The Troubadour's Romance by Robyn Carr Page A

very quietly Vespera added, “ I thank you. ”
    Edrea smiled warmly. “ With so many who love her, how can anything go wrong? Surely the saints protect her. ”
    “ The saints and all heaven, ” Vespera confirmed. She stood and Edrea rose as well. The women walked to the door together arm in arm. Once there, Vespera turned and embraced Lady Edrea as a sister would. “ It is hard to leave you, ” Vespera confided.
    “ Perhaps it is only for a time. Perhaps we will meet again. ”
    Vespera shook her head. “ But you will most certainly be in my prayers. ” And then as quietly as she had come, she quit the room, leaving Edrea to return to her sewing until Felise was ready to descend into the hall.
    To all those in attendance at the dinner, it appeared as though the negotiations for the marriage were well under way, for Harlan led his family to a trestle table seating twelve at the benches. Even though Henry had not officially decreed a betrothal contract, the families of Felise and Boltof gave their approval by their close and happy associa tion. All of Lord Orrick ’ s family was in company; Sir Royce and Celeste, Sir Boltof and Harlan ’ s entire family plus three men-at-arms. Boltof stood to greet Felise and took custody of her, and the meal proceeded with pages and squires carving meat and carrying in food and replacing empty trays with full. There was much merriment among the reunited families, with the exception of Sir Royce and Lady Felise .
    Jugglers were performing in the hall for the royal family and the others. Poets and singers and dancers livened the spirits of the court. But Royce ’ s mood was surly and short. He contributed nothing to the conversation and seemed to want to make himself small. Felise often caught him staring at her with a perturbed expression on his face, and thus attempted to avoid meeting his eyes.
    For herself, it was a simple matter of being uncomfortable in his company. Memories of their last meeting plagued her the more, now that she had made the acquaintance of Celeste and found her to be agreeable and sweet. In addi tion, there lingered the tension of thinking herself approved by all present as a bride for Sir Boltof. Her feelings toward Boltof were very vague, and she felt no excitement about a future with him at her side. And marriage with Boltof meant she would encounter Royce on occasion.
    Why does he brood? she thought to herself. I threaten no measure of his property, unless he fears I would be unfit for Sir Boltof and seeks to protect him. He has a worthy woman who dotes on him, yet he seems indisposed to her com pany.
    “ Royce, ” Harlan inquired loudly, “ where are your men this eve? ”
    “ They have been given duties, my lord, ” he answered.
    “ Poor souls, ” Aswin interrupted. “ Have they not been bidden to seek their pleasures in London since your com ing? Wherever I inquire, your men are at work. ”
    “ They ’ ve had their leisure, but each at his own turn. It has taken me ten years to gather the group and to keep them well honed in each duty; some must work while others play. ”
    “ A worthy notion, ” Harlan approved. “ You would run no risk of mishap. But ten years? A long time indeed to gather your men-at-arms. What of the Segeland armies? ”
    Royce shifted uncomfortably. “ None of the men who served my family rides with me now. These men have no memory of Segeland ’ s woes. ”
    Harlan leaned closer to Royce. “ But they have heard rumors, no doubt. ”
    “ Of those, my lord, there are plenty. ”
    Harlan withdrew, frowning slightly, and the conversation went on as before. Boltof was not getting the attention he desired from Felise and drank liberally, jesting in easy camaraderie with her brothers as if he were already a member of the family. Lady Edrea and Celeste found many civil topics for discussion and seemed to enjoy each other well enough.
    Felise, quiet and sullen, watched the actions of those around her and listened