LITMIR.BIZ

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Sebastian had no brotherly love for each other, and Jarrod had no affection for Sebastian either, nor did he seem to require any work or assistance from his second son. This didn’t faze Sebastian at all. He was popular among the guards, as he was both a gracious winner and loser at cards, and he seemed to have several close friends among them, especially a handsome young man called Daveed.

      Inside the family, Sebastian was quite content with the company of Kai and me. He often told me how glad he was that I’d come to live here, and he offered more than once to deal with problems of difficult servants for me—especially with the kitchen staff.

      “I’m embarrassed things had become so lax in the first place,” he once apologized. “It wasn’t always like this. Until a few years ago, we hadn’t stood around the table eating whatever was served. I’m not quite sure how that happened, but you shouldn’t be expected to clean up the mess entirely on your own.”

      Tempted as I was at times, I never once took him up on his offers. He was not my husband, and Rolf was, and Rolf respected only strength. Even with what little I could sense from him, I sensed that much. As a result, I could never show weakness. I couldn’t allow myself to lean on Sebastian.

      Rolf and I carried onward. We seldom spoke, but he was never unkind.

      Soon enough though, the rhythms of the house were interrupted when Jarrod sought me out to tell me he’d arranged for a formal dinner, the first hosted here in many years. I found his plans to bring his family “up in the world” to be steady and methodical. First, he had spent years gaining and keeping wealth. Then he had purchased me. Now, he was putting me to use.

      I had no illusions about his expectations.

      “Who is coming?” I asked.

      “Lord Allemond Monvílle, his wife, and his brother,” he answered. “Their lands border our southern line, and I’m trying to buy a section of forest covered in oak. The timber alone is worth the purchase.”

      “Lord Allemond?” I repeated, surprised. He was on the Council of Nobles. He was also a friend of my father’s and had visited Chaumont at least once a year since I was a child. “He’s selling his land?” That seemed unlikely.

      Jarrod’s eyes sharpened. “You know him?”

      “Yes.”

      “Good. Try to remember what dishes he likes and what kind of wine. He’s only coming to look down his nose at me. I want him off guard by what he finds.”

      Considering the arrogance of Lord Allemond, I suspected Jarrod was probably right. Neighboring lands or not, I could hardly imagine the Monvílles even considering an invitation to dine with the Volodanes, and selling Jarrod land seemed beyond the realm of possibility.

      The household burst into activity. Matilda began cleaning madly. Miriam worked hard to create a gown for me. With Betty’s help, I started sewing clothes for the men.

      Sebastian was particular about his clothes being perfectly tailored, and so he came to my room for a fitting. This event gave me a clearer understanding of how his mind worked. Within moments of walking through the door, he pulled his long-sleeved tunic over his head and tossed it onto the bed. He was bare-chested beneath it. He bore a scar on his left collarbone. Betty and I were both mildly startled by his action, but we recovered quickly, and she picked up the white shirt she’d been making for him. I couldn’t take my eyes off his arms. I’d wondered why he was the only man in the family who traveled without a weapon.

      Apparently, he didn’t.

      Sebastian had a long, sheathed dagger strapped to each of his forearms. The hilt of the dagger on the left arm was ornate, with pearl inlay. The one on his right arm was quite plain, with a tan hilt. Unlike his father and brothers, he didn’t strike openly. He would keep his weapons hidden until the last moment.

      He noticed me staring, and I glanced away.

      Not long after his fitting, I closeted myself away with him to plan menus. I was too concerned with the upcoming evening’s success not to take advantage of his help.

      “We’ll need at least three savory courses,” I told him. “Fish, poultry, and then either beef or lamb.”

      He nodded. “I think beef would be best. I’ll arrange for several roasts. The poultry course is easy. We can have Patrick kill some of our own chickens. Can you handle the fish?”

      “Yes, Ester told me there is a fish monger in the village. I’ll send an order and have four large river salmon delivered. I know Lord Allemond enjoys salmon. We’ll need a sauce for the side though.”

      “A simple white sauce,” Sebastian suggested. “Ester makes a delicious white sauce.”

      In bits and pieces, I’d learned that Ester had been with the family for years, since Rolf was a boy, and she had apparently once been a fine cook, but the slow breakdown of household order had left her without support from the family, and I feared she was now being bullied by the likes of Lavonia.

      “What about dessert?” Sebastian asked, bringing me back to the task at hand.

      Although I’d never planned a formal menu before, together, Sebastian I did quite well, and I submitted our list to Ester who was pleased by our choices and went to work with Patrick arranging for the fruits and vegetables.

      All seemed to be in hand until mid-morning of the day of the dinner when Jarrod and Rolf walked into the main hall where I was busy experimenting with centerpieces. Though Patrick maintained fine vegetable gardens, the Volodanes grew no flowers, and I was having to make due with what I could find growing wild.

      “Is everything ready?” Jarrod asked with an edge in his voice.

      I turned to face him. “Yes, I think so.”

      “It better be,” he warned. “I want Allemond impressed by what he finds here.”

      I wasn’t certain anything would impress Lord Allemond, but I could at least make sure nothing went wrong. The salmon had just been delivered and were now in cold storage in the cellars.

      My mind was so busy on running details through my head that I was caught completely off guard when Jarrod said, “And you know I’ll expect your help with this land deal. I want your best efforts.”

      My eyes widened. For an instant, I couldn’t draw breath. My father had told him. Then my shock began to fade. Of course, Father told him. Jarrod had been expecting the beautiful Helena and arrived at Chaumont to find he’d have to make due with me. What better way to sweeten the deal than to tell Jarrod about my ability?

      I had so much hoped to leave that part of my life behind.

      With my mouth tight, I asked, “Who do you most wish me to focus upon? Allemond himself? Or is his brother handling the financial arrangements for him? I hope Father told you I can only read one person a day, and there are limits.”

      Rolf frowned in confusion, and Jarrod’s expression went still.

      “What do you mean by ‘read’?” he asked slowly.

      In a split second I realized how foolish I’d been. My father hadn’t told him anything. Jarrod’s mention of my help must have referred to me using my manners and family influence to throw Allemond off guard.

      “Nothing,” I responded, sounding nervous as I stepped away. “I thought you wished me to gauge his reactions and offer counsel later.”

      In a flash, his right hand snaked out and grabbed my wrist. I gasped as he jerked me up against his chest. I’d never had a man use his strength against me before, and the pain in my arm was startling.

      Rolf’s face flickered in alarm, but he didn’t move. I could expect no help from him.

      “Don’t lie to me,” Jarrod ordered, speaking close to my face. “What did you mean?”

      On instinct, I used my free hand to try and loosen his fingers. I don’t think he noticed.

      I

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