Chapter Forty
Reina went about her duties that afternoon feeling a good deal of smugness. Learning that Ranulf had taken his father out for a tour of Clydon only increased that feeling. He might not like her methods, but at least they bore results. He was reconciled with his father. The bitterness that had long festered inside him would be gone, leaving him a happier man, and thereby one easier to deal with. Could she pat herself on the back, she would have done so.
She spent some time with Walter and apprised him of what had happened, both yesterday and today. She no longer worried about his wounds. He had developed no fever, and Florette was keeping close attendance on him, which had much to do with why he was not complaining about the needed bed rest. In a week he should be up and about, though he would still have to go easy for a while.
It had been a surprise, however, to recall the prisoners, Warhurst, and Lord Richard in the telling. She could not even answer Walter’s questions, for she did not know whether Ranulf had sent a man to Warhurst as he had intended. He had as like forgotten, too, considering all that had happened this morn.
She still could not believe Lord Richard was capable of such despicable tyranny. She decided to speak with the outlaw leader herself, and did, but came away unconvinced. Yet the man was so very sincere, he did manage to plant a few doubts and “what ifs,” but not enough to matter. It came down to her own instincts, which rarely failed her, as well as her father’s keen judgment of character, which was even less fallible. He had liked Richard, had approved of him as a husband for her. They could not both be so wrong about a man.
Reina did not brood on it for long. That smugness was still there to make her think of other things, her husband in particular. She was not going to let Ranulf forget that he owed her his gratitude, especially since he had come so close to punishing her instead. He would not have admitted it, but she had known he carried deep feelings for his father despite the resentment that was on the surface. The man would never have been able to hurt him otherwise.
Reina was back in the hall when they returned and had an opportunity to watch them cross the long room unawares. The difference in manner was remarkable. They laughed, they touched, they were as two never separated, and in looks, they were more like brothers than father and son. Verily, Hugh was not even two score in years yet. He was a man any maiden Reina’s age or even younger would look on with favor—just as her husband was. And as usual, every woman in her hall was doing just that. ’Twas something she would simply have to get used to, she supposed.
A nod to a servant brought forward a platter of sweetmeats and cheese. She had not forgotten that neither man had touched his dinner earlier, and supper would not be ready for a while yet. She had satisfied her own hunger with a simple trip to the kitchens, where she had also collected Lady Ella. It was a veritable devil inside her that made her toy with the idea of introducing the cat to Ranulf’s father. The only thing that decided her against it was the risk that Hugh might not see the humor in the name Ranulf had chosen for his scrawny cat. She did not want to upset this boat she had set on such a steady course.
Lady Ella was now curled at her feet by the hearth, having held no grudge over losing her sleeping quarters. At least she was still as friendly as ever whenever Ranulf was not around. But his voice woke her ere he was even half across the room, and she went bounding toward him to leap into his arms. Typical. Heaven forbid he should happen to see her resting companionably at someone else’s feet.
Reina wondered if Ranulf felt at ease enough with his father to introduce the cat. Whether he did or not, she did not think the matter of a name had come up, though they were talking cats as they drew nearer.
“Nay,” Hugh was saying. “I have become accustomed to them over the years. My wife has three that she even allows in our chamber. I have tried numerous times to get them ousted, but with no luck.”
“My lady could tell you just how to get rid of them, for she managed to oust mine right quickly.”
“Ah, but what works for her would not work for me, or have you not realized yet that though we men have the final say, our ladies will win most every argument in the end to get what they want.”
“Bite your tongue,” Ranulf retorted, though there was laughter in his violet eyes. “I expect to win at least half the arguments in this household—one way or another.”
Reina was blushing by the time they reached her. That was not a discussion she cared to hear or get involved in.
“Did you have a pleasant ride, my lords?”
“Indeed,” Hugh replied. “Though I must confess I was hoping to find a few areas where my advice might be needful for improvements. Instead I learned a thing or two I intend to implement on my own lands. You have my compliments, lady. Clydon is as prosperous as I had heard.”
“That is to my father’s credit, not mine,” Reina replied. “He was at heart a farmer, and loved the land.”
“And his daughter is too modest,” Ranulf added. “She has kept the entire estate running so well there is little for me to do other than see to its defenses.”
“Do not belittle the importance of that, my lord. It takes only a single act of aggression to lay waste to years of hard work.”
Hugh grinned. “She has you there, Ranulf. No demesne can prosper long without a lord capable of protecting it. I am sure the lady took that into consideration ere she allowed herself to be ‘smitten’ by your charms.”
Ranulf guffawed with laughter. Reina smiled herself. “So you told him of our unusual courtship, did you?”
“He managed to wrest a few details from me,” Ranulf admitted as he dropped Ella on the bench beside her.
“I can well imagine which ones,” Reina snorted, though she was in fact amused. “But come, rest yourselves.” She stood up to pour them each a goblet of wine. Handing one to Hugh, she said, “I do not intend to be remiss in my duties again, my lord. I have a chamber readied for you do you care to refresh yourself before the evening meal. Theodric will show you the way when you are—”
“Theodric will not,” Ranulf interrupted sharply. “Lady, you would not dare.”
“Would not dare what?” Reina asked sweetly. “Eadwina awaits to assist your father. Theo will only show him the way to the east tower when he is ready.”
“Oh,” was all Ranulf said to that.
“Is something amiss?” Hugh asked.
“Not at all, my lord,” Reina assured him, picking up her own goblet, but sparing a wry smile for her husband. “And now I would like to propose a toast. To new beginnings—” She paused, and her smile turned to a satisfied smirk. She really could not help it. “—that need only a tiny nudge to get started.”
Hugh chuckled. Ranulf did not. And then a new voice was heard from that gave Reina a start, as well as her father-by-marriage.
