Chapter Seventeen
“And he just said I could go? He didn’t ask any more questions?” Rosalind asked, still not believing the ordeal she’d been anguishing over for the past weeks was finally over.
“That’s exactly what he said. And Mr. Kelley will be back in Capell Manor in the upcoming weeks with details on how funds from your father’s estate and Capell Manor will be distributed.”
Rosalind rode in silence, still stunned.
When she recovered from her faint, her first feeling had been intense fear.
She had been afraid to open her eyes, fearing she’d be locked in a cell, but that hadn’t happened.
When her door opened, Devlin voiced the sweetest words ever spoken, that he was taking her home.
She’d nearly fainted again, but from relief this time.
“Does the king intend to investigate my uncle’s involvement with the Parliamentarians? Where did Benton get the ruby, and what did it mean? And does he plan to marry me off to some old lord who has outlived his last wife?”
Devlin smiled. “Slow down, Lady Rosalind, so that I can answer some of your questions. Yes, the king has tasked several of his closest advisors and a few hired men to investigate the matter of Edmond’s alleged deceit.
He will get his answers. And as for marrying you off to anyone, let alone an old man, he did not say.
He only mentioned that he needed someone loyal to the throne living in Capell Manor to watch over those who he deems suspicious on the border. ”
“And the ruby? What did it mean?”
“Honestly, the king did not explain, and I didn’t want to waste any time getting you out of there.”
Rosalind nodded. She was thankful Devlin wanted to leave immediately. “I suppose we will have to ask Benton, then.”
Rosalind was quiet. At the pace they traveled, they would reach home well before dawn, and she was conflicted.
She wanted to be back at the manor with the children, Marta and Benton, but she also knew that Devlin would be leaving soon after he delivered her safely home.
Dread settled over her, thick and heavy, and her breath hitched.
Devlin and Rosalind rode in silence as the sky darkened overhead, thick clouds blotting out what little light the moon provided. They were nearing the village of Aysgarth, and Rosalind’s heart grew heavier with each passing moment.
“Let’s stop for the night.”
Devlin pointed to a small inn ahead. The sign creaked in the wind, reading The Sleeping Lamb, an old, weathered emblem that had stood the test of time.
Rosalind nodded, feeling sad but also tired.
Inside, the inn was warm and inviting. Flames flickered and danced in the hearth, casting shadows on the stone walls, and the smell of roasted meat filled the air.
Devlin spoke briefly with the innkeeper, and the man behind the counter shook his head repeatedly.
Devlin finally nodded in agreement with the man and offered her a small smile as he returned to her.
“Only one room was available,” Devlin said quietly, glancing at Rosalind.
She saw the softness in his eyes, but it only deepened the ache in her chest. Rosalind no longer cared about propriety. Spending every last minute she had with him was all that mattered.
When they entered their small chamber, Rosalind walked to the window and stared out into the dark. She couldn’t bear to look at Devlin, knowing what the morning would bring.
“When we return… you’ll leave again. Won’t you?”
Devlin was silent for a moment. She turned to face him, her heart pounding in her chest.
“I have to,” he said softly, but she heard reluctance in his voice. “The king requires I report back to him. He’ll have a list of men he wants brought to justice, Rosalind. I wish…”
“And what of me? What if I never see you again?” The words escaped her before she could stop them.
She hated that she sounded weak, and she quickly turned away.
Even though she knew he would eventually leave Capell Manor, she had pushed her feelings of dread to the furthest recesses of her mind.
However, now she had no choice but to face the reality of him leaving.
Devlin crossed the room and gently touched her arm, turning her to face him. “I’ll come back to you. I swear it.”
She searched his face, her pulse quickening at the closeness.
Before she could think, she leaned forward, closing the distance between them.
Their lips met in a soft kiss, and Rosalind wished for time to stand still.
She never wanted to let him go. He raised his hands and framed her face gently as they lingered for a moment more.
When they finally pulled apart, their foreheads rested against each other.
Devlin whispered, “I would never leave you willingly, you have to know that. The king has ordered me to come back. I cannot disobey him.”
Rosalind believed him.
