The Innkeeper is Obliging

Feeling eyes boring into the back of his head, he didn't have to turn to realise that his wife was staring daggers at him. He mentally chastised himself. He had spent ages refining how he observed what he referred to as the lady clientele of the inn, but obviously still wasn't covert enough. He asked what the two newcomers wanted for their meals and poured them their ales, before rushing in the kitchen past his wife who gave him a look of hatred so intense, he thought it was a wonder his face didn't melt.

The wife, blatently ignoring Astra, told Fred to sit down to sit down and she would bring the meals over. The rest could be dealt with afterwards. She beckoned Velus to follow her while they picked up their mugs and went to the nearest available table. Once the novelty of their arrival had warn off, none of the others gave them any more heed.

While they were waiting for their meals, Astra admitted she was confused about something. "What's that, Astra?" Fred asked.

"We were looked at with curiousity when we came in, but they didn't look at me in particular. No offence to you, Fred, but I would have thought I would have attracted more attention than you. Instead, they just looked at us with the sort of curiousity you'd expect from seeing two strangers enter.

Fred nodded. "That is true. And that innkeeper..."

"Well, that could be just because of his wife," Astra said. "He does seem a bit, what would you call it?"

Henpecked?" Fred said.

Astra nodded. "That's the one."

The innkeeper's wife had heard snippets of their conversation, but when she heard the name 'Fred', it sent her mind racing. It came to her just as her husband rang the bell to tell her that the food was ready.Could this 'Fred' be Lord Frederigo, son of the Duke of Suffex?

When she returned with their food and placed it in front of them, she gave them the best smile she could. "Hope your lord and ladyship enjoy your meals," she said.

She walked away before they could ask her what they meant. Sharing a bemused glance, they tucked into their meals. They were indeed lovely.

1. It was soon time to make their other arrangements.
2. As they were eating...

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