Michael Manning - Mageborn - The Blacksmith’s Son

Unlike some of the maids at Lancaster Castle Penny was perfectly able to read and write, partly because of Mordecai, but in large part because she had always had a strong curiosity and a desire to learn. Unfortunately her penmanship was not the equal of her wordsmithing, but he would just have to deal with her bad handwriting. She took up pen and carefully wrote out a long letter. Several blots and misspellings forced her to start over a few times, but at last she had a letter she wouldn’t be embarrassed to have him read. Except for the content of course, but there was no helping that. She folded it carefully and put it away, she wouldn’t want him to see it until later.

That accomplished Penny began brushing her hair. ore It wasn’t easy, she had a lot of curls in her long dark hair and they had a tendency to tangle. It took quite a while to get it smoothed out and when she was almost done she felt my eyes on her. I had woken half way through the process and lay quietly watching. It was fascinating to see her working the brush slowly through the long tresses. I could have watched her all day.

She smiled at me in the mirror, “Are you feeling better?”

I was. We ate breakfast and I took up my books, being ill had provided me with more time to read and I decided it would be foolish to waste it. Penny got dressed and went to see Rose again, more preparation for the ball. I really hated that I would miss it, but at least Penny wouldn’t have to suffer through my imitation of dancing. There would be more balls though, and maybe I could get some lessons before I had to expose my limited dancing skills to Penny. Ariadne had offered to teach me in the past so I thought I might take her up on it, but that would be for another time.

The day went smoothly but after lunch my fever came back. Penny returned and made sure I didn’t have too much in the way of covers. She obviously didn’t believe in ‘sweating’ out a fever. At least she didn’t try to bleed me, so I probably shouldn’t complain about feeling a bit cold. A long nap made the afternoon more pleasant.

Around six Penny started getting ready. She was kind enough to let me watch, so I kept my lurid fantasies to myself while she dressed. The dress was stunning when combined with her curves and graceful features. I couldn’t help but wonder how I had lured such an enchanting beauty into my bedroom. My careful gaze caught her strapping something odd to her left arm.

“What’s that?” I asked wide-eyed.

“A dagger sheath,” she answered, as if it were the most common thing in the world. She finished adjusting the straps and slid a deadly looking seven inches of steel into it.

“Are we expecting trouble or should I be concerned for when you return later?” I half-joked.

“Rose has been most helpful educating me on the matter of protecting myself. After this past week I am no longer as trusting as I once was. Plus I have an excellent man to keep myself unspoiled for…” she gave me a charming smile, batting her long lashes at me. That should have warned me, her most frequent use of feminine wiles seemed to be distracting me from important issues.

“I thought I spoiled you quite thoroughly last night,” I leered at her.

“There is always more spoiling to be done,” she answered, then she leaned over and gave me a long kiss. “I have to get going, I’ll need Rose’s help to get my hair done up properly.” She stopped at the door and gave me a long look, “Don’t forget I love you.” Then she was gone, but for a second I could have sworn I saw a tear in her eye.

I convinced myself it was my imagination, but it took me a long while to get back to my reading. Women are never simple. I however, am as simple as they come.

Penny found Rose in her apartments, still getting ready, “Shouldn’t we be hurrying more?” she asked.

“It won’t hurt them to wait a few minutes. Besides, the best arrive last.” Rose laughed. She finished what she was doing and began working on Penny’s hair. With sure hands she worked it into a delicate braided design piled on top of her head, exposing the younger woman’s graceful neck. “You’re going to garner a lot of looks tonight.”

“None that I’m anxious for, but I suppose a little attention will be nice,” Penny answered.

“Enjoy it while it lasts, we won’t be young the rest of our lives,” Rose remarked.

You might not, but I probably will be, Penny thought to herself. The two women rose and headed downstairs. The ball was already beginning.

The Ball

The great hall had been transformed. The great trestle tables had been removed, replaced by a few long tables along the walls where refreshments were being served. A small scattering of tables and chairs provided a place for the dancers to rest, but their numbers were small enough to discourage people from spending too much time there. It was a dance after all, and the night would be wasted if too many spent their time lounging instead. The Duke’s musicians occupied one end of the hall, playing endlessly to provide the music needed for a successful ball.

Penny and Rose were announced as they entered, “Lady Rose Hightower and her companion Penelope Cooper.” That earned Penny a few stares, especially from the servers. Most of the staff knew her and although they had heard she had taken up with Mordecai they were still unsure what that meant for her status. Arriving with Rose made it clear that she was headed up in the world.

Marcus spotted them and came over, walking slowly to avoid outpacing his sister, Ariadne. He was escorting her for the evening although they would both be dancing with different partners before long. His sister was a picture of loveliness in a fanciful pink gown. Ariadne was only fourteen and had yet to fill out completely, but Penny was sure she would be a great beauty someday.

“Penny! I see you ditched that clumsy oaf and replaced him with someone better looking!” he gave a small bow in Rose’s direction.

Rose gave a light tinkling laugh, “Yes she’s seen fit to find better company this evening.” Penny couldn’t help but wonder how Rose managed it, even her laugh was perfect. Marcus asked Rose if he could have a dance and they were on the floor a moment later, leaving Penny and Ariadne alone.

“Your brother is quite the charmer,” Penny ventured.

“Mother says he could charm the skin off a cat, but I know his rougher side,” Ariadne answered. “Still, as brothers go, I’m rather fond of him.” They chatted for a few minutes before Marc and Rose returned, then he swept Penny away for a dance as well.

“How is Mort doing?” he asked as he twirled her across the floor.

“He’s doing well. He had a fever today but otherwise it’s remarkable how quickly he has recovered, his ribs aren’t bothering him at all now,” she replied.

Marc raised an eyebrow, “More magic?”

Penny sighed, “Yes, he keeps trying different things, but so far he’s done himself more good than ill.”