‘I’ve started my training.’ Edward jutted his chin.
‘Then I hope to ride at your side in the fullness of time, sire,’ William said gravely.
Edward stepped back but insisted on wearing the belt rather than handing it to an attendant. He gripped the knife sheath possessively.
The formal greetings completed, attendants served wine to the gathering, and the Queen sent Joanna to put the little enamelled casket away in her chamber. Joanna loved the decoration of tiny jewel-coloured cloisonné flowers, and the confectionery within gave off a wonderful scent of rose and spices. She unlocked the Queen’s jewel coffer and placed the little box within, thinking that the gift was very clever, and suspecting it had been Aliza’s idea. She was so glad she had come to court with her brothers.
Returning to the hall, she went straight to Aliza who was talking to Cecily and Sybil Giffard. Aliza’s eyes lit up as she saw Joanna, and she immediately embraced her with open arms. ‘I am so pleased to see you again!’
‘And I you. I hope you fared well on your journey.’
Aliza’s hair smelled of nutmeg and roses and her gown of exquisite deep-pink silk had put a flush in her cheeks. Several of the younger male courtiers were eyeing her covertly.
Aliza laughed. ‘I was not so keen on the sea voyage, but at least I wasn’t like Geoffrey – he was sick all the way over. I am so grateful to the King and Queen for inviting us to court. I hope you will show me what to do.’
‘Yes, of course,’ Joanna said, delighted to have Aliza for company – perhaps even a little overwhelmed.
Leaving Cecily and Sybil, the young women drew aside to an embrasure to talk.
‘I was so sorry to receive your letter about Iohan,’ Aliza said, touching Joanna’s hand. ‘When I think of losing one of my brothers, I know it would be terrible, but knowing is not the same as having the pain in your heart.’
‘No,’ Joanna said, swallowing. ‘I do grieve for him deeply. He had his life before him – and now he does not.’ She looked down for a moment, collecting herself, then raised her head to Aliza’s concerned, sympathetic gaze and managed a tremulous smile. ‘And now everything has changed in ways from which there is no return – indeed, for both of us, since you have come such a long way to the court.’
‘I did consider taking the veil,’ Aliza said. ‘Perhaps at Fontevraud like my mother.’
Joanna eyed her in surprise. ‘I cannot imagine you wearing the garb of a nun unless it be that of an abbess when you are old,’ she said.
Aliza gave a wry laugh. ‘That is almost exactly what William said to me. Bride of Christ or bride of man, I decided I could best serve my family by taking the second path – indeed that is why I am here.’ She smiled brightly at Joanna, concealing her anxiety. ‘I hope our half-brother chooses my new husband well.’
‘The King is always kind and well meaning,’ Joanna reassured her. ‘He has been anticipating your arrival for his own delight above all, and that is the truth.’
‘I think I shall become very fond of him,’ Aliza said, ‘but I know there are plans afoot.’ She looked across the room. ‘William seems to have made a friend already.’
Joanna followed Aliza’s gaze to the two young men conversing over their wine. ‘That is my cousin John de Warenne, future Earl of Surrey – you met him in passing in Gascony.’
‘Yes, I remember.’ Aliza’s gaze was thoughtful. ‘William needs to make friends in England. It is difficult when you are an outsider, but with God’s help and by our own efforts we shall succeed.’
Next morning, emerging from her sleeping chamber, Aliza met William making his way purposefully towards the courtyard, wearing leather riding hose, a pair of gloves tucked through his belt.
‘Where are you off to so early?’ she asked, smiling.
‘John de Warenne has invited me to go riding and has offered to lend me a horse while mine recover from the journey,’ he replied, eyes bright with enthusiasm.
‘I am glad you are making friends so swiftly.’
He shrugged. ‘We seem to have plenty in common. How are you faring?’
‘Well enough. Everyone has been kind, especially Joanna de Munchensy. I slept well with the Queen’s ladies last night, but I know we are a little on trial.’
He gave her one of his disarming grins. ‘Is that a way of warning me to be on my best behaviour?’
‘What do you think?’
‘I always am, you know that.’ He winked at her, and strolled off, whistling.
Aliza rolled her eyes but smiled after him. She loved her youngest brother with a pang that hurt, and part of it was fear for their future. They stood as newcomers in a highly competitive arena and were as likely to be savaged as welcomed, except by Henry. They had to be so careful, and she worried for her brothers, especially William. Loyal and brave he might be, but he was also impetuous and inexperienced. The King had called him ‘my boy’ and William, for his own sake, needed to become a man, and swiftly.
Arriving at the stables, William found John de Warenne already waiting and petting a courser with charcoal dappling on its rump and shoulders.
