Lord of Misrule (Below the Salt #8)

Chapter 5

“ H ere is a list of the bread and baked goods that Lord Tolin requires.” Emeric handed Kit the piece of parchment. “It also explains the different days until Twelfth Night that he wants certain items.”

“I see,” said Kit, glancing at the list, not seeing anything that excited her. Her sister sat on a bench rubbing her belly while Parker played with the dog under the table. “I have some items I would like to add to the list,” she told the steward. “Things I bake at my shop that the customers love.”

“You’ll have to take that up with Lord Tolin, I’m afraid.” Emeric looked at the small group of servants standing nearby. “These bakers will assist you.”

She looked up to see nearly a dozen servants watching her with wide eyes. “I have never had or needed this much assistance,” she told the steward.

“You also haven’t had to bake for so many people before, Kit.” Brenna stretched her neck to see the list as well. “Does that say two hundred mincemeat pies?”

“What?” Kit’s eyes snapped down to the parchment in her hand. Sure enough, her sister was right. “Nay. I don’t bake with meat. I do sweets only.”

“Lord Tolin prefers his mincemeat pie with lots of extra apples, dates and raisins. And a variety of spices. He likes it as a dessert. I’ve given you the recipe.” The steward nodded to the papers in her hand.

“This is absurd.”

“Lord Tolin invited the serfs as well as the villagers to join the nobles and castle occupants to the Christmas festivities. Use the servants to help you. There is a lot of work to be completed.”

“Of course, he invited the villagers too,” moaned Kit, knowing this was common but not wanting her friends to see her as naught but a servant of the castle. She was in a humiliating situation. If her sister-by-marriage showed up with her husband, she was sure that Willis would go back and tell all the villagers rumors about Kit and her family. She was a proud business owner, but after Christmas, she’d be naught but a homeless, jobless woman. She would have no choice but to keep being Lord Tolin’s servant.

“Oh, what is going on out there?” asked Brenna, stretching her neck to see out the door of the kitchen, down the corridor to the great hall.

“The servants are stringing up mistletoe and holly to decorate the hall,” said Emeric. “I’m afraid they are not very creative and that it will not meet Lord Tolin’s expectations.”

“I like to decorate,” said Brenna, still looking out the door. “Perhaps I could help them?”

“I don’t know,” said Emeric. “I thought you were brought here to bake. Lord Tolin might not like that.”

Kit saw the shadow darken her sister’s face. Brenna was a very creative person and had always wanted to make things look pretty. She wasn’t a baker and would only get in Kit’s way in the kitchen, not able to move fast because of her big belly. “I’ll take responsibility should Lord Tolin object. Brenna, why don’t you go see if you can help them. I’m sure it will be fine.”

“I would like that.” Brenna got up off the bench, nearly falling when the dog shot out from under the table and knocked into her. Kit caught her and helped her balance.

“Parker, I told you to get that dog out of here,” scolded Kit.

“I like him and don’t want him to leave. At least I have someone to play with now,” Parker answered.

“Oh, you can’t make King leave,” said Emeric. “Lord Tolin won’t allow it. King likes to stay in the keep and Lord Tolin lets him go wherever he pleases.”

“King? Oh, is that the dog’s name?” asked Kit.

“Yes, King is Lord Tolin’s dog.”

“It figures,” Kit mumbled under her breath. Just one more thing about the man that aggravated her. “Parker, I’ll need your help gathering some ingredients,” Kit told her son, running her finger down the list.

“But I want to play with the dog,” protested the boy. “I don’t know what to do in a kitchen.”

“It’ll be just like helping me at the bakery,” she tried to assure him. “And once Lord Tolin sees you working so hard, he’ll hopefully lift your punishment sooner. Now, go find me the raisins.”

“All right,” said the boy, moping away to do a job that no eight-year-old should be expected to do.

Tolin left the church on horseback anxious to return to the castle where a feast would be waiting, now that the fasting from the last four weeks had ended. He’d purposely ordered lots of meat and dairy, since these were foods banned by the church during Advent. He’d left in such a hurry that he hadn’t had a chance to tell Kit the changes he’d made concerning the desserts for the Christmas Eve meal. He hoped Emeric had explained the way Tolin liked things to be.

Since it would be hours yet before the food was ready, he had planned a joust to take place in the practice yard. A good joust would work up a powerful hunger. Actually, he decided to stop by the kitchen on his way to the joust to make sure Kit was following orders. He was secretly already starving and had hoped to sneak a taste early.

Tolin’s squire walked with him, pointing out the obvious. “Oh, look, my lord. The decorations are up in the great hall. I see strings of holly and even ornate kissing boughs.”

