“My lord,” the scary one said.
“Mistress Ashley. What are you doing?”
Of course, he looked amazing. He wore a soft gray tunic and hose, the tunic beautifully embroidered. When she’d asked him why he didn’t dress more ornately, he said he did when he went to court, but at home he preferred a simple tunic and hose—easier to fight in.
“I’m teaching the children and a few of your guards to read.”
He blinked at her. “Aye, ’tis a good thing.” Then he looked at the children. “Listen to your mistress and do as she bids.”
A chorus of “ayes” answered him. Christian looked to both his guards.
“You may learn as well, if it does not interfere with your duties.”
“Thank you, my lord.”
Ashley dusted her hands on her skirts. “I want you all to practice drawing these letters in the dirt. Get a stick, sharpen the end, and practice the letters forsword. Now, how do we spell it again?”
As one they spelled the word, pointing to the letters. Ashley felt like a proud mama, watching her child take its first steps.
Christian offered his arm, and she walked with him as he talked about his day.
“I thought everyone here could read?”
“Nay. Why do they need to know their letters?”
So nobility was educated, the masses were not. She opened her mouth but then shut it. Different times. So she would teach those who wished to learn and change her tiny corner of the world for the better.
He asked her about the reading, and she went on to explain to him how she had felt useless.
“You’re so full of life. Don’t you find it exhausting?”
“Me? I would’ve never described myself that way.”
Christian tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “You are full of passion and life. You bring the sun to Winterforth.”
“It’s very nice of you to say.” Ashley stopped him in the chapel garden. “There’s something I need to say.”
He waited, a brow arched.
“The other day, I was looking for you, to tell you about Merrick.”
“Aye. The boy is doing well.”
“Before that. I came to the solar, and I…I know it’s rude to eavesdrop, but…I heard your steward say people think I’m your mistress. And that I should go.”
Christian rubbed his chin. “Aye, you should not listen at doors. My steward is an old man. You are here under my protection. There is nothing untoward between us. The people here care agreat deal for you; many have said so. They do not see you as such—if anything…”
“What?”
“They see you as Lady Winterforth.”
“Oh.” So not going there. “What about me leaving?”
“Your home is here.”
“But your fiancée is here. Though where is she? I haven’t seen her except at supper.” She’d been fixing herself a plate in the kitchen and eating in her room so she didn’t have to look at them together.Coward.
“Helen and her chaperone are keeping to their chamber. The girl is tired from her journey.”
