Lista smiled weakly. “It’s very beautiful,” she said. “You were very kind to let me have my pick.”
Addington looked her up and down, as she was now back in the rather plain dress she’d come to Berwick in. “You could have worn it home,” she said. “In fact…”
She trailed off, turning to her mother and calling to the woman. It seemed to be some kind of secret signal between them because Kellington broke away from Meadow, making her way to her daughter.
“Mama?” Addington said. “Mayhap you should tell Lady Lista what we have decided.”
Kellington turned to Lista, a smile on her face. “My lady,” she said quietly. “Since you have lost your knight, Julian and Ashton have volunteered to escort you home. Addington would like to accompany you also if you are agreeable. They thought it would make the trip easier for you during this troubling time. Will you allow us to assist since it was our fault that you lost your knight?”
Lista looked at her in surprise. “Your fault, my lady?”
Kellington nodded. “The railing was removed because it was rotted,” she said. “Had it not been removed, there would have been something there to prevent your knight from falling to his death, so truly, you must let us help you. We feel responsible.”
Lista had to admit that she was floored by the request. She looked between Addington and her mother, at a loss for words. They were both gazing back at her, so very kindly. So very warmly. These people whom she’d only just met were people who treated her as if she were an old and dear friend. She’d never met such selfless and open individuals.
Finally, she shook her head in awe.
“Since the moment we have met, everything has been disastrous on our part,” she said. “We have had trouble and tragedy and I have found myself making excuses because of it. You must think we are pathetic, indeed, but I promise you that we are not usually.”
Kellington smiled. “I believe you,” she said. “Trust me when I say we have all had our problematic events but it is never so unfortunate than in front of someone who does not know you well.”
Lista sighed, hoping that she really meant it. “Thank you for understanding, my lady,” she said. “I feel as if I have done nothing but make excuses since I have known you, but when my mother is involved… you can understand that I must take care of her, even if it is to protect your fond memories of her.”
Kellington’s smile grew and she touched Lista’s cheek gently. “You are a kind and loving daughter,” she said. “Your mother is very fortunate to have you. I will come and visit in a few weeks to see how your mother is faring. I did not have a chance to speak with her while she was here, so I will speak to her another time. It may help her to speak to another woman who has suffered the same loss as she has.”
Lista was so overwhelmed by the kindness that tears stung her eyes. “You are so very kind, my lady, thank you,” she said. “And… and if you are sure it is not too much trouble, I will accept your offer of an escort. Felkington is not too terribly far, but it will be reassuring to have knights to protect us on our journey.”
“And me,” Addington said, squeezing her arm. “I will be on your journey, too.”
Lista giggled. “And you,” she said. “Can you use a sword?”
Addington laughed. “I cannot,” she said. “But I can tell stories to entertain you.”
“I would like that,” Lista said. “Felkington is truly no more than a half-day’s ride from here, so you can stay the night if you wish and return on the morrow.”
Addington’s face fell. “I was hoping to stay longer than that,” she said. “I like to visit new places. Can I stay longer than just the night?”
Lista was overjoyed at the thought of someone other than her mother and aunt to speak to. A young woman, the same age, someone who very much wanted to be her friend. She should have been guarded, at least a little, because the madness that those at Berwick had seen from Meadow and Flora was just thebeginning. It would be worse at home. But Lista didn’t have the heart to refuse Addington a visit because, in truth, Addington had been very friendly since nearly the moment they met and for a lonely young woman like Lista, that was almost too good to believe.
“I would be honored,” she said after a moment. “But you should know that my days are full of work. I am chatelaine of Felkington, so there is much to do on a daily basis. There is not much time for much else.”
Addington’s smile was back. “I don’t care,” she said. “I am sure we can find lots of things to do when you are not busy.”
With that, she dashed off to collect the satchel she’d packed, rushing towards the keep in a rush of swishing fabric and dark hair. As Lista watched her run off, Kellington spoke softly.
“She has an older sister to whom she is very close,” she said. “My middle daughter, Effington, was married a few years ago and Addie has missed her terribly. Do not be surprised if she has elected you to be her new sister and confidante.”
Lista looked at her, smiling. “Is that why she has been so terribly friendly?”
Kellington nodded. “Exactly.”
“So it was not my charm that convinced her that she wanted to be my friend?”
Kellington laughed softly. “I’m sure that has a great deal to do with it,” she said. “But she misses Effie so very much. I hope you do not mind that she has invited herself to travel home with you.”
Lista shook her head. “Not in the least,” she said. “I… I do not have any friends, not since my brother died and my mother became… grieved. My mother has taken all of my time.”
Kellington’s gaze moved to Meadow and Flora, who were standing rather pale and dejected as the last of the escort was prepared.
