Page 81 of King’s Knight

When supper ended and the minstrels finished their songs, he rose and, with the crutch Maggie had given him supporting his wounded leg, he took Merewyn’s hand to walk the short distance to the dais. “Come!”

Merewyn was none too pleased. “You know I do not want to be with you when you speak to your parents,” she whispered as he limped forward with her in tow. “It will make them feel awkward.”

“You must be with me,” he hissed back. He loved her with all his heart but, at times, his fierce archer could be stubborn. “I do not intend to ask, but to tell.”

When they arrived before the dais where his parents sat with Sir Geoffroi, his wife, Lady Emma, and Maugris, Alex said, “I have a declaration to make.”

A hushed silence followed as everyone in the hall turned to listen. He felt the eyes upon him and stiffened his resolve.

“First,” nodding to Sir Geoffroi and Lady Emma and then to his parents, since all four might claim Merewyn as their ward, “I must ask your forgiveness for not having sought your permission, but I have taken Merewyn as my wife.”

Gasps of surprise echoed around the hall. Alex kept his eyes on the five people before him.

Maugris and his mother smiled in what he hoped was evidence of their approval.

Sir Geoffroi frowned. “When?”

“In London,” he said, squeezing Merewyn’s hand. Giving her a sidelong glance, he saw the fear in her eyes.

“But there was no ceremony, no blessing. I was there!” insisted Sir Geoffroi.

“Since there would be no dowry and thus no contract, it seemed a simple exchange of our intent sufficed. Our love made us eager to bind ourselves to each other.”

Merewyn’s hand moved to her belly where the babe was just beginning to make itself known beneath her velvet gown.

Alex did not fail to note the move nor, apparently, did his mother.

“You are with child, Merewyn?” the Lady of Talisand asked.

Merewyn flushed and nodded.

“You have dishonored my ward?” protested Sir Geoffroi. His wife, Lady Emma, patted his hand. “Perhaps not, my love.”

“We exchanged the required words. Only then was the marriage consummated. Father Bernard has assured me such is sufficient to see us wed.”

Father Bernard rose from his seat. “If I might, my lord, my lady…”

The lord of Talisand gestured the priest to approach the dais.

“Sir Alex speaks the truth. All that is required is for the two of them to make present statements of their intent. When followed by their physical union, the bond is completed. No witnesses need be present and a formal blessing, though not required, can follow.”

Behind Alex, he heard the voice of his mother’s maidservant. “My lady, I overheard their vows spoken in London.”

Alex’s mother acknowledged Nelda’s statement with a nod. “Well, and ’tis obvious the bond has been sealed.”

Alex snuck a look at his bride. Merewyn’s cheeks were flaming, her lips tightly pressed together and her eyes lowered.

All this time Alex’s father had remained silent, his expression inscrutable. Now he spoke. “What about the king? Does he know of this?”

“I have yet to speak to William about Merewyn. When I left him in Durham, he was in no mood to hear it.”

“Well, first let me say, you are wrong on several counts, my son, which in this case is to the good. First, Merewyn will have a dowry. Geoff and I spoke of it before we left for London, thinking she might find an acceptable suitor there, which apparently she did.”

His stern look passed from Alex to Merewyn, who lowered her eyes.

His father continued. “Geoff and I will see she brings coin to her marriage. We had even thought of land, but that will no longer be necessary. It seems you will have plenty. And perhaps I can help you with the king.”

Alex’s spirits rose. His father would not oppose their marriage. He shot a glance at Merewyn. She, too, appeared hopeful.