Page 66 of Paying the Viking's Price

She shook her head far too quickly. ‘Nothing, nothing at all. Everything is absolutely fine. She simply wasn’t at the feast. I’ve never known Edith to miss something like that. Even when she had a raging fever last Michaelmas, she insisted on being there.’

‘But if anything should change and she should become unhappy, you would tell me if I asked?’

She fingered her neckline. ‘I’m not sure I understand. Edith is more than capable of making her feelings known.’

‘I believe you do. I am interested in everything that happens on my land. I want everyone to feel that they can confide in me.’

‘If something goes amiss, I’m sure Edith will shout it from the rooftops.’ She gave her first genuine smile. ‘She says that you like to argue and don’t mind if you lose. If so, then you are well matched. Her late husband hated losing.’

‘I always win, in the end...most times.’ Brand pursed his lips. If Edith was prepared to rise early to make something happen for Godwin, he should be prepared to meet her halfway and show her that their quarrel had no good purpose. It was foolish to look beyond tomorrow.

When Edith returned, he’d clearly demonstrate the benefits of being his mistress and give her a reason to confide in him. All he knew was that he wanted her by his side. He wanted to hear her counsel.

* * *

The entire household was awake by the time Edith returned. The cup clanked against her side. Despite her urging, Athelstan had refused to take it. He had agreed to consider leaving with his family once his wounds had healed. A small concession, but an important one.

Edith’s shoulders relaxed slightly when the doors of the hall came into view. The weather-beaten lintels always cheered her, but here and there she could already notice the changes Brand and his men had wrought. This was her home, but no longer hers entirely any more.

‘There you are, Edith.’ Brand strode out from one of the storage houses. His golden-brown hair gleamed in the sunlight and his shoulders appeared far too big for his tunic. Was he truly the cold-blooded murderer Athelstan claimed? ‘I’ve been searching for you.’

Edith froze. Brand was the last person she wanted to encounter, particularly after her conversation with Athelstan and while she carried the cup. She wanted to get it back to its hiding place in the bedroom. It should be safe there until she could convince Athelstan or Mary to take it.

‘What did you need from me?’ she asked cautiously. She forced her hands to stay at her side and not clutch the cup.

‘There is something I want to show you.’ He smiled as if the quarrel had never happened.

‘I’ve been to see Godwin’s mother. I believe she would rather come to see you. The prospect of her lord visiting her house sent her into a fair state. She feels it is far from adequate.’

Brand’s lips curved upwards. ‘I can imagine. I’ve no wish to cause difficulties. She may attend me here.’

‘She is aware of the great honour that you are about to do to Godwin.’

‘It will be good for everyone to see that all have a chance of favour. I promote on merit, rather than old allegiance.’ He inclined his head. ‘Your cousin told me where you had gone.’

‘Hilda did?’ Her voice went up an octave and the sweat pooled at the back of her neck. The pleasant spring day suddenly seemed icy cold. ‘She told you why I had gone there?’

‘Did you want it to be a surprise?’ He came over to her and gathered her in his arms. ‘You can be foolish. I’m grateful you wanted to inform Godwin’s mother of my offer, but I wanted to speak to you. Halfdan’s messenger gave me all the gossip in Jorvik. I thought you would have been interested to hear it.’

She breathed in deeply; his masculine scent was at once comforting and exciting. She’d missed his arms last night, more than she had wanted to admit. She wanted to lean her head against his chest and draw from his strength, but that was impossible.

‘It is behind us,’ she said instead. ‘We both understand the situation now.’

He rested his chin on her head. ‘It is amazing how the early morning air can clarify your mind. You must know, Edith, I will never hurt you intentionally. I, better than most, know the pitfalls. There are things in my life that have been constant for many years. They will remain so.’

‘We won’t speak of it again. We have a bargain, you and I, and I shall keep it.’

‘What do you want to speak of?’

She swallowed hard and knew she had to ask. She leant back against his arms and regarded his scarred face. ‘Were you there when the rebellion ended?’

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