19
A half-dozen children tumbled out as Jaime made her way into the cottage. The mother’s scolding voice, followed as it was by shrieks of childish laughter, brought a smile to her lips. As the little group swarmed about her, Jaime gave little Kate’s braids a playful tug to keep the young girl’s face out of the basket she was carrying. She had to admit, though, the smell of fresh-baked bread was a temptation even for her. With a friendly pat on the back, Jaime watched the girl run out the door and after her siblings.
“So, how are you feeling, Nell?” she asked, laying her basket on the rough wooden settle by the crackling little fire.
“Very well, mistress. I thankee.”
The falconer’s wife, Jaime thought, did indeed look well for having just had a child the day before. Nell was standing p
