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‘I know my place, Brand. You need not remind me. I was curious.’ She gave a quick smile to hide the hurt. ‘Curiosity can lead to heartache. I’ve learnt my lesson. There is no need to repeat it.’
‘I always knew you were a quick learner.’ He raised her hand to his lips. ‘I do want you by my side, Edith. I want your company.’
She knew it should be enough, but somehow she longed for more.
* * *
‘Everything will be well, Hilda,’ Edith said a week later. Brand had ordered their departure for the next day and Edith had spent most of the day getting ready, making sure the covered cart was full, while, after Edith’s suggestion, Brand decided to get a day of hunting in. Although she would have liked to ride Meera, she thought it best not to shock people. Brand had agreed.
‘Who are you trying to convince? The estate will be here when you get back. Your little problem will be as well. Have you considered that? Each day Athelstan remains, he puts everyone in danger.’
‘I won’t be gone long. Mary is capable.’ Edith gave her keys a little pat. ‘It makes it easier without Brand being here to supervise the packing. I do like having things packed the way I like them packed. Knowing Brand, he would be giving me advice about the proper way.’
‘Does that bother you?’
‘Most of the time, no, but I didn’t want him to take over with packing.’ Over the past few days, she’d noticed how he took her ideas and improved on them. Most of the time this was fine, but Edith wanted to make sure that there were no awkward questions or helpful suggestions. Everything about this trip needed to be perfect. She wanted to demonstrate to Halfdan that he need not suggest Brand take a wife. Edith knew she wasn’t ready for their affair to end, but it would have to, if the king insisted.
‘I’m worried, Edith. You are playing a dangerous game. Think about the consequences. Other people depend on you.’
Edith grasped Hilda’s cold hands between hers. ‘No one is hunting for ghosts. If Athelstan travels now, it would kill him. The last thing I want is his death on my conscience.’
‘Is there anything you want me to do?’
Edith slowly shook her head. ‘I believe everything is under control. Shall I bring you back a present? Perhaps some ribbon or something for your hair? The merchants are well regarded. It is one of the benefits of the Norsemen. We do get more goods now or so I’m told.’
Hilda gave an envious sigh. ‘I hear the metalworking is superb. But I would love some ribbon. A pretty red one if you can find it, it always flatters my complexion.’
Edith raised an eyebrow. She did notice that Hilda seemed to be taking extra pains with her dress. ‘So you are no longer adverse to the Norsemen? Is that a new hairstyle?’
‘The old one kept getting in the way of spinning. I find this one more practical.’
Edith was tempted to ask how a more elaborate hairstyle with curls hanging about her face was going to help with the spinning, but she made a non-committal noise. ‘And the Norsemen? Should I worry about any more incidents with you or have you learnt your lesson about encouraging men?’
Hilda dipped her head and her cheeks flamed. ‘Starkad is very pleasant. We talk occasionally. He has travelled all over the world. Some day I would like to see the world beyond Northumbria.’
Edith laughed, trying to picture the big Norseman as being shy. ‘Do you think?’
Hilda shrugged. ‘He has not said anything yet and I have let him know that I might enjoy a kiss or two, but he does nothing. It is most aggravating.’
‘That makes a change. I thought all men were in love with you.’
‘You are teasing me now, Edith. I know he likes me. I simply wish he would refrain from treating me like I might break.’
‘Lady Edith! Lady Edith!’ Godwin hurried up. ‘Me mam asked me to find you. It is important. You must come at once.’
‘Her ladyship is busy,’ Hilda answered and clutched Edith’s hand. ‘You won’t have time. Other things are more important. You need to finish this packing. You going to Jorvik could be the making of everyone. You could see the king and maybe convince him that Brand should marry you. The king could make him marry anyone. Starkad told me. Think about what you could do before you throw it all away, Edith.’
‘Who is spinning dreams?’ Edith whispered back and slipped out of Hilda’s restraining hand. She knelt down. ‘Godwin, what is wrong? Slowly. Count to ten first, then tell me. Why do I need to go to the cottage?’
