And the rainscame.
The frolicking in the vineyard was cut short by a storm that had blown in from the east. The wind had picked up and gray clouds blew in towards sunset, dotting the land with fat droplets. But that was just a harbinger of things to come– in little time, darker clouds blew in that unleashed a torrent that sent Lista, Julian, Addington, and Ashton running back into the castle. By the time they entered the courtyard, they were soaked.
With laughter and chatter, they made their way up the spiral stairs that led to the living levels three stories above the ground. Here, there were many chambers, including guest lodgings. Julian had a room to himself, as did Ashton, but Addington was on the level above with Lista. There was a small adjoining chamber to Lista’s larger chamber and Addington had settled into that quite comfortably.
As Julian and Ashton dried out before the evening meal, Lista and Addington were doing the same. Their dresses had soaked up a goodly amount of the rain, but both chambers were warm and cozy from the enormous hearths that were blazing. Servants had put water on to boil in both hearths and the maidthat usually helped Lista had brought in big pieces of drying cloths.
Thunder crashed and lightning lit up the sky as the maid helped the women peel off the wet clothing and into something warm and dry. A servant brought warmed wine and they imbibed generously, listening to the inclement weather outside and chatting amiably. Addington ended up sitting in front of the hearth, wrapped up in a heavy robe as Lista brushed out her dark hair, which went all the way down to her knees.
“When I get back to Pelinom, I’m going to tell Mama that we need to plant a vineyard like yours,” Addington said, sipping on her wine. “We already have orchards of apples and cherries, so we can plant grapevines, too.”
Lista continued to brush Addington’s straight, silky hair even as her own hair dried with a kink to it. “Grapes take work,” she said. “We have a man who tends our gardens and he is forever tending the grapes.”
Addington thought on that. “Then mayhap he can teach Julian how to tend grapes,” she said. “It will give him something to do when he is finished with his knightly duties. A man should have something to occupy his time.”
“And Julian has nothing?”
“Nothing but horses and his books,” Addington said. “Did he tell you that he likes to read?”
Lista shook her head. “He did not,” she said. “He has not spoken much of himself, to be truthful.”
Addington was watching the lightning flash on the other side of the oiled cloth that covered the window. “I saw you two speaking earlier,” she said. “What was he saying?”
Lista shrugged. “Nothing, really,” she said. “Cursory things. We spoke of my mother and why she is the way she is. He said I behaved like someone who had a good deal of responsibility thrust upon them and that he understood how that feels.”
Addington hesitated before speaking. “Hedoesunderstand,” she said. “I know I tease Julian quite a bit, but the truth is that I love the big dolt. You would never know what a tender heart he has.”
“Does he?”
Addington nodded. “Has he spoken of our father?”
“Briefly.”
“Did he speak on his death?”
“Nay. Why?”
Addington sighed. “Because he blames himself for Papa’s death,” she said. “He was there when it happened. It was during a battle and he tried to force Papa to go into the keep because bolts were flying over the wall, but Papa wouldn’t move. He was struck by the bolts. I do not think Julian has ever forgiven himself for not preventing it.”
Lista slowed her brushing. “He did not tell me that,” she said. “I heard your father died in battle against King John.”
“He did,” Addington said. “I was there. Julian was always Papa’s shadow, you see. I have three brothers– Cole, the eldest, was always his own man. Strong and steady. Cassian, the youngest, went away at a young age and disappeared shortly after my father died. He was the baby and everyone doted on him. But Julian… he’s the middle brother and I think he was always overlooked. He is quiet and never makes a fuss, and he followed my father about like a loyal dog. More than any of us, save Mama, I do not think he’s ever gotten over the loss of our father and when I saw him speaking to you today, I was hoping he was beginning to feel a little happiness. He hasn’t had much.”
Lista stopped brushing and came around the front of Addington, planting herself on a small three-legged stool next to the hearth.
“He said he needed to learn to laugh,” she said seriously. “That was after he told me that I needed to learn to laugh. I willbe truthful with you, Addie– he seems guarded and he seems sad. Like a man who has seen much sorrow.”
Addington nodded. “He has,” she said. “He has seen more than most. Lista… it is clear to me that he likes you. As I said, Julian has known so little happiness, so if you do not like him in a romantic sense, then please do not tease him. Do not let him think there could be something between you two if there is no chance for it. I do not think he could take it because women have been cruel to him before.”
Lista’s eyes took on a warm glimmer. “I would never be cruel to him, nor would I give him hope where there is none,” she said. “I like Julian very much. He is sweet and thoughtful. But I told you… he is far above my social station. Addie, we have discussed this.”
Addington sighed sharply. “He isnotabove your social station,” she said flatly. “You are perfect for him. You think he is kind and handsome and his different eyes do not bother you in the least. You are what Julian has been waiting for his entire life. Would… would you consider him for your husband?”
Lista’s eyes widened. “Me?” she said, surprised. “WouldIconsider him? I would consider no one else. Although I’ve only known the man a few days, sometimes you do not need to know someone for months or years to know that you could spend a lifetime with them and it would never be enough. But Julian is a de Velt… it means he should marry a wife who can bring him prestige.”
“You would bring him happiness and that is far more valuable,” Addington said, grasping her hand and squeezing it. “And look at this magnificent castle. You underestimate yourself, Lista. Any man would be proud to have you and Felkington. Please let me tell Julian that you are agreeable to a courtship. If I do not tell him, he will be too afraid to ask. Youwould both go to your grave feeling something for each other because Julian would never have the courage to bring it up.”
Lista frowned. “The man fights battles and he has no courage for something as simple as that?”
