Chapter Ten: Oddities
POV: Einan
My studies with Laterose lasted from eight in the morning to eleven-thirty, done just before lunch. It had been a few weeks since I began my studies, and it turned out to be more enjoyable than I had thought.
In the past few weeks, I had already learned my letters and numbers, could print my name, and could read several books. Da had been right; reading became one of my favourite pastimes.
Da had been very busy over the past several days, as the new Telmarine envoy, Duke Ylis, had just arrived. Why Da was helping with the Telmarines I'll never know. I asked him once, and he said something about an old debt to King Edmund- the Telmarines being on his section of the border, you know.
In the few times I'd seen him since Ylis' arrival, Da had seemed different. As though he were longing for something, or arguing with himself deep inside. It was a bright afternoon, though gray clouds loomed on the horizon. Laterose and I had just finished lunch, an excellent meal of roast venison and fresh peaches with cream, when one of the messenger birds, a bright red robin, arrived from Da, asking us to meet him in the library.
As Laterose rolled me in, I saw Da, his head happily hidden behind a book. However, I was also startled to see an unexpected attendee to our little meeting.
He was a tall man, with brownish hair, and dressed in a beautiful blue doublet, which was trimmed with gold braid. His clothes were of a definite foreign cut, and when he welcomed us in, it was with a thick Telmarine accent.
"Ah! Here they are Martin!"
He bowed to us.
"It is an honour to meet you, Lady Einan. Your father has told me much about you."
I tried to smile genially, but something about the man seemed odd.
"I am afraid Da has not done me the same courtesy. Might I ask your name?"
"But of course, my lady. I am Duke Ylis of Telmar, at your service."
He kissed my hand, and a cold chill rushed through my body. He the performed the same courtesy for Laterose.
"The good Laterose! I have heard your name often as well!"
I glanced over at Da, whose head was still buried in a book on swordsmanship. Desperately attempting to get his attention, I coughed slightly. His head flew up instantly.
"Are you alright Dearest?"
"Yes Da, just a little thirsty."
"Refreshments are due shortly," he replied with a smile.
He then stood up, and crossed over to Laterose. He guided her to the sofa, and began speaking to her in a soft, urgent, whisper.
"Probably just scheming a party or something for me," I thought.
Duke Ylis pushed my chair over next to his, while Da and Laterose continued their quiet conversation on the sofa.
"What do you think of that?"
"Pardon, my lord Duke?"
"What do you think of your father's paying attentions to Laterose?"
I was stunned.
"But he can't!"
He squinted.
"Why on earth not? Laterose seems agreeable enough."
"He lost his love long ago. He waits for her."
"A man's love may die, but once the sorrow is past, surely he can remarry."
"He never said she died."
"Then how could he have lost her? If she left him for another he need not wait for her."
"He never said she was unfaithful. Only that he lost her."
He looked incredulous.
"I think it hard to misplace one's bride-to-be."
A knock interrupted our conversation. The Duke rose and opened the door, allowing the promised tea and scones to arrive. He collected us each a cup and saucer, and a plate, and returned to his seat, munching softly. For all his oddities, his manners were impeccable.
"Are you enjoying your studies?"
I nodded emphatically, my being full of scone.
"And Laterose, does she make a good teacher?"
"Oh yes, the kindest and best."
"Would she make a good mother?"
His question caught me off guard.
"Why all these questions, lord Duke?"
He smiled.
"Martin is a good man. I should like to see him happy."
"So would I," I replied.
"But I would contend that he is happy. Must he be married to be whole?"
"Not necessarily. But wouldn't you like to have a mother?"
"Only if she is the Woman Da loves."
He seemed taken aback by my response. A quizzical look passed over his face, and then he chuckled quite heartily.
"Forgive me Lady Einan. As I said, it was only friendly curiosity."
Laterose was brushing my hair that evening when I spoke up.
"Something's been bothering me all afternoon."
"What is it Einan?"
"Didn't anything strike you as odd earlier?"
"Your father seemed friendlier than usual. Other than that, no, I can't say that it did. Should something have?"
"Didn't anything about the Duke seem odd? He was terribly inquisitive; almost as though he were interrogating me!"
"Einan!" Laterose scolded.
"He was only trying to be kind! Imagine a man as busy as the Duke asking specifically to take an early tea just to meet you! He's taken a great interest in you, you know, and you would do well to be grateful for it!"
"'Asking specially'? 'Great interest'?" I thought.
Aloud I only said:
"Of course you're right Laterose. Forgive me. I'm just tired."
I did my best to impression of an exhausted smile, and it had its desired effect.
"All right then my dear. Sleep well."
She kissed my forehead and blew out the candle.
"I believe I'd better take a special interest in him!"