The Lady Bornekova Read online

  Pavel seemed to notice too. His eyes were on the light spilling out into the hall and the shadow dancing upon it.

  "Would it be all right if I settle you in your bedchambers before I go?"

  She smiled to herself, grateful that, for once, her handmaiden's ever-present nature was to her benefit. Propriety would not have allowed Pavel to be with her in her chambers unsupervised.

  But something gave her pause. "I fear I have already taken too much of your time."

  Pavel’s gaze was on her once more. How could she not look into those eyes, fairly glittering in the hallway, dark but for the glimmer of flames. "I would feel better knowing you are safe and securely settled."

  Karin had a difficult time finding her voice. When she did, it came out strangely soft. "Then I thank you."

  As much as she wished they could remain in this moment, they could not. Once again, Karin tore herself away from Pavel’s eyes and began moving toward her bedchambers.

  Stepping into the room, they found Mary bustling about, turning down the bed, fluffing Karin's pillow, rechecking the drapes, and then back to the bed.

  But she glanced in their direction. What had warned her? Their presence? Perhaps the rustle of Karin’s skirts?

  "Milady, are you well?" Mary's eyes were wide.

  What a sight I must be! "Yes, Mary, thank you. I am tired, but well."

  "Shall I make some of the night tea for you?" Mary moved to where Karin and Pavel stood just inside the doorway.

  "No, thank you. I don't think I will have a problem sleeping tonight."

  Mary indicated that Pavel should usher Karin to the chair closest to the bed. He did so, easing her into the seat.

  She rewarded him with a smile. "I thank you, for your kind help."

  "Think nothing of it. I wish you good sleep and pleasant dreams." He bowed. Then he lifted her hand to his face and pressed his lips to her wrist. And, smiling once more, he stepped toward the door and took his leave.

  Mary closed the door behind him and went about her night routine.

  Karin barely noticed, even as Mary worked at undressing her. She had made the acquaintance of many young men, but she had never felt so drawn to someone. Something was stirred in her, and the more she was with him, the more tumultuous she felt. It was all so unexpected.

  * * *

  Morning came too early for Stepan. The amount of drink lingering in his body made sitting up a more challenging task than usual. But he dared not dawdle and miss the morning hunt. He would never hear the end of it. Holding his head against the slight pounding, he was determined it would not deter him.

  Dressing quickly for the day's games, he slipped into his father's massive study where Pavel and Father were already seated, breaking their fast. Relieved he wasn’t the last to appear, he sat. Petr would join them whenever he wakened and readied for the day. Who was to know of the others? Zdenek, Luc, Radek, and Karin would take breakfast in the family cabinet.

  As Stepan sat with his plate, gritting his teeth against its clanging, his father pushed a missive in his direction.

  "This came for you this morning." Vlastik then returned his attention to his papers.

  Stepan glanced at his father, whose attention was drawn elsewhere, and then at Pavel, whose eyebrows raised, before tearing open the seal.

  "It is from one of my professors. Professor Evzen. Did you have him, Pavel?"

  Pavel shook his head, opening his mouth for another bite of meat.

  "He's become a mentor to me," Stepan explained.

  Father looked at Stepan. "A letter from the university? We are all in suspense! Stop staring at the penmanship, boy, read it and tell us what's in it!" his father insisted.

  The room was quiet for a moment as Stepan took in the contents. "He is updating me on the happenings with Jan Hus," Stepan said, distracted. "It has been decided he should be put on trial."

  Stepan’s father was nodding. "I had heard something similar myself."

  "Imagine that," Stepan interjected. "After all this time, they are going to give the man a trial."

  "I don’t understand why," Father said, his voice gruff. "The man will never renounce his heresy."

  "I wish I were there to hear some of his reasoning. I can't imagine what a fool he's making of himself." Stepan snorted.

  Petr stepped into the study, walking over to the fruit. "What a fool who is making of himself?"

  "That Jan Hus!" Father said with disdain.

  Petr almost dropped his plate. "Oh? What's he up to now? I thought he was imprisoned and cut off."

