The Fairest Beauty

He gestured for Sophie to mount up. She stepped closer and Gabe wrapped his hands around her waist. She looked away from him, as if shy about being so close to him. He boosted her up quickly and she kept her eyes averted.

 

She truly was a virtuous maiden, not flirtatious like some, nor selfish, nor anxious to put herself forward. She would make a wonderful wife for Valten.

 

Why did that thought make Gabe feel unsettled? Like he’d fallen on his back and had gotten the breath knocked out of him? Was he so undisciplined that he would covet his brother’s betrothed?

 

Gabe mounted behind Sophie and took the reins firmly in hand. He urged Gingerbread forward and then nudged the horse to go faster. The sooner they reached Hagenheim, the better.

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 11

 

 

After riding hard for a couple of hours, Sophie was grateful when Gabe stopped in a small glade to let the horse drink, which also allowed them to stand and eat some more of their bread and cheese, as well as some raisins, dried apricots, and walnuts.

 

Gabe kept watch all around them, carefully searching the trees across the river while Gingerbread drank his fill. He passed the bundle of food to Sophie. Her fingers brushed his and she pretended not to notice how warm his hand felt.

 

Sophie finished eating, then drank from the cold, sparkling river. She needed a few moments of privacy so she gestured toward the forest. Gabe hooked his thumb in the opposite direction, and they went their separate ways.

 

After returning, they mounted up. Sophie noticed that Gabe washed his hands in the river as often as she did, and he splashed water on his face morning and night. He wasn’t like most of the men Sophie had grown up with — servants who rarely bathed and smelled like it. Gabe, she couldn’t help but notice, smelled … quite pleasant.

 

But she was tired of thinking about him, and she knew something that would distract them both.

 

“I have most of the book of Saint Luke memorized. Would you like me to recite it to you?”

 

“Of course,” he said. “That would be good.”

 

Sophie began reciting Jesus’s parable:

 

“A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ ”

 

“But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ ”

 

She glanced up at Gabe. He appeared to be listening, his brows drawn together as he watched the trail ahead. She went on.

 

“Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’

 

“Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’ ”

 

Married. Sophie’s mind went immediately to Valten. What would it be like to be married to him? And why would a man say he couldn’t come to a banquet because he just got married? Sophie felt herself blush as she pondered what it meant to be wed.

 

She continued reciting. The parable ended with the poor and lame and blind being compelled to come to the feast, while the rich and those who had refused the invitation were excluded.

 

I will prepare a feast for you in the presence of your enemies.

 

Sophie listened, and the words came to her again. I will prepare a feast for you in the presence of your enemies.

 

Sophie prayed, God, I believe you will protect me from Duchess Ermengard, my enemy, and bless me in spite of the duchess’s efforts to destroy me. You will prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemy.

 

Gabe hadn’t said anything while Sophie kept her eyes closed, listening, praying, and thinking.

 

She began to recite again, and she came to the parable of the lost sheep. Jesus spoke of the man who left his ninety-nine sheep to go out and search for the one that was lost. That made Sophie think of Gabe, leaving his comfortable home to come and find her. When she came to the end of the chapter, she asked, “Are you rich, Gabe?”

 

Gabe looked down at her, his brows raised. “My family is wealthy. But I’m the second son. Valten will inherit the wealth, as well as the right to rule.” He shook his head and smiled faintly. “Although I am rich compared to some, second sons aren’t rich.”

 

“How then will you live?”

 

“I will marry Brittola. Her father has promised an estate to her and her husband. But I’ve always expected to have to make my own way. I once fancied becoming a builder, perhaps a master mason, but I haven’t applied myself to my studies as I ought. Up until now, I’m afraid I’ve behaved rather irresponsibly.”

 

At least he was honest. “Planning and overseeing the building of things. Is this what a master mason does?”

 

He nodded.

 

Was he thinking of Brittola, his intended bride? Sophie changed the topic of conversation.

 

“What do you think will happen to Petra and Roslind?” She hoped the duchess wouldn’t mistreat them even more because she no longer had Sophie to take out her wrath on.

 

“I don’t know.” Gabe was quiet for a moment, then said softly, “Perhaps Valten will come back for them, if you wish it.”

 

“Oh yes! Do you think he would?”

 

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