Free The Troubadour's Romance by Robyn Carr Page A

Royce in possession of Segeland Castle and the town. He has courted Celeste for many years, and ‘ tis my hope the wedding will be soon -- before she is past childbearing. His work for Henry has left Segeland to crumbling, for he spends little of his time there. Indeed, ” Aswin laughed, “ I can ’ t doubt the lad ’ s intentions for Celeste, he is more in my home than his. ”
    Felise began to feel warm and flushed listening to this talk. She observed the narrowing of her father ’ s eyes when Royce ’ s family was discussed. Yet, Lord Orrick defended him, perhaps because of Royce ’ s claim on his daughter or his friendship with Aswin ’ s son. But it was always the same: no one laid criminal charges to him, but there was some strange suspicion surrounding him. And other peculiar feelings arose in her upon hearing of his betrothal. Would a man soon to be wed kiss another woman with such passion? A chill possessed her suddenly and she trembled.
    Felise leaned close to her mother. “ Madam, will you be allowed to visit me in my chamber? ”
    Edrea frowned slightly. “ I think I would not be forbidden. Are you ill? ”
    “ Nay, but I am weary and would go there for quiet. Madam, will you come? ”
    Edrea studied her daughter closely, failing to find the reason for her sudden withdrawal. Then she turned to her husband and whispered to him. He gave a nod and Edrea stood, drawing her daughter up with her. “ I beg your indulgence, my lords, but I would see to my daughter ’ s retiring. Good eventide. ”
    “ Good eventide, madam, ” Aswin quickly replied. “ I look forward to our next meeting. ”
    When Edrea had drawn Fel ise well away from the hall and into the sec lusion of the stairs, she took Fe lise ’ s hand in hers as they walked. “ What troubles you, dear heart? ”
    “ ‘ Tis naught, madam. I am weary. ”
    “ Nay, you of all can endure a long day. That is not the problem. ”
    “ It is this hellish business of marriage, ” Felise boldly exclaimed, for getting herself completely. “ Beg pardon, madam, but this odd dowry prize frightens me. There is not a man at court who hasn ’ t heard of some lands in Richard ’ s Aquitaine and lands in my father ’ s demesne. Those knaves who would not have plied me with a kind word would today cloak me in silver for my merest smile. I don ’ t know what to do. ”
    Edrea smiled tolerantly as they walked. “ You might enjoy it, ” she replied.
    “ But madam, the courtly gentleman of the day might be a beast of the morrow, once my dowry is promised. ”
    “ I think not, Felise . You can judge a man ’ s character better than that. And I beg you remember this is the first time you have been in the company of so many men. You were too protected in your father ’ s house. ”
    “ Mother, I want to go home, ” she said, a small whimper ing sound coming from her.
    Edrea halted and turned her daughter to face her. “ Felise , have done with this childish display. You are a woman now and your time has come. I cannot take you home, nor can your father. If you are frightened, pray for courage; if you are confused, pray for sight. If you find all of this unpleas ant, think on this: your father and I can protect you for only a short time longer. After you are given in marriage, you must rely on your husband for protection and guidance or, lacking that, upon yourself. You must find some strength within yourself. You might ask it of God. ”
    “ Oh, madam, do not berate me, ” she pleaded. “ I would not have you ashamed of me, ‘ tis only that I can ’ t abide these fears I have. I have no strength at all. And how am I to expect any help from God? ”
    Edrea looked at the glowing beauty before her, remember ing with some pain that she had contributed nothing to the lass ’ s fairness. She reached out a hand and stroked the child ’ s soft cheek. She couldn ’ t even be in the company of Felise without thinking on the strange luck the girl had enjoyed