The Lady of Fairhaven (14 page)

Even Gillian had no inclination to take on Katherine’s wrath. Using her good judgment, she sidestepped the leman to return to her room. As was typical of Katherine’s countenance, her disdain of any deed Oliver might inflict upon her could only be surpassed by her hatred of Gillian.

“
Lady Gillian,” she shrieked into the still morning air, “I would have a word with you.” Gillian stopped and assumed the customary defensive posture she always used with Katherine.

As he rode from the castle he glanced once more over his shoulder and saw the two engaged in conversation. It would be improper to interfere; however, the unhappy nature of the conversation would haunt his thoughts for the remainder of the day.

Luke and the hunting party were gone for much of the afternoon. The hunting was very successful and provided ample opportunity for Luke to observe the countryside. He immediately noticed how abundant the crops were and how plentiful the game appeared to be. The countryside boasted many healthy streams providing drinking and agricultural water along with an ample supply of fish.

It would have been impossible to hide the well being of the communities as well. Huts and cottages were well maintained, the villages were kept clean with shaded parks and well-tended fences.

They camped at midday to a meal of bread, cheese, dried meat, and fruit. The lunch packed was still another indication of the efficiency of the manor and that of its chatelaine. Stores for every occasion were organized and maintained and easily at hand.

It was a beautiful day, and Luke’s horse pranced through the woods like a young colt. Dog had tracked down a deer and had circled around to drive it back toward Luke. The knight had struck it with deadly accuracy with his arrow. The deer died from a wound in its neck. Dog immediately moved away to find other prey and maneuver it into the sights of the hunters.

But it wasn’t only deer Luke that concerned Luke. Twice, he had lost track of Oliver’s exact position. He had the eerie feeling that the man was lurking in the copse nearby. He passed it off but years of training kept him alert. After making his shot and killing his second deer, Luke watched Oliver step out of the copse. Mumbling something that could be misinterpreted as either friendly banter or a subtle threat, Oliver turned and mounted his steed putting the disagreeable man out of hearing range.

Storm, Luke’s steed was a champion among destriers. His manners were not only bred into him, but exercised with frequent training. Oliver’ stallion was well bred to be sure, but it was trained for battle where silent patience was not needed or always desired. In the hunt Oliver’s horse stomped and snorted its way through the underbrush. Small animals and birds frequently startled the beast, sending it’s hooves into a clatter so loud, all other woodland creatures would seek shelter.

Lady Gillian prepared her belongings for her trip to Longmore. Never having made an extended trip before, she was unsure what things she would leave and which she would take. Reminding herself that she should be able to send for anything she sorely missed made her feel somewhat better.

Precious momentos of her past were packed with special care. A locket from her mother held a special place. A dirk encrusted with gems from her father was wrapped and placed in the bottom of her chest. Several dresses given to her from her parents were all folded with special care.

Gillian hurried to the hall where she took inventory of the articles it contained. Many expensive tapestries adorned the walls, but one in particular was a favorite. It depicted her father hunting with his dogs. The emotions it evoked tore at the chatelaine’s heart.

Viewing it once again changed her resolve to leave the great hall as it was. Certainly, she thought, no one would begrudge her one special tapestry at her new home. She was determined to have it packed with her meager belongings and set the servants to the task of carefully removing it from the wall.

“
What is this?” shouted Katherine from beyond Gillian’s view.

“
I am taking this tapestry with me,” Gillian explained.

“
You shall not. It is one of my favorites,” Katherine sputtered.

“
For you it is merely a fine work of art. For me it is part of my past, my history, my family.”

“
You shall not have it. It looks well on that wall, and I care not what you want. I’m tired of you having your way. All this will change…” Katherine spewed fire until she overstated her situation. Her face registered more fear than contrition.

“
Please understand this, for I am weary from trying to explain. This estate and its belongings have been given to me. Simply that you are here does not make the dwelling or its contents yours. Do not attempt to make decisions that will affect me or my possessions. I will no longer tolerate your interference.” Gillian knew she had been overly harsh, but her patience had snapped with Katherine’s ill temper and greed. Gillian turned to oversee the wrapping of the tapestry and ordered it carried to the solar where her other belongings were being temporarily stored.

“
Do not underestimate my position in this estate. I am the Lord’s leman and with that I am due some consideration. You would be wise to understand that I will be in charge after you leave. And I do have some power even now,” Katherine growled.

As if not listening to a word uttered, Gillian made her way to the solar to oversee the packing progress. It took her a full ten minutes to still her racing heart.

Leaving the staff on its own left Gillian feeling uneasy. She had always provided the direction and support for all major projects as well as the mundane operation of the estate. It worried her that it might fall into disrepair after she took her leave. She knew Alice had been well trained and could continue on in her absence if need be. It was beyond worry at this point in time.

Gillian dreamed of her trip to Longmore with Luke as she filled and packed he precious healing herbs. One of her major worries was the task of healer for the manor. She had always cared for injuries and illness since her mother had given her instruction.

As she stood before the table facing the window she heard someone enter her storage area. She took no time to check the identity. Few people but the cook ever journeyed here. Every herb for healing and cooking could be found in the cool dry room.

Katherine stood at the end of the storage room. “Lady Gillian, please let me apologize for my ill temper this morning. I have wanted a fine horse such as the one that Sir Luke brought to retrieve you and Oliver has refused it. My anger lashed out at you rather than where it was rightfully placed. Please come and have some tea with me.”

“
I am occupied with the packing at present, Lady Katherine. I pray you will excuse me.” Gillian answered. She had little desire to sit and spar with Oliver’s whore this morning.

