Page 9 of Picking Up the Gauntlet

“I traveled here to help ye prepare yerself for yer upcomin’ weddin’.” Lark scooted onto the bed next to Raven, leaning back next to her.

“How did you even know about it?” asked Raven.

“Yer father told mine a week ago.”

“A week ago?” she gasped. “I only found out about it two days ago. Why am I not surprised I’m the last to know?” Raven flopped down on her back and threw her arm over her face. “Well, your trip was for naught because I’m not getting married.”

“Ye dinna have a choice,” Lark told her. “No lassie ever does.”

“Don’t remind me.” Raven sat up, leaning her back against the wall that was directly behind the bed.

Emma emerged from the wardrobe, carrying one of Raven’s best gowns over her arm. Emma was young, probably a few years younger than Raven. She’d just married another servant last year. “I think this is a good gown for you to wear today, my lady.” It was a purple velvet gown with gold buttons up the bodice. Long white tippets made from a sheer material hung down to the ground, almost dragging on the floor since Emma was very short.

“Nay, not that one,” said Raven, with a quick shake of her head.

That’s one of my best gowns, Emma. Put it back. There is no need for me to wear it. It’s for special occasions only.”

“Lord Corbett insists that you must look nice today, my lady,” protested the handmaid.

“Whatever for?” Raven yawned without covering her mouth.

“There are two lords in the solar waiting to meet you,” Emma informed her.

“What?” Raven’s head snapped around to face her handmaid. “Well, who are they? Why are they here?”

“I’m not sure,” Emma answered timidly. She always seemed to pull back and become shy when Raven got upset. “All I know is that I’m supposed to make sure you look your best when you meet them.”

“I think they are potential suitors,” said Lark. “Actually, when I arrived here this mornin’ with my father, he recognized them.”

“He did? Are they Scottish?” asked Raven, feeling her heart pounding rapidly in her chest.

“Nay, they are both English,” said Lark. “I heard yer father tellin’ mine that they are both single and will be competin’ for yer hand in marriage at the tournament. Mayhap they want to meet ye ahead of time.”

“Hrmph,” she sniffed. “To see what they’re getting, I suppose.” Raven’s anger grew. She wouldn’t be put on display for anyone.

“Please, Lady Raven, you really need to dress now,” begged Emma. “If you don’t, I might be blamed for it.” A frown turned down the corners of her mouth. “I need this job. Especially now.” The handmaid’s gaze dropped to the ground.

“Emma? What is it?” Raven slid off the bed and hurried over to her handmaid. “Something is troubling you, I can tell. What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing, my lady. Not really. It’s just that, I’m not sure how long Lord Corbett will let me keep my job... in my condition and all.”

“Condition? What condition?” Raven had no idea what the girl meant.

“I ken what she means,” said Lark excitedly, running over to join them. “Emma, ye’re bairned, are ye no’?”

“Oh! You’re pregnant?” Raven asked the girl in surprise.

“I am, my lady.” A glow colored the handmaid’s round cheeks. Instantly, her frown turned back into a smile. “My husband and I are expecting a baby.” She put her free hand on her belly.

“We’re so happy for ye,” Lark told her, smiling and reaching out to hold the girl’s hand.

“Aye, we are,” agreed Raven, even though having a baby wasn’t anything that excited her. Raven didn’t particularly want children. Then again, neither did she want a husband. All she wanted was to make her own choices and practice with her weapons. What she’d really love was to be able to use her skills in a competition someday. That was naught but a dream because women were not allowed to do so. “You don’t even look pregnant, Emma. Not really.” Raven’s eyes traveled down to the girl’s waist. “Well, mayhap just a little.”

“I will look very pregnant soon,” said the girl with a giggle, putting both her hands on her belly and curving them out in a large circle.

“Emma, we dinna want ye to get in trouble. Do we, Raven?” Lark took the gown from the girl. “I’ll help Raven dress. Now that I’m here, it’ll allow ye more time to rest, Emma.”

“Nay!” Emma’s eyes opened wide in fear. “This is my job. I am not supposed to be resting.” She reached out for the gown, but Lark held onto it.