The Blacksmith's Wife (18 page)

He glanced over to where she sat now, head bent over her work, and his pulse started to race. A month afterwards Hal could barely imagine the time when Joanna hadn’t been beside him in the forge. Not every day—his work for the farmers and villagers who sought his trade did not require much ornamentation—but often she would be there, working at the end of the bench closest to the light.

He walked to her and kissed the nape of her neck, imagining he could still smell fragrance from the flower wreath she had worn on May Day. She smiled up at him.

‘What was that for?’

He kissed her lips this time. ‘No reason,’ he replied, embracing her. Her arms came around his waist. He knew without question that he had committed to spending the rest of his life ensuring she never regretted her marriage for a single day. It seemed incredible that by keeping his work from her he had come so close to jeopardising what he had not even realised he wanted so badly.

There was an insistent scratching at the door. Simon the dog was demanding to be let in. Hal eased his arm free and opened the door. Simon ambled across the room and curled on the floor beside Joanna in the space Hal had vacated. He turned his rheumy eyes on Hal, daring Hal to try reclaiming his territory. Hal scratched the old grey muzzle. Of all the companions Joanna could have chosen, this ugly mix of goodness-knew-what ancestry would have been the last he’d expected. But why not another unwanted being with no place in the world? He’d given sanctuary to enough of those in his time...

The secret he had not yet shared with Joanna danced treacherously in his mind. He’d put off telling her for too long already. He could picture her eyes filled with scorn, pity, coldness—who knew what? The thought of her turning away from him in anger or disdain sent him into a panic of unreasonable intensity and his resolve to tell her the truth wavered.

It could wait a few days longer.

‘Let’s go out,’ he said. ‘It’s time you had another riding lesson.’

They rode slowly towards Wharram Danby in the warm June sun, an easy path suitable for a novice. Joanna was a quick learner, able and willing to follow Hal’s instructions. He watched with admiration as she trotted in a wide circle around him.

Long days in the sun had streaked her already fair hair and strands of white gold mingled with the corn. The wind and sun had planted roses in her pale cheeks, making her blue eyes as vivid as the sea.

She saw Hal watching and her smile deepened as she came alongside him. ‘What are you thinking?’

Hal took her hand in his. ‘Poetry,’ he said. ‘I’m composing a ballad for you. Perhaps another calling beckons me.’

Joanna leaned across her saddle to bat at his arm with a laugh and something behind her caught Hal’s eye. In the distance a rider was climbing the ridge at full speed. Hal’s hand tightened and Joanna twisted to follow his gaze.

‘Is it someone from Wharram? Do you think something’s wrong?’ she asked.

‘I don’t know. Wait here,’ Hal instructed. He set off at a gallop.

They rode towards each other, the figure growing larger as it climbed the winding path. A knot of lead began to grow in Hal’s belly, small at first but growing steadily. By the time the rider was close enough to recognise he felt his entire body was in danger of being dragged to the ground by the weight on his chest. His hands tightened on the reins as he urged Valiant forward. The rider hailed him.

‘Greetings, Hal. This is a fortunate meeting!’

Hal didn’t dismount, but sat in the saddle, eyes boring into the twin pair of the rider opposite. He gritted his teeth and smiled warmly, though he felt like doing nothing less.

‘Good day to you, Roger,’ he said.

Chapter Eighteen

‘Y
ou’ve made good time to get from Windsor since St George’s Day.’

Hal forced cordiality into his voice. In response Roger spat on to the ground.

‘I didn’t get to Windsor. This useless beast threw a shoe in Lincoln.’ He dug his heels into the flanks of his horse and pulled roughly on the reins as it edged forward. Hal winced in sympathy for the animal.

‘I had to wait two days for a farrier. I was too late arriving at Leicester to compete.’ Roger turned angry eyes on his brother, wheeling the horse close enough that Hal caught the trace of wine on his breath. ‘I’ve had nothing but ill fortune since leaving York!’ he exclaimed angrily.

‘Why are you here?’ Hal asked suspiciously.

