Page 30 of Sweet Mead for Lady Martine

“God’s eyes, she’s a mean one,” said Dirk, rubbing his throat and swallowing forcefully. He still had a horrified look on his face.

“She’s not normally that nasty,” said Martine with a smile. “It’s just that she’s pregnant and emotional. So be sure not to anger her.”

“I’ll try hard to remember that,” mumbled Dirk, heading back to his place at the door.

“I don’t have the money,” David told Martine in a soft voice as soon as the crowd had dissipated and went back to drinking and talking again.

“I know,” she answered, kindness in her tone. “Is there somewhere we can talk? Alone,” she said, glancing over at Dirk who was watching them and Uncle Joe who was listening with his head cocked.

“This is a tavern, my lady. It’s far from private,” David reminded her. “However, I suppose we can use my family’s living quarters. No one will be in there at this time. Unless, of course, if that is too improper for a lady to be in the room alone with me and unchaperoned.”

“Go,” she told him with a nod of her head. “And don’t worry about what’s improper. I’ll let you know.”

David led her to his family’s chamber, opening the door and letting her enter the room first. He followed her inside, lighting a candle and closing the door behind them.

“We can talk privately in here,” he told her.

“Good,” she said, taking off her cloak and handing it to him.

“What are you doing?” he asked, already feeling uncomfortable since they were alone and she was already taking off clothes. His eyes darted over to the door as he took her cloak from her.

“I just want to be comfortable. Is there somewhere I can sit?” She turned to look at the room.

David quickly hung up her cloak on a hook on the wall. “There is nowhere to sit in this room except for the beds, but that wouldn’t be advisable.” He turned around to see her sitting on his new bed, leaning back on her elbows and swinging her feet back and forth. Definitely not proper at all.

“This is nice. Don’t you agree?” she asked in a cheery tone.

He wasn’t quite sure how to answer. After all, a lady sitting on his bed was fine indeed. Still, he didn’t think that’s what she meant and was afraid to ask her to explain her comment.

“I appreciate the gift of the new bed. I’ve been meaning to tell you.” David tried to change the subject.

“It was the least we could do since you graciously gave up your pallet to Sage the last time we were here.”

He hadn’t graciously given up anything for them. It was more like he was told he had to do it. However, right now David didn’t want to point that out. If he did, it would only make him sound heartless.

“I suppose you’re going to take the inn away from me now that I can’t pay,” he said, not one for small talk and wanting to get right to the point.

“Before we talk about the inn or the rent, I need to ask you something.” She stood up and walked over to join him. “Why did you come to eat at the castle after you’d already told me you wouldn’t be there?”

“I guess I had a change of mind.”

“About the meal? Or about me?” she asked boldly, obviously liking to get right to the point as well.

“Lady Martine, I have to admit that I wasn’t exactly honest with you the last time you were here.”

“How so?”

“I was angry and acting harsh when that was not at all the way I wanted to be. I came to the castle because I needed to explain that to you. I realized you might have gotten the wrong opinion of me. But I suppose it no longer matters.”

“What in the devil’s name is that supposed to mean?” She looked at him like he had two heads.

“Martine. I mean, Lady Martine, the kisses we shared did mean something to me even if I told you they didn’t. You see, I do have feelings for you even though I didn’t want to admit it.”

“Really.” Her voice became soft and gentle. If he wasn’t mistaken, she almost looked pleased. The corners of her mouth turned up slightly. “Why didn’t you want me to know?” Now pain showed in her eyes, mixed with curiosity.

“I guess it was because I know where I stand as a commoner, and it’s surely not with a noble. I had no right to kiss you let alone touch you. I’m not sure what the hell I was thinking. I’m sorry.”

“You’re sorry?” This seemed to confuse her instead of please her. “Don’t you like being with me?” she asked him.