He had some wealth in his own right and he was a knight. Any lineage he had now was his own. But returning to this town only reminded him of the time when he had been helpless against the disparity between his own life and that of Alice’s family. Of a time when he had known he wasn’t good enough for her.
Coin he might have now, but he still wasn’t good enough for her.
‘Lyman’s hall has had many improvements...’ Eldric interrupted his thoughts ‘...but we both know you were looking at her.’
‘You wouldn’t be much of a spy if you hadn’t noticed.’
‘You watch her quite a bit.’
‘Something you wouldn’t notice unless you are watchingme. And is there a reason Ishouldn’twatch her? Perhaps you don’t like the injuries she gives to you?’
‘Are we to talk about St Martin’s dinner again? Because I thought I’d explained my interest in her is harmless.’
‘Yet you showed it anyway.’
Hugh still didn’t know why Eldric, who had ignored Alice since then, had flirted with her that night. Had Eldric been testing his regard when it came to her? Hugh was always either near or with Alice. No doubt Eldric had his answer regarding Hugh’s feelings by now.
‘Her sister says she intends to marry. Best get used to it if you won’t pursue her.’
Hugh adjusted his shoulders. ‘Tell me again why you are here?’
‘I have told you,’ Eldric said.
He was trying to find the archer who had marked him.
‘I haven’t seen you making enquiries.’
‘Perhaps it isyouwho watchme?’ Eldric suggested. ‘Remember, I was here before you arrived. Maybe I should be making enquiries of you.’ Eldric took a drink and waved his goblet. ‘Anyway, it’s winter now, and I’m for warmth. The King knows where to reach me.’
And Edward knew how to reachhim...and Alice. All here in Swaffham.
He knew Eldric’s duties, and he knew his own. What he still hadn’t figured out were Alice’s. Days now of watching her, and still he couldn’t come up with any answers. Whowasshe?
Time did change people, but her lively behaviour...her provocative words...were beyond what he’d expected. It was as if she had become someone else.
And he couldn’t accept such a change.
Naïve, perhaps, but in all the corrupted world he had hoped she remained constant. Many a dark night, after many a dark deed when he had blackened his own soul, he had thought of her. As if simply knowing her made him a better person.
Yet she was more beautiful than she had ever been. Though he wanted her more, needed her more, shehadchanged.
Her overly bright laughter, her extravagant gowns, her attendance at parties. Her private meeting with the King, her blunt words to him. This woman who attended tonight could command a king. She commandedhimthough they’d never touched.
But even so... It was too much of a change. He refused to believe her to have changed so much.
Especially in the ways she remained the same. The restoration of the barn, her laughing with that little girl, her kindness to the boy William.Thatwas the Alice he recognised.
The other one who sparkled too brightly made him suspicious. Something was not as it should be.
As the Boar’s Head festivities spun around him, and distractions and drink flowed freely, he wondered if tonight he would find the truth.
‘The music’s good, at least,’ Eldric said. ‘The perfect opportunity to dance.’
Bemused, Hugh turned to his friend. ‘Youdance?’
Eldric shrugged. ‘I’ve been known for it. Plus, there was this woman as we walked in. Did you see her?’
He had noticed no woman except Alice. He couldn’t stop thinking of what she had said to him at the market. Words that he had forced inside him, so he could do his duty, and follow her.
