Page 25 of Betrothal

Alyse smiled at that, her breath coming more normally. “’Tis lavender, my lord. My mother has it cut in our fields, and dries it to make sachets to keep the clothes and linens fresh. She says it gives us good health.” With a shy glance at him she continued, “I do bathe in it too, for it calms and soothes the soul.” She gave a rueful chuckle. “I fear I will require such a bath when I return to my room.”

He grunted. “Perhaps I have need of one as well.”

They sat down on the bench, companionably silent for some time, as Alyse gathered her courage. Though loath to bring up unpleasantness, she had to broach the subject.

“Sir Patrick says you are to joust with Lord Braeton at the tourney. A challenge match. Is this true?”

“Aye.” Geoffrey shot her a questioning glance.

“Does this match have aught to do with me?” His silence provoked her to speak more sharply. “Sir Geoffrey. Do you fight this match because of Lord Braeton’s part in our quarrel today?”

He finally met her eyes. “Aye,” he confessed. “Though it did not begin that way. Thomas challenged me to a joust earlier today, as a friendly wager. Afterward, I told him that his interference had cost me your respect and trust and, if I emerged the victor of the joust, I claimed as prize his apology to you for his meddling words.”

She liked that forfeit well, but should he not carry the day… “And if Lord Braeton wins the joust?”

Geoffrey snorted. “In that unlikely event, Thomas will lay claim to you for the first dance at the final banquet.”

For a moment, she stared at him, stunned.

His reward for victory is a dance he never sought before?

Was this the confirmation she required to prove Lord Braeton’s intentions?

A sudden giggle turned into a full laugh at the perplexed look on Geoffrey’s face. “My lord, I do wish you well against Lord Braeton in the field. But should you lose, you will have assisted me in one of my cherished dreams, for never has Lord Braeton deigned to ask me to dance. It has been an experience I have much thought about, though never realized. So I will admit that other than fearing for your safety, I will be most eagerly awaiting your joust.”

“Should I be jealous now of my best friend, lady?” Geoffrey glowered at her.

Alyse bit back a smile. “Only if he is a better dancer than you, my lord.”

“You mock me, Alyse.”

“Perhaps I do, my lord.” She smiled in earnest and moved toward the palace. The night had ended much better than she had expected. More than one dream of Lord Braeton might yet come true.

He sighed. “Shall I see you to your chamber, sweet?”

“Will your escort better serve my safety or no, my lord?”

Geoffrey laughed at her censure. “Do you now think me more dangerous to your virtue?”

“Nay, my lord. But now I know the extent of the danger at hand.”

He caught her arm and placed it on his. “You have naught to fear from me, sweet Alyse.” Desire kindled anew in his eyes, belying his words.

Her confidence slipped several rungs. She must never underestimate the power this man had over her.

He squeezed her arm and whispered, “At least naught to fear tonight.”

Then he led her from the courtyard toward the doorway and the sanctuary of her room.

* * * *

“By God, it worked, Thomas!” Geoffrey strode into their apartments after seeing Alyse to her chamber, lighthearted with the results of the evening. “Thank the Blessed Virgin for your plan. She has forgiven me.” He sighed. “My admittance of wronging her seemed to weigh most heavily with her.” Geoffrey turned curious eyes to his companion. “How did you know she would respond so eagerly to my kneeling before her and begging her pardon?”

Thomas, seated in his accustomed chair, smirked and reached for his cup of wine. “All women want to see men grovel before them. It happens so seldom it is quite a novelty when it does occur. They cannot help but be impressed.” He quirked an eyebrow. “All is now well between you and Lady Alyse?”

“Aye, Thomas. Better than well.” Geoffrey grinned, remembering her soft lips.

“Good.” He sipped from his goblet then frowned. “I trust her change of heart does not void our wager.”