The Lady Bornekova Page 7

  What of the young men? Would they would be ignorant to her situation as well? Their association was far too new for her father to trust them with something so private.

  Perhaps Mary’s knowledge was enough to keep Karin under careful watch. But what had Father told the Viscount to keep Karin under lock and key? That was a mystery indeed. At least for a while, the physician's restrictions would keep Karin close to the chateau.

  Karin approached the stairs. Should she attempt to climb them on her own? Her anger might give her the strength she needed to make it. Placing a foot on the first step, she grasped the railing and pulled. There, that wasn’t as taxing as she’d imagined. Perhaps she would be recovered sooner than anyone thought.

  The second step proved much more difficult. And the third nearly impossible. Attempting the fourth step was more than she could do. Everything in her ached. She wanted to curse her weakened body. But what else was there to fill her days but these mundane struggles?

  Karin released a long breath as she leaned on the railing, now stopped on the stairs. Gazing at the ornate carvings on the stairway, she attempted to calm her mind. Perhaps she could continue in a few moments.

  After some time passed, she pushed her foot onto the next step. But when she tried to shift her weight onto that foot, she faltered and fell, her legs melting beneath her. She slammed her hands on the solid stairs, the stone stinging her tender flesh. Hopeless—her body, her situation, her inability to control or change any of it. Sinking further onto the stairs, she rested her face in her hands as hot tears rushed down her face.

  What if someone should happen upon her? She cared not. The sounds of movement echoed in the halls around her, but no one disturbed her. Why would they?

  Lord, please be with me. Give me peace. I don't even know what else to pray for.

  * * *

  Constable Borivoj sat at his desk and mulled over the most recent information to reach his office. There was another incident at the royal family’s hunting chateau. Certainly by now, it was beyond calling these "accidents". But, the doctor had declared this most recent "accident" a poisoning of an animal nature.

  Borivoj didn't believe that. It was one more — which was one too many — incidents which had occurred at that chateau, creating a cloak of mystery he had yet to pierce. And the doctor declaring them all accidents, it limited his investigative options.

  Still, he had decided to keep a ledger on these incidences. Even now, he was searching for the book, which held all of the details he had been able to collect. At last, he laid his hands on it and pulled it free from the stack.

  Opening the ledger, he reviewed the incident reports already logged. Then he turned to a fresh page. So, he wrote what details he had, though few, of this most recent occurrence at the chateau.

  "Young woman ... poison ... near death ... doctor ruled accidental poisoning by animal source ... unconscious for several days ... full recovery."

  Borivoj set his pen down and mulled over the words he had added, comparing them to the other cases. All young women, but this Lady was the first to recover. What was different? Could these other women have been poisoned as well? This had been one of his suspicions all along, but nothing he could prove. What were the chances that all of these women could be found victims of venomous animals? Not likely.

  Was there just cause to interview the doctor about this young woman’s symptoms? Were they consistent with any known poison? He made a note in his ledger.

  "Constable!" a voice called through the prison. "Constable!"

  He shut the book and stood to receive whomever was to intrude on his office.

  One of his trusted deputies stepped through his doorway. "Constable, we need help! There's been another brawl at the pub, and Ofcharik needs us to calm things before the place is laid to waste."

  Borivoj nodded and came around his desk, a hand already on his sword. "Lead the way!"

  * * *

  How had it not worked? The plan had never failed! More than this, it meant the careful planning had come to naught, and there remained a tenuous situation at hand. It meant more risks had to be taken to rid everyone of the threat Karin posed. But what was to be done? What was it about her that she had survived? This was a mystery. The poison had never failed!

  Karin was indeed more dangerous than first thought. She was strong.

  But I am stronger.

  Karin was alive.

  But I am a survivor.

  Karin was stubborn.

  But I am determined.

  Nothing would stand in the way of the determination burning inside. This fire had fueled the demise of others who had gotten in the way, and one setback was not going to deter what had to be done.

