Page 47 of King’s Knight

“Alex!” She opened the door. As he entered, she looked behind him. “Did anyone see you?” she whispered, closing the door.

“Nay, I waited till all was quiet. I could not stand another moment without holding you. Come here.” He held out his arms and she went to him eagerly.

His muscled arms closed around her like a safe haven. She wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head on his chest. “Oh, Alex.” She wanted to ask what would become of them but she already knew the answer. Hoping for another was not wise. It was enough to have this part of him for as long as she might.

He turned her face up to meet his lips and with one kiss, swept her mind clean of its many concerns. Lifting her into his arms, he carried her to the bed where he laid her down and crawled in beside her. “Come to me, my passionate archer. I have so much to teach you. Remember, it takes practice.”

“I was sure this is what you had in mind when you teased me as I sat with your mother.”

“You were right.”

When he said such things, and he often did, she asked no more of him than he was willing to give. “Then teach me, my love,” she whispered.

And he did, the night becoming sweeter than she could have imagined.

* * *

The next day, Alex and his father were standing in the bailey when in through the gate rode the comte de Vermandois with his daughter, Lady Adèle, with their attendants and several men-at-arms.

Alex watched as the new arrivals dismounted. Both the nobleman and his daughter were attired as if they were still at court, but dust now covered Adèle’s dark green gown.

“Bonjour, Ren” said the comte, extending his hand to Alex’s father. “Veuillez pardonner notre arrivée inattendue.”

Talisand’s lord accepted the comte’s hand with a welcoming smile as the Talisand grooms took their horses away. “You are welcome, Herbert, whether expected or not, but I must tell you we speak English at Talisand. I trust ’twill not be an inconvenience?”

“Ah, bon,” said the comte. “We speak the English tongue. Again, please forgive our abrupt appearance.” The comte glanced at his daughter. “ ’Twas the king’s wish. William sent us north in all haste shortly after you departed, so that my daughter and your son might have some time to get acquainted before Sir Alex rides to meet William in Durham.”

Lady Adèle smiled at Alex. He was certain his face bore a scowl, though he managed to say, “Welcome, my lady,” and bow over her hand when offered. William had mentioned naught of this to him at the meeting of the barons. Had the king planned it all along or was this Ranulf’s suggestion?

Alex remembered the comte de Vermandois from the evening at court. His face, like Alex’s father’s, was lined from years in the sun. Both his mustache and short beard were brown, but Herbert’s small eyes were blue and his hair, extending only to his nape, was nearly silver. Except when he smiled at Alex’s father, the comte’s appearance was stern.

“A visit by an old friend is always welcome,” his father said to the comte. “Have you met my son, Sir Alex?”

“I have, in London, when he returned Adèle to me after a dance. Your father and I were young knights together. I was there in Maine when Earl Renaud gained the name ‘the Red Wolf’.”

Alex offered his arm to Adèle and suggested their visitors join them for some refreshment after their journey. It felt odd having a woman on his arm who was not Merewyn but he supposed he could play the gracious host for his king. Still, he could not help but wonder, had Adèle’s father wanted to travel so far north? Or had the comte chafed at William’s command? Some few years ago, the nobleman’s allegiance would have been to Duke Robert, but with the signing of the Caen treaty, his lands were now controlled by England’s king. Some Norman nobles welcomed the change, for Robert was never a strong leader, but some did not.

Once in the hall, Maggie had servants bring their guests wine, bread and cheese and then sent for Alex’s mother.

When she arrived, the Lady of Talisand welcomed their guests and spoke of their lodging. “The castle is quite spacious,” she said to the comte, “but if you prefer to avoid the steps, we can provide chambers in the manor, that is if Adèle is willing to share with our ward, Merewyn. Lady Adèle’s maidservant can room with mine. Nelda is very accommodating. Alex’s younger brother can move into his chamber, which would free a chamber for you and your manservant. Your men are welcome to lodge in the castle’s great hall or with our men-at-arms.”

“We wish no inconvenience,” said the comte. “The manor will be fine and my men can lodge with yours.” Alex did not miss Adèle’s tight-lipped smile at her father’s words. Did she resent having to share a chamber with his father’s ward, a commoner?

Alex cared not if Tibby joined him in his chamber, but he was none too sure ’twas a good idea for Merewyn to share a chamber with Adèle, particularly since Merewyn was not of the Norman woman’s class.

* * *

Merewyn had just finished her bath and was dressing for the evening meal when Nelda hurried into her chamber, her expression anxious.

“Mistress,” she said, breathless, “visitors have arrived from London.”

Taken aback, Merewyn sputtered, “Who?”

“ ’Tis the comte de Vermandois and his daughter. Lady Serena has made arrangements for the daughter to share your chamber.”

“Oh,” Merewyn said, turning to show her laces to the maidservant. “Can you help me with these?”

Nelda pulled the laces tight as Merewyn pondered this latest news. “Why are they here? Do you know?” Merewyn remembered the dark beauty from London, the woman the king intended for Alex. Was there to be a betrothal?