She chose logic, and could only hope it would prove true. “If he sent you away, Aylmer, ’twould mean he feared you. I do not know about you, but I had always heard there was naught that giants feared—except mayhap another giant.”
The try for levity was not successful. Instead of giving her a relieved smile, Aylmer was thoughtful for a moment, mulling over what she had said, mayhap even accepting it. But that was not all that was bothering him.
“When he walks, the floors tremble. And you can hear him inside the keep, even when he is without. Do you not fear him, my lady?”
She supposed a small boy would be frightened of someone with Ranulf’s intimidating height.Jesú, most men would be.
“We have to take into account that a big man does usually have a big voice, too, and a heavy step. That does not mean he is mean or cruel. Look you at that cat you are holding. Would a mean man keep such a creature for pet?”
Aylmer’s eyes rounded. “You mean it belongs to him?”
“Aye, what did you think?”
“I thought he was a stray in need of care. I found him scrounging around the slop bucket in the kitchen, and thought it best to save him a kick from cook and get him out of there.”
“That was kind of you, Aylmer. But he is a she, and cook would not have kicked this particular cat. He knows who she belongs to.”
“Oh,” he said, gloomy once again.
Reina smiled at that forlorn expression. “’Tis true, however, that she needs looking after. Would you like the job?”
At last he grinned. “Aye,” and then the grin failed. “But will the lord let me?”
Reina could only shrug. “I will ask him anon. But right now, let us get out of this drizzle ere it starts to rain hard. You can take Lady Ella back to the kitchen for now.”
“Is that her name?”
“Aye, that is her silly name. And, Aylmer, do you tell Master Aldrich that if he lays a hand on you, he must deal with me. But also apologize to the man for leaving him shorthanded.”
“Aye, my lady.”
He limped off ahead of her, Reina following much slower. There was little light left in the sky, but she was still in no hurry to enter the keep. Supper would have started without her, as was customary if she was delayed in the village. She was not hungry herself, too tense in wondering whether her husband would be there or not.
She found out even before she reached the hall, nearly run down by Ranulf as he hurried down the stairs. He was armed and mail-clad, and did not even recognize her, making an annoying rumble that someone should dare get in his way. She was not so nice about being shoved out of the way, laying an expletive on his head. He stopped just below her, recognizing her voice at least.
“So you are still here, my lord.” It was a statement, not a question, and filled with disgust.
He swung around to glare at her. “Where else would I be? But more to the point, where have you been?”
“At the village, if you must know. And as for where you should be, Simon mentioned to me that he was going to suggest you ride with him to Forthwick to view those lands.”
“So he did, but I declined. I thought ’twas best I familiarize myself with Clydon ere I go inspecting your other holdings.”
He was absolutely right, though she would not admit it. “And where do you go now?”
Before he could answer, Walter came rushing down the stairs, with Kenric right behind him. There was nearly another collision, but Walter stopped short in time. Kenric was not so fortunate and plowed into his back.
“So you found her?” Walter said after tossing an annoyed look at the boy. “That was quick work.”
Ranulf merely grunted and held out an arm for Reina to precede him up the stairs. She was bemused, realizing what Walter’s words meant.
“You were going to search for me?” she asked in a subdued tone.
“You were late, lady,” was Ranulf’s surly reply. “Henceforth, you will be inside these walls before ’tis dark.”
Reina smiled to herself. If her visit to the village had done anything, it had shattered his good humor. Well and good. The grouch was more predictable.
Chapter Twenty-six
