An Uncertain Choice(43)

The thought sent a cloud through my cheerfulness, and I stopped. At my halt, the duke peered down at me with concern. “Is everything all right, dear one?”

If Derrick was determined to ignore me, then I must find a way to engage his attention, especially now that I knew why he was giving in so easily to his companions. My thoughts returned to all the suggestions the noblewomen had given during the tournament. I inwardly cringed at the thought of trying some of the things they’d mentioned.

I didn’t know quite how to formulate my response to the duke — ?especially without appearing too forward. My conscience urged me to pass by, to go to my spot at the center of the table without saying more. After all, if Derrick was determined to keep his distance, who was I to interfere with his resolve? I already had the devotion of Sir Collin and Sir Bennet. That should be enough.

But strangely, it wasn’t.

The duke waited for my response.

“Your Grace,” I whispered, standing on tiptoe to reach his ear. I swallowed the nervousness that threatened to prevent me from saying anything. “I should like to honor the winner of the tournament by giving him the seat next to me during dinner.”

The duke pulled back and studied my face. A sparkle sprang to life in his eyes and his lips twitched with a smile. “I’m glad to hear it, Rosemarie,” he whispered in return. “He’s a good man, and he deserves the honor.”

I bowed my head in agreement and also to hide the burning in my cheeks.

The duke faced the gathering. “Lady Rosemarie would like to honor the winner of today’s joust by giving him the highest seat of honor at the table.”

The guests clapped at the announcement. Derrick hesitated and glanced at Sir Collin and Sir Bennet. The other two knights’ smiles and laughter faded. Derrick nodded at them almost apologetically before finally rising from his spot. He bowed to me and then took the duke’s place at my side, offering me his arm. I took hold of him, certain I was now blushing furiously.

“Thank you, my lady,” he said as we moved toward the table. “You’re most kind.”

“You’re most deserving, sir.”

“I would have supposed you anxious to avoid my presence for fear of what prize I might claim from you for my win today.” The low sultriness of his tone made my insides quiver.

“Quite the opposite, sir.” I forced myself to banter even though his nearness made it difficult for me to concentrate on formulating a coherent response. “I’ve been curious to see what you have in mind.”

I wanted to duck under the table at the boldness of my words, but I walked as regally as I could to my place. And I kept my focus straight ahead as he pulled out my chair and helped me into my seat before taking the chair at my side. He didn’t say anything, and ere long I couldn’t resist peeking at him. He was smiling and there was a hint of admiration in his eyes, as if he’d appreciated our witty exchange.

I took a sip of ale from my goblet. Perhaps I didn’t have to be afraid of speaking to him and getting to know him better after all. Perhaps I could practice more of the noblewomen’s suggestions than I’d believed possible.

What ought I do first from their list?

I swiveled in my seat, deciding it wouldn’t hurt to compliment him. “You were quite talented today, sir. I’m quite in awe of your fighting skills.”

He was in the middle of taking a swallow of his ale. At my words of praise, he choked. “Thank you, my lady,” he finally said after sputtering through a cough. “I don’t deserve your . . . awe.”

“Don’t listen to him,” Sir Collin called from his spot down the table. He and Sir Bennet still brooded, but Sir Collin put on a brave smile. “Derrick handles the lance and the halberd better than any other knight in the land.”

Sir Bennet pushed away from the table and stood so abruptly that the platters and goblets rattled. He glared at Derrick, his brows coming together in a dark scowl. Next to me, I could feel Derrick stiffen as though anticipating a battle with his friend.

For a long moment the two locked eyes, and the chatter of the other guests came to a halt. Then finally Sir Bennet raised his goblet. “I’d like to propose a toast to the champion of today’s joust.” He pointed his cup at Derrick and everyone else did likewise before taking a sip.

As the conversations resumed, Sir Bennet sat down but gave Derrick a low parting comment. “You may have won the tournament, but that doesn’t mean you’ve yet won Lady Rosemarie’s heart.”

For a long moment the two men seemed to be waging a silent war, until finally Sir Collin elbowed Sir Bennet and muttered something in his ear.

Derrick was silent as the servants placed the steaming platters of boar upon the table, along with meat pies, fish tarts, and cow’s tongue.

I wanted to apologize for any tension I was causing between the men, but before I could formulate the words, Derrick spoke. “Have no fear, my lady. No matter our squabbles, we shall always remain the closest of companions.” I raised my brow in skepticism.

“They’re the best friends a man could ever ask for.” Derrick spoke as though to convince himself as he speared a piece of pork on his trencher with the tip of his knife and took a bite.

I twisted my spoon above my bowl of thick Bukkenade soup. I ought to let him eat in peace. He was likely famished after the day of jousting. But a whisper in the back of my mind reminded me that I had no time to wait, that the month was already half over, and that if I wasn’t more forthright, I might very well forfeit this beautiful thing I was beginning to feel.