  "They plan to put him up for trial," Stepan said. What would come of it? Surely the man would be imprisoned for life. Or worse. "And it's about time. Right Pavel?"

  "It is surprising," Pavel said, his response somewhat timid. His friend did not like being drawn into such tirades.

  "That's some news!" Petr turned from the food altogether.

  "That's right. And it's news we'll have to dwell on later," Father spoke up. "It's time for us to take to the saddles, men."

  Petr gathered a few food items, while Stepan and Father got to their feet. Pavel rose with hesitation, dragging his feet, giving all the appearance of being ill.

  "Come now, my friend," Stepan said, as he glanced back. "The fresh morning air will help clear you of whatever bad piece of meat you ate."

  Pavel offered his friend a crooked smile as the two exited the room together.

  * * *

  Karin awakened to the sun streaming into her window. It was indeed a glorious sight. She lifted a prayer of thanks, yet again, to the Maker for the provision of another day and for her renewed health. As she shifted to rise, her body alerted her that it was yet in need of recovery.

  Slowing her movements, she leaned on the furniture as she made her way to a nearby chair. It faced the window, and she relished the sight of the nature beyond. As slim as her view was from the curtains, drawn almost shut, she still basked in the sunlight that peeked through.

  That was how Mary found Karin when she came with the morning tea and breakfast.

  "Good morning, milady," she said, balancing the tray as she closed the door behind herself. "You are looking well."

  "Yes, thank you. I feel much better."

  Mary set the tray to the right of the chair.

  Karin picked up the tea, wrapping her hands around the warmth of the cup, taking it in.

  Mary went about straightening the bed, fluffing the pillows and blankets. She did not draw the covers up, but readied it as she would for night. Did she intend for Karin to return to it?

  "Please do make the bed." Karin was in no mood to argue.

  "Perhaps you will need some rest after your excitement last night.” Mary posed her thoughts gently. But that didn’t change that Mary questioned her mistress.

  "All the same, I wish to feel more normal today. So, please, make the bed." Karin’s tone was firm.

  "As you wish, milady." Mary's voice was strained.

  Karin sipped her tea while, true to form, Mary moved about the room, fussing here and there. At the window, she moved to open the curtains the slightest bit more.

  "All the way, Mary."

  She didn't protest but did as Karin requested.

  Perhaps she has conceded that I will have my way with these things.

  Karin didn't notice any of Mary's movements thereafter. Instead, she drank in the sight newly revealed to her—the movement of the trees in the breeze, the grasses as they swayed, and the birds as they searched for ideal roosting. All in all, it was good for her soul.

  After several minutes, Mary stood in front of her, blocking the view. "I will return shortly for your tea once you are finished."

  It was not a request. Mary was pressing the one issue she would win out.

  Karin would be unable to refuse these orders. So she nodded and took a long sip.

  When she was again the sole inhabitant of her bedchambers, she fixed her attention back on the invigorating view of the world outsid
e. She was determined to have a stroll to one of the balconies for fresh air. It was, after all, the doctor's recommendation, wasn't it?

  As she took in the scenery, her thoughts drifted to her journal and her papers. What had become of them? Mary had no memory of the journal, yet the young men who found her did say they had gathered the papers and returned them. How was it that the journal wasn't returned to her room? Had it been thrown away? Was it in the hands of a servant from the washroom? Would she ever see it again? Or had it, as Pavel suspected, been given into the hands of her father?

  Footsteps in the hall shook her from her thoughts. It had to be Mary. Glancing at the teacup, Karin realized she hadn't drank any more of the tea, and it was now cold. Karin gulped the rest and hastily set the cup on the tray, almost knocking it off balance.

  Mary was in the room mere seconds later and went straight for the tray. She inspected the cup, and then frowned at the food, which had not been touched.

  "I hoped to break my fast with everyone else." Karin met Mary’s gaze.

  Mary's eyebrow went up. "Breakfast? Milady, it is midmorning."

  "Midmorning?" Karin’s brows shot up. Though she had been mesmerized with the view out the window, she failed to note where the sun sat. Looking now, she saw that what Mary said was true. "I cannot imagine how I slept that long!"

