Page 26 of Betrothal

Geoffrey’s grin widened. “Nay. ’Twas made ere our quarrel. I look forward to it eagerly.”

“I as well.” Thomas returned the grin. “Especially to claiming my prize.”

A scowl washed away Geoffrey’s good mood. The memory of Alyse’s eyes sparkling at the thought of dancing with Thomas surfaced. The hair on the back of his neck rose.

“You presume much.” He fought to speak carelessly. “I suspect the wagering will fall in my favor on this event.” The image of Alyse arm and arm with his friend, winding their way down a line of dancers appeared in his mind’s eye.

The victory must be mine.

He shook his head to dispel the vision. “In truth, I mean to win and keep Alyse’s dances for myself.”

Thomas chuckled, though he watched Geoffrey’s face keenly. “You may have the advantage of size, but I am confident I have the skill to best you. I will make sure you give the fair Alyse to me at least this once.”

Geoffrey narrowed his eyes. “’Sblood, Thomas. Why do you wish to partner her? You had ample chance ere now.”

His friend shot him a grin the devil himself would have been proud of. “Because now is when ‘twill prove most entertaining.”

Geoffrey groaned. His friend would play this game, danger be damned. ‘Twas his way to stir mischief whene’er he could.

Thomas leaned back in his chair, foot propped on the cold grate. “But tell me, how did Lady Alyse receive you? I’ll wager she would have happily sent you both to perdition when she discovered Patrick’s treachery.” He tilted his head and gave Geoffrey a pensive stare. “Though you were far too pleased with yourself when you entered just now for her to have chastised you in any large measure. Did she yield to your persuasion, then?”

A little more mollified when he remembered how much she had yielded to him, Geoffrey smiled and poured himself some wine. “I expressed my gratitude for her good will most enthusiastically. And she received my ardent affections with more than a little willingness.” His groin stirred at the memory. “I do sorely look forward to that marriage bed.”

“Why not an early bed then, Geoffrey? You have never been bashful before if you wanted a woman.”

Geoffrey rounded on him, eyes narrowed. “Take care, my Lord Braeton. Lady Alyse is a gentlewoman, no country wench to be dallied with.”

Thomas’s lips curled in a smirk. “I beg your pardon, Sir Geoffrey. I meant no offense to the lady. I am, however, amazed that the bonds of marriage affect this much of a change in you. I seem to recall you saying, and quite often at that, that women were meant to serve your pleasure by your leave and for no other purpose. Yet now I am to believe that a few saucy words from a child of,” he paused, “how old?”

“Ten and seven years,” Geoffrey replied grudgingly.

“Ten and seven years,” Thomas continued, “and you are the smitten courtier, sick for love and rushing to defend a maiden’s honor.” He stared at Geoffrey, a smile playing around his lips. “Correct me if I speak amiss, but did you not tell me you vanquished the virtue of a maiden a scarce fortnight ago, without so much as a quiver of contrition?” He sat comfortably, with the look of a man who would wait years for an answer. “Pray, my lord, explain this miraculous discovery of a conscience.”

Geoffrey’s scowl deepened at Thomas’s stinging words. He raised his cup to drain it then set it down hard and proceeded to pace about the room. He doffed his clothes, down to his chausses, in preparation for bed, darting covert glances at his friend, as though searching for an answer rather than withholding one.

Indeed, Thomas spoke truth. He had taken his ease of women freely since his thirteenth year. That he had dallied with a maid recently was true as well. But, simply put, they were not Alyse. His pace slowed finally and, after pouring another glass of wine from the sideboard, he returned to sit across from Thomas, who had remained silent the while.

Geoffrey rested his elbows on his knees and hung his head. “By God, Thomas, I fear I am undone.” He shook his head and laughed softly. “Who would have thought it of me? I have bedded wenches aplenty. But now I think of none but her. Though I become the butt of many a jest, I do seem besotted.” He raised his head to cut his eyes toward his friend then glanced down again. “Once she forgave me this evening, I could scarce keep my hands off her.”

With a low laugh, Thomas got up to pour himself another cup of the sweet wine. “I suppose it had to happen to you some time, Geoffrey. We all find love differently. I am simply surprised this innocent has you wrapped around her finger, and has remained a virgin.” He chuckled at his friend’s discomfiture.

Geoffrey groaned and flung himself out of the chair and began to pace anew. “Aye, the maid is a maid still. But only just.” He took a deep breath and shuddered at the remembrance of her sweet body pressed against his. “She proved so apt and willing a pupil under my mouth, I swear I was sorely tempted to take her there in the courtyard. Indeed, I could scarce prove my self-restraint. And though I have sworn not to have her before we are wed, it may be a vow I cannot keep.” The memory of Alyse in his arms, her mouth on his, rose and Geoffrey fought again the stirring in his loins. He ran a shaking hand through his hair and sat heavily in the chair.

Thomas threw back his head, laughing heartily. “You are a monk by choice then?”

Geoffrey sighed regretfully. “Aye, I have sworn to hold myself from her until I speak the nuptial vows.”

His friend shook his head. “For nigh on two weeks? I would not put money on that wager. Of course, a betrothal does not preclude you seeking your pleasure elsewhere if your need is too great. Neither does a marriage, for that matter.”

“Peace, Thomas” Geoffrey shook his head. “I will not speak for you, but as for me, ’twill not be the way in my marriage. I can think of none other than Alyse I would lie with now.” At Thomas’s look of incredulity, his resolve deepened. “Mock me if you must, but I say ’tis true. I would be with her and no one else.”

“Then, my friend, I wish you joy of her, for she has certainly bewitched you. I see a changed man before me and am amazed.” Thomas’s words rang with sincerity, though Geoffrey saw doubt in his face.

For himself he had no doubts: he would love Alyse de Courcy until death, if not beyond.

Chapter 11

“These twenty gentlemen from lands near and far have come before your presence, gentle Majesties and ladies, recommended by your good grace, in as humble ways as they can beseech you to give unto the best jouster a crown of gold, and unto he who is second best a chain of gold, and unto him who follows third best a clasp of gold.”