‘Is that any way to greet your brother?’ Roger asked.

Hal’s conscience gave a twinge. Roger had rarely called at Ravenscrag when he had lived at Wharram Danby. He made no secret that he found Hal’s home sparse of comforts.

‘My apologies. Is there something I can do for you?’ he said.

‘My horse’s shoe,’ Roger said. His voice became wheedling. ‘I could not afford to match all four when he threw it. Besides, no one is as skilled as you.’

‘Or as cheap?’ Hal raised an eyebrow cynically.

Roger pouted. ‘Why not? We’re family after all. I risked everything to win glory for our name. We share each other’s fortune, good and bad.’

Hal observed his brother discreetly. With his fur-collared cloak, new boots and hat with feather he certainly didn’t look like his luck had been against him. He could surely afford to pay for the work. However, the cost of four shoes would be a small price to pay for Roger to leave.

‘I’ll do your work,’ he said. He nodded and began to turn Valiant to return home.

‘There was another reason for me coming to see you,’ Roger called.

Hal turned back. ‘What?’

‘I have a message from Father. He invites you to dine at Wharram Danby in a fortnight to celebrate my return. You and your wife.’ Roger grinned slyly at Hal, whose fists clenched in response. ‘So you did marry her after all.’

Roger’s tone when he mentioned Joanna left Hal in no doubt that she was a third reason for his visit in herself.

‘Yes, I did.’ He smiled.

‘Excellent news, why don’t we go meet your wife now and I can congratulate her myself?’ Roger replied.

‘I don’t think now is the best time,’ Hal said, lifting his jaw.

‘Oh, why not?’ Roger said. ‘I’ve worked up a thirst and we’re closer to Ravenscrag than Wharram. I’m sure you will provide me with hospitality.’

Hal pursed his lips thoughtfully. He had already dismissed the faint hope that he could keep his brother’s presence from her when he returned to her. She would ask who he had been speaking to, expecting news from Wharram. They would meet sooner or later if Roger was staying at home so Hal might as well face whatever would happen now. More importantly, he’d promised her no more secrets and did not intend to heap new deceptions on top of those he had already committed.

‘Very well,’ he said, ‘I’ll give you some ale before you leave.’ From the smell of his brother he suspected it would not be the first cup of the day. He turned Valiant around and began to trot back home. Roger came alongside.

‘So tell me, is marriage to Joanna everything you hoped it would be? Should I take the fact that you aren’t hard at work at this moment as a sign you accomplished what you needed to, or have you given up hope of joining the guild?’

‘My marriage is none of your business,’ Hal said through gritted teeth. Since childhood Roger had known exactly how to provoke him. He could feel the anger rising in him and fought to keep his breathing steady. ‘If you’ve come here to pry you can turn back now, the laws of hospitality be hanged! Joanna’s happy. We both are.’

Roger wrinkled his nose disbelievingly. ‘Of course. I’m happy for you both. I’m surprised to see you out of your forge, that’s all. Something remarkable must have happened to drag you away from your work. You used to be so dedicated.’

Hal ignored the jibe, his temper softening as he thought of Joanna. It was the truth. Since his marriage, and especially since the night at the forge, the long hours he had spent shut away had begun to grow fewer.

‘I am still dedicated and still determined to join the guild,’ he said. ‘Circumstances change, however.’

‘Do people really change so much?’ Roger asked. The two brothers were silent, the air between them heating in the stare they exchanged.

‘Let’s move,’ Hal said. ‘I’ve left Joanna long enough alone.’

‘Do you feel you have to keep a close eye on her?’ Roger said, raising an eyebrow. ‘What do you think might happen if you don’t?’

Visions of himself doing extreme violence to Roger flashed through Hal’s mind.

‘She’s learning to ride on an unfamiliar horse and I don’t want her thrown,’ Hal said calmly. ‘Other than that I have no need to fear.’

