Curse her impulse to deceive him!Her father had always said that lies only bred more lies, and Melissande wished that had not proven so very true.
Surely he did not mean to question Tulley about her betrothal to Arnaud?He had been vexed by those tidings, to be sure, as a man of honor might be.She could not fully explain the fear that rose within her at the possibility that Quinn might succeed in putting her aside.
She would be neither wife nor widow, yet not a maiden either.What if she became a mother?By her own word to him, that child could not be his.She might be called a harlot, as a result of her own claim.
Her wits were addled, to be sure.What was it about this man that gave him such power to put her emotions in turmoil?Was it the same ability that made her body respond to the very sight of him and rise so quickly to his touch?
“Did he give any indication of when he would return?”she asked Amaury.
That knight nodded.“He vowed it would be this day, my lady, but guessed that the hour would be late.”
He could ride to Tulley and back in that time, if he rode with purpose.
She supposed she should be relieved that his scheme was to return.
“But there are brigands in the valley,” she said to Bayard.“Surely, he did not ride out alone?”
“He did, my lady.”The knight, to his credit, looked discomfited by this and Melissande guessed that he and Quinn had disagreed about this course.Why would he take such a risk?She already knew that Quinn tended to be prudent.
Unless he was angry.
How much had she vexed him with her sharp tongue the night before?God in Heaven, but she hoped that her words had not prompted him to be careless.
“He also insisted that the gate be kept closed in his absence,” Amaury added.
“It is unreasonable,” Gaultier began to argue, but Melissande glared at him.
“It is not your place, Gaultier, to challenge the command of the Lord d’Annossy,” she said coldly.“My lord husband must have good reason for his decision and his order, and so his command shall be obeyed.”She turned and nodded to the two knights.“I thank you for these tidings.Please ensure that my lord husband’s will is done.”
“Aye, my lady,” they said in unison and she could not miss the satisfaction both showed.
She also did not miss that Gaultier was displeased.
Tulley wasat the board when Quinn arrived, and invited the arriving knight to join him with a gesture.“Your timing is superb.There is a boar stew this day and some of the wine of Annossy.”Tulley’s niece was seated by his left hand and smiled at Quinn but did not speak.
“In truth, sir, I come for tidings, not sustenance.”
“Tidings?”Tulley’s brows rose.“Of what?”
“I would know more of Gaultier, the Captain of the Guard at Annossy.”
Tulley blinked.“I know naught of him.The one before him, Millard, he I knew for many years.”He nodded, though Quinn did not know if his approval was of that knight or the wine poured into his cup.He sipped the wine and nodded again.“A good man from the king’s own demesne in Paris, but a younger son.Well-trained and well-bred, but lacking in coin and opportunity.He served me for a decade then Annossy for another thirty.A most excellent warrior.I deeply regretted his loss.’Twas just over a year ago.”
“My lady wife told me that you sent her current Captain of the Guard to her, to replace the warrior who passed.”
“I did not!”
Quinn was taken aback.“Then from whence did he come?”
“How am I to say?She employs him.Try the meat, Heloise.It is most fine this day.This piece, not that one.”
“Aye, Uncle.I thank you.”
Quinn cleared his throat.“But she employs him because he came at your recommendation.”
“Well, she has erred in that, as women are like to do.I did not send him.”Tulley savored his stew with satisfaction.“You must join us.This is a fine meal.”
He waved to the châtelain, who set another place, while a squire took Quinn’s cloak.He was brought a bowl of water to wash his hands and his stomach grumbled as he took his place at Tulley’s right hand.
