Page 50 of Castle of Refuge

She gathered up her rolls of parchment and walked to thedoor. It was only her foolish imaginings that made her wonder if Maris would be standing outside waiting for her. And just as foolish to wish Lord Dericott was there to walk her home.

Audrey stepped out and looked all around. A man was walking down the road at the end of the little lane leading up to the church. No one else was in sight. Her breaths seemed to come faster and the hair on her arms stood up.

She tried to breathe normally and shook her head. She needed to stop worrying about her sister. It had been four years since Maris had tripped her and caused her to fall into the fire. Audrey was safe now.

The lane was flanked by thick forest growth on the right side and a sheep-grazing meadow on the left. Audrey looked for the sheep and their shepherds, but the pasture was empty today.

A rustling sound came from the forest, but farther ahead where she could not see. She walked at a steady but measured pace. Then the woman she’d seen earlier stepped out of the trees and into the lane ahead of her.

Audrey screamed. It was Maris.

Thirteen

Audrey’s heart pounded as she held on to the rolled-up texts in her arms.

Maris sneered at her, and Audrey was ashamed of her scream, but it was all she could do to keep from screaming again. Maris was here. In front of her. With her lips curled in contempt. Just like the night she sent her into the fire.

“What are you doing here?”

Maris narrowed her eyes. “I was worried about my little sister.”

“I am well.”

“Oh yes, so I have heard. You and the young earl are quite comfortable and cozy together. All of the villagers are talking about it, how you came and now their lord is more cheerful and walks among them, sometimes even escorting the viscount’s daughter home from her dubious occupation of teaching the village girls to read.”

Audrey held the texts close to her chest as she stared hard at Maris, a few feet away.

“What do you want?” Audrey’s thoughts were racing. If she ran across the meadow, would Maris catch up to her? She might have to throw down the parchment texts, but Lord Dericott would understand.

Or if she waited long enough, would Lord Dericott or Mistress Wattlesbrook send someone to look for her?

No, she must not allow Maris to make her a coward. She would not show fear. And she was more embarrassed than ever that she had screamed when she saw her sister.

“What do you want?” Audrey repeated when Maris did not answer.

“I want you to be as miserable as you have made me.” Maris scowled, her face like a dark mask.

“I have not done anything to you.”

“Because of you, Father won’t allow me to marry. You’re the reason he hates me. He always loved you more.”

“That’s not true. Father doesn’t hate you, and if he did, it wouldn’t be because of me.”

“You’re just so perfect, with your perfect little smile—always smiling at everyone, fooling them into thinking you’re Father’s meek little pet. Father always loved you and hated me, even though you’re the reason Mother is dead.”

“That’s not true.” Audrey’s breaths were coming fast. Everything Maris said was a lie, but the accusation that she caused their mother’s death felt like a knife stabbing straight into her heart. The guilt had weighed her down all her life, even though she tried to ignore it and tell herself it wasn’t her fault.

“You have ruined my life. Now Father won’t let me marry.And you’re going to marry an earl? No!” Maris took a step toward her, baring her teeth like an animal.

Audrey stepped back. There was no reasoning with Maris. She was not a rational person. But she couldn’t help trying.

“I am sorry you feel slighted by Father, Maris. But I would never hurt you, and I don’t believe Father wishes to hurt you. And as for me marrying Lord Dericott, nothing could be further from the truth. He is pledged to marry an earl’s daughter, Lady Ophelia.”

“Then come home with me, to Engleford Castle.”

“Why?”

“Let us just say that I miss my sister and I want you to return home. And if you do not...” Maris’s grin turned into a hard line. “I will cause great pain to every person you love, including that poor girl you made friends with, Helena, and your substitute mother, Sybil, and your new love, Lord Dericott.”