Page 53 of Secrets of Capell Manor
“Marta, I’ve been summoned. Sir Devlin says we must leave now.”
Marta grabbed her hand and led her inside, “I will pack some food to take with you. You go upstairs. You are already wearing the best dress you have, and that will have to do for your audience with the king.”
Rosalind stood frozen. The implications of what was happening finally hit her.
The king. Questions. Judgment.
Rosalind’s world spun, and she swayed on her feet. Devlin rushed to her side, and he took both of her hands in his.
“Rosalind,” he said softly.
She would not meet his gaze.
“Rosalind. Look at me,” this time, he commanded gently but firmly.
She looked into his dark eyes.
“I will be with you the entire time. I will not leave you. You can do this. I promise you, I will do everything I can to ensure you are treated fairly.”
And again, his presence calmed her. She held onto him desperately, and soon, her breathing calmed. She looked past him at Marta, nodded, then left the entry to go upstairs and collect her belongings.
****
Benton watched the last of the Capell line disappear around the corner. He turned to Devlin and said solemnly, “I have served this house for many decades, Sir Devlin. I took care of Lord Edmond and his father before him and as a child I helped my father serve the Capells before them. Edmond was not who he should have been or could have been. But there is one thing that I am certain of.” He paused for a moment.
Devlin had never heard him speak so many words.
“Lady Rosalind is the finest, most loyal, and strong Capell ever to grace these halls.”
Devlin nodded, but Benton was not finished.
“You will do all in your power to bring her back safely, no matter what, I know that. But if you find the king’s judgment not going her way, I want you to give him this.” Benton reached into his pocket, and gave him an object.
It was a ruby the size of a penny.
Devlin first wondered where Benton got such a valuable jewel, but he decided he wouldn’t ask. Benton was full of surprises. Instead he said, “This gem is impressive, Benton, and worth more than I will ever have, but it wouldn’t be enough to bribe the king.”
Benton chuckled. “Oh, it’s not a bribe, Sir Devlin. The king will know what it is. You give him that and tell him what I said about Lady Rosalind.”
Benton then gave him a slight nod and left. Devlin held the precious jewel, wondering what secrets Benton held in his ancient mind.
Rosalind rushed down the stairs carrying a satchel, and Kaylyn and Luella trailed behind her. Marta and Ridley emerged from the kitchen with a sack and a full water skin. Devlin took both.
Rosalind showed no anxiety in front of the children. She bent down and kissed each girl on their foreheads. Ridley, too old and ‘manly’ for kisses, accepted a warm hug from his lady.
“Now, children, I will be back the day after tomorrow, most likely. You are to be on your best behavior.” Then she stopped. “No, not your best behavior. I expect you to surpass your normal standards and expectations for yourselves and be even better.”
Devlin chuckled to himself.
“You help Marta and Benton and do whatever they ask. And Mr. Alden is staying behind. I’ll be informing him that I expect a full report when I return. Do you all understand?”
The children nodded, solemn. Rosalind gave Marta a quick hug, then she and Devlin exited the manor. Alden met them outside, their horses saddled and ready.
Devlin gave Rosalind a leg up onto her mare, and he strapped her satchel to the saddle. He secured the food and water skin to his own saddle and mounted effortlessly.
Alden looked to the sky. The sun no longer hung overhead. “If you ride swiftly, you’ll arrive at the castle by midnight.”
The weather was cold but clear, and travel by moonlight would have to suffice.
