Page 54 of The Forsaken
“Do you two often spend time together?” Kate could understand Walter’s need for companionship, and being close in age, it made sense that he and Aileen would develop a friendship, but given what had happened to Agnes, Kate worried about Aileen. The girl was vulnerable and shy. Any attention from Walter could easily turn her head and lead her down a dangerous path.
“From time to time,” Walter replied carefully. “I’d never do anything to hurt her,” he sputtered. “We’re friends, that’s all.”
“So what do you do together as friends?” Kate asked. She had no desire to accuse Walter of inappropriate behavior, but she seemed to be Aileen’s only champion at the castle and she wouldn’t allow the girl to be mistreated.
“We just talk.”
“Talk?”
Walter looked stricken, as if he’d suddenly realized he’d revealed an important secret. He stared at the tips of his boots and twisted the lowest button of his doublet.
“Walter, is Aileen really deaf?”
Walter nodded. “She is, but not completely, and she can read lips. It’s easier for her to pretend to be stone deaf, this way no one can punish her if she doesn’t hear something and doesn’t respond right away. She’s scared.”
“Of what?”
“Her father used to beat her about the head when he were drunk. He was a cruel man, mistress. Over time, Aileen began to lose her hearing. Had he not died, she might have lost it completely, due to the beatings. He never beat Jed as severely, but he took pleasure in punishing Aileen. She reminded him of his wife, he said, and since the poor woman was beyond his reach, he went for Aileen instead.”
Kate’s eyes filled with tears. How cruel people could be. No wonder Aileen was frightened and reluctant to admit that she could hear something. It was easier to pretend to be completely deaf, especially when dealing with Joan, who’d berate her all day long if she suspected Aileen could actually hear her.
“Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone, Walter. Aileen’s secret is safe with me.”
“You’re a kind lady, mistress,” Walter replied. “Unlike some. And you’ve nothing to worry about,” he added, blushing furiously. “It isn’t like that with Aileen and me. We just get lonely sometimes, not being part of the family. It’s hard to be an outsider.”
“Yes, I understand,” Kate replied. She knew just how Walter felt. “You must miss your family.”
Walter nodded. “I do. I wish I could visit them sometimes.”
“Have you asked Hugh if you may?”
Walter shook his head. “I’m here to serve and learn, not enjoy myself. Once I finish my training and become a knight, I’llbe my own master, at least in my own home. I’m grateful to have a place, since my father died and my mother can’t afford to support me, having fallen on hard times. I have six sisters, all under the age of twelve. They’ll need a dowry when the time comes. Maybe by that time, I’ll be able to provide it, at least for the younger ones.”
Kate clapped Walter on the shoulder in a gesture of support. She’d led a peaceful and sheltered existence, never realizing how difficult life was for some. Leaving the priory had been a rude awakening, in more ways than one.
Kate walked with Walter to the kitchen door. She heard Joan’s harsh voice as they approached, cursing Aileen for being late. Something clattered to the floor. Kate yanked open the door and faced the older woman, who had a wooden spoon raised above Aileen’s head. The girl was cowering, her hands above her head for protection against the impending blow. A wooden bowl lay upturned on the stone floor, spilled milk beginning to soak into the crevices between the stones.
“Joan, Aileen was ill. Now, let her be and get about your chores.” Kate hadn’t meant to sound harsh, but Walter’s explanation of Aileen’s deafness left her trembling with fury. She’d keep an eye on Joan to make certain she didn’t strike Aileen again.
Joan’s eyes narrowed in anger, but she didn’t argue. “Aye, mistress. Whatever ye say.”
THIRTY-THREE
“Do you still miss the priory?” Guy asked as he and Kate followed the path that ran along the riverbank. The sun shone brightly after the downpour of the day before and the river sparkled playfully as it flowed past Berwick castle and wound into the distance. The dew on the grass hadn’t burnt off yet, and the leaves dripped moisture, still wet after the night’s rain.
Hamish ran around in wild circles, ecstatic to be out and about. Guy didn’t bother with a lead, since the puppy was too small and frightened to run far. It was more interested in trying to wedge himself between Guy’s ankles as he walked, nearly tripping him more than once.
“You foolish pup,” Guy scolded it affectionately. “Keep this up and I’ll take you back to the castle.”
The puppy yapped happily and ran after a squirrel. Kate smiled at his exuberance. She wished she could feel so free.
“I don’t miss the priory as much as I miss my family,” she finally replied. “My mother most of all. The loss of her left a hollow space inside me that will never be filled. And Geoffrey too.” Kate sighed. “I miss Geoffrey.”
“Which one was Geoffrey?”
“He was the middle one. It’s not right to say it out loud, but I loved him the most, probably because he was the kindest.”
Guy nodded in understanding. “You’ve no reason to feel guilty for loving Geoffrey best. I loved William. I miss him every day. There are times when I’m not completely awake yet, and I think of something I must tell Will, and then I remember that he’s gone, and I begin to mourn him all over again.”
