A Tournament Knight

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by A Tournament Knight (lit)


  Quite happy to do as she was bid, Lady Elizabeth quickly quit the earl's pavilion. She had been afraid, at first, that he had found out about the ruse they played on him. But luckily, he seemed to have accepted what she told him.

  Now that Jacqueline had done what she wanted, she could avoid the earl, if possible, until the end of the tournament. Nothing would please her more than to be back on the Isle and put her husband behind her.

  Chapter Eleven

  Once again in the evening, another feast was to be held. Since she had participated in the day's tournament, Jacqueline attended. She did not want to give her father any more reasons to become suspicious of her.

  Terric accompanied both her and Beth. He knew Jacqueline was shaken by her confrontation with the earl. He still thought she had nothing to worry about. If her father knew her secret, Terric was almost positive the earl would have already acted against her. Hoping to lay her fears to rest, he planned to pay closer attention to the earl to see if he acted differently towards her.

  Both the king and queen were present and seated at the table on the raised dais. King Richard was a young king, at the age of three and twenty. But the crown of England had been his since the age of ten. In his early years as king, John of Gaunt had acted as regent until Richard reached the age of majority. The regent had not been a favorite of the people. The animosity he engendered in them had been caused by his oppressive government policies. They had been so intolerable, the peasants had revolted in 1381.

  But that was all in the past. Richard now had full control over his throne. He was no longer king in just name, and he had chosen his queen. Queen Anne was the daughter of Charles IV, the Holy Roman Emperor who was also the King of Bohemia.

  Before the feast commenced, the winners from the day's tournament were announced. This time the ladies, lords, and heralds had been the judges. The winner of the tilting was the Count d'Ostrevant, the king's foreign cousin. The tenants were given to an English knight, Sir Hugh Spenser.

  Jacqueline was not particularly interested in who the winners of the tournament were. She had not been in the running for either prize having only challenged her father in the end. But she had accomplished what she had set out to do and that was all that truly mattered.

  As the evening progressed, Jacqueline began to let herself relax. Her father acted as if she were not in the hall. He did not look her way. Not even once. She came to think maybe Terric was right after all. No longer worrying about being summoned by the earl, she let herself enjoy the feast to its fullest. She ate and drank her fill, all the while talking and laughing with her companions.

  So, she was quite startled to find her mother standing behind her seat when the feast was drawing to a close. Her first response was to quickly search for her father. He was no longer in the hall, much to her consternation. That did not bode well.

  Shifting her attention back to her mother, Jacqueline searched her face for any clues as to why she had come to speak with her. Lady Elizabeth's expression was passively bland. Her eyes, so much like those her daughter shared, showed the strain she had been under since her arrival in London. There were prominent dark smudges under each of them. Jacqueline could only guess at what the earl had put her through.

  "Is everything all right, mother?"

  Her mother nodded quickly. "For the moment. I must return to the earl shortly. He sent me to deliver a message to you, to William."

  Jacqueline's eyes widened in panic. Was her father going to summon her to him? "What message?"

  The panic her daughter was obviously feeling was easy to read upon her face. Lady Elizabeth smiled at her hoping to alleviate some of her worry. "He did not send me here for the reason you are thinking of. He has no idea." She leaned closer to her daughter and whispered for her ears only, "You did well, Jacqueline. You know how I felt about all you planned, but you have made me very proud of you."

  Jacqueline had to blink back the sudden rush of tears which threatened to flow at her mother's praise. "Thank you, mother."

  Still smiling, Lady Elizabeth straightened. "Now, your father has instructed me to inform you that you are to depart London after the last day of the tournament, at first light."

  It was an order, Jacqueline knew, but it was one she would gladly carry out. "And you, mother? Are you to leave with us?"

  "He has allowed me to depart with you and Beth."

  Jacqueline smiled brightly. "You may tell the earl we will be gone on the day he wishes."