  Just give me some time to think. I may have missed the mark this time, but I always get my prey.

  * * *

  Karin wasn't able to leave the chateau to find peace in the solitude of the forest. Or to get away from Mary's ever-watchful gaze and listening ears. Instead, Karin was sentenced to spend her days in her room, in one of the other public rooms of the chateau, or on the balcony. She chose the balcony most often, as she craved the rejuvenation the fresh air brought to her senses.

  One of the young men would see her to the great hall and then to her next destination. As the days passed, a routine developed in which they took turns. Karin could not help but eagerly anticipate Pavel's turn. It wasn't that she didn't enjoy the company of the other men; but she felt a connection to Pavel she could not explain. And, as her strength returned, she asked to be taken for a turn about the gardens behind the chateau following the noon meal.

  "It is another fine day, my lady. Are you well enough for a stroll about the garden?" Pavel’s smooth baritone warmed Karin’s core as they approached the hall where they would turn left toward the balcony seats and right to head to the gardens.

  She met his eyes. “I would enjoy the exercise.” Her voice was impossibly soft. Was it even audible? What was this spell she was under?

  The other young men would take her up to the balcony and then back down the grand stairs off the balcony to get to the gardens. Pavel, however, would take her by another, rather unconventional route. One that did not require her to walk up a set of stairs just to walk down again. While it was true she was not as weak, still avoiding excess stairs allowed her an extended stroll.

  Pavel tugged her to the far right hall. A couple of stairs down took them into a long, fairly unexciting stretch of hall with medium-shaded wooden doors dotting the walls. This would not have been a part of the chateau she could have seen otherwise. The servant rooms—kitchen, storerooms, and the like.

  But they were never interrupted as they traversed the hall. Perhaps the servants were somewhere else in the chateau at work or simply staying out of Pavel and Karin’s way. The end of the corridor had a simple door, which opened into one side of the gardens.

  One thing she regreted about her continued return to health was that she would no longer need assistance. It was a blessing to be sure, but she often secretly enjoyed the excuse to have such contact with Pavel. They had comfortable enough conversation, but anything else seemed awkward.

  "I have always enjoyed being out in nature," Karin said, breathing deeply as they stepped outside. "Perhaps a bit too much. For a lady."

  "How so?" Pavel quirked a brow.

  Karin’s face warmed and she ducked her head as much as she could. "My mother thinks all ladies should spend less time outside in the dirt and more time learning proper skills." Karin couldn’t help but laugh at the memories of herself, covered in dirt after a day of adventures in the area surrounding their home. "My, how I gave my mother fits!" The words slipped out before she could stop them.

  Pavel chuckled. "I'm sure you were a precious girl."

  Karin paused and turned to catch his eyes. "How can you be so certain?"

  He gazed at her, his eyes so clear, she wanted to dive into their blue depths.

  "I know you were."

  More h
eat rose into her cheeks, and she pulled away as she started walking again. This man could make her blush! How could this be? "And what of little Pavel?"

  Glancing ahead, Pavel strolled beside her. "He had plenty of his own adventures. But for boys, that is our proving ground. Our fathers are pleased to see us on our horses with toy swords, fighting dragons and trolls. Mothers beware!" He smiled at her, his mouth broad across his face.

  She laughed. This was his other gift — just as he could color her face with but a glance, he could also make her laugh with ease.

  They made their way around the gardens to the grand stairs up to the balcony—the beginning of the end of her time with Pavel. But as they approached the stairs, he held out his arm. She took it, glad for the opportunity to draw closer for a few moments, even if it meant she would have to take on the many stairs.

  The staircase was broad and overwhelming, all the more since the lengthy stroll had taken so much out of her. Karin looked up at the chateau as they mounted the first steps. From here, the magnitude of the structure was breathtaking. These stairs, wide at the base, angled inward toward a tall, burgundy, square tower, flanked on both sides by rounded yellow protruding sections of the chateau.

