Chapter 59

Chapter 59

Lucan walked Lilian back to the keep before returning to the bailey to welcome his favorite merchant, Ainsley. The young man wasnt the wealthiest in his trade, but he returned to their estate more than any other tradesman. Lucan had gotten familiar with him and had even bid him farewell when hed left before winter. He was now a welcome sight, particularly because Lucan saw him as his next quarry after Maris Saltner.

He received him at the baileys gate, glad that the young merchant felt at ease entering their walls instead of being wary of some rogue tax falling on his head.

Master Lucan! the young man said. His dark hair had grown slightly longer but was still swept back like it had been last time. A pleasure to see you again.

Yes, it is a pleasure, Ainsley, Lucan said. Welcome back to our estate. Come come. He gestured inside.

The young merchant guided the mule pulling his cart into the bailey proper, gazing at his surroundings with wonder. I see much has changed already.

Yes, hopefully for the better, Lucan said.

Im certain it is so, Ainsley said. Your ventures are cause for pride, Master Lucan.

Thats too high a praise, Lucan smiled. Ive been fortunate, and Ive had the aid of men with more wisdom than I.

Ainsley nodded smoothly, tying his mule to a post as they came to a stop. He looked at the laborers working on the new palisade once more. There will be plenty of land after this, I reckon.

Indeed, Lucan said, glad that the young man broached the matter himself. There might even be some opportunities for friends of our estate

Oh? Ainsley looked at him quizzically. Is it so? What kind of opportunities?

Well, one could perhaps be granted a piece of land to build a modest house on, Lucan said, speaking slowly. Laborers and building materials are present, and even our engineer would be happy to aid you.

Ah the young merchant winced. That would be I believe that would be beyond my means. To own more than one home would be too wasteful. Im still putting my first foot on the road, Master Lucan. Your invitation is much appreciated, though.

Lucan kept his smile, not yet surrendering the fight. It wouldnt need to be a big house. He gestured towards the expanding part of the bailey, deciding to make use of their earlier conversation with Maris Saltner. Something of humble size for the summer would be a boon to you andyour family. Lucan realized that he didnt know whether the young man had family or not. Hed spoken to him more than once, but the matter had never been broached.

Ainsley gave him a rueful smile. Im not yet wed, Master Lucan. But perhaps someday. It would be an honor to be given leave to live in your estate, but the costs he shook his head.

Lucan nodded regretfully. I see. Thats unfortunate. Though, you wouldnt have been alone in taking this opportunity. Master Saltner will soon be building his summer house here in the new bailey. I was hoping that youd find good company here with him and perhaps even with more merchants like yourself in the years to come.

The young mans eyes widened, and Lucan could see the incredulity of disbelief in them. Master SaltnerMaster Maris Saltner?

Yes, that would be him.

That Ainsley stuttered. Truly? He will?

He is here. You may ask him yourself, Lucan said, gesturing towards the keep.

Yes, Ainsley said. Right. I saw the caravan. I had planned to ask among them who it belonged to. To think that Master Saltner himself is here. That is quite

Lucan found the speechlessness of the young merchant amusing, but he wanted to strike the iron while it was hot. I believe the opportunity to be Master Saltners neighbor is a rare thing. Even after the bailey is expanded, the distance between your dwellings would be of no significance. That is, if you were to change your mind on the matter.

Lucan was fixing his father with an incredulous stare. While hes away?

Hes leaving his daughter in our care. He doesnt want to expose her to the coarseness of long travels, or so he says. I suspect it was his intention since before he left Eldham.

Why? Lucan said, his incredulity only increasing. ItI dont understand.

I believe he is conducting himself how he expects nobles to, his father said. Except, he doesnt realize how humble our estate is.

Perhaps he doesnt see our estate as humble, Lucan said, glancing at the keep and remembering how the merchant had looked at it when hed arrived this morning.

Perhaps, his father said.

But theres no political obligation for him to leave his daughter here as some nobles might, Lucan said.

I suspect this is more about his aspirations than about what is true, his father said. And if we must entertain his fantasy, then so be it. He promised quite a considerable dowry, perhaps even enough for you to cut one of your channels all the way to the Vincemare.

Lucan couldnt help but huff in amusement. So where will she be staying?

Thomas has surrendered his chamber for the cause, his father said with some mirth. I hope his old bones can endure the humid chamber by the cellar.

That could barely contain a privy! Lucan said.

His father shrugged. Cant have your bride-to-be curling up in a he looked at him thoughtfully, privy, I suppose, can we?

Lucan raised his brows in disbelief then shook his head.

Regardless, she is in my care and our guest, his father said, giving him a meaningful look. And she will be treated as is proper.

Lucan shrugged. Have you known me to conduct myself improperly, Father?

He wanted to keep a guard with her, his father said severely. I refused, of course, and told him that it would be an insult to me if he insisted. She will have her maid with her and a butlerwhose vocation I heavily doubt.

Lucan gave him an understanding nod. At least it will be an opportunity to become more familiar with her.

Yes, his father said. She is not uneasy on the eyes, so I imagine it wont be difficult for you to grow sweet on each other.

Indeed, she wasnt, Lucan thought.

Onto other matters, his father said. Thomas has discreetly told me that we need to speak to him today. Theres been something concerning going on with the refugees.

Lucan winced. Every time something went wrong with the refugees, part of the blame would be laid on him.

He hoped it was a trivial matter, for his own sake and theirs.