Eleanor’s ladies-in-waiting.”
“Will that delay her long enough for me to spirit Beatrice away?”
“Lady Marguerite was one of the castle’s biggest gossips. I trust she has not changed. She will hold my aunt’s interest.”
Geoffrey patted Beatrice’s hand and gave her a wink. “Do not worry, my love. We need only hide you till Galliard chooses a bride. He is sure to arrange a betrothal soon.”
And I will hasten that along, Lenora vowed to herself. Before this night is over, Galliard will be betrothed to some unlucky girl. A trumpet blast intruded into her promise.
“The meal begins. When the trenchers are distributed to the poor, look for me.” The young man blended into the crowd.
“Always I am looking for you two. Have you no thought to proper etiquette?” Matilda swooped down on the girls from behind.
Lenora smothered a groan and turned to face her aunt. Her hand moved in a tiny sign of the cross in hopes her aunt had not seen Geoffrey speaking with them.
“Aunt Matilda, we were just…” She hesitated and explored the recesses of her brain for a believable excuse.
“I don’t have time for your stories now. Come, I have us seated at the far table.” Matilda gripped her daughter’s hand firmly. “Lenora, your father’s friend requested you to sit with him. Lord Ranulf is on this side of the hall.” Beatrice gave Lenora a helpless look while Matilda dragged her to the opposite side of the room.
Lenora scooted to her seat just as the royal party entered. She dutifully rose with the rest of the hall, lowered her eyes and folded her hands. The crackle of paper in her pocket reminded her of the letter she had been entrusted to deliver.
As she curtsied, Lenora ventured a peek at England’s sovereign. She met Henry’s curious eyes, alight with good humor. He gave her an impish wink when he passed. The cleric at the king’s side cleared his throat and pretended not to notice the lack of decorum. She returned the devilish wink. Servants directly behind the party almost tripped with their heavy loads. Henry’s laugh boomed out across the great hall. He took his seat at the raised table and commanded, “Food and drink.”
Great platters of artfully displayed food were presented to the guests. Four men strained to support pallets with two golden brown suckling pigs. The glistening skins made Lenora’s mouth water. Two porters carried a mountain of sweet cakes and honeyed nuts. They managed to genuflect before the king with their delicious load. Servants ladled bite-sized pieces of meat into the guests’ trenchers. Bells tinkled from the juggler’s hat. A minstrel rehearsed a ballad while he strummed a lyre.
Seated at her right, Lord Ranulf stabbed a piece of spiced meat from the trencher and offered it to her. “How is your father? When you were delayed, I feared ‘twas due to my old comrade’s health.”
“He’s much better, thank you, Lord Ranulf.” She chewed the tender morsel. One of the many pages scampered over to fill the agate wine cup. The tip of his tongue showed while he poured the red liquid into the heavy cup.
Lord Ranulf waited with patience for the lad to finish his task. “I suppose ‘twas the heavy rains that delayed you. ‘Tis a shame you missed what competition there was. The rains canceled much of the tourney, also.”
“The roads were nearly impassable, but my aunt was determined to come.” She watched the page and felt the lad’s nervousness.
With trained grace, the page returned the goblet without a spot on the white linen tablecloth. He let out a loud sigh of relief. She gave the boy an understanding smile. ‘Twas not easy to be at everyone’s beck and call. An opportunity to gain information on her adversary came to her. “I have heard that much of what victories there were belong to Sir Roen de Galliard. Is he here?” She flashed the elderly knight a brilliant smile.
“I’m sure he is.” The gray-haired man scanned the crowd, then smiled.
Marc Nager, Clint Nelsen, Franck Nouyrigat