He had no dishonorable interest in her, either, and for a moment, Nicholas’s temper flared, until he reminded himself that although this man wasn’t the power at court he had been in the past, it was never wise to make an unnecessary enemy.
“I must confess, my lord, that I’ve come to the same conclusion,” he said, making no mention of honor. “However, I’m also quite sure she has no interest in me, either. I fear I’m too much the soldier for your well-bred cousin.”
The Norman nobleman looked down his long aquiline nose at Nicholas. “Then we are agreed, and thus we shall not remain here in this…thiswildernessany longer.
“I thank you for your hospitality, Sir Nicholas,” he continued, his tone implying he would have liked to addsuch as it was,“and I wish you luck living among these savages.”
Nicholas inclined his head in acknowledgment of the man’s sarcastic good wishes. Then he said, “I believe Audric will be sorry to see you go.”
The Norman’s eyes narrowed. “Audric? What has he to do with me?”
“Perhaps not a great deal to do with you, my lord, but your charming cousin is another matter.”
The Norman frowned, his face wrinkling deeply. “Lavinia?”
Nicholas refrained from inquiring who else he might be talking about. “I think Audric has conceived a great affection for Lady Lavinia. He smiles at her a good deal and while she’s too modest to respond in any but the most proper, ladylike way, Ibelieve she doesn’t disapprove of his attentions. I must say, my lord, I would consider that a union to be encouraged. Audric’s uncle is a most powerful and respected abbot, with close ties to Rome. The rest of his family yield some influence in political matters, and he was telling me just the other day that his other sister’s husband has negotiated a trade alliance with several rich merchants in London that should make the family even more wealthy. I think Lavinia could scarcely do better for a husband, especially if they already feel some affection for one another.”
D’Anglevoix seemed to be mentally counting coins as he continued to regard Nicholas. “Perhaps I should speak to Audric before we leave.”
“I would if I were you, my lord. He seems a very fine young man, and if you don’t secure him for Lavinia, I have no doubt some other, clever, less worthy woman might.”
“Like Jos—” D’Anglevoix caught himself. “Yes, yes, as you say, I should certainly consider a marriage between my cousin and Audric. I’ll speak to her at once.”
“You’re welcome to remain here for however long you like. A betrothal contract can take time.”
Robert wasn’t going to be pleased about the extended invitation, but the additional expense was worth it if it secured the allegiance of not just D’ Anglevoix, but Audric, as well.
As if to prove that, D’Anglevoix smiled with the first sign of genuine pleasure Nicholas had ever seen on his face. “I had no idea you were such a wise and generous man,” he admitted. “I knew you were an impressive soldier, of course, but I see you areastute and kindhearted, as well. I would have been honored to be related to you, Sir Nicholas.”
“And I to you, but where a woman is concerned, it’s better to give them some say where they marry, don’t you think? Nothing’s worse than discord between husband and wife.”
“Yes, that’s so,” D’Anglevoix agreed, nodding his head. “I myself was blessed with an excellent wife who died much too soon. Perhaps that is how I came to forget how happy we were.” He gave Nicholas a smile. “And I cannot wish any less for you.”
“Thank you, my lord.”
“I shall tell my men, and Lavinia, we are staying.”
“And I shall return to my solar. I have a matter of household business to attend to.”
WHENNICHOLASreached his solar, Joscelind was already waiting, looking lovely in a soft blue gown of some exotic fabric Nicholas couldn’t name. Her gilded girdle set low on her slim hips, her jewelry sparkled in the sunlight coming in through the window, and her blond hair was covered by the thinnest of silken veils. Standing anxiously by the table, her hands clasped, she seemed like the perfect personification of humble, womanly beauty.
Yet whatever her outward appearance, he had seen and heard far too much to ever want her for a bride. She was haughty, imperious, spoiled and deceitful. He wouldn’t have been at all surprised if she’d come into his bedchamber with nefarious designs, as he’d suspected. He’d been flabbergasted to discover Riona doing so instead.
Yet because of who Joscelind’s father was and after what Riona had said about his consideration of the young ladies’ feelings—or lack thereof—he was determined to treat Joscelind with courtesy and diplomacy until the time came for her to leave.
“You wanted to see me, my lord?” she asked as her smooth white brow furrowed.
“Yes. Please, sit down,” he offered, gesturing at the chair.
She did, moving with the studied grace that was so different from Riona’s natural easy elegance. Joscelind’s actions seemed designed to show her form and figure to best advantage.
Once Joscelind was seated, she laced her fingers in her lap and raised her eyes to regard him woefully. “I fear I’ve offended you, my lord, or caused you some displeasure.”
“My servants are rather upset,” he acknowledged, still standing by the door. “It seems there is some confusion regarding the orders you’ve given for the evening meal.”
“Oh?” she inquired sharply. In the next instant, she was again worried and woeful. “I thought they understood me.”
“Apparently they did not.”
