That made her dread hismission.
Enguerrand smiled then, bowing low to Bertrand, as if Annelise was not there. The older man tolerated the gesture, although he arched a brow at Yves over the new arrival’s head as though he, too, wondered at Enguerrand’s purpose. Enguerrand accepted the welcome cup offered by Bertrand’s wife, although he took no notice of the womanherself.
He did not even show the courtesy to thankher.
Annelise was glad to bend over her needlework rather than to speak with thisman.
“It is long since we have had the honor of your company,” Bertrand said with a coldness that could not bemissed.
Enguerrand spoke warmly, in contrast. “Bertrand, neighbor of mine, I come for tidings. Do you know the whereabouts of Annelise de Sayerne? I have just found Sayerne deserted and Tulley is away atbattle.”
“Why do you seek my sister?” Yvesdemanded.
Enguerrand jumped as though he had not seen the younger man, that ruse making Annelise distrust him even more. His eyes narrowed as he surveyed Yves. “Sister?” he asked. “I had thought Jerome de Sayerne had only twochildren.”
“Two legitimate children,” Yves confirmed, his stance proud. “I am his bastard, although my father spoke of giving me legal status as hisson.”
“But he didnot?”
“No.”
“Ah!” There was no mistaking the relief that swept over Enguerrand’s features. His gaze slid to Annelise once more. “Might this be the fair Anneliseherself?”
Annelise rose to her feet and set her handwork aside. “I am Annelise de Sayerne,” she admitted. “Why do you seekme?”
Enguerrand sank to his knee before Annelise and lifted her hand to his lips. “Fairest Annelise,” he murmured against her fingers. “I am most charmed to make youracquaintance.”
“Indeed?” Annelise should have returned the compliment and she knewit.
“Indeed,” Enguerrand confirmed, undeterred. “Your beauty is more than I might have hoped for when I set out to seek your hand inmarriage.”
“Marriage?”
That the subject should come up twice in such short order was beyond belief. Annelise had always been told how unsuitable she was for marriage, both by her father and by the nuns. Too outspoken, too poorly skilled in household tasks, too tall. Her auburn hair was a liability—it had to mark a fearsome temper and, worst of all, she was without adowry.
Yet two offers for her hand were to be heard on the same day, within moments of eachother.
Why would this man seek her out? Annelise wondered whether Enguerrand believed that Quinn would not return home. Perhaps he desired Sayerne forhimself.
Was that also Lady Hildegarde’s motivation? Did she seek a holding for her younger son outside her elder son’s legacy ofViandin?
Would either of them be pleased with the reality of Sayerne’s impoverished state, even if Annelise did inherit it? This knight did not look like one inclined to work hard to gain hisdesires.
And what if Quinn did come home as Tulley insisted he would? Annelise would bring nothing to any match, then, and might find herself in a similar position as hermother.
The prospect made her heartchill.
“Yes, my lady,” Enguerrand continued with confidence in her acceptance. “You will be fairer than fair as mybride.”
“I thank you for the proposal, but I will not be yourbride.”
“Of course, you will,” Enguerrandinsisted.
“Of course, I will not!” Annelise tugged her hand out of Enguerrand’s grip and backedaway.
“Annelise!” Yveschided.
Bertrand’s wife gasped, and Bertrand fired a reproving glance Annelise’sway.
