My Rival, My Love, page 8
She met his gaze but didn’t speak.
“If you agree we’ve done all we can to find the truth about it, then the only duty we owe is to ourselves. We figured out how to open the box. And we possess the cup. If a kinsman had figured out as much as we have, would he have kept the chalice for his grandchildren or profited from it?”
“What others might’ve done isn’t important. There are too many unanswered questions.” She folded her arms across her chest.
“Exactly. That is the crux of the matter. We need not base our choices on supposition. Only facts. That’s why I believe we have the right to dispose of it.” Agitation forced him to his feet. “I vote to sell it. Then we can help ourselves and our families.”
“Your arguments do make sense.” She seemed to shrink into her chair while studying her hands. All he wanted to do was comfort her. “Maybe you’re right. We can’t prove we don’t own the chalice or determine why no one before us could open the box. We can prove it’s been in your family for scores of years and we have possession.” A long silence ensued. “Very well. Let’s sell it.”
At last. He took her hand, but the gesture felt forced, not special. “I appreciate your willingness to change your views, Cecily. We couldn’t stay at stalemate for much longer.”
“No, we couldn’t. Another thing we agree on.” She managed a weak smile.
“I’ll begin seeking buyers in the morning and let you know what I find.”
Three days passed quietly with Simon absent most of the time. Cecily felt safe but abandoned because they barely spoke. It was as if he was done with her now that she’d agreed to sell the chalice.
He’d been so certain about their rights to the chalice. In the end, the lack of proof of the chalice’s provenance had swayed her.
On the third evening, he hurried into the upstairs solar where she sat with his sisters.
“I found a buyer! And for a higher price than I’d estimated. The transaction has been made.”
When had she seen him so happy?
All three sisters squealed with delight. “Congratulations, Simon!” they chorused. They danced out of the room listing ways to spend their new fortune.
He handed her a heavy purse. “If you trust me, I can keep your half of the proceeds in my safe until you’re ready to spend it. What a weight has been lifted from me. From us. I’ll be able to help my sisters and worry less about myself. You’ll be able to help yourself and your grandmother.”
Now she could save her earnings from working for Joanna and not worry about how to support herself and Gran. She should be joyous. Yet, emptiness filled her. Even a good decision didn’t always feel right.
He held out his hand for her to shake as if she were a customer. “Well then. I suppose our business is concluded. I’ll have Everard take you and your grandmother back to your house in the morning.”
Cecily forced herself to smile when she really wanted to collapse. Neither their friendship nor their night of passion meant anything to him. He’d mentioned pleasure in the moment, but their intimacy had meant more than that to her. He had her under his roof but didn’t want to share a bed with her again or even be in the same room with her. Losing someone you loved burned whether the flames were real or in your heart.
Accepting his hand, she concentrated on remembering every last sensation of his touch. “Thank you, Simon. I’m glad the matter is resolved.”
Their business might be over, but her affection for Simon wasn’t.
Cecily hadn’t even been courageous enough to talk to Gran yet. How could she bring herself to tell Simon of her true feelings? She’d never forgive herself if she didn’t try, so she searched deep within for strength. “One more thing, Simon. What of our future? I’d like us to have one.”
His face was unreadable. “Cecily, I care for you more than I have for any woman. The night we shared was wonderful. I honestly believed my avoidance of marriage was for economic reasons. Though I should have sufficient funds for years to come, I’m still not willing to make a commitment.”
“Thank you for being honest with me.”
She fled to hide her anguish and tears.
Being back at Gran’s didn’t feel like returning home. For a fleeting moment, Cecily had hoped Simon would create one with her. Another wave of sorrow washed over her because she and Simon would never be united. Or likely even speak again.
She would find somewhere she could call her own and strive to love that.
As she and Gran broke their fast with bread, cheese, and fresh ale, Cecily girded herself with strength to carry on. If the sisters could face Simon, she could do this.
“Gran, I cannot thank you enough for helping me through my mourning and grief. But I’m well. And now that I have some coin, the time has come for me to have a household of my own.”
Gran tore a piece of bread in two. “Is it, now? You said you didn’t want to wed again. Has that Simon offered for your hand?”
“No. Of course not.” Though that thought held more appeal than she would’ve expected.
“Then who did?”
“No one has offered for my hand.” She took a sip of ale, seeking the will to continue.
“Ah. Without a man to care for you, where will you go? What will you do?”
“I’m not sure yet. But I don’t need a man to have my own home.” Cecily set down her cup. “You’re welcome to come with me. I’d be honored to share my windfall with you.”
“I won’t leave my home.” She huffed. “I took you in when you had nowhere to go, when you lacked coin because your shiftless husband had spent what little he earned. And this is how you thank me?”
Adam hadn’t been the best provider, but he’d been a good man. There was no point revisiting the past. “I’ve more than earned my keep these three years by helping you.” Mayhap in her earnestness and wanting to be useful, she’d encouraged Gran to be idle just as Simon had allowed his sisters to be while assuming he was protecting them. “And as I said, I’m willing to share my wealth with you.”
