Page 58 of Sweet Mead for Lady Martine

“Oh, it looks like Gar is bringing your Uncle Corbett and Lady Devon along too,” said Josefina, stretching her neck to see down the hallway.

“I also told Raven to meet us here,” said Sage. “Jonathon is working at the forge and she is still feeling a little ill. It’s best if she moves around.”

They all walked into the room, making themselves at home. Her father carried his tankard of ale. When Gar entered the room with Rook and Robin, he had a flagon of wine and they each held a goblet. By the looks of it, they weren’t planning on leaving anytime soon.

“Did you want to hold the baby?” asked Sage, pushing the baby into her arms before she had a chance to answer. “That always cheers me up.” Martine sincerely doubted that her troubles could be solved right now by holding a baby.

“What is going on in here?” asked Devon as she and Raven entered the room just after Lord Corbett.

“It’s good to be home,” said Corbett, greeting everyone again even though he’d already most likely done so downstairs in the great hall.

“Aye, I’m happier than any of you.” Lord Robin came over to collect his new baby from her. Martine gladly gave it to him, because right now she didn’t want to hold a baby. All she wanted to do was to think of a way to get all these people to leave her room before David was discovered.

“So, when will Uncle Garrett be here?” asked Martine, wondering how much time she had to help David get the tavern in order before all hell broke loose. As if it hadn’t already.

“The Lord Warden will be arriving with his family in a few hours,” said Corbett.

“Is Eleanor coming too?” asked Martine, knowing her red-headed cousin would understand her troubles and would probably go out of her way to help her.

“I believe so,” said Devon, walking over and laying her hand on Martine’s shoulder. “Martine,” she whispered. “Why do you look so shaken?”

“Aunt Devon, I have big problems,” she whispered. Martine looked over to the wardrobe and caught David peeking out. When he saw her looking, he disappeared within again.

Devon gasped, having seen him as well.

“It’s not what you think,” whispered Martine. “Well, not really. Please help me, Aunt Devon. I’m going to be in such big trouble.” Thankfully, the woman had a heart.

“I think it is much too stuffy up here with all these people,” announced Devon. “It’s not good for the baby. Let’s go down to our solar, Corbett. It’s much larger and more comfortable there.”

“Oh, good idea, dear. This way everyone can sit.” Corbett led the way with his tankard held high in the air.

“Good luck, my dear. It’s all up to you now,” whispered Devon, giving Martine a quick hug and being the last one to exit the room and close the door.

“David, you can come out now,” said Martine, spinning around to see Rook standing in the corner in the shadows with his arms crossed over his chest.

She cringed as David walked out of the wardrobe, brushing himself off. “There are moths in there, Martine, did you know that?”

“We’ve got bigger problems than moths right now.” Her eyes fixated on Rook. David turned to see him and his jaw dropped.

“Lord Rook, it’s not what you’re thinking. I swear.” He held out a hand, as if that would keep Rook from him.

“And what would I be thinking?” Rook walked forward slowly like a predator going after its prey. “Just because there is a man hiding in the wardrobe and my cousin is acting very guilty, why should I think anything bad at all?”

“Stop, it Rook!” Martine burst forward and pounded on Rook’s chest. “I hate you. You are trying to ruin my life. Stop it, I say!”

“Whoa, now,” said Rook, grabbing Martine by the wrists. “I knew downstairs you were hiding something but I had no idea what you were hiding was a man in your wardrobe.”

“I’m David Stone. From the Cross Hare Inn,” said David with a slight bow, as if right now that would make any difference.

“I figured,” said Rook strolling over to the window and looking out. “I also figure you are here because you came to profess your undying love for my cousin, Martine.”

“Well, yes. Sort of,” said David. “I mean, I’m not sure it’s gotten to the level of undying yet, but I do love her.”

Rook’s head jerked around. “Let’s hope that love hasn’t gone too far. Because I would hate to be the one to tell her father about it.”

Martine and David looked at each other but neither of them said a word. Martine realized she had to say something and fast.

“Rook, David and I are in love and we want to get married.”