Page 40 of Christmas Secrets

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

Holly awoke to the sound of laughter, which confused her more than anything. At first, she thought she was only dreaming. Then she opened her eyes, and from her spot on the floor next to her brother, she saw Percival and Bedivere sitting at Lord Henry’s bedside. The wounded knight was propped up and his eyes were wide open. He was no longer unconscious!

“Percival?” She rubbed one eye.

“Holly, come here,” said Percival, sitting on the edge of the bed and holding out his arms.

“I’ll have food ready soon to break the fast,” said Ada from the hearth. She and Morag were cooking over the open flames.

“Where is Willow?” asked Holly.

“She left with my da last night and went back to the castle,” Morag told her, peeking into a pot over the fire and using a big wooden spoon to stir the contents. “Ye didna really think Willow would sleep on the floor, did ye?”

That made Percival and Bedivere laugh.

“I don’t know. I just met her.” Holly got to her feet.

“Believe me, she wouldna,” said Morag making a face, heading back to the table to set up the wooden bowls.

“Holly, come here. Please.” Percival patted his lap, meaning for her to sit down.

“I-I can get a chair.” She wasn’t sure she felt comfortable enough around the men to do such a thing.

“No, you won’t.” Percival pulled her over to him and atop his lap. “I’m a better chair, anyway.”

“Good morning, Holly,” said Sir Henry. He was smiling and the color had come back to his face. “Thank you for stitching me up yesterday. I heard it is you I have to thank for not letting me bleed to death waiting for the healer to arrive.”

“Anyone would have done the same as I did. I should check your wound.” She reached for his bandage, but Percival pulled her back.

“Mother already did that. The bleeding has stopped,” Percival told her.

“Plus, the healer will be here shortly,” Ada called out from the fire.

“How are you feeling?” asked Holly.

“Much better now that I know I’m going to live.” That made the men laugh and Henry held his side, telling her that it hurt to laugh.

Holly used to see Lord Henry at their home from time to time while growing up, and now she knew why. Her mother had always called him her friend, but never said anything more. Lord Henry had always been kind to her, as well as to her brother. Noel might not remember him, having been so young, but she still thought Henry must have made a good impression on him since he named his toy horse after him.

“Lord Henry, will you someday tell me more about my father?” asked Holly. “I would really like to hear about him.”

“I will, I promise,” said Henry. “However, you’ll have to come visit me in Kestwick in order for me to tell you all the stories I have of your father. Most nobles aren’t friends with serfs; however, I guess you can say I am different from the rest. Preston was a good man.”

“Did you say when I come to visit you in Kestwick?” Her eyes darted back and forth from Henry to Percival. “I’ll already be living there. Won’t I?”

“Nay, I’m afraid not,” said Henry. “I mean, only if you want to, that is.”

“I’m afraid I don’t understand. I am a serf. I don’t have a choice.”

“Percival and I have been talking,” said Henry. “I have agreed to let him buy your freedom from me. So you see, you are no longer a serf and bound to my land. You, my dear, are a free woman.”

“What?” Her eyes opened wide in surprise and her gaze shot over to Percival. “You did that?”

“That’s right, Holly. He wrapped his arms around her tighter, almost as if he thought she was going to get away. “You see, I thought of a way for us to be together after all.”

“I still don’t quite understand. Why would you do that?”

“God’s eyes, Brother, just come out and tell her,” said Bedivere.