Chapter Nine

CHAPTER NINE

A nd the rains came.

The frolicking in the vineyard was cut short by a storm that had blown in from the east. The wind had picked up and gray clouds blew in towards sunset, dotting the land with fat droplets. But that was just a harbinger of things to come– in little time, darker clouds blew in that unleashed a torrent that sent Lista, Julian, Addington, and Ashton running back into the castle. By the time they entered the courtyard, they were soaked.

With laughter and chatter, they made their way up the spiral stairs that led to the living levels three stories above the ground. Here, there were many chambers, including guest lodgings. Julian had a room to himself, as did Ashton, but Addington was on the level above with Lista. There was a small adjoining chamber to Lista's larger chamber and Addington had settled into that quite comfortably.

As Julian and Ashton dried out before the evening meal, Lista and Addington were doing the same. Their dresses had soaked up a goodly amount of the rain, but both chambers were warm and cozy from the enormous hearths that were blazing. Servants had put water on to boil in both hearths and the maid that usually helped Lista had brought in big pieces of drying cloths.

Thunder crashed and lightning lit up the sky as the maid helped the women peel off the wet clothing and into something warm and dry. A servant brought warmed wine and they imbibed generously, listening to the inclement weather outside and chatting amiably. Addington ended up sitting in front of the hearth, wrapped up in a heavy robe as Lista brushed out her dark hair, which went all the way down to her knees.

"When I get back to Pelinom, I'm going to tell Mama that we need to plant a vineyard like yours," Addington said, sipping on her wine. "We already have orchards of apples and cherries, so we can plant grapevines, too."

Lista continued to brush Addington's straight, silky hair even as her own hair dried with a kink to it. "Grapes take work," she said. "We have a man who tends our gardens and he is forever tending the grapes."

Addington thought on that. "Then mayhap he can teach Julian how to tend grapes," she said. "It will give him something to do when he is finished with his knightly duties. A man should have something to occupy his time."

"And Julian has nothing?"

"Nothing but horses and his books," Addington said. "Did he tell you that he likes to read?"

Lista shook her head. "He did not," she said. "He has not spoken much of himself, to be truthful."

Addington was watching the lightning flash on the other side of the oiled cloth that covered the window. "I saw you two speaking earlier," she said. "What was he saying?"

Lista shrugged. "Nothing, really," she said. "Cursory things. We spoke of my mother and why she is the way she is. He said I behaved like someone who had a good deal of responsibility thrust upon them and that he understood how that feels."

Addington hesitated before speaking. "He does understand," she said. "I know I tease Julian quite a bit, but the truth is that I love the big dolt. You would never know what a tender heart he has."

"Does he?"

Addington nodded. "Has he spoken of our father?"

"Briefly."

"Did he speak on his death?"

"Nay. Why?"

Addington sighed. "Because he blames himself for Papa's death," she said. "He was there when it happened. It was during a battle and he tried to force Papa to go into the keep because bolts were flying over the wall, but Papa wouldn't move. He was struck by the bolts. I do not think Julian has ever forgiven himself for not preventing it."

Lista slowed her brushing. "He did not tell me that," she said. "I heard your father died in battle against King John."

"He did," Addington said. "I was there. Julian was always Papa's shadow, you see. I have three brothers– Cole, the eldest, was always his own man. Strong and steady. Cassian, the youngest, went away at a young age and disappeared shortly after my father died. He was the baby and everyone doted on him. But Julian… he's the middle brother and I think he was always overlooked. He is quiet and never makes a fuss, and he followed my father about like a loyal dog. More than any of us, save Mama, I do not think he's ever gotten over the loss of our father and when I saw him speaking to you today, I was hoping he was beginning to feel a little happiness. He hasn't had much."

Lista stopped brushing and came around the front of Addington, planting herself on a small three-legged stool next to the hearth.

"He said he needed to learn to laugh," she said seriously. "That was after he told me that I needed to learn to laugh. I will be truthful with you, Addie– he seems guarded and he seems sad. Like a man who has seen much sorrow."

Addington nodded. "He has," she said. "He has seen more than most. Lista… it is clear to me that he likes you. As I said, Julian has known so little happiness, so if you do not like him in a romantic sense, then please do not tease him. Do not let him think there could be something between you two if there is no chance for it. I do not think he could take it because women have been cruel to him before."

Lista's eyes took on a warm glimmer. "I would never be cruel to him, nor would I give him hope where there is none," she said. "I like Julian very much. He is sweet and thoughtful. But I told you… he is far above my social station. Addie, we have discussed this."