“Your chalice money won’t last forever, especially if half goes to me. What skills have you to earn your keep beyond helping with chores?” Gran asked.
Cecily kept a calm tone. “I’ll figure that out before the time comes.”
“We’ll see if you can spend wisely.” Gran picked up a piece of bread. “I wish you would stay.”
Guilt stung, but she stood her ground. “I hope you’ll come with me when I find lodgings.”
“Is there any honey?” Gran asked.
“Of course,” Cecily said. She jumped up to fetch it, then sat back down. “It’s in the cupboard.”
Gran didn’t look happy, but stood and went to get the jar.
Cecily sighed in relief. The seeds had been planted. And she’d learned another lesson; don’t avoid difficult conversations for so long. Better to be brave and endure them so you could make your opinions clear to others.
Gran hadn’t mentioned needing or wanting help or any specific reason for Cecily to stay. Before moving out, she’d test Gran’s ability to fend for herself and, if Gran refused to leave but couldn’t complete her day to day tasks, Cecily would help find a companion who could. As much as Cecily yearned for independence, she wouldn’t leave her own grandmother lacking care.
A sennight later, Simon hurried home, eager to tell Cecily about his new commission. How could he have forgotten that she wasn’t there? Because he wished she was.
The hall seemed empty and dim without her. She’d become the brightest light in his life. And instead of thanking God for her, he’d let her walk away.
He turned around and hurried to Cecily’s grandmother’s house.
Cecily answered his knock in obvious surprise. “Simon? Has something happened?”
“I’m sorry to arrive unannounced.” Like she had when they first met. “May I talk to you?”
“Of course.” She waved him to the window seat.
“We haven’t known each other very long, but you’ve become important to me. I regret not telling you sooner. As an apology, I made something for you.” He unrolled a smooth piece of leather and handed her a thick silver chain with a key pendant. The heart-shaped bow led to a simple blade.
“Oh, Simon. It’s beautiful. I love it. But why another key—as a reminder of our journey? Does it open something? Please tell me there’s not another mystery to solve.”
No matter how uncomfortable it made him, he’d tell her the truth. “I believed that as a man I was required do everything on my own and for the women under my care. Which led me to determine that because of the added responsibility, having a wife would be more of a hindrance than a blessing. You opened my eyes to the importance of love. Someone to share challenges and joys.” He reached for her hand. Hope filled him when she took it. “More than that, I’ve missed you every day. Every night. I admit that when we first shared a bed, I wanted to believe our passion was fleeting. But my home and bed are empty without you. So, I’m giving you the key to my heart.”
Tears of wonder and delight filled Cecily’s eyes. “That is the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard.”
Simon had missed her as much as she’d missed him. He desired her in every way. She couldn’t be happier.
“Simon. You’ve become so important to me so quickly. I miss you when we’re apart and couldn’t imagine not spending every day with you. These days without you seemed endless. I’m honored to accept your thoughtful gift.”
“I love you, Cecily. Will you marry me?”
“Yes, Simon. I will.”
After a long, kiss, he helped her put on the necklace.
Wrapping her hand around the gift Simon had created for her, she said, “I’ll wear it always. I love you.”
They shared a wonderful laugh.
Epilogue
Two months later
At last the day dawned.
Anticipation and sunlight filled the October air as guests gathered at the church.
Simon’s sisters and even Gran had new gowns. Nissa, Melisant, Annis, and Cecily’s cousin, Joanna, were her bridemaids. Even fellow goldsmiths had been invited to the wedding.
He couldn’t wait for Cecily’s reaction to the surprises he’d spent long hours preparing. Nor could he wait to show her how much he loved her. Tonight, Cecily would be his. She’d share his bed for the rest of their lives.
Simon yearned to be alone with her so he could run his hands through her beautiful hair as he gazed into her amber eyes filled with love.
He’d always remember how lovely she looked in this moment—their wedding day.
Cecily’s voice shook as she repeated her vows, but his words were clear and loud. When the priest called for the ring, Simon placed a band with an emerald on her finger.
“I made this for you,” he whispered.
It fit perfectly. His heart swelled as she admired his work.
Cecily, his love. His wife.
Cecily’s soul overflowed with love as they awaited their wedding feast. This day couldn’t be more perfect. As servants brought out the first course of pottage, a hearty soup of cabbage, leeks, bacon, and almond milk, she took in the room filled with friends and new family she hadn’t met yet.
How swiftly life could change when one was ready to change with it. If only her mother could see how happy and grateful she was and could meet her new husband and her sisters-by-law.
Cecily blinked back tears. The man beside her fulfilled dreams she hadn’t known she had. Her new husband was resplendent in a blue tunic and the gold collar chain he’d worn the day they first met.
She couldn’t be happier.
Simon stood and called for everyone’s attention.
“We thank each and every one of you for sharing our wedding day. As many of you are aware, kings and leaders often wear gold chains comprised of links in the shape of the letter S. Instead, I used the letter C to create a custom link I’m naming after Cecily.” He displayed a necklace of C-shaped links with a large emerald in a round pendant bordered in pearls. “For you, my love.”
