Page 59 of Her Baseborn Bridegroom

“I did not mean to worry you,” said Enid, looking concerned. “But only to warn you. As a friend.”

“No, I am heartily glad you did tell me,” answered Linnet truthfully. Even if it was worrying to hear.

XVI

Linnet was pleased when the head of the guard, Sir Lang, joined them for dinner that evening. He had some sad news about the loss of life of two of the men they had sent, as well as several wounded, but she was glad to hear what had become of them and vowed to find work for those who would return with injuries. Mason backed her up in this and Sir Lang was gratified and promised to pass this on to the families involved. He, Mason, Oswald, and Baron Vawdrey discussed King Wymer’s strategy throughout the three courses they were served and she listened and tried to follow as best she could. Sir Lang left directly after finishing his meal, but she was not offended, realizing he was not overfond of company. After he left, she found herself distracted thinking about those men who would be returning.

Her father-in-law spoke to her twice before she even realized he was addressing her. “I do beg your pardon, Lord Vawdrey,” she said hastily and gestured to the servant to refill his tankard with ale.

“You may as well call me father,” he said grudgingly.

“F . . . father?”

“Aye, father. Though it’s more than that bastard husband of yours calls me,” he added belligerently.

Linnet floundered, unsure if he was being insulting or referring to Mason’s illegitimacy. She darted a look at her husband, but he merely looked amused.

“You never gave me leave to address you as father,” he pointed out without rancor.

“Well, what do you want? A written invitation?”

“Nay, Father,” responded Mason easily. Baron Vawdrey grunted, but looked pleased.

Linnet looked across at Oswald, who was smiling faintly. What an unusual family she had married into! She wondered briefly how the younger brother Roland fitted into the equation. Instinctively she knew better than to ask. The last time she had brought his name up, Mason had not been happy. He was watching her now, she noticed belatedly with a start, and shot him a quick smile. His eyes narrowed suspiciously as though he realized she was thinking things he would not like. Linnet took a hasty sip of mead. After all, he had made it plain he did not want to hear her innermost thoughts! She refused to feel guilty about it!

“I hear you had a riding lesson this afternoon, Linnet.” Said Oswald politely. “Was it your first?”

Linnet cleared her throat. “Yes,” she answered. “I mean to add it to my daily regime.”

“Regime?”

“Yes, for I have a plan of action to improve my health.”

“Which is?” grunted Baron Vawdrey, squinting at her suspiciously. She tried not to notice his greasy beard and fingers as he wolfed down his breakfast fare.

Linnet drew herself up and readied herself for ridicule. “I run up and down the steps of my tower. Twelve times today. Next week it will be thirteen.”

Her father-in-law snorted. “What the devil for?” he asked, not looking much interested.

“I’ve never heard of ladies doing such a thing,” added Oswald hurriedly. “To what purpose, Linnet?”

“To build stamina,” answered Mason before she could open her mouth.

“Never tell me you’ve got her running exercises, Brother!” cried Oswald with dismay.

“Nay, ’twas not Mason who recommended it,” cut in Linnet hastily as Gertrude thunked another plate of salad before her. “Thank you, Gertie.”

Mason lowered his own cup and looked at her shrewdly. “Mother Ames,” he guessed heavily.

“You’re not cross, Husband?” she asked anxiously. “Indeed, I think ’tis doing me some good.”

“No, I’m not cross,” he lowered his voice and planted a hand on the bench the other side of her, penning her in close to his side. “I find myself now somewhat reconciled to Mother Ames’ remedies.”

She blushed some more and glanced down at her neckline. Sadly, nothing looked any different to her. “I fear some must take longer to take effect than others,” she whispered.

“I don’t mind,” he answered, his own eyes dipping. “However long it takes. Or even if it takes no effect at all.”

Their eyes met and Linnet sucked in her breath. Did he mean he was happy with her the way she was? The moment held and stretched and it occurred to her that the room had turned very quiet. Snapping her gaze away, she noticed all the servants present were avidly watching from the sidelines. She wondered if any gossip would find its way to the tavern before the week was out.