The Eternal Shadow

Chapter 7

VII

Guy's first thought upon waking was that he would speak to Francesca. He was still confused as to why her wellbeing had become a concern for him but for whatever reason it had, and so he figured that if he could speak to her and make sure she was alright, that should get his mind back on to other things. As so often happened in such situations, making a decision made him feel better and he found he could go about his day calmly...

...until he saw her, that is.

She was walking towards the stables with a basket in hand, her head down, obviously not wishing to attract any notice, (he supposed she'd had enough of that of late) and he instantly felt as restless as he had the previous night. The sight of her inspired another round of second-guessing himself, the confidence he felt that this would be the best course of action began ebbing away and he worried that approaching her would not be such a good idea after all.

Do you wish to see her face fall again? She will surely not welcome another conversation with you, not after last time...

There was also the matter of the gossiping hordes to consider, if they were seen together it would only make matters worse.

You cannot avoid her forever... she is alone now; it would not take long to ask her how she is...

He took a deep breath and before he could change his mind, strode over to the stables. He was sick and tired of having his motives and actions questioned by people who had nothing better to do with their time; it was bad enough that Vaisey kept him on a tight rein without every bored noble at court scrutinizing his every move.

Let the rich idiots talk if they so please - I haven't done anything wrong. Nor shall I...

As he entered the stables, he stopped abruptly and nearly turned around. The thought struck him that perhaps she would prefer to be alone with the horses and that made him nervous again. Then it was the sound of Joseph's voice drifting over from one of the stalls that kept him rooted to the spot; maybe she wanted to speak with the groom undisturbed.

"You keep spoilin' these horses Lady Francesca an' they'll not be wantin' to go home!" Joseph teased and Francesca laughed heartily. Guy leant back against the wall, listening to her laughter and the sound of horses munching upon whatever treats she had brought them.

"I suppose I am being selfish aren't I? Wanting to keep them here all to myself?" Her voice was so different to how it had been the previous night, so warm and soft and it made Guy want to stay there and listen to her for a while. He felt silly to just stand there and knew it was wrong to listen in on their conversation but he couldn't bring himself to move for if she saw him her voice would alter.

"An' they'll be missin' you when you go, that's for sure!"

"Well Joseph, I would take them all home with me but I don't think father would approve."

"No, an' yer sister wouldn't neither!"

"I'm sorry that she spoke to you like that the other day Joseph, she doesn't mean to forget her manners but father lets her get away with so much you know..."

"It's alright milady, I've been workin' here long enough to have had my fair share of scoldin' from folks, I just don't like seein' you getting a tellin' off that's all."

Guy sighed and rolled his head back until it made contact with the wall, closing his eyes for a moment. No, I don't like seeing it either Joseph... that's my problem... I don't know why but it is...

"Don't worry Joseph, there'll be no scolding for us today, father and Natalia are away visiting some lord or other... I err... I said I have a headache..."