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As the carriage entered the courtyard, Lord Reinard bolted from the doorway with one fair hand fumbling with the clasp of his cape and the other reaching for me. I had barely stepped onto the ground when he enveloped me in a welcoming hug.
Had he missed his music that much?
"How was your trip? Learn any news? Any new songs? God, how I’ve missed you, Gerard – it’s a lonely supper without a dessert of music. Are you hungry? Thirsty? I can’t wait to hear you play. Oh – and any news of the Lady Laurice?"
I pushed him back to free my hands. "You would be wise not to marry her."
"What?" His blue eyes opened in astonishment. Snowflakes collected on his long, blonde lashes, and – I noticed disrespectfully – on the tip of his nose. "What do you mean? No – don’t tell me now. Don’t tell anyone until you’ve spoken to me in private."
I had a choice?
He glanced back at the carriage, where Charles was helping Elise step down. "Who is this?"
"My lady," I signed quickly. "I beg that you allow her shelter here."
"Oh. Of course." He turned to her, and bowed. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Elise. I am Lord Reinard, and I pray you will find my humble castle a comfortable home."
She blushed. "I beg yer pardon, my lord. I thought you’d be much older."
"My mother was my father’s last wife," he explained smoothly. "The only one to give him an heir. Come inside, my lady, where it is warm and we can feast on fine food and music."
She gave me a worried glance. "I’m Gerard’s lady, but not the high-born lady you think. I’m but a kitchen maid."
"If you are the wife of my friend and advisor, then you shall be a lady of my castle." He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and led her in.
I blew out my breath. Wife, my Lord Reinard had just pronounced. Now she would not rest until we had been properly sung together – but the Bard Hall here was only bitter ashes, and I did not see myself leaving any time soon.
