Lespada (12 page)

“If that is your wish, my lord,” she replied.

“It is. And it is also my wish to have you call me Davyss, please. It seems terribly formal to address your husband as ‘my lord’.”

Stunned, she blinked at him. “V-very well, my… I mean, Davyss.”

He smiled at her. “That was not too hard, was it?”

A bit overwhelmed by the entire situation, she simply shook her head.  Davyss took her elbow chivalrously and began to lead her towards the structure. He couldn’t help notice that she was having difficulty looking him in the eye but he wasn’t surprised; they had parted with indifference and hostility. He was, frankly, surprised she hadn’t ordered him away when he had appeared with the pig like some sort of offering to an angry god.  Pleased that his gift of pork had produced the desired effect, he was determined to continue the momentum.  Perhaps if he could bombard her with his overwhelming and suave personality, she would forget her anger. But deep down, he knew she wasn’t that shallow, yet it was the best plan he had at the moment.

“I hope you have been well since we last spoke,” he said pleasantly.

Devereux nodded. “I have,” she replied. “And… you?”

There was some hesitation to that question, as if it had been forced to ask it out of courtesy, and he fought off a smile. “Well enough,” he said, eyeing her lowered head.  “You are more beautiful than I had remembered.”

It sounded like a contrived compliment that was uttered far too smoothly. Devereux sensed he was attempting to soften her somehow with sweet words and irritation began to bloom, with perhaps some disgust mixed in. They entered the structure at that moment and she extended her arm, indicating the warm, musty and crowded great room beyond.

“This is our main hall,” she told him, sounding rather clipped. “We can house up to three hundred people in here but today, we only have around two hundred. But that will change.”

Davyss noted the tone and was puzzled; what he had done already to provoke her irritation? For lack of a better response, he simply observed the dim hall with the straw floor and rough-hewn benches. There was no comfort to it whatsoever but in spite of that, the place was warm and smelled of hay and porridge. The combination was oddly soothing.

“Why will it change?” he asked curiously.

She looked at him. “Because the winter and spring were very difficult and cold. Most peasants in the area have run through their food stores.”

Lollardly, having followed Davyss into the building along with the rest of the knights, entered the conversation.

“Your charity work is well known, my lady, “he said with approval. “God will reward you well for your work.”

Devereux turned to the scruffy, smelly priest. “I would rather that God reward these people. They need it much more than I do.”

Lollardly gazed steadily at her, still seeing the defiance but now seeing something more. There was something wise and settled about the woman. He had known of Devereux Allington’s charity from the onset, but seeing it the flesh was a sight to behold. He wondered if it was having any impact on Davyss, the man who usually thought only of himself.  Lollardly could see for himself how completely different Davyss and Devereux’s worlds were. No wonder she had fought this marriage like a banshee.

“God rewards the meek, my lady,” he replied, a bit more subdued. “Have no doubt he shall take care of these people.”

Devereux wasn’t sure what more to say so she said nothing. Davyss, however, continued to look around the room, littered with the old as well as the very young.  He’d never seen a place like this, a place for charity where even the smallest bit of food was a matter between life and death. His version of life and death involved sword and battle, not food and shelter.  But this was humanity as he was unused to seeing.  It was simple, desolate and powerful. Without realizing it, he began to walk through the masses.

He passed by families with young children huddled around bowls of steaming porridge. They had the look of hungry animals. He passed by old couples who were sharing food between them. He watched as an old man fed an old woman who couldn’t seem to muster the strength to do it herself.   The old man was very sweet with the woman, petting her cheek as if to remind her to swallow.  As he watched the pair, Devereux sudden sat on the bench next to the woman and reached out to take the porridge from the old man.

“Thelred, I shall feed her,” she told him gently. “You have not yet eaten. Go and get your meal and I shall take care of your wife.”

He shook his head. “Thank ye, m’lady, but I will tend the wife meself. We’ve spent a lot o’years together. She needs me.”

Devereux smiled faintly at the joy the old man exhibited; he seemed very happy in his life, something she admired a great deal. The man had absolutely nothing but as long as he had a roof over his head and food for his wife, he was content.

 “Are you sure?” she pressed gently.

The old man nodded firmly. “We’ll be just fine, thanks to ye.”

Devereux patted his leathered hand. “As you say,” she said softly. “I respect your devotion, Thelred. Your wife is a very fortunate woman.”

The old woman suddenly vomited, spilling out porridge all over herself, her husband and some on Devereux. Devereux did nothing more than show concern to the woman; she called quickly for rags and between her and the old man, managed to clean the old woman up adequately.  Devereux even helped Thelred direct the old woman to a pallet where they carefully laid her down to rest.  The entire time, other than wipe her hands clean, Devereux never once lamented the fact that she had vomit on her clothes. She was simply concerned with the health and welfare of the old woman.