Hal hoped fervently it was true. He had believed when they married that Joanna’s love would die naturally and that Roger’s absence would hasten the end of her feelings. He and Joanna had spent so little time together truly being happy and the idea that Roger’s presence might rekindle her previous affection cut him deeply.

Shame flooded him: he had no reason to doubt Joanna’s fidelity and to even entertain the idea was an insult she did not deserve. He hammered the thought into submission before he allowed it to consume him while inwardly cursing the timing of Roger’s arrival.

They rode fast. Their brotherly rivalry always gave an edge to their rides but knowing this would be Joanna’s first glimpse of Roger in months drove Hal to push Valiant to his limits. Roger’s horse was younger, but had ridden further. Hal was fresher and reached the flat land where he had left Joanna a dozen lengths ahead of his brother.

Joanna was trotting Rowan in wide circles when they approached and even his anxiety could not quell the thump of desire in Hal’s heart as he watched her. She sat relaxed in the saddle, her mastery of the animal becoming more confident by the day. She tossed her head back, her long braid whipping over her shoulder, and laughed as she saw Hal approaching.

‘I think I can go faster...’

Her voice trailed away as she spotted the other rider whose face was now clearly recognisable. Hal’s heart began to pound and nausea washed over him. Joanna’s reaction would decide his future, his happiness, everything that mattered. The roses drained from Joanna’s cheeks leaving her face the colour of ash. Her mouth opened, but no words came out and she swayed slightly in the saddle, causing Hal to fear she was about to faint. Hal dismounted quickly and strode to her side, taking hold of the reins just above her hands.

‘Are you all right?’ he asked.

Her eyes were fixed on Roger. She nodded slowly and Hal wondered if she had even heard his words.

‘If you’re feeling faint I can lead Rowan and we can ride together.’

At last Joanna tore her gaze away and looked at Hal. Her skin was regaining its colour and she appeared to be in control of her emotions. So much so that Hal still had no idea whether Roger’s appearance was welcome of not.

‘Did you know it was him when you left me here?’ she whispered urgently. Her voice was hoarse.

‘Not until I got closer. I’m sorry, if I could have broken the news to you more gently I would have.’

Roger had drawn his horse to a halt and dismounted, throwing his leg casually across the saddle. He walked towards Hal and Joanna with a swagger in his step that made Hal’s blood rise.

‘Hello, Joanna, it’s wonderful to see you,’ he said. ‘I could never have dreamed our paths would cross again in such a manner.’

He moved forward as if he intended to embrace her. Joanna’s lips pressed together, turning white. She held out an arm, stiffly at full length.

‘Sir Roger, how nice to see you again. However, I must insist you address me properly. I’m Mistress Danby now, as you must know.’

Roger blinked in surprise as he reached for her hand and bent low over it. Hal suppressed a smile. He wondered how his brother would find Joanna since their last encounter. Looking at her now, sitting aloft on the mare while both men stood at her feet, he thought she had the air of a queen greeting her subjects.

‘May I compliment you on your riding, Mistress Danby?’ Roger said. ‘I see you have learned a new skill since we last met.’

Joanna lifted her chin. The pink in her cheeks deepened to crimson and her eyes flashed.

‘I’ve learned many things,’ she said curtly. ‘Hal, I assume you must have things to discuss with your brother. We should return home.’ She smiled at him with a good degree more warmth than she had Roger.

‘That reminds me,’ Roger said. ‘I stopped in York and chanced to meet the Master of the Guild. He gave me something for you.’ He passed a letter to Hal, who read it swiftly.

‘The guild has been asked to provide a prize of a sword for the champion at the Lammas Day joust. They are accepting entries from petitioners within and outside the guild.’

Joanna clutched hold of his arm tightly, her eyes lighting with excitement, and for a moment there was no one else on the moor for Hal.

‘Oh, Hal, you have to enter!’ she exclaimed.

Hal covered her hand with his. Visions flashed before him of his entry winning, himself triumphant before the guild, of Joanna by his side. He looked at his wife, her shapely neck rising from the collar of her gown, her hair coiled into loops and braids of gold. Inspiration hit him. He pictured the sword’s grip a slender but shapely female form, the pommel a head with Joanna’s face adorning it.

