Norris’ eyes glittered as he nodded. “We must ask ourselves—is there justification in defying an evil monarch? Such as the second Richard, or indeed the third. There are two sides to every story. I can understand the conflict you suffer.”
Suddenly, Kit was at Alys’ elbow, seizing it in a painful grip, thrusting his head forward at Norris like an angry snake. “Treasonous talk, sir. How dare you pour such venom into a lady’s ear?” His voice was soft but full of menace.
Norris appeared unmoved. “Your pardon. But I had understood our conversation to be private. Therefore, it should not be of any concern to you.”
Alys felt the tremble of Kit’s fury. “Mistress Barchard is under my particular protection. She has been through a trying time, so I beg you, do not trifle with her feelings or confuse her mind.”
She wriggled in Kit’s grasp and discovered she wouldn’t be able to free herself without causing a scene. And that, on her first evening at court, was something she had no desire to do.
“If the lady is under your protection, why has she attempted to avoid and ignore you all evening? I cannot help but notice such things.”
“You are prey to your own imaginings, sir.” Kit turned swiftly on his heel, bearing Alys with him, and before she could protest, they were both out of the room. Using all her weight, she pulled them to a halt.
“How dare—”
“Ah, Sir Christopher. You have tired of the evening already?”
Jane Haslitt had appeared and was gazing at Kit with a polite but inquiring smile. “I am not surprised if Mistress Barchard has had enough—a long journey, meeting the queen, having so many gentlemen vie for her attention. Come now, Alys, I’ll accompany you to your chamber. And we’ll root out your maid—you’ll need some assistance with that gown.”
“Excuse me, Mistress Haslitt, but I would have a private interview with Mistress Barchard.”
“At this hour, sir? That is quite out of the question.”
Alys shook herself free of Kit’s hands and shot a pleading look at Jane. “Pray tell my Lord Ludlow I have no wish to speak with him at all.”
“There now, the lady denies you.” Jane turned Alys around and escorted her down the passageway.
A rescue, well executed. Yet every moment, she could feel Kit’s eyes boring into her back. He felt obliged to interfere in her new life, curse him. Well, she was going to make new friends, and quickly, and soon she would no longer want—or feel the need of—his protection. Or his good opinion.
Chapter Forty-Two
Kit’s jaw clenched as he watched the women disappear along the passageway. His ardent desire to follow was suppressed only by the strength of his pride. Shame on Alys for taking refuge behind Jane Haslitt. Why had she not the courage to face him personally?
He’d offered her marriage, an offer he’d not made lightly. Yet she’d told him to wait, said he had no concern for her feelings. How was he to understand if she wasn’t prepared to discuss those feelings with him? And was she now deliberately flaunting Norris in his face in an effort to make him jealous?
A soft voice by his elbow broke his reverie. “I see your little bird has flown.”
Kit bowed deeply. “Your Grace! Forgive me—I was unaware of your presence.”
“Fiddle!” The queen took his arm and steered him along the passageway down which Alys had recently made her escape. “We do not stand on ceremony, you and I. I am satisfied you have done your penance and will therefore forget your earlier disgrace—though I doubt the Laceys will be so forgiving. Yet I sense your punishment continues still, at the hands of Alys Barchard. Mayhap you are about to be hoisted by your own petard.”
“Majesty, I am not certain I understand.”
“You understand me very well. You are in love with that young lady, and she will not have you. Now you will suffer the pangs of unrequited love, and understand what drove Anne Lacey to the edge of despair.”
“At risk of contradicting you, Your Majesty—”
“You dare to contradict me?” Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Nay, I am not angered with you, but I am intrigued. Dare on, good sir.”
“My queen, I had reason to believe Alys… Mistress Barchard… had feelings which matched my own. I cannot understand what has come between us.”
“Your pride, and her inexperience, no doubt. The charms of pretty gentlemen like you, when exercised upon the innocent heart, make a heady brew. I suspect Mistress Barchard’s heart does battle with her head—but she will come about in time. You must not push so hard, or she will fly from you and into the arms of another. You know of whom I speak.”
She paused in her step, then turned on her heel, bearing Kit back towards the great hall. “You will come to my private parlor, Master Ludlow, and converse with me. I had never thought to see you fall so heavily, and am fascinated to learn how this came about.”
“Have mercy, my queen. I thought you wished for no window into men’s souls?”
“Ah. Clever Kit. I should have you severely punished for daring to throw my own words back at me. Mayhap the rack… nay, for you are too tall already. I must think of some other punishment. There, the dimples return to your cheeks. Am I not a good monarch, that can make even her gloomiest subjects cheerful?”
“Indeed, Your Majesty.” They had almost reached the other end of Hatfield’s ancient banqueting hall, and the revelers were beginning to take their positions to bid their sovereign goodnight.
Kit carefully negotiated her starched collar so he could whisper into her ear. “You cannot wish me to come any farther. You know
