The Consolation Prize (Brides of Karadok #3) - Alice Coldbreath Page 0,98
gave a sad smile. “And all such frivolous things.”
“Is all well with you, Rose?” Una asked with sudden concern. “You do not feel ill?”
Rose shook her head. “I am quite well,” she assured her, but Una saw how Abelard circled the girl and sat at her feet gazing up at her with concern. She was not the only one to notice Rose’s spirits had plummeted since that morn.
“I do hope that Master Roger’s apology did not distress you,” Una ventured, resuming her seat opposite Rose. She was reassured to see a look of genuine surprise flit over her face.
“Oh no, he apologized most prettily,” Rose answered with apparent truthfulness, and they spent the afternoon quietly sewing the pieces for a replacement black and gold hat for Armand and a new blue tunic.
At supper, Una noticed a good many new faces along the table, which seemed to be filling up more at every meal. These assorted men had a more hardened edge, though they were as country-born and local as Peter. It did not take Una more than a few assessing glances to realize they had a look about them she recognized well. It was one born of experience. Soldiers, she thought and glanced at Armand who was seating himself next to her. Armand had employed soldiers to work on their estate.
It was not that they were grim or dour, for when Armand stood and gave a short speech welcoming the new men to his table, they sent up a rousing cheer. When Mr. Beverley presented a large game pie and a side of roast beef, a spontaneous round of applause went up that made the cook quite flustered, as he took his bow.
No, they were not morose Una thought, but that they were determined to seize on any celebration or good fortune that came their way, for they knew too well the harsh reality of bad times. Armand bade the cups to be filled with wine for a toast and Lynwode was proposed and drunk to.
“Everyone seems to be settling in well,” Armand said, as he waved aside the task of carving to Otho and instead poured Una another goblet of wine. “What say you?”
Una accepted the cup and took a sip. “I agree,” she said with satisfaction. “I liked your speech and the fact our table is growing by the day. ’Tis only Mrs. Brickenden I am not yet sure of.” She eyed the expressionless housekeeper who was out of earshot.
“What do you find amiss?” he murmured back, arching a black brow at her.
“She is too distant. Too reluctant to share any village news with me, or discuss her family or—”
“She is from round these parts?” Armand asked, suddenly sharp.
“Oh yes,” Una assured him. “For several generations I believe.” He relaxed. “Though I had to thank Janet for that fact.”
“Well, if Mrs. Brickenden talks too little, then Janet talks too much,” Armand responded dryly. “You should not encourage her.”
“I like Janet,” Una said staunchly, glancing down to where the merry-eyed servant was teasing bashful Peter. “Why should I not enjoy some local flavor in my household?”
He paused to consider this, taking a swig of wine. “In truth, there is no reason in the world, if you enjoy it. Did you send your message to Anninghurst?” he asked. “About the coat of arms?”
“Not yet,” Una admitted. “I thought I had better write an accompanying letter to Muriel explaining why I wanted it.”
He winced. “Ah yes, she’s so tight-fisted, it’s not likely she’d hand over anything without one. We now have a gardener’s boy named Wat,” he said, gesturing in the direction of a youth with straw-colored hair. “He can run it over once your letter is done.”
“I had the idea I might try and fashion Muriel a velvet hood as a gift,” Una confided. “But I thought I had better make one for Anne at the same time, or your sister might take umbrage. Rose wields a neat needle and can help me in my task.”
“You think of everything,” Armand replied. “But make sure you do not neglect your priority when it comes to keeping family members happy.”
“My priority?” she met his laughing eyes. “And by that, I take it you mean my lord and master?”
His expression, which had been amused, swiftly changed to something else entirely. Leaning in, he quickly captured her lips with his own and lingered there. Another cheer went up from the rowdy end of the table and Una found herself blushing when he drew back.