Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 99325 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 497(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99325 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 497(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
“Nay, my lord, I was hoping to have a word with Reena.”
Reena grabbed her cinnamon cake and one for Justin, and she stood before she realized that Brigid was looking at her strangely and Thomas was holding a beefy hand to his mouth to hide his smile.
Reena mentally shook her head, not wanting to openly admit she’d once again given no thought to seeking Magnus’s permission to leave when in his presence. Not that he strictly demanded such obedience, especially when he and she shared time together, but when in the company of others, it was proper and courteous for her to do so.
Justin quickly sought to correct her mistake. “My lord, I will only take a moment of Reena’s time.”
“That is good, since her cider will chill if she is gone too long.”
Reena was surprised at his response; he seemed annoyed at her brief absence.
She hurried out the door with Justin, handing him a cake as they walked a short distance away from the cottage.
Justin was apologetic. “I am sorry to bother you, but I needed to talk with someone, and you have often lent a gracious and understanding ear to me.”
She placed her hand on his arm. “I do not mind listening. What troubles you?”
“How do you know I feel troubled?”
“You have not touched Brigid’s cinnamon cake, and no one can resist Brigid’s cinnamon cakes.”
Justin stared at the cake in his hand. “I have lost my appetite.” He sighed again and shook his head.
“Only love can cause loss of appetite.”
Justin shook his head and admitted with frustration, “She does not know I exist.”
“Who is it you favor?”
“Maura, the young lass who helps Kate, the cook, in the kitchen.”
Reena knew immediately of whom he spoke. “She is a pretty one, with that long red hair of hers.”
“Aye, she is,” Justin said with a heartfelt sigh. “And there are many men who agree with you, which is my problem. Do you think I have a chance with her?”
“Why would you not?”
“Look at me, Reena, I am not much to look at, a tanner by trade, not good with a sword—”
“But excellent with a bow and arrow, a skillful tanner who could provide beautiful leather workings for her, and a man who would love her deeply from his heart. How could she resist you?”
“Your confidence is appreciated, but how do I make myself known to her? My tongue deserts me when I attempt to speak with her. That is why I thought of you.” He grew excited. “You have become acquainted with the women in the kitchen.”
“A wise choice for one who cannot cook.”
He smiled, hesitated, then asked, “I thought maybe you would introduce her to me and then—” He shrugged. “Well, then I am on my own.”
“I go to gather feathers for quills now, but when I return we will go to the kitchen and I will introduce you to her.”
“You will?” Justin could not keep the excitement from his voice, though doubt soon followed. “What if words fail me and I make a fool of myself?”
“Words will not fail you, and I will be there to help with the conversation. Then I will make myself scarce, and you will be on your own and do well.”
Justin threw his arms around her and hugged her tightly. “Thank you, and please tell no one of this. I do not want to look the fool.”
Reena laughed and returned the hug. “Love often makes fools of us.”
“Reena!”
The booming voice snapped the two apart, and they turned to stare at Magnus, who stood outside the front door, his arms crossed over his chest.
“I have kept you too long,” Justin whispered. “Go, and I will see you when you return, and thank you again.”
Reena nodded and squeezed his hand. “Until later.” She hurried to Magnus.
“Is there a problem with Justin?”
“Nay.”
“What did he want?”
“A small favor, nothing of importance,” she said, wondering why he sounded irritated and thinking it wise to change the subject. After all, she had promised not to betray Justin’s trust. “It is time for me to go in search of feathers for new quills.”
For a moment she thought he intended to pursue his concern with Justin, then he asked, “Where will you hunt for feathers?”
She pointed past him. “Beyond Brigid’s cottage in the woods.”
“Your cider grows cold,” Brigid called out from the cottage.
“Warm yourself with hot cider and enjoy more of Brigid’s cinnamon cakes before you go to the woods,” Magnus said and stepped aside for her to enter.
“Nay, I think it is wiser for me to go now when the sun is strong.”
Magnus reached out to take her arm, but she hurried past him into the cottage, grabbed her cloak, gave Horace a pat on the head where he lay curled contentedly before the hearth, and was out the door.
“Wait,” Brigid said, rushing after her friend, basket in hand. “You forgot this.”