  They made slow progress up the stairs, partly because Karin’s weakened state, but also because she wanted to extend their conversation. Was there no end to what she and Pavel could speak on? Topics flowed between them. Despite the fact that any compliment he paid her brought color to her face, he was easy to be with and his conversation was enjoyable.

  As they reached the balcony, Karin let out a deep sigh and leaned against the railing.

  "Perhaps I should not insist on conversing while you make your way up the stairs," Pavel apologized.

  "No." She shook her head, catching her breath in gulps. "I enjoy our talks. Truly, it's fine."

  "But I am here to assist you, not tax you further.”

  "You are not, I assure you." She gazed up at him, squeezing his arm, which she held in her firm grasp.

  He placed a hand on hers. "Good. I would miss them. Our conversations, that is."

  They exchanged a look before she shifted her gaze back over her shoulder toward the gardens and the forest. "I don't think I could ever tire of this view."

  "I know what you mean." His voice was softer.

  She turned to find him staring at her. Was that what he meant? Lowering her eyes to the ground, she knew not how to respond.

  "Shall we?" Pavel indicated they should move toward Karin’s favorite seats nearby.

  She nodded heart drooping. Must he continue with his day? At least he would see her settled before making his way back toward the chateau. Why she would release the contact with him one second sooner than she had to, she didn't know. But she dropped her arm and stepped to her seat. Situating herself in her seat, she then prepared to smile and say a polite farewell to Pavel.

  "May I sit with you for a few moments?" His eyes seemed to sparkle as he asked. Perhaps it was the sunlight shining off his bright orbs.

  "Please," Karin replied, attempting to hide her surprise.

  He sat on the seat beside her and gazed across the grounds southward toward the forest line. Pavel became quiet and, when he did speak again, his tone was more serious.

  "I wonder," he started, the words came out slower. "What brings you to the hunting lodge?"

  How to respond? Did she trust Pavel? How much? What brought on this question? Could she share with him? If not him, who? Was she even prepared to tell anyone?

  He continued. Did he interpret her silence as meaning she didn't appreciate his question? "We haven't often had the pleasure of female company, save the Viscountess. And, you are not here to hunt.” There was a pause as Pavel seemed to consider his words. “I was only curious. Do not think you must answer my prying questions." Pavel looked away with a small grunt.

  "No, Pavel, it's all right." She reached a hand toward him, placing it on his arm.

  He set his piercing blue eyes on her face.

  She drew her hand back with reluctance. Perhaps it was time to trust someone. "My father decided I needed time to think. As I mentioned, I have been a bit more of a…free spirit than my parents would prefer. It is different for me. There are things I have to accept because they are my father's decision, because it is what he says.

  “He has decided I require seclusion, time away to think on how I conduct myself. I don't think he expected you and your friends would be here." Her mouth turned upward but slightly.

  His face, likewise, betrayed a small smile at her comment. Then his eyes became serious again as they met hers. "Whatever the reason, I am glad you are here.”

  "As am I." Her voice was quiet but serious, her words surprising even her.

  And she found that for several moments, she was unable to pull away from his gaze. So, they remained, searching each other's eyes.

  "Pavel!" A voice broke their brief reverie.

  Glancing toward the sound, Karin spotted Stepan stepping onto the balcony. He moved to where they sat.

  "Lady Karin." He inclined his head toward her.

  She threw a smile in his direction. "Lord Dvorak."

  Pavel couldn't help but chuckle at Karin addressing Stepan so formally.

  Stepan rolled his eyes. "Please, it is 'Stepan'."

  "You were looking for me?" Pavel’s eyes cut to Karin briefly before settling on Stepan.

  "Yes, we are gathering a group for an afternoon chase. Are you interested?"

  Pavel straightened, leaning forward even, on the edge of his seat as if prepared to jump up and run after the prey himself. Yet something in him hesitated. Did he not wish to seem disinterested in her conversation?

