“What does she want?” Gytha asked as a heavily frowning Merlion stopped in front of her.
“She is Lady Elizabeth’s handmaiden.”
“Lady Elizabeth? What would that woman be doing here?”
“It seems she has come to speak to you. She had intended to ride up to Riverfall on the morrow, but saw you approaching and thought the meeting might be arranged immediately. She would like to see Bek as well.”
“Did she say why?”
“To make amends.”
There was a strong tone of disbelief in Merlion’s voice, and Gytha shared his feeling. Apology was not in Lady Elizabeth. Gytha was sure of it. But then, concern for her own safety could be. Thayer had said he had been terse in pushing the woman away, and Lady Elizabeth had to fear that Thayer now knew of her part in the near-rape in the garden. Dennis had been killed for his part in it. Lady Elizabeth very likely expected some retribution on herself.
For a moment Gytha savored the thought of refusing to see the woman, of leaving Lady Elizabeth to fret herself sick over what, if anything, Thayer might do to her. Then she glanced down at Bek. She had to think of the boy, remember that Lady Elizabeth was his mother. While she doubted there would ever be a relationship between the two, Gytha did not want to be the one who did anything to keep it from forming. Even if the apology was not a heartfelt one and was inspired by self-interest instead of true regret, it would be good for the boy to hear his mother utter it.
“She has a room at the inn?” she asked, looking back at Merlion.
“Aye, the maid says she will take you to her. I cannot like it, m’lady.”
“Well, I have no real wish to see the woman again either but”—she tipped her head slightly towards Bek—“it might be best to hear her out.” The way Merlion briefly glanced at Bek, then looked back at her with a hint of resignation mixed with annoyance, told her that he understood. “Come, what harm can there be in meeting her?”
“She does not want to see anyone but you and the boy.”
“That does not surprise me. I am not sure I would want such a big, well-armed audience if I had to make an apology.” She smiled faintly. “Nor do I think you would all fit into one of the inn’s rooms.”
“I would prefer it if she came to Riverfall to say her piece.”
“Actually, I would just as soon put all of this behind me. And,” she added with a frown towards the inn, “I certainly prefer to see her far away from Riverfall as soon as possible.” She met Bek’s gaze. “I am sorry for that, Bek. ’Tis how I feel.”
“Aye, I understand. She was mean to you.” He looked at Merlion. “I will be with Gytha, sir, if there is trouble.”
Merlion smiled. “True. Well, go on then, m’lady. The men and I shall wait below. We will not wait long.”
“I do not mean to linger. Let the men have an ale, Sir Merlion.” She smiled briefly. “It might soothe some of the—er, discomfort they have endured by being made to walk.” Her smile grew a little when he laughed softly.
After squeezing Margaret’s hand in a brief, reassuring gesture, Gytha started towards the waiting maid. She could hear the men a step behind her. Although they would not be right at her side, their presence in the inn would be a comfort. While she doubted Lady Elizabeth could be so stupid as to try and hurt her again, Gytha did not trust the woman. Feeling Bek’s hand in hers, she hoped he would not have to see the evil side of his mother yet again.
Falling into step behind the nervous maid, Gytha entered the inn. Partway up the stairs, she paused to look back and felt reassured by the sight of the men who eagerly called for ale. She might not see how Lady Elizabeth could accomplish anything very wrong, but it was comforting to know that Merlion and his men were near enough to help if help was needed. Pausing as the maid opened the door to Lady Elizabeth’s chambers, Gytha felt Bek’s grip on her hand tighten and shared his nervousness.
With a deep breath to steady her uneasiness, Gytha entered the room. Lady Elizabeth looked as beautiful as she had at court. She also looked as haughty, not like a woman ready to seek amends. The sound of the door shutting behind her made Gytha very uncomfortable.
“Oh my,” Lady Elizabeth said coldly as she briefly looked at Gytha’s stomach, “I can see the man is still fruitful.”
Sure now that an apology was not the woman’s intention, Gytha asked, “Just what do you want, Lady Elizabeth?”
“Ah—well now, you see I do not want anything.”
Alarmed by the look of near delight on the woman’s face, Gytha turned to leave when she heard a thudding noise. Bek suddenly became a weight pulling on her arm. She looked to see him sprawled upon the floor, blood trickling down the side of his face even as his limp hand slid free of her grasp. As she opened her mouth to scream, a filthy hand covered it. She started to struggle, but a blinding pain in her head sapped her strength. A soft laugh from Lady Elizabeth was the last sound she heard as blackness swept her into its fold.
“Hurry and get her out of here,” Lady Elizabeth snapped as she grabbed her cloak, waving her maid over to help her put it on.
“What about the boy?” asked the man, tossing Gytha over his shoulder.
“Leave him. Those men of hers will be up here before long. We had best be far away by then.” Pushing her stunned maid ahead of her, Lady Elizabeth stepped over Bek’s body and opened the door for the two men to leave.
Stepping out of the privy, Merlion paused to assure himself that he was presentable. He started back in to the inn determined to end the meeting between Lady Gytha and Lady Elizabeth. It had gone on long enough. Too long. Meeting Roger and Thayer at the door to the inn made him think he had been a fool to allow the meeting at all.
“Where is Gytha?” Thayer asked as he stepped inside of the inn and looked around.