  "Until then." Taking a last look at her daughter, Lady Elizabeth left the hall.

  A few moments of silence passed before Terric broke it. "It seems as if we will all be departing at first light on that day."

  "Truly?" Jacqueline had hoped Terric would return to the Isle with them. She did not think she could bear being separated from him again so soon.

  "Of course. I have business to discuss with your lady mother. The Isle is the only place where I can do it."

  If they were not in a crowded hall, where she was posing as a man, Jacqueline would have thrown her arms around Terric and shown him how happy his words made her. Instead, she settled for reaching beneath the table and squeezing his thigh. He gave her hand a quick caress before she removed her hand from his leg. Each wished they were someplace else.

  Having watched what had transpired beneath the table, Beth stood. "If we are to be awake for events taking place in the early morning, I think it would be prudent to retire for the night."

  Tearing her gaze from Terric's face, Jacqueline stood, as well, and offered her arm to Beth. "Quite right." Nodding to the man who still sat on the bench, she led her 'wife' from the hall.

  * * * *

  On the following day, it was the squires' turn to take to the list. They were to tilt in the presence of the king, queen, and all the nobles.

  Since Edwin would be participating, Jacqueline and Beth joined Terric in the stands to watch him. Edwin managed to acquit himself admirably. He did not win every match, but he had at least kept his seat throughout.

  When it came time for Edwin to finally face his last opponent, Jacqueline was about ready to jump up from her seat and run. As before, while being a spectator and not a participant of the tournament, she could feel her father's eyes watching her. But this time said eyes seemed to bore into her as if he were trying to see what or who she truly was.

  Once Edwin left the list, she grabbed Beth by the hand and pulled her to her feet. Beth did not question why Jacqueline wished to leave before the end of the tilting. The atmosphere was decidedly icy around the stands.

  Terric, noticing his companions' slow departure through the crowded stands, stood and followed. They separated company when they reached the pavilions. Terric went to see to Edwin, while Jacqueline and Beth retired to their own dwelling.

  "I do not think I can last until the end of this tournament, Beth." Jacqueline sat down heavily in a camp chair.

  "You do not have much choice in the matter. The earl would become very suspicious if you left suddenly. Just a few more days, Jacqueline. That is all."

  "I keep telling myself that very same thing. But it is not helping any."

  Taking a seat in the chair next to her friend, Beth tried to reassure her. "You are safe, Jacqueline."

  "If the earl's behavior this day is any indication, I am not so sure of that. He looked at me as if he could see right through me."

  Both women let the topic they were discussing drop when Terric and Edwin entered the pavilion.

  Terric headed straight for Jacqueline. He pulled her from the chair she sat in and kissed her thoroughly. Having rendered her satisfactorily weak-kneed, he released her lips. She still clung to him when he whispered into her ear, "Just a taste of what is to come later."

  Jacqueline felt her breath hitch in response to his words. "I will hold you to that."

  Knowing they were not alone, Terric reluctantly released her, taking a step away. And just in time. A visitor arrived unannounced.

  A r
ipple of fear coursed through Jacqueline's body at the sight of her father standing just inside her pavilion. "Hello, father."

  The earl looked her up and down. Jacqueline hoped her face did not show any signs of the kiss she had received from Terric. Clenching her hands tightly at her sides, she resisted the urge to wipe her lips with the back of her hand.

  "I see you have company, William. Are you not going to introduce me?"

  Needing further space between Terric and herself, Jacqueline moved to stand beside Beth. "Father, this is Sir Terric Aubrey. Along with his squire, Edwin."

  Her father's gaze skipped over Edwin, having been deemed not worth his lordly interest. "Sir Terric. I believe I have seen you before. At many a tournament, if I am not mistaken."

  Terric bobbed his head at the earl in acknowledgement. "Aye, you are correct. I follow the tournament circuit each season."

  The earl somehow managed to look down his nose at Terric. No small feat, considering Terric stood a few inches taller than her father. The earl stood just slightly over six feet.

