His dark eyes flashed, and Alys saw a hint of anger there, but he chose not to deny his queen. For which she was exceedingly grateful. She hoped she could deal with the truth of the matter, whatever it might be, for a great deal depended on Kit’s answer. The shape of their future, for a start.
“It is for the sake of Anne’s honor that I did not deny her when she made her accusations last Eastertide. Any true gentleman would have done as I did, and remain silent rather than refute a lady’s word. But if, as you say, this matter is just between us, you must know Anne told a wicked falsehood when she stated I had dishonored her.”
There was a gasp of outrage from Anne, but Elizabeth silenced her with a glance. “So, Madam, Ludlow claims he was too much the gentleman to call you a liar. In light of this, will you rescind your accusations against him? You risk my displeasure, but I won’t have you punished if you speak the truth. And I know Ludlow won’t ask for it, despite the exile and the danger he has suffered as a result of your falsehoods.”
“I will not take back my claim.” Anne sounded like a petulant child. “He wooed me with sweet words and a lover’s caresses until I surrendered myself to him. I still insist he should marry me.”
Alys looked at Kit’s furious expression. She knew who she’d prefer to believe, and suddenly realized it was within her power to absolve Kit—despite the blow to her honor.
“Your Majesty—there may be a way to settle this practically, to spare you the difficulty of deciding who speaks the truth and who hides behind falsehoods. I’ll attempt to prove Sir Christopher is innocent of corrupting this young woman.”
Anne wagged a furious finger at her. “She is biased, Your Majesty. Everyone knows he transferred his affections from me to her—she is bound to speak out in his defense.”
Everyone knew? Except herself, apparently. She shivered but lifted her chin at her opponent.
The queen dusted some cake crumbs from her fingers. “What is your proof, Mistress Barchard?”
This wasn’t going to be easy. She felt her skin burning from top to toe. “If Anne Lacey has been dishonored by Sir Christopher, one assumes she has seen him unclothed.”
Anne’s head snapped up, and she gave Alys a haughty glare. “Why, of course. Though no lady of breeding would ever ask another such a question.”
“What is your point, Mistress Barchard?” There was an edge to Elizabeth’s voice.
“’Tis only that when… when tending a wound Kit received at Selwood, I noticed a distinguishing mark.”
“Indeed? And can you tell us on which part of his person this mark was to be found?”
“I could, but perhaps Mistress Lacey would like to speak first, as she must have seen it if she’s seen him naked.”
Anne’s hauteur dissolved. Alys allowed herself a moment’s smugness. Kit was thin-lipped, clearly annoyed at this discussion of his person, but said nothing.
Suddenly Anne’s head went back, triumph on her face. “It is a trick! There is no mark.”
Everyone gazed at Alys. The queen drummed her fingers again. “Mistress Barchard?”
“There is a scar, the mark of a dagger cut, below Sir Christopher’s right breast. It stands out pale against his skin.”
Kit’s eyebrows shot up. In appreciation of her cleverness—she hoped.
There was a glint of amusement in the queen’s eye. “Remove your doublet and shirt, Ludlow, so I may see which of these two ladies speaks the truth.”
He heaved a great sigh, shook his head, and unlaced his doublet. The chain with the golden fleece upon it was placed reverentially on the stone window sill, after which he dragged his lawn shirt over his head. The scar stood out like a beacon. Alys feasted her eyes on his figure as he squared his muscular shoulders, as imposing without his fine clothes as he was with them.
Anne gave a little squeak of dismay and rushed for the door. As she flung it open, a pageboy, his hand raised to knock, almost fell into the room and it took some moments for the pair to disentangle themselves and for Anne to continue her escape. The boy announced the arrival of Hubert Norris, and both bowed low.
Whatever business Norris had with the queen was immediately forgotten as his eyes roved over Kit’s bared torso. Straight-faced, he apologized for arriving at such an inopportune moment, then backed away and hurried from the room. But not before Alys had noticed the look he bestowed on Kit—there had been more than a hint of malice in it.
Was she the reason? Had she unwittingly created a rivalry between these two men by appearing to encourage Norris? She handed Kit his shirt, forcing from her mind the memories of him emerging naked from the pond at Selwood. She sensed his fury, but he was doing his best to conceal his ire from the queen.
He took the shirt, averting his head from her. It would take a lot of groveling to make up for having belittled him in front of his sovereign, and Hubert Norris.
“Have you seen enough, Your Majesty?”
Elizabeth nodded her approval as Kit pulled his doublet over his broad shoulders and tied up his points. “I have to say it, Kit Ludlow—you never cease to entertain me.”
“I had not meant to be your fool, Ma’am, although I say that with the greatest respect.”
“Yes, yes, I understand the pride of men—though it is oft misplaced.” Elizabeth clapped her hands decisively. “I decree honor has been satisfied, and I shall put it about that Anne Lacey’s claims are groundless. We will consider the matter now settled.” She waved Alys and Kit forward, so they were standing side by side, her expression becoming grave. “My thanks once again to both of you for your efforts to preserve your sovereign. I can only hope any traitors that remain uncaught will not long escape Walsingham’s vigilance. I advise you both to be careful while you remain
