Page 65 of A Most Forgettable Girl

“I thought we could visit our first tavern,” he said, wondering if his own attempt at a casual manner struck her as false as her brother’s. He did not feel remotely casual. He wanted very much to take Gunnilde out into the town, just the two of them.

“Oh yes!” she cried, catching hold of his sleeve. “I would like it above all things! Shall we set out now?”

“We need to return first to our rooms and change into our plainest garb. We do not want to encourage thieves by looking too affluent.”

Gunnilde nodded. “Will we need to take someone discreet with us?” she asked, lowering her voice.

“Not tonight. I thought we would stick to the King’s Row,” he said, naming one of the bigger and better populated streets which was not so far from the palace. “When we venture further afield, we may have to.”

Gunnilde redressed hurriedly in a bright red dress with little adornment save for some gold-colored braid at the cuffs and hem. James changed his dark tunic for an older one of similar design. Perhaps his wife had a point about his dress being unadventurous. He would have to let her have her say when next he summoned a tailor.

“You are wearing sensible footwear, aren’t you?” he asked with misgiving as they donned their cloaks.

“Yes,” she agreed with a gurgle of laughter. She stuck out her foot to show a red leather ankle boot. “I would not attempt to wear my others anywhere but court.”

“Have you gloves?” he asked. “It is cold out.”

Gunnilde nodded and held up a pair of embroidered mittens. She started pulling them on. “Are we ready?” She was all excitement, eyes aglow.

“Ready,” James agreed, proffering his arm.

“Oh, wait!” she said, whipping a glove back off. “What about Mistress Bartree’s ring? Should I leave that here?”

“No, you had better wear that at all times,” James replied without thinking. He would not want anyone laboring under a misapprehension. “At least until I have bought you a replacement for it.”

They exited the palace by way of the East Gate, which had a huge circular tower and studded gate. James exchanged a few words with the guards there, who, hearing their plans, warned him to steer clear of a certain part of town, and they passed out into the cobbled streets without more ado.

“Which tavern are we frequenting tonight?” Gunnilde asked, squeezing his arm.

“It is one of the largest in Aphrany, the King’s Arms.”

“And have you been there before?”

“Not for a long time,” James admitted. “It must be three or four years.” He cast her a quick look. “I was never much of a tavern-goer, in truth.”

“I hope Hal and the others are not let loose on the city at night.” Gunnilde shivered. “The guards would surely challenge them, would they not? If they attempted to escape the palace so late of an evening.”

James cast a swift look at her. It rather depended on the gate and how well manned it was. Also, how susceptible the guards might be to a bit of bribery, in his private opinion. “They would certainly be questioned if they attempted to breach one of the four main gates,” he answered evasively.

“Did you know they have been placed in castle barracks for the duration of their stay this time? They are not anywhere near the courtiers’ rooms.”

James nodded. “I heard. I suppose the guest quarters must be oversubscribed with so many traveling in for the Winter Solstice festivities.”

Gunnilde gave a murmur of agreement. “Hal was quite indignant at having to share a room with so many other boys.”

“I take it he is not sharing with his particular friends.”

“Not initially, but there has been some swapping around from what I can make out. They all sound a law unto themselves.”

“I am sure.”

“They were impressed that you were acquainted with Sir Renlow. He is a great tournament favorite these days. Do you see much of him nowadays?”

James shook his head. “He is not much at court. The last time I saw him he told me he was lately married.”

“And when was that?”

“It must have been the summer before last.”