Tavia watched from the shadows, having stepped away from the table, worried her tongue would be too quick to defend Flora and make the situation worse. She had not been able to keep her eyes off Lord Cree and Lady Dawn. They huddled close, shared whispers, and loving glances. She wished for such a love, but she had learned through the years that wishes seldom came true.
Torin stood suddenly and stretched his hand out to Flora. “It is time we talk privately.”
Flora was annoyed with his harsh command. Who did he think he was ordering her about like that? Her future husband. Her thought did not bode well of their coming nuptials. How could she ever adapt to a husband who dictated to her when she was accustomed to doing as she pleased?
She took his hand, not wishing to cause a scene, at least not yet, and said softly after getting to her feet, “I will have a private word with Lady Dawn before we go.”
Torin nodded as if giving her permission and it annoyed her all the more, though she was glad he remained where he was to wait for her.
“A private word, my lady, if you please?” she asked of Dawn on her approach.
Cree stood when his wife nodded. “Congratulations, Flora, I wish you and Lord Torin much luck.”
“He’s going to need it,” Flora murmured for her ears alone but realized Lord Cree’s hearing was exceptional when he chuckled.
Cree joined Newlin and Lord Torin to congratulate the man.
Tavia hurried from where she had stood to the side listening to join Flora and Lady Dawn.
Flora remained standing in front of Dawn, keeping her back to the men and her voice to a whisper. “My apologizes for asking this of you, my lady, but could you possibly visit with Auda and get what Fia suggested would help my throat?”
“I can do that,” Tavia offered.
“I am grateful, truly I am,” Flora said, “but I believe your da and Lord Torin would suspect what you do. However, they would never suspect that I would ask Lady Dawn to run an errand for me.”
Dawn tapped the side of her head, smiled, and nodded.
“You think it wise of me and will gladly do it?” Flora asked.
Dawn nodded again, admiring Flora’s intelligence and how she commanded a situation without anyone knowing it.
“I truly appreciate it, Lady Dawn,” Flora said.
Dawn turned to Tavia, pointed to Flora, then toward the door, then at Tavia, then to herself, and walked her fingers in front of her.
Tavia smiled understanding Dawn’s gestures. “After Flora leaves with Lord Torin, you and I will go for a walk. You will suggest it?”
Dawn nodded, pleased the young woman understood her.
“Thank you both. I will miss your wonderful companionship,” Flora said and Tavia felt tears sting her eyes.
Dawn felt for both women who had begun to form a good friendship only to see it abruptly interrupted. It made her appreciate more the women friends she had back home.
“I am sure we will see each other again,” Tavia said, offering some hope.
“No doubt we will,” Flora agreed, “but it is not the same as sharing the day together.” She looked to Dawn. “You must have many women friends at home and will be glad to see them again.”
Dawn nodded and smiled, Lila and Old Mary coming to mind immediately.
“We go now, Flora,” Torin said with a hint of impatience in his command.
Flora rolled her eyes and shook her head but turned with a smile on her face. “As you say, Lord Torin.”
He smiled, pleased with her response and offered his arm to her after she slipped on the cloak a servant brought to her.
“It will not be long before your husband arrives, Tavia,” her da called out. “Make sure you are ready for him. And once again, you are forbidden to go down in the dungeon.”
He left the room, giving her no chance to respond. But what was there for her to say. She had a duty to her clan, and she had given her da her word. Her heart ached that she had exchanged angry words with him. They never fought, but then she had always obeyed him. Could the prisoner have cast a spell over her? Could her da be right? Could the woman be a demon?
Her attention was drawn back to Lady Dawn gesturing to Lord Cree.
“Could this walk you and Tavia take by any chance pass by the healer’s cottage,” he asked.
Tavia braced for a reprimand and a command for them both not to go.
“I thought that’s what Flora wanted to discuss with you,” Cree said to Tavia’s surprise. “I do not have to warn you to be discreet. Newlin has enough on his hands to handle without having to deal with deception from his family.”
Dawn saw the guilt spring up in Tavia’s eyes and she gestured that she would go see the healer alone.