“Where do you think the chicken on your plate comes from, mistress?”
“I know where they come from, I just don’t like to think about it. Where I come from, you go into the store, give them money, andthey give you a nice package with the meat already prepared.” She was making motions with her hands as if to show him the size of the package. “I hope you don’t expect me to pluck them. I wouldn’t have a clue what to do, and I’m afraid I’d never eat chicken again.”
“I would not dare offend your delicate sensibilities. There were a few carrots and onions left behind in the larder, and I sent one of the stable boys for milk. We shall have chicken pie this fine morning.”
“A man that can cook—now that’s impressive.” She grinned at him. “Lead on. I can chop vegetables. I can’t wait to taste what you’re making. Just promise me you’ll pluck them outside.”
“Aye. The innkeeper’s wife can use the feathers.”
She swallowed and avoided looking at the fowl. “Whatever you say.”
Not once hadAshley complained as she chopped the vegetables and aided him in preparing the pastry for the pie. The innkeeper’s wife rolled the dough out and put the pies in the stove to bake. He went outside to wash, yet when he returned he could not find Ashley.
“Have you seen my wife?” he asked the innkeeper.
The man scratched his belly. “Said she was leaving. Perhaps she no longer fancies you and has gone in search of a new husband.” The man looked at the door his wife had gone through and clapped Christian on the back. “I’d like a new wife. One that doesn’t shout or snore.”
Christian ran outside, a hand to his chest to stop the pounding. Would she try to go back on her own? The sound of water made him turn. There, around the corner, he saw her with her skirts hitched up, washing her bare legs. For a moment he could not speak, could do nothing more than gape like a lad seeing his firstwoman. She was beautifully formed, a goddess come to life. When she pulled her skirts down, he ducked back around the building so she would not know he spied upon her.
Shifting from one foot to another, he counted in his head. Certain he had allowed enough time, he strode into the stables to find her talking to one of the horses, feeding the animal one of his precious carrots.
“You understand, don’t you?” she said to the beast.
“What does he understand?”
She whirled around, hand to her face. “You scared me.”
“I did not mean to. Apologies.”
She turned a fetching shade of pink. With her hair pulled back in what the future women called a horse’s tail— No, that wasn’t right. A ponytail. It did look rather like a horse’s tail as she stood next to the horse they had purchased with her ring.
“I was telling him about my adventures so far.”
Would she remember she had told him her secret?
“Your speech and dress are odd. I must ask, mistress—no respectable lady travels alone. Where is your escort? I saw no sign of them when I came upon you.”
She turned away quickly, but not before he saw the fear in her eyes. As he watched her, she straightened her dress, brushing at the dirt and stains.
“I ran away from home. My father wanted me to marry a wretched old man I did not love, so I ran.”
Christian frowned so he would not grin at the tale she spun.
“Do you not think your sire and dam will be worried for your safety?”
“No, they will be happy to be rid of me. I have five other sisters, and we’re very poor. It will be one less mouth to feed.”
“Did you steal what you are wearing? For ’tis a fine and costly dress. One fit for a wealthy merchant or minor noble.”
“One must do what one must,” she said as she lied to him. Andyet he did not hold it against her, deciding to let her keep her secrets as he kept his.
“I cannot remember. Did I tell you about my family last night?”
She took a step toward him. “I’m not sure. It’s all a bit hazy, but I don’t think so. I’d like to hear about them. I never had— Anyway, I’d like to know more about you.”
He held out his arm. “Then come with me, aid me in serving the meal, and while we eat I will tell you tales of my vexing brothers.”
When Ashley served the pie to the remaining patrons, Christian watched to make sure none bothered her. The one she had slapped, Sir Benton, had left, along with his men, before dawn. Finished serving, they sat at a small table in the kitchen. He poured her a small cup of ale.