“It’s stunning beyond words.”
He put it on her. “When I first saw you, I thought of this stone I’d purchased years ago but hadn’t yet found the perfect use for. I knew it would accentuate your skin and eyes.”
“This is the third piece you’ve created for me. I cannot imagine more thoughtful or beautiful gifts of mind and heart. Thank you, my Simon. Finally, I have something for you. Joanna?”
Joanna reached under her place at the cloth-covered table and pulled out a small, stained-glass window of a golden chalice on a bright blue background. She rose and handed it to Simon.
He displayed it to the guests. “Cecily, this is wonderful. I look forward to installing it in our home. But you are my true gift.”
About an hour later, after eating some delicious pears soaked in wine, Cecily whispered to Simon, “As much as I’m enjoying our fine meal and appreciate our guests, I have to ask, when shall we be alone?”
He laughed. She’d get to hear that laugh every day. And best of all, wake up in his arms.
“My rival has become my love.” She took his hand, overjoyed.
“And you are mine. I have one more surprise,” Simon said as the last course of food was served.
“You’ve already made this day so special.” She touched her necklace. “The ring and necklace you designed for me are more than enough.”
“It’s not more jewelry. But it does involve your ring. I engraved the inside.”
She took it off, holding it up to the candle on the table. “‘Happy ever after.’ Oh, Simon. My mother’s story. You remembered how much it meant to me.” A tear slipped down her check.
He wiped it away. “To us. May we be like the princess and her prince.”
The kiss they shared melted her heart faster than a candle tossed into the fire.
Simon’s sisters and their other guests clapped and cheered.
Author’s Note
Dear Reader,
Thank you for choosing My Rival, My Love and for taking your time to read it. I’d appreciate an honest review, if you’re so inclined.
Why did I write this story? One of my favorite research books is Goldsmiths (Medieval Craftsmen Series), which I bought in London in the summer of 1983, so I wanted my hero to be one. While researching My Rebel, My Love, set during the end of King John’s reign, I learned about what befell his crowns, chalices, staffs and other treasure on October 12, 1216 and wondered how to incorporate that into this novella. As of this writing, none of the treasure has surfaced. Then I had to come up with what I thought was an interesting way for my goldsmith to meet the heroine.
The year 1460 marked a time of change in England as what we call the Wars of the Roses continued with numerous battles and political maneuvering. As Yorkist forces captured the Lancastrian King Henry VI, though Queen Margaret and their son escaped. Most of my other books incorporate more actual historical events and figures, but for this one I decided to focus on the characters.
If you’d like to be notified about future books, important news and any contests or giveaways, please sign up for my newsletter at www.ruthkaufman.com, where you can also learn more about me and my books. Additional information is on my Amazon author page and Goodreads page. And if you’d like to join me online, I’m on Facebook at Ruth Kaufman Author & Actor, Instagram @ruth.kaufman and Twitter @RuthKaufman.
About the Author
Ruth Kaufman’s books include humorous novels My Life as an Extra (only her hairdresser knows how much is based on truth) and the stand-alone sequel My Life as a Star and her Wars of the Roses Brides trilogy (At His Command, Follow Your Heart, The Bride Tournament). Accolades include 2016 Booksellers’ Best Awards for Best First Book and Best Historical for At His Command and Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® winner.
She’s also an on-camera and voiceover actor, freelance editor and speaker with a J.D. and a master’s in radio/TV, who loves going to the theatre. Ruth’s credits include independent features, short films, web series, and national and local TV commercials, and voicing thousands of projects from e-learning courses to commercials.
Learn more at www.ruthkaufman.com and www.ruthtalks.com. Follow her on Instagram: @ruth.kaufman Twitter: @RuthKaufman or Facebook: Ruth Kaufman Author & Actor.
Other books by Ruth Kaufman
MY REBEL, MY LOVE
An embroiderer gets more than she bargained for after daring to partner with a baron.
Eleanor of Elton fears her time serving the queen is ending. She wants to support herself with embroidery, but single women can face insurmountable challenges establishing a business. Jenkin de Lacy is one of 25 barons rebelling against King John’s tyranny. Because lovely, intelligent Eleanor intrigues him and he can’t bear to watch her dream die, he reluctantly agrees to help. Can love overcome their differences?
“What an interesting idea is provided in this book as to how this woman must make her way in the world. A page turner.”
—5-Star Amazon Review
“Enchanting. “This is a must read. Enjoy!”
—5-Star Amazon Review
MY ENEMY, MY LOVE
Lady Aline de Lacy is among hundreds trapped between a chateau under siege and the French army’s camp. After rescuing her, Sir Apollo de Norville, King Philip II’s messenger, is commanded to marry her as a gesture of peace. Mutual attraction sparks…but how do you live with, much less love, your enemy?
“This story will tug at your emotions and leave you cheering for the two to be together and find their peace.”
—5-Star Amazon Review
“This one was definitely a little different, but I liked it!”
—5-Star Amazon Review
Wars of the Roses Brides Trilogy (Each novel also stands alone)
