Free Elizabeth Chadwick by The Outlaw Knight Page B

a coquettish look and said something in reply that brought a flush of lust to his face. When they began to dance, it was with a symmetry that was hypnotic to watch.
    Leaning to replenish Theobald’s cup, Fulke almost knocked it over. The older man could sense the agitation coming off his squire in waves.
    “You’re better off out of it, lad,” Theobald said. “I am not saying her character is like his, but they share similar traits. When it comes to matters of the heart, or should I say lusts of the body, they are both predators.”
    “She doesn’t know what he is like,” Fulke muttered.
    “Oh, I think she does, and she is very clever,” Theobald contradicted. “If she had agreed to dance with one of the others, they would have taken it as preferment to their suit. By going with John, she has put herself above them. If I am right, the next man she partners will be an older one and firmly wed.” He lifted his gaze to his squire. “Long for her if you want, Fulke, but curb your jealousy. She is not for you.”
    Fulke flushed. “John’s a lecher,” he said.
    “John’s an opportunist, and he exerts an attraction for women, but Lady FitzGerald can take care of herself. She is no innocent. If she was, do you think she would be flirting with the Prince as she is? Open your eyes, lad.”
    Fulke’s color darkened and, for a moment, Theobald thought that he was going to face a rebellion. To his credit, however, the boy contained his anger. “Yes, sir,” he said stiffly.
    “Ah, God, you’re so young. What can I tell you? We use our bodies to shoulder aside whatever lies in our way. Women use theirs to bribe and persuade, but it has the same result—they get where they want to go.” Theobald wondered if he should arrange for one of the more decent women among the camp followers to provide Fulke with a little education and in the same thought decided against it. The lad was proud, and it would only cause awkwardness where there should be trust and camaraderie. He would not dream of sending Fulke or Jean to procure a woman for his own use, so it behooved him to uphold moral standards, even if they were crumbling all around him.
    The dance ended and, as Theobald had predicted, Oonagh partnered an older man and then a settler lord who was known to be devoted to his wife. Then, to Theobald’s dismay, as another lively tune struck up and the men began to cluster, she approached Fulke and asked him to be her partner.
    “My lady?” Fulke looked as if he could believe neither his ears nor his luck.
    “Unless you would rather decline?” She dazzled him with a look and laid her hand on his sleeve. Theobald could understand her reason: Fulke would never be a contender for her hand in marriage.
    “Perhaps you would honor me instead.” Rising from the bench, Theobald extended his hand. “I have yet to thank you for your care while I was sick.”
    Oonagh looked briefly surprised, then she smiled. “Of course, my lord.” She transferred her hand from Fulke’s sleeve to Theobald’s. As he led her to dance, she looked over her shoulder to the stricken Fulke. “Will you take Tara outside for me?” she asked.
    “My lady.” Fulke gave Theobald an aggrieved look, bowed, and turned on his heel.
    Theobald led her among the dancers. The heady smell of attar of roses wafted from her wrists and throat. “Leave the boy alone,” he said. “He’s too young.”
    She arched her brows. “Implying that you are not, my lord?”
    They completed a half circle and turned. “Implying nothing of the kind. I suspect that you would be too much of a handful for me,” Theobald said wryly. “I am asking you as a favor not to play games with Fulke, especially if you are going to involve Prince John in them.”
    “May I know why?” She looked half annoyed and half amused.
    “The details are unimportant. Suffice to say that the Prince and my squire are already enemies. Adding you to the brew will only make the pot boil over