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Each step of the way as the cup hit her hip, her resolve to do right by Athelstan had hardened. The only thing she could do was to see Athelstan and have him leave. Every moment he stayed on these lands put everyone in danger.
The bearded man hauled himself to standing. He swayed slightly and despite his wife’s entreating look stood stubbornly at attention. ‘My lady, it is an unexpected visit.’
‘My cousin implied you would refuse to see me. I wanted to know the truth.’
‘Why would Athelstan ever refuse you, my lady, when you come in person?’ Mary said pointedly, giving her husband a stern look. ‘My husband knows the good you have done.
Edith concentrated on the man who had served her family so well. He shifted from foot to foot and refused to meet her eye.
‘Aye,’ he said. ‘I would never refuse to see my Lady Edith when she troubles to call on me in person.’
‘Has Mary explained about the danger?’ Edith asked, ignoring the strong undercurrent of disapproval. ‘There is no place for you here, Athelstan. You have a price on your head, but your family can still have a life. Your family has served mine for generations and I’m not about to abandon you.’
‘I know the Norsemen are here and you have been dishonoured.’ Athelstan waved an impatient hand. ‘The entire countryside is talking about it. You had no choice. I understand that, my lady, but it was not what your father or mother would have wished for you.’
‘I suppose I can thank Father Wilfrid for that piece of gossip-mongering.’ Edith gave a wry smile. She refused to apologise for what she’d done. ‘He seemed to be particularly shocked with the arrangement, but then what is new with him being shocked at my behaviour? You must know that I have the best interests of everyone at heart.’
‘I know you did what you had to, my lady. There was no one left to defend this place or you.’ He hung his head. ‘I deeply regret this. I mean to put it right. You will always have a champion in me.’
Edith clenched her fist. She couldn’t have Athelstan suddenly deciding to put things right. She had to convince him to go. ‘We don’t have time for regrets. The new lord wants to foster Godwin. It is a huge chance for your son. We live in a new world with new masters.’
Mary gasped behind her. ‘He wants to take an interest in Godwin? That is wonderful!’
‘Hush, woman!’ Athelstan frowned. ‘If you had your way, he’d be fostered with the devil himself.’
‘Brand Bjornson is hardly the devil, husband.’
‘It is a great opportunity, but Brand must not learn Athelstan is here. You will need to go to see him, Mary, rather than waiting for him to arrive here. When Athelstan is well enough, he must go to Wessex. There he can make a new life.’ Edith brought the silver cup out from under her cloak. ‘This should give you the start you need, Athelstan. It belonged to my grandfather. He would...he would want you to have it.’
Mary gave a slight nod. ‘I understand, my lady, what you are trying to do, but you should keep it in case you need it. It wouldn’t be right.’
‘Wife,’ Athelstan rumbled, ‘I remain the head of this house. I should have a say. And I say no. It is not going to happen. You must keep that cup, Lady Edith, and use it when you need it. Some day, you may have the greater need.’
‘It is a good opportunity, Athelstan.’ Edith held out the cup and willed Athelstan to understand what was being offered. He might not have a future here, but his family would be looked after always. And she could look after herself, whatever came. She refused to think about a time when she might need silver. ‘Why do you want to throw it away? It is a chance to rebuild your life. You know there is a price on your head.’
He took the cup and placed it down on the bed. Edith heaved a little sigh of relief. All would be well. She, with Mary’s help, would get him to start a new life elsewhere.
‘Do you believe this Brand Bjornson an honourable man?’ he asked, turning towards her with a fierce expression.
Edith started. She had not really considered it before, but she thought about all the small incidents of kindnesses as well as how he’d behaved over the straw man. A lesser man would have found a reason to protect his friend. ‘He is true to his code.’
‘Can’t you see, husband? Her ladyship blooms. Brand Bjornson brought roses to her cheeks. If her ladyship is happy, that is enough for me. He is repairing various buildings and has provided corn planting. He is a better lord than the last one.’
