The group of performers executed several dances. Regine finished her trencher and greedily consumed two goblets of fine wine as Arissa wait for Richmond to make an appearance. Her attention was diverted from the entertainment at one point when she saw Emma and Gavan to be in conversation, but Emma seemed to be controlling her urges rather well and Gavan was actually smiling.
Satisfied the situation did not require her intervention, she returned her focus to the last few moments of the Macedonian act and wondered if Richmond was ever going to show himself. She did so want to apologize for her hateful words.
The performance abruptly came to an end and the gay audience applauded loudly. Just as the dancers were leaving the floor, a shadow fell across Arissa from behind. Huge hands reached down for Regine.
“Remove yourself, lady,” Richmond’s voice was low. “You are in my chair.”
Regine leapt to her feet as if his touch had burned her, stumbling in her haste to dislodge her blistered bottom from the embroidered seat. Her eyes were big on Richmond as she gave the man a wide berth, scampering away in fear. Richmond did not so much as pass her a glance as he assumed his seat beside Arissa.
Arissa’s gaze was anxious as she looked upon him. He kept his attention averted, however, shoving aside Regine’s trencher and summoning his own. Only when he was served with both food and drink did he turn his focus to Arissa.
Arissa lost her breath with the intense look in his eye. They blazed upon her and instinctively, her palms began to sweat. But it was more than his gaze; the overall picture of Richmond le Bec was enough to strike her speechless. The magnificent presentation lain before her had been well worth the wait.
He was armorless. She’d never seen him armorless on a social situation. Clad in a dark blue tunic, simple but masculine, black breeches and his customary black boots, he looked absolutely stunning. The swelling on the bridge of his nose had almost disappeared and the cut above his eye was practically invisible. He was glorious.
“Greetings, my lady.”
She swallowed hard, followed by a feeble smile. She couldn’t seem to take her eyes off him. “Good eve, my lord.”
He returned her smile, his eyes glittering. “Your party seems to be a success already. What did you think of the Macedonian dancers?”
“They were wonderful,” her voice was strangely tight. She couldn’t care less about the Macedonian dancers at the moment. “Where have you been? I thought…. I thought mayhap you had decided not to attend.”
His brow furrowed momentarily. “Why would you think that? I do apologize for my tardiness, however. After a day of rolling in the dirt I thought it best to bathe before attending your celebration, lest I chase off your guests with my foul odor.”
Her smile turned genuine. “Where is your armor?”
“I cannot dance in armor.”
“You plan to dance? Richmond, I do not believe I have ever seen you dance.”
“Because I have never danced with you.”
A charming blush crept into her cheeks and she looked away, taking a dainty sip from her chalice. The evening was looking brighter already.
“Thank you for sending Gavan to escort me,” she said quietly. “I am sorry he did not bring Kathryn.”
“Kathryn cannot travel in her pregnant condition and Gavan is nervous enough without the added risk of a long ride,” he glanced across the room. “Emma, however, does not share your view.”
Arissa looked over her shoulder. Emma was following Gavan around as he moved about the room. He was seeing to the security of the gallery as Carlton and Daniel enjoyed themselves and did not need the added distraction of Emma’s company.
Arissa shook her head at her aggressive friend. “I shall go and speak with her.”
He put his hand on her arm as she moved to stand. “Gavan is a grown man and can handle himself against the onslaught.” When Arissa relaxed into her seat, he smiled at her. “I demand that you ignore the rabble and enjoy yourself. This is your party, is it not?”
She returned his grin. “It is.” After a lengthy pause, her smile faded. “I am sorry I became angry with you, Richmond. I should not have said what I did.”
He patted her hand, a quick squeeze before releasing it. “There is nothing to forgive, kitten. If anyone should apologize, it should be I for upsetting you so on your birthday.”
“You had every right to be angry,” she lowered her voice so her father would not hear. “I approve of the manner in which you handled the situation. You are exceedingly wise.”
He cocked a dark eyebrow, finishing the insult. “As befitting my age.”
She smiled. “Your words, my love, not mine.”
Arissa watched Richmond through dreamy eyes as he devoured his meal. He cast her an occasional wink, his favorite gesture, trying desperately not to appear too upswept with her delightful beauty. But it was terribly difficult when her sweet face was a mere foot from his own, her green eyes watching his every move.
More than that, he was positive that if she gazed into his eyes long enough, she would be able to read of his terrible guilt, his sweeping grief. Discovering his betrothal not an hour before still had him reeling with shock, a shock that transformed into unimaginable pain every time he gazed in Arissa’s eyes. He knew, without a doubt, that she would take the news much harder than he had.
