Page 62 of Secrets of Capell Manor
No time to wallow in self-pity. Staying busy will keep me sane.
For three days, she rose with the sun each morning and walked the manor’s grounds, making notes on all that needed to be done to the stables, the animal pens, and the manor house itself.
“Alden,” she said the morning of the second day after Devlin had left, “I want the estate to produce a quick profit. I may not have enough time, but I want funds for the children if I have to leave. I will not leave them empty-handed.”
Before she’d left, Mr. Kelley surprised her with a small bag of gold coins. “This is for you, Lady Rosalind,” he’d said. “A token from the king to replace a bit of what you’ve lost over the years.”
Her hands shook when she opened the bag and gold coins glimmered from the bottom of the velvet reticule. She’d already hidden the coins away.
My family will not be left penniless.
Alden, always cheerful, stayed by her side and lifted her spirits with his stories and jests. He had recruited men from the village to start the repairs and even posted a couple in the guard towers at night. He’d visited the village and announcedthat there were lands to rent and jobs to be had in the spring to prepare the fields for planting oats and wheat.
“You’ve done well, Rosalind,” Alden remarked one evening as they sat in the great hall, watching the fire crackle in the hearth. “The manor is coming alive again.”
“Thank you, Alden. The manor looks better than it ever has.” She thought of the tapestry Marta had completed and now hung over the mantle, and the rugs, now clean and repaired, warmed the floors.
“I wish Devlin…”
Alden placed a hand on her shoulder. “Devlin is a man of honor. I’ve never known him to go back on his word. If he said he would return, he will. But the king can be unpredictable. It could take some time.”
“I know,” she whispered, staring into the flames. “It’s just… I feel as though it’s been forever when it’s only been a week! I am pathetic, aren’t I?” She ended her sentence with a half-hearted laugh.
“You most certainly are not,” Alden replied emphatically. “You are in love, my dear. That is all.”
****
Nearly a month passed, and Rosalind remained outwardly strong, keeping the children close and attending to the estate’s demands. However, each night, she climbed into her bed and concentrated on thoughts of Devlin. Her fervent wish each night was to receive him in her dreams.
Some nights, he came to her in the hazy, ethereal dream world; his presence vivid, almost tangible, as though he’d merely stepped away for a moment and returned to her side. The dreams were both a blessing and a curse. She could almost feel his warmth, feel his intense stare, and sometimes reach out to touch him. She would awaken with a quickly fading memory that left her wanting more.
“The quick sale of the swine litter provided a tidy profit. I’ll have enough to buy Ridley his first brood mare in no time at all, I think,” Rosalind said proudly as she pored over the manor’s ledger with Alden early one morning.
Alden smiled back at Rosalind’s tired face. “That’s good to hear. And we’ll have several sheep birthing soon. We can sell them when they are weaned to provide more funds long before the fall harvest.”
Their conversation halted as the door opened and slammed against the wall.
“Milady, a messenger has arrived from the king. Mr. Kelley is on his way to see you!” Ridley exclaimed, nearly out of breath.
Rosalind’s heart beat so hard she thought it would lurch out of her chest. Finally, after so much waiting, the king’s decision would be revealed. Would she be married off to some lord in need of a rich heiress? Would she be allowed to remain here or return to her father’s estate? What would happen to the children? She couldn’t say what fate awaited her, but one thing she was certain of—her future would be decided today.
Alden met her gaze. “Do you want me to meet with him first?”
“No,” Rosalind replied, standing tall. “I will see him myself.”
Her hands trembled slightly as she smoothed her gown and took a deep, steadying breath. Her entire life, her future had been controlled by others, but she was ready to face whatever came.
When Mr. Kelley finally arrived, she stood waiting in the great hall, her heart pounding in her ears. As the door opened, Mr. Kelley strode in with his usual briskness, but she saw his slight smile. Marta and Benton joined them.
Then time stopped, and Rosalind couldn’t breathe. She blinked twice, not believing her own eyes. Mr. Kelley was not alone.
Devlin stood weary before her, wearing his usual black attire and ebony hair hanging just to his sagging shoulders. His shadowed eyes were focused squarely on her.
“Devlin…” Her heart raced.
Before she could move or speak again, Mr. Kelley stepped forward, his tone formal yet tinged with excitement.
“Lady Rosalind,” he began, “His Majesty has made his decision. I am sure you are quite anxious to hear his ruling on this matter, and I am not one to make you wait. Shall we speak here?”
