Bessie (25 page)

“Oh. You may love him, but you’ve not lived with him as long as I have. Trust me. He was jealous. Why do you think James escaped?”

“You love him? Wait. I thought that Devon was forced to wed with you. I thought you were forced, too. I don’t understand anything.”

“It is a fairly long story, Miss Olivia. Are you certain you wouldn’t like to sit a spell? It may take some time to sort through this properly.”

Olivia dropped onto the settee beside Roberta.

“You really think he was jealous?” Bessie asked.

“That’s why James ran.”

“Oh, if only that were true! How much I’d give if Devon loved the redhead!”

“Now, wait. You wish he’d chosen the redhead? Is that what I’m hearing? You have done crossed the line now, my lady. Mark my words. This is worse than the wig idea. I have listened, and helped, and kept my silence, and for what? So, you can change what you want once you get it? What kind of foolishness is this? I’m of a mind to march right into his rooms to inform him of the truth. I am.”

“That will ruin everything. Don’t you see?” Alicia spoke.

“I have been in this fog for days now. How am I supposed to see through it? And, wait a moment here. Weren’t you the lass telling me he had to choose the wife?”

“If he tossed the redhead over for his wife because he loves his wife, that’s an entirely different thing than if he did it because his wife has deep pockets. It is not that hard to understand. I am clear on it. I just want to know what happened with James.”

Alicia punctuated her words by walking to the dressing stool, plopping onto it, and then crossing her arms. Bessie sighed.

“James found me this afternoon after I ran from Devon. I wasn’t looking for anyone. I was...hiding.”

“She was sobbing her eyes out. I should know. I had to repair the damage. It took most of my lemon cream, too. I’ll have to ask Augusta and Regina to cook up some more.”

“I get it! She’s the redhead. You are, aren’t you? Don’t look at me like that. I’m not stupid. So, take off your covering and let me see.”

Bess unfastened her headdress and pulled it forward, holding it for a moment before dropping it on the bed. Olivia’s expression was gratifying, although Bessie knew the skin about her eyes was still swollen. Every blink was a reminder.

“I don’t see what all the fuss is about,” Olivia finally said.

“The lemon must not have worked. Let me see. I should have tried Augusta’s new salve.”

“I look the same as always, Roberta. It’s simply difficult to show well in comparison to any members of this family. Olivia is just pointing out the obvious.”

“You’ve got James enraptured,” Alicia said, quietly.

“No, I don’t. And no, he’s not. He told me of his lost love. That is what really happened earlier.”

“Oh. My. I didn’t know he still cared about it. He doesn’t let on to anyone. That must mean he really did speak as he did to get a reaction from Devon.”

“Exactly as I said,” Bessie replied.

“You’ve got to stay away from him now. Who knows what he might try next.”

“It doesn’t matter. I have sentenced myself to living behind a veil. For life. James will never see me again. No one will.”  Bessie tried to keep her voice from reflecting the despair. She failed.

“What? Oh no, my lady! I don’t care if you do sack me! I’m for telling that man the truth before I let that happen.”

“And then what, Roberta?”

“You live as man and wife. What else?”

“No. Then I will forever wonder who my husband is seeing behind my back. What woman is tempting his interest? Which one is receiving his kisses? His words of love? I already know it won’t be his wife. He only wants her right now...because he just found out the extent of her wealth and the condition for keeping it. He has to beget an heir. Oh, it sounds even worse when spoken! You see now? All of you?
That
is the reason he tossed over the redhead today.
That
is what I will get. And
that
is why I prefer my weeds.”

There was a long silence. Bessie scuffed her hands across her face, swiping at an errant tear. And then she sniffed. She should have been mortified. She wasn’t. She was drained. Depressed. Depleted. She sat on the bed beside her discarded weeds and worked at stopping any further emotion.

Alicia finally broke the silence. “There is one thing we can try.”

“I am afraid to ask,” Roberta proffered.

“You could be the redhead again.”

“Oh, dear. Oh, heavens. Now both of you have lost your senses.”

“How else will she ever know?” Alicia asked.

“Know what?”

“That he loves her!”

   “Why is that so important?”  Olivia asked. “And what man would be so stupid? He married an heiress. He has security. It’s what he wanted. And desperately needed! So, he has to beget heirs now. What married couple doesn’t need to do that? Who cares what she looks like? Or how long his attention lasts?”

“I have to admit she is right, Bess.”

Bessie would have answered the maid, but Alicia did it for her.

“No. She’s wrong. Love is the only thing of value in this world. Don’t listen to her, Bess.”

“You are his sister and you can’t see it?”  Roberta asked.

“See what?”

