‘Yes,’ Jeanette replied. ‘We saw him born, and the Queen is well. Where is your lord?’
‘Attending his duties,’ John answered. ‘Were you particularly seeking him?’
She shook her head and blushed. ‘No – it was a passing enquiry.’ She fussed Frederick for a little longer before going to Thomas’s goshawk where she perched on a stump. The bird regarded her with bright amber eyes before turning to preen her wings, at ease in Jeanette’s presence.
She stayed a while longer, until the sun was starting to set, and Joan was fretting to return to the ladies, but then sawThomas and Otto crossing the yard with Henry de la Haye and several other knights, and her heart kicked as it always did.
Evidently having caught sight of them too, Thomas approached and bowed. ‘I would have thought you ladies would be with the Queen.’
‘I came to visit Frederick,’ Jeanette answered. ‘We have the Queen’s leave.’
‘And I assume you are bound back to her chambers before the dark catches you outside?’
Jeanette saw the indulgent amusement on the faces of the men with him, and a devil took her tongue. ‘Where else would we be going, Sir Thomas?’ she asked. ‘To the tavern?’
‘That I do not know, but it is my duty to escort you to safety and protect you whatever your destination.’
‘Then, thank you. In that case, I know I shall always be safe wherever I find myself.’
‘Indeed, that is true,’ he replied, and set out to walk her, Joan and Hawise back to the Queen’s apartments with the other men.
At the doorway, Jeanette paused and turned to him. ‘I shall be doling out alms tomorrow in thanks for the Queen’s safe deliverance,’ she said. ‘Perhaps you might escort us there and assist us – unless of course you have other duties.’
He tilted his head. ‘It may be possible. I make no promises, but we shall endeavour to join you. We bid you good evening, ladies.’ He bowed, and walked off with his companions. He didn’t look round but Henry de la Haye did, and winked roguishly.
Joan clucked her tongue at his impertinence. ‘I cannot believe you suggested such a thing!’
‘Why not?’ Jeanette asked. ‘It will be more fun to have their company, and safer too.’
‘I am not so sure of that. What will the Queen say?’
‘Why would she object?’ Jeanette raised her brows. ‘It will reflect well on the household if we are all involved. Sir Thomas and his brother are valiant knights and well thought of and Sir Henry is one of theirs. I am certain that Messire Hazelrigg can be persuaded to attend too.’ Jeanette looked at her friend with her tongue in her cheek.
Joan shook her head, but blushed furiously, for she had her own soft spot for the northern English knight who was often in Thomas’s company. ‘What about the Countess of Salisbury?’
‘What about her? It will be a public and religious duty, and the men will give it gravitas – even Henry de la Haye. She will have no cause for complaint and we won’t be the only ladies present. You worry too much.’
Joan gave her a reproachful look. ‘And you take too many risks.’
‘Hah, then we shall meet in the middle,’ Jeanette said incorrigibly.
The next day, Jeanette, Joan, Hawise and several other ladies from the Queen’s chamber gathered to dole out alms to the poor at the monastery gates. Usually, the almoners and designated servants distributed the donations, but today, in thanks-giving, the Queen’s ladies were involved in the task, and as well as the food, small amounts of money and items of clothing were handed out.
Jeanette played her part with a whole heart and a wide and ready smile. She was in charge of dispensing the bread, while Joan ladled pottage into the bowls people had brought with them. Thomas and Otto arrived with their retinues to assist and stand guard, and the loaves of bread and jugs of beer were soon emptied, and all the money and clothing gone.
‘Thank you,’ Jeanette said, smiling at Thomas as she gathered up the empty baskets.
‘It has been my pleasure, demoiselle.’
He had brought one of his old hoods and two thick blankets to give away and had provided a small purse of alms money. His manner towards the folk who had come to receive charity had been courteous and good-humoured. Jeanette had noted his common touch which did not detract from the authority he possessed to lead men and maintain his rank. He had tousled a small boy’s hair, and jested with a toothless old woman who had cackled at him with lecherous appreciation, saying if she had been thirty years younger . . .
Once more, he escorted her and the ladies back to the royal apartments, and carried the baskets himself.
‘You look like a housewife going to market,’ she said, amused and very aware of his presence at her side. Their pace was a saunter, eking out the moment.
‘Looks can be deceptive,’ he replied. ‘It is what lies beneath that matters.’
He leaned a little towards her, and Jeanette’s breath shortened.