“
Please, we will have little time left to speak of matters of the estate. I should know how you do things so I can please Oliver and maintain an efficient home. Your counsel would do me great honor,” Katherine said.

Her request to learn more about the running of the manor was perhaps the only persuasion that would entice Gillian to sit with the vile woman.

“
I have a new tea that I should like to try. It came from China and is said to be quite flavorful. Would you share a cup with me in my room?”

“
Certainly,” Gillian answered and followed Katherine upstairs where they entered the master’s suite.

“
Lady Gillian, do you wish me to continue to pack the herbs you have selected,” asked Alice. She was in the kitchen ordering hot water.

“
No thank you Alice. I am taking tea with Lady Katherine in the master’s rooms, and will be back to the task in a short while.”

Gillian hadn’t been in the room for months and was glad it remained virtually untouched. The royal blue curtains with gold fringe were so elegant. She wondered what it would be like to live in such luxury. And it wasn’t as if she lived in poverty or anywhere close to it. Her quarters were more than adequate.

Two chairs placed at a small table near the window were waiting for Gillian and Katherine. The tea poured, Gillian drank down a portion. Along with the tea were some delicate sweet biscuits.

“
What do you wish to know about the manor?” she asked. It was her intention to get this chore over in haste so she could return to packing herbs into a small trunk. Speaking with Katherine always ended up in some conflict or another. She had no doubt this would be an exception.

“
Well, of course, I was wondering how you clean the tapestries and where you find your herbs for the great hall?”

Gillian answered all her questions in turn. Most were common sense and seemed a pointless waste of her time. As Gillian finished her tea and a biscuit she felt oddly relaxed, almost to the point of drowsy. It was not a feeling Katherine’s presence would normally evoke and it was very unsettling.

Too late, Gillian asked, “What have you done?” she asked of Katherine.

“
Only what you deserve, you stupid girl,” Katherine snapped. “You didn’t really believe I would be interested in how you do anything?”

“
What have I done to make you hate me so?” Gillian asked. Her mind was having trouble focusing. She took one staggering step forward then clung to the wall for stability.

“
You have what I want. And now you shall disappear.”

Gillian straightened up and tried to make it to the door. Each step responded unevenly, faltering and tilting as she moved closer to freedom. Her cup fell to the floor and shattered. Startled by the sound, the chatelaine turned and stared overlong at the mess on the floor before collapsing on top of shards of the porcelain cup.

“
Clumsy oaf” was the last thing Gillian remembered hearing.

At the end of the day, Luke and Simon had killed three deer and five pheasants. There would be plenty of meat for their stay at Fairhaven and their trip home. The group gathered together and made their way back toward the manor.

Late afternoon shadows drew the villeins back to their homes from the manor. Most ignored Lord Oliver or avoided him on purpose. Regard for the man was absent in gazes of the servants, knights, or villagers. Those that dared either were ominous or looked away entirely. It was such a different reception from the one Lady Gillian had received upon her return to the estate. It was a development that would need to be reported to his father. The villeins had no respect for the man, but his father would be pleased that his bride was highly esteemed.

As the group approached the manor, Dog sprinted ahead and disappeared inside the portcullis. In the dim light, Luke noticed the unusual buzzing around the entrance. People scampering in and out was most unusual at this time of day. Most villeins were safely found in their own homes in front of a cozy fire. Luke’s intuition told him something was very wrong.

The hunting party dismounted and squires jostled around the horses to remove the meat. “It appears that dinner is about to be served. Alice has prepared water for us to cleanse the grime of the hunt from our hands. We will meet in the dining room as soon as we have cleaned up,” Oliver announced.

The great hall was quiet as a tomb. The few people in attendance were silent, avoiding contact with the knights. Meanwhile, Luke had rushed to clean up his appearance. He had been looking forward to talking with Gillian, and now felt highly impatient. He waited for her to make an entrance.

Oliver and Katherine entered together and sat near the dais. “We shall begin our meal.” Katherine announced.

“
Should we not wait for Lady Gillian?” Luke asked impatiently.

“
Lady Gillian is indisposed. She will not be joining us at our meal,” Katherine said.

“
What ails her?” Luke inquired. He was surprised at her absence. She was on the mend and would be getting better not worse.

Oliver sneered, and then said, “Who knows what affects such silly girls? She is probably worrying over her wedding night.”

Katherine allowed herself a small snicker and then said, “Whatever her reason, she remains in her room and does not grace our table with her presence.” Alice gasped and Luke turned his head to look at her.

Whatever was going on, he didn’t like it.

As soon as the meal concluded, Luke sought out Alice. He found her outside the banquet hall, sobbing. “Get a grip on yourself madam,” he said. “How is the Lady Gillian tonight. Getting only crying for a response, Luke gently took Alice by the arm and led her to a corner. Quietly, he said, “It is my responsibility now to see to her welfare. Where is her guard? I would know how she fares.”

Alice only continued her hysterics. “If you can’t help then tell me where I can find the maid Anne or her guard.”

Beginning to gain some control of her emotions, Alice said, “Anne was sent to the village by Lady Gillian some days ago. I thought you knew. She intended to protect her maid. She was afraid for her.”

“
But why?” Luke asked. His mood darkened as he impatiently waited for some sort of reply. “Tell me woman!” Luke demanded. “Why would the Lady Gillian be afraid?”

From inside the banquet room, Sir Giles entered the hallway. From his manner, it was obvious he had been listening to at least part of Luke and Alice’s conversation. “Let us away from here,” he said. “It is not safe to talk within the great hall.” Luke grabbed Alice’s elbow and urged her to join them outside.