Page 60 of Rose
Chapter Twenty Three
Two days later, Rose returned to the round sitting room and collapsed in one of the chairs by the cold hearth. “I’m exhausted,” she said, smiling at Iris and Elizabeth who sat nearby, both women equally as breathless.
Tristan smiled as he strolled into the room. “I saw Darby just now in the courtyard. He told me of your return and of your weary feet. He, in fact, looked half dead.”
“When we asked him to accompany us on our outing, I doubt he knew what he was getting himself into. We walked all of London and had a simply wonderful day, did we not, Rose?” Iris said, dabbing at her brow with a handkerchief.
“I cannot remember the last time I enjoyed such a wonderful day,” Rose replied.
Iris gripped her armrests and pushed off just enough to lean over and kiss Rose on the cheek before she collapsed.
“I agree,” Elizabeth said. “And now my feet hurt so badly, I’ve completely forgotten about my hand.”
Rose sat up straight. “Has the pain returned?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “Only a little.” Then a smile spread across her face. “Don’t fash yerself over me,” she said, imitating Rose’s accent.
“I’ll fash myself if I please,” Rose laughed. Then she started to get up. “Yesterday, after the noon meal, Colin recommended we change yer dressing today.”
Elizabeth laid her head back and closed her eyes. “Not yet. Let us rest a while.”
Rest sounded marvelous to Rose. She sat down and laid her head back, also closing her eyes. The day’s events flashed by in her mind. They had walked to St. Paul’s and sat for Mass. Then, they wondered the market and ate pigeon pies and roasted chestnuts. With full bellies, they took a ferry down the Thames and saw the king’s palace where her brother, Alec, had lived for several months, spying against the crown for the cause of Scottish independence. Seeing it had filled her with pride, but it had also been an unwelcome reminder that she had yet to tell Tristan about her brothers’ secret lives, nor was she even certain if she should.
Tristan smiled down at her and took her hand. “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.”
She forced the matter of her family from her mind. At that moment, she felt very content and too tired to make decisions. “I enjoyed myself immensely.”
In fact, it had been divine to spend the day with Tristan’s stepmother and sister. Rose missed her own mother and wee sister every day. She felt their absence in her bones. She smelled them in the air. She heard their laughter on the wind, which mingled with the voices of her own sweet girls. She thought for a moment of how vulnerable and yet how resilient the human heart truly was. Love is what made life hurt so much, but love is also what compelled the wounded to carry on.
Iris took Rose’s hand. “My stepson has always had good sense, and marrying you was the smartest thing he has ever done.”
Elizabeth’s eyes flew open. “I just had a marvelous idea.” She sat up and scooted to the edge of her seat, turning pleading eyes on Rose. “You must come live here with us when Tristan sets out again. I cannot bear the idea of you going back to Scotland and living so far away.”
An ache surrounded Rose’s heart as she met Elizabeth’s honest and trusting gaze.
“I…I…” Rose tried to reassure Elizabeth but she faltered. Her chest tightened against the weight of her remorse. She had not expected such immediate love and devotion from Tristan’s family.
Tristan gently rested his hand on her shoulder. “Rose would come to miss her own family were she to live here permanently.”
Iris smiled at Rose. “Of course, you would.” Then she turned to look at Tristan. Reaching out, she took his hand and then she grasped Rose’s hand. “I know I am getting a little ahead of myself, but Tristan’s father and I seldom travel anymore. He suffers from terrible leg pains and swelling if he is on his feet too long. As for myself, I would just as soon stay in London for the rest of my days. But mayhap, you both will consider returning for Christmas and stay until after the feast of the Epiphany?”
Elizabeth’s eyes brightened. “Oh yes, please do. We decorate the hall with garlands and holly, and we have feasts and parties. Mother leads father’s charity, which cares for the widows of lost seamen. Many of the women stay here with us for the twelve days. We make presents for their children. Oh, Rose, you will just love it. Really, you will. Please, say you’ll come.”
Rose swallowed the knot in her throat. “Of course I will,” she said with forced brightness.
She could feel herself begin to panic. Tristan squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. “Stepmother, I promised Rose I would take her riding this afternoon.”
Iris’s eyes widened. “Surly not, Tristan. She’s had too much exercise as it is.”
Rose nigh jumped to her feet. “I’m feeling quite recovered.”
Iris smiled. “You have such spirit.” She clasped her hands together. “Then of course, you may go. Have a marvelous time. We will hold supper until your return.”
Tristan led her toward the door. “Thank you, but don’t keep supper. We will take our meal at a tavern in the city.”
Rose walked stiffly at Tristan’s side as they left the sitting room and the great hall. But the moment her foot touched down in the courtyard, she barreled ahead toward the stables.
“Darby,” she blurted upon entering. “Saddle Tom, please, and make haste.”
