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She smiled thinking how he had shaken his head when she had responded with, “As you say, husband.”
He had learned that response truly meant she would do as she pleased, and he had learned since to conquer it by replying, “Within reason, wife, or else.”
The exchange always ended with a tender kiss as it had a short time ago, far different from when she had first responded with those words. She could not be more pleased for it. That was why she needed to see a few things settled for herself.
Not knowing how long she would have to herself, she chose to tackle the one thing that was most important to her—the bairn she still questioned she carried. There should not be a doubt in her mind, but she believed fear that her mum’s fate might be hers as well kept her from accepting she was with child. A thought had entered her head that she believed might offer some help.
Bhric’s mum had been close friends with Tavia’s mum, and she hoped there was a chance she would know how her mum fared when she carried and delivered Tavia. Also, why she lost her life in the process. But with Bhric’s mum not being here, there was one other person who might know, who served Bhric’s mum… Marta.
Tavia made her way to Ingrid’s cottage, thinking it was the best place to find the woman. After only two days of rest, Marta refused to remain abed and when she heard of Ingrid possibly being poisoned, she let no one stop her from seeing to the woman’s care.
“Wait out here, Fen,” she ordered when they reached the cottage, and he made no protest too busy sniffing the ground.
She entered after a brief knock.
“I will not let you harm her or the bairn,” Marta said, taking a protective stance in front of Ingrid, tucked comfortably in bed.
“Lady Tavia means me no harm, Marta,” Ingrid said. “And if you treat her badly my brother will send you home and then who will I have to help me?”
Marta grumbled and stepped aside. “A brief visit.”
“Actually, Marta, it is you I came to talk with,” Tavia said and while Marta’s eyes turned suspicious, Ingrid’s eyes widened in surprise. “Perhaps a brief walk outside.”
“Where I hear nothing? Absolutely not,” Ingrid said, sitting straight up in bed ready to hear every word.
“I prefer whatever you have to say to me, my lady, be said in front of Ingrid, so my words are not misconstrued,” Marta said with a lift of her chin.
“As long as what we discuss is kept private between us three,” Tavia said.
“I will not keep anything from Lord Bhric,” Marta said curtly.
“Aye, you will,” Ingrid demanded, “for I am curious as to what Lady Tavia wants to speak to you about.”
“Your tongue does not always keep counsel as it should, something I have reminded you about many times,” Marta reprimanded.
“True, but I give my word on this one. I will hold my tongue,” Ingrid said. “As will you.” When Marta did not respond, Ingrid said, “Be sent home or remain here, which will it be, Marta?”
Marta scowled. “I will hold my tongue as long as it brings no harm to Lord Bhric.”
“I have no desire to harm my husband, I love him,” Tavia said.
“Good, now that we have that all settled speak up,” Ingrid said eagerly.
“You served Lord Bhric’s mum, did you not?” Tavia asked.
“I did,” Marta said proudly.
“By any chance were you with her when she visited with my mum?”
Marta hesitated briefly. “On a few occasions.”
“You never mentioned that,” Ingrid said surprised.
“It was of no importance,” Marta said, easily dismissing it.
“It is important to me, “Tavia said. “Please tell me what you thought of my mum.”
“I did not know her well enough to say, though I did see that your father loved her very much,” Marta said.
