“There is no guessing.” Sylvain replaced the dress to the chair and followed me out of the darkened shop and into the warmth of the kitchen, where a fire glowed. “So is my life to be among peacocks and yours among the strutting cocks of Duir’s castle, he being the biggest cock of them all?”
I smirked but forbore to comment, and was about to depart for bed when I remembered Therese’s real purpose for a visit.
“I also forgot to mention Claus has a brother who he wishes me to present to Duir. A musician if you can believe it. He stood with the ripped dress and begged a favor of me!” I started to laugh, but stopped when I saw Sylvain’s face grow taut.
“What is it?” I asked and went to his side.
“I don’t know, but I got a chill as if a ghost walked past me.”
The shadows of the fire flickered on the wall and I felt the heat of its flames reach out from the grate like devilish hands. I wiped my cheek and felt damp sweat.
“It’s nothing.” Sylvain’s voice broke the spell. “I am tired. It has, as you say, been a day.”
With a pat on the shoulder, he left me. I stood alone long enough to hear his door close. I followed suit to my own bed.
Chapter 7
The next day I woke to the sun streaming through my open bedroom windows. With it came the smell of the honeysuckle vine my mother planted when my father first brought her to the house. The sweet fragrance made me think of my parents, of their love, how they cared for one another and how he mourned when she passed. I remember finding him one day lingering by the honeysuckle, his face pressed into the blooms, eyes closed and face full of pain. He loved her truly and honestly. I could only hope I would one day find such love.
But not today. Today I would retreat into another passion, my work and the making of Duir’s vest. The echo of Sylvain’s concerns lingered in my thoughts, but I could not let his worry overshadow my task.
Getting up, I made my way over to the window with the intention of gathering a clipping of my mother’s honeysuckle for the shop, but stopped when I noticed a man walking up to the front door. I couldn’t quite make out his face from where I stood, and before I could imagine whom it could be, I heard a tentative rapping on the door. My pants were on top of an old chair opposite the window. I leaned over, bent to put them on, retrieved a shirt, and then made my way to the kitchen. Sylvain had gone to his work, probably to help Therese with her peacocks. Alone, I felt strangely naked. I even glanced down to assure that I’d gotten fully dressed.
The knock repeated.
I went to the door and opened it. I found myself looking into the eyes of one of the most beautiful faces I’d ever seen. For a moment I was stunned into silence, and couldn’t pull my gaze from those eyes. They were blue-grey like a sky tormented by the rain. My heart pounded and I struggled to find my voice beyond my inexplicable muteness.
“I meant no trouble or to disturb. I am looking for a man.” He hesitated, his eyes searching me for some sort of reply. “A tailor,” he added hopefully.
“Yes,” I answered, the word tumbling from my mouth.
The man offered his hand. “I am Seton. I was told the tailor, Virago, lives here. Is he at home?”
My eyes lingered on the offered hand, his skin a shade darker than my own, with long, slender fingers. “Yes,” I repeated.
He took my hand and shook it heartily.
“Are you Virago?” he asked, this time letting his eyes drift from my face to our clasped hands.
“I am, I am indeed, Virago.” I released his hand and shook my head. “I’ve just woken, forgive me.”
“It is I who should beg your forgiveness. I was out in the streets early and found myself overwhelmed with a curious recklessness, and here I am. Did my brother not come by with Lady Therese? He told me he mentioned my name to you.” His eyes searched mine for recognition. “Though Claus is not to be relied upon for more than lustful trysts and too much indulgence.”
“Yes, your brother did make mention of you. Please, come inside.” I moved aside and as he passed and saw a lute strapped to his back; he smelled of fruit and sun.
His smell enflamed the thousand secret desires trapped within me. I caught the sweet breath of honeysuckle which reminded me of my yearning for love. I sighed heavily and closed the door behind us.
“Ahh, what a fine kitchen you have.” His eyes surveyed the space. “How I long to be home in such a place. Claus and I left many months ago and have been wandering by land and sea, seeking our fortunes, but I never forget my home.” Sadness touched his words.
Had he known much sorrow? The thought of him suffering in any way seemed unthinkable. My heart ached to think he suffered. He was much too beautiful. My mind swirled with such whimsies, so I wondered if I might begin to sweat from sheer excitement. But he is beautiful, I thought as I moved past him and gathered two mugs.
“Would you join me in ale?” I asked and blushed at the way my voice cracked nervously.
“Indeed!” he insisted. “But only if you will join me in my bounty. I passed a cart with a largesse of stone fruit and gathered two peaches and four apricots.”
I was surprised when he undid the buttons of his vest and the fruit tumbled onto the table.
“You didn’t steal it?” I asked cautiously, this time regaining control of my rogue vocals.
“Indeed no, I am a musician not a thief. Although