  "How quaint, a tournament knight. I had not realized my son was acquainted with you. At past tournaments we attended together, I never noticed you in William's company, Sir Terric."

  Terric did not miss the panicky look which flashed in Jacqueline's turquoise eyes before she quickly subdued it. "William and I just became acquainted a few months past. At a tournament at Portchester Castle."

  "How convenient." The earl said sneeringly. He then turned his attention back to Jacqueline. "I came to make sure you attended tonight's feast, William. Your mother seems to think you would not."

  Jacqueline stiffened. "I had not planned on attending."

  The earl shook his head. "That will not do at all. I will not have my son hiding away in his pavilion. You and your wife will be present at the feasts. Do I make myself clear?"

  "Aye, father." Jacqueline answered meekly.

  "I am glad we have rectified that. Now, I must return to the tournament. I will be watching for your arrival at the bishop's palace." With that said, the earl left the pavilion as suddenly as he had arrived.

  Seeing how Jacqueline trembled, Terric fetched her a goblet of wine and made sure she had a large sip from it. He then led her to sit on one of the camp chairs.

  Taking another fortifying drink from her goblet, Jacqueline then looked at the three others who hovered around her. "I have a very bad feeling about this. First his comments he spoke at the list, and now this unexpected visit. It almost seemed as if he expected to catch me doing something I did not want him to see."

  Beth could not hold her tongue any longer. "Which is precisely what very nearly happened."

  Terric interrupted before she could continue. "It was entirely my fault. Do not blame Jacqueline for it. I put her in that position by kissing her. I will be sure to act with more circumspection in the future."

  "See that you do."

  After the earl's unexpected visit, Jacqueline found she was unable to enjoy the rest of the day. She felt nothing but dread every time she thought of that evening's feast. By the time they left for the bishop's palace, her nerves were wound so tight she jumped at the slightest noise.

  Now, standing before the hall doors, Jacqueline took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. Beth squeezed her arm.

  "Steady now. You will be fine."

  Nodding her head jerkily, Jacqueline pulled herself up straighter and opened the hall doors. Once inside, she kept her gaze away from the raised dais. Clapping eyes on Terric, who was seated at one of the many trestle tables, she led Beth over to join him.

  Shifting down on the bench, Terric made room for them to sit. "About time you two showed up."

  "Someone decided to take as long as she possibly could to dress," Beth stated flatly. She seated herself on the bench, leaving enough space for Jacqueline to slip in between herself and Terric.

  "I am sure we did not miss all that much." Jacqueline could see the other guests were already trying to get down their gullets as much food and wine as they could manage.

  "You only missed the announcement made on behalf of the king."

  When Terric was not forthcoming with any more information, Jacqueline asked impatiently, "Well?"

  "The king has decided to leave London on the morrow with the foreign knights and the foreign counts."

  Jacqueline felt as if a great weight had been lifted from her. The earl would not expect her to follow the court. Hopefully, neither would her mother. "That is most interesting news."

  "I thought you would be pleased," Terric laughingly said.

  "I am more than pleased."

  Now that she knew her time under father's rule would be drawing to a close, Jacqueline risked looking up at the earl. Her father was deep in conversation with one of the foreign counts. He must have sensed her watching him. He turned and looked directly at her. The smile which he had worn moments before disappeared. Jacqueline refused to back down this time. She stared back at him, her gaze never wavering. The earl dipped his head in salute towards her.

  As the meal progressed, the more relaxed Jacqueline felt. Forgetting about her father, she set out to enjoy what was to be her last night with the court.

  Enjoy herself, she did. After a few goblets of wine, she was able to completely ignore the earl's presence at the high table. Terric entertained both her and Beth with the gossip that usually ran rampant wherever the court stayed. He told them everything from whose wives were having affairs behind their husbands' backs, to which of the courtiers padded their hose to create the effect of muscular legs.

