Page 52 of The Guardian's Witch

“I got the idea from a German soldier I met in Wales.”

“It works well. I didn’t think Wesley’s ale could be better, but I was wrong.”

Alex gave his father a smile. He sat in Lord Wesley’s high-back chair lost in his thoughts. “She seeks to dissolve the marriage and possibly leave Glen Kirk after the king departs.”

“A lover’s quarrel?” Philip drank the tankard dry.

“No, Father, outmaneuvered.” Alex hesitated, his tankard midair.

Philip scanned his son’s face. “All is not lost, son. Then she did not take the news well. It doesn’t surprise me. Howard told us about the wedding. Edward was a bit high-handed. I’m sorry I wasn’t in London—I would have tried to stop him.”

“Thank you, Father. I don’t think anyone could have stopped him.”

Philip put his tankard down. “But she’s had weeks to adjust.”

Alex stared into his tankard.

Phillip froze. “You did tell her as soon as you returned from London?”

Alex’s head popped up. He felt like a child being scolded. “Of course I told her. Just not right away. I needed to make certain she was ready,”

“You mean you needed to make certain you were ready.” His father let out a heavy sigh. “It will work out.” They sat in silence for a few minutes. “You’ll have a full house soon.”

“As I thought. We are prepared.” A flash of memory at how Lisbeth had directed dinner gave him confidence.

“Lady Barbara is with the king.”

Alex froze, his tankard midway to his mouth. “More of Edward’s retribution. In my own home? Wasn’t the proxy wedding enough?”

“I don’t think it’s retribution, son.”

“Forgive me, Father. If you will excuse me.” Alex stalked from the room. Had he heard pity in his father’s voice? If the king wasn’t knocking on his door he’d drop Lisbeth on Bryce’s doorstep along with Lady Barbara and accept the king’s offer in Wales.

* * *

The women sat in the solar while the baggage was brought up to the Steltons’ room. Celeste looked at the surroundings and went to the covered sewing frame.

“May I see?”

“Of course.” Lisbeth removed the cloth cover from her needlework.

Celeste examined the tapestry. “You’re needlework is beautiful.” She looked at it with great care. “There are tiny charms hidden in the trees,” she said with a gasp. “You need to look closely to see them. They’re a pleasant surprise.”

“Thank you, Lady Celeste.” There was a warmth about Celeste that reassured Lisbeth. The constant tension she felt since returning to Glen Kirk eased. Lisbeth allowed herself to relax.

“Lady Celeste is much too formal in private. If you have no objection, I would like to be more casual. My other daughters-in-law call me Mother Celeste. Will that be alright?”

“That would be perfect. Thank you...Mother Celeste.”

Celeste’s smile widened in approval. She gently patted Lisbeth’s hand. “Yes, that will do nicely.”

“M’lady.”

“Yes, Ann?”

“If Lady Stelton is ready, I’ll show her to her room.”

“You’ll excuse me, Lisbeth—I’d like to get settled. I’ll come and find you later.” Celeste gave Lisbeth a squeeze and followed Ann.

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