Addington sighed sharply. "He is not above your social station," she said flatly. "You are perfect for him. You think he is kind and handsome and his different eyes do not bother you in the least. You are what Julian has been waiting for his entire life. Would… would you consider him for your husband?"

Lista's eyes widened. "Me?" she said, surprised. "Would I consider him? I would consider no one else. Although I've only known the man a few days, sometimes you do not need to know someone for months or years to know that you could spend a lifetime with them and it would never be enough. But Julian is a de Velt… it means he should marry a wife who can bring him prestige."

"You would bring him happiness and that is far more valuable," Addington said, grasping her hand and squeezing it. "And look at this magnificent castle. You underestimate yourself, Lista. Any man would be proud to have you and Felkington. Please let me tell Julian that you are agreeable to a courtship. If I do not tell him, he will be too afraid to ask. You would both go to your grave feeling something for each other because Julian would never have the courage to bring it up."

Lista frowned. "The man fights battles and he has no courage for something as simple as that?"

Addington chuckled. "He is the bravest man you have ever seen on the battlefield," she said. "He has that de Velt beast in him, something my father had, something that turns a man into a monster when he smells the first blood. You've seen how big Julian is and he uses that strength in a fight, believe me. But he has been badly hurt by cruel women he thought were fond of him. Do you know how it is with a horse when you raise your hand and the horse shies away because he's afraid of being hit? That is Julian. He is hand shy. He has been hurt before and he will not put himself in that position again."

Lista thought on the handsome, quiet knight she was quickly becoming very fond of. It was true that she once believed she was unworthy of him, not of his station, but she was coming to think that she may have been mistaken. Addington certainly thought so and that was enough to give her hope.

"It is very sweet of you to be so concerned for your brother's happiness," Lista said. "If I had a sister, I wish she would be as concerned for me as you are for Julian."

Addington smiled. "Everyone else has left home," she said. "It is just Julian and I left with Mama. I want to make sure he finds the right woman."

"And you think that is me?"

"I do. I truly do."

"After only having known me a short amount of time?"

Addington chuckled. "As you said, when you meet people, sometimes you just know," she said. "You just know if they are good in their heart. I knew that you were good within the first few hours of knowing you. I think that I would very much like for you to be my sister."

Lista grinned broadly. "It would be like a dream for me to have a sister like you," she said. "And to have a husband like Julian… it is too good to be true. Addie, I have told you about my mother and aunt. How they are."

Addington waved her off. "Julian has the patience of Job," she said. "And you said your mother became grieved following the death of your brother, did you not?"

"That is true."

"Mayhap, in a small way, Julian can replace him," she said. "Mayhap she would not be so sad to have a new son in her life."

Lista hadn't thought of it that way. "It's very possible," she said. "But before we get too far ahead of ourselves, don't you think Julian should decide if I am someone he wishes to court?"

Addington beamed. "Not to worry," she said. "I shall ask him."

Lista was a bit leery. "You're sweet to want to play matchmaker, but don't you think that's something that Julian and I should work out between us?"

Addington took the brush from Lista's hand and began brushing her hair with it. "You cannot ask him because it would be unseemly," she said frankly. "And Julian will never have the courage to ask you, so you need my help. Trust me on this, Lista. I will be subtle, I promise."

As Lista watched the young woman brush her hair, somehow, she didn't think subtlety was one of Addington's great virtues. She had many, but that more than likely wasn't one of them.

Subtle as a garlic pie , Lista thought.

Little did she know.

*

"Lista is agreeable to having you court her," Addington said. "Well? What are you going to do about it?"

Julian nearly choked on his wine. In fact, he did choke and it all went spraying onto the floor of Felkington's enormous hall. He was sitting with Ashton and they had been indulging in some very good wine that a servant had brought up from the cellars when Addington had entered the hall, dressed in a lovely gown that flattered her figure. Ashton certainly thought so. But words of courtship were the first thing out of her mouth when she saw her brother and Julian wiped away the wine he'd just sprayed on his hand.

"My God, Addie," he said, wiping it from his lips. "You have the diplomacy of a dog fart. What do you mean by that question?"

Addington looked at him with little patience. "What do you think I mean?" she said. "I have interrogated Lista and although she feels she is not of your social station, I have convinced her otherwise. Julian, she thinks you are marvelous. Remember? That has not changed. Better still, I do believe she is falling for you. Are you going to let this perfect woman get away from you?"

Julian was staring at her as if she'd grown two heads, horrified and intrigued and, most of all, thrilled. But he couldn't decide which emotion was stronger. He knew Addington meant well, but the woman was indeed as subtle as a farting dog sometimes. She was clubbing him over the head with his romantic future.

