Free Knight Protector (Knight Chronicles) by Rue Allyn

cook sipped her brew before replying with a smile. “Aye, that I do. Th’ dowager willna be happy t’ have her orders ignored and th’ chamberlain may interfere.”
    Sorcha smiled back. “I will deal with the chamberlain, and the servants must, of course, comply with any orders Lady Agnes gives regarding her own needs but only those needs. Any other orders she gives must be directed to me for approval.” She blew on the heated tea then swallowed several sips.
    “Of course, Lady Strathnaver. Would ye like me to share yer instructions wi’ the other servants?”
    “That would be very kind of you, yes. After we finish our tea, I would like to inspect the larder and keeping rooms.”
    Cook nodded her approval, but her expression was troubled. “’Tis right glad I am t’ have ye do so.”
    Sorcha tilted her head to the side. “Is something the matter?”
    “Th’ chamberlain and I each take a count of supplies every week, and our counts haven’t been the same for close on a month. We’ve used this method well for many years, so to have different results is causing awkwardness that makes working together difficult.”
    Four weeks. The same length of time she and Brice had been in residence. “Did this start before the earl and I arrived here? Are all supplies showing shortages or just some, and if so, which ones?”
    Cook wrinkled her brow in thought. “Nae, ’tis mostly th’ herbs, some salt, and flour. As to how long this had gone on, I can’t rightly say, milady. ’Tis certain it wasna much before ye came here. Th’ chamberlain keeps the written records, seein’ as how I canna read or write.”
    “Then how can you be certain the two counts are different?”
    “Well, I’ve a right good memory, but even so, I keep my counts in the old way by notching sticks.”
    Sorcha had to agree about the cook’s memory. Ten years was a long time to recall one woman’s favorite foods. “I see, and for several weeks your notched sticks have not matched the chamberlain’s written records.”
    “That’s right, yer ladyship.”
    Sorcha set aside her empty cup. “Let us go and take a count of supplies now while I inspect the larder and keeping rooms. Then I will take your sticks and compare them with the chamberlain’s accounts when next he visits with the earl.”
    What she found, or rather didna find, during her inspection of the kitchen supplies disturbed Sorcha greatly. Most of the supplies that were low were those that, in sufficient concentrations, could be used as poisons or the means to mask poison. Even more disturbing, a small mortar and pestle had disappeared. Any number of reasons could explain the use of poisons. But if the use was innocent, why take the items without asking for them or at least mentioning it to the cook or chamberlain?
    It would not surprise me if you are trying to poison your husband
.
    Nae. Lady Agnes’ words couldna be true. Brice had died from fever and a bloody flux, nae poison. Her mother in law’s accusation had been flung as an insult and couldna be taken seriously.
    Sorcha’s head began to ache. She rubbed her temples as she and the cook returned to the kitchen. Spies, theft, and murder? Colin’s suspicions made her jump at shadows, and he was the last person she should trust.
    Yet she had done as he asked and not told anyone Brice was dead. She even let everyone believe Colin was his brother. She resolved to be stronger in the future. ’Twas time to let him know she wouldna be his pawn.
    To the cook, Sorcha promised to look into the matter of the missing supplies, and declining an offer of help, picked up the loaded tray then set off for the earl’s chamber.
    • • •
    Colin waited until the door closed on Sorcha and Sir Broc then loosened the blankets she’d tucked about him. When he was able to move easily he leaned forward and inhaled the aroma of the first decent meal he would have in many a day.
    “You seem much better, my lord,” Henry said.
    The boy looked