“As is she.”
He got a moony look on his face. “She is. I cannot thank you enough for the kindness you have shown her. She is very excited about this gown.”
“She is the best kind of friend, James. I am guessing she will be that much of a friend to you, as well as your life mate.”
He rubbed at his eyes. “We cannot thank you enough for your generosity.”
“All I want is for the two of you to be happy. I would plant a kiss on your cheek, if I had a ladder that would help me get up there.”
He surveyed the room again, and then said, “A kiss from a countess would be an honor.”
He bent down and she kissed his cheek. “All good wishes, James.”
“All good wishes to you and my king, Countess. I have feelings, and I know this feeling is right. You are meant for one another. As Mary and I are.”
He strode away before she could utter a single word.
She shook her head and went back to scrubbing the floor. Gwen was out with several servants, all of them beating the rushes to, she hoped, a merciful death.
Although Gwen had sworn she had a formula to also relieve their miserable selves from stinking.
“Isabel!”
She nearly fell over from the shock. She looked up, and there was Arthur, clean-cut and gorgeous. “Wow,” she said, standing up. “You, sir, are the most handsome king I have ever seen in my life.”
“And how many kings have you seen exactly?” he asked.
None, other than Arthur of course. “Naked, you mean? That would be one.”
He tried not to smile and failed miserably. “Isabel, why are you down on your hands and knees?”
“I’m cleaning. Trust me, this hall needs it badly.”
“There are people to do this.”
“Right. Like me. I am capable, Arthur. By the way, you look luscious.”
“Do not try to distract me with words I do not ken,” he said. “I want you not down on the floor.”
“Too freakin’ bad. I can help clean as well as anyone.”
“We have people who—”
“Arthur! If I am not willing to help, what does that say about me? Do not, and I mean really, do not give me trouble for helping clean this hall.”
“But there are people—”
“Do not even go there. Do you stand around as your men work out?”
“No, but—”
“Do you stand by while your men fight your battles for you?”
“No, but—”
“Then please don’t be upset when I do what needs to be done. I am no better than anyone because I happened to be born into royalty.” She had no idea if that was true in this alter reality, but she was going with it. “Are you any better than others because you managed to pull a sword out of a stone?”
“No, but—”
“We all bleed red, Arthur. We are the same.”
“Yes, but—”
She waited, but he seemed to be stumped. “Yes, but what?”
“You missed a spot over here, Isabel.”
And he walked away, into his study.
Good gods, she loved that man. She was going to kick his ass to be sure. But in the most loving way. She moved over and started scrubbing the spot she had missed.
THE wedding vows between James and Mary had Isabel almost crying. They were so true and heartfelt and Mary was a beautiful bride.
Gwen had truly outdone herself. The hall was spectacular with candles and flowers everywhere. In Isabel’s day, Gwen would probably be the most successful party planner in the entire state of Oklahoma.
The results were truly breathtaking.
Isabel, obviously, had never witnessed such a ceremony. It wasn’t religious, but so very spiritual.
“I do thee vow,” James said.
And as his second man, Arthur stepped before them. “You will honor your wife.”
“I will.”
“Protect her and keep her at all costs.”
“I will.”
“Isabel?” he said.
She moved in front of the two and twined their hands, as was the custom.
“You will honor your husband?”
“I will.”
“Protect and keep him at all costs?”
That was way off script. The wife was supposed to honor his wishes and obey his demands. But she could not have possibly choked that out of her mouth.
“She will,” James chimed in before protests could begin.
“I will,” Mary said.
“Excellent,” Isabel said. “You are so going to live happily together.” She bent and kissed Mary’s cheek. “He is a lucky man, m’lady,” she whispered.
Mary looked up at her and grinned. “Yes, he is.”
Arthur closed the ceremony and then called for all to celebrate.
“WHAT in Hades was that?” Arthur asked Isabel, when he finally managed to corner her.
“What?”
“’Twas not as ceremonies go. You—”
“Went off script, yes, I know. But it was so much more truthful.”
“Truthful?”
“Arthur, had you and I ever married—”
“You must mean
“Okay, dream on.
He stared for a moment, then broke out laughing. “Oh, Isabel, you are a puzzle. And a constant delight.”
“I’m taking that as a compliment. I think.”
“Take it as a compliment. I think.”
“Then we’re good to go. Now let’s go celebrate.”
THE reception lasted well into the night. The food, wine and mead disappearing as fast as it was produced. To the credit of all who had to work the party, they seemed genuinely happy for Mary and James. If not, they put up a really good front. And Isabel had the feeling she knew who to thank for that.
She walked over to Gwen, who seemed to be giving Jenny a pep talk. Jenny was ringing her hands and nodding.
“Your voice is beautiful, Jenny. You will do just fine,” she heard Gwen say. “Just sing it like you did this morning.”
Jenny nodded a final time, then ran off.
“I must say, Lady Guinevere, your throw one hell of a party,” Isabel said.
Gwen smiled at her. “
“Or without a gazillion people helping.”
