I remained in bed for another three days on the doctor's orders. While I wished I could be up and busy, I did not have the energy to put up even a token complaint.
I was starting to feel more like my usual, energetic self by the time he gave permission for me to get up. I had to remain at home and avoid exertion for another week, but I did not mind. I spent most of my first day up reading in the library, though I did find time to sneak down to the kitchens and regale the servants with a firsthand account of my adventure.
The second day passed in much the same manner. On the third day of my out-of-bed convalescence, I was just sneaking back up from another clandestine foray to the kitchens when one of the manservants found me.
"Mistress, you've a very important guest. The rest of the family is away, but he said he wanted to see you, so we put him in the parlor. Will you see him?"
"Who is he?"
"He's the wild man," the manservant whispered excitedly.
"I will certainly see him. Lead the way."
It was not until I was stepping into the parlor that I remembered I was wearing an old, worn red dress that had been made for my graduation from the lady's academy two years ago. It was comfortable, though a bit looser than was fashionable after a couple years of wear. My hair was pulled back in a simple braid down to my waist.
Well, he came to visit me while I was recovering. Hopefully he was not expecting glamour and elegance.
I found him examining the family portrait above the fireplace.
"You have two brothers?" he asked, glancing over at me.
"Had. The eldest passed away 5 years ago."
"My condolences."
"Well, you deserve condolences more than I. My oldest brother was not very nice. You lost your parents and your brother while you were alone on an island for years."
When he spoke again, his voice was thick with emotion. "Very few people have considered that."
"Well, we are quite surrounded by the most selfish people in the city."
He barked out a rough laugh. "Do you ever hide how you really feel?"
"I am generally better at it when I am not lost in the woods or under the effects of poison," I answered with a smile.
"And what is your excuse today, Mistress Renvalda?"
"I am convalescing. Certainly some leeway must be given to invalids."
"Certainly," he agreed, fighting a smile.
"Would you like to sit?" I invited, taking a seat on the large couch. I expected him to sit on the chair across from the couch and was surprised when he instead sat next to me on the couch, nearly close enough for our shoulders to touch.
"Thank you. I apologize for interrupting your recuperation."
I waved his apology away. "I am quite glad to have company. It gets very boring, being confined to the house. The bed rest was necessary, but I feel quite strong enough to resume my normal schedule. Though I certainly do not mind being exempted from my family's evening plans"
"You are not a fan of balls and parties and all?"
"I prefer spending my time with people who act like people."
"Yes, I believe you mentioned that before."
"My opinion, strangely enough, has not changed."
"I find myself surprisingly unsurprised by that."
I laughed. "So did you come here to trade witty banter?"
"Actually that is just a perk. I came to talk to you about Jenkava's trial."
The smile dropped from my face. "Has a date been set?"
"A week from today."
"What would you like to discuss?"
He sighed and rubbed his cheek. "I know that she has treated you poorly."
"I will not disagree with you on that."
"I know her father well. He is a good man. It would- it would break his heart to see his daughter imprisoned."
"You think they are likely to push for a prison sentence, then?"
"She attempted murder. The only thing that might soften them is if you were to request a more lenient punishment for her."
"Do you have one in mind?"
He hesitated, then reached over and took my hand in his. I looked up in surprise and found myself caught in his intense gaze.
"Her family has a home in the country. If she were to remain there, to be barred from Solnaran for life, would that satisfy you?"
I smiled. "Certainly. I would not even insist on a lifetime banishment if I could be assured that she would not seek revenge. So long as you think banishment from Solnaran will keep her from coming after me again, I have no reservations about it."
"You are unexpectedly trusting."
I shrugged. "I understand her reasons. I may have baited her a bit after that first time."
"She said that you were harassing her, but her accounts of your harassing behavior were nothing but kindness and casual conversation."
I patted his hand, surprised by his naivete in this. "You may not know this, but when you have done something you know is wrong to someone, if you have enough of a conscience to feel guilt, their kindness will torment you. When they smile, you will wonder if they are taunting you, mocking you, just waiting to turn you in for the criminal you are. Casual conversation will feel like they are toying with your mind."
"You knew you were tormenting her."
"I assumed that she would feel the need to strike at me again and I was prepared to catch her in the act."
"And if she had not acted again?"
"Then we should likely have become friends in time."
"You are an unusual young woman. Then you will request mercy on her behalf at the trial?"
"I would be happy to. I-" I paused shyly. "I do not know that my brother will approve. Would you be willing to escort me to the trial if he will not? Mother will certainly not allow me to go on my own."
"Certainly. If your brother refuses, you may send a note to the home of Senford Convarta in my name. My manservant will ensure it reaches me."
"Thank you, Master Convarta."
"No," he answered.
"No?"