Page 69 of Lost in the Dark

Bothservants were given full plates with meat, and she received none?

A glance at her husband confirmed he was eating his own meal—the largest serving of all—and gave no indication he felt Gude’s behavior was out of line. Yet perhaps he’d not noticed her meager serving. Her stomach grumbled and she bit off a large piece of bread, shoved a portion of cheese after it.

“My Lord, I was hoping to appreciate the fruits of this house,” she said. “It was a long day of travel, yesterday. But nothing a good meal cannot solve. Which is why I am hoping you will share your—”

“Don’t share,” her husband grunted. “Eat yours.”

There isn’t much to eat.

She swallowed the bitter comment. Her husband had yet to come to her bed, she couldn’t become a shrew on their first day together. That would give him reason to send her home. “I’m grateful for my Lord’s…hospitality. But surely you wish your wife to partake in this castle’s bounty?”

His spoon froze partway to his mouth. “I expect my wife to be grateful to serve this house.” His brows drew together and his eyes studied every inch of her person, as if truly seeing her for the first time that morning. “And dress the part.”

Her cheeks burned with shame. “Apologies, I had nothing—”

“Perhaps I should call for a tailor?” Gude asked.

“Good, good.” He grunted and resumed eating, licked some gravy from his lips. “Before the feast, if you would, Gude.”

Was the housekeeper—or perhaps cook was more accurate—attempting to sow discord?

“A feast,” she said to her husband. “How wonderful. I should very much like to assume my duties and begin preparingourhome.”

“Yes, yes,” he said. “Be useful.”

“Of course. It is my goal to—”

“Excellent, as always, Gude.” He scraped his bowl and seemed to take an overlong moment to lick the spoon clean. Standing, he gave a satisfied stretch. His codpiece knocked the table’s edge as he rose. Even in this chamber, with its vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows, he seemed impossibly large.

As if reading her thoughts, his black gaze met hers.

He tossed a ring of keys onto the table. “Here. These are the keys to the manor. Your manor, now. You are welcome to explore anything, except for the kitchen and larders, as that is Gude’s territory.”

“Of course, my lord. I promise, you’ll be so pleased by…”

He walked away from the table.

“My Lord, please. Wait.” Anna pushed free of the table, dusted her skirt free of crumbs. Her simple dress was rags beside her husband’s finery, but she’d treat it well until she earned her new clothes. “Perhaps you could show me more of the manor and then I can serve—”

“I have no time for busy-work,” he said. “Take Enulf. Serve him.”

She started. “But…you are my husband. You must—”

“I must donothing.” He stopped in the doorway, head bent to avoid hitting the top of the frame. Black eyes slashed across hers. “You were wed to this house, and you will serve anyone in this house I please.”

“The house?” She inched back a step and glanced at Enulf.

He rose from his seat and gave a stilted bow. Hunched and awkward as he was, his doublet still strained against well-defined muscles. And his height still dominated the space. “I would be happy to help, Lady.”

Drawing in a calming breath, Anna did her best to smile at him.

Yet her insides were in turmoil.

The Chastry declared a marriage between two people—and now the clerics began to narrow that definition to a man and a woman.

But is my husband a man, or something else?

“I am here to serve, Mistress,” Enulf murmured, ducking his head and causing a lock of black hair to drop over his brow. His shoulders tensed, and those massive hands gripped the edge of the table. “Whatever you desire.”

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