  In a small way, Jacqueline wished the night would not come to an end. Having Terric seated beside her, his leg plastered against her own, made her want more. After the earl's unexpected visit at her pavilion, Terric had decided not to come to her later this night. The risk to her was too great. She really could not, should not, complain about it. But she ached for Terric's touch, for the feel of him thrusting into her body. So, wistfully, she made do with what she could.

  Once the dancing started, a young pageboy presented Jacqueline with a piece of parchment. After she accepted it, he bowed to her and left to continue on with his other duties.

  Jacqueline broke the seal on the missive and quickly scanned what was written inside. She smiled. "This evening is just getting better and better."

  Peering over Jacqueline's shoulder, Beth asked, "Is that from the earl?"

  "Aye. We have been sent our packing orders. We leave at dawn on the morrow. Mother will join us, as well."

  Picking up his goblet, Terric drained the rest of his wine, then stood. "If that is the case, I suggest we all retire for the night."

  Following suit, Jacqueline got up from the bench and offered Beth her arm. "On the morrow then, Sir Terric." she said formally. Before quitting the hall, she once more looked at her father. Nodding her head in his direction, she made it known to him that she understood his wishes.

  * * * *

  They were greeted by Sir Guy when they arrived back at Carisbrooke Castle. He anxiously searched each face in their party waiting to see who would speak first. When he received no response, he took matters into his own hands.

  "Well? Are you all going to leave me to guess what happened in London? Or are you going to give an old man peace of mind and tell me?"

  Taking pity on him, Jacqueline linked her arm through his and started to lead him toward the hall. "You are hardly an old man, and well you know it. I am parched from our travels, so let me quench my thirst then I will be happy to tell you everything."

  "Just do not keep me waiting too long."

  To ensure Jacqueline would not take any longer than she needed, he hurried her through the hall doors, and sat her in one of the chairs before the fire. He then fetched her a tankard of ale himself. Lady Elizabeth and the others entered the hall at a more sedate pace.

  Sipping her ale, Jacqueline could not help but notice how Sir Guy stood hovering over her impatiently tapping his foot. S
he said laughingly, "I can see you are not going to leave me be until I tell you."

  "Nay, my girl, I will not. Now out with it." Sir Guy grumbled.

  "You have not welcomed my mother properly as of yet. Should you not do that first?"

  "She can wait. Talk."

  "I guess I have tortured you enough. I challenged the earl at the grand tournament. As you can see I am not the worse for wear from it."

  "That is it? That is all you are going to say?"

  Terric came to stand behind Jacqueline's chair. "She is being modest, Sir Guy. Jacqueline did more than hold her own against her father. She managed to keep from being unhorsed and scored a point on one of the runs."

  Heedless of the tankard of ale she held, Sir Guy snatched Jacqueline from her chair and squeezed her to him in a bear hug. Her ale spilled into the rushes.

  The older man then placed her back onto her feet. "I wish I could have seen you in the list."

  "The grand tournament will be the last time I am to enter the list. I have done what I set forth to do."

  Hearing her daughter's words, Lady Elizabeth came over and sat in the chair next to Jacqueline. "Does that mean you will let your hair grow back and start wearing gowns like a proper lady?"

  Jacqueline reached up and pulled on her cropped auburn locks. "I will let my hair grow back, but I will not give up wearing a man's attire."

  "Not even after you are wed? Terric may not want his wife going around dressed like that."

  She once again found herself speechless by her mother's statement. Jacqueline had not known her mother knew how close they had actually become. She shot a look at Terric. He shook his head to let her know he was just as surprised as she.

  Watching Jacqueline's reaction to her words, Lady Elizabeth clicked her tongue at her. "Do you think I did not know what went on during Terric's previous stay? Just because I said naught of it that does not mean I was oblivious to how you felt about each other."

  Jacqueline blushed furiously. "You knew all this time?"

  "Of course I did."

  "I thought you would be disappointed in me."

 

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