The Duke’s Guests Laughed as the Maid Fell Into the Lake — She Said, “I’ll Remember Every Face”
Chapter 16
Theme:
Font Size:
24px
She thought about her father. About the day of the trial, when she had stood in the crowd at 10 years old and watched them put the chains on his wrists. He had looked for her. He had found her, and he had said without making a sound: Be brave."I'm trying, Papa," she whispered into the rain. "I'm trying so hard."By the time she saw the lights of Ravensworth village, she was shaking so badly that her teeth were chattering. Her head felt hot and strange. The road kept tilting under her feet. She did not know where she was going. She had no money for the inn. She knew nobody here, not anymore.Then she saw it. At the far end of the village street, a red glow spilled out of an open doorway: the blacksmith's forge. Even at this hour, someone was still working.She stumbled toward the light like a moth. She got as far as the doorway. She saw the great fire, the black anvil, and a huge, gray-bearded man with a hammer in his hand turning to look at her.Then her legs gave way, and the world went black.When Clara opened her eyes, she was lying on a narrow bed under a heavy wool blanket. A fire crackled nearby. The room smelled of smoke and bread. For a moment, she did not remember anything. Then it all came back at once: the brooch, the great hall, the Duke's back, the storm.She tried to sit up and nearly cried out. Every part of her body ached."Easy now. Easy, lass. You've had a fever two days."The big, gray-bearded man was sitting in a chair by the fire. He had a kind, heavy, tired face and huge, scarred hands resting on his knees."Two days?" Clara whispered."I thought we'd lose you the first night. My Annie sat up with you till morning." He nodded toward the kitchen, where a small round woman was stirring a pot. "You talked a great deal in your sleep."Clara's heart went cold. "What did I say?"The blacksmith looked at her for a long time. "You called for your papa," he said quietly. "You said, 'Papa, I found it. I found the letter.' And then you said a name. You said Bramble."Clara stared at him. The big man leaned forward in his chair. His voice was rough and very gentle."I've been thinking about that name for two days, lass. There was only ever one Bramble around here: the old Duke's gray mare. And there was only ever one little girl who used to ride her round and round the stable yard, laughing her head off while her father watched." His eyes were wet. "You don't remember me, do you? I used to shoe that mare. I used to give you sweets from my apron pocket. Your father was my best friend in the world."Clara put her hand over her mouth. "Ned?" she whispered. "Ned Turner?"