Alicia was aggressive in her stance and the tone of her question. When she cared about something, she was passionate and eloquent. Bess was taken aback. Olivia was showing signs of surprise, too. Bess had already pegged Sir Geoffrey for Alicia. They’d be an astounding pair. It was going to be one of the highlights of the gala when they were introduced.

“This love thing you speak of. ’Tis warm. Wondrous. A fine thing to dream of. It’s not real. I wish it was. Life would certainly be sweeter.”

“I don’t even like the sound of that,” Olivia answered.

“Think it through, girls. Please? The man has all of you to provide for. He is the responsible sort. Would you have him any other way? Lord Hildebrand cannot possibly toss that all away. Please don’t do this, Bess. Please?”

“Can’t you have one bone of hope in your body, Roberta?”

“You are setting him up for a bigger fall than he’s already taken. You are going to fall, too. It will be worse than today. It will.”

“She doesn’t have to go that far. He just needs to speak of love. Will that work?”

“It might.”  A feeling of hope colored her voice. She didn’t hide it.

Roberta was still shaking her head.

“Now what? I won’t let him get into too much trouble. I promise.”

“He is already in trouble. He just doesn’t know it yet. I feel sorry for the poor lad...and an hour ago I was ready to draw and quarter him.”

“One more thing,” Olivia said. “You will need to dismiss all the servant women.”

“Smite your tongue!”  Roberta swiveled toward Olivia.

“Why would I want to do that?”

“Only the redheaded ones. You want to stand out. Don’t you?”

“Ah. Words of wisdom. Finally. I’ve had a gullet-full of this thing. The only one of us who likes the wig is Augusta, and that’s only because of Lymon. He says it’s like going to bed with a new woman.”  The maid pulled the wig off as she spoke and patted her own graying hair.

“I don’t want to hear another word about Augusta and her husband, Roberta. I can’t tell you oft enough. And you are shocking the girls.”

“They are wearing wigs? Oh! That’s so simple! I am embarrassed I didn’t realize it,” Alicia said.

“Can I toss it, then?”

“In the nearest dust bin.”

“Oh, thank you, Bess! There is a good part to this new plot.”

“Now. Olivia. I want your promise,” Alicia turned toward her sister.

“Of what?”

“You’re not to go telling Devon anything.”

“Why would I want to do that? He’s the all-knowing, all-seeing, always-right eldest brother. Why would I let him know anything? This is going to make supper enjoyable. Wait. This is Henry’s problem, isn’t it? You told him first.”

“Actually, it was Will. Why do you think I sent him to Stansbury?”

“Will would keep the secret. Regina won’t. She can’t keep anything quiet.”

“But, you will?”  Alicia prompted.

“What will I get if I do?”

“You’ll get to attend the masque in three days time, and not be left here with Lizzy. That’s what. Sometimes I cannot believe we are related.”

Olivia looked from Alicia to Bessie to Roberta and back to Alicia before finally nodding.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

“I cannot wear that one.”

“Why not? It’s serviceable and plain.”

“I wore it to sup the first night, Roberta. I’m almost positive.”

“Augusta?”

“Here. Try the velvet one,” the larger servant woman answered.

“I can’t wear that one, either. He’s seen it.”

“Is there anything he hasn’t seen?”  Roberta queried.

“Isn’t there something new and different? Plain, yet nice?”

“You wish us to invent new fashion?”

“No. I just want one that’s understated, yet elegant.”

“You have lots of gowns like that.”

“It has to also look like it belongs to a servant.”

“Well. That does present a problem. You’ve never ordered anything to look like a servant. I can’t say anyone else in the nobility has, either. How about the green? Maybe if we took the linen from the slashes and chopped the lace from the neckline…? Oh! Forget I offered. That would make it too revealing.”

“Really? Let me see.”

“You want it revealing now?” Roberta continued.

“Not especially...but I don’t want it concealing, either.”

“Then why wear an apron over it? She makes no sense, Augusta. I’ve been saying it for days now. She’s weeding out petticoats and necessary under-things in order to wear less...then putting an apron over the whole.”

“I don’t want it to
look
like I’m trying to get his notice.”

“Ignoring you will not be the problem. I just hope you can handle the man once he figures what you’re about.”

“You’ve already lectured me on that, remember? It was the night of the joust and naught came of it.”

“You were wearing more.”

“I can’t wear the green, Augusta. It’s too elegant, even without the lace collar.”

“But it’s perfect with your coloring.”

“Is it possible to make it look less expensive?”

“I am doing my best, my lady.”

“What else do I have in there, Roberta?”

The maid turned and put her hands on her hips. “You know every gown in this dressing room. You ordered them, remember?”

