Page 95 of Castle of Refuge

“Thank you.”

“I’m sorry about your room,” Edwin said again.

“That is all right. I did not have anything very sentimental. Although I am very sorry to say that my dress I planned to wear to the wedding was in there.”

“I can loan you a dress if you need one,” Delia said. “I’d be honored if you wore one of my dresses on your wedding day.”

“That is very kind.” Audrey smiled at Delia.

How good it was to see them treating each other like beloved sisters.

But this never should have happened. Poor Audrey, to be traumatized yet again by her sister. He’d promised to protect her.

“I don’t know how Maris got inside without the guards seeing her. I’m so sorry, Audrey.”

“Perhaps she covered her head or used a disguise,” Audrey said. “But it is all right. No one was hurt, I hope.”

“I believe everyone is well, just smoky and dirty.”

“I am thankful for that.” Audrey caressed his arm. But there was a haunted look in her eyes. “Where is Maris? Do your men have her secured somewhere?”

“I had a room cleaned out in the cellar for her, in case she was caught. She is locked up there with guards to watch over her.”

“No one will harm her? She will be taken care of?”

“I shall make sure of it. She shall have food and anything she needs, but every precaution will be taken to make certain she does not escape.”

“Thank you.”

“And after the wedding I shall send a few of my brothers and the captain of my guard to take her to the abbey and Sister Delores. I’ll pay for a guard to watch over her there and make sure she doesn’t leave. We will ask for a report every month to let us know how Maris is progressing. But if she escapes or recommences her violent behavior, we shall take her to London to have her tried by the king’s court. I mean to make sure she does not threaten you again.”

Audrey nodded, her expression grim.

“I am sorry the engagement ball was ruined,” he added.

“It was not ruined. We ate well, and we even danced.”

“Why should we not dance some more?” Delia asked. “The singers and players are still here. We need not stop the music yet.”

Edwin had the musicians begin playing again. Perhaps the sound of music would draw the guests back and beguile them into dancing some more.

And the guests did return. They seemed even more festive than before, talking and laughing and glad to be alive.

Edwin was certainly glad to be alive so he could marry this beautiful woman who was smiling up at him.

***

Audrey stood talking with Delia while Sybil, Helena, and Mistress Wattlesbrook dressed her for the wedding. The sky outside the window was bright blue, with a few white fluffy clouds for contrast. And she was marrying the best man, the gentlest, kindest, most responsible man she had ever met. The fact that he was handsome made it even better. He was not prideful or arrogant. If he had ever been so, his troubles and losing his arm had made him humble. And she loved him humble, just the way he was.

“You look very happy,” Sybil said, her eyebrows raised, a little smirk on her face as she plaited small braids into Audrey’s hair with pink and lilac ribbons.

“I am very happy.” Audrey realized she needn’t be ashamed of her joy. She did not have anyone withholding love from her, or a sister treating her like she wished she didn’t exist, scheming vengeful things to do to her. Best of all, she was marrying an upright, good-hearted man, and she was in a home with people who cared about her. And it felt wonderful.

“You look beautiful,” Mistress Wattlesbrook said. “We are all proud to have you for our lady and thankful Lord Dericott found such a good wife.”

Her words made Audrey’s breath catch in her throat. “Thatis so kind of you to say. And I am thankful for you, for everyone at Dericott Castle. I have never been so happy. It feels like a wonderful dream.”

“And you are making Edwin very happy too,” Delia said, gently squeezing her arm.