I cock my head to one side and regard her. “Tally, what is it?”
“Would you object if I were to include a personal message with your package?”
“You wish to write to the emperor?”
“No, not the emperor. I thought I might write a short note to Sophia. Would you permit that?”
I regard her across the table. I had not expected this, though in truth the idea has merit. But for one little detail.
“Is she able to read?”
Tally reddens. “No, not really. I had started to teach her, but … I was hoping that there might be someone at the court who could help. Surely someone would read my letter to her. Perhaps even aid her in penning a reply.”
“Perhaps. We can but hope. Or we could ensure that outcome by sending your missive in the care of my cousin. Lady Alberta de Lombard is a lady-in-waiting to the empress, a kindly enough soul. And most crucial to our cause, she is mother to five children herself so will have some empathy I daresay. If you write your letter I will ensure it is delivered to Lady Alberta, with the request that she read the contents to Sophia and help her to formulate a reply. How will that be, my love?”
Tally beams at me for several moments before launching herself across the table. Her squeals of delight are ample reward for my flash of brilliance. Indeed, I wonder that I did not think of such a remedy for her malaise before now. I should have sent word to my cousin as soon as I became aware of the situation, seeking news of the child, and urging Alberta to take an interest in Sophia’s welfare. Still, I bask in my wife’s gratitude now.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you. When is the courier to leave?”
“Tomorrow, at first light. I expect a reply from court within a fortnight.”
“I must write my note quickly then so as not to delay his departure. Would you excuse me, please?”
I could kick myself for not delaying the messenger’s departure, but it istoo late now. Tally scurries from the room, and I content myself by looking forward to reaping the full fruits of her gratitude in our chamber later.
Chapter Thirteen
It has been almost three weeks since the courier left for Vienna, and still no word. I am not sure exactly what it is I am expecting, though I have every confidence that Stefan’s cousin will help if he says she will do so. But Lady Alberta may be busy. She will have other duties, other calls on her time.
I lean against the windowsill in our chamber, scanning the distant hillsides for any sign of a rider heading our way. Already the spring grows late, the lush grasses and early summer blooms are splashing their glorious hues over the landscape.
It is beautiful sight and I know I am lucky to be here. I am fortunate indeed to be able to enjoy a fresh spring morning, in the knowledge that my husband is close at hand, my family too. And as I place my palms on my still flat stomach, I give secret thanks to my maker for the new life just blossoming inside me.
I will tell Stefan soon. Today. For now though I hug my joyous news close, knowing that my own burgeoning happiness makes the wait for a reply to my letter yet more poignant.
A knock at the door disturbs me. I bid my visitor to enter. It is Mathilde.
“My lady, his grace has requested that you join him in his solar. At your earliest convenience.”
“I see. Thank you, Mathilde. I will be there presently.”
She bobs her curtsy and scurries off about her business. I collect some embroidery and make my way to the solar on the floor below. I enter, to find Stefan gazing from the window. On this side of the keep, the windows overlook the bailey and practice courtyard where the men at arms are put through their drill each day by Stefan and his knights. From my husband’s intent expression I surmise he must be observing today’s training exercises. He is probably casting an especially critical eye over the performance of two young boys as each vies to outdo the other and gain the praise of their commander. He turns to me as I approach his side, his smile dazzling.
He never fails to take my breath away, this handsome man of mine.
“My lord, you wished to speak with me?”
“Speak? Yes, I suppose so. Though I would much rather fuck you.”
Ah, one of those conversations. And so early in the day too. How nice.
I glance about me. “We are quite alone, my lord, and I doubt it would take long.”
“You are casting aspersions on my prowess, my lady?”
“As if I would consider such foolhardiness, my lord. I simply thought…”
“I believe I am quite capable of discerning what you simply thought. If you require a spanking may I suggest you come right out and ask for it? I know you too well now to be fooled by all this ‘my lord’ nonsense.”
