Page 20 of The Red Wolf’s Prize

He had expected her comment about the dark-haired servingwoman. He delighted in what appeared to be her woman’s jealousy. “I am nottrifling, woman. I told you from the first that I want you in my bed. Your bodytells me you want me as well. Do you not feel it?”

“I feel nothing!” she protested, though from her passionglazed eyes and kiss-swollen lips he knew she lied.

“I think you do. I like the feel of you in my arms, Sarah.Why do you resist so?”

“I am an English maiden, my lord. There can be nothingbetween me and a Norman, unless you would take me by force, which you havevowed not to do.”

Growing irritated with her continued refusal and herreminder of his promise to the women, he stepped back. Never before had hisresolve to protect the virtue of women been so sorely tested. Studying herangry violet eyes, he controlled his voice. “We shall see.”

Tamping down his desire and forcing his body to calm, hereturned to the trestle table. When he did not hear her footsteps, he looked upto see her still standing by the bed, staring at nothing as if she did not knowwhat to do. He flicked his fingers in dismissal.

“You may go about your work, Sarah. I shall not pursue youagain this day.”

* * *

Several days later, Renaud sat in the hall, his eyes fixed onGeoff’s mouth as the knight engulfed a thick slice of bread dripping withbutter and honey. “You keep eating like that, Geoff, and you will be as roundas our cook.”

“I need my strength for the ride to the west manor.”

Renaud rolled his eyes. “So soon you would return?”

“With your permission, I intend to call upon the widow Eawynthis day to see how she fares.”

Renaud chuckled. “She is a lovely woman. You could do worsethan that one. And fortunate it is for you she comes with a manor house.”

A surprised expression crossed Geoff’s face. “You would giveme the lady and the manor?”

“I might.” Renaud could feel the corners of his mouth turnup. He slapped his fellow knight on the back. “You seem bewitched by thewoman’s beauty—and her cooking. I am of a mind to reward you for all thoseyears you have ridden at my side.”

Geoff paused, holding the bread in front of his open mouth.A drop of honey fell to his trencher. “I hardly know what to say, Ren. ’Tis agreat boon.”

“It carries a condition, of course. I would expect you tocome at my call if ever I have need of your sword. Mayhap when the castle iscompleted, you might finish your courtship and we could celebrate both thecastle and a wedding. Does the timing appeal?”

“Yea, Ren, it does.” Geoff fairly glowed with his ferventardor for the young widow. “If the lady could be made willing, I would make hermine. Her husband was nay killed by Normans, so it is possible I do not offendwith my interest.”

“In time I’m certain you can charm her from her widow’sstate, but before you leave to see Eawyn, I have a few tasks for you, mywell-fed friend. And, mind your sudden taste for bread spread with honey.Maggie tells me someone has been sneaking into the kitchen at night depletingher supply.”

Geoff looked down at the bread, thick with honey, still inhis hand. Renaud detected a look of guilt. Neither said a word, for no wordswere necessary.

Renaud finished his meal and with Geoff trailing behind,stepped into the yard. The day promised to be fair after the night’s rain.Renaud spotted the boy with the pale blond hair and ruddy cheeks he had spokenwith at the archery contest. The lad was sitting on a cask next to the manorpoking a stick into the soft dirt.

“Jamie.”

The boy looked up at the sound of his name then leapt to hisfeet, dropping his stick.

“Is not that your name, lad?” Renaud asked, stopping infront of him.

“Aye, m’lord. May I be of service to ye?”

Renaud smiled at the boy’s eager desire to please andreached down to muss his curly blond hair. “Jamie, I might be in need of apage. Would you like the position?”

“Yea, m’lord! I would!” The boy was nearly dancing he was soexcited. The look on his face told Renaud he had offered the lad a much-desiredprize.

“Can you point out your parents so I may speak to them?”

“I have no parents, m’lord,” the boy said with downcasteyes. “Sarah watches out for me and sees I am fed and have clothes.”

It was as he’d suspected. He had seen the boy with theservant girl but no mother or father. So, Sarah had a young charge whose needsshe met. She might hate Normans but she could be kind to young English lads.