Page 127

“Did you not yourself recommend that I considered Sir Phillip’s niece for one of my attendants?” she said with a gentle smile. “And you were quite right, for she is clearly the most superior young lady of the current crop by far.”

The King sat like a stunned bullfrog, his mouth opening and closing. “Quite, quite,” he agreed in a strangled voice. Though it must have been obvious to everyone that it was his paramour Lady Helen that he was trying to secure the position for.

When Fen looked back at the group of young ladies, Lady Helen was finding it hard to mask her chagrin at being so overlooked in her sister’s favor. Clearly, she was not used to being eclipsed.

Viscount Bardulf gave a gentle laugh. “And there’s the killing blow,” he murmured. “Bravo.” He melted away into the crowd and when he reappeared he was at the Queen’s side.

Eden materialized at their side. “Did you enjoy the demonstration?” she asked.

“It was very instructive,” said Fen, thinking of the royal couple’s relationship. “Your dancing was sublime, my dear.”

Eden waved this off modestly. “The result of many days of practice.”

“The Queen seemed to think that Lady Jane Cecil was practically as good as you,” said Bess rudely.

Fen opened her mouth to disagree, but Eden responded instead, with great dignity.

“She certainly gave great encouragement to Lady Jane.”

Fen wondered what an earth was going on with Bess, as she seemed to have taken an unaccountable dislike to Eden. She frowned at her and then turned back to Eden.

“To my mind, there was simply no comparison to be made,” she said truthfully. “I wonder,” she said in a low aside. “Did you receive that note I sent care of yourself for that playwright fellow?”

“Oh yes, I meant to speak to you about that,” said Eden. “I forwarded it to the address I had listed for Mr Entner, but alas, it was returned this very morning. He has left those lodgings for cheaper ones. Unfortunately, his old landlord did not have a forwarding address.”

“Oh dear,” said Fen, her face falling. “So, he has not received my message.”

“I’m afraid not,” said Eden. “But never fear, I am sure he will be in touch soon with details of when the play is to be performed.”

“That’s what I’m worried about,” mumbled Fen, but the other two were already turning and executing low curtseys. To Fen’s horror, King Wymer had descended and was making his way through the crowd toward them. Fen watched his approach with alarm. Surely, he would not acknowledge her, she thought as he seemed to make a bee-line for her. Not when she knew how much he disliked her! To her dismay, King Wymer came right up to her and glanced over her, his lips pressed together with disapproval. She dropped into a curtsey and he gave her a brief nod. “I bet your husband paid a pretty penny for that girdle belt,” he grunted. “Poor devil.”

Fen flushed and looked down at the glittering diamonds on her belt. “As you say, your majesty,” she agreed miserably. The King rocked backwards and forwards on the balls of his feet a few times. Fen glanced around hoping someone else might come along to alleviate the awkwardness. No such luck. Indeed, both Bess and Eden had faded tactfully away at his arrival. Pressure mounted with every second for her to speak and break the silence. “The – erm – weather is very fine today, sire. Is it not?”

Wymer shot her a look of disgust. “Gads woman, if you’ve nothing worth saying, you’d best hold your tongue!”

Fen blinked, then turned to face forward again. “As you wish sire,” she said sadly. King Wymer was clearly no more reconciled to her existence than he was a month ago. She had no idea why he had singled her out for his attention, and she devoutly wished he had not! She shifted uncomfortably, noticing how many people were shooting looks of envy and curiosity toward her. Doubtless they had not overheard his brusque words and thought they were passing the time of day. Pressing her own lips together firmly, she clasped her hands in front of her and did her best to shut down her feelings of discomfort.

After a few moments, Wymer surprised her by clearing his throat. “You might want to take it a little easier on him,” he said gruffly. “He’s not used to feminine ploys.”

Fen blinked at him in astonishment. “Ploys?” she repeated faintly.

“Aye, ploys!” said Wymer, nodding his head. “You’re all the same, never happy unless you’ve got us dancing to your tune!”

Fen cast about in bewilderment but could think of no reply to that, unless to point out that her lute was back in Sitchmarsh. She knew instinctively that would not go down well.

“You’ve got him all twisted up and back to front since you ensnared him in your machinations, woman!” he continued sternly.

Fen bit the side of her mouth and eyed the King nervously.

“Cat got your tongue?” he barked.

“I’m afraid I’ve nothing to say that will please you,” she admitted.

“Humph! Like that is it?” The King tsked and gave a quick shake of his head. “Poor bugger,” he muttered under his breath and took his leave of her without even a backward glance.

Fen gazed after him, utterly mystified by both his words and his actions. She almost wondered if they spoke an entirely different language!

She gave a start when Eden’s voice spoke in her ear. “The King does you great honor by having private conversation with you,” she said with satisfaction.