Page 2 of A Knight in Tarnished Armor

Then England's newest lord, Baron Warbrooke, nudged his mount around with spurs as golden as her wild eyes, and he rode away.

One month later in London

“Arden is an old fool!” Baron Warbrooke paced the king's quarters while his liege lord watched him with royal amusement.

"Warbrooke, my friend. I bid you cease that infernal pacing. Makes me light-headed."

The baron stopped in front of the king and growled, "The man has refused my fifth, fifth, offer for his granddaughter!"

"What was his reason this time?"

"Same as the last four times. He adamantly refuses to force his granddaughter to wed."

"I assume you've sweetened the offer?"

The baron named a figure.

The king whistled, then muttered, "I believe I need to meet the Lady Linnet." He looked at his friend and laughed, then raised a hand. "Stop glowering. You've lost your sense of humor, Warbrooke."

"Any sane man who had spent three hours haggling with that stubborn old goat would no longer have a sense of humor."

"He might be a stubborn old goat now, but he has been intensely loyal to the crown for over forty years. My father owed him greatly." The king's voice lowered to a more serious tone. "As great a debt as I owe you, my friend. I will not force him."

"There must be some way."

Both men were silent.

The king rubbed his chin thoughtfully and said, "I could make a royal…" he paused as if searching for the correct word, "…suggestion to Arden."

Warbrooke looked up. "What kind of suggestion?"

"Arden claims he will not force his granddaughter to wed."

"Aye."

"Suppose you can convince the lady to accept you, to wed you willingly of her own free choice."

Warbrooke was silent for a long moment, then said, "You are proposing that I pay her court."

The king nodded. "If Arden's only objection is the matter of forcing her into marriage. You need only agree to woo the girl."

Warbrooke swore viciously.

The king laughed. "Come, now. It won't be that difficult. You forget. I've seen you when you are driven to win a battle. Look at this as a challenge. Your own war, the spoils of which is the Lady Linnet."

"Fine," Warbrooke snapped, beginning to pace again in agitation. "But to waylay any interference from Arden, I want time alone with her." He looked at the king.

"I'll make that point when I persuade Arden to allow you opportunity to court her." The king sat silently, then laughed somewhat wickedly. "Arden's pride won't allow him to deny this. He will be forced to agree."

One month later at Ardenwood Castle.

Two laundresses stood by barrel vats of steaming wash water. One of them was busy wringing out some freshly rinsed linen while the other stirred a wad of boiling soapy bedsheets with a huge wooden laundry paddle.

"They were talking about him again at supper."

"About who?"

"Him."