by Alexa Aston
Avelyn watched Sela boldly meet Agnes’ gaze. The lady-in-waiting waited for Sela to drop her eyes in deference to her position. When Sela did not, Agnes huffed and stormed off.
“I was late only once,” Sela muttered. “That old hag has never forgiven me—or forgotten it. And who cares if the queen lost a handkerchief?”
“Hush!” Avelyn warned, shocked by her friend’s callous attitude.
Sela lowered her voice. “I’m simply saying that the queen has well over a hundred silk handkerchiefs. I don’t understand the fuss made over one misplaced handkerchief.”
She tended to agree with Sela, but Avelyn would never have voiced such an opinion. It seemed, since she had been at court, that the queen was always losing an item. Sometimes it was found and other times merely forgotten.
“Besides,” Sela lifted her pewter cup and motioned for Avelyn to do the same, “here’s to a glorious afternoon spent outdoors.”
Avelyn tapped her cup against her friend’s. “To a fine afternoon,” she said.
“And for your trip to Sandbourne being a happy one,” Sela added.
They finished their meal and then went to await the queen. Avelyn studied the growing group of women arriving in clusters. She had not found many of them likeable. Every female at court seemed to focus solely on gaining the attention of men. Avelyn had only formed a close attachment with Sela, who was near her in age as opposed to most of the other ladies-in-waiting. She thought it a good time to be granted a break from the routine of her days in London and enjoy time in the country with Elysande and their mother, who should arrive at Sandbourne by the time Avelyn did.
“Who will escort you to your brother-in-law’s estate?” asked Sela as they waited for the queen’s arrival.
“Elysande wrote to me that Michael has sent an escort party. It will be led by a knight named Sir Kenric Fairfax,” Avelyn revealed.
“Is he handsome?”
“Is that all you think about?” she teased. “Actually, I know very few of Michael’s men. Some were with us when Elysande and Michael married at Kinwick Castle, my uncle’s home. I have yet to visit Sandbourne myself since I left the wedding and came straightaway to London with Uncle Geoffrey and Cousin Alys. That’s one of the reasons why I am excited to see Sandbourne.”
“So this Sir Kenric could be toothless,” Sela said. “Or as old as the king.”
Avelyn shrugged. “I have no idea. Elysande merely wrote that Sir Kenric would be the knight in charge of my escort party and that it was a guard of ten total to see me safely to Sandbourne. She said though Sir Kenric hadn’t been at Sandbourne long, Michael trusts him implicitly and finds he’s the most skilled knight Michael has ever known.”
“You must send word and tell me of your adventures with this toothless knight. And of your new nephew or niece once they make their appearance.”
Avelyn slipped an arm about her friend’s waist. “I will, though I wish you would consider coming along with me.”
At that moment, the queen came into sight. Avelyn found herself standing a little taller and holding her chin higher anytime she was in the presence of royalty.
Philippa scanned the assembled retinue until her eyes landed on Avelyn. “Lady Avelyn, I would have you take a turn about the gardens with me.”
She quickly stepped away from the gathered ladies-in-waiting and went to the queen, making her curtsey.
“Yes, your highness.” Her heart raced at spending time alone with the woman. They had been together in small groups before but never only the two of them with no others present.
The queen took Avelyn’s hand and slipped it through the crook of her arm. “Let me guide the way, but I shall be grateful for your support as we walk.”
“Of course, your grace.”
They stepped onto the path that led toward the gardens. Avelyn glanced over her shoulder and saw the other women followed at a discreet distance. Sela gave her an encouraging nod.
“You do not seem nervous in my company,” the queen said.
Avelyn was pleased that she’d hidden her nerves well. “I am happy to be in your presence, your grace. I suppose I should be slightly on edge, for we have never spent any time together. But you are always even tempered and kind to all you meet. I look forward to our conversation.”
The queen nodded sagely. Avelyn hoped she had pleased the royal with her answer.
“So what do you think of court, Lady Avelyn?” asked Philippa.
