"The rogue stole her heart.
"Tis true love."
Lord Windham, hearing their discussion, made a derisive sound.
"That will last a year or two at most, while they explore the pleasures of their bed. Then true love will show its true colors."
Brenna looked horror-stricken at his words.
"I saw the undying love that shone between my father and mother. That same love shines between Meredith and Brice. It is there in their eyes, in their touch, in the gentle way they treat one another."
Resenting Windham's intrusion, Morgan steered the conversation once again.
"What about the villain who murdered your father?"
Morgan Grey, she realized, was very good at changing the subject when it suited him.
"He is buried with those of his clan who dared to cross the MacAlpins."
Morgan studied the young woman before him. Though there was no doubt that she was every inch a lady, he had witnessed another side to her.
She had the respect of her people. People who had been besieged for generations. And she thought like a soldier. Twice she had nearly outwitted him. He lifted a goblet to his lips and smiled. Twice she had been foiled.
Aye. He would enjoy dueling with the lady. With both words and skill.
With each toast the crowd grew more raucous. With each sip of ale, the young noblemen at the banquet grew bolder, until at last Lord Windham stood to offer his own toast.
"To my gracious queen, Elizabeth, the most wonderful monarch God ever created." Windham pressed his hands to the table to steady himself.
His voice rose with emotion.
"To her hair, which shines like the sun's own radiance. To her eyes, like perfect sapphires. To her mouth, which emits only pearls of wisdom."
He paused, wiping a tear from his eye, too overcome by his own brilliance to continue.
"You neglected to mention my teeth," the queen said in an aside that only Morgan and Brenna could overhear.
"They are my own."
Morgan threw back his head and roared. For a moment Brenna was so surprised at the queen's dry humor that she could only stare. Then a smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
"To her teeth," Windham began.
But Morgan lifted his glass, and the others in the room did the same, drowning out whatever the nobleman was about to say. He sat down flushed and happy at what he considered a monumental success.
"What think you of my feast?" The queen leaned across Lord Windham to direct her question at Brenna.
"It is quite wonderful," Brenna replied honestly.
"I have never seen so many splendidly dressed gentlemen and ladies."
"I see you have not touched your wine." Elizabeth motioned toward Brenna's nearly full goblet.
"I was warned that there would be many toasts. Majesty. I did not wish to make a fool of myself."
"You would be in excellent company," the queen said.
"The room is full of fools. Is that not so, Windham?"
"Aye, Majesty." His words were slightly slurred.
"We are fools in love with your beauty."
"You see why I chose him to be my escort? I bask in his honeyed words."
Morgan set down his goblet.
"A woman of your strength and intelligence needs no empty flattery to fill her head."
"That is where you and I disagree, my Lord Grey." Elizabeth gave a gay, girlish laugh.
"Even a strong, intelligent woman desires pretty words. Is that not so, Brenna MacAlpin?"
Brenna was startled by the question.
"I would prefer honesty to flattery."
The queen's eyes narrowed on her guest.
"You are indeed a rare woman.
But I think, if the right man were to flatter you, you would discover that you harbor a bit of the same weakness. "
The queen turned from her guests to watch the musicians. Suddenly she stood and the entire assembly scrambled to' their feet.
"I have had enough of feasting. I wish to dance." The queen took Lord Windham's proffered arm, then turned to Brenna.
"Do you dance?"
Brenna shook her head.
"John Knox considers dancing a tool of the devil. It is now forbidden in my country."
"Ah, yes. Knox." Elizabeth gave a short laugh.
"How terrible for my fun-loving, romantic cousin, Mary, that such a dull man could hold sway over her people." She studied the lovely young woman for a moment, then glanced at the man beside her.
"Morgan, bring our--guest along. While she is on English soil, we shall cast aside those prophets of gloom and teach her the joy of an open English society."