Free Desired by Virginia Henley

performing.
    While the trestle tables were moved against the walls to make room for the dancing, the courtiers repaired to the gallery. As Brianna walked with Joan, she could contain her news no longer. “The king has chosen someone for me,” she said breathlessly.
    “Oh, Brianna, who?”
    “Robert de Beauchamp.”
    “Warrick’s son? Ah, Brianna, you will be the handsomest couple at Court. All will envy you. The maids are mad for him.”
    “I can’t believe my good luck.” Brianna whirled about as she heard a voice ask, “May I join you, demoiselle?”
    She looked up into the blond giant’s face. Surely he was the most attractive young man she had ever seen. Suddenly she was tongue-tied and her feet seemed rooted to the spot. Joan, however, smoothed the path for her friend. “I hear the musicians. The hall must be ready for dancing.”
    As they walked the length of the gallery, Brianna imagined every eye was trained upon her and her tall escort. Her heart swelled with pride. As Adele joined them, she suddenly found her tongue. “May I introduce Robert de Beauchamp?” The name sounded heavenly. “This is my aunt Adele.”
    He bent over Adele’s hand, gallantly bringing it to his lips. His eyes were teasing. “She is far too young to be a chaperone.” He captured Adele’s heart on the spot. “Have I your permission to ask our lady for a dance?”
    Adele would have given him permission for anything at that moment, but then, so would Brianna.
    Isabel was being swung about the room by the king and after a few moments alone, it was acceptable for other couples to join in the dancing.
    Prince Edward walked a circuitous path around the hall toward Joan of Kent. William de Montecute, however, walked a direct path and arrived at her side first. She was acutely aware of Edward’s every move. She bestowed a smile upon Montecute and allowed him to lead her onto the floor. This morning she had learned that Edward became angered when he thought she had an assignation. Jealousy was a spur she could make use of. “I’m sorry about your father, William.”
    “Goddamn French. I can’t wait to cross the Channel. All-out war is the only answer. Before we go though, I’d like you to take my suit seriously. Joan, you know you have captured my heart. There is no one but you. I think of you night and day.”
    Joan was unmoved by flattery and protestations of undying love. It was the fashion for a young man to declare he was a lady’s slave, when in truth what he really wanted was just the opposite.
    “What you think of, night and day, is the glory of war.”
    He grinned at her. “When I have won my spurs, I shall woo you and win you. I won’t take no for an answer,” he vowed passionately.
    Prince Edward positioned himself so that when the music ended, he was directly in their path. “Well, cousin, will you partner me?” Edward asked casually.
    “If you cannot find a partner, I shall have to take pity on you, Your Highness,” Joan teased.
    As they moved away, Edward said, “Montecute seemed most earnest in his attentions. Does he mean anything to you?”
    “I told him I was sorry about his father.” She made a little moue with her mouth. “Are you jealous?”
    “Has he kissed you?” Edward demanded, the muscle in his jaw tightening.
    Joan looked up at him from beneath her lashes. “He’s tried,” she admitted, wondering if he would again put his brand on her. Suddenly she saw that was exactly what he was about to do. She stiffened. “Edward, everyone is looking at us.”
    “I’m sorry, Jeanette, but you’re driving me mad. I want to be with you … talk to you, where there’s no one to stare at us.”
    “That’s impossible, Your Highness.”
    “Nothing is impossible if I put my mind to it. It just requires a little strategy.”
    “You make dalliance sound like a military maneuver.”
    He wanted to crush her in his arms. She was so small, so delectable. God’s Splendor, he couldn’t think