Wicked and Wonderful by Valerie King Page B

her so many years ago.
Judith knew she had grown quite strong, since joining the troupe, from all the bread she had made over the past eight years. She punched, folded, kneaded, and punched again. The problem with bread-making of the moment was that her mind was left to wander and very soon Kelthorne took up residence in her head.
    What did he mean, for instance, by bringing venison to camp? Was he merely being a considerate neighbor or was it possible he had some other more sinister motive in mind, something that had more to do with the kiss they had shared in the orchard than with generosity of temperament? Was it possible this was his way of trying to put himself in her good graces or was he trying to ingratiate himself with all the ladies of the troupe by so doing? Betty had said he had treated her with great kindness, that he had been a real gentleman and escorted her back to camp but that she had not been able to tease even one kiss from him. Was he, therefore, working his wiles on all the ladies?
    This thought made her hit the dough harder still. She knew her thoughts were ridiculous. No good could possibly come from such idle speculations. She did not truly know Kelthorne so how could she make a meaningful evaluation of his conduct? He had brought venison to the camp. He had shown kindness, therefore, to the troupe. Beyond that, she refused to make any other judgments. Time would prove his character. ‘The truth,’ as Shakespeare said, ‘will out.’
    Several hours later, with the venison roasting on the spit and fresh-baked bread teasing the nostrils of all the hungry actors gathering about the savory meat, a castle servant arrived in camp with a wagon laden with properly chopped firewood. As though never before having seen such a sight, all fourteen members of the troupe gathered about the wagon and stared at the tall piles of wood.
    “This be fer Mrs. Marnhull, with his lordship’s compliments,” the servant said.
    Freddy slung his arm about Mrs. Marnhull’s ample waist. “I do believe Lord Kelthorne has taken a fancy to ye.”
    “Aw, go on with ye.” But she was blushing and smiling, her expression joyful yet queer with three missing teeth.
    Judith felt stunned once more, just as she had earlier. The image of being a rabbit caught in a cage came back to her. Her heart pounded in her chest. She felt like running, as hard and as fast as she could.
    “He’s an excellent host,” Charles said, glancing at Judith. “Are ye not glad that we have decided to remain?”
    Judith saw his expression of triumph, but she chose to smile. “I am very glad, Charles, as well you know.”
    He was not well satisfied with such a pleasant response and merely glared at her.
    Margaret drew Judith aside. “Wat think ye? First venison and now firewood. Kelthorne seems to be a good sort after all.” When Judith did not respond, she added, “Why so silent? Wat be ye thinking?”
    “I do not know,” Judith admitted. “I feel very anxious. I do not trust these acts of kindness.”
    “Ah,” Margaret murmured then laughed aloud. Drawing Judith further away from the ears of the troupe, she said, “‘Tis not as though he’s sent ye jewels or the like. Do ye really think he is trying to win yer affections with firewood?”
    Judith laughed. “It sounds horribly vain of me, I know, but I cannot be easy. Had he not kissed me already and sought me out at the theater, I would think nothing of the matter. As it is, I do not trust his generosity.”
    “And I might agree with ye had he sent flowers, but a haunch of deer meat ‘tisn’t precisely romantic-like.” She turned sharply away. “Shelly! Leave the biscuits, now, or I shall make ye feel it quite painfully.”
    Shelly, who was a terrible if charming little sneak, withdrew her hand from the laden plate of macaroons, and instead nibbled on the end of her finger. She appeared like a little angel in that moment, her expression completely innocent.
    “How are you ever able