The Velvet Promise (Montgomery/Taggert 2)

“But what man?” Judith asked, thinking that she knew so few people at court.

“You wound me sorely,” Alan laughed, raising his hand to his breast in mock despair.

“You? But you have no interest in my cause.”

“Then I must force myself to spend time with you. Surely, it will be a most difficult task. But truthfully, I owe you a favor.”

“You owe me nothing.”

“No, I do. I was used to play a trick on you, and I would like to repay you.”

“Trick? I don’t know what you mean.”

“It’s my secret alone. Now, let’s talk no more of serious matters. This is a day for pleasure.”

“Yes,” she agreed. “We know little of each other. Tell me about yourself.”

Alan smiled teasingly. “I have had a long and interesting life. I’m sure my story will take the entire day.”

“Then we should start,” Judith laughed.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

ALAN AND JUDITH LEFT THE NOISE AND CONFUSION OF the king’s manor and strolled toward the wooded park outside the castle walls. It was a long walk, but one they both enjoyed.

It was an interesting afternoon for Judith. She realized how few men she had known in her life. Alan was entertaining and the day passed quickly. He was fascinated that she was so well educated. They laughed together over Judith’s confession of how her maids sneaked romantic tales to her and how she read to them aloud. Alan was certain Judith was not fully aware of how unorthodox her childhood had been. Only late in the afternoon did she speak of her married life. She told of her reorganizing of Gavin’s castle, briefly mentioned her talks with the armorer. Alan began to see the cause of Gavin’s outbursts of temper. It would take great strength in a man to be able to stand aside and let his wife’s word take precedence over his.

They talked and laughed until the sun was low in the sky. “We must return,” Alan said. “But I hate to end this day’s enjoyment.”

“I agree,” Judith smiled. “It has indeed been enjoyable. I’m pleased to get away from court. There’s too much gossip and backbiting there for me.”

“It’s not a bad place—unless you’re the object of the abuse.”

“As I am now?” Judith winced.

“Yes. No one has had so much to talk of for years.”

“Sir Alan,” she laughed. “You are cruel to me.” She tucked her hand around his arm and smiled up at him.

“So!” a voice hissed close to them. “This is where you hide?”

Judith whirled to see Alice standing close to them.

“He will be mine soon!” Alice sneered and moved closer to Judith. “When he rids himself of you, he will come to me.”

Judith stepped back. The light in Alice’s blue eyes was unnatural. Her lips curled and showed her une

ven teeth, which she usually was so careful to hide.

Alan put himself between Alice and Judith. “Get away from here!” he said in a low, threatening voice.

“Are you hiding behind your lover?” Alice screeched, ignoring Alan. “Can’t you wait for the divorce before you take other men?”

Alan’s hand clamped onto Alice’s shoulder. “Go and don’t return. If I see you near Lady Judith again, you’ll answer to me.”

Alice started to speak but Alan’s hand digging into her shoulder prevented her. She turned on one heel and stalked away.

Alan turned back to Judith, to see her staring after the woman. “You look almost frightened.”