The Other Countess Read Online Free PDF Page B

thyme, with perhaps a hint of marjoram, roasted to perfection.
    She looked along the table to see what other dishes were set out for them to try, wrinkling her nose at the soused herrings. She’d had enough fish during Lent to last her a lifetime. At the far end, in front of a dish of venison pasties, was her father, seated next to Lord Mountjoy deep in discussionabout some obscure point of philosophy. He didn’t notice that his sleeve was trailing in the gravy and that his meal was cold by now. His patron, a jovial grey-haired man with sagging jowls like a bloodhound, shared his fascination with the subject but did not let up from eating, allowing his companion to do most of the talking while he made his way through the meats on offer.
    Up near the top table, the Earl of Dorset and brothers were sitting with Robert Cecil, sharing the mess of pottage between them, tearing off chunks of bread to soak up the thick soup. Lord Burghley usually chose to dine in his rooms, probably to avoid the frequent interruptions and petitions he would otherwise have to endure in the public chamber. Word was he was closeted with Sir Francis Walsingham, discussing high matters of state security. Burghley’s son, however, had opted to join the other young people, and for once looked happy in company. Ellie had exchanged only a few words with Master Cecil, enough to know that he was a man of wit and learning, even if his appearance was somewhat unfortunate. He had been quick to sound out her value, too, dubbing her Mistress Wisdom when he noticed her correcting an error in a Latin translation he had been reading. She had thought that they might perhaps be friends if their paths crossed again, but now he was close to the Laceys she would have to avoid him.
    At the other end of the table from Cecil sat Walter Ralegh and his companions. Ralegh slouched, legs spread, displaying his shapely calves in his rich navy hose for all to admire. His doublet was of the finest brocade, midnight blue encrusted with pearls, his ruff tinged an azure hue to match. An earring dangled from one ear and he wore his black hair dashinglyswept back. And the codpiece! Ellie almost snorted in her wine. He was such a popinjay, sporting the largest one that was deemed decent to wear. Here I am, ladies , he seemed to broadcast. Come and get me .
    Dios , that man was transparently in love with himself! He would no doubt be on his best behaviour when the Queen arrived on the morrow, focusing all his manly attention on her, but for tonight he was anyone’s.
    There was a lull in the conversation in the hall as two young nobles made a late entrance. The girl was dressed in ivory, the man in black: a clever contrast. Ellie knew them already – at least Sir Henry she had briefly met in Mountjoy’s chambers, and she could guess the lady was his sister. Envying the material of the girl’s apparel – it must have cost at least a hundred pounds with all those pearls sewn on to the fabric – Ellie watched them sweep down the hall to sit with Ralegh. The girl hesitated slightly before accepting the seat at Ralegh’s right hand. Was it Ellie’s imagination or had Ralegh actually caressed her backside as she sat? Surely that was too forward of him? She decided she must have been seeing things. But then, she wouldn’t put anything past that walking Priapus.
    ‘Ellie, Ellie, my love!’ Her father was calling for her attention. ‘What did Paracelsus say about the application of heat to base metals?’
    Those at the table between her and her father fell silent, waiting with interest for her response. Wishing Sir Arthur to the bottom of the ocean, she gave him the answer as close to the text as she could remember.
    ‘Yes, yes, that’s it! Thank you, my dear: I always know I can rely on your memory.’ Sir Arthur turned back to hisconversation, leaving Ellie the focus of much attention. Charles Blount, Lord Mountjoy’s headstrong son, broke the silence.
    ‘Well, Lady Eleanor, you