He set his wine cup down.

"Addie, I appreciate that you are trying to help me. But in this case, I do not need your help," he said. "This is between Lista and me."

"That's what she said," Addington said. "I disagree. I know that women have been… unkind to you in the past and I wanted you to know that Lista is not that sort. She is kind and compassionate and understanding. She is far too good for you, but she is agreeable to a courtship if you will only have the courage to ask her."

"Did she ask you to tell me that?"

Addington frowned. "Of course not," she said. "I am doing it of my own accord. I am doing it because it is important. Don't you like her?"

Julian could hear Ashton snickering next to him, laughing at Addington's pushiness. He was growing annoyed with them both.

"That is none of your business," he said, eyeing her. "But, if you must know, I like her very much."

Addington gasped in delight. "I knew it," she said. "I could tell. Will you ask to court her tonight? You must not wait, Julian. A delay could ruin everything."

He waved a hand at her, trying to force her to back off a little. "In my own time," he said. "And I swear if you push me or push her, I will spank you and I do not care if you tell Mother. Some things you must let me do on my own and this is one of them."

"But…!"

He cut her off. "Nay, Addie," he said firmly. "Let me do this myself. I do not want your help. Please."

He was serious and Addington knew it. Sighing heavily, she nodded reluctantly, seeing Ashton grinning at her and patting the seat beside him. Pushing aside her stubborn brother, she went to sit next to Ashton, leaving Julian the least bit dazed at the swift turn of subject. He was still trying to process everything, but the conversation wasn't over between them.

Not yet, at any rate.

"Where is Lista?" he said, turning to his sister.

Addington had already taken her seat next to Ashton as he poured her some wine. "She went to see to her mother and aunt," she said. "She'll be down directly."

That meant he had a little time to prepare. Turning away from Addington and Ashton as they engaged in conversation, Julian lost himself to thoughts of a courtship with Lista de la Mere.

Truthfully, he was more than delighted at the prospect. That beautiful, smart, and sweet woman was interested in him. In him . Sometimes, Addington was annoying, but there were instances when she used that annoying trait for good. She did the hard work he should have done but, in this case, she was right– it probably would have taken him days or weeks or even months to work up the courage. He'd worked up his courage twice before in his life and had been slapped back for his efforts, so that kind of bravery didn't come easily to him. Romantic intentions were the only conflicts he ran from.

But Addington had given him hope.

He'd never tell her that, though.

As Julian sat there and pondered his next move, Lista entered the great hall. The hall actually had two big entrances– one from the south, one from the north, and she entered from the southern side. The hall was full of de la Mere soldiers who had been drinking to Amaury since they'd entered, about one hundred of them filling up the room and filling up the chamber with their singing and praise for their dead captain.

It was a meal that had turned into a wake.

When they saw Lista, they cheered her loudly, as the daughter of their mistress, and she was polite as she made her way through the men who wanted to tell her how much they loved Amaury and how much they would miss them. As far as Julian knew, no one knew how the man had died, only that he had. It was probably best considering the cause of his death was their mistress' sister. They probably would not have reacted well to that.

Julian watched Lista as she approached the dais. She was clad in a dark green, simple garment, avoiding the things that the ladies usually wore these days– kirtles and surcoats and other complicated vestments. Lista's garment was one piece, or it seemed to be, for simplicity, but there was nothing simple the way it clung to her figure. She had a full figure of big breasts, a narrow waist, and flaring hips, something Julian found quite alluring. Very, very alluring. He was still looking at her hips when she finally reached the table.

"Good eve," she said. "I hope I did not keep you waiting too long."

Embarrassed that he'd been caught looking at her body, Julian looked her in the face and smiled. "Of course not," he said. "I've had Ash and Addie to keep me company, but I am thankful for your opportune arrival. Will your mother be joining us?"

The smile on Lista's lips wavered. "Nay," she said. "Travel does not agree with her, so she is… resting. I do not expect her to join us, though I have asked her to."

Julian could never fault the woman for being perfectly truthful, even when the truth was less than pleasant. As the soldiers at one of the tables pulled out a citole and began to sing a song of tribute to Amaury, Lista sat down next to Julian.

"They've been mourning your knight since I arrived," Julian said, pouring her a measure of wine himself. "It seems the man was well-liked."

Lista looked over the group in the hall, all seasoned soldiers who lived a rather easy life at a peaceful castle. "He was," she said. "I am sorry you did not come to know him a little. Amaury had been with Felkington since my father was a young man, so he was a legacy here. The place will not be the same without him."

