A Tournament Knight

by A Tournament Knight (lit)

Lady Elizabeth smiled slyly. "I used my time in London to my advantage, as I said before. Your father assumed I was properly cowed." She paused in her story as Jacqueline burst out laughing. Once she brought herself back under control, her mother continued.

  "Hmm, as I was saying, the earl thought I was firmly put in my place. But as all men of his ilk forget, we women can be very resourceful when pressed. So when your father allowed me to join the queen and her ladies, I took advantage of the situation."

  Jacqueline shook her head. The earl was a fool. He knew not what his wife could do. If he had taken the time to know her better at the start of their marriage, he would have realized his wife was an asset to him. She would have been able to help in furthering his status.

  "However you did it mother, I applaud you. If not for your propitious arrival, I would now be a widow once more."

  Terric came and wrapped his arm around his wife's waist, pulling her close. He had heard how her voice hitched on the last few words she had spoken. "I agree with Jacqueline, my lady. You could not have picked a better time."

  Sir Guy broke into the conversation. "Aye, you put the earl in his place quite nicely, my lady. But there appears to be one loose end in all of this."

  Lady Elizabeth arched a brow at him. "What loose end?"

  "I had a little chat with one of the earl's men. As we predicted, Nicholas was the one who informed the earl of Forwin's double dealing. He also joined the earl when he marched on Nunney."

  "Are you saying Nicholas is right now, down in the camp?"

  "Nay, lass. But he was. Apparently the earl decided to end his association with Nicholas, permanently. Somehow, the minstrel caught wind of this and beat a hasty retreat."

  "I knew Nicholas was in the earl's camp. He came to see me, but I did not know about his leave taking," Terric added.

  Jacqueline looked up at her husband. "What did Nicholas want with you?"

  Terric shrugged. "I think mostly to lord it over me that I was the captive and he was in the earl's good graces, or so he thought."

  The conversation then switched to the earl's departure on the following morning. Jacqueline, lost in her own thoughts, did not pay very close attention to what was being said. One part of her felt safe and secure now that her father could no longer hurt her or her family, but another small part of her felt uneasy. The others might assume Nicholas was no longer a threat, but she did not. The one thing she had learned about the minstrel during the months of his living under the same roof was that he did not give up so easily. Though the chances that he would attempt something on his own were slim, Jacqueline could not dismiss the persistent feeling that he would.

  Chapter Twenty Six

  Life finally began to take on some normalcy for Jacqueline. She settled into the role of chatelaine surprisingly well. But what she found most rewarding was being a wife and mother.

  Lady Elizabeth stayed at Nunney with them for a month. That was as long as she wanted to be absent from Carisbrooke. It was a sad leave taking on the day of her departure. But her mother had promised to return soon. She did not want to miss too much of Jordan's growing.

  The earl had definitely been put in his place. A missive arrived at Nunney shortly before her mother left. In the missive, it told how the earl had been ordered to leave Nunney alone. The king also recognized Jordan as Forwin's heir and the new Earl of Somerset.

  A new love was blooming, as well. It grew more apparent as the days passed. Edwin and Beth were falling for each other, which pleased Jacqueline to no end. Beth was far too young to stay a widow for long. And Edwin was perfect for her.

  Knowing what the end result would soon be, Jacqueline and Terric decided a talk with the young couple was in order. So one evening, after Jordan had been put to bed, the four of them sat in the hall and discussed the future.

  Terric was the one who started on the topic. "Edwin, I would like to know what your intentions are toward Beth."

  Edwin choked on the wine he was drinking, causing him to cough. "My intentions?" he asked hoarsely.

  "Aye. Since Beth has no male relations present, I feel it is my place to act in their stead. So are you going to give me an answer?"

  Nervously, Edwin shot a quick glance toward Beth. "Well … umm … you see ...."

  Shaking his head at his squire's hesitancy, Terric interrupted. "Spit it out, Edwin, for God's sake. We know."

  "All right then. I love Beth and I intend to make her my wife. Once I become a knight that is. And if she will still have me."

