They walked to the stairs where a servant directed them to the great hall where the guests gathered.
This wasn’t where they had met the comte and Marie. The room was much larger. Wood paneling covered the stone walls. Tapestries and family banners decorated the walls and hung from the rafters. Small groups of benches and chairs were scattered around the room. A large door led to the lawn where some guests walked the formal gardens.
“Lord Eden, Mademoiselle Ricard.” Marie excused herself from the people with whom she spoke and walked over to them. “You both make a very handsome pair. I’m glad you decided to join us. You’re just in time. The music is beginning.”
Musicians were getting ready in the balcony, while the tables and benches were moved to the side. Donald and Andrea joined the comte and Marie in the center of the great hall. The first notes of the music began, and they danced the estampie, then went on to dance the carol.
“I had no idea you were such a good dancer,” she said, as Donald rejoined her while they danced the estampie. They separated to the outside of the circle then danced back toward each other.
“There are many things about me that you do not know.” He gave her a smile that made her heart pound.
They danced, sang, and ate until the sun began to set. Marie came over to them when the music stopped.
“Come with me. I’d like you to meet my father.” They followed her to a group of men on the other side of the room.
“Father, this is Lord Donald Eden and Mademoiselle Andrea Ricard.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you both. Marie, why don’t you take the mademoiselle to meet the others. We’d like to speak to Lord Donald and I’m sure you ladies will find our talk tiresome.”
Marie gave her father an irritated stare. “His lordship is a guest and not here on business.”
“I do more business in social situations than at meetings,” Donald said. That made the men laugh.
Andrea accompanied Marie and was introduced to the wives of the men talking with Donald. The party was lovely, but all she could think about was their journey and what they might face.
“There’s Benjamin coming our way,” Maria said. “He’s handsome and pleasant. Oh, not like my Guy or your Donald, but good company just the same.”
The man made his way toward them.
“Benjamin. I’m glad you are here.”
“I wouldn’t miss the celebration.” Benjamin stood in front of them.
“Andrea Ricard, this is Lord Benjamin Davenport. Andrea arrived this afternoon and is joining us this evening.”
“At your service.” He gave Andrea a gracious nod. “Will you be staying in Ternoise long?”
“We leave tomorrow.” Davenport was a likeable man with a quick smile and easy way. She couldn’t help but smile.
“We? Has someone already stolen your heart and you haven’t given me a chance?”
She had to laugh out loud.
“I’m here with Lord Eden, a longtime family friend.”
“Friend. I’ll keep that in mind. And Marie, where is the groom-to-be?” He scanned the room.
“He’s with Father, Lord Eden, and the others. You may want to join them. They are all trying to convince his lordship into letting them enter one of Lord Hugh’s famous investments.”
“I’d rather spend my time with you two ladies.” He gave her and Marie each an arm and they walked the great hall stopping every so often for Marie to introduce Andrea and chat.
“Would you like to walk in the garden?” Davenport asked.
Marie waved to someone across the room.
“You can see some of the most beautiful sunsets here. Why don’t you two go on without me. My aunt needs some attention.”
Chapter Eleven
Davenport escorted Andrea to the lawn where there were tables set with a variety of wines and sweet things to eat. A juggler wandered among the guests entertaining them. While the great hall had a number of people, out in the garden there were many more.
“I’ve never seen you at one of the comte’s gatherings.” Davenport captured her hand under his as he maneuvered her along. His gesture was possessive, controlling – a disquieting one to her.
“I’ve just met the comte and Lady Marie. Does he have these gatherings often?” She looked over her shoulder.
“Are you looking for someone?” He stopped them and looked around. “Perhaps I can help you. Lord Eden?”
Andrea widened her eyes at the sarcastic insult, even though it was deserved. Scanning the crowd while being entertained was rude.
“I was looking to see if the candles were lit in the great hall windows. Marie took pains to have the lanterns moved, promising the view from the outside would be wonderful. I wanted to be able to truthfully tell her how the glow looked from the garden.” The lie slid easily off her tongue, something she wasn’t accustomed to doing.
He was correct. She was searching for Donald and while her glance was fleeting, she did see him close by. He gave her a curt nod before she turned back to Lord Davenport.
“Please forgive my impudence.” He removed his hand from hers to cover his heart. She took the opportunity to free herself from his grasp.
“Where did you serve?”
They walked on.
“I retired after being severely wounded. I served with the king in the Crusades. I was part of his personal retinue, with him in the field during his final hours in Tunis.”
She glanced at him and smiled.
“Did you know Chevalier Maurice Cantrelle?” The hairs at the back of her neck were up. Stay calm.
“Of course. Although he would never consider himself a knight even though he, of all the king’s men, deserved that title. He stayed with the king through his illness and gave comfort to others with battle wounds. Yes, Maurice is what every man aspires to be.”
They had walked to the far end of the garden and stopped at a line of trees. The crowd had thinned to… she looked around… nothing. There was no crowd. Only Davenport and herself.
“Do you know any of the others with
