dragon archives 02 - pursued by a dragon by linda k hopkins Read Free Book Online Page B

meet you, my dear. Please, call me Margaret. And may I call you Cathryn?” She glanced over at her son. “It is how Favian refers to you, so I have become quite used to it in my mind.”
    “Yes, of course,” Cathryn said. She also glanced at Favian, wondering what he had said about her, but his expression was closed.
    “You can come find us in half an hour,” Margaret said to Favian. “Cathryn and I are going to spend some time getting acquainted.” Favian looked taken aback at being so summarily dismissed, but he took it with good humor.
    “Make sure you inform Cathryn of all my charming qualities,” he teased, before turning and heading away.
    Margaret watched his retreating figure for a moment before turning to look at the amber still lying on the cloth. The merchant, who had discreetly moved away when Favian and Margaret joined Cathryn, now moved back towards the two women. Picking up the piece of amber, Margaret turned it over in her hands.
    “This is a pretty piece,” she said. “I bought one only slightly larger at another market recently, and paid five silver coins for it.” The merchant shot Margaret a glare as she smiled blandly back at him, before turning to Cathryn in defeat.
    “Five silver coins, then,” he said.
    “Four,” said Margaret. “As I said, my piece was larger.” The man shook his head with a look of infinite despair.
    “Very well, four,” he said. “Highway robbery, it is, with me having seven mouths to feed. The children will go to bed with empty stomachs tonight.” He shook his head sadly as Cathryn handed him the coins.
    “Only seven children,” replied Margaret with a deepening smile. “I was certain it was nine, but perhaps I have you confused with someone else.” A flush rose in the merchant’s cheeks, but he held Margaret’s gaze.
    “Must’ave been someone else, Mistress,” he said. “Good day to you.”
    “I will hazard a guess that that was the same merchant you dealt with before,” Cathryn said with a grin as they moved away.
    “Yes, it most certainly was. Audacious fellow. I know for a fact that his three children are all grown, with children of their own, and his wife does not suffer from a dearth of sustenance.” Margaret glanced at Cathryn as she spoke. “He lives in the city close to our estate, so he is well known to me.”
    “The city close to your estate? Where exactly is your estate?”
    “It lies thirty-five miles to the north.”
    “Thirty-five miles? That’s more than two hours’ ride away. Do you have a house in town as well?”
    “No, but I am visiting a friend for a few days. Perhaps you know her? Madame Bradshaw?”
    “Yes, I certainly do know Madame Bradshaw. Her husband has business dealings with my father.” Cathryn paused for a moment before returning to her previous confusion. “But Favian must have a house here. He seems to be frequently in town.” She was startled to realize that she didn’t know a great deal about Favian.
    “No, I believe he covers the distance from our home and back each time. He has a swift mount, and is happy to traverse the distance,” Margaret replied. “Perhaps,” she added softly, “he feels it is worth the effort.”
    Cathryn looked away as she felt the blush mounting in her cheeks, but it quickly faded as Margaret directed her attention to a display of finely woven fabrics, dyed in rich shades of color.
    “Look at these lovely hues,” she exclaimed. “This yellow would look very becoming on you,” she said, holding the cloth up to Cathryn’s face. She spent a few more moments admiring the weave and colors, before strolling towards the next table, on which was displayed a collection of hairpins.
    “Now this,” Cathryn said, picking up one of the pieces, “is something I am always losing. I will purchase another one now and make my maid very happy.” She dug out a few small coins and handed them over as Margaret waited by her side. As they continued to stroll through the market,