Had she heard correctly? Damnation. Did this woman have something of substance to share? “I’m exhausted and have no patience for nonsense.”
“Think whatever you want.”
For a servant, she spoke boldly. Rachelle sighed, then rocked side to side. “Thank you for the food. If you are quite finished—”
Frida sat down.
Remarkable. Rachelle saw a bit of her own stubbornness in her. “I didn’t invite you to stay.”
Frida’s laughter made her temper flare.
“I’m not accustomed to being treated so disrespectfully. Leave, or your master will hear about this in the morning.”
“Don’t be insulted,” she said. After measuring out two cups of wine, she offered Rachelle one. “I think we can help each other.”
Rachelle accepted the drink. Frida’s unwelcome presence strained her mind and body. But how could she dismiss her without listening first? “Tell me…”
She nodded. “I must make my peace with you first.”
“I have norealquarrel with you. Only bits and pieces of gossip I’ve overheard that tell me more than I want to know about you. I cannot condemn you for disliking me. I’m a stranger. And your master has locked me away without offering any explanation to his household. Under the same circumstances, I too, would be suspicious and resentful.”
“Your candor is appreciated.” The maid looked sincere. “Do you love him?”
Rachelle coughed. “I love no man.”
Frida’s eyebrows arched. “Allwomen find Jarl Sigurdsson irresistible.”
The two stared at each other.
“I am not one of those women.”
“If that’s the truth, milady, we’ve more in common than you think. I’m acquainted with your circumstances. As I’m sure you’re aware of mine. Why shouldn’t we collaborate and bring about a happy ending for all interested parties?”
What did she mean by that? More empty promises from Northmen would only deepen her distrust for them. “Speak plainly.”
“If you agree to my terms, in two hours, a mutual friend will meet us outside and escort you to safety, away from the confines of this house. We’ll pack one of the satchels in the wardrobe with whatever you need. Freedom is only a short distance from here.”
Freedom? A concept she’d lost sight of weeks ago. Even if she escaped, what would it be like at home now? Tyr painted a ghastly picture of her homeland. With the conquering Normans leaving a trail of destruction in their wake, what nightmare awaited her in England? She looked around her suite, weighing the benefits of staying and going. Both presented serious risks. If she stayed, it didn’t put her any closer to her uncle or any further away from Tyr. She pressed her fist to her mouth.Think. Hard.Tyr had spies on the ground in England. If she gave them enough time, they’d likely find her kinsman. That much she believed. She’d seen how capable Tyr’s men were. However, the longer she waited, the greater the chances of finding Henry dead. She sucked down her wine, wrestling with her conscience.
“I am unsure.”
“The choice is wholly yours,” Frida offered.
Fate had done her no favors, neither had that damned Viking. She shrugged. “I cannot decide. Serve me more wine.”
The maid blinked. “You need a clear head to make this decision.”
“I’ve been sober all my life. It’s done little to help.”
“I’m …”
Rachelle’s expression grew somber. She held up her hand. “Spare me your pity.” Her gaze flicked away, resting on the far wall.
The last thing she needed was more sympathy. She’d had enough of that to last a lifetime. Everyone, including these godless Norsemen, looked at her with regret and guilt in their eyes. Receiving it from her romantic rival would only make her feel more ridiculous. Life hadn’t been easy, but it was her burden to bear, alone. She fought the urge to cry her frustration away.
Frida approached with the bottle. “I am obligated to serve you.” She refilled Rachelle’s glass with hesitancy in her eyes.
She savored the sweetness of the garnet-colored liquid, rolling it around in her mouth before she swallowed. She tasted cinnamon and a woody flavor. Grapes couldn’t thrive in this harsh climate. Where did they get this fine wine? Where did they find anything of quality in this frozen country? The answer slithered around her. England. France. Ireland. Scotland. All the places they ravaged and destroyed.