The Troubadour's Romance Read Online Free PDF Page A

and your voice? ”
    Harlan slowly let his hand leave the tankard on the table and strode to the blazing hear th. He turned once to beckon Fel ise, who stood astounded at her parents ’ harsh words. He pointed to the bench near the fire, indicating that she should sit there. Edrea followed and sat beside her. It was many long moments before he turned toward them.
    “ The queen requests your presence at court for a few days, ” he said, anger still rumbling in his voice.
    Fe lise ’ s eyes widened and her mouth gaped. She could not fathom the reason for all their anger and agitation over something that sounded like a gift of great merriment. “ She would have me at court? ” she asked quietly.
    Edrea took her daughter ’ s hand and scowled at her husband. “ Lord Scelfton only uses his words generously when he is angered. In making simple explanations he is like a strangled bird. Now, listen to me carefully that you might understand this simple request, for it is meant to be entirely in your best interests. ”
    Harlan growled something low and uncomplimentary and returned to his tankard to fill it Edrea responded to his action by briefly narrowing her eyes and setting her mouth in a disapproving l ine. Then she turned back to Fel ise.
    “ Your natural mother was a woman of some importance to the queen, although I can ’ t say the reason or what has become of her. As the matter rests, the queen generously allowed for your upbringing in Poitou, close enough for her to see that you were cared for. When she was imprisoned, there was naught she could do to ensure your safety, and you were sent to England. When we heard of your plight and took you in, the priest who brought you explained your circumstances. Truly, had Eleanor not revolted and at tempted so much against Henry, you would likely have been raised in the palace with many eager to attend you, for it is greatly possible that was the queen ’ s plan.
    “ The m i ssive your father speaks of was mine, written by my own hand. I sent word to the queen in her prison in Winchester that you were in our safe custody, in case she ever thought of your welfare. I do not pardon her action against her husband, but I had pity for her despair. I never gained reply, but then, could she have been denied corre spondence?
    “ But at this time the royal family is gathering, a rare thing in their troubled midst. And Eleanor has been granted some few luxuries. It appears she is without means but has given thought to you these many years and would see that you are well cared for. She kindly grants your mother ’ s dower lands, said to be mo dest, to be added to Lord Scelft on ’ s dower gifts. This small parcel is in Duke Richard ’ s Aquitaine. Certainly her years of solitude have lent her a softer nature. ” Edrea looked at her grumbling husband. “ I sup pose she has many regrets and sorrows. ”
    “ Many, ” Harlan said without gentleness.
    Felise looked at her mother in some confusion. “ Why is my lord angry? ” she asked quietly.
    “ He despises interference in his household and is worried that the queen will use you against our will. ”
    “ Would she? ” Felise asked. “ Surely she could not. ”
    “ I think not, ” Edrea said with a smile. “ I suppose she will influence your hand in marriage, since you are of that age and it is our chief occupation. That could only better the prospect. She is without the means to abduct you against your will. ”
    “ The tale is that Felise ’ s mother was a prisoner of Eleanor and -- ” Harlan began, showing still greater agitation.
    “ The tale, kind sir, does not include imprisonment. It is said that the lady-in-waiting who bore our Felise was nobly bred and lived a chaste life beside the queen until she was despoiled by some errant knight and killed herself in shame. ”
    Felise quickly grasped her mother ’ s wrist. “ There are tales about my mother? ”
    Edrea smiled with some tolerance. “ Your beginning was