Mistaken for a Lady Read Online Free PDF Page B

who’s the woman?’
    â€˜I’ve no idea.’
    Francesca didn’t want to hear the rest. It was plain the entire palace thought they’d been making love in Sir Gervase’s office. It was beyond embarrassing. Determined not to catch anyone’s eye, she stared at the floor as she was swept along the passageway. Only when they neared the entrance to the great hall did she lift her head. And there, leaning against the doorpost, was the yellow-haired knight who had tried to kiss her. He’d removed his mask and was watching Tristan, mouth thin, eyes cold.
    Tristan’s grip tightened on her hand. The yellow-haired knight unfolded his arms and slipped into the hall ahead of them. At once a ring of dancers encircled him, swallowing him up.
    â€˜How have you been, my lord?’ Sir Gervase was speaking to Tristan. ‘How do matters stand in Brittany?’
    â€˜All is well, sir, save for a few loose ends,’ Tristan replied absently. He was looking towards the dancers, a deep crease in his brow. ‘Sir Gervase, who’s the man with the yellow hair?’
    â€˜His name’s Kerjean, I believe, Sir Joakim Kerjean.’
    The men talked as they made their way across the hall towards the stairwell and Francesca found she couldn’t tear her gaze from Tristan. It had been so long since she had seen him and it had been too dark in the chamber to see whether he had changed. Saints, he was just as good to look upon as he always had been. In the brightly lit hall he was achingly familiar. So handsome. That raven-black hair was as thick as she remembered; his shoulders were pleasingly broad, and through his tunic she could see hints of the well-honed muscles that she’d felt in the gloom of Sir Gervase’s office. As for his eyes, that clear sapphire blue was as beautiful as it was unmistakable. How could she even for a moment have imagined she’d seen them elsewhere? That other knight’s eyes were nothing like Tristan’s.
    â€˜Loose ends?’ Sir Gervase was saying, with a puzzled frown. His brow cleared. ‘Ah, the trouble in Brittany. I would think there are always loose ends.’
    â€˜True enough, there’s been trouble for decades. Thankfully, the rule of law has prevailed.’
    Sir Gervase grunted. ‘That’s good to hear. My lord, what about Prince Geoffrey? Do you think he will make a match of it with Duchess Constance?’
    â€˜I believe he will. The prince seems to have the interests of Brittany at heart and he’s genuinely fond of our little duchess. I see no reason why they shouldn’t marry when she is older.’
    â€˜So all is well.’
    â€˜Aye.’
    Smiling, Sir Gervase gripped Tristan’s arm. ‘Count Henry will be pleased to hear you attended the revel.’
    â€˜I haven’t seen him, he’s away?’
    â€˜Count Henry is dining with a deputation of Apulian merchants.’
    A torch was flickering at the foot of the stairs, Sir Gervase waved them on. ‘It’s at the top, I’m afraid, the very last bedchamber. It’s not large.’ He grinned. ‘If you’d given me more notice, I’d have found you something grander. We’re bursting at the seams tonight.’
    â€˜I’m sure.’
    â€˜Have you just ridden in? I’ll send someone up with food and wine, if you wish.’
    â€˜My thanks, I would appreciate that. Francesca, are you hungry?’
    â€˜No, thank you.’
    Sir Gervase looked at Tristan. ‘Do you want someone to find your squire?’
    â€˜No need, the lad is exhausted, we shall manage very well. Thank you.’
    Francesca stepped forward. ‘Sir Gervase?’
    â€˜My lady?’
    â€˜Sir, my maid Mari is in the great hall enjoying the revel. She will worry when she can’t find me. I would be grateful if you could ask someone to search her out and tell her I am with Lord Tristan and that I shall speak to her at