She gave a careful reply. “I am privileged to be here, your highness. I’m grateful to Uncle Geoffrey for arranging for me to come to London, as well as thankful that you made room for me among your ladies-in-waiting. I had always dreamed of coming to London.”
“But what do you think of the court itself?” the queen asked again. “Do you like it? Is the conversation stimulating? Or do you find it tiresome?”
“Oh, I could never be bored,” Avelyn answered truthfully. “I enjoy music very much and have heard many fine musicians play during my time here. I’ve also learned to paint a bit and my embroidery has improved. Mother will be so pleased.”
She paused. “But as to the company? I find most of the women only tolerate other females. They save all their smiles and attention for the courtiers present. Other than Sela Runford, my friend, and Alys de Montfort, my cousin, I miss close female companionship.”
“You are honest and direct, my lady,” the queen noted. “I like that—in a man or a woman.”
They walked in companionable silence for a few minutes before the queen asked, “What of children? Do you like them?”
Avelyn could not hide her smile. “I do, indeed, your grace. I’m looking forward to leaving for Sandbourne on the morrow to be present at my sister Elysande’s side when she gives birth to her first child.”
Philippa nodded. “That’s right. I remember that I granted you permission to do so. You are not going on summer progress.” She thought a moment. “Then let me ask this. Do you want babes of your own, Lady Avelyn?”
“Aye, most certainly,” she said with enthusiasm. “I’ve enjoyed spending time with my young cousin, Hal, one of Uncle Geoffrey’s children. He’s a whirlwind that never seems to stop, but he is precious beyond words. I hope I have children as happy as Hal, as well as sweet-natured.”
The queen pursed her lips. “To have babes, you must have a husband. With that being said, is there anyone special you’ve met at court that you believe would make you a good husband?”
Avelyn felt a hot blush rise on her cheeks. “Nay, your grace. I have met many men. Some interesting, some kind.” She bit her lip and decided to remain honest since the queen seemed to appreciate that quality. “Some arrogant and loud. But none that I feel I could love.”
“Love?” asked the queen. “You do realize, my lady, that a love match is rare.”
“I understand that, your majesty.” She grew thoughtful. “But I have seen how Elysande and Lord Michael look at one another. I want that for myself with my own husband. Do you know that the earl wanted to marry my sister before he even knew her name? He thought he better learn it so that he could ask her father for her hand in marriage. ’Twas love at first sight for them both.”
“Hmm. I had not known Sandbourne was such a romantic.” She studied Avelyn. “Nevertheless, I myself was promised to the king before we even met. We came into the marriage total strangers. Yet from our vows, friendship soon grew. Trust followed—and then came love. Fourteen children later, we still are devoted to one another.”
“And there is my lovely wife.”
Avelyn turned and saw the king and his retinue striding their way. She realized, in that moment, as this was the closest she had ever been to the pair, that Queen Philippa was correct. The king loved his wife very much. The expression on his face spoke for itself.
She curtseyed as he approached and then stepped back a few feet. The king took his wife’s hand and brushed a kiss upon her fingers.
“I see you are enjoying this fine May day,
my love.”
“We are, sire.” Philippa held out a hand. “Do you remember Lady Avelyn Le Cler? She is Geoffrey de Montfort’s niece.”
Edward eyed her a moment, squinting as he considered her. “I do. I remember meeting you, your sister, and mother. And I have watched you dance. You possess a grace and rhythm that many do not, Lady Avelyn.”
“Thank you, your majesty.” Avelyn locked her knees together to still their trembling. While the queen seemed motherly, King Edward was another matter. She did not enjoy his scrutiny in the least.
“The girl journeys to Sandbourne tomorrow to visit with her sister and help bring her sister’s first child into the world.”
“Ah, the world is a better place for each child that comes into it.” He glanced over their shoulders. “I see Lady Alys in that gaggle of women, speaking of the de Montforts. Tell her that I am in need of more of the tonic she makes for my headaches. If you will excuse me, ladies.” He winked at the queen. “I shall see you when we sup tonight, my dear.”
