Ellowyn was a paradox as far as he was concerned. She would roam the shop giddily, selecting pretty things, and then turn on the merchant like a cunning bird of prey when it came time for payment. Brandt watched her swoop in for the kill, something she seemed to enjoy. She had purchased the thread for nearly what it cost the man to make, bartered the tailor down to the point where the man was barely making a profit, and then she started in again on the man with the perfumes.
Brandt stood in the doorway with Dylan, watching his wife verbally beat down the perfume merchant to the point where the man was so twisted up he had no idea what he had really said.
Eventually, Ellowyn was triumphant when she was able to purchase her soaps and perfumes for a very good price, leaving the old perfume merchant sweating and weary, and Brandt trying not to grin at his aggressive wife. He was coming to see that was standard behavior with her when dealing with the sale of goods. He had once jested with her about her fearsome bartering skills when the fact was that it was true. Lady de Russe was indeed formidable. And Brandt could not have been prouder.
All the way back to the fortress, Ellowyn verbally accounted for every cent spent, storing it in her memory while Brandt just listened to her rattle on. She had a head for mathematics and he was impressed. As they passed through the gatehouse of Guildford, they could see that there were hundreds of unfamiliar men in the bailey and that put an end to Ellowyn’s aimless chatter. She quieted as Brandt reined his charger close to her,keeping her in arm’s length, as he entered his bailey with gangs of unknown soldiers in it.
“St. Hèver must have arrived,” Dylan said to Brandt. “Look, these men are bearing Wrexham tunics.”
Brandt could see the red and white of Wrexham. His attention began to move through the hordes, searching for the big knight with the white-blond hair. Brennan wasn’t difficult to spot, near the great hall speaking with le Bec and de Reyne. Assisting his wife from the palfrey while servants rushed to gather her goods and take them to the keep, Brandt escorted Ellowyn in Brennan’s direction.
The young knight spied his lord on the approach through the crowd of men and animals and immediately went to him. He looked weary and dirty from days in the saddle, but he was sharp and alert.
“My lord,” he greeted Brandt smartly, acknowledging Ellowyn with a nod. “My father sends his greetings and his support. I have brought six hundred and six men from Wrexham to support Edward’s efforts in France.”
Brandt passed a practiced eye over the group. “Good men,” he commented. “Seasoned. I can tell by their clothing and weapons.”
Brennan nodded. “He kept most of the green troops with him and sent his more seasoned soldiers to you,” he said. “My father said you would need them more than he does.”
Brandt smirked. “Your father is a wise and gracious man,” he replied. “I am sorry I did not get a chance to visit with him. Is he well?”
Brennan nodded. “Well enough,” he said. “My sister has just given birth to her third child, another boy, and he is understandably thrilled. It was all he could speak of.”
“And you mother and brother?”
Brennan grinned. “My mother is doing very well,” he said. “She sends her regards and is verily pleased to hear that you married. She says to tell you that it is about time.”
Brandt laughed softly. “Your mother was never one to mince words.”
Brennan shook his head. “Nay, she is not,” he said. “My brother, Evan, is doing well and is in his last year fostering at Culpepper Castle. My father says he is bigger and smarter than I am.”
“If he is anywhere close to the caliber of knight you are, then I will demand he swear fealty to me.”
“My father says he is already in demand.”
Brandt cocked an eyebrow. “I will fight for him if I have to.”
“No one will fight you, my lord. You are too frightening.”
Brandt was back to smirking, glancing at Ellowyn as she grinned at Brennan.Is she looking adoringly at him?He suddenly thought, startled by his uncontrolled notion.Oh, God, I am surely going mad to give regard to such things!
“My lady wife and I will expect to hear all about your travels,” he said, trying to stay neutral and normal. “Get the men settled and we shall see you at supper.”
Brennan nodded, having no idea what thoughts were crossing Brandt’s mind. He turned to Ellowyn as Brandt grasped her elbow.
“My mother has sent you a wedding gift,” he said. “Shall I bring it to you now?”
Ellowyn was thrilled and touched. “Did she truly?” she said. “Oh, please bring it to me now.”
“You have enough finery and gifts from your shopping this afternoon,” Brandt said in a nearly scolding tone. “Allow Brennan to finish his duties. He shall bring you your gift at supper.”
Ellowyn’s mood wasn’t dampened in the least. She shrugged, waved at Brennan, and allowed Brandt to lead her off. As they approached the steps leading up the motte, she turned to him.
“What do you suppose Lady St. Hèver has sent me?” she asked. “She does not even know me. ’Tis a terribly kind gesture.”
Brandt nodded, pushing down remnants of his jealousy. He didn’t like feeling that way, especially when there was no good reason. Was it a territorial thing? Ellowyn belonged to him and he was extremely protective over her. Was it the fact that she was showing friendliness towards another man, even someone as good and moral as Brennan? Brandt didn’t know but he didn’t like it. Ellowyn made him feel so many things, among them insecurity. She was such a glorious creature and he actually felt insecure with her, as if he wasn’t great enough to hold her attention. He’d never known jealousy or uncertainty in his life and it was a struggle to push it all aside.
“She is a kind woman,” he said. “In fact, she reminds me a great deal of you.”
