The Velvet Promise (Montgomery/Taggert 2)

“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Alan Fairfax of Lincolnshire.”

She smiled at him as he took her hand and kissed it.

“Are you looking for someone?”

“I thought my husband would be here.”

“I haven’t seen him.”

“You know him then?”

He smiled, showing even white teeth. “I have seen you. It is more that I know you and am aware of who is near you.”

She looked at him in wonder. “A very pretty speech, sir.”

Alan held his arm out for her. “Shall we sit here a moment while we wait for your husband?”

She hesitated.

“As you see, the bench is in plain view. I ask nothing of you but that you sit and talk to a lonely knight.”

The bench was directly under a bright torch held in the garden wall. Judith could see him more clearly. His lips were sensual, his nose thin and aristocratic. His eyes were almost black in the darkness. Judith was wary of him. The last man she had sat and talked with was Walter Demari, and that had led to disaster.

“You seem ill at ease, my lady.”

“I’m not used to courtly ways. I’ve spent very little time with men who aren’t related to me.”

“But you wish to spend more?” he encouraged.

“I hadn’t thought about it. I have my husband and his brothers. They seem to be enough.”

“But here at court a lady may be freer. It’s acceptable to have many friends, both men and women.” Alan took her hand from her lap. “I should very much like to be your friend.”

She jerked away from him, frowning, then rose. “I must return to the hall and my husband.”

He stood beside her. “There’s no need to fear him. He is safely away. He is with your friend Alice Chatworth.”

“No! You insult me!”

“No,” Alan said, bewildered. “I didn’t mean to. What have I said?”

So! Gavin was with Alice. Perhaps he arranged that she should spend this time with another man in the hope that she would be occupied. But she had no desire to stay with a stranger. “I must go,” she said quickly, turning on her heel.

“Where have you been?” Gavin demanded, meeting her before she reached the hall.

“With my lover,” she said calmly. “And you?”

His hands tightened on her arms. “Are you teasing me?”

“Perhaps.”

“Judith!”

She glared at him. “Wasn’t the Lady Alice especially lovely tonight? Gold cloth goes well with her hair and eyes, don’t you think?”

Gavin loosened his hold somewhat, smiling slightly. “I didn’t notice. Are you jealous of her?”

“Do I have cause?”