Edward swept by them, his courtiers trailing after him. Avelyn turned and saw the fluttering eyelashes of the many women as the group of men approached.
“Come, let us continue,” the queen instructed.
Avelyn could smell the scent of basil, lemon balm, and wisteria as they wound their way through the herbs. They then came upon bold, red geraniums and the fragrant scent of roses.
“You are quite liked by many courtiers,” Philippa confided, a knowing look in her eye.
“I am?”
The thought surprised Avelyn. A few men had spoken to her upon occasion. Two had pulled her into an alcove and stolen a kiss, but she had pushed them away. She had been more embarrassed than anything—though she had wished she felt something more.
“Some have hinted to me. Others have asked outright for me to consider them as your future husband.”
“I know not what to say, your grace,” she said, wondering if Queen Philippa had already chosen a mate for her.
“Go to your mother and sister at Sandbourne then,” the queen proclaimed. “Think long and hard what you might desire in a husband. I shall keep watch as we travel on our summer progress and consider what man would be the best match for you. When you return to me in autumn, then we shall compare thoughts. I hope by this time next year that you will be wedded and bedded and have your husband’s seed growing in your belly.”
Avelyn wasn’t quite sure how she felt about that.
Chapter 5
Avelyn glanced around the bedchamber that she shared with her cousin, Alys. She had very little to pack for her trip. Michael had thoughtfully provided for her trunk to be sent ahead to Sandbourne a week ago and it would arrive before she did. She gathered her comb and small hand mirror and placed them in the bundle with her change of clothing. Sela had let her wear some of her kirtles and cotehardies this past week. Avelyn had returned them to her friend after breaking her fast a few minutes ago.
“Are you sure you do not mind stopping at Kinwick?”
She hugged Alys. “Of course not,” she told her cousin. Alys might be young in years, but she possessed a wisdom and self-confidence well beyond her age. She looked upon the girl as a sister. They had grown close in the months Avelyn had lived at court.
The only disagreement between them had involved her friendship with Sela Runford. Alys, who had already spent a year in the queen’s service before Avelyn’s arrival, did not care for Sela. She couldn’t give Avelyn a good reason for her to avoid Sela’s company, only stubbornly warning Avelyn not to become too close with Sela.
Avelyn added, “I will enjoy seeing Uncle Geoffrey and Aunt Merryn again. And the baby. How old is he?”
“Edward is over two months old now. I can’t wait to meet him myself, though I wish Mother would have had another girl. With little Edward added to Ancel and Hal, I’m quite outnumbered,” Alys complained good-naturedly.
Avelyn laughed. “You and Aunt Merryn are a formidable team. I don’t see the two of you ever losing ground to the de Montfort men.”
“Mother is quite unstoppable. Grandmother told me of how Mother’s labor pains began on Judgment Day. Though her pains increased steadily, she continued to render her decisions till she’d seen every laborer with a complaint. Only then did she take to her bed and let Tilda fuss over her while she gave birth to Ancel and me.”
She shuddered. “Merryn is definitely a woman to admire.” Though Avelyn knew she wanted children, she hoped she wouldn’t give birth to twins. Having two small babes at the same time seemed overwhelming to her.
Alys continued. “She even supervised the harvest after giving birth. Grandmother said Mother was out in the fields a week later, ordering people about, while Ancel and I lay in a basket nearby. She would watch carefully at how the workers performed and how much yield was accrued even as she took time to nurse us.”
“We all can learn from Aunt Merryn’s example. Are you ready for our journey?”
Her cousin nodded. “I’m even more ready to get home and back to learning more about herbs. I know Mother still has much to teach me.”
Avelyn laughed. “You already are the person at court that others seek out when they have an ailment. Even our king! You have a remedy for everything—queasy stomachs and headaches. Bruises. Sprains.”
Alys frowned. “Not baldness. I wish I could find a way to cure that. ’Twould make me the most popular girl in the land.” She twirled in a circle, her eyes dancing in merriment.
A knock on the door interrupted their conversation. A short page with a cowlick stuck his head in when she called out, “Come.”
