Baldwin stepped forward and knelt before his king. “Your Grace, Glenhaven has been honored by your presence.”
“Rise.” Edward’s voice carried across the courtyard. “You have served us well, both on the battlefield and as our host.” He gestured to a scroll being held by a royal secretary. “We are pleased to grant you the lands to the south that once belonged to the traitor Lord Ashwick. You will be a better steward than he.”
Baldwin’s face remained composed, but Beth saw the flicker of surprise in his eyes. “Your Grace is most generous. I shall serve as faithfully in this as in all things.”
“See that you do.” Edward clapped him on the shoulder hard enough to stagger a smaller man. “We should like to see you at court soon.”
Elizabeth stepped forward, her gaze finding Beth. “Mistress, please approach.”
Heart hammering, Beth moved forward and dipped into her best attempt at a curtsy, praying she wouldn’t topple over.
The queen smiled. “Your knowledge of herbs and healing has impressed us.” She removed a ring from her finger, a delicate band of gold set with a medium-sized emerald. “Take this as a token of our esteem. Perhaps one day you might share your knowledge with our court physicians.”
Beth accepted the ring with trembling fingers. “Your majesty honors me beyond my worth.”
“I think not,” Elizabeth replied softly. Her eyes held Beth’s for a moment longer than necessary, as if trying to read a mystery written there.
The moment passed. Edward helped his queen into the carriage, then mounted his own destrier. With another blast of trumpets, the royal procession began to move out of the courtyard.
Baldwin stood beside Beth as they watched the column of riders disappear down the road toward London.
“Well,” he said quietly. “That was unexpected.”
“The lands?” Beth asked.
“Aye.” His brow furrowed. “Lord Ashwick was executed for treason last winter. I had not thought to benefit from his downfall.”
Beth studied his profile, the strong line of his jaw tense with thought. “Are you not pleased?”
“The lands are fertile and will increase Glenhaven’s wealth considerably.” He turned to her, his gray eyes serious. “But with greater holdings come greater responsibilities. And greater attention from the crown.”
“Is that bad?”
“Not bad. But... complicated.” He glanced around the courtyard, which was already returning to its normal rhythm as servants resumed their regular duties. “Walk with me?”
Beth nodded, surprised by the invitation. They strolled toward the garden, where the scent of roses hung heavy in the summer air.
“I prefer Glenhaven when it is quiet,” Baldwin admitted. “Court life requires a different kind of vigilance. One must always watch one’s words, one’s actions.”
“I know what you mean,” Beth said. “I felt like I was walking on eggshells the entire time they were here.”
“Eggshells?”
“It’s an expression... where I come from. It means being extremely careful not to offend.”
Baldwin’s lips quirked in a small smile. “An apt description.” He paused beside a rosebush, reaching out to touch one perfect bloom. “You handled yourself well. The queen seems to have taken a liking to you.”
“I was terrified I’d say something wrong and end up in the dungeon.”
“We have no dungeon at Glenhaven,” he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Merely a rather damp cellar where we keep the ale.”
Beth laughed, the tension of the past days finally releasing. “That’s a relief. Though I’m not sure Eleanor would have let you lock me up, anyway. She’s become quite protective.”
“My sister has always had a good judge of character.” Baldwin’s gaze softened as he looked at her. “As have I, I think.”
The air between them seemed to thicken. Beth became acutely aware of how alone they were in the garden, the rest of the household busy with post-royal visit tasks.
“The queen’s ring suits you,” Baldwin said, his voice lower than before. He reached out, his fingers brushing hers as he examined the emerald. “The color matches your eyes when you speak of your... chemistry.”
