Page 38 of Christmas Secrets

CHAPTERTWELVE

Holly paced back and forth later that night, after having done everything she could to help save Sir Henry’s life. The healer had arrived as well, and said she did a good job sewing the man up. The healer told her if she hadn’t done so, Lord Henry would have lost too much blood and died before he even got there.

Ladies Willow and Maira had gone back to the castle, but Morag stayed. So did Bedivere. Actually, Percival’s mother, Ada, arrived with Morag’s father, Reed, and a lot of food that was leftover from the Christmas dinner which they all ate earlier in silence. No one seemed to want to speak about what had transpired today.

The healer left an hour ago, saying there was nothing more he could do. Whether Sir Henry survived was no longer up to them, but God.

Sir Henry occupied the bed. Noel fell asleep in Percival’s arms, holding on to all his little friends made of wood. Holly’s heart went out to him. She couldn’t imagine what the little boy was even feeling.

“Percival, bring the boy over here,” said his mother softly. “I have brought blankets from the castle and made him a bed in the corner.”

“Aye,” agreed Percival, putting Noel down, kissing him atop the head and covering him up.

“Would anyone like some hot cider?” asked Ada. “Morag has some heating over the fire.”

“I’ll take some, but I have a little somethin’ to add to it.” Reed pulled out a flask and Holly knew there was whisky in it.

“I’ll take some of that but without the cider.” Bedivere pushed a wooden cup across the table closer to Reed.

“How about ye, Percival?” Reed held up the flask.

“God’s teeth, nay,” he said, dragging a hand through his hair. “I think I’ve learned my lesson where Mountain Magic is concerned.”

“Why don’t you get some sleep?” Holly asked Percival. “You must be very tired.”

“I am, but I can’t sleep. Not now. Not yet. Holly, will you walk outside with me? I’d like to speak to you in private.”

“Of course,” said Holly, taking a cloak from Percival’s mother. The woman had thought of everything and it was good to have her there.

Percival helped Holly don her cloak and then guided her with his hand to the small of her back, opening the door and leading her out to the porch. Nothing was said until he closed the door and turned back toward her.

* * *

Percival had somuch to say to Holly, but he didn’t know where to start. With the full moon shining down on her golden tresses, she looked like a Christmas angel to him, if there was such a thing. He was no longer sure. He had decided to make new memories, but this Christmas wasn’t getting much better than the one that had haunted him since the death of his father.

“Holly,” he said, at the same time she said, “Percival.”

“I need to talk to you,” he continued.

“Fine, but me first,” she told him. “I was wrong in not telling you from the start that I was a runaway serf. I’m sorry. I never should have come here, but when my mother died, I didn’t know what to do. She told me to come here. I was just trying to care for my little brother.” Her hand covered the heart brooch once more. “I ran away because it was what Mother wanted.”

“Nay. It was the right thing to do,” agreed Percival.

“Really? Do you really think so?”

“Yes. I wouldn’t want you and Noel living under those conditions. It sounds like Lord Kestwick was a horrible man.”

“Oh, he was.”

“I also wouldn’t want Noel living with Lord Neville.”

“Well, that won’t happen since the man is dead now.”

“Aye. And I believe everything turned out exactly as it should.”

“I’m still a serf, Percival,” she seemed inclined to remind him, even though there was no way he could forget. You realize, that means we can’t be together.”

“Let’s not talk about that right now,” he said, taking her hands in his. “It’s my turn to talk now.”