Berthe had gone to the kitchens, as was her wont at Tulley, and taken her mending. Lady Heloise had no obligation to entertain her, and truly, that lady seemed to wish to confer with her own maid. Berthe preferred to remain in the kitchen, working quietly, while she gathered gossip for her lady. She always listened and spoke little but, as her mother would have said, she kept her eyes open.
She noted the arrival of a rough company shortly after her lady had been summoned to Tulley’s chamber. Two of them were men, and the others were but boys, though all were dirty and their clothing worn. They were fighting men, she could tell at a glimpse, and wondered if Tulley had hired more men-at-arms. They were greeted with courtesy, though, and clearly had been expected. Berthe saw the crosses on t
