Page 9 of Betrothal

As he drifted down into sleep, Geoffrey grinned in anticipation. He dearly loved a challenge.

Chapter 4

“Well, you had best try to like him,” Anne scolded Alyse as they made their way to the Great Hall for the morning meal. “You do not have a choice, now do you? And for God’s sake, put Lord Braeton out of your mind. That will only lead to trouble. Do you believe Sir Geoffrey will brook any such—”

“Good morrow, gentle ladies.”

Alyse jumped at the sound of his deep voice so close behind her. Her heart pounded out an insistent, erratic beat. She turned, as did Anne, and dipped her curtsy. “Good morrow, my lord.”

God’s death, did he overhear us?

Anne somehow managed to sound cheerful. “Good morrow, Sir Geoffrey. You are here quite early, are you not?”

“Yes, I was here early.” His voice held a soft reproach. “’Tis you and Lady Alyse who have tarried. The meal is almost over.”

Anne’s eyes widened in glee and her mouth crooked into a lopsided smile. “We would have been earlier, my lord, but Alyse took more pains than usual this morning with her hair. I told her we would be late.”

“Anne!” Heat bloomed in Alyse’s cheeks and her tone was shrill. “’Twas not my fault the pins would not hold it aright today.”

She glanced at Geoffrey, chagrined lest he think she had fussed with her appearance in anticipation of seeing him. “My hair sometimes has a will of its own, my lord. It can be stubborn.”

He laughed while his gaze rested on the now-neatly-coifed hair beneath a blue net studded with seed pearls. “I am sure you bend it to your will regardless of its capricious nature, my lady.”

Alyse gave him a wary smile. “Aye, my lord, I generally win the battle, although the skirmishing can be fierce.” He seemed better behaved today, but why was he here?

Geoffrey’s eyes sparkled. “Would you do me the honor, ladies, of taking the meal with me?” He gestured toward a table.

“You are kind, Sir Geoffrey.” Anne headed to the place indicated and Alyse had no choice but to follow, although her steps were reluctant. Geoffrey left them to seat themselves, signaled a servant to attend them then paused to speak to another courtier.

She darted glances at him and grudgingly admitted the splendid figure he made. Once again attired in blue, his coat ran to a lighter hue this morning. Almost the same shade she had chosen for the day, in fact. She fingered the rich folds of her figured gown—they already looked like many couples who dressed to complement each other. A sign of harmony between them? She could only pray so after yesterday’s encounter.

She stole another glance, noting once more the lean-muscled arms straining the fabric of his tight-fitting cotehardie. When her gaze drifted lower, his dark hose tantalized her with its display of his muscular calves. Alyse gulped and turned her attention to the cheese, bread and small ale the servant placed before her. The last thing she wanted was for her betrothed to observe her interest.

Upon his return, he sat opposite her and ate in silence. Alyse pretended to eat. After managing one bite of the sharp cheese, she settled for picking at the bread. Another mouthful might choke her.

“You eat but little this morning, my lady.” Geoffrey bit into his bread with gusto.

“I am not very hungry, my lord.” Indeed her appetite had waned the moment she had seen him.

“You would take a different dish? Fruit, perhaps?”

“No, thank you, sir.” Alyse kept her eyes on the food, which she continued to toy with to give her hands something to do. When the bread resembled nothing more than a heap of crumbs, she risked a quick glance at the man across from her. His eyes were on her.

Biting back an oath, she dropped her gaze to her food once again. A more unappetizing collection of viands she could not imagine. Mayhap some drink would soothe her churning stomach.

As she reached for her cup, she tried to avoid looking at him. But as soon as she drew the vessel to her lips, her gaze flew to her companion as if she had no will at all. Geoffrey’s attention remained focused on her.

Blushing under this insistent stare, Alyse fumed in silence. She was simply not up to Geoffrey Longford this early in the day. Soon she would have to deal with him morning, noon and night. A moan of despair threatened to escape her throat. How would she ever resolve her feelings for this man? She looked to Anne for help, but that traitor rose from the table.

“Alyse, give me leave a moment. I wanted to speak with Lady Margaret Destrys before she goes to attend the queen. I will meet you at Mass.” With a smirk at her distraught roommate, Anne abandoned her to her fate.

Stricken, Alyse once again lowered her head to regard her bread and cheese, which now did not even remotely resemble food. She would retch if she attempted a single bite. Lifting a weary hand, she shielded her face.

“Do I distress you this morning, Lady Alyse?”

She took a breath to steady herself then raised her head. “No more so than you did last night, my lord.”

He still stared at her, an amused expression on his face. “And did I disturb you then?”