Twenty-Three
Disgrace
Summer 956 MC
The Countess of Shrewesdale was dead. The woman had been old when Beverly met her, and now, two years later, she had succumbed to the ravages of age. Her trusted entourage gathered about her deathbed, openly weeping, both for the loss of their patron, but also of their safety. It was only a matter of time before the hammer fell, for the Earl of Shrewesdale was not inclined to follow the same rules as his wife.
Her passing was not unexpected, having been ill for some time, but the shock of her actual death cast a pall over the entire household. Everyone dreaded the earl and his retinue, and upon their return, it wasn’t long before their fears came to life. Within the hour, the orders arrived, and most of the staff were dismissed, with Beverly assigned
