Page 104 of The Noble Servant

To prevent herself from rolling her gaze to the ceiling andletting her thoughts show on her face, Magdalen looked down at the baby.

Avelina said, “Our baby has been the greatest joy to Lord Thornbeck and me.”

“Oh, men never concern themselves with their girl children, especially when they’re so young.”

Magdalen stared hard at her mother now. Should she ask her how she could forget that it was her father, and only her father, who showed any love for Magdalen and her young siblings?

“Since you are taking your ease”—Mother suddenly looked at Magdalen and quirked one corner of her mouth down in a half frown—“I shall go downstairs, as the duke has informed us that the feast will begin shortly. You must be there.”

“Of course.”

Mother left and Magdalen heaved a sigh. She had thought, when she saw her mother riding into the castle bailey, that perhaps her mother loved her after all. But Mother was her usual disapproving self. Still, she had come, and Magdalen pushed away all sad thoughts and smiled at Avelina.

“I am so glad you are here.” She had longed to see her friend. How good it was to see her and Lord Thornbeck so joyful together, as they always should have been.

“Oh, Magdalen, I am delighted that you and the duke are in love and getting married.”

“Thank you, Avelina.”

Her friend stood and hugged Magdalen. “And that you are both safe after such a terrible ordeal. It must have been terrifying.”

“It did seem dangerous and frightening at the time, but now that I look back on it ... it seems rather like one of the best times of my life.”

Their gazes met and they burst out laughing.

They talked some more, catching up on what had happened to them in the last two years. Then someone knocked at the door.

“Come in.”

Lord Thornbeck and Steffan entered the room. Her gaze was immediately arrested by Steffan, who had shaved his beard. How handsome and youthful and healthy he looked! He wore a blue velvet waistcoat with bright-white sleeves. His hair was clean and still damp as it swooped perfectly across his forehead.

Her heart skipped a beat.

“We came to escort our ladies to the Great Hall,” Lord Thornbeck said, “if you are both feeling well enough.”

Magdalen was fully dressed after her own bath, so she swung her legs off the bed, still holding the baby, and walked toward Steffan.

“Isn’t she beautiful?”

“She is.” But Steffan was looking at Magdalen.

Lord and Lady Thornbeck spoke quietly to each other as a servant gathered the baby’s things.

“Are you well?” Magdalen said in a low voice, leaning close to him.

“I am very well.”

“Your head? Does it still hurt?”

“Only a bit. Lord Thornbeck’s own physician said I was well enough to be up and walking around.”

“I am glad. And I must say, even though I liked your beard, you look just as handsome clean shaven.”

He glanced over her shoulder at Lord and Lady Thornbeck. He must have found them looking away, because he bent and kissed her on the lips.

“Not in front of the baby,” Magdalen whispered, her cheeks growing warm.

“The baby is asleep. Don’t worry.” He winked at her.