Page 96 of The Forsaken
Eleanor blushed and nodded. “I have the green damask trimmed with sable. It’s most appropriate for Christmas.”
Guy turned to Kate as though expecting her to tell them what she planned to wear, but Kate remained mute for a moment. She had several gowns, but there was one she hadn’t yet worn. It was of deep blue velvet, trimmed with the pelt of a red fox. The fiery color of the fur brought out the auburn highlights in her hair, and the deep blue accented her eyes and pale skin. The gown was the finest thing she owned, and suddenly she couldn’t wait to wear it, just to see the admiration in Guy’s eyes.
“I have just the thing,” Kate finally said. She felt a telltale flush creeping up her cheeks and thought that Hugh would seeright through her, but he barely glanced in her direction. His attention seemed focused on Eleanor this evening. She did look lovely, in a gown of deep brown velvet. Her creamy breasts swelled above the bodice and her fair hair, uncovered since she was at home and in the presence of family, glowed in the candlelight. She was still a beautiful woman, one who’d be even lovelier if she had the love of a good man.
“Guy, I wager Stanwyck’s celebration will be nothing compared to the festivities you attended at court,” Hugh said, pouring Guy more wine. “Tell us about Westminster, brother. What’s the mood like at the palace this Christmas season?”
Guy forced a smile and went on to describe the entertainments planned by the king and his new queen, making the ladies gasp with delight. “But that’s nothing compared to what the king has planned for his lady’s coronation, which is to take place in May,” Guy continued. “The preparations have already begun, and it will be the most splendid celebration London has ever seen. The king will see to that.”
Hugh nodded. “He would, given the manner of his marriage.”
“What do you mean, Hugh?” Eleanor asked. She was always a little slow on the uptake, and needed things explained to her.
“Well, His Royal Highness married in secret,” Hugh replied patiently. “Not only did he take a bride who’s beneath him, but he denied his subjects a royal wedding. You can’t imagine the pageantry and expense that goes into celebrating a union between two royal houses, Eleanor. And had the king married a princess, the wedding would have been a sight to behold.”
“Oh, I see,” Eleanor replied, nodding vigorously. “I would so love to see the coronation,” she went on, directing a pleading look at Hugh.
Hugh looked momentarily taken aback but then smiled at Eleanor, his eyes twinkling with the kind of excitement Katehadn’t seen since they were newly married. “Well, why not? Perhaps we can undertake a trip to London for the festivities. What say you, Adam? It will be an education for you, boy, if my lord Stanwyck can spare you from his service for a fortnight.”
“Oh, yes, please,” Adam begged, so excited at the prospect that he actually ran toward Hugh and threw his arms around his uncle’s neck.
Hugh, who was always reserved with his affection in company, seemed gratified by the attention and hugged his nephew back, then winked at him. “I’ll give you something to tell the other boys about,” he promised, smiling broadly.
“I think the Earl of Stanwyck will be attending the coronation, as will most nobles in the land. He might take Adam along as part of his own retinue,” Guy pointed out.
“Even better,” Hugh replied with a chuckle. “Less expense for me. Ordering new gowns and suits of clothes for us will come dear enough, not to mention accommodation in the capital. Every innkeeper will hike up the rate, keen to make a profit off the occasion. Perhaps I overestimated my willingness to undertake this journey,” he mused.
“Hugh, please,” Eleanor breathed, her eyes pleading with him to reconsider. “It’ll be such fun.”
“I’ll have a think on it, my dear,” Hugh promised, blessing her with an indulgent smile. “Perhaps we don’t all need to attend.” He hadn’t singled anyone out, but Kate thought he might be referring to her. He meant to punish her, and this would be one way to do it.
“We’ll all go,” Guy said, his narrowed gaze daring Hugh to contradict him. “I’ll shoulder part of the expense if you find it too crippling, Hugh.”
“I was only joking,” Hugh replied with forced joviality. “We’ll all go. Ah, let’s eat,” he said, rubbing his hands as Joan brought out a platter of sliced beef accompanied by buttered peasprepared with bits of salted pork, and mashed turnips. Alf came tottering behind her with two fresh loaves of manchet bread and another flagon of wine.
The rest of the meal passed in pleasant discussion of their possible trip to London. Kate didn’t say much, but the idea of going to London for the coronation appealed to her. It would be nice to see the capital, and perhaps she’d even get a glimpse of her father and his new wife. She knew that was unlikely, given the number of people that would be thronging the streets on Coronation Day, but perhaps Guy would know where her father would be and direct her there.
The thought of seeing her father soured Kate’s stomach. Deep down, she knew if he saw her, he’d either ignore her or curse her outright. She was dead to him, but unlike his sons, who had died an honorable death, she was a traitor and a disappointment.
Kate sighed and accepted more wine. She didn’t much like the taste, but at least it might help her fall asleep. She feared being alone with Hugh after the way he’d treated her that morning, and hoped he’d be inebriated enough to pass out as soon as his head hit the pillow.
Supper lasted several hours, but finally, the last spoon of syllabub was consumed and the final drop of wine had been drunk. Everyone rose from the table, eager for their beds. Hugh had been in good spirits all day, but that didn’t mean his mood wouldn’t sour as soon as the door to their chamber closed behind him. Kate waited for him to join her, but Hugh turned to Guy instead.
“I’d like to speak to you alone for a few minutes,” he said. “Alf, bring us more wine.”
Guy didn’t look eager to talk, but he inclined his head in agreement and bid the ladies and Adam good night. Kate trudged up the stairs after Eleanor, glad to have been spared an awkward interlude with Hugh as they prepared for bed. At least she’d get to go to bed in peace, something that didn’t happen often.
FIFTY-EIGHT
Guy was tired after several days spent in the saddle and would have liked nothing more than to retire, but Hugh was starved for news and eager to hear all the details Guy had left out for the benefit of the ladies. He added two thick logs to the fire and offered Guy more wine.
“Not for me,” Guy replied and watched as Hugh drank a cup of wine in one long swallow. His brother was imbibing a lot more than he used to, whether due to boredom or unhappiness he couldn’t quite tell.
“How are things at court?” Hugh demanded as he poured himself more wine. “The truth now, and not the pretty, glossy picture of life at the palace you painted for the women.”
“Tense. Warwick is furious about the king’s marriage and doesn’t care who knows it. Words like ‘witchcraft’ and ‘sorcery’ are being bandied about,” Guy added.
“In relation to whom?”
