A Knight to Remember Read Online Free Page A

course, it doth! Thou sayeth the most odd things, Jenny." She picked up the empty jug and bowl of water Jenny had finished with and walked to the door. "I wouldst like to see one of these 'toothbrushes' next time thee comes to visit."
    Jenny gave a wry smile. "I promise to bring you one, should I ever come back."
    "Come, milady. Follow me and I will take thee down to the hall to break thy fast."
    Jenny followed Annie as she led the way to the food table. There was a fine spread consisting of porridge, fresh fruit, honey, cheese, and, best of all, freshly baked bread. Jenny helped herself to some bread and cheese and took a seat at the high board.
    There were only a couple of people present and they nodded but kept their distance, thankfully. She really didn't feel like making conversation this morning. Annie brought her a goblet.
    "Take some wine – that will revive thy spirits."
    Jenny shook her head. "I think I'll just have some water, please."
    Annie looked at her aghast. "Water? Nay, milady, 'tis not safe. Take this red wine, 'twill be good for thy humours! I can water it down if thee wouldst like."
    "Well, I guess, if that's what you recommend," Jenny said a little reluctantly. "But surely if the water's tainted then putting it in wine won't help?"
    "The wine will purify the water," said Annie as she added some water to her drink. "That is what Avrick hath foretold."
    "Avrick?"
    "Aye, the castle physician, milady. A great man."
    "Oh, well, I guess I'll try it, then. Thank you, Annie."
    Wine? This time of the morning? She sniffed the goblet and wrinkled her nose. Its odor was still strong even with the added water. She took a tentative sip and swallowed. Actually, it didn't taste as bad as it smelled. She took a large gulp and let the strong liquid slide down her throat. It instantly sent a warm feeling coursing through her body. Perhaps it was a good way to start the day.
    She picked up the cheese and began to eat with gusto. The fresh bread was delicious and washed down easily with the wine. When her plate was clear, she sat back and looked around the great hall whilst finishing her drink.
    The walls were covered with huge tapestries, beautifully crafted in bright colours. The floor was made up of large, flat stones, covered here and there with rushes, she presumed to keep in the heat and afford some sort of comfort. A couple of large dogs lay under one of the lower tables, one chewing happily on a bone. Other than the two people and the dogs, the hall was empty. Perhaps everyone had eaten already. What was the time? Her watch!
    Quickly, Jenny rolled back her sleeve to see if she still had her watch, and it was there. Something she took for granted in her modern world. The time said nine-thirty. Was that late for a castle or early? Was she even in the same time zone? She had no idea! One thing she did know was that she needed to get back to the church, as that was where this whole fiasco had happened. That had to be the way back to her time.
    With a determined tilt to her chin, she arose from the high board and walked towards the doorway exiting the hall. Just as she was about to step through, she found it blocked by the huge form of Sir Stephen.
    "Oh!"
    "In a hurry, milady?" He placed his arms on her shoulders and pushed her back slightly so that he could enter the hall.
    "Come, join me whilst I eat. I would know more about thee."
    "Well, I was just going to take a walk to the church and –"
    She was stopped short as he bellowed, "Thou shall not leave this castle without a guard, doth thou hear? There are wastrels about and as thou art under my protection, I am duty-bound to protect thee until Hugh comes back."
    Jenny couldn't help it. Her jaw was hanging open at his angry tirade. She hadn't asked for his protection; in fact, he could go stick his protection where the sun didn't shine!
    She placed her hands on her hips and confronted him. "Excuse me, but I don't need your protection or anyone else's, for that matter.