He’ll grow interested, and more, in a girl his own age before the summer is here."
"Humph!" said Joan, walking across the room and brushing aside the heavy curtain which concealed an archway into another chamber. It was comfortably furnished, with a couch under the window, covered in cushions, and had chairs with arms for lounging in.
The whitewashed walls reflected whatever light managed to struggle through the thick, opaque glass at this time of the year. A fire, burning brightly in the hearth, made the room BOSON BOOKS
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seem pleasantly warm, after the chill outside, and brought a faint smell of thyme and from the thickly-strewn floor.
Madeleine followed and stood warming herself at the fire. There was a sharp rap on the door opposite the fireplace, and Jervis came in. He had changed from his hunting outfit and wore a heavily-embroidered surcote over his white undershirt and braies, with vivid blue tights. Madeleine stared at this vision for some moments, while Jervis struck a pose, then made an elaborate bow.
"Well?" he said, as Madeleine still said nothing. "Do you like me, Madam, or not?"
"You blind me with your glory, sir!" she answered lightly, pretending not to notice the earnestness with which he spoke. "Every female in the castle will yearn for you won’t they, Joan?" she said, turning with a smile to where Joan stood watching the two of them.
"Those who think the looks explain the person," said Joan, with a wholly unconvincing sniff. Young Jervis FitzHugh was difficult to dislike. She sat down on the couch and picked up the mending which she had left there. She did not trust this young man, or her mistress, if they were left alone together, however much Madeleine might try to dismiss the idea. Her blush had been noticeable and Joan preferred a peaceful life, not one beset by emotional storms, and discord between the de Tourneys.
Madeleine s high spirits and her husband s short temper had already led the two of them into arguments. Joan had been shocked to hear Madeleine answering back and refusing some request of Sir Roger s, instead of meekly submitting to his every demand, as a wife should. Hadn’t she raised Madeleine herself, and advised her in all the wifely duties that would be expected of her, once married? Joan s face still grew warm, when she remembered the awkwardness of such explanations, and the disbelieving laughter from Madeleine. Now she knew that she had been told the truth and there were times when she flatly refused her husband. Worse, there were times when she disagreed with his opinion and, instead of saying nothing, argued with him.
The room had gone quiet, she realised, and looked up to see Madeleine staring at Jervis with a strange, contemplative look in her eye.
Jervis grinned at Madeleine, looking like a mischievous little boy again.
"Well, Madam," he said. "Are we to stand for the rest of this visit, or may we sit and be comfortable together?"
Of course you may sit, Jervis," said Madeleine, laughing, and coming out of her reverie.
"Only after you have done so," said the young man, making another outrageously mannered bow.
Madeleine sat at once, in one of the chairs which was placed on one side of the hearth and Jervis took the other, opposite her. He stretched out his long legs, with a sigh of relief, and gave a rueful smile.
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"Riding on these Downs is hard work," he observed. "My legs will ache for hours, as will my..."
Joan tutted audibly.
"Master Jervis, you are in a lady’s chamber," she said reprovingly.
"...as will my hands," finished Jervis, in a tone of mock surprise. "Since it was very cold out there."
Using all her self-control, Madeleine managed to keep her face composed. Really, Jervis was getting too bold! Perhaps Joan was right she should not encourage him to visit her.
Except that she so enjoyed his company, his jokes and his teasing!
Jervis was idly examining his foot, in its long-toed shoe.
"What think you of Earl Simon and his friends?" he asked, casually.
Madeleine looked startled.
"What should I think?" she said. Why should my opinion be of interest to you?
Besides, I’m married to John de Warenne’s close companion and John’s loyalty to the
King is unquestioned."
"I am not talking about John de Warenne, or Roger de Tourney," said Jervis. He leant towards her and lowered his voice.
"Not everybody in this castle has the same loyalties, Madeleine," he said.
He glanced across as Joan, who sat apparently absorbed in her stitching. His voice