Julian watched her face as she spoke, the grief she was trying to conceal. "I'm sorry," he said quietly. "Had that damnable rail been in place, his death might not have happened. I know Cole feels quite badly about it."

Lista shook her head. "It is not his fault," she said. "I told him that. It was not his fault. It was my aunt's fault for being such a… well, suffice it to say that it was not your brother's fault at all. I do not hold him responsible."

Julian knew she meant it, but he still felt guilty. "You are kind," he said. "But know how sorry we are for it."

Lista nodded, smiling timidly at him because it was a sensitive subject. "That is because you are men of honor," she said. "I appreciate that. But let us speak no more of Amaury. I want to talk about you."

"Me?"

Lista's smile turned real. "You speak very little about yourself," she said. "A little bird told me that you like books."

He fought off a smile as he averted his gaze as if embarrassed. "Was this bird named Addie?"

Lista laughed softly. "Are you angry?" she said. "Please do not be. I find it quite fascinating that a knight should like to read. I've heard that many can't or won't."

Julian shrugged. "It takes an intellect," he said. "Some knights are simply trained to fight and that is what they are focused on. They have scribes to write their missives for them, because they never took the time to learn. Fighting was more important. But do not think poorly of them."

"I don't," she said. "My father loved to read, too. He has an entire wall of shelves that contain books, some from places far to the east. They are quite rare."

That had Julian's interest. "Many books were brought back by the crusading armies who had gone to The Levant with King Richard," he said. "I have a few myself. I would like to see your father's books, if I am permitted."

"Of course," Lista said. "I will be happy to show you."

"Good."

The conversation died, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Julian's eyes glittered at her over the top of his wine cup and Lista smiled coyly, looking away. It was a sweet and flirtatious game. Julian took a drink of his wine and set the cup down.

"That same bird told me something, too," he said.

Lista looked at him curiously before realizing what he meant. "The same bird that told me about you and your books?"

"Aye."

"What did the bird say?"

"That you would be agreeable to letting me court you."

Lista's face immediately turned several shades of red and she leaned forward, elbows on the table as she covered her face with her hands.

"She didn't," she said, muffled.

Julian was enjoying her chagrin. "She did," he said. "Do not be angry."

"I am not angry."

"Then why are you covering your face?"

"Because I am ashamed she told you that I was agreeable."

"Why? You're not agreeable?"

Lista looked at him through splayed fingers. "A woman is not supposed to say that first," she said. "I am very sorry she told you. If you are not agreeable, we shall speak no more about it. I am content to remain your friend."

"But I'm not content to remain yours."

Her hands came away from her face and she suddenly looked quite serious. "I'm sorry," she said. "I've driven you away with my foolishness. I understand."

He lifted his eyebrows. "You do?" he said. "I am not sure that I understand what you just said because you certainly have not driven me away. Lista, I… I would like nothing better than to court you. If you really are agreeable."

Her serious expression faded into something of surprise and delight. "I am," she said. "Are you really agreeable?"

"I am, really."

"Even knowing… about my mother and my aunt?"

He smiled. Reaching out, he took one of her hands and lifted it to his lips for a gentle kiss. "That means nothing to me," he said. "I was agreeable within the first five minutes of knowing you, or didn't you realize that?"

Lista watched his lips as he kissed her hand again, shocked to the bone. But also thrilled beyond measure. "But I insulted you so," she said. "Julian, I was terrible to you!"

He laughed softly, still holding her hand. "I've had worse," he said. "You were strong and beautiful and you defended your mother and aunt. It was very admirable. In fact, had you not told that little bird that you were agreeable, I would have asked to court you myself at some point. After I'd worked up the courage. A woman like you is far too magnificent for a man like me."

Lista found herself holding his hand, that enormous warm appendage that was so strong, yet so tender. "You are mad," she said softly. "But… are you sure about this?"

He laughed softly. "I am sure," he said. "Are you sure?"

"Never more about anything in my life."

"That brings me joy like you cannot imagine."

"And me," she said, reaching out to take his other hand, which he clutched tightly. "But what of your mother? Will she approve?"

He nodded, now kissing both hands. "She likes you a great deal," he said. "She will be positively thrilled."

It was decided. Lista was so happy she thought she might literally burst. All she could manage to do was look at the man, the man who would one day be her husband, and shake her head in wonder.

"Oh… Julian," she breathed. "Is this real? Is this really happening?"

He grinned. "I am asking myself that same question," he said. "That a woman like you should be interested in a man like me… this kind of thing only happens in my dreams."

"And in mine."

"Then let us dream together."

