Indeed, what then? If Nicholas couldn’t be forced to marry Eleanor—and she was sure a man like him would resist any such attempt—he certainly wouldn’t have any qualms about resisting a marriage to her.
Nor did she wish to marry him, either, of course.
“Even if I should be discovered, and regardless of what Sir Nicholas might say or do, Uncle Fergus would never make me marry against my will.”
Studying her intently, Eleanor reached out and clasped Riona’s hands in hers. “But if you’re found in his chamber at night, your reputation will be tarnished forever. I can’t ask you to risk that for me.”
Her concern was touching, but unnecessary. “I didn’t have suitors lined up at the gates of Glencleith to marry me when I was young, so it’s not likely I’ll be losing any now. My only worry is that dastardly cousin of yours coming into the chamber and—”
She stopped short as another idea came to her. “You should tell Percival that if he really wants to secure Sir Nicholas, you should get with child.”
“With child?”
“Yes, so he shouldn’t come into the chamber until you’ve been together several times.”
Eleanor’s eyes widened with understanding. “Yes, I see.”
Riona believed she did, and understood the plan. “We’ll let Percival think you’re doing what he wants until Nicholas makes his choice and if, by chance, you’re not his choice, Uncle Fergus and I will do everything we can to help you then, too, although I don’t think that will be necessary. I’m sure that if Sir Nicholas wants to be happily married, he’ll choose you, not Joscelind.”
Eleanor didn’t meet her steadfast gaze. “I’m never going to be able to thank you enough for helping me.”
“You’re my friend, Eleanor,” Riona replied simply, and sincerely. “So tonight you should leave the hall first and wait for me in your chamber.”
She thought of another possible problem. “Will you tell Fredella?”
“I don’t dare,” Eleanor replied. “She’d surely say something to Percival.”
“As would Uncle Fergus,” Riona replied. “Do you think you can convince Percival you’ve agreed to do as he wants?”
“I’m sure I can make him believe that I’d almost rather die than go to that convent, because I would.”
“Good. Now, we had best get to mass before Percival wonders where you are.”
WHENRIONAreached Eleanor’s chamber later that night after a busy day spent supervising the lord of Dunkeathe’s kitchen and worrying not just about succeeding in their plan, but about Uncle Fergus’s troubles with Fredella, she found an anxious Eleanor waiting.
“Fredella might be back any moment,” Eleanor said quietly as Riona slipped inside the chamber illuminated by a single spluttering oil lamp hanging from the ceiling. The rest of the room was in shadows, but there was enough light for Riona to see that it was luxuriously furnished. The bed was covered with pristine linen and a silken cover. Most unexpected was the carpet on the floor, a thing so rare and fine Riona couldn’t bring herself to step on it.
“She went to the chapel to pray. About your uncle, I think.”
“He’s upset, too,” Riona said. “He doesn’t usually get drunk. I tried to tell Fredella but she only hurried away.”
“Every time I start to ask Fredella about him, she begins to cry.” Eleanor twisted the dangling ties of her girdle in her fingers. “Riona, I’ve been thinking and thinking about this, and I’ve decided I simply can’t let you do this for me. It isn’t right.”
“What Percival wants you to do isn’t right,” Riona confidently replied. “You mustn’t be forced to barter your virginity for marriage at his command. There’s much less risk to me sneaking into Sir Nicholas’s chamber than there is for you. Don’t worry, Eleanor. Everything will be well. What did Percival say when you suggested that he not interrupt?”
“I…I didn’t get a chance.”
Riona stared at her with dismay. That would be essential to their success.
Panic in her eyes, Eleanor suddenly held up her hand. “Somebody’s coming!Hide!”
Riona immediately dropped down on all fours and scrambled under the bed. The stone floor was hard and cold, but she certainly didn’t want to have to explain her presence there to anyone, not even Fredella.
The door opened, and Riona watched Percival’s gilded red boots march into the room. She immediately prepared to scramble out from under the bed if Eleanor needed her aid.
“Wh-what are you doing here?” Eleanor stammered.
“Why did you leave the hall?” Percival slurred, and it was obvious he’d had too much wine.
