Page 72 of The Red Wolf’s Prize

“And your family’s home?”

“Saint Sauveur lies on a peninsula of farms jutting into thewaters of the channel between England and Normandy. My father’s demesne isthe largest. He owns much land.”

“But not enough for his youngest son?”

“Nay. Younger sons must earn their own lands and titles. Ihave always known my destiny lay with my sword. That is how I came to serveWilliam. It is the same with Sir Geoffroi and the other knights.”

“But can you be happy, Renaud, so far from home?”

He was pleased she was using his given name, more often nowas their intimacy in the bedchamber grew. “I am content with what William hasgiven me, but sometimes I think of Normandy. I would like to see my familyagain.”

“I cannot imagine being so far from home surrounded bystrangers.”

“Talisand is no longer a place of strangers for me, Serena.It is my home, this is my land, and you are my lady. But mayhap one day I willtake you to Normandy to meet my family.” Seeing a look of worry cross herbeautiful face, he added, “You would not find the land strange. It is as greenas Talisand, just warmer and wetter. Would you like to travel there with me tomeet them?”

“I would like to have our children know their uncles andaunt, and their grandparents since I can offer them none,” she said sadly.“Steinar is the only uncle they shall ever know, yet he might not want toreturn to Talisand. Surely it would be difficult for him seeing his lands inthe hands of another.”

“As it is for you, wife?”

“Aye, sometimes ’tis awkward, but at least I am still theLady of Talisand.”

Renaud did not doubt the truth of her words, nor the dismalfuture for any Englishman whose lands had been forfeited. If he were in herbrother’s place, he would never return. But he was aware that she and Steinarwere close and she would miss him. “There is truth in what you say.” His gazeshifted to the flaxen strands of her plaits falling beneath her head cloth.“Does he look like you?”

“Aye, he does,” she said with a bashful look at her handsholding the reins. “Older, stronger and taller, but with the same hair andeyes, though he has a beard and it’s somewhat darker than his hair.”

Their conversation was interrupted with their arrival at themanor house nestled amidst a copse of oak trees. It was difficult for Renaud topicture his favorite knight in such a place, but as he dismounted and helpedSerena down from her horse, Geoff strode through the door with Eawyn closebehind him, as if they were already a couple and this was their home.

Renaud handed the reins to the waiting stable boy.

“Greetings, my lord,” Geoff said, stepping aside to allowEawyn to welcome them with a curtsey and a warm smile.

“I am honored to have you here at the west manor, my lord,and my lady,” Eawyn said, her gaze moving from Renaud to Serena.

Renaud had always liked the dark-haired woman with her easymanner and pleasing face. But no woman tempted him, save his own wife. Serenacould be difficult at times, but he admired her courage, her devotion to herpeople and her sense of honor. She was everything he could have wanted.

But could she be loyal?

Chapter 20

It had been some time since Serena had visited the westmanor. Watching her husband duck his head as he entered to avoid hitting thelintel reminded her of its smaller size. Larger than a cottage, the manor had amain sitting area with an alcove, a hearth, a separate kitchen in the rear andtwo large bedchambers. Above was a loft reached by outside stairs wheretravelers or field workers could lay their pallets for the night. Behind themanor was the stable.

Inviting smells from the kitchen wafted through the air asshe stepped through the door. A servant girl brought ale for the two knights,who took their tankards to the hearth where they sat and talked.

Serena followed Eawyn into the kitchen. The servant girltook her place beside the hearth and stirred the stew.

“How is Cassie, Serena? I’ve not heard since your wedding.”

“Cassie recovers. Maggie and Aethel tend her and Sir Maurintakes her for short walks. He is finally smiling again. The two are very muchin love, I think.”

“Sir Maurin is a good man. And a knight. Cassie would dowell to wed him. Do you think he will ask for her hand?”

“Yea, and I think it will be soon. I do not believe SirMaurin intends to sleep alone this winter.” Serena chuckled at the thought ofthe powerful Norman knight smitten with her friend.

Eawyn’s laughter echoed Serena’s.

“What about you, Eawyn?” And in a lower voice so low onlyEawyn could hear, “Sir Geoffroi seeks your company oft and, when he is not herewith you, I sometimes see him staring in the direction of the west manor. I amcertain ’tis you he thinks of.”

“I know he pays court, for he does not hide it,” said Eawyn,“but it was not so long ago that Ulrich sat at my table and shared my bed. Istill miss him.”