The Unconventional Maiden by June Francis Page B

Raventon Hall, but after my father died, everything changed.’
    ‘Aye, I remember it well,’ said James, stroking his chin. ‘Hugh was deeply upset by his death. I was only apprenticed at the time, but he decided then to train me to take over his position so he could join the priesthood. We see him rarely these days. He has become so grand now he is in Cardinal Wolsey’s employ and spends most of his time at York Place in London, although, as you know, he is in France at the moment.’
    James glanced at Beth admiringly. She had wandered off whilst the two men were talking. ‘May I ask who is that young woman?’
    ‘She is my ward,’ said Gawain, frowning. ‘I am burdened with the task of finding a husband for her.’
    ‘‘Tis a pity I am already spoken for,’ said James, his eyes twinkling. ‘But your task should not be too arduous.She has lovely features and a comely figure. What is her fortune and is she biddable?’
    ‘Her fortune is adequate and she took her mother’s place in organising her father’s household several years ago,’ replied Gawain. ‘As for her being biddable, I have no complaints on that score so far,’ he lied smoothly.
    James nodded thoughtfully. ‘If you are of a mind to, then you must bring her to the wedding. There is likely to be a choice of possible suitors amongst the guests.’
    ‘I will consider it,’ said Gawain. ‘I must go now, James. I have much to do.’
    They shook hands again.
    ‘I will let you know the exact date of the wedding. I trust Mary will have returned by then,’ said James. ‘Your aunt, of course, is also welcome. My mother always enjoys her company.’
    Gawain thanked him, even as he was thinking how best to avoid attending a wedding where he would have to make excuses for Mary’s absence again. He was gripped by frustrated rage at being trapped in a situation not of his making and from which there seemed no easy escape. Fortunately most of his neighbours had no real notion of how long Mary and the children had been away, but if he were to attend this happy occasion and she were not there, questions were bound to be asked.
    He turned to Beth as she approached. Her cheeks were flushed prettily with the sharp breeze but she was shivering slightly and had her light summer cloak wrapped closely around her. He frowned. ‘You are cold?’
    ‘A little chilly.’
    ‘Then let us go inside the yard. You can take shelter in one of the workshops or, better still, the smithy,’ he said, pushing open a gate and leading both the horses inside.
    ‘So you and your wife are invited to a wedding,’ murmured Beth.
    ‘You overheard,’ said Gawain sharply.
    ‘He had a loud voice,’ she said hastily. ‘I was not eavesdropping.’
    ‘Really?’ His voice was dry.
    Beth’s lips tightened and she glanced about her, deciding to ignore his question. Instead, she thought that this yard was where Jonathan’s small boat had been built. What had brought him here when there were boatyards nearer to where they lived? She breathed in the scent of wood and the strong pungent odour of pitch, noticing the hull of a boat on wooden stocks and several men at work on it. There were others in the yard, obviously absorbed in a variety of tasks. Could one of them be responsible for what had happened to Jonathan’s boat? But if so, why?
    She was roused from her reverie by Gawain’s voice. ‘Did you hear James extend an invitation to you and Aunt Catherine?’
    ‘Aye,’ replied Beth, ‘but I cannot see how I can accept.’
    He met her eyes. ‘I see no reason why the two of you should not attend.’
    ‘But I will be in London surely by then. Besides, I am in mourning.’
    ‘I am sure your father would be in favour of your attending such an event as there could be one or two there who might make you a suitable husband,’ he said.
    ‘You really do want to get rid of me as soon as possible, don’t you?’ she blurted out. ‘Well, the day can’t come quickly enough for me,