“I heard the king banned tournaments,” Orrick said suddenly.
Draven had to bite his tongue to keep from shushing the baron as he strained to hear the women.
“Aye,” Simon answered, and by the glint in his brother’s eye, Draven knew he did it purposefully to mask whatever words the women uttered. “Lost too many good men and soldiers to accidents. Henry says if we must partake of such foolishness then let us go to the continent for it. Not to mention all the property that can be damaged. The peasants who get crushed when knights overrun the boundaries. You know all the things?—”
“He knows, Simon,” Draven snapped.
“Well,” Emily said, “would you look at them.”
Draven glanced over his shoulder to see Emily and Christina standing side by side behind his chair. By St. Peter’s hairy toes, what had they said about him?
Not knowing was near enough to drive him mad.
Christina shook her head. “Have you ever seen a more soured group?”
Emily laughed. “Not in a while.”
The men instantly came to their feet and offered the ladies a chair. Emily took a seat in Draven’s vacated chair and primly adjusted the skirt of her gown around her.
What had she said?
What do you care?
I care! For all he knew, ‘twas something even more embarrassing and he had a right to know her thoughts.
“Congratulations, Lord Orrick.” Emily interrupted his mental tirade.
“Congratulations?” Draven asked.
“Christina is expecting a babe.”
Christina blushed. “I’m so excited, but scared as well. I have no idea what really to expect.”
“‘Tis your first?” Simon asked.
“Aye.”
Orrick grinned in pride. “I keep telling her not to fear. My first wife had six without any problems at all.”
“But Emily’s mother died in her birthing bed,” Christina contradicted.
Draven looked at Emily and saw the sadness in her eyes. He felt a strange urge to comfort her. To reach out and take her hand in his.
“Oh, I’m so sorry, Emily,” Christina said quickly, placing her hand on the arm of Emily’s chair. “I didn’t mean to?—”
“‘Tis fine.” Emily graciously placed a hand over Christina’s. “I know you meant no harm. Just as I know God will take care of you. You shall be fine. You’ll see.”
Christina smiled, then turned to her husband. “Orrick, have you heard Emily’s sister, the lady Joanne, is to marry Lord Niles of Montclef next month.”
“Niles?” Orrick asked, his face shocked.
Draven searched his memory for what would cause the baron’s reaction. He knew little about Niles or his family other than the name.
“You know Niles?” Emily asked.
“Aye.” There was a note of reservation in his voice. “And I must say I’m surprised your father would approve the match.”
“Joanne won’t be swayed. She loves him.”