“Yes, I see that.” He stopped under one of the kissing boughs, inspecting it hanging from the rafters. Dozens graced the room. Each was a wire structure in the shape of a ball. To his surprise they had apples and oranges hanging down, with lots of holly and pine branches with mistletoe attached in the center. Some of the oranges even had cloves stuck into them. It was quite nice. More elaborate than he’d ever seen. Just the scent alone made the normally stale air smell spicy and sweet. “This is quite good,” he said aloud, noticing the details of colorful ribbons woven into curious bows and loops from which the kissing boughs were attached. A beeswax scented candle was placed in the center of each. Once the candles were lit later tonight, the kissing boughs would fill the room with a soft light, giving off a mysterious glow. He nodded his approval. “I have never seen such elaborate kissing boughs before. I like it.”

“I’m glad you approve because my sister had a hand in making the kissing boughs.”

Tolin turned to see Kit standing there holding a tray of small loaves of bread. The aroma wafted up into the air, making Tolin salivate. There was nothing like the scent of freshly baked bread.

“Your sister did this?” He glanced upward.

“Yes. And her name is Brenna. She might not be that much help in the kitchen being so pregnant, but I sent her out to assist the servants with the decorations. I hope it is to your approval.”

“ You sent her out to help? Not Emeric?”

“Yes, it was me. I take full responsibility.”

He was about to reprimand Kit for giving orders that weren’t approved by him when his dog ran into the great hall being chased by the boy.

“King,” Tolin called to the dog, always being greeted by the hound jumping on him and licking his face. King heard him and ran in his direction. Unfortunately, the dog knocked into Kit and she lost her balance. The tray of bread fell to the floor and Kit somehow ended up in Tolin’s arms.

“Ooomph,” she said with a breath of air escaping her lips. She clung to Tolin, looking up at him through tangled strands of hair.

“You’re under the kissing bough, my lord,” his squire pointed out.

“Tolin’s already making use of the kissing boughs? Why am I not surprised?” His brother, Daegel entered the great hall with Rook and Raven following.

“I’m sorry, my lord,” Kit said in a whisper. Tolin held her securely, not wanting the beautiful woman to fall.

“It wasn’t your fault,” he told her. Her eyes held innocence but at the same time he saw passion and determination. Once again she had flour spewed across her cheek and he had to stop himself from reaching out to brush it away. Long dark lashes curled upward as she blinked several times in succession. He swore he saw her gaze settle on his mouth. When it did, it made his attention go to the girl’s full lips that looked like they needed...or wanted kissing. It would be so easy to kiss her right now and no one could question it as they were under the kissing bough. He wanted to taste those lips desperately, but he wasn’t sure the wench wouldn’t slap him if he did. Thinking it best not to act on this right now, he gently righted her position and released her. “I’m sorry my hound is so forceful.”

She bent down to collect the small palm-sized loaves of bread. Without thinking it through, he hunkered down and helped her to put them back on the tray.

“I’m sorry about the bread. I will clean it off. I should have left it in the kitchen to cool.”

“No harm done.” He put his arm under her elbow and helped her to her feet.

“I wanted to ask you why the list specifically called for such small loaves? Was that a mistake?” She looked down at the dirty bread and then back up at him.

He smiled, wanting to break the tension. He didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable here at the castle.

“The loaves are perfect, Kit.” He picked one up and tossed it to his dog.

Kit watched in confusion as Tolin gave the loaf of bread to his dog to eat. “My lord, I thought those were for the meal. And did you not say they were perfect?”

“They are,” he said, taking the tray from her and handing it to his squire. “These are Christmas treats for the hounds. Jarvis, take these loaves to the kennels and tell the kennel groom that every hound gets one. If he needs more, let me know.”

“But those are white bread,” protested Kit, not able to believe something that was reserved for nobles was being given to the animals instead of the servants. He was revering the hounds and wouldn’t even let the servants worship in church. What kind of a place was this?

“That’s right, these are white bread,” said Tolin, laughing and petting King’s head with two hands as the dog devoured the loaf of bread in three bites. “Only the best for the castle hounds.”

“Make sure Copper and Brindy get some too,” Raven called after the squire.

“Yes, my lady,” said Jarvis.

“Who?” asked Kit.

“My mastiffs,” said Raven with a kind smile. “Of course, they’ll want several loaves since they are large and tend to eat a lot.” She called after the squire once more. “Make sure their pups get some too. They’re getting big now and can’t seem to stop eating.”

“Yes, my lady,” Jarvis’ voice got softer as he headed out to the courtyard.

“Just kiss her already,” growled Daegel. “And then let’s get to the practice yard for the joust.”