Lista smiled broadly. Then, she nodded her head, so firmly and eagerly that she started to laugh. Julian joined her. Soon, they were both laughing and he kissed her fingers again, finally reaching out a big hand to gently cup her face. Her skin against his was like velvet against steel. It was all kinds of joy and excitement, delight that neither one of them could have ever imagined. They were so busy staring at each other that it took Addington twice before they finally looked at her.

"Julian?" she said. " Julian! "

Julian heard her, barely, and tore his gaze away from Lista. He was immediately frowning at her. "What?" he said, testy.

Addington laughed at her gruff brother. "Do you have something happy you wish to tell me?"

"Nay," Julian barked. But he softened when he saw Lista giggling. "At least, not until after I speak with the lady's mother. Until then, keep out of my business or I'll beat you with a wet rope."

Addington knew exactly what was going on and she was delighted. She started laughing, which made Lista laugh, which made Julian and finally Ashton laugh. They were all laughing but only Ashton had no idea why. Julian was still holding Lista's fingers with one hand while drinking with the other until the food began to come in great trenchers and he was forced to let her go so he could eat. He'd barely taken a bite of his boiled beef when a wet, panicked soldier entered the hall and headed straight for the dais.

"My lady," he said breathlessly, focused on Lista. "Scots climbing the walls. They're raiding, my lady."

The mood of the table vanished and Lista stood up, followed quickly by Julian and Ashton. "Where?" she demanded.

The soldier pointed in the general southerly direction. "Near the vineyard," he said. "They've killed two of the dogs. There must be a hundred or more of them, from what we can see. They came through the trees with torches against the rain."

Julian looked at Lista, who seemed to be holding herself admirably. When she caught his eye, she shook her head with great regret. "As I said, the Scots have raided us on occasion," she said. "But never in the midst of terrible weather and never with more than a few handfuls. Hundreds of men… that is concerning."

Julian could see, in those first few moments, that she wasn't sure what to do. Amaury had always taken charge of the defenses and she simply followed his lead, so his knightly training kicked in.

This is what he was born to do.

"I know you do not have a commander any longer," he said quietly but steadily. "Would you like me to take charge, Lista?"

She looked at him, the first real glimmer of fear in her eyes. "You are a guest. I cannot ask that of you."

Julian waved her off. He also took it as permission. He pointed to Ashton. "Get to the courtyard and make sure the entire thing is secure," he said. Then, he looked to Lista again. "Tell your men I have command. Hurry, sweetheart. There is no time to waste."

Lista looked at him in surprise. Not because of the request but because of what he had called her.

Sweetheart.

After a moment of shock, she swung into action.

"Sir Julian will be in command," she told the breathless soldier. Then, she climbed onto the table with Julian's help and shouted to the men in the hall. "We have Scots raiding the vineyard and gardens and God knows what else. Since Amaury is no longer with us, Sir Julian shall be in command. He is from Pelinom Castle, a de Velt. You know the name. You know that the de Velts are great battle lords, so you will respect his judgment and obey his command!"

The entire room of soldiers were on their feet, now looking at Julian as Ashton rushed from the hall. Julian didn't delay; he began shouting orders to the room.

"Do all of you have battle posts?" Heads were bobbing an affirmative so he continued. "Get to your posts, then. Who is the senior sergeant? I need a senior man!"

Julian could bellow orders loud enough for the Scots to hear him. Even Lista was startled by the volume of his voice but, in the same breath, she'd never heard anything so steady and commanding and comforting in her entire life. Surely nothing terrible could happen with Julian in command. As she climbed off the table, Julian was already huddling with three older soldiers in the middle of the hall, men she had known her entire life, and those three men had the room moving as Julian filtered out with them.

In little time, the entire hall was cleared and around Felkington, a horn could be heard. The battle horn. Lista hadn't heard it in a very long time.

"What do we do?" Addington asked.

Lista turned to her friend, reaching out to clutch the woman's hands. "We make sure the stairwells are secure," she said. "We make sure that all of the doors with stairs leading into the courtyard are secure and then we start preparing for wounded, if any. Will you help me?"

Addington nodded firmly. "Of course I will," she said. "I am a de Velt, too, and this is not my first battle."

She smiled and Lista smiled in return. "Then you are a seasoned veteran," she said. "Come along– we must hurry."

Gathering their skirts, the women flew out of the hall to prepare the stairwells while the soldiers were moving frantically below. They presumed it was just another raid until lightning lit up the sky and hundreds of Scots could be seen on the approach to Felkington.

It was starting to look more like a siege.

The night would be a long one.