Page 401 of Historical Hotties
“Who else?”
Worthington pointed at Aramis. “My father knows,” he said. “But that is all. Uncle Braxton told no one else.”
Bastian let go of his cousin, suddenly feeling edgy and unhappy and apprehensive. The heart of the Maid, that tiny, blackened thing that was upstairs in his saddlebag was now in his thoughts more than ever. He knew without a doubt that he could not wait any longer to take it to Winchester. He had to get the thing away from him, bury it in the floor of thechurch. Outside of consecrated ground, it was a curse of some sort, driving him to his doom. Perhaps the same doom that had followed the Maid, that had carried her to the fire of death, was somehow grabbing at him as well. But buried within the footprint of the church, it would be where it belonged and it could no longer harm anyone. The doom would be ended and all would be forgiven.
He had to get rid of it.
Leaving his cousins, he went over to Gloucester as the man held an animated conversation with Aramis. Gloucester was describing a particularly nice ship he had sailed on once when he caught a glimpse of Bastian. His description came to a halt.
“Bas,” he greeted, although he still hadn’t forgiven him for his earlier comments about the origins of the white stallion. “I was mentioning to Aramis that I would like to have another mass said for Braxton, one that all of the nobility can attend. His burial today was so swift that not even your sister was able to attend it. I should like to do something more elaborate for him.”
Bastian looked at Aramis, who shrugged. “I like the idea,” he said. “My brother was well-liked, Bas. It would be nice to allow people to pay their respects.”
Bastian wasn’t entirely against it. “I am sure my sisters would appreciate it,” he said. “But, if you do not mind, I would like to get out of London for a few days and try to relax. So much had happened in the past week that I was thinking of taking my wife and traveling to Etonbury for a few days. I could see my property and clear my mind a bit before returning to London to resume my duties. In fact, I would like to take Henry with me. I think it would be good for him travel and see new things. My father was keen on the idea of accompanying us to Etonbury but, alas, that will not happen. I would like to take Henry anyway and complete the journey that my father and I had planned.”
Gloucester’s expression was full of doubt. “I would not deny you an opportunity to rest following the tragic death of your father, Bas, but taking Henry with you is an enormous undertaking,” he said. “Mayhap it would be best to return him to London. There are people to watch over him while you take a few days and enjoy your new wife.”
Bastian shook his head. “Henry and my father were developing quite a relationship,” he said, trying not to sound too bullying. “I fear that Henry is traumatized by his death. Gisella and I will take him with us on our trip. We will only be gone a few days but I believe it will do him good.”
Gloucester sighed heavily, glancing at Aramis to see what the man might be thinking. The entire family was traumatized by Braxton’s death. Gloucester could see that. He wasn’t so sure that it was a good idea for the young king to travel with a knight who was grieving the loss of his father. He was fearful that Henry would not be given the attention and protection he deserved if Bastian was too distracted with his own sorrows. After a moment of deliberation, he finally shook his head.
“Nay, Bas, I cannot allow it,” he said. “Henry will return with me to London. We will see you upon your return.”
It was a final decision and Bastian didn’t counter. Any more reasoning and it would sound as if he were begging. So he let it go, wondering how Henry was going to take the news. Going to Winchester had been very important to him. Bastian knew how disappointed the lad would be. Excusing himself from Gloucester, he made his way over to Henry.
The young king was still sitting next to the hearth, sipping on the last of his warmed milk when Bastian approached him.
“Come with me, Your Grace,” he said softly.
Henry immediately set his warmed milk aside and ran after Bastian as the man cleared the room. The two of them endedup in the reception room as Bastian headed for his wife. Seeing Bastian and the king coming, Gisella stood up to greet them.
“Your Grace,” she greeted Henry.
Henry truly liked Gisella. He immediately took her hand as Bastian’s gaze moved over his wife, the king, and finally to the ladies seated in their comfortable chairs, who were now standing because Gisella was. They had met the king earlier.
“Ladies,” Bastian addressed his aunts and sister. “I fear it has been a very long and tiring day for us all so I will excuse my wife and me for the night. Elizabetta, I will call on you in the future so that we may spend some time together. Mayhap I shall bring Henry so that he and Aderyn can socialize.”
He mentioned that because his niece had already sidled up to Henry, eyeing the boy and also eyeing Gisella as Henry held the woman’s hand. It was clear that she was very interested in him while Henry mostly frowned when he looked at her. Aderyn was not deterred as she laid her head against Henry’s arm, gazing up at him rather sweetly. Terrified, Henry looked at Bastian for help.
“Sir Bastian…?”
Elizabetta was the one to pull her daughter away as Bastian grinned, finding humor in the young king’s terror.
“She admires you a great deal, Your Grace,” Elizabetta said. “She is very friendly and very bright. She loves to play games if you should ever like to do so.”
Henry wasn’t sure about playing games with a young girl. He had rather liked playing games with an old man who had let him win. Unsure how to respond, he simply turned to Bastian, gazing up at the man and expecting him to answer for him. But Bastian’s gaze was steady and encouraging.
“You should thank my sister for her gracious offer, Your Grace,” he said.
Henry turned back towards Elizabetta, although he was still frowning. “I… I only like to play games with Sir Braxton,” he said. “And Lady Sparrow, too. I do not like to play baby games.”
It wasn’t a gracious statement at all and Bastian cleared his throat softly, narrowing his eyes with disapproval as the young king turned to look at him.
“I am afraid our king is quite exhausted after a busy day,” he said by way of an apology. “In fact, we will all retire for the night. Good sleep to you all.”
Elizabetta hugged her brother tightly, as did Lady Beatrice. Elizabetta even hugged Gisella.
“I do hope we get to know one another better,” Elizabetta said. “I am looking forward to having another sister.”
