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Analiese broke into a thin smile with small, yellowed teeth. “Agreed.”

Jordan and Analiese carried on a friendly conversation that gradually grew into a warm one. They spoke of a great many things, some serious, some not. But they talked the entire meal, neither lady hardly touching a bite.

“Who is that man sitting next to Sir William?” Jordan asked.

Analiese daintily picked at a piece of bread. “That is Captain William Payton-Forrester of Beverley Castle.”

Jordan snorted. “The man is a rake. Look at him, his arrogant manners and the way he smiles. A womanizer.”

“He was, I heard, until he got married last year,” Analiese replied. “My servants think he is the most beautiful man they have ever seen. Next to William, of course.”

Jordan was about to heartily agree that William was beautiful, but caught herself. “I hadn’t really noticed,” she shrugged casually.

Analiese looked at her but Jordan averted her gaze to her plate. “He has certainly noticed you,” Analiese said. “He looks at you all of the time.”

“He does not.” Jordan scoffed, uncomfortable.

“Aye, he does,” Analiese countered softly. “All of the knights do, except for Kieran, because he is in love with your cousin. Do not feign ignorance, Jordan. Surely you know how they feel about you.”

“They are loyal vassals,” she said.

Jordan was starting to sweat. “I have no interest in them.” True enough, she had no interest in the knights as a collective whole; only William.

Analiese sighed and turned back to her food. “I wish…I wish William would look at me that way he looks at you.”

Jordan’s head snapped in her direction, banking the wild jealousy that surged through her. She knew of Analiese’s feelings, but this was the first time she had ever heard the woman voice her thoughts. Jealousy gave way to pity. The poor girl was in love with someone she could never have.

“Ye’ll find a proper husband someday, Analiese,” she said reassuringly. “And not a knight, either. A fine nobleman.”

Analiese glanced at William. “I would give it all up for the Captain.” She suddenly felt embarrassed at her confession and turned back to her food. “But he only has eyes for Northwood; and for you.”

Jordan didn’t reply, for she had no idea what to say. Gradually, she became aware of breathing over her left shoulder and turned to see the earl listening in on their conversation.

He actually smiled at Jordan, though she wondered if it was not for Analiese’s benefit. She, on the other hand, found it very difficult to look the man in the eye after what had happened earlier that morn. Legally, he had every right to do it, but she still felt violated and ashamed.

“My two favorite ladies,” he said. “You will never know how it pleases me to see that you two are finally being civil to one another.”

“ ’Tis more than that, sire,” Jordan said with forced courage. “We are friends.”

“I am glad to hear that,” he answered with a lingering gaze.

He eventually turned back to his sons and Jordan found herself searching out William to see if he had seen the conversation. Indeed, he was watching her like a hawk. When their eyes met, he gave her a faint nod and returned to his friends.

She inhaled deeply to stop her quivering stomach, wanting to get the hell out of the room. She was becoming increasingly impatient, hoping it would not show.

Jemma was seated several chairs down and saw the glances between Jordan and William. She was more puzzled than ever, and she was determined to ignore Kieran’s request of saying nothing. Jordan was her cousin, her kin, and she would know what the woman was planning, or die trying. She was also doubly troubled by the fact that Analiese was sitting next to Jordan. Although the conversation looked peaceful enough, she was positive that Jordan needed her intervention.

“Ladies.” Jemma sat on the opposite side of Analiese and eyed the woman venomously.

Analiese stiffened and Jordan was immediately fearful that Jemma would ruin all she had worked for.

“Lady Analiese, ye remember my cousin, Lady Jemma,” Jordan said quickly. “Why, it was just as I was telling ye; Jemma helped make this dress. She embroiders beautifully and she had expressed great admiration of the surcoat you wore the night we arrived. ’Twas a magnificent piece of work. Wasna it, Jemma?”

Jemma was so stumped that she blinked twice as her cousin smiled encouragingly at her. This did not sound like a hostile confrontation to her. She had been prepared for an all-out verbal war. But from the looks on their faces they were actually enjoying themselves and she wondered if she were even in the right castle. Wasn’t this the home of the vicious, petty Lady Analiese? But, fortunately, she had enough presence of mind to follow Jordan’s lead.

“Aye,” she began slowly, then quickly. “Aye, it was indeed beautiful. Do ye do yer own embroidery, Lady Analiese?”

“Aye,” Analiese said flatly. She obviously hadn’t forgiven Jemma for the previous insults.