  Beth, who had been sitting beside Jacqueline, got up and worked her way around the trestle table until she stood next to Edwin. "Of course I will still have you. I told you I would wait, no matter how long it takes for you to get your spurs."

  Jacqueline had come to stand at Terric's side while Beth was speaking. She gave her husband a nudge. When he looked at her, she cocked her head toward Edwin.

  Clearing his throat to get his squire's and his lady love's attention, Terric continued, "I am glad to hear your intentions are honorable. And so being, both Jacqueline and I have discussed this at some length. Since you wish to become a married man, your waiting for your spurs is now over. Two days from now, or earlier, I will knight you."

  Edwin's reaction to this news was quite comical and in keeping with the squire. His jaw dropped in surprise, but when it began to really sink in that he was to be knighted, he lost control of himself.

  Jumping up from his chair, he wrapped Terric in a bone crushing bear hug. "Oh thank you, Terric. I will never forget this."

  Then it was Jacqueline's turn. Edwin kissed her on both of her cheeks. Then with much enthusiasm, he took up both her hands and began to rain kisses down upon them. Finally, he picked up Beth and spun her around in circles, laughing all the while. Unable to resist, the other three joined in his merriment.

  Bringing himself back under control, Edwin put Beth back down on her feet. Still holding her close, he asked, "Will you make me a happy man and accept my offer of marriage?"

  Blinking back tears of happiness, Beth nodded. "Aye, I will."

  As the newly betrothed couple sealed their promise to each other with a passionate kiss, Jacqueline and Terric quietly left them alone in the hall, giving the couple some much needed privacy.

  * * * *

  The next day was spent preparing for Edwin's knighting. Bright and early that morning, both Terric and Edwin went to the village blacksmith to have the final pieces of the squire's armor completed for this day. This left the two women alone for the most part of the day.

  Using the time given to her, Jacqueline decided to have a serious talk with Elizabeth. She knew her friend was happy, but there had not been any opportunity for her to really talk with her without Edwin being around.

  They were sitting in the solar. Beth was working on a tapestry while Jacqueline nursed Jordan. "Beth, may I ask you something?"

  "Of course." Putting down her needle, she moved to sit next to Jacqueline. Seeing Jordan still nursed, she smiled down at him and gently brushed a finger across his silky cheek. "What is it that you want to ask me?"

  "Now, do not take this the wrong way, I beg you."

  "I promise not to get upset, Jacqueline. I think of you as a sister. You know that. You can say anything to me."

  Feeling Jordan had released her nipple, Jacqueline looked down at him and found her son asleep, replete. Moving him to her shoulder, she began to burp him. "You will always be a sister to me, Beth. So, keeping that in mind, I have to ask this. Are you truly happy?"

  Beth smiled brightly at her. "Aye, I am."

  "What of your family? Edwin is of low birth. Will they accept him?"

  She did not answer right away. Her smile faded slightly. "Well … that is another matter entirely."

  "You have not told them, have you?"

  "Nay," she said sadly. "I am afraid my father would never understand. They do know of William's passing, though. They assume I am still in mourning. So my father will not be arranging an
other marriage for me anytime soon. And when that day does come, it will be too late. I will already be married to Edwin, and hopefully have a child of my own."

  Jacqueline felt sorry for Beth. She only wished there was something she could do to help her. But she knew there was nothing. "Well never mind them, Beth. We are your family now."

  * * * *

  Terric and Edwin returned to the keep in the late afternoon. It had been decided that the knighting would take place just prior to the evening meal. Since it would only be the four of them attending, the ceremony would be simple. But the food served afterward was not. Jacqueline had not stinted on the menu.

  After preparing himself, Edwin arrived at the hall. There, Terric, Jacqueline, and Beth waited. He was dressed in his best tunic and hose. He nervously tugged at the hem of his tunic in agitation. Beth smiled reassuringly at him.

  Not wanting to increase Edwin's anxiety any further, Terric motioned him over to where Beth and he stood. "Come, Edwin. Let us do this."

  With a quick nod of his head, Edwin complied. Reaching them, he gave Beth a kiss and then stepped back. "I am ready."

