Page 25 of Sweet Mead for Lady Martine

He stopped and talked to her without turning to look. “I’m not sure,” he answered.

“Not sure?” she asked, feeling alarmed. “You don’t want to come to the castle?”

“It’s not that. I just… can’t.” He started to leave, but Martine took his arm from behind.

“I know this won’t be easy, David, but it is a chance for us to see each other again.”

“I didn’t think I’d ever see you again,” he said softly.

“Neither did I. And although this isn’t the way I’d like it to happen, at least we won’t be apart.”

“I see.”

“So, will you join your family then? Will you come to eat at the castle?”

As he considered it, she couldn’t stop thinking that it would only put a bigger wedge between them.

“Nay, my lady, I am afraid I will have to decline the offer.”

Her hand slowly slipped from his arm, her heart hurting worse than it already did.

“It’s because of me, isn’t it?”

“I have an inn to run. I cannot be taking precious time off when there is so much work to be done.”

Martine didn’t understand David’s answer and wasn’t sure what to say to him. Was his time so precious that he chose his inn over being with her? That made her feel angry. She told him it wasn’t the ideal way to be together, but at least they’d get to see one another. Still, he didn’t seem interested. She supposed she couldn’t blame him. Now she regretted having come to deliver the missive and wished Sage and Josefina had never suggested this at all.

“We can send servants from the castle to do the work while you and your family join us for the feast.” She decided to make it impossible for him to say no now. Martine wanted to give him every opportunity to continue the relationship with her that he had started.

David slowly turned his head and looked over his shoulder as he answered. “And what will Lord Corbett say when he finds out that you are entertaining a family who is behind in paying their rent? I hardly think he will agree to this type of generosity.”

“Oh, is that what’s bothering you?” she asked, wondering if she’d read him wrong. “Don’t worry about that, David. My uncle is not here right now. Besides, it was my aunt’s idea to invite you. So why does it even matter?”

“It matters to me,” he said softly.

“But this is Lady Devon’s way of showing gratitude for what you did for Lady Sage. For all of us.”

“I appreciate the offer, but we need money, not food.”

“This has nothing to do with your overdue rent. It has everything to do with Lady Sage and her baby.”

“I understand.”

“So, you’ll come with your family to eat at the castle then?”

“Out of respect for Lady Devon, I will send the rest of my family to dine with you. They deserve a good meal at the castle,” said David. “However, I still have to decline the offer. I cannot leave my inn. I’m sorry.”

“I see,” she said, her gaze slowly falling to her feet. Mayhap she should be happy he wouldn’t be joining them since it would only make her feel awkward to have him there after all. But when he refused the offer, she couldn’t help feeling as if he were refusing her personally and that didn’t feel good at all. “I’m sorry you feel that way, David. I really am.”

“Please give my regards to Lady Devon and also relay my thanks for the new bed.”

She wasn’t going to let him off that easy. Not when his decision affected her as well. “I will not. I am a noble, not your personal messenger. If you’d like to give my aunt a message, then do so yourself.” Martine almost felt as if she were about to cry, but fought hard to maintain her composure. She turned to leave, but David’s voice stopped her.

“Martine,” he said, making her heart jump as she stopped in her tracks and slowly turned around. “I mean, Lady Martine,” he said, still balancing the tray on his hand. His eyes looked so sad, his face so sullen. “I’m truly sorry.”

“So am I,” she answered, feeling her heart breaking. After what they’d shared together, Martine had hoped to get to know David better. She had hoped he’d have feelings for her the same as she did for him. It seems she was mistaken about him after all. “Ladies Josefina and Sage will be disappointed as well that you aren’t there.” She quickly added the latter because she didn’t want to let him know how much his refusal upset her.

“That’s not what I mean.” His eyes closed briefly and then reopened. He seemed perplexed. As if he was struggling for his words. Then he looked up to the ceiling and she saw a vein throbbing at his neck. “What I mean is that you don’t have to do this.”