“Housed like some steed acquired at the market,” Annelise muttered. Bertrand’s wife was the only one who heard, evidently, and her lipsthinned.
“Adequate?” Bertrand retorted. “Roussineau is hardly adequate for any manner of lady. Yves, do not be a fool! Accept Hildegarde’s offer and see Annelise’s futureassured.”
Yves’ manner was thoughtful, and he flicked considering glances at the two older men as he paced. He did not, Annelise noted with rising anger, even so much as acknowledge that she was in theroom.
“Yves!” Enguerrand appealed. “See Annelise wedded now, to me, and know the matter is resolved. We can exchange our vows this very night and ride to Roussineau in the morning, man andwife.”
“I say she should wed Hildegarde’s son!” Bertrand declared. He pounded on the arm of his chair, clearly not accustomed to being challenged in his own home. “There can be no other sensiblechoice.”
“And I say she should wed me!” Enguerrand replied, taking a stepforward.
“Perhaps we could leave the matter for a few days,” Yvessuggested.
“No, Yves, there is no need to wait so long,” Annelise said firmly. All three men glanced her way then, their expressions surprised. “There is nothing to decide,” she declared. “I shall wed neither of these men and that isfinal.”
“Annelise!” Enguerrand whispered as if she had wounded him. Bertrand’s face set in anger, and Yves watched her with opencuriosity.
At the very least, Annelise had theirattention.
“What manner of young woman would show such audacity to her seniors?” Bertrand demanded. “No wonder your father saw you cloistered for most of your years. It is your place to be silent,woman!”
“As Hildegarde’s son’s place is beneath her thumb?” Annelise retorted. “I cannot imagine what I should want of a man wrought of suchmettle.”
“And I cannot imagine how a woman of such sweet countenance could be cursed with a viper’s tongue,” Bertrandretorted.
“Then we are agreed that the match would not be a wholesome one,” Annelise concluded sweetly, then gestured to Enguerrand. “What do you know of this man, Yves?” She already knew the answer, but she wanted her brother to say thewords.
“Only what he says and the rumor I have heard,” headmitted.
“Consider, then, that you would grant my hand to a stranger whose repute is less than ideal.” Annelise forced herself to continue in an even tone. “I would not slight another guest of our host, but it could well be that this gentleman’s sights are set upon Sayerneitself.”
Enguerrand’s lips set in a thin line, but Annelise ignoredhim.
“And of this younger son of Viandin, you know nothing at all. Am Iright?”
Yves agreed withreluctance.
“He is anotherstranger.”
“I know his family,” Bertrandbegan.
“I will have neither of them,” Annelise said, then met Yves’ gaze. “You know that I am determined to wed for lovealone.”
“Love needs only time to grow,” Enguerrandmurmured.
“Love?” Bertrand protested. “Trust a woman to be guided by suchwhimsy.”
“It is not whimsy,” Annelise replied, knowing the truth from her own experience. “It is a guarantee for a woman’s future, and I will not exchange marital vows withoutit.”
“You will die a maiden then,” Bertrand replied, his tone practical. He turned to Yves again. “If a valiant knight like Hildegarde’s son does not meet with her favor, then none will satisfy. You must choose for her,Yves.”
“She will undoubtedly find marriage has much to commend it, once she has a babe or two.” Enguerrand lent his voice to persuadeYves.
Annelise bristled and did not take her seatagain.
“You cannot take Annelise with you while you seek your fortune, Yves, and I will not have her remain here unwed,” Bertrand stated flatly. “This keep is too full of warriors and it would be unfitting for me to accept responsibility for a maiden. Annelise cannot return to Sayerne, so she must go somewhere, under some man’sdefense.”
“Surely you do not desire to see sweet Annelise left alone, without husband, hearth, and protection?” At Enguerrand’s question, Yves’ shoulderssagged.
