Soul Of A Highlander (Lairds of Dunkeld Series) (A Medieval Scottish Romance Story)(28)

“If you think that, you wouldn't think it for no reason.”

Francis let out a long breath. “Thanks,” he said. That was good. At least he wasn't being foolish.

“Well, then,” Gaspard said, reaching forward to stretch his muscled arms. “Maybe you can teach me that wicked side-stroke tomorrow. And I'll see if I can talk to Eugenia. Find out about this lady of yours and her friend – if anyone knows the social goings-on around here, it's her.”

Francis sighed. “Thanks, Gaspard. That would help.”

“Well, I'll certainly try,” Gaspard volunteered. “Though it might help if I knew who the lady was?”

Francis bit his lip. He didn't want to compromise Claudine by telling anyone about their attraction. However, he could trust Gaspard. He'd known him since he was a teenager.

“The lady Claudine,” he said softly.

“Claudine Poitiers?”

“Yes,” Francis said, surprised he knew immediately who she was. Perhaps she was the only Claudine, though that seemed unlikely. “Why?”

“No reason,” Gaspard said mildly. “She's a great beauty.”

“Yes,” Francis said, letting out a breath. He realized he'd been half-worried that Gaspard would comment on her disability. He would have been furious if he had! “She is.”

“Well, then,” Gaspard said, standing up wearily. “I suppose I should go and wash and find my way to dinner. There's a big event tonight. Celebrating the naming of a newborn. Are you invited?”

“I'm not acquainted with Lady Gertrude or her family,” Francis said quickly.

“Well, then, you lucky fellow. You can sit here and drink ale and relax while I sit there and drink well-watered wine and be polite.”

Francis gave a chuckle. “If you say so.”

“I do. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Gaspard. And thanks for your help. Enjoy the banquet.”

“I'll do my best. With the help, that is. The banquet will take care of itself.”

Francis chuckled and watched as Gaspard's big, solid form walked slowly out into the gathering dark.

When he was alone he leaned back, weary. Why couldn't he shake the thought that Claudine was in danger? It wasn't the malady that worried him. It was a more human danger. Her uncle.

Francis, you're being silly. He's her uncle. He doesn't like you much, and that's why he's so threatening. He wouldn't hurt his own niece – why, pray?

“Stop being silly, Francis,” he said quietly, then closed his eye, drained his beaker and got slowly to his feet. Maybe Gaspard could find out for him tomorrow. Until then, he might as well find dinner and get some sleep. Tomorrow he'd need to be ready. He'd be teaching Gaspard something new.





CHAPTER NINE





A MOMENT OF CONCERN





A MOMENT OF CONCERN





“Bernadette?” Claudine said softly. It was afternoon and she'd been asleep, for her afternoon nap. She felt awake and restless now. She hoped Bernadette wasn't still sleeping. She wanted to go out.

“My lady?” Her maid's heart-shaped face appeared round the screen. “Are you well?”

“I'm fine, Bernadette,” Claudine said, stifling a delicate yawn with soft fingers. “I feel restless. Could we go out onto the terrace a while? I'd like to feel the sunshine.”

“Of course, milady. Shall I style your hair?” She was already walking over to the dressing table, reaching for the silver comb and brush.

“Yes, please, Bernadette,” Claudine said, reaching up to the loose plait that hung by her face, arranged that way so she could sleep without tangling it. “Just something simple. My neck's too sore for a long, complex hairdo.”

“Of course, milady.”

As Bernadette worked briskly. Claudine watched her absently, reflected in the mirror, and thought. I know I'm only going there to see Francis.

Watching him on the practice ground was something she found herself looking forward to. Just thinking about it sent a little frisson of delight through her. He was so handsome! With those big broad shoulders and his face sweating from exertion, his graceful moves. She could watch him all day. She recalled seeing him yesterday, and how he'd fought the taller, broader Gaspard so well.

“Will my lady be out long? Bernadette asked neutrally.

“Not long, I think, Bernadette,” Claudine said dutifully. She looked at her hands, to hide the white lie. She intended to stay there as long as Francis was practicing.

“Well, all the same, I think you should take a cloak. You'll feel cold when the evening wind starts to blow again.”

“Yes,” Claudine murmured, watching absently as Bernadette rummaged through the chest of clothes, finding a lace wrap for her.

“Now, I take it we're going to the western courtyard?”

Claudine blushed. She shot a look at Bernadette, but her face was tranquil, letting nothing show.

“Yes,” she said lightly. “Why?”

“No reason,” Bernadette said mildly. “Just wondering if we would need a sunshade of some sort.”

Claudine looked out of the narrow window, seeing a courtyard soaked in sunshine.