Page 103 of His Betrothed
When he did not acknowledge her she searched his beloved face, but he looked over her head. The agony of his rejection made her feel light-headed with bewilderment. She saw Rodney Shaw’s smug face at the front of the crowd, surrounded by the smirking expressions worn by all the courtiers.
Onceagain she’d embarrassed herself before them all.
Roselyn straightened her spine, gathered her courage, and turned back to face Spencer. She refused to believe that every bit of gentleness and consideration he’d shown her had been false.
While the crowd tittered, she gazed into the eyes that had so often concealed things from her, and saw desperation. She knew suddenly that he was trying to protecther from association with him, that he would deny himself her comfort and help if those things meant dragging her down with him.
And she loved him so for the attempt.
With the return of her courage rushing upon her like wind filling out a ship’s sails, she walked to the queen’s dais and swept into a deep curtsy.
Spencer knew that everyone in the privy chamber could see the tension in him, andsweat trickled down his temples. He didn’t care if it made him look guilty; it was all for brave Roselyn, who presented herself as a target in a futile effort to protect him.
He knew every courtier here—had wooed the women, teased the dowagers, fell into his cups with every young rakehell. But only Roselyn dared to stand by him—Roselyn, who had more cause than anyone to despise him. Beforetheentire court he had rejected her, yet still she would not leave. She was ready to destroy herself to save him, and he was humbled by her bravery.
He would do anything to protect her from scorn—and he would give anything to be with her always, to prove that he was worthy of her.
Queen Elizabeth’s expression did not change as Roselyn straightened from her curtsy. “Lady Roselyn, what have you broughtus?” she demanded.
Spencer watched as his mother came forward and stopped Roselyn’s hand before it could enter the pouch at her waist. She put a small box in Roselyn’s hands and pushed her forward.
One of the ladies of the privy chamber brought the gift to the throne. While Queen Elizabeth admired the rope of pearls and diamonds, Spencer could only stare at his mother, who stood at Roselyn’sside like a guardian in black. He finally understood that it was easy for her to accept the scorn of others, as long as she could be with his father. He was ashamed of himself for worrying about her heritage, when he should have been ashamed of his own behavior.
“Lady Roselyn,” the queen said, “why did you interrupt the business of our government?”
“Your Majesty,” she answered in a clear voice,I have evidence that will help you clear Lord Thornton and his brother of these false charges of treason.”
“It is impertinent of you to suggest that we need your help,” the queen said haughtily.
But her gaze slid to Spencer, and though he kept his face impassive, he could not help wondering what Roselyn was talking about, and worrying that she would make herself a formidable royal enemy shouldher “evidence” be contrived.
Queen Elizabeth glanced back at Roselyn. “Nevertheless, we shall view this evidence you have brought us.”
Roselyn reached into the pouch at her waist and withdrew a folded piece of paper. Again one of the queen’s ladies brought it to Her Majesty.
“What is this?” the queen demanded.
“The letter is from Rodney Shaw’s superiors in the Spanish army, ordering him tokill a British spy.”
Spencer’s mouth dropped open only a fraction before he remembered to shut it. Roselyn had had the pouch all along! But he could hardly be angry with her, or blame her for not trusting him. For the first time in weeks, he allowed hope to blossom in his heart.
Rodney Shaw stood frozen before all thecourt, his pale face suddenly dotted with perspiration.
“Your Majesty, ’tisa forgery!” Shaw cried, looking about him for support. “Would I have come straight to Sir Walsingham if I were a traitor? I tell you, I found Thornton standing over the corpse of the last British agent!”
The only people paying him any attention were the courtiers, who now began to back away from him.
Roselyn stepped closer to the queen. “The letter is in Spanish, Your Majesty. Lady Thorntonwould be happy to translate it for you.”
Queen Elizabeth eyed her over the letter. “Think you that we are untutored, Lady Roselyn? We read many languages.”
Roselyn bowed her head and curtsied again. “Please forgive me, Your Majesty.”
Spencer saw a snarl cross Shaw’s face, and he wished desperately that Rose were not so near him.
Then Shaw drew his sword.
