Page 61 of Sweet Mead for Lady Martine

Chapter 14

Martine didn’t speak much to David on the way to the inn. She wanted time to think things over. Right now, she wasn’t sure how she felt about anything. She was nervous for herself but also for David. Martine would talk to David later about their relationship and if it could possibly really lead to marriage. But right now she wanted to help his family and keep them from losing their home.

They’d been so kind to Martine and her family. If it wasn’t for Greta, little baby Martin might not have been born alive. This family risked everything to help her, and she wasn’t going to abandon them now. Not when the nobles were about to show up at David’s tavern.

“Martine, let me assist you.” David was off his horse and holding out his arms to help Martine dismount. She’d been so deep in thought that she hadn’t even noticed they were already at the inn.

“I’m fine,” she said, starting to dismount. He helped her anyway, putting his hands around her waist and slowly lowering her down the length of his body. Her body brushed up against his and she put her hands on his shoulders to steady herself.

“There. Isn’t that better?” His hands were still on her waist and he stared into her eyes. For a split second she thought he was going to try to kiss her again. For another second, she’d almost considered letting him do it. It was too risky right now. They needed to be careful. Word of them getting back to her father before she had a chance to tell him about David was only going to ruin anything between them.

“David, I’m worried for you and your family,” said Martine. “I just wish we had a little more time to raise the rest of the money before you have to confront my uncle.”

“Mayhap Lord Corbett won’t mention the late rent tonight. There is a chance he’ll be too busy celebrating with the other men to even give it a thought.”

“Not likely. My uncle doesn’t forget a thing.”

“Then we’d better hurry. There is much to be done before your father and uncle and all the nobles arrive.” He let go of her and grabbed her travel bag off her horse. Then he put his fingers in his mouth and whistled loudly.

“What was that for?” she asked, getting her answer when she saw the stable boy, James running to them from behind the inn. Following him was Patch.

“Patch! I missed you,” said Martine, bending over to pet the brown dog with the white patch on his face.

“James, take our horses to the stable and water them and rub them down,” instructed David.

“I will,” came the boy’s answer, scooping up the reins from both horses.

“There will be quite a few nobles arriving here tonight so get one of your friends to help you in the stables,” David continued. “I can’t pay them right now, but I’ll feed them. I’ll also need them to spend the night in the stable since I’m not sure how long the nobles will be here.”

“I’ll find someone, don’t worry,” said James, heading with the horses to the stables.

“Come on, Patch,” said Martine as they headed to the inn.

“Nay, the dog stays outside tonight. I have enough troubles,” said David.

Martine looked down to Patch and swore he understood David since the dog looked sad. She didn’t want to send the dog away.

“Surely, there’s no harm in having the hound inside the tavern,” she told him.

“He’ll only cause trouble.” David continued walking.

“I heard your cousin say there was a mouse in the tavern the other day. Mayhap, Patch will be able to catch it.”

“Hah!” said David with a chuckle. “Martine, the hound is old and slow. He’s too slow to catch cold.”

“I don’t believe that. I think if we gave Patch a chance, he’d prove his worth.”

“If it’ll make you happy, bring the dog inside,” said David, opening the door to the tavern. “Just keep him in the kitchen tonight, away from the nobles. Also, far away from Farley and his sharp cleaver.”

“You poor thing.” Martine hunkered down and hugged the dog, kissing him on the head. She loved animals and felt sorry for this one. Patch licked her cheek and she giggled. “He’s giving me kisses,” she said, thinking the dog was just like its owner.

“That’s odd. He never does that to anyone.” David shrugged. “Please, my lady. I’d like to get inside and get to work.”

“Of course,” she said, walking with him to the tavern. Patch followed close behind.

“Lady Martine. I didn’t think we’d ever see you here again.” Dirk saw them from across the room and hurried over to greet them.

Patch let out a bark, sounding to Martine as if he was happy.