“What’s in your closet, then?”

“Plenty. And all of it two times your size. That much I’m certain of.”

“Oh, bother!”

“Try the green.”

“I’ve worn it before.”

“You may have, but the poor man won’t know the difference. It had a stiffened collar about the neckline and white linen poking from all the slashes before. Besides, what makes you think he’s an expert of ladies fashion?”

“I can’t risk it at this stage.”

“You might chance it. He may not recall which lady you were at the time, Bess. I can’t even recall and I know what’s going on.”

“Perhaps you’re right.”

“No perhaps about it, my lady. Besides, if you’re intent on seduction, he’ll not notice much what you’re wearing.”

“I never said that. I never even implied it.”

“She’s right. She didn’t,” Augusta said from the dressing table where she was busily hacking off lace.

“Then why is she so insistent on wearing no under-things?”

“I am wearing my chemise,” Bess pointed out.

“What of your petticoats? And stockings, then?”

“I’m supposed to be a servant woman, remember?”

“Well. Both Augusta and I are servant women, and we wear under-things. Several layers. I believe Augusta thinks it hides her bulk.”

“I’m trying to keep my Lymon away.”

“Enough! I don’t wish to hear of what you and Lymon are capable of!”  Bess interrupted.

“She thinks this love-stuff is strictly for the young.”

“At her age, we did, too.”

“Yes. We did, didn’t we?”

“Will you two please help me? I can’t wear the blue one. I think I was in this when we first arrived at Hilde. Why can’t I find what I’m looking for?”

“You haven’t any idea what you’re looking for, that’s why.”

“Yes, I do. I want to look innocent yet wicked at the same time. I want him to notice me and be unable to keep away, but afraid to touch me. It shouldn’t be that difficult.”

“You are describing the dress you designed for the masque.”

“Goodness! You’re right. I am. I never thought of that one. Do I have another one close to it?”

“I’d rather know why you’re so insistent on wearing so little, if you’re not seducing him.”

“I’m not. I already told you. I just want to entice him a little. Make him aware of my intentions.”

“Oh. He’ll be aware of those, all right.”

“I want him to know I’ll only be his, if he loves me.”

“You are going to have your hands full.”

“He’ll know what you’re up to the moment he sees you without one layer of petticoat on.”

“What about my yellow one? You didn’t bring it out.”

“It’s much too costly. The material is worth what we make in a season and you pay well. He’ll spot that immediately, he will.”

“You two are no help at all!”

Bess plopped down her bed, looked down at the sheer chemise she was wearing, and blushed. Roberta was right. She
was
looking for seduction, and she wasn’t even sure what it entailed.

“The green will work. Look. Now, that it’s without that expensive collar and minus the under-sleeves, it’s quite serviceable. Why, I could even wear it myself.”

“Where? On your right leg?”  Robert asked it.

Augusta gave her a sidelong glare.

“That might do. Let me see it.”  Bess stood.

“He’ll spot the slashes. No servant woman shreds her clothing. It’s wasteful.”

“You’re such a doomsayer, Roberta. I don’t know how she puts up with you. I don’t. Even if he spots them, he’ll think she cut them out a-purpose.”

“Why would I do that?”

“To show more skin, of course.”

“Oh, Augusta! That’s absolutely ingenious. I’ll wear it.”

“As much as I’d argue, I’m too tired. Dressing you in your various costumes takes the breath out of a body. All these gowns I have to re-hang, and for what? You wear nothing more than a chemise and one gown. It’s much too low-cut, my lady. You’ll frighten him.”

“I’m wearing an apron, remember?”

“Use one of Augusta’s, then. They’re larger.”

“My Lymon likes me this size, I’ll have you know. He does not fancy stick-like women.”

“I don’t wish to hear it. I keep telling you two. Hook me up. Oh! This is perfect. This is exactly how I wanted to look.”

The fabric barely skimmed her nipples. It created a problem with their sensitivity. Augusta probably guessed it as she fastened the apron. The woman had a barely-there smile hovering about her lips, and more than once she pursed them.

“I only hope you don’t run across anyone before you reach your man. There’s too many men-folk about this castle to run about dressed in such a fashion. Besides, you might catch a chill. No under-things! I can’t believe what the world’s coming to. I can’t.”

“It does feel strange…and a bit naughty.”

Augusta grinned. Roberta shook her head.

“The poor man. Here. Put a shawl over yourself. A big one.”

“Wish me luck.”  Bessie turned at the door to blow them a kiss.

~ ~ ~

Bess clung to the shadows, using the new tapestries for camouflage. It wasn’t necessary. Sup had been an abbreviated affair, with few attending. Everyone should be in their chambers now, soon to be abed. Devon hadn’t been seen all day. Neither had James. She wondered what could keep them away. She fervently hoped it didn’t have anything to do with her.

