Page 21 of The Darkland

“I know.”

“Nay, you do not. I am sincere when I say this.”

“I realize that.”

Mara looked at her sister then, just as the crier announced the appearance of Lord Edmund and his beloved step-sister, Johanne. The heralds blasted their trumpets and the lavishly-dressed guests rose to their feet, but Mara ignored the pomp; her focus remained on Micheline.

“Do not mock me, Misha. I am serious when I say that I want nothing to do with Kirk Connaught.”

Micheline rose, too, her smile fading as she caught sight of her short, muss-haired groom.

“That may be, Mara,” she whispered, “but he wants everything to do with you.”

*

Johanne’s reaction toMicheline hadn’t been quite as severe as Edmund’s. After the introduction by Kirk, she sized the woman from head to toe before seating herself at her brother’s left. While Micheline struggled to maintain her composure as Edmund ignored her, Johanne’s attention moved from her brother’s future wife to the dark-haired woman seated at the end of the table. When Kirk introduced the Lady Mara, Johanne’s eyes narrowed.

“I did not believe the marriage contract called for the addition of a younger sister,” she said as servants began to bring out great trenchers of beef. “Will you be returning to Haslingden after the ceremony, Lady Mara?”

By Edmund’s request, Kirk was seated on his right hand, between the reluctant groom and his new bride. The knight begrudgingly did so, although he was glad for his mediating presence when Johanne began her catty dialogue. Eyeing Mara, his gaze conveyed the demands of proper behavior.

“Nay, my lady.” Mara wasn’t the least bit intimidated by the skinny woman or Kirk’s intense stare. “My sister is my guardian since our parents’ death, a duty that shall go to her new husband. I am afraid I shall be staying at Anchorsholme.”

Johanne’s features tensed as she looked at her brother, who merely lost himself in his boiled carrots and meat. “I see,” she said quietly. “Then we shall simply have to find you a husband, too. There’s hardly room for you here.”

Both Kirk and Micheline watched Mara’s expression as she pondered Johanne’s statement. Challenging would have been an accurate description.

“I do not want a husband, Lady Johanne.”

“Then the cloister is preferable? Excellent. The sooner the better.”

Mara lifted an eyebrow and Kirk groaned inwardly. “Why are you so anxious to be rid of me, Lady Johanne? I have only just arrived. In fact, I rather like it here.” She smiled prettily, settling back in her chair. “I do believe I shall stay a long, long time.”

Micheline sighed heavily, delving into her plate of beef. The head table made an odd picture; the bride and groom devouring their meal and ignoring all else as Kirk sat tall and silent in the center. On the ends, Johanne and Mara were working themselves into a serious confrontation.

“It is obvious to me why you have accompanied your sister, Lady Mara,” Johanne said, her green eyes flashing. “After all, look at yourclothing; it is apparent that you have merely come to seek my brother’s wealth.”

Mara shook her head, struggling not to lash out. “I came because I was forced to come, my lady. I have no use for your brother’s wealth.”

Johanne laughed shortly. “Certainly you can use it. By the state of your dress, I’d say you could use it very badly.” She looked at Micheline. “And your sister, too. I must say the two of you are very brave to be seen in public, dressed like paupers.”

Mara could deal with Johanne’s personal attacks. But the moment she turned to Micheline, Mara’s stomach twisted with fury and the tongue she had promised to bridle sprang free.

“At least the state of our dress is repairable, Lady Johanne. But I doubt there’s enough money in the world to buy you the beauty and tact you so obviously lack.”

Johanne turned shades of red as Edmund removed his face from his trencher.

“Enough impudence,” he snarled. “Kirk, remove this… this woman immediately!”

Kirk stood. Mara, more concerned that Micheline would be left alone with two jackals once she was removed than the fact that she was in a good deal of trouble, swatted at him when he reached down to grasp her.

“Why am I to be removed when she has been deliberately baiting me?” she demanded. “If I am to be punished, then punish her as well for having the carelessness to start something she hasn’t the courage to finish!”

Kirk had Mara by both arms, pulling her from the chair. Johanne, hearing the challenge, leapt from her seat. “Brazen wench! You have no idea the powers you toy with!”

Edmund rose, calming his step-sister with a gentle touch. “She is not worth the effort, Johanne. Please reclaim your seat and allow Kirk to deal with her.”

With Mara and Kirk wrestling on one side and Edmund and Johanne arguing on the other, Micheline found her attention drawn to her future husband and his step-sister. The manner in which he stroked her cheek, the tone of his voice, was infinitely disturbing and the more she watched, the more confused she became. Had she not known better, she would have sworn their relationship to be more than familial.