  "You needed the rest. Your body is still weak," Mary said without inflection or feeling.

  Perhaps that was true. Suddenly, she became aware of how hungry she was. She grabbed a bread roll and a piece of cheese. "I would like to get dressed for the day when I finish."

  Mary nodded. "I'll pull out your things."

  Karin laid the cheese on top of the bread and took a huge bite. Her stomach churned its gratitude as she swallowed.

  As she continued to eat, her mind wandered to her interaction with Pavel the previous night. She couldn't help but get caught in a daydream, in a reverie of the crystal blue waters that were his eyes.

  * * *

  Pavel watched Zdenek dismounted to better search for signs of their prey. They had followed the trail to this small stream, much to their dismay. The chance they would lose it here loomed over them all.

  Stepan grumbled, and he blamed Pavel's distraction for this discouraging detour.

  "Why do you continue to lag behind?" Stepan glared at Pavel, an edge in his voice.

  "I apologize. My mind is elsewhere." Pavel wished his words were not so timid.

  "That is obvious,” came Stepan’s sharp retort. “I wish you would join us on the hunt."

  Pavel nodded and dismounted, coming alongside Zdenek.

  Zdenek offered him a knowing look.

  Stepan could be so like his father when he was in pursuit of something: focused and passionate. To a fault.

  Pavel did not begrudge his friend's irritation. Though Stepan's heat for the chase may be causing him to overreact, he spoke the truth. Pavel’s mind would not stay with the hunt.

  Even when they were in direct pursuit of the animal, still he found his mind drifting to the previous evening and the conversation he shared with Karin. Her easy laugh and kind eyes.

  Shaking his head, his eyes cut in Stepan's direction. Had he been caught in his musings again?

  Stepan busied himself supervising the others’ efforts.

  Pavel let out a sigh. He must keep his mind in the present and push these thoughts of Karin to the side.

  Zdenek, Stepan, and Radek searched the opposite side of the stream. Luc took charge of watering the horses. They lost the animal’s trail on this side of the stream and supposed it had passed through. Perhaps it would behove him to remain on the same side as the last signs of the buck.

  There were rocky places along the bank and, if the animal had chosen that path, his search was futile. But as he continued to move upstream, Pavel spotted what appeared to be hoofprints in the dirt.

  "I found something!" He raised his hand, relieved that he was now able to redeem himself.

  The other men rushed across the stream, and Luc urged the horses to where they gathered. Stepan, Radek, and Zdenek examined the prints and agreed that it was indeed their prey. Mounting quickly, they resumed the chase.

  They continued to track the animal through the thickening forest for several minutes before they caught a glimpse of the prized buck in the distance.

  Stepan raised a hand.

  Pavel tugged his horse’s reins to slow its pace. With any luck, they would remain undetected.

  The animal grazed several feet ahead.

  Stepan raised his crossbow.

  But at the same moment, Zdenek was lining up his shot as well. Zdenek moved to the right and directly into the path of Stepan's aim. Was he angling to get a better shot?

  Pavel almost called out to warn Zdenek, but he held his tongue and watched Stepan. Didn’t he see Zdenek? Perhaps he could reach out to Stepan.

  Stepan opened his mouth just as Pavel reached for him.

  Zdenek's bolt flew and zoomed straight for the buck's heart. At the last second, the buck moved and the bolt smacked into the animal's left shoulder, wounding it but also staking Zdenek's claim on the kill.

  The buck shot into the cover of the underbrush, but Zdenek was ready and urged his horse into a gallop, chasing after the animal.

  Radek and Luc followed suit, racing after Zdenek.

  Stepan seemed stunned into inaction. But a few seconds later, pushed his horse into action.

  Pavel was close behind.

  The buck, wounded by the first shot, was slowed. It was only a matter of time before the chase ended. A couple more well placed bolts from Zdenek's crossbow and the animal fell.

  Radek and Luc pulled their horses alongside their friend, congratulating him on his latest conquest. He thanked them for their help tracking the animal. This was the biggest kill since their arrival at the chateau and everyone seemed to be talking at once. Everyone except Stepan.

