“Nothing,” he assured her, raising his hands in mock surrender.
“Oh, really? Then why is he frowning at you from across the room?”
Gawain sighed. “I merely spoke to him about his unacceptable behavior. He took it rather well, I’m pleased toreport. How has he behaved so far this morning? Do you find him to be more sober? Behaving a little more responsibly?”
Cherish’s eyes lit up with mirth. “Do you mean before or after he danced around the parlor with an egret feather on his head?”
He stared at her in dismay.
She laughed heartily. “Oh, your expression is priceless. I am jesting, Your Grace. His behavior has been beyond reproach.”
“Blast it, Cherish. You had me going there.” He cast her an affectionate smile, liking she felt comfortable enough to tease him.
“Sorry, but I could not resist. Ah, you must excuse me. Fiona is calling us to our baskets. What do you think? Will it be you for me so that we may finish yesterday’s conversation? Or is she going straight for pairing me with Reggie?”
To Gawain’s relief, Cherish called out his name. Fiona called out Reggie’s name.
Poor lad.
Gawain almost felt sorry for Reggie, who obviously wished to be matched to one of the silly, giggling girls. But Gawain and Fiona were not going to let any young lady other than Cherish claim him.
He grabbed hold of their picnic basket and held out his arm to Cherish. “Let’s find a shady spot before the others grab them all.”
She nodded. “I’m sure there is no shortage of trees. But I would like to be far enough away from the others that we are not overheard.”
“Then you’ve given your situation thought and come to a conclusion?”
She nodded again. “I expect it will be to your liking.”
His stomach churned.
Why was he irritated about her bending to his will? She was a good choice for Reggie, and he would be a kind husband to her. “Right, let’s go.”
They wound up settling on the beach again, since Fiona had her staff set up several open-air tents at lengthy intervals along the stretch of sand. The day was hot and the wind off the water provided a refreshing escape from the heat.
Gawain removed his jacket so that Cherish could sit upon it while he stretched out upon the warm sand and watched her dig into the basket. “There’s a tablecloth in here, Your Grace. We can spread it out so that you need not get all those little grains dug into your clothing.”
He shook his head. “No, I’m quite comfortable. Besides, the tablecloth is not all that big. It’ll be just enough for us to set the food atop it. What’s in our basket?”
“Oh, it looks lovely. Chicken…fruit…a loaf of freshly baked bread. Oh, the aroma is heavenly. Cider for me. Looks like ale for you. Silverware and table linens. Are you hungry? I’ll set it all out now.”
“I am always hungry. Look at the size of me. Do I not look as though I have a hearty appetite?”
“You look quite fit for an old man,” she said, purposely tweaking him.
He grimaced. “Ouch.”
“You know I am merely teasing you. You are all muscle, as far as I can tell. I suppose that is due to your years of military service. You and your friends were out riding early this morning, so I expect you keep to a fit routine.”
He nodded. “I am not used to idling about.”
“And now you are determined to work hardiness into your soft nephew?” She drew out the chicken and a knife and began to expertly carve the bird while he poured each of them a drink. “Do you have a favorite part?”
“Breasts, of course,” he said.
She blushed as he set a glass of cider beside her.
He took a swig of his ale and then sighed. “You asked; I merely responded. Every man enjoys a good breast…on a chicken. Do not read more into it than there is.”