Devlin broke away from their embrace and secured the door. Rosalind fell onto the bed and closed her eyes as he blew out the two meager candles provided to them. She fell asleep in his arms, savoring the warmth of his touch, and for that moment, it was enough.
****
The pale light of dawn crept through the cracks in the shutters, a most unwelcome intruder. Rosalind knew she was alone. Devlin was already up, preparing the horses. She swallowed the lump in her throat, reminding herself that she had to be strong.
Their long ride to Capell Manor flew by in what seemed like only minutes. Upon their arrival, Ridley dashed frantically into the manor house. His voice echoed through the open door as he ran, breathless but excited, “They’re back! They’re back!”
Luella and Kaylyn appeared first, barreling down the hall and through the front door, their faces alight with joy.
Still holding a dish towel, Marta rushed behind them, her eyes wide with relief.
Benton emerged from the kitchens, bent and shuffling across the floor faster than usual.
A wide smile spread across his wrinkled face.
Rosalind barely had time to dismount before Luella threw her arms around her legs, squeezing tightly. “I knew you’d come back, Mama Rosalind!” she cried, her voice muffled against Rosalind’s cloak.
Ridley brushed a stray tear from his cheek and grinned widely. Kaylyn wasn’t far behind, though her expression was more reserved. She hugged Rosalind.
“We behaved just like you said,” she informed her, her chin raised proudly. “Alden told us more stories too.”
Rosalind laughed, though the weight of the past days hadn’t yet left her. She stroked their hair, whispering, “Thank you, all of you. You’ve done well.”
Devlin dismounted beside her, greeting Benton and Marta with nods. “All was well during our absence?”
“Indeed, Sir Devlin,” Benton replied, his gaze lingering on Rosalind.
“Though I dare say the children missed their lady more than they let on.” He gave Rosalind a knowing look before he turned back toward the house.
Alden appeared from around the corner and took in the happy scene. “I believe we did quite well keeping the manor going in your absence, right children?” he asked with a grin. “And only one small calamity for the duration.”
“Mr. Alden!” Luella yelled, “We all made a promise not to tell. A pact, you called it!”
Alden dramatically threw his hand over his mouth. “I wasn’t speaking of that calamity, little mistress. Now it is you who have revealed our secret!” He laughed. “Now, let us all go in and hear what Lady Rosalind has to report.”
As they all moved inside, Marta ushered them toward the fire. “Sit, both of you,” she commanded, her usual sternness softened by her relief. “You’ve been through a strenuous time for sure, milady. I’ll have something warm brought right out.”
Rosalind was near weeping. The weight of the journey and the strain of the king’s court had left her needing the warmth and comfort that only home and Marta’s cooking could provide.
The children chattered happily around Rosalind, their stories and laughter filling the room.
Although she’d been gone barely three days, the children had kept Benton, Marta, and Alden very busy.
Once everyone was together around the great hearth, the room fell quiet, and everyone looked toward Devlin and Rosalind in anticipation.
Finally, Devlin announced, “The king has ruled that Lady Rosalind is innocent in the disappearance and death of Lord Edmond and also cleared her from any suspicion of, and any collusion with the Parliamentarians.”
Marta gasped happily, and Benton let out a reserved but heartfelt hurrah.
Both servants rushed over to hug Rosalind.
Luella and Kaylyn, who didn’t understand the importance of the announcement, still cheered along but then moved to the corner of the room and picked up their dolls.
Rosalind was glad they didn’t ask questions.
Alden, Devlin, and Benton sat around the table, where Rosalind joined them. Ridley pulled a chair up to sit close to her.
“Let me fetch the food and drink. Don’t begin your tale without me!” Marta rushed to the kitchen.
The fire crackled softly in the hearth, and the girls chatted quietly with their dolls in the corner. Rosalind’s body let loose a slight shiver as negative thoughts intruded into her contentment. When Marta returned, Rosalind knew it was time to give a full account of what had happened at Windsor.
With a sigh, she said, “I know you are curious about my meeting with the king, and I have to tell you about something that was miraculous.”
Marta sat and waited for her to continue. Kaylyn and Luella looked up from their dolls, and took a seat on the floor by her feet. Devlin leaned back in his chair; his arms crossed but his attention fully on Rosalind. Benton sat quietly; his weathered face unreadable.