She didn’t have long to wonder.

The moment she passed the inner gate, she came across James. He was leading the bay-colored stallion in a wide circle. The horse was flecked with foam. James had either taken a dunking recently or was as sweaty as his horse. Devon wasn’t anywhere near. Bessie clung to a shadow and checked. It didn’t work. And she should have waited a bit longer. James spotted her on his next circuit.

“Good eve. I suppose you’re looking for my brother?” he asked.

“Have...you seen him?”

“Of course. I’ve been with him all day. He’s a difficult taskmaster. And a worthy opponent.”

Bessie gasped. “Opponent? He isn’t hurt, is he?”

“Do I look like I’ve hurt anyone? I can barely lift my legs! And I still have to finish cooling off my horse.”

“You received the documents then?”

“Aye. I did. And he’s a fine animal. He will make me proud on a jousting field some day. Just not today. I think I fell more than I stayed in the saddle.”

“You’ve been jousting with Devon? That was...foolish. He is the best I’ve ever seen.”

“You haven’t seen me.”

“True enough.”

“You won’t either, if I can’t knock Devon off at least once. I don’t know how he does it. I can only hope to gain the same seat someday.”

“Why?”

“I’d like to apply for knighthood. Do you think Her Majesty would notice me? And perhaps allow me into her guard?”

“I think she’d spot you before you even reached the palace. So would everyone else. You look too much like your brother. A place at court is a certainty.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“Is that is what you want?”

“Does the Baroness of Danford go to court?”

“I’ve seen her there. Why do you ask?”

“To listen as you give yourself away, my lady. Don’t bother with denials. I’ve known since last night who you were.”

“You...know?”

“I am not a dunce. There was no other explanation. Beautiful redheaded servant women are hard to find. Especially near Hilde. You speak with an elegance no village wench could possess...and I might as well confess. Henry told me. Just after sup. If I’d known before, I would not have tried to make Devon jealous. That was rather stupid. He’s already strong. It’s worse when he is angered. Then, he is unbeatable. That’s why we were jousting. It kept him at arm’s length. I’d have been a-feared to wrestle with him.”

“Henry told you?”

“He was trying to stop my mooning over you. He swore me to secrecy. You’ll not hold it against him, will you?” 

James stopped walking his horse at the question. His upraised eyebrows and lowered chin made him look the image of Devon. Bessie darted her glance away for a moment over her silliness. He was still awaiting her reply when she looked back.

“That is a stupid question for one in my position, wouldn’t you say?”

“You see? What village wench would say such a thing?”

“You needn’t wait to visit court for a glimpse of your baroness, James.”

“Why is that? Has she taken to visiting the local gentry?”

“The baron and his wife accepted my invitation to the masque. I do not expect her husband, however. His health...may not allow it.”

James stopped. His horse took a tentative step before stopping, too. James reached an arm to place it atop his steed’s neck. They were going to be a fine team.

“Bless you, my lady.”

“I wouldn’t want it on her conscience for anything dishonorable to happen, James.”

“I am no knave. I’d toss a vicar for his tithe coin before I’d harm a hair on her head! How dare you say such a thing?”

For a man soaked in sweat and too tired to lift his legs, he looked angry enough to do harm. Bessie looked away for a moment. “Forgive me. I shouldn’t have said that. It isn’t my right to speak such things. Yearning...does strange things, I’m finding.”

“Aye. That it does.”  He moved to the other side of his horse so they could walk in the opposite direction. “Don’t look so crestfallen. You weren’t entirely wrong. I am capable of what you inferred. I shall just continue it in my dreams. For now.”

“Have you named your horse yet?”

“I’ll name him when he earns it.”  The horse whinnied and tossed his head.

“Did he do poorly? Would you like another in his stead?”

“No and no. I like him fine. Besides, I’m little more than a training partner for Devon, regardless of which horse I ride. It won’t always be thus. I’ll best him yet. He’ll need to be in fairer mood than today, though.”

“He was not in a fair mood?”

“Don’t take my word for it. Go. See for yourself. You’ll find Black-Heart at the stables. Not the main ones. He’s in the lower bailey.”

“Why is he stabling Black-Heart so far?”

“Offhand, I would say it has something to do with you.”

“Me?”

“He intends to be impossible to locate, on the off-chance anyone with red hair is looking for him.”

“What makes him think I’d go...looking for him?”

James grinned. “Instinct. You may wish to tread lightly, my lady. He’s heart-sore and confused and a devil in a bout. I wish I’d tossed him today. Just once. Once!”