Page 18 of Sweet Mead for Lady Martine

“He did what?” gasped Josefina. “That is very bold for a commoner to try kissing a lady.”

“Especially since he just met you,” added Sage. “Martine, we’ve both been commoners, but know that action was highly improper.”

“Not necessarily,” she said with a sigh. “You see, I might have instigated the whole thing.”

“What do you mean?” asked Sage.

“I kissed him first,” she added and quickly stood. “Well, shall we go? Gar isn’t a patient man and will be in here dragging us out by our hair if we don’t hurry.” She turned and started for the door.

“Stop!” commanded Josefina.

“You can’t just drop that on us and then tell us nothing more.” Sage struggled to stand. Martine rushed over and she and Josefina helped her off the bed.

“Please, tell us,” said Josefina.

“Don’t make us beg,” said Sage.

“Why did you kiss David?” asked Josefina.

“Why did you do it first?” added Sage as the three of them headed slowly to the door.

“I guess I did it because I really like him and I am tired of always being the one in the family who hasn’t had a serious relationship in her life.”

“Don’t you mean, the one who isn’t married yet?” asked Sage with a raised brow.

“Mayhap. I don’t know.” Martine sighed. “All I know is that I want what both of you have.”

“A baby?” asked Sage.

“I don’t have one of those,” said Josefina.

“I’m talking about love. True love,” explained Martine.

The girls stopped in their tracks.

“Martine, are you saying you are in love with David the innkeeper?” asked Josefina.

“Nay, of course not,” Martine answered, feeling frustrated. “All I’m saying is that I found a man I am attracted to and would like to get to know him better. That is, before I’m handed off to some old baron to marry for alliances only.”

“We understand,” said Sage. “But you are a noblewoman and we were commoners.”

“Yes,” said Josefina. “Wouldn’t marrying a commoner be moving in the wrong direction?”

“Must I remind you that my cousins, Raven, Rook, Lark, and Eleanor all married from below the salt? Besides, I never said I wanted to marry David. I just want to be able to choose the man I’ll marry. I want it to be someone I feel comfortable around. Someone who makes me tingle when he kisses me. Someone who makes me feel protected when I’m in his arms.” Martine looked up to the ceiling, smiling. “And someone who lights up my heart with his smile and makes me feel special.”

“Like David,” both Sage and Josefina said at the same time, giggling.

“What does it even matter?” asked Martine, feeling a sinking sensation in her heart. “Nothing will ever come of it, since I’ll most likely never see him again once we return to the castle.” This thought made her so sad. “Please, forget I even told you. Whatever you do, don’t mention it to Gar or Robin or anyone else.”

“All right, we won’t, but you’re going to marry the innkeeper, mark my words.” This came from Josefina.

“Stop it. Both of you,” said Martine pulling open the door. “After all, like I said, I’ll never even see David again.”

“You could if you wanted to,” insisted Sage.

“I am a lady,” she told them, becoming solemn. “There is no reason in hell for me to even be in a tavern if I’m not traveling with male escorts. So even if I did return to the Cross Hare Inn, David and I would never be alone.”

“We both found ways to be alone with our husbands before we were married,” said Josefina, nodding to Sage.