  Pavel’s eyes settled on his friend.

  Stepan had not spoken a single word.

  "Come now," Zdenek said, only then seeming to notice Stepan’s drawn expression. "You cannot be so sore I made the first buck that you aren't going to join in the merrymaking!"

  "That is not the reason I resist," Stepan said, his voice even. "That kill should have been mine."

  "You cannot mean that," Luc said, "We all saw Zdenek's bolt make first contact."

  "I was lined up for a clear shot. Zdenek moved into my way.”

  The men exchanged looks. None of them would have given that a second thought. None but Stepan. Not when he was passionate about something. Any small thing could set him off if he thought he had a principle to stand on.

  A collective sigh released among them.

  And Pavel understood as well as they. This discussion was only beginning.

  "You must know it was not done on purpose," Zdenek said, his words firm.

  "You still interfered with my shot and what would have been my kill." Stepan's voice rose.

  Zdenek looked stricken. If he could do it over, would he? But, alas, he could not, so he would just have to live through Stepan's frustration. They all would.

  Radek moved away from the group.

  "Where are you going?" Stepan’s frustrated words biting as he spoke.

  "To find something to make a tow so we can get this animal back to the chateau." There was an edge to his voice as well. He was the gentlest, most soft-spoken of them all, but it was clear in his tone he did not want to be party to Stepan's arguments.

  Pavel's gaze went to Luc and Stepan. "We should too."

  Huffing, Stepan dismounted and went after Radek in search of the things they would need to build the tow, while Zdenek prepared the buck to be transported.

  The remainder of their time in the depths of the forest was spent assembling and attaching the tow to Zdenek's horse. There was little conversation beyond what was necessary. After they had moved the buck onto the tow, they mounted in silence, Zdenek riding with Radek. They t
hen made their way toward the rendezvous point, where they would meet up with the viscount and the earl.

  On any other day, they would have been chatting about the thrill of the hunt, ribbing each other, congratulating each other, but it was quiet. And that made the ride, already slowed by the reduced speed required by the towing, seem like an eternity. They did at length arrive at the clearing.

  "Why the solemn faces? Did your prey get the better of you?" The Viscount’s booming voice teased.

  Then he seemed to notice the tow. He dismounted and walked around the group.

  "And what's this? A buck! A seven-point buck! And who? Surely not any of these long faces." His eyes searched the young men.

  The manservant who had remained with the Viscount and the Earl to carry their prey had already dismounted and maneuvered his horse next to Zdenek's to transfer the tow.

  Zdenek dismounted as well and assisted.

  "I think, my lord," Pavel said after some seconds had passed, "That the hunt took more out of us. This honor belongs to Zdenek." Pavel felt Stepan's eyes boring into him.

  "I had a lot of help..." Zdenek started.

  "Nonsense," Petr spoke up, coming around to examine the prize, clapping Zdenek on the back. "You all may have tracked the animal, but it was your aim which took down the creature. Bravo that you were able to beat your friends to it."

  Stepan opened his mouth.

  Luc interjected. "Shall we make our way back?"

  "I am looking forward to what the cook has in store for us," Radek added.

  The Viscount laid a hand on his rounded stomach. "Ah, now that is a great idea." He stepped to his horse and mounted.

  Zdenek did the same.

  But Petr gazed between the men. Had he noticed more to their interactions? Still, he kept his questions to himself.

  "You coming, Petr, or shall we send your lunch out here?" the Viscount called.

  Petr shifted his attention to his friend and smiled. "Coming, Vlastik."

  And so, with the party all salivating for lunch, they were off, leaving the servant behind to get their hard-earned prizes to the stables.

  * * *

  It was nearing the lunch hour when Karin was prepared for the day. She had chosen another simple dress, one of pale green this time. Karin didn't care much for the elaborate dresses her mother preferred, so she had seen to it she had a good selection of these. The fabric was quite nearly the only thing that spoke to her family's wealth. The scoop neck allowed for any assortment of jewels to be displayed about her neck, but she chose a gold chain that bore a modest emerald pendant.