She had seen the tabard last when her father had died at the board, not three paces from where she sat in this moment.
“I thought he was buried in it,” she managed to say.
Berthe shook her head.“I remember the priest thought it wasteful for the cloth is good and he said there would be a new Lord d’Annossy.He ordered the tabard removed before the coffin was sealed.”
“I do not recall that detail.”Melissande looked up at her maid, who smiled.
“Because you did not know, my lady,” she said gently.“Louis took charge of all in those few days when you mourned your father, as was good and right.You could not have found a better man to trust with your responsibilities.”She shook out the tabard.“And there has not been a single moth!There is a sign that it was meant to be worn again.”
“Or that the sweet woodruff has been placed in the trunk.”
“Aye.”Berthe held up the garment.“Do you think it broad enough for Lord Quinn’s shoulders?”
“Perhaps,” Melissande said.“There is but one way to know.”
“Indeed!”Berthe beckoned toward the stairs and the small fair squire, Michel, came down, carrying another burden.“I asked for his aid and his counsel as to Lord Quinn’s requirements.He is a good boy,” she whispered to Melissande.
Michel carried another length of wool and Melissande recognized it as well.It was the fur-lined cloak that her father had worn, of generous cut and heavy wool.Its hue was deep blue, as well, and the fur lining was silver miniver.
“Still in good repair,” Berthe said.“’Twould be a shame for Lord Quinn to be cold when there is no need.”
“Indeed,” Melissande said, though she felt as if the breath had been stolen from her lungs.“I suppose there are chemises and chausses, as well.”
Michel nodded.“The chemises will be most welcome, my lady, if you can spare them.Lord Quinn possesses only two plus the one granted to him by Lord Tulley.It is a bit small and the other two are much mended.”
“Then take them, of course.”
“Aye, my lady.”He bowed and smiled, then at Berthe’s nod, returned to the solar.
And so, more of her father’s possessions were claimed by Quinn.Melissande knew she should not place too much value on old garments that could be put to use.They were only cloth, though they carried many memories for her.
“The hem is torn,” she said, fingering the tabard.“If you will fetch my sewing needles, I can mend it before my lord husband’s return.”
“Of course, my lady,” Berthe said with approval.
Melissande’s heart sank.This would be her life.Waiting for her husband, plying her needle and doing as she was bidden.
She supposed it would be worse if she did not conceive.
Gaultier could not be right about Quinn’s intentions.
There was a sound of horses stamping in the bailey and the maid’s head snapped up, her attention seized by the rumble of men’s voices.Melissande watched as one voice became clear, then Bayard strode into the hall, his expression grim, with two men-at-arms fast behind him.
It was the two men that Gaultier had sent to defend the mill.
What was this?
Berthe’s eyes lit and she remained at Melissande’s side as the knight approached.He spared the maid no more than a glance, then bowed before Melissande.“My lady, my lord Quinn bids me tell you that all is well at the mill and he has ridden to hunt.He will return as soon as possible.”
Melissande stood, her gaze flicking to the two men-at-arms standing behind Bayard.“But how can all be well?”she asked.“These are the men assigned to guard the mill.”
“My lord Quinn has chosen to leave two of his comrades there instead,” Bayard said.“Niall and Lothair will see to the mill’s defense now.”
One of the men-at-arms inhaled sharply and the lips of the other had drawn to a thin line.It was clear that they did not approve of their lord’s choice.She did not have to look for Gaultier: he had stepped into the hall, his expression dark and his arms folded across his chest.She met Bayard’s gaze and found his attention locked upon her, his eyes seeming even darker than she knew them to be.
This was a test of her loyalty to her husband’s command.She did not doubt that her response would be reported to Quinn in detail.
Melissande inclined her head, hiding the rebellion that rose hot within her.She would tell Quinn her opinion of this in private.“I am glad to hear that my lord husband has had such success on this day and eagerly await his return.”She sat down, arranging her skirts, and picked up the tabard to mend it.“I can only assume that you have instructions for Gaultier regarding these men’s duties now that they are returned to Annossy?”
