Free The King's Mistress by Terri Brisbin Page A

would support her in this matter.
    Finished, she summoned Edmee and asked her to seek out the steward and have these letters taken to wherever the king was residing. A few minutes later, the steward and Lord Orrick’s manservant arrived, red-faced and stammering. The steward went through a lengthy explanation about the difficulty of delivering such letters, but since he spoke English, she gave him a blank stare. Even if she wanted to, it was difficult to understand the English that these peasants spoke, due to their thick accents. ’Twas Lord Orrick’s servant who realized the problem and he began to translate the steward’s words into her language.
    â€œMy lady, Norwyn cannot send a messenger tothe king unless Lord Orrick gives his permission. And even then, my lord does not contact the king or his officials unless it is of the utmost importance.”
    â€œAnd you question my intentions and my need to have these—” she pointed at the folded and sealed letters “—delivered to my kinfolk to assure them of my safe arrival here?”
    â€œMy l-lady,” Gerard stammered again after repeating her words to Norwyn and hearing his response. “Norwyn does not question you on this. He but seeks to explain that he can do nothing without Lord Orrick’s permission.”
    She enjoyed their discomfort for a moment more then smiled at them. “Ah, then there is nothing to be concerned over, for Lord Orrick promised me that I could communicate with my family at any time and as often as I like.”
    She waited for her words to get to the steward and smiled at him, daring him to contradict her or prohibit her from sending these letters. The two men looked at each other, clearly not believing her words, but neither was courageous enough to stand up to her.
    â€œThen my son is even more generous in his care of you than I suspected.” The Lady Constance entered the chamber and nodded to the steward, continuing in English, “If Lord Orrick has promised his wife this, Norwyn, then you must see to it.”
    Marguerite held her breath as Lord Orrick’s mother scrutinized her and the letters held by Norwyn. Lady Constance broke off her stare and waved the men from the chamber. “When Orrick returns,he can decide on the best way to send any more of Lady Marguerite’s messages to her family. ”
    Norwyn and Gerard left and she waited for Lady Constance’s true message. Had Orrick confided in her the events of the night before? Although the woman had helped her during the journey, Marguerite felt the anger, hostility and dislike pouring from her. She decided to make the first strike.
    â€œMy thanks for intervening with those servants. They had the boldness to question me about sending the letters.”
    Marguerite walked to the window and sat down. Motioning to the chair before her dressing table, she invited Orrick’s mother to sit, as well. The older woman refused with a shake of her head.
    â€œI have been serving as my son’s chatelaine since he gained his titles, but it is your right to do so now. If you would like, I will work with you until you have a grasp of how things are done here at Silloth. As you can see, Norwyn is still new to his duties and needs guidance.”
    Surprised by the words and the offer, Marguerite thought about it. If she remained married to Orrick, ’twould be her responsibility to oversee the running of the keep and to see to the welfare of the people. But she did not plan to be here long enough to make such a thing necessary.
    â€œI would plead for your indulgence, my lady,” she began. “I am not yet recovered from the journey and would ask for a few more days before doing as you suggest.” Marguerite met the woman’s gaze evenly. “And I would like to observe this place before I take on those duties expected of me by you, my husband and his people.”
    She was not certain if Lady Constance