‘We’ll start planning tomorrow,’ Joanna said.

Therein lay the problem. He wanted this to be his task alone, a demonstration of his regard for her for the world to see and a gift to her.

‘Of course.’ He smiled reluctantly.

Joanna’s forehead wrinkled and a flash of hurt filled her eyes. She gave a flick of the reins and began to trot in the direction of Ravenscrag.

The men watched her go, then followed slowly behind. Roger gave a low whistle followed by the wolfish smile that had enticed so many women into his arms. And bed.

‘You’ve changed her, Hal. She never used to be so fiery.’

‘It was always there for anyone who cared to look for it rather than demanding submission,’ Hal answered.

‘Now I almost regret giving her up.’ Roger laughed.

Hal whipped a hand out and seized his brother by the wrist. ‘You will leave her alone!’ He spat the words through clenched teeth. ‘You did enough harm to Joanna’s heart and I will not allow you to play games with her. If you make any attempt to come between us you will never set foot in my house again.’

Hal released Roger’s arm. The knight rubbed it tenderly. ‘I’m only jesting,’ he said petulantly. ‘I wouldn’t deliberately try to steal her from you. We’re not adolescents any longer.’

He returned to his horse and mounted it. As he came alongside Hal he leaned over and muttered out of the corner of his mouth, ‘Though if she should come of her own accord that would be none of my doing. How well do you trust your wife and how highly do you rate your charms?’

He galloped ahead and overtook Joanna. Hal’s stomach plummeted to his boots. He hoped he had done enough to secure Joanna’s affections, but he suspected he had done too little for too long. He dug his heels in to Valiant’s flanks and chased after his brother and his wife.

* * *

Joanna succeeded in keeping her equilibrium while they rode back to Ravenscrag. She focused on Rowan, guiding the palfrey as Hal had taught her and paying no attention to the two men who rode alongside her: the man she had worshipped for so long and the man she was coming to love with an intensity that was frightening and in whose arms she had discovered passion she had never dreamed existed.

She took herself into the smaller chamber with her sewing while they talked. She breathed a little easier when she heard the door shut and their voices carrying down to the forge. When she was sure they had left she dropped the dress she was making into her lap and buried her face in her hands.

She’d woken that morning with an unpleasant queasiness in her belly that had not eased all day. Had she been more fanciful she might have considered it a sense of foreboding, though the real reason she suspected was not something she wished to dwell on.

Why hadn’t she anticipated such a thing happening? Roger returned to Wharram Danby every summer before going to the Lammas Day tournament. She should have realised they would meet again at some point. If it came to that, Ravenscrag was part of the estate he would inherit. He could come here whenever he wished whether she or Hal wanted him to or not.

And did she want him to?

The sight of Roger riding with the easy confidence she remembered from the tournaments had made her heart leap to her throat, but the desire was crushed beneath memories of the way he had abandoned her. She had not known whether she wanted to throw herself into his arms or seize his dagger and run him through.

‘Not now,’ she whispered to the empty room. ‘Not now I’m happy with Hal.’

She dropped her sewing and began to pace around the room. Hal’s face had left her in no doubt what his choice would be. Her veins filled with ice at the anger she had seen in his eyes and his coolness towards her regarding the guild’s task.

Did Hal think she still wanted Roger after all they had done together? She was Hal’s wife and as such was beyond Roger’s touch and he was beyond hers. More than that, even if she could, she no longer wanted to. His sudden appearance had sent a violent tremor surging through her body, but she recognised it as instinctive lust with no love behind it. With luck his visit would be short and he would leave soon and things would return to normal.

The door slammed. She wiped her sleeve hastily across her eyes, sat back on her stool and picked up her sewing. She was bent over it when the door opened and Hal came in.

He was alone. He began bustling around the room, shuffling bits of paper, straightening chairs. And never looking at Joanna.

At no time since May Day had he entered the room without greeting her with a kiss or caress.