Free Unbidden (The Evolution Series) by Jill Hughey Page B

dreams.”
    Marian poked at a pot of vegetables . “Marriage is not a dream. It is how women get children and protection. If ye like him, then all the better.”
    “And if I do not like him?” Rochelle asked with more than a little pique.
    Marian turned to her thoughtfully. “Ye will never know if ye do not spend some time with him. Fetch the pitchers of water and wine. Did you set out the cheese the way I asked you?”
    “Yes, Mother. I did.”  Rochelle trudged back to the main room . They had pushed the rough table near the central fire. Gilbert added a few logs, only aggravating the smoky haze hanging in the air. The bench occupied one side of the table, and by gathering every other chair in the house, they’d come up with one for each end and one for the other side. They’d set the table with mismatched wooden spoons and a hodge-podge of metal and wooden plates and cups, the compilation of which made for a very shabby presentation. The food was enticing enough. A wedge of cheese sat on a cloth next to a chipped wooden bowl filled with sweet apples. Several loaves of heavy white bread lay directly on the table. She placed a tall thin ewer of water at one end and a short fat ewer of wine at the other.
    Rochelle was startled by the front door rattling against its bar, followed by a thunderous knock . Gilbert shuffled forward, groaning as he lifted the heavy board so he could pull the door open.
    “Well done, man,” David said approvingly as his eyes scanned the room to settle on Rochelle . He seemed in better spirits and he had changed his clothes, sporting a deep green tunic and matching cloak trimmed with soft rabbit fur.
    She smoothed her own clothes under his thorough inspection , then fingered the embroidered sleeve of her pale green tunic. She had only brought the one gold girdle, but she had added delicate hoop earrings beaded with tiny emeralds that glinted against her thin veil. Something gleamed in his eyes, something that swirled through her to that newly discovered, excitable place she feared.
    “Move on,” Theo’s voice said from behind David, who quickly stepped aside to allow Theo and Doeg into the house.
    “Welcome to each of you,” Rochelle said, knowing her duty as a hostess, even if grudgingly performed. “Gilbert will see to your cloaks if you wish to remove them. We have tried to warm the room enough to make it comfortable.”
    David and Theo offered their compliments while unclasping their cloaks . Doeg pointedly draped his cloak to cover his stiffly bent left arm. Marian came from the kitchen, adding her welcome. “Please be seated. Gilbert and I will bring the meat and we will be ready to eat.”
    David gestured to Rochelle . “Shall we share the bench?” he asked.
    “Very well,” she agreed reluctantly . “After I have filled everyone’s cup.”  She offered each person a choice of drink, noting that only David chose water over wine. He waited for her to sit before joining her. Unfortunately, Doeg chose the seat at the end closest to Rochelle. She found herself sliding away from him ever so slightly until her arm pressed against David’s.
    Marian returned with platters of meat in thick juice . Gilbert followed with a large bowl of boiled root vegetables. David moaned softly, then laughed at Rochelle’s questioning gaze. “I have not had a decent meal since I got here.”
    Theo nodded in agreement . “The emperor’s retinue demands vast amounts of resources. The best goods go to feed the palace, and there are many mouths to be fed. Did you bring your own provisions?” he asked Marian.
    “All but the meat . Gilbert has been to Aix many times with my late husband. He still knows a few of the vendors here and was able to find a suitable piece.”
    The men settled into their meal, using their eating daggers to cut and eat, and hunks of bread torn from the loaves to sop up juices . Rochelle had never witnessed more appreciation for a simple meal, as David and Theo sang a