Page 22 of Sweet Mead for Lady Martine

“Martine has other things that interest her right here in Steepleton for the moment.” Sage smiled knowingly.

Martine cringed, hoping that neither Sage or Josefina would leak her secret. She didn’t need Rook giving her grief about having eyes for an innkeeper. He should understand Martine’s interest in a commoner since Rook married his gardener. Still, she didn’t want to risk it. Especially since she wasn’t even sure if anything would ever come of the kisses she had shared with David.

“What other things? What does that mean, Martine? Is there something I should know?” Rook fired questions at her left and right. Martine felt as if she were being interrogated.

“The only thing you should know, my dear cousin, is that I want to be helpful for Aunt Devon’s sake. Plus, if Sage is here with baby Martin, I want to help out with his care as well.”

“Sage, do you really want to stay here at Blake Castle until Corbett, your father, and Robin return?” asked Devon.

“Yes, I do.”

“I’d like her to stay here too since I might need her,” Sage answered, most likely just trying to help her see David again. “After all, Martine is good with birthing babies now.”

That comment startled Martine. Her stomach turned just remembering what she’d gone through. “I can’t say it’s anything I’d ever want to do again, but I don’t mind watching over little Martin now that he’s born. I’ll do so whenever you need it,” answered Martine.

“With all the good news about the baby and babies-to-be, why don’t we invite the rest of your cousins here to celebrate?” Josefina asked Martine, Rook, and Raven. “After all, they will all be excited to see Sage and Robin’s baby.”

“Yes, I agree. We haven’t all been together for a while now,” added Sage.

“That is a wonderful idea,” said Devon. “We’ll have a large feast and invite everyone we know. It’ll take place as soon as the men return.”

“Be sure to invite Lark,” said Raven. “She can bring Dustin and Florie.” Raven spoke of the Scottish girl’s husband and daughter. “Besides, she’s pregnant again too. We’ll have a lot to talk about. I have things to ask her.” Raven’s hand went to her stomach and she looked as if she felt ill.

“This is going to be wonderful.” Devon scooched back onto the bed, smiling from ear to ear. “We’ll have a real family reunion.”

“Then you’ll stay in bed for at least a few more days, Mother?” Rook asked in concern.

“I, as your healer, suggest you do so until you are stronger, Lady Devon,” said Sage. “I will be staying right here at your beside until the men return.”

“Since all of you are so willing to help out, I don’t see how I can say no.” Devon looked over at Martine. “Martine, you know the Stone family now so will you please go with the messenger when he drops off the pallet and missive asking them to join us for a meal? I think at least one of us should show up with the invitation.”

Martine fought against everything that warned her not to do it. Still, she had just told Lady Devon she’d help out in any way she could, so how could she refuse? If only she had given her a different chore right now, it might be better. Martine wasn’t sure she was ready to see David again, even if it was really what she wanted. She felt her stomach flutter.

“Of course, my lady,” she said forcing a smile and giving her aunt a small nod. “Whatever you wish.”

Martine looked over to see Sage and Josefina grinning devilishly. They’d succeeded with their plan. Now, if only Martine could be happy about this as well. This really wasn’t what she had in mind when she decided she wanted to meet back up with the handsome and very kissable David Stone. She hoped it would be on more common ground, not inviting him to the castle where he would feel even more common than ever.