Page 37 of Betrothal

“But not completely so?”

“Nay. And neither am I a stranger to Geoffrey now.”

“So I see.” Thomas continued toward the end of the Hall, his eyes fixed on the figures standing there. “Are you as smitten with him as he is with you?”

“Thomas!” Flames licked at her scarcely cooling cheeks. “What do you mean by that?”

“Only what I see. Which, right now, is Geoffrey all but breathing fire at the idea that you are going to dance with Guy de Valere. No man reacts so to a woman of no consequence to him.”

“Do you truly think he knows I am to dance with Guy?” Alyse whispered, as the angry scowl on Geoffrey’s face deepened. She winced.

Thomas snorted. “With that look on his face? Do you doubt it, my lady?”

Alyse groaned. No, she did not doubt it at all.

He laughed and patted her arm as he led her up to the two men. “Courage, lady! I will restrain him while you are engaged with Sir Guy.”

Thomas raised her hand to his mouth and kissed her fingers, loudly pronouncing, “One of the great joys of my life, dear Alyse, has been our first dance together. If you are not engaged for the next…?”

She grimaced at Thomas’s hopefully arched eyebrows. The wretch could play a part, she had to admit that.

Guy spoke up immediately. “Mais non, Seigneur Braeton. Demoiselle Alyse has graciously bestowed her hand to me in the next. Ma petite chere?” Guy held his hand out and Alyse took it, throwing one wild look at Geoffrey’s aloof stare.

They moved to the center of the Hall, where she faced yet another trial, and began a vigorous estampie.

* * * *

Geoffrey stared out at the dancing couples—at one particular couple—his scowl deepening. He was so intent upon them, he started when someone laid a hand on his shoulder.

“He means nothing to her, Geoffrey.”

He turned a cold eye toward Thomas. “Indeed? She told you this?”

“Aye, in so many words, she did.”

“You know they have known each other since childhood?”

“Aye.” Thomas shrugged, as if such a thing was of no consequence.

“That he offered for her hand?”

“Aye.” His friend’s indifference was beginning to irritate.

“And she professes no preference? He is heir to his father’s lands.”

Thomas glanced thoughtfully at his friend. “One might imagine a girl with Alyse’s sensibilities would prefer to wed a man she had known since childhood. Even granting that they have not seen each other for years, certainly she is more familiar with him than with you.”

Geoffrey glared at Thomas’s sharp, inquisitive eyes and shook off his hand. “You said he means nothing to her. You spoke falsely then?”

“Nay.” Thomas snagged a cup of wine from a passing servant. “I speak only as Alyse spoke to me. She swears there was no disappointment when she found Guy’s suit rejected. And I believe she is well-pleased with your match. But have a care, Geoffrey.” He paused to sip. “She knows you little, but knows well your jealous moods. Were I you, I would curb my dark looks unless she gives you cause to show such.”

She has given me cause to show nothing but mistrust.

He could not admit his suspicions to Thomas, however. The man obviously believed her. “Think you not that her accepting a dance with a former suitor is cause for jealousy?”

“Accepting a dance with a childhood friend who was disappointed at not winning her hand? Rather a poor consolation prize, one dance. Would you trade her for it?” Thomas nodded to an acquaintance then let his gaze rest on the dancing couple.

Geoffrey arched an eyebrow as he continued to mark the figure in brilliant scarlet. His breathing slowed. Perhaps this dance was no more than courtesy. He could trust his betrothed to act with all due decorum in courtly manners. Had he not learned that lesson the hard way just days ago?