you would be a better husband to Lady Murie than most of the men at court. I have known you long enough to say with assurance that you would be faithful and kind."
"I am not going to stop Malculinus from committing such a scurrilous deed only to do the same myself," Balan said firmly. Osgoode sighed, beleaguered, and shook his head. "If you will not take advantage of opportunities dropped in your lap, Balan, it will be a miracle if we get you married to anyone."
"So be it," Balan replied. "Now, come. We missed out on the nooning meal, and all this plotting and sneaking about has only sharpened my appetite. I wish to go and find something to eat."
"The duck is lovely," Emilie commented.
"Aye," Murie agreed.
"Then why are you not eating any of it?" Emilie asked.
"What?" Murie glanced at her friend in confusion, then peered down at her trencher and the untouched food upon it. Heaving out a breath of air, she confessed, "I am thinking."
"You are fretting" Emilie corrected. "And I have no doubt it is over whom you should choose to marry."
"Well, 'tis an important matter," Murie pointed out. "I will spend the rest of my life with whomever I choose. And will have to let him bed me. And will bear his children. And . . ." She shrugged helplessly. "What if I choose the wrong one?"
"You shall not choose the wrong one. I shall ensure that," Emilie said with a grin. She added more seriously, "Let us think on this. Is there anyone on the list of available lords we made whom you are interested in or think a likely possibility?" Murie considered the matter, then blinked and admitted with dismay, "I know not. I have avoided everyone and stayed to myself for so long, I know none of the men at court."
"Well," Emilie said reasonably, "then you shall have to get to know them. There are many men here at court who are fair of face, wealthy and charming."
Murie waved her words away. "What does it matter if they are 'fair of face'? A fair face can easily hide a cruel heart - as I have learned well these years at court. As for wealth, I have no need of it. My parents left me well endowed. And charm is lovely, but it cannot keep you safe in troubled times."
"Then, what would you look for in a husband?" Emilie asked.
"Oh . .." Murie pursed her lips. "I should like him to be kind and gentle to those weaker than he. And intelligent - that is most important. I should not like a stupid husband, else we could never find common ground. And he must be strong enough to keep us safe when war threatens. And he should be a good lord, one who knows how to manage his property so that his people can prosper."
She fell silent and Emilie patted her hand. "Those are all fine attributes, and I am sure that if we think on it, we can find someone to fit the bill."
"Why not let St. Agnes help?"
Surprised, Murie turned to the woman on her other side. Lady Lauda Aldous generally didn't have a kind word to say to her. In fact, Lauda usually ignored her completely. At least, that had been the case for the last five or six years, as Lauda had left court to return to her family home. Before that, she had been one of Murie's most vicious tormenters. Murie had been surprised to find the woman settling into the seat beside her at dinner. Despite them both being adults now, she had actually found herself tensing in expectation of the old verbal assault that would have been forthcoming when they were children. Much to her relief, the attack had never come. Instead, Lady Lauda had merely smiled, wished her a good evening and turned her attention to her meal, not speaking another word. Until now.
"Excuse me? Did you say let St. Agnes help?" Emilie asked with a disbelieving smile. She leaned forward to see past Murie to Lauda.
"Aye." Lauda gave an embarrassed laugh. " 'Tis silly, really - never mind. Just ignore me."
"Oh, no," Murie said, quickly offering a smile. "You have me curious now. Tell us what you meant."
Lauda shifted with apparent discomfort, then admitted, " 'Tis just that your concern over choosing a husband made me think of what they say about St. Agnes Eve."
"What do they say about St. Agnes Eve?" Murie asked