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‘I know I am.’ Hilda stood up and smoothed her skirts. ‘I expect you to do the best thing for everyone, you always do. I remain ashamed of my part before the Norsemen arrived. You were trying to protect me all the time, even when I was consumed with jealousy and showing off. Other women would have turned me out. This time you will have my help. You are far from alone.’
‘Wait, we will have to make a plan. It is best to gather provisions for Athelstan and make sure that we are not noticed. We will do this tomorrow while Brand puts his men through their paces. I take it he is safe right now.’
‘Do you know what you are doing, Edith?’ Hilda asked, looking at her suspiciously. ‘Have you thought this through? You could put everyone in jeopardy if he stays. You should order him to go and save everyone else. There is no future for him here. The only thing that will happen is he’ll bring misery down on everyone.’
‘He has been a loyal servant. He returned. I owe it to him and to his family to help. Should he be discovered, I will take full responsibility. No one else will be harmed.’ She hugged her arms about her waist. A great hollow opened inside her. Brand would not understand. She knew that. She had to keep the news from him and hope that some solution came to her.
‘And what if he is discovered? Do you think they will listen to you? What about Mary, Godwin and the little one? They are bound to be implicated. Have you thought of that? It is worse than I thought.’
‘What would you have me do? Turn my back and pretend? Refuse to see him? He spilled his blood because of this place and my family. You may keep out if you think the risk is too great.’
‘I never said that!’ Hilda protested.
‘Are you going to tell anyone?’
Hilda reddened. ‘I know how to keep secrets. Mary did come to me when she failed to find you. She trusts me, even if you don’t. Athelstan might not mean anything to me, but she helped to sew my latest dress. I’ve no wish for anything to happen to her.’
Edith smiled at her. It felt good to have a friend.
‘We’ll need food from the kitchen and medicine. Tomorrow morning when the Norsemen are at practice would be ideal. I can slip away without any awkward questions being asked.’
‘We both go.’ At Edith’s look, Hilda shrugged. ‘I want to know if any more will arrive. And you need me. I can help with other things.’
Edith began to pace. She hated waiting, but it was the best way to keep him safe. If Athelstan was well enough, she could explain the situation and ask him to move on, with his family. She would raid the last of the silver and give him enough to live on. His skills would be in great demand down in Wessex. Her parents would approve. Brand would not have to know until much later...if ever.
The pain in her head eased slightly. ‘How can you help, Hilda?’
‘I can get the bread from the kitchen. The kitchen boy is sweet on me.’ Hilda fluffed her hair a bit.
‘The medicine is stored in a trunk.’ Edith paused. It was enough that Hilda was willing to get the bread.
‘I will get it. We’re cousins. Kinswomen. No more nonsense about doing it alone.’
Edith reached out her hand and squeezed Hilda’s. ‘Thank you.’
‘I believe you’ve a love bite on the base of your neck.’
Edith hurriedly drew her shawl tighter about her neck. How many other people had seen it and refrained from saying anything? ‘None of your business.’
‘You have lain with him.’
‘What if I have?’ Edith squared her shoulders. ‘I did agree to be his concubine. There is nothing to be ashamed about. I have kept my vow.’
‘It will make things easier. Starkad tells me that Brand has been in the fiercest of tempers, making them work at swordplay for no good purpose.’ Hilda’s eyes danced. ‘And you don’t, you know.’
‘I don’t what?’
‘Have a love bite. I merely wanted to see your reaction. It told me all I wanted to know. I am happy for you, cousin. Truly I am. Your face has a certain glow about it. He is good for you. He is unmarried. There is every reason to think he might marry you.’
‘Hilda! One thing at a time. I’m not sure I want to marry again.’
‘But he would be a good choice and then people will have to be silent about you, rather than calling you names.’
‘Who?’
Hilda shrugged. ‘Father Wilfrid has been speaking about the folly and weak will of women.’
‘He enjoys causing problems.’
