Total pages in book: 111
Estimated words: 102573 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 513(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102573 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 513(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
Bhric’s mum had been close friends with Tavia’s mum, and she hoped there was a chance she would know how her mum fared when she carried and delivered Tavia. Also, why she lost her life in the process. But with Bhric’s mum not being here, there was one other person who might know, who served Bhric’s mum… Marta.
Tavia made her way to Ingrid’s cottage, thinking it was the best place to find the woman. After only two days of rest, Marta refused to remain abed and when she heard of Ingrid possibly being poisoned, she let no one stop her from seeing to the woman’s care.
“Wait out here, Fen,” she ordered when they reached the cottage, and he made no protest too busy sniffing the ground.
She entered after a brief knock.
“I will not let you harm her or the bairn,” Marta said, taking a protective stance in front of Ingrid, tucked comfortably in bed.
“Lady Tavia means me no harm, Marta,” Ingrid said. “And if you treat her badly my brother will send you home and then who will I have to help me?”
Marta grumbled and stepped aside. “A brief visit.”
“Actually, Marta, it is you I came to talk with,” Tavia said and while Marta’s eyes turned suspicious, Ingrid’s eyes widened in surprise. “Perhaps a brief walk outside.”
“Where I hear nothing? Absolutely not,” Ingrid said, sitting straight up in bed ready to hear every word.
“I prefer whatever you have to say to me, my lady, be said in front of Ingrid, so my words are not misconstrued,” Marta said with a lift of her chin.
“As long as what we discuss is kept private between us three,” Tavia said.
“I will not keep anything from Lord Bhric,” Marta said curtly.
“Aye, you will,” Ingrid demanded, “for I am curious as to what Lady Tavia wants to speak to you about.”
“Your tongue does not always keep counsel as it should, something I have reminded you about many times,” Marta reprimanded.
“True, but I give my word on this one. I will hold my tongue,” Ingrid said. “As will you.” When Marta did not respond, Ingrid said, “Be sent home or remain here, which will it be, Marta?”
Marta scowled. “I will hold my tongue as long as it brings no harm to Lord Bhric.”
“I have no desire to harm my husband, I love him,” Tavia said.
“Good, now that we have that all settled speak up,” Ingrid said eagerly.
“You served Lord Bhric’s mum, did you not?” Tavia asked.
“I did,” Marta said proudly.
“By any chance were you with her when she visited with my mum?”
Marta hesitated briefly. “On a few occasions.”
“You never mentioned that,” Ingrid said surprised.
“It was of no importance,” Marta said, easily dismissing it.
“It is important to me, “Tavia said. “Please tell me what you thought of my mum.”
“I did not know her well enough to say, though I did see that your father loved her very much,” Marta said.
Tavia could see her words were forced. “What are you not telling me, Marta?”
“There is nothing more to say,” Marta said, stubbornly.
Tavia was not done yet. “Did you attend my delivery?”
“I was sent from the room,” Marta admitted.
“Did you learn what happened that caused my mum to lose her life?” Tavia asked.
Marta turned her head away for a moment as if lost in memories. “I was told that once you were delivered your mum bled profusely. No one could stop it. She knew she would not survive, and it was said that she pleaded with Bhric’s mother to look after you and keep you safe. Lady Orianna swore she would.”
“Why would you not respect my mother’s word and see Lady Tavia kept safe when given the chance?” Ingrid asked puzzled.
“Daughters are much like their mothers,” Marta said, casting an accusing glance at Tavia. “
“I am pleased to hear that,” Ingrid said, smiling.
“Not you,” Marta corrected. “You are more like your father’s mother… a hellion.”
Ingrid grinned. “That is even better.”
“You did not like my mum,” Tavia said, having heard the disdain in the woman’s voice.
“It was not for me to like or dislike her, though I will say when I saw you for the first time I thought you looked familiar,” Marta said.
“And you took an instant dislike to me which means you disliked my mum. Why?” Tavia asked.
Marta clamped her mouth shut as if she would say no more but failed to do so. “You lie just as your mum did.”
Tavia drew her head back feeling as if the woman had slapped her, her accusation was so unexpected.
Marta continued to accuse. “You tricked Lord Bhric into this marriage, tricked him into bed, and I would not be surprised if you carry another man’s bairn.”
Tavia’s hand went instinctively to her stomach.
Marta’s eyes spread wide with shock. “I knew it. I knew it. You were with child when he wed you. And you will get what you deserve just as your mum did.”