WolfeStrike (De Wolfe Pack Generations #2) - Kathryn Le Veque Page 0,74

the past, Barbara led Isalyn into a large chamber on the northeast corner of the apartment block. It was quite roomy, with a big, fluffy bed and an enormous wardrobe against the wall.

“This is where you will sleep, my lady,” Barbara said, standing by the open door. “I will have servants bring fuel for the fire and a few lamps for light. You will notice that I closed the shutters that face the wall; soldiers are sometimes on the wall walk and they can look through the window if they try, so I thought it best to discourage them from peeking at you.”

By this time, Isalyn had moved to the bed, setting her satchel upon it. “That was thoughtful of you,” she said. “Thank you.”

Barbara gestured to the one open window. “That window faces north, so you will have excellent views all day,” she said. “It also faces the kitchen yard, so if it becomes too noisy, do not hesitate to inform me.”

Isalyn went to the window, which was a big one. To the north, she could see mostly the walls and treetops and the brilliant blue sky. It was a nice view. But that was only if one was looking straight ahead or up. Looking down gave the view of most of the kitchen yard and the pens where the goats and pigs were kept.

And then there was the smell.

Not wanting to complain, however, Isalyn didn’t say a word about it. She wondered if the placement was on purpose considering she felt there was something off about these women from the start. Still, she was gracious.

“It is quite fine,” she said. “Thank you again for your kind attention to my comfort.”

Barbara was still standing by the open door as Isabella went to look from the north window. Realizing the kitchen yard was right there, she frowned.

“Barbara, surely you did not have to give her the room that overlooks the pigsty,” she said. “There are seven other chambers in this block. Can she not have one of those?”

It was clear that Barbara didn’t like being questioned. She stiffened. “You and your father and your brother occupy three of them,” she said. “Lord de Featherstone was given the big, comfortable chamber on the ground floor. One of the smaller chambers on the first floor has been used for storage and the other two share a leaking roof, so this is the best and only place I can put Lady Isalyn unless you would like her to share your chamber.”

Isabella almost agreed but thought better of it. She had just met Isalyn and to insist she share her chamber might be a little too much, too soon. She had a good feeling about Isalyn but she didn’t want to force the woman to be her very best friend in the first day of knowing her, so she simply smiled and turned to Isalyn.

“You may take my chamber if you wish,” she said. “It does not overlook the pigsty.”

But Isalyn shook her head. “Do not worry so much,” she said. “Truly, this chamber is fine. I am most appreciative.”

“Are you certain?”

“I am. But you are very kind to worry so much.”

Isabella smiled at her, thinking that perhaps the woman might like to be left alone since she had spent all morning traveling. “I am sure you wish to rest now,” she said. “I will take my leave, but I look forward to seeing you tonight at the feast. You promised to tell me all about London.”

Isalyn smiled. “And I will,” she said. “I am looking forward to it as well, my lady. And, again… I cannot apologize enough for what my brother did. You are so very gracious not to bear a grudge.”

Isabella paused, lifting her slender shoulders. “My grandmother says that life is too short to live with regrets or grudges,” she said. “I suppose everything in life happens for a reason. Even having a prospective husband run away. I will see you this evening, my lady.”

“Please call me Isalyn.”

“And you will call me Isabella.”

With that, Isabella turned for the door, pausing to let Barbara pass through first before following her. Quietly, she shut the door behind her, leaving Isalyn alone in the vast, well-swept chamber.

Truthfully, Isalyn was glad to finally be alone. Not that she hadn’t liked becoming acquainted with Isabella, because she had. Very much. She was a sweet girl and Isalyn was feeling increasingly bad for what her brother had done to her, but Isabella seemed to be taking