that she had many interests. She liked to shop at the merchant’s stalls and purchase exquisite fabrics and other items, sing in the church, walk about the land, and look after her da when he was home. She lived a simple but fulfilled life.
Being in such an isolated area, she hadn’t had many friendships but that hadn’t mattered because she kept herself busy. The women in the area were brash and seemed envious of her, although she couldn’t imagine why. Eva thought herself to be friendly, kind, and steadfast.
Hopefully, she would be the lady of a grand manor, married to a lord who entertained and would spoil her as much as her da had. Her life was about to be uprooted but she didn’t think it would change all that much, especially if she married a man who held lands, wealth, and was influential with other lords.
She almost bumped into Luella on the way to her chamber. Eva passed by her and rushed up the steps, keeping her emotions steeled. As much as she wanted to shout or cry at the injustice of the travesty, she wouldn’t show such sentiments.
Inside her chamber, she grabbed the largest satchel she owned and peered at her wardrobe. She was hopeless when it came to dressing herself and relied on Luella when it came to choosing the appropriategarments each day.
“Mistress, I am sorry and shall miss you. All the servants shall be saddened to see you go.”
When she craned her neck to look at Luella, she noticed the girl’s tears. It made it even harder to hold onto her emotions. “Come, help me choose what garments to take on my journey. You always know what looks best on me and cease your weeping. It will do no good for either of us because you shall make me cry too.”
Luella practically skipped to the wardrobe and removed a beautiful velvet blue gown with golden trim. She took care to fold it so it wouldn’t be entirely wrinkled. Then her maid chose another elaborate cream gown with brown lace. “Will these do? You should wear the cream gown for your wedding, Mistress.”
Sweet Mary, her wedding. She would be given to a man. Gone was the freedom of being a young maiden with no responsibilities or burdens. Eva hoped with all her heart that whoever she was bound to wasn’t a complete knave. She shook the horrid thought away and smiled at Luella as she packed the trunk and satchel with her clothing.
“Perfect choices, Luella. Now I need some garments for everyday wear. Nothing too extravagant but perhaps modest and warm. The weather is still chilly since spring has yet to appear.”
As she left the rest of the selections to Luella, Eva collected a few pairs of slippers, some jewelry, hair coverings, and toiletries she’d need. She slipped her feet out of the worn boots she’d chosen to wear that day and replaced them with warmer boots sufficient enough to travel in. Then she grabbed a heavier cloak because the journey would be cold.
“Mistress, you are not going to return, are you?” Luella sniffled her tears.
“Probably not. But I beg you to pack my belongings because I am certain Da will have them sent to me, or perhaps I can have my husband bring me so I might collect them after the wedding.” Eva’schest tightened at the thought of leaving her precious belongings behind. She cherished every item she’d bought, down to the smallest candleholder but she’d make sure to receive them wherever she was going.
She hefted the heavy satchel and ambled to the doorway of her bedchamber. With sadness welling inside her, she turned back and peered at the place that held much solace for her. It was where she spent much of her time. “Luella, my thanks for…for your help and kindness.”
Luella scrambled forward and took the satchel from her. “Let me carry that, Mistress, and you do not need to thank me. I was gladdened to serve you. I shall have men come and collect your trunk.”
The maid was such a sweet girl, only a year or two younger than Eva. She tried never to overtax her with chores and gave her time to relax and pursue her own pleasures. Since only her father and she resided at their home, there wasn’t much to do. But she wasn’t privy to what the servants did in the manor, only what they did directly for her.
Outside, she walked toward the awaiting carriage. Her da stood next to the horseman, giving him direction. Suddenly, her father pitched forward and fell face-first to the ground. The men standing near the horses shouted and dashed to him.
“Da!” Eva yelled and sprinted forth. When she reached her da, she knelt next to him and pressed her hand on his face. “Da, what happened? Are you hurt?”
He wheezed and gasped for breath so much so that he couldn’t answer.
“Da, you cannot travel in this condition. Let us get you back inside. When you are better, we shall leave for Edinburgh. Perhaps in a day or two.” Eva motioned to her father’s men and they helped him from the ground and supported him as they led him back inside.
“Mistress, what can I do?” Luella asked.
“Send someone to fetch the healer from the village, as hastily as you can. Tell him that my da is in peril and needs immediate aid.”
Luella lifted the hem of her skirt and hurried off.
Eva lowered her head and walked toward the entrance of the manor. Concern tightened her chest and shoulders at her father’s ailment. That he hadn’t argued with her told her that he was in far more serious distress than she realized. Not that she wanted to have her da ill, but she was thankful for a day or two respite from having to go to her wedding.
With a little over a fortnight until month’s end, they had to leave soon. It took only two day’s ride by horse to reach the town of Edinburgh. If they left within a sennight before their anticipated arrival, the carriage would reach the castle in plenty of time—enough for her to be given away in matrimony to a stranger.Sweet Mary.
