It meant nothing to her. “And?”
He seemed to hesitate. “Caroline’s cousin is Lady Mena.”
At first, it did not register. Her gaze remained steady. Then, her eyes widened and he could see the naked struggle withinher not to react. It was a difficult task. But she held herself admirably in possession of knowledge that, had the situation been reversed, he might not have held so steady. He admired her control greatly.
“I… I did not get a good look at her,” she said evenly. “Caroline never mentioned that Mena was her cousin.”
“Perhaps because she did not feel it was her place. That should have come from me and it never seemed to be the right time to bring it up.”
“I see,” Alixandrea’s jaw flexed. “Did you know she would be here tonight?”
He shook his head. “I have not seen her in almost ten years. I had no knowledge that she would be here. The last I heard, she had married and moved to Bath.”
She believed him. Matthew was not the lying kind. Taking a deep breath to steady her composure, she forced a smile. “Then you should have asked them to join us. Since you thought so highly of her, I would be delighted to meet her.”
He gazed down at her, a finger coming up to stroke her cheek, her chin, and finally her lips. When he was unsatisfied with his finger on her mouth, he leaned down and kissed her.
“Perhaps you shall,” he murmured against her mouth, “for certainly, I would be proud to introduce you.”
They embraced in the darkness, enjoying the continued discovery of one another. Alixandrea realized that their infant relationship had already suffered several issues that could have greatly upset another couple, one less durable. But they seemed to work through the matter and grow stronger with it. As long as they were willing to talk, and as long as they held each other in such regard, she was confident their progression would continue.
As they wandered back to their apartment for the night, eyes were watching them from the shadows. It was a singlefigure, large, that had no intention other than to observe for the moment.
La Londe would wait to make his move.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Alixandrea sat withher hands over her face, terrified to peer out of her splayed fingers. Alone in the lists at the tournament field about a mile to the west of the Tower of London, she was supposed to be watching Matthew practice. But she hadn’t been able to summon the courage to do so. Every time he garnered a starting position along the guide of the joust rail, she would cover her eyes and lower her head.
Matthew made three passes against John without incident to either one. He was well aware of what his wife was doing. It only made him grin. After the third pass, he directed his massive charger up against the lists.
“Alix,” he admonished softly. “Take your hands from your eyes, love. Look at me.”
She did, blessing him with a radiant smile. He laughed at her. “What are you doing?”
She grimaced. “I am watching you practice.”
“Nay, you are not.”
“Trust me, I can see everything.”
He just shook his head, still laughing. “I do not know how that is possible, considering every time I have seen you it has been with your hands pressed so tightly to your face that you must surely be losing circulation.”
She started to laugh. “I told you that the joust frightens me.”
“If this gentle game upsets you so, how are you going to react when you see me compete in the mêlée? That can be even bloodier.”
“I shall watch that spectacle the same way I watch this one. Through my fingers.”
His wriggled his eyebrows. “Perhaps that is because you do not understand these events,” he said helpfully. “I should be happy to explain the rules of the joust so that you will not be so fearful of it.”
She stood up, winding her way through the benches until she reached the edge of the platform. “Very well, husband. Explain. Though I will not guarantee it should ease my fears.”
He pulled off a heavy glove and reached out, taking her hand.
“Allow me to try, at least,” he said. “A match is comprised of three passes against your opponent, or glances as they are called. You may score one point for breaking a lance between the waist and neck. You may score two points for breaking your lance against the helmet or for actually knocking off a helm. Once a helm is off, your opponent cannot replace it, increasing the chances of forfeiture and, consequently, your victory. Three points are awarded for knocking your opponent off his horse. Additionally, should you unseat him you not only win the match, but his horse as well. Do you have any questions?”
She looked thoughtful. “What if you do not break a lance at all? What if you simply pass each other and no harm is done?”