  "Please take him, Stepan," she interjected. Smiling at Pavel's wide-eyed face. "I have long since craved peace and quiet!" She laughed.

  "Believe me," Stepan said, "I know what you mean!"

  Pavel’s features became stricken and his shoulders sagged. Was he wounded by her words? Did he not catch the jest? But the corners of his mouth lifted. He then stood, nodding to Stepan.

  Why did Karin feel a pang as he did so?

  "It has been a pleasure," he said, meeting her eyes once again. And something else was in his eyes this time. Something she hadn’t seen before. A hope of something deeper?

  Karin allowed another smile to grace her lips as she nodded. And she watched after him until he was no longer visible. Then she leaned back, waiting to see them launch out of the stables and toward the forest line. All the while pondering possibilities.

  * * *

  Lenka Bornekova had chosen to distract herself with her needlework. She sat in her cabinet, working and trying not to think about events happening so far away. Things that were outside her control, though they impacted her beloved daughter. Even now, her husband made his way home.

  And Lenka was eager for news of her katka — her little duck — and her recovery. Petr had been faithful in writing of her progress and return to health. But, as he traveled, she had not received a missive in so many days. So, here she sat in the comfort of her personal cabinet, stitching away.

  Lenka had warned the servants that she was to be told the second her husband's carriage was spotted on the horizon. Hence, she was not surprised when a breathless maidservant stumbled into the cabinet, forgetting to knock, and disrupting her concentration.

  "Forgive me, milady." The maidservant curtsied.

  Lenka waved off the apology. "Go on."

  "My Lord Bornkov. His carriage comes." She managed between gulped breaths.

  Lenka dropped her needle and thread. He's home! He's finally home! Though her mind thrilled, her mask remained in place. She recovered her needle and thread, placing them on the cross-stitch board for later.

  "We haven't much time. I must ready myself. Call Sharka and have her come to my bedchambers so I might be prepared for my husband."

  The young girl nodded, curtsied again, and moved off to fulfill her charge.

  Le
nka moved as quickly as she dared through the house. Once in her bedchambers, she looked out the window to see the approaching coach. It was but a large dot on the hilly horizon. She had perhaps a half hour.

  Glancing down at her dress, she smoothed her hands over the skirt. There wasn't time to change, so this would have to do. Why had she not chosen a more elaborate dress today? It was suitable enough, she supposed. A deep red gown trimmed in a blue-gray fabric at the neckline, sleeve cuffs, and hem, the top of which was tailored close to the body, while the skirt was rather voluminous with a small train.

  Sharka joined her moments later, moving to the wardrobe and selecting a gold-colored headdress. Then she stepped to her mistress and helped her affix it in place. The maidservant also set a string of pearls around Lenka’s neck and handed her a couple of her favorite rings. Glancing in the mirror, Lenka decided she was ready.

  Moving with more speed than she thought possible with the train on her dress, Lenka made her way downstairs. It wasn't long before a manservant was there as well, opening the door for his master. Perhaps it was everything happening with Karin, but as the doors parted and revealed her husband, Lenka's breath caught in her throat. It required all her willpower not to throw her arms around her husband.

  Petr strode into the house and straight to his wife, merely taking her hand. Was he not overwhelmed with emotion the same as she?

  "It is good to see you, husband," Lenka said, curtsying.

  "And you, my wife." Petr bowed his head.

  "Please allow me to have drink and bread sent for. Shall we retire to your solar? Or perhaps my cabinet?"

  Petr let a smile escape at that suggestion. He enjoyed the privacy her cabinet provided. It was no surprise when he opted for her cabinet.

  Lenka glanced at the manservant by the door.

  He nodded.

  Moving toward the stairs, she led Petr to the room she had just earlier vacated. Petr had always found her private quarters to be more cozy than the others. And seemed to enjoy any opportunity to join her there.