Page 41 of Sweet Mead for Lady Martine

She already liked the fact he’d referred to her as an important noble and served her a drink in a metal goblet.

“All right, but where’s your drink?” she asked.

“I’m not thirsty right now but you always seem to be thirsty. Please, just try it.”

“What is it?” she asked, picking up the goblet by the stem.

“It’s a surprise. Just try it,” he said again, sounding very anxious for her to do so.

She lifted the goblet to her mouth, expecting to taste perhaps spiced white wine or mayhap heather ale. Instead, it was something she liked so much better.

“Mmm,” she said, tasting the drink and licking her lips. “It’s delicious. It’s mead.”

“Yes, it is,” he answered with a smile. “Sweet mead for Lady Martine.” He gently covered her hand with his. It made her heart soar.

“Where did you find this?”

“It wasn’t easy. I had to barter for it, but it was well worth it.”

“It’s good. Really good,” she told him. “Perhaps we should serve it in the tavern.”

“Nay. This entire barrel of sweet mead is for you, my lady.”

She giggled. “I sincerely doubt I could drink that much of it. Besides, I won’t be here long enough to do so.”

“You won’t?” That seemed to upset him. “What if it takes a long time to recover the money I owe?”

“I’m sure it won’t take as long as you think,” said Martine taking another sip of her mead. “Just collecting half of Cinnamon’s earnings each night will enable you to pay the overdue rent in no time. Besides, I have several ideas that are sure to bring in more funds quickly.”

“Then I suppose we should get started. What do you suggest we do first, my lady?”

“Why don’t you show me your ledgers?” she asked.

“You know how to do that?” He brought forth the ledger.

“I balance the ledgers at my family’s castle all the time. I’m sure it’s not any different here. Plus, we’ll need to take inventory of all your food and drink before we put in another order. Oh, I also want to see the rooms upstairs.”

“Upstairs? Oh, nay, my lady.” He shook his head as if he didn’t want her going up there. “That is not a place for someone like you.”

“You must have rooms for nobles to stay in when they pass through, don’t you?” she asked.

“Yes, but we only have one room that is close to being suitable for a noble.”

“How many rooms are there in total?”

“Six.”

“Six rooms and only one for nobles? Nobles pay much more than a commoner would. I think the first thing we need to do is to fix up those rooms and get the word out. What do you charge per night for a common room?”

“Well, most of the rooms are shared by at least a half dozen people.”

“How much?” she asked again.

“A penny per head. Plus, they get a hot meal and unlimited drinks with the room.”

“That’s no good. You’ll need to charge for the food, drink, candlelight or heat. Each guest at the inn should end up paying at least four pence by the time they leave here.”

“Really?” David nodded. “We’ve always given them food and drink and it won’t go over nicely.”