His laughter hurt. Not as if he were laughing at her, but that the events of his life were so different from what she had believed. His bitter words describing his life hurt worse. Summer pulled her hand back, closing them tightly together in her lap. “I am nothing,” she told him, softly.
“While you loved me, I was allowed my freedom — my father, my family believed you would protect and take care of me. When we were parted,” Summer closed her eyes, tears sliding down her face, “I was made to marry a young knight. A friend of my brother’s. He died in /your/ brother’s war. He left me with nothing. I have no name, no child, no living. I live only on the sufferance of my sister and my father.”
“Oh.” Humphrey leaned back. The facing of the consequences of his previous, youthful and irresponsible actions always made him uncomfortable. “Well…” He raised an eyebrow, “You are not the worst off. I had that French woman who gave me a girl, aye and another one gave me a son. She was put out by her father, so my captain had to take her in until I returned.” He thought of her words, “I am glad though that I didn’t leave you with little bundles. And that they didn’t put you on the street.”
He sighed. “You know, you could come live in Baynards. The castle is way too boring and mundane and I admit I am not too good to lift the mood. I presume the library would be interesting for you, I still collect Petrarch’s works.” He looked at her again, questioningly, waiting for a reaction. “Oh I mean not as… you know. Just live there, just like that. For nothing in return, just because I know you. I trust you.”
“Surely you are not serious.” Summer gaped at him. “My lord, you haven’t changed at all. Still thoughtlessly generous. I — ” She pressed her lips together and shook her head. “I cannot. You are married now, and even though you are parted … what would people think?”
She pulled the veil from her hair, crumpling it in her hands. “Please do not tease me with what I cannot have. I never knew you to be cruel in your generosity before.” Very quietly, she added, “I still have everything you ever gave me.”