Page 120 of A Most Forgettable Girl

“I cannot believe she has arrived so early,” James murmured in Gunnilde’s ear. “She must have really high hopes of being entertained tonight.”

He and Gunnilde walked forward to present their bows and welcome Her Majesty to their gathering. The Queen smiled and nodded graciously. Then she paused, inspecting James with some surprise. “But you are quite striking tonight in your beauty, Sir James,” she told him. “Even more so than usual. I think I see your wife’s influence at hand in this new bolder style of dress.”

He bowed again. “I give my wife free rein when it comes to such things.”

“You are wise to do so,” the Queen said, nodding. “Though I am not so sure that she is.” She cast a quizzical look at Gunnilde. “The ladies, how they all stare! You must have noticed it, my dear Gunnilde.”

“I have,” Gunnilde acknowledged calmly. “And I am glad it should be so. Beauty is a thing that should be universally admired.” She turned to look frankly at her husband. “Do you not think he would make the most remarkable portrait represented thus?”

The Queen looked much struck by this rejoinder. She turned to look at James once more. “He would indeed,” she murmured. “Such rich colors represented against the auburn of his hair would make a striking image.”

James cleared his throat. “My wife has nothing to fear by way of contrast or competition,” he said, catching hold of her hand and squeezing it tight.

“Most handsomely put!” the Queen said approvingly. “I begin to think you have been hiding aspects of your character and even your talent from us, Sir James. Gunnilde tells me we are to hear some of your music this evening, inspired by the history of one of my own ladies.”

“It was inspired by the tale my wife told me,” he answered firmly. “The inspiration lay in the vividness of the retelling.”

“Well,” the Queen said thoughtfully, “my Magnatrude is not at all sure how to take the compliment. She will come tonight, I think, but more from duty than curiosity.”

As if on cue, Mistress Bartree appeared in the doorway with her little page, Unwin. She was head to toe in black, unalleviated save for one jeweled bar brooch in the center of her bodice. Her expression was very dour.

“She cuts quite the figure, does she not?” the Queen mused. “A fitting subject for your music. Tell me, is it tragic in tone?”

“Oh yes, very,” Gunnilde replied, eyes sparkling. “You will love it, Your Majesty. It quite moved me to tears when first I heard it.”

“Indeed?” At this moment, a small stir arrived, for two more royal guards marched into the room. “But what is this?” cried Armenal in consternation. “Do not tell me that Wymer—?” Her words broke off as her stepson promptly walked into the room. “Oh!”

“He came!” breathed Gunnilde, looking around in excitement. Hal, Kit, and Cuthbert crossed the room to take charge of the situation, herding the crown prince in Gunnilde’s direction.

Bows were performed and introductions made. “Royal Mother,” the prince said, addressing the Queen. “I did not realize you would be in attendance this evening.” He spoke the words blandly though politely.

The Queen smiled at him beneficently. “But yes. The good Gunnilde, she is a protégé of mine, and I take much interest in her progress. My attendance was assured from the outset. But you, my prince, you attend at the behest of Master Payne, I presume?” She turned to Hal. “You are the brother,” she said, nodding to herself. “For me, I can see a strong family likeness. But who is this?”

Hal bowed. “This is my hound, Dustin, Your Majesty,” he explained, lifting his arm to present the small white dog for royal observation.

“A hound?” Queen Armenal sounded doubtful. “This would not be considered a hound in my country.”

“I dare assure you he is a hound,” Hal answered mildly. “Whereso’er I goest, my faithful hound does follow.”

“Usually tucked in his tunic or clinging to his arm,” Prince Raedan supplied critically. “My father would not let me bring my own dog, Balto, to court, he—” But whatever he had been about to impart they were not to find out.

Dustin, realizing he was the topic of conversation, let out an excited bark and made a leap for the young prince. Surprised, Prince Raedan caught him and gave a startled laugh when Dustin’s tongue shot out to lick his face.

“Down, sir!” Hal scolded without heat. “You are impertinent!” He stepped forward to disentangle Dustin from the prince’s elaborate tunic, which was decorated all over with gold thread. “Ever heard of another animal that barks?” he asked the company at large with casual assurance.

An astonished silence prevailed. Everyone was far too shocked by Dustin’s lack of etiquette to answer. “Then there you have it, then,” he concluded with satisfaction. “He’s a hound. No question about it.”

“He fights anyone that disagrees,” Kit interjected. “So, it’s as well not to argue with him.”

Queen Armenal blinked, and for a moment Gunnilde held her breath, worried that Hal had given unforgivable offence. “You are a handsome flower of youth,” the Queen said, choosing to focus instead on Kit. “You are a Montmayne, are you not? And you,” she said, turning to Cuthbert, “interest me very much for you are like the golden sun to his moon. The pair of you would grace any court, even my brother’s court in fair Lascony. Come and tell me your prospects, for I find myself most interested in you.”

Gunnilde breathed a sigh of relief as the Queen moved to one side with Cuthbert and Kit, a diverted look upon her face. She glanced at Hal, concerned her brother might feel left out of proceedings, but he seemed to have caught sight of some new arrivals and was haring off toward them.

“It’s likely the arrival of Mistress Rheinholdt or is it Mistress Thackeray that is the current beloved,” James muttered for her ears only.

They both turned to look at the new arrivals, but as a matter of fact it was Hadrian Kellingford and a bunch of other squires her brother had invited along.

“I’m not so sure Hal has not got a new love interest,” Gunnilde answered. “Have you seen anyone wearing green and white this eve? Only Cuthbert intimated that Hal might have dressed to match his current lady love.”