  Terric turned to Beth and took the first piece of Edwin's armor from her. Normally it would have been a male relative from Edwin's family who would help with the arming. But since that was not possible, Beth had stepped in to fulfill that role.

  After placing each piece where it was to be worn, all that remained were the spurs. Motioning Edwin to kneel, Terric pulled his sword free of its scabbard. With it, he tapped the blade first on one of Edwin's shoulders, and then the other. "You may rise, Sir Edwin." Once the younger man gained his feet, Terric took the spurs from Beth. He then buckled them onto Edwin's boots.

  Beth flung herself into her intended's arms. "Oh, Edwin! I am so happy for you."

  Jacqueline, who had been standing off to the side, now came forward to kiss the new knight's cheek. "Congratulations, Edwin. Now, let's celebrate, shall we?"

  As if on cue, the servants came from the kitchen bearing platters of food. There was roasted capon, along with a haunch of venison. Small baby potatoes, peas cooked in a cream sauce, and a salad of fresh greens rounded out the meal. The four participants partook of each dish, eating as much as they could hold.

  The remnants of the meal were cleared away, leaving the wine they were drinking behind. They were all content to just sip goblets of wine and talk. Jacqueline was the one who brought up the subject of the up-coming wedding.

  "Well, Beth and Edwin, when do you want to be wed? There is nothing stopping you now."

  The betrothed pair looked longingly at each other. Edwin clasped Beth's hand in his and said, "If it is not too soon for Beth, I was hoping in a week's time."

  Beth nodded in agreement. "Nay, that is not too soon for me. I would happily marry you on the morrow, Edwin."

  Before Edwin could accept Beth's suggestion, Jacqueline interrupted. "Nay, that is too soon. Beth needs a new gown. Every bride deserves that much."

  "You did not even get that, Jacqueline." It was Terric who spoke.

  "Aye, but I am different. I have no need for such things." To prove her point, she stood and motioned to the tunic and hose she wore. Then looking meaningfully at Terric, she added, "All that really mattered to me in the end was my getting you."

  If they had been alone, Terric would have grabbed up his wife and showed her how much he loved her. But they were not, so he settled for staring at her intently, letting her know what to expect later that night.

  The air seemed to sizzle around Terric and Jacqueline as they exchanged heated looks. Feeling a trifle uncomfortable to see such blatant desire displayed for all to see, Edwin broke the spell surrounding them.

  "Point taken, Jacqueline. Can a gown be made in time?"

  Tearing her gaze from her husband, she replied, "Aye, Edwin. Though I am not as skilled with a needle as some, I am passable. I am sure Alice will help Beth and me, as well. All we have to do is go and buy the fabric. And the best place to go for it is Frome."

  * * * *

  The market town of Frome was well known for its wool. So once a year it had a fair. The name, Frome, was believed to be derived from the Celtic word ffraw, meaning fair or brisk. And it was the river which ran through it that made Frome a thriving town. There were four watermills for grinding grain into flour and five fulling mills for the processing of wool. The fleeces came from as far as Salisbury Plain and the Cotswold Hills. Once they reached Frome, they were combed, spun, and then woven.

  Even though the market was held every week, the fair that took place only once a year was a major event. People would come from all over Somerset to buy and sell at the fair. As it so happened, the day the trip to Frome was planned was the day of the annual fair.

  This was the first time Jacqueline had been to Frome. Even though she had now lived a year at Nunney, such a trip as this had not been allowed. So this was a thrill for her. Especially being able to attend the fair.

  They arrived early in the morning, planning to make a day of it. Stabling their horses at an inn, the four headed to the fairgrounds. There were crowds of people milling about, too many to count. And the noise emanating from them could be heard even before reaching the fair itself.

  "Well, ladies. What shall we do first?" Terric asked. He could see both Jacqueline and Beth were just itching to browse the many stalls.

  Settling Jordan better into her arms, Jacqueline said, "The question is what do we not want to do?"

  Terric chuckled. "All right. Since you are undecided, how about we just wander around until you see something you like?"