“Be ye Lady Avelyn? If so, your escort party has arrived and they seek your company. I can carry down what you need for your journey.”
“Thank you.” Avelyn handed him her bundle.
Alys did likewise but held on to a small case. Avelyn knew her cousin stored precious herbs within it and never let it far from her sight.
Sela appeared in the doorway, out of breath, crossing paths with the page as he left.
“Oh, I’m glad I found you before you left.” She embraced Avelyn, juggling a folded bundle in her arms. “Is your offer still good?” she asked.
“My offer?”
“To visit at Sandbourne!” Sela cried.
“I know Elysande and Michael would be delighted for you—”
“May I come with you now?” Her friend’s face glowed with excitement. “I discussed it with Father and he had no objections. He spoke to the queen within the last hour and she said she would excuse me from the court’s travels. We can be together all summer long.”
Avelyn hugged her friend. “Of course, you may come. Alys is also traveling with us. We’ll be stopping to call upon my uncle at Kinwick for a night before venturing to Sandbourne.”
“Father assured me that he would take care of forwarding my things. I packed what I would need until then.”
“You can also borrow anything from my wardrobe till your trunk arrives,” she assured her. “Oh, we’re going to have such fun together, Sela.”
Alys said curtly, “We’d best be on our way or the page might think we’re lost.” She left the chamber and Avelyn fell into step behind her. She hoped Alys would make an effort to be friendlier to Sela.
Avelyn turned to speak to her friend, but Sela wasn’t behind her. Puzzled, she retraced her steps and bumped into Sela as she quickly rounded the corner.
“Where were you?” she asked. “I thought we’d lost you.”
Sela giggled. “I passed Sir Bede and had to tell him farewell.”
“I should’ve guessed a man was involved. Come, we need to catch up with Alys.”
Alys stood waiting for them, tapping her foot, a look of disapproval on her face. Avelyn and Sela rejoined her, and the three wove their way through the maze of corridors. They caught up with the page, who lingered impatiently. The moment he saw them, he took off again, shaking his head.
Finally, they arrived in a courtyard an
d Avelyn saw a group of men sitting on horseback. Her eyes skimmed the guard and she spotted two soldiers she recognized.
And then she saw him.
He sat atop the largest horse but he would have to, for he was a large man himself. Even on horseback, she could see how tall and powerfully built he was. Then he laughed at something one of the men said. His smile was as dazzling as the diamonds the queen wore about her neck. Avelyn’s heart fluttered erratically as never before. Her reaction to seeing this stranger with thick, dark hair and olive skin was like nothing she had experienced.
Alys broke away from them and reached the soldiers first. “I am Lady Alys de Montfort. Might I ask who leads this escort party to Sandbourne?”
Avelyn could have told her who did before he swung from his horse.
The knight towered over the young girl. “I am Kenric Fairfax, my lady, the leader of these men. If you are the daughter of Lord Geoffrey de Montfort, then I can tell you that I have met your father when he visited my liege lord at Sandbourne. He’s a most impressive man.” He smiled. “And he brought young Hal with him.”
“You survived your encounter with my brother?” Alys asked, her eyes bright. “You must be made of strong stuff, my lord.”
“Hal occupied his time being the earl’s shadow,” the knight confided. “He probably called out, ‘Michael, Michael,’ close to a thousand times as he followed the earl about. He is an entertaining lad.”
“Hal can be a terror, but he is a sweet, loving boy,” Alys replied. She pulled a parchment from her pocket and handed it to him. “This is from my father. He asks that you allow me to accompany your party and, while on your way, have you call at Kinwick. You may stay a night there and get a good meal in your belly before you travel on to Cousin Elysande and Michael at Sandbourne.”
The knight broke the seal and scanned the contents, a slight frown upon his face. Avelyn’s breath came in short spurts as she watched him.
“You are most welcomed to ride with us, Lady Alys,” Kenric Fairfax assured Alys, though Avelyn believed he was unhappy that her young cousin would accompany them for some reason.