Page 131 of A Most Forgettable Girl

“I did encourage their romance,” Gunnilde admitted, “but I swear it was in good faith. I promise you, I knew nothing of their plot to elope until after the fact.”

“Well, there you have it, then!” Harriet cried. She stood up and straightened her circlet and veil in a determined fashion. “I must go and make sure it is known far and wide,” she said grimly as one riding into battle.

“Harriet, you must not become embroiled in any scandal on my behalf,” Gunnilde started nervously. “Indeed, I should not wish for you—”

“Of course I must do my part to defend one of my dearest friends!” Harriet responded fiercely. “Winifred and I are quite determined that we shall give short shrift to any falsehoods spoken against you in our hearing! I go to meet her now and formulate our plan.”

“Well, yes, but addressing something spoken in your hearing is one thing. You should not be actively seeking out my detractors to tackle them about it!”

“It is the least we can do, in the spirit of true friendship,” Harriet said with a note of finality in her voice. “Winifred and I are quite agreed on this.”

“Most noble Harriet,” Neville said, catching hold of her hand. “Your friendship is indeed a prize worth having.” They gazed at one another, and in another lifetime Gunnilde would have been enthralled. Today, however, she turned away to let them have a moment of privacy.

Harriet bade her farewells, and the squires finally took their seats at table to break their fast.

“Something looks different about you today, Gunnilde,” Kit spoke up, lowering his ale cup. “I can’t quite put my finger on what.”

James emerged at this point from the bedchamber, his gaze seeking her out at once. He looked rumpled and distracted as though he had not enjoyed a good night’s sleep. Ignoring the others, he came to a halt in front of her.

“Where are your horns?” he asked frowningly. “And your tippets?”

Gunnilde blinked up at him. “Oh, I did not—that is, I—”

“Horns?” Hal repeated. “Oh, you mean those hair puffs at her brow. Tired of them, have you, Gunnilde? Ah well, I daresay you will think of something new soon enough.”

“As a leader of fashion, she will have to,” Cuthbert said around a mouthful of bread.

“I noticed a few ladies in the stands yesterday had started affecting them,” Kit said breezily as he helped himself to more fish.

“Really? Who?” Neville asked with curiosity.

“Can everyone be quiet for just one moment?” James asked with exasperation. “Come!” He held a hand out to Gunnilde in his most autocratic manner.

“But where are we going?” she asked in bewilderment.

“To dress,” he said, sweeping her out of the room.

“But we are already dressed!” she pointed out.

This did not seem to signify to James, who immediately flung open the lid to her trunk. “Something bright, I think. You must wear your pearls too, and that ruby brooch the Queen gave you.”

Gunnilde regarded him with exasperation. “I thought you did not like me drawing attention to myself?”

He shook his head. “I never said that. Why don’t you wear the gown we were wed in?”

She scoffed. “Do not pretend to know which—”

“It was a deep rose in color and had many slashes revealing glimpses your underrobe.” She was still reeling from this when he added, “This time I want you to wear it with your unicorn tippets.”

“Anything else you require, my lord?” she asked tartly.

“Yes, since you ask. Scarlet stockings and those ridiculous flimsy shoes of yours with the ties.”

“I see.” In spite of herself, Gunnilde was impressed he possessed such an inventory of her wardrobe. He had been paying more attention to her attire than she had ever realized. “After that we can address your hair,” he added coolly.

An hour later they were in the stands watching Kit compete in the long jumping final. Gunnilde’s hair was once more dressed in her signature style. She even wore ribbons twined about them to add a finishing touch.

In return for his high-handedness, Gunnilde had requested James don once more his new doublet and another pair of paneled stockings. He had complied without complaint, and they now looked as fine a pair as any present as they sat side by side in the audience.