Page 43 of Claiming the Tower
“I don’t see much of her. That’s an entirely separate matter. Don’t you know the difference?” Sabina’s voice had dropped in pitch, steady, now. Then she said, without changing her voice much at all, but with a charm to make it carry. “Bess, do you have a moment?”
Named like that, summoned like that, Bess would not keep quiet. “Of course, Sabina. Shall I join you?”
“Please.” Bess rose, slipping her book into the basket and leaving it. It would be safe enough, and besides, there was nothing private in there. She felt the slight shift of her skirts, then crossed to sit next to Donal, the last open seat. It was indeed Leda Collins, now Bess had a better look. They’d overlapped at Schola as well, though Leda had been in the library most of the time, and interested in areas that didn’t appeal as much to Bess.
“You’re companion to Hereswith’s father at the moment, I heard?” Sabina laid it out, clear and precise. Bess knew what to expect there. Sabina was not subtle, not when she was at her best. She was honest and forthright. If they were horses out in a field, she’d be a sturdy cob, able to turn her hand to half a dozen tasks without too much strain. Donal was perhaps a bit more of a thoroughbred.
What Bess might be herself, that would take more thinking. Now she had to reply. She nodded once. “I am. Since solstice, so going on six weeks. He’s delightfully charming. I gather there’s good reason for some of the gossip about him as a rake before he was married and between his wives.” He’d told her a few of those stories himself, chuckling over them, and she had asked Hereswith later if she knew them as well. Hereswith did, but her brothers, apparently, ignored such things. Now, Bess just waited to see what Sabina would do next.
“Now, we’d not be so crass as to ask what you think Hereswith’s chances are. Or her preparations. We respect our own. We’re not the Fox’s Den, after all, or the Owlery, where information is prized beyond manners.” Sabina was making a particular point, and Leda narrowed her eyes.
“Hereswith is in London today and tomorrow. Her work keeps her busy, that’s why she wanted someone to keep her father company, even before she considered the Challenge.” Bess considered what to say next. “Quite supportive, her family and a number of her Ministry colleagues. Those who don’t have other loyalties, at least.” She let her shoulder twitch. “We understand that problem here, Leda, of course.”
“Oh, you can’t leave it at that. Surely you can let spill some little secret of preparation. Duelling training, or what wonderful clothing she’s having made, with all sorts of enchantments. That’s costly work, but of course that’s not a problem for the Rowans.”
Bess considered, then said, in tones that matched Donal’s earlier comment, “Do remember where you are, Leda.” Bess gave it a beat, and went on. “And who you’re speaking with.” Sabina and Donal and their businesses were doing well at the moment, but they hadn’t always been. The foursome had rebuilt the business after some difficulties in Donal’s father’s generation, his father and uncles, if she remembered the details correctly. It wasn’t exactly gambling debts, she remembered that much, but something of the kind. “Besides, everyone knows that it’s not the clothes that get you through.”
“The clothes help, though.” Leda looked affronted. “You can’t mean all of you think she has a chance?” Leda looked around. Bess spared a glance to realise there was a circle of perhaps eight others now all focused on the conversation. As one, as if a herd of horses changed direction across a field in unison, there was a wave of shrugs.
“As much chance as any,” Sabina said, firmly. “And she’s ours. She should take the chance if she wishes. Gods know the Council could probably use someone with sense on it, who knows how to organise the work properly.”
It was enough like what Hereswith had relayed from Magistra Ventry that Bess had to bite her lip not to laugh. Leda looked appalled and stood in a rush. “I never. I know where I’m not wanted. Sabina, tomorrow.” She stormed out, at as rapid a pace as her petticoats and fashionably broad skirt would allow. There was silence as she went. Everyone was too civilised to start gossiping until she’d been escorted out the door by one of the staff.
“I beg pardon, Bess.” Sabina turned to her now. “Leda has her rude moments, but I didn’t expect that particular bee in her bonnet.”
“I didn’t either,” Bess admitted. “May I let Hereswith know you all gave your support? I think it would mean a great deal to her.” There was a nod from everyone, and then most of them filtered off, leaving Sabina and Donal with Bess.
“Tea, Bess? And do you have a minute for a chat? There was something I wanted to ask you, actually. A business matter.” Sabina took control of the conversation again, and Donal seemed comfortable letting her. It was one thing Bess had started noticing more, after talking so much with Hereswith about Marcus. And perhaps even more about some of her experiences with others at the Ministry who did not share so competently.
“Of course, Sabina. And Donal, of course.” Bess acknowledged him, and he waved two fingers as Sabina handed her a cup of tea.
“How are you really, in terms of a position? We might have something coming open in a month or two that could use an organised hand. Or I heard Adelaide mention they might hire someone to second her duties.”
Bess blinked, unsure what to say about that, and sipped her tea. Either of them would likely mean a more regular schedule. And independence, if she wanted it. She was fairly sure both would pay decently. Not as well as the Rowans were, given she also had room and board there, but comfortably. After a moment, she said, “I’ve promised Hereswith I’ll stay on at least through the Challenge, of course. Then it rather depends on the results. Her father is a dear, but quite frail. I entirely understand why she thinks it’s best to have someone handy most of the time. Just in case.” She let herself smile. “I enjoy his conversation, too. It’s a pleasure, being there.”
Sabina arched an eyebrow. “I hated the idea you might feel trapped by circumstance.”
“That would—” Bess hesitated, whether she wished to make it clear what her life had been like. “With Madam Judson and Madam Hall, you’d be right. I’d not have thought to look for something better, then. I didn’t think it was on offer. That I could take a risk on it. Hereswith and her father have been clear, thoughtful, and quite generous within the scope of what they hired me for. I expect that to continue. And have you ever been out to Verdant Court? It’s glorious, especially the gardens, this time of year.” That part was all truth.
Sabina tilted her head just slightly. “If you say. Well. You let us know if that changes for you. We’ll be advertising through the usual agencies, the beginning of September at the earliest.”
“Thank you for thinking of me.” That was sincere enough. Sabina and Donal might not have asked months ago— though to be fair, they’d not been around on Tuesdays when Bess was here. But it was a kindness they thought to check now, even if Bess was far less in need of a rescuing hand. “Now, how are you both? How are the children? And the rest of your family, of course.”
It was not a subtle change of subject, but none of them needed it to be.
Chapter 29
That night at Verdant Court
“Hereswith?” Hereswith looked over her shoulder from her place by the window as Bess knocked on the door and called out.
“Bedroom.” She went back to trying to get her dress off, with little luck. It had been a somewhat tedious afternoon, running later than she’d wanted. “Is Papa going to bed?”
“Up reading a little longer.” Bess came in, then tutted. “Let me get that. Mary’s just down in the kitchen.”
“I didn’t want to bother her. Staff supper time.” Hereswith did obediently turn to let Bess get at the buttons. “I’ll go down and see Papa once I’m changed.”
“Good.” Bess worked away. “I had a conversation you ought to know about this afternoon, at the Field. How was your afternoon?”
