Page 42 of The Forsaken
Walter poured Guy a cup of wine and set the tray on the counterpane next to him. It contained a bread trencher filled with mutton, thick with gravy and onions. The gravy had soaked into the bread, making it too messy to eat with his hand.
“Shall I cut it up?” Walter asked.
“Please. Walter, I thought I heard hoofbeats a few minutes ago.” Guy took a mouthful of bread and mutton and began to chew. It was good, and hot, and he instantly felt better.
“Aye, you did, sir.”
“Well, who was it?”
Walter’s eyes danced with mischief, and he clearly couldn’t wait to divulge whatever news he was withholding. “The master is back. And Sister Catherine is with him,” he said, watching Guy for a reaction.
Guy stopped eating and stared at Walter, his eyes wide with concern. “Are they hurt?” he demanded.
“No, they appear to be quite well,” Walter replied, smiling with glee.
“Walter, I’m going to box your ears if you don’t tell me what you know,” Guy said and resumed eating his supper.
“The master just informed Mistress Joan that Sister Catherine has come to stay. They are to be married as soon as arrangements can be made.”
Guy nearly choked on the piece of bread he was chewing and took a long swallow of wine before turning on Walter. “You’re really asking for it, you ungrateful whelp. I know you like a bit of a lark now and then, but I won’t have you enjoying a laugh at my expense.”
“’Tis no joke, sir,” Walter replied, frowning. “Heard it with me own ears, I did.”
“Ask my brother to come and see me.” Guy pushed the empty plate toward the boy. “And get more wine. This flagon is nearly empty.”
“Aye, sir.”
Walter took the dirty crockery and departed, leaving Guy seething with irritation. He hated being cooped up in this room. The world went on without him, and if Walter was to be believed, it was moving a lot faster than it had only a day ago.
Guy was seriously contemplating getting out of bed and going in search of Hugh when his brother finally decided to grace him with his presence. He was clad in dark blue breeches and a matching doublet, his jaw was shadowed with stubble, and his thick hair was playfully tousled. It suddenly struck Guy that Hugh wasn’t completely without appeal. Had he charmed Kate into agreeing to marry him?
“How’re you getting on?” Hugh asked as he pulled up a chair and sat down next to the bed, looking very pleased with himself.
“Clearly not as well as you are,” Guy retorted. “Is it true?”
“Oh, aye,” Hugh replied, smiling. “Kate and I are to be married.”
It’s Kate now, is it?Guy thought sourly. “When?”
“As soon as arrangements are made.”
“What sort of arrangements? All you need is a priest and a bride.”
“Not quite. I intend to use this marriage to facilitate an introduction to the Earl of Warwick, or at the very least make myself known to him.”
Guy gaped at his brother in astonishment but decided to pursue the Warwick connection later. First, he needed to understand how this betrothal had come about.
“Has Lord Dancy given you his blessing, then?” Guy asked. He couldn’t see someone of Lord Dancy’s stature condoning a union between his only daughter and a Lancastrian knight of middling wealth. Surely, Lord Dancy would aim much higher when making a match for his daughter, and choose a husband from among his Yorkist cronies.
“Not exactly, but he’ll come around to the idea in time,” Hugh replied, that sly smile still playing about his lips.
“Meaning?”
“Meaning he didn’t have much say in the matter. I had a quiet word with the doting papa last night and led him to believe that his daughter had allowed me to sample her favors. Of course, I would gladly marry the lady, I said, if Lord Dancy would bestow his favor and Catherine’s sizable dowry on me. If he refused, I would let it be known that Lady Catherine was no longer a maid and might already be with child. Lord Dancy was livid. He banished Kate then and there, leaving her no choice but to marry me, since she is now dispossessed. I did manage to convince him that it would be in his best interests to keep the matter quiet and allow me to marry the fair maiden, but I would only do my duty by her if a dowry was forthcoming. He refused to part with all of it, but the amount he gave me will keep us afloat for years.”
“And when the money runs out?” Guy asked, his voice tight with anger.
“By that time, the old goat will have died, and Kate, being the only surviving child, will inherit the entire estate, which will, of course, pass to her loving husband. I’ll have no claim to the title, but I will have the lands, the serfs, the house, and all within it. And I will have the Warwick connection, which I intend to work tirelessly to my advantage.”
