Part 25

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Edward was feeling a lot better. He was still at Katherine's mother's home, but now able to sit up in bed and eat to build up his strength. Everyday was a blessing, for Kate would enter the room; she would sit by his side and talk with him. The conversation they shared was knowledgeable in matters, that Edward had not dared hope that Kate was versed or had opinions in. The fact that she did, and had made him love her all the more. Seeing Kate walk in every afternoon brightened his day, so much that by the time he was fit enough to read to himself he asked her to stay just to keep him company.

One sunny afternoon when they were enjoying discussing the antics of the King Henry the second and who would inherit the Kingdom when he had passed away, a rap sounded heavily upon the chamber door. They shared a look, if it was Kate's mother, she would have tapped softly and then entered straight away. Kate went to see who the visitor was.

"It is you," she said, dryly as Lord Winchester appeared standing there smelling as sweet as a daisy with a too innocent expression on his face.

"Can I come in? I have come to visit my dear friend Edward." He drawled at her, still hoping there was an outside chance that he could win her over the paltry Edward. She pulled back the door and went to leave.

"Stay, please." Edward asked her. Kate looked from one man to the other and with a shrug, took her stool and placed it in the far corner by the window to resume her sewing. "As you wish."

Only giving the impression that she was stitching, she spent the time watching the two men.

"Edward, I heard about your mishap, could have been near fatal." Harold said, sitting himself down without being asked.

"Yes." Edward replied tightly. "There seems to be no evidence of who it was that severed my saddle, so I suppose I will never know."

"Get better, move on with your life I say," Harold added, with a sly glance in Kate's direction.

Kate gave an inward grimace; he was creepy and made her skin crawl, the sooner his visit was over the better. She listened as they spoke of this and that, of a Lord Buckingham, a Lord Locksley and a Lord Gladstone. All men she had heard of but never had the opportunity to meet. Finally Harold took his leave and asked her to accompany her to the hall downstairs. She settled Edward and made sure he was comfortable and then went to see what the horrible Winchester wanted now.

"Kate, lovely Kate," he gushed. She was reminded of a grass snake which had once frightened her, when she had slipped away from her nursemaid as a small child. "Why do you stay in all the time when you could be out enjoying all that life in court has to offer? Come out with me to a party, or a feast at the Tower and I will show you just how much fun you can really have, without stuffy Edward and the constrictions your mother has upon you."

"I refused you once before Lord Winchester and I am afraid I will have to refuse the invitation of your company again. I have no desire to spend time in court that was my mother's idea."

"To get you married I would presume…" he drawled and she found she disliked him even more, but for the sake of Edward would tolerate him.

"Yes to find me a husband. But there are none who will be in court that I wish to associate with." She replied firmly, out of her peripheral vision she espied her mother in the shadows.

Harold sensing Kate's movement turned and saw the older woman, with an inward sigh he begged a retreat and bade them all good afternoon.

Kate glanced at her mother before returning to Edwards's chamber and said openly with a disgusted opinion. "That man is trouble." Her mother could not agree more.

-----

Edward appeared to be resting, Kate resumed her seat by the window and began stitching angrily, when she realised she had made an error she flung it down and stared out of the window instead.

"Something bothering you?" Edwards's voice cut through the otherwise stillness of the room.

"No, I just made a mistake, I am afraid I would much rather be talking with you than sewing, but you were tired."

He beckoned her over and she sat down on the seat that Winchester had vacated. Edward reached for her hand and stroked it tenderly.

"Kate. As I am right now, it may not look as if I have much to offer. But I have land, a title a home. And I would be honoured if you would consider becoming my wife. What I am trying to say, is Kate I love you from the first moment I saw you, will you marry me?"

Kate smiled and with her eyes shining with tears of joy she replied. "I thought you would never ask."