  "Agreed."

  There was everything imaginable offered for sale. The proprietors of each stall loudly competed with each other, shouting their wares. Edwin was the first to stop at a stall. This one sold jewelry of all kinds.

  Pulling Beth over to look, he motioned for her to pick something out. She hesitated. "I want to get you something. Choose what you like." Hopeful of a sale, the owner separated a few pieces for Beth to look at.

  "I do not know, Edwin."

  "Please. Think of it as a betrothal gift." He stared at her beseechingly.

  Beth shook her head and laughed. "How can I say nay to those puppy dog eyes? You win." Scanning the table of goods offered, she finally settled on a simple silver link bracelet.

  Happily, Edwin paid for his purchase and then placed it around Beth's slender wrist. With that purchase made, they moved on to the next stall.

  This one sold bolts of material. The ladies gave them a cursory glance, finding the goods offered not what they were looking for. After the third such rejection, the men were decidedly losing interest.

  Noticing how both Terric and Edwin were lagging behind, Jacqueline elbowed Beth. She then cocked her head toward the men. "Shall we give them a reprieve and let those two find something else to occupy themselves?"

  "Aye." Beth said laughingly. "I think we have tortured them enough."

  Once the two lag-behinds caught up with them, Jacqueline turned to face the two men. "You may both go. It is obvious you are bored to tears."

  "Are you sure?" Terric asked.

  "Aye, go. We can meet again later."

  "All right. Edwin and I had planned to look at the horse flesh for sale. Edwin needs a better mount now that he is a knight."

  "Then go. Beth and I will meet you back at the inn when we are finished our shopping."

  Kissing his wife upon her cheek, Terric then motioned for Edwin to leave the ladies to their browsing.

  * * * *

  His life could not sink any lower than it already had. This past year had just been one disappointment after another. Nicholas had drunk deeply from the cup of despair and found it a bitter brew.

  Taking a large swig from his tankard of ale, Nicholas then wiped the foam from his lip with the sleeve of his tunic. Ideally, he should be out plying his trade. After all, market fairs were where entertainers such as himself made the most coin. And Frome's fair was no different f
rom any other. But a lethargy had claimed him, and he had no wish to change it.

  Of course all his troubles stemmed from one person and one person only. Jacqueline Montacute. He wished to God he had never set eyes on that witch. He hated the woman with every fiber of his being. Just the thought of her made his blood boil.

  Sipping again from his tankard, he happened to glance out the open inn door, then froze. Unbelievably, the one woman he never wished to see again, stood out in the inn's yard. And she was not alone. Her haughty friend, Beth, stood next to her.

  Unsure of exactly what he planned to do, Nicholas stood up. Cautiously moving closer to the open door, he searched the yard. The two women appeared to be alone and seemed not to be interested in entering the inn.

  He could only surmise they had come because of the market fair. Beth held a cloth wrapped bundle in her arms, more than likely some purchase she had made. Jacqueline, he noticed, carried her brat in her arms. She was scandalously dressed in man's attire, much to his shock.

  Inching even closer to the door, he searched again for any sign of an escort. There was none that he could see. Satisfied they were indeed alone, Nicholas pulled the hood of his cloak up and over his head. He then stepped out into the yard.

  * * * *

  "Do you think we should go and fetch them, Beth?"

  "Let's give them a little more time. They cannot be too much longer. It has been over an hour since they left."

  Jacqueline nodded. Beth was right. Besides, it would do no good to be wandering around the fair looking for Terric and Edwin. In all probability they would miss finding them and just cause much confusion.

  Glancing toward the entrance to the inn's yard, she hoped to catch a glimpse of their errant men folk. And so she paid very little attention to the hooded figure coming up behind Beth. It was not until her friend gasped in surprise did she turn her attention to who it was.

  The man, she could tell it was a man from his attire peaking through his half open cloak, had come up behind Beth. The blade of a knife, which he held at her throat, flashed in the bright sunlight. When Jacqueline moved to take a step closer, the man pressed the blade nearer, causing Beth to whimper in fear. Jacqueline stilled.