“Kiss?” Alarm ran through Kit when she realized both she and Tolin were still standing under the kissing bough. “Oh, no. I couldn’t.”

“It’s Christmas, and everyone does it.” Tolin reached out and pulled her to him, pressing his lips up against hers before she could stop him. His lips were surprisingly soft and sensuous. Her eyes closed and she returned the kiss, putting her hands on his shoulders. It felt so damned good to be kissed by a handsome man. Lord Tolin might be crass and rude, but his looks made up for all his shortcomings. Kit felt something come to life deep inside her. Something that had died the day Crispin was killed. Even after having married Crispin’s brother, Gerold, she had never felt the same way. Until now.

“Well, get back to the kitchen and make me up some of those enticing tarts,” he said, quickly releasing her and pulling away.

“Tarts? But I thought you wanted mincemeat pies today.”

“I’ve had a change of heart. Tarts today and mincemeat pies tomorrow.” He pushed a strand of his long black hair behind his ear and glanced at his brother. “Daegel, Rook and I will show you how real knights joust. Come.”

“I know how to joust,” complained Daegel.

“Prove it,” said Rook with a chuckle. “Beat Tolin and me and mayhap we’ll buy you a whisky when we’re done.”

“I prefer beer,” said Daegel as the men all walked away ignoring Kit. It was as if nothing had happened. Or, at least to them. She watched them exit the great hall, her hand going to her lips, wanting to savor the kiss.

“My brothers are all pig-headed curs. Sorry about that,” said Raven, who Kit had almost forgotten was still standing there.

“Whatever do you mean?” Kit hoped Raven couldn’t see her blush. She still felt hot and heady from Tolin’s kiss. It embarrassed her that she felt this way. After all, he was a noble and she was just a commoner. One kiss under the kissing bough might mean the world to her but she was sure it was just another motion to him. Tolin Blake wouldn’t give it another thought.

“I saw the way your eyes closed and your cheeks reddened when my brother kissed you just now.”

“Oh.” She flashed a smile. “It is only because I am a widow and haven’t been kissed in quite a while.”

“Is it really?” Now it was Raven’s turn to flash a smile.

“Excuse me, my lady, but Lord Tolin wants tarts for the meal and it takes a while to make them. I really should go. I already have my hands full with the mincemeat pies. Parker, come help me,” she called to her son who was still playing with Tolin’s hound.

Raven’s hand shot out and her fingers clasped Kit’s wrist. Kit’s eyes snapped upward.

“I’m actually glad you are here. Tolin needs someone like you to put him in his place once in a while.”

“Me? Put him in his place? I could never.”

“Yes, you could and you know it as well as I,” said Raven, slowly releasing Kit’s arm.

“Pardon me for saying this, my lady, and I mean no disrespect, but I could never be interested in a man like Tolin.”

“Whatever do you mean?” Raven repeated her words back. “Because he is immature, likes to show off, constantly plays games, drinks and gambles too much, is not responsible for anything but having fun, and cannot stand losing to anyone? Especially a woman?” She raised her brows and smiled again.

Kit and Raven both burst out laughing.

“I suppose that about covers it,” said Kit.

“And now you see why my little brother needs a good woman.”

Kit’s smile slowly disappeared. “I am a widow with a son out of wedlock from a second man. I have worked hard to change my reputation and was even running the bakery on my own successfully before my son was accused of something he didn’t do. Now, I am naught more than a servant. I am at risk of losing my business as well as my home. I am responsible for not only my son, but also my very pregnant sister and her husband who has no job. So tell me, why on earth would I ever want someone in my life with all the vices you just listed regarding Tolin?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I had no idea your life was so hard. I suppose you wouldn’t.” She smiled and shrugged. “I must go joust now, to show all of my brothers that I can still beat them.”

“You’re a mother, aren’t you?” asked Kit.

“I am.”

“And you still joust? Isn’t that dangerous?”

“Whether something is dangerous or not is only an opinion. I like to feel alive. Being a mother and jousting and using weapons are all things that make me feel that way. Why should I give any of them up?”

“I see what you mean,” said Kit in deep thought.

“Kit Baker, I will leave you with a thought. I don’t want you to answer but just think about it.”

“What is that?” asked Kit.

“What makes you feel alive? And are you ready to do something dangerous so you can start living and stop just surviving? There is a difference, you know.” Raven nodded and walked away, leaving Kit standing there pondering the woman’s words of wisdom.

She supposed mayhap she wasn’t living but only surviving, just like Raven said. All of her problems would still be there tomorrow and no amount of being cautious was going to change that. Yes, mayhap she should start living after all. And to her, the most dangerous thing in her life right now was having been kissed by Lord Tolin Blake.