Davyss watched the entire event. In that moment, that space of time, he sprouted a healthy respect for his wife. He’d never seen anyone so selfless or kind and his initial treatment of her began to gnaw at him like nothing he had ever experienced. He had indeed been cruel and callous to this glorious creature, someone so gentle that she treated the poor as if they were God’s greatest creatures.

Given his background and noble status, he should have found her behavior repulsive but he did not; there was something holy and compassionate about it. As Devereux returned to him, only now beginning to clean the vomit off her sleeve, he watched her through new eyes.

“Is there something more I can do?” he asked, nodding his head in the direction of the old couple. “That woman is ill.”

Devereux glanced at the pair as the old man began stroking his wife’s hair. “She is old and sick,” she said softly. “I am afraid there is nothing anyone can do, although I thank you for your offer.”

Davyss wasn’t sure what more to say; he suddenly felt uncomfortable, as if he didn’t belong at this place.  He only brought death and destruction. This place brought hope.  He gazed down at his wife, so lovely he could hardly believe it. But she had something more than beauty, something his mother had seen. He was beginning to see it, too. He took a moment to summon his courage and swallow his considerable pride.

“I must be honest with you, my lady,” he finally said. “I am not entirely sure why I came here today, only that in the month we have been apart, I have thought of little else but you. Our marriage got off to a very bad start and for that, I am sorry.  I will accept the blame but in that blame, I find that I must also accept responsibility for rectifying the situation. I am hoping you will allow me.”

She looked up at him, her suspicions on his appearance confirmed; the pig had indeed been a peace offering. She was oddly touched by the gesture and by the fact the man wanted to make amends for his boorish behavior. In fact, she could hardly believe he had voiced an apology. If he had put aside his conceit to show her some honesty, then perhaps she should as well. She reasoned that she at least owed him that chance if he was willing to try. She realized, as she gazed into his handsome face, that she was willing to try as well.

“Our rough beginning was not entirely your fault,” she admitted, although it was difficult. “I did not make it easy.”

He smiled, a genuine gesture. “I am not quite sure how else you were expected to react when four enormous knights broke in to your home and abducted you.”

She heard her words echoed in his statement and it brought a grin. Somewhat sheepishly, she averted her gaze. “They did not exactly break in,” she informed him. “They did, in fact, knock.”

He laughed softly. “Ah, then I am glad they at least showed some manners,” he said, sobering as he watched her lovely features. There was something more he wanted to ask but was fearful of her reaction; even so, he continued. “I was hoping you would sup with me tonight so that we may discuss the situation further.”

She nodded after a slight hesitation. “I would be agreeable.”

“Good.” Relieved, his eyes twinkled as he continued to watch her, every move she made. “When shall I return for you?”

“Return?” she cocked her head. “Are you leaving, then?”

He shook his head. “Not really; we are moving on to Castle Acre for a while. I will return at sundown if that is acceptable.”

“It is.”

“Will you see me out?”

She nodded and he thought he saw a blush. Enchanted and thrilled, he took her hand and tucked it into the crook of his elbow. The entourage that had followed them into the hall now fell in behind them as they retreated, suspicious glances and expressions passing between the Longham brothers and Davyss’ knights.

Hugh was especially suspicious, casting threatening expressions at Stephan, who simply gazed back without response. Lollardly actually had to put himself between Hugh and Stephan for fear that something would erupt. Devereux and Davyss, oblivious to the posturing going on behind them, didn’t say a word to each other as they returned to the brightening morning outside.

Davyss motioned to his men to mount their horses before turning to Devereux, still clutching his elbow.  Their eyes met and they gazed at each other for several moments, silently, each re-evaluating the other. This visit had been something of a new introduction for them both.  Davyss could only pray the meal that evening was equally successful.

He smiled faintly. “I shall see you this evening, then.”

She nodded. “I will be here.”

His smile broadened and he took the hand on his elbow, bringing it to his lips for a gentle kiss.  Devereux tried not to react, but it was difficult; in that kiss, she remembered his scorching touch as he had consummated their marriage, making her feel and behave in ways she never knew possible. It was enough to flush her cheeks.

Devereux watched as he mounted his horse and winked at her before donning his helm.  The destriers were kicking up loads of earth as they began to tear off down the road and she stood back, watching Davyss balance atop his dancing animal as he finished securing his helm.  Once the fasten was closed, he lowered his visor, raised a hand to her, and then spurred his charger after his knights.  Dust swirled and dogs barked as the thunder of hooves faded into the distance.

Devereux wasn’t sure how long she stood there, her thoughts lingering on Davyss.  It took her some time to realize that Stephan was standing next to her.

“He is a big brute,” Stephan muttered. “Thank God he has gone.”

Devereux glanced at the young man beside her. She wasn’t sure how to respond so it was best she say nothing. Turning back to the hall, she made her way inside with Stephan on her heels.

During the day that followed, she made her way back to her father’s home to change out of the vomit-stained dress.  Although she did not understand why, she took her time dressing. Something in the way that Davyss had looked at her made her want to appear presentable and elegant.  Odd thoughts, but the more she thought on Davyss, the more consumed with him she became.