Page 27 of Summer of the Viking

‘But what if there were? I bet he would find the sword. My angel mama will have sent him to save us.’

Alwynn straightened Merri’s couvre-chef so it covered up all the blonde curls. Some day soon she was going to have to do something about Merri and her beliefs. She needed to understand before it was too late that heroes did not magically appear from the sea...however much one might wish it were otherwise.

‘He will be working and getting his hands dirty, not going off on adventures. And you should be doing your spinning. A new pony is no excuse to neglect your other duties,’ Alwynn said, attempting to regain some control over the situation. ‘Hard work, not believing in stories, is what has saved this estate so far and it will save it again.’

Merri made a face. ‘Purebright’s tail needs to be brushed first. Before anything. I promised him.’

‘Merri!’ Alwynn put a hand on her hip. She had to admire Merri’s spirit. When Alwynn was a girl, she’d been anxious to please, doing whatever her mother asked. Her only rebellion had been when she had begged to marry Theodbald. And look how that had turned out.

‘What did I say about showing me you could handle the responsibility? That means doing the tasks I have set. Some day you will have to run a great estate. You will need to direct the women or otherwise how will everyone be clothed and fed?’

Merri wrinkled her nose. ‘I don’t want to be a great lady. Why can’t I be a warrior?’

‘You were born a great lady who will weave families together in peace. Be content with that.’ Alwynn put a hand to her head. ‘I sound like my mother. And you are confusing the issue. Bragging to Oswald, no matter why it was done, has caused problems.’

‘I bet we wouldn’t have had the rents arrive today if you hadn’t given me Purebright.’ Merri patted Purebright’s neck. ‘It isn’t just Oswy. Others have sent things. They want to be on the right side of a warrior. You should have put the rumour out that you were getting married weeks ago. It would have saved a lot of heartache and worry. People are paying their rents early now that they know a warrior is here.’

Alwynn went cold. Oswy and how many others had been holding out, waiting to see what was going to happen while she struggled to raise the required amount for the king? She firmed her lips. No, she didn’t want to think that about the people she’d grown up with. It was just that they wanted to celebrate her supposed good fortune. Since Theodbald’s death, she’d been touched in so many ways at the generosity of the people who worked this land.

‘It all goes back, Merri. Keeping betrothal presents when there is no betrothal is wrong. And they have little enough as it is. We will make the render if we have all the correct rents. I will hold on to this land, but in the right way, not through lies or deception. There was enough of that when your father was alive.’

‘What will Lord Edwin say? He did offer to help you find a suitable steward.’

Alwynn firmed her mouth. Suitable for him, rather than for her! ‘You should not listen at doors.’

‘But how else will I find out anything interesting?’

‘Lord Edwin has no say over whom I hire. He never has and he never will.’

Merri slipped her hand into Alwynn’s. ‘Good.’

‘Ah, here I find you, Lady Alwynn,’ Edwin’s nasal whine resounded throughout the stables.

Merri gulped hard and pulled away as Alwynn schooled her features. He was the last person she wanted to encounter, but obviously the rumour had spread far and wide.

‘Lord Edwin, to what do I owe the pleasure?’ Alwynn placed her hand on Merri’s shoulder, preventing her from leaving. ‘Lady Merewynn and I were busy discussing her new pony.’

Lord Edwin’s narrow features settled into their usual sneer. ‘An overly fat pony. If he were my pony, he would be fed less. Should young ladies have ponies like that? You are spoiling her, Lady Alwynn.’

‘Purebright is mine!’ Merri cried. She slammed down the brush and ran off.

‘Forgive Lady Merewynn’s display of temper, my lord.’

‘You should control that child better.’ He made a tsking noise in the back of his throat. ‘I would never allow any child I had responsibility for to behave in such manner. Perhaps my wife should be approached to see if she is willing to take her in hand. I make no promises, mind.’

‘Lady Merewynn is my responsibility, Lord Edwin. I’m not minded to foster her with anyone.’

‘The child needs company and a firm hand. I have said this before on many an occasion. And now that I have a wife, I am in a position where I can help. New husbands don’t usually wish to be reminded of old ones...’

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