"And what of women's work?" Madeline asked.
"My mother often despaired other daughters ever learning a skill with needle and thread, or in the kitchen. We adored our father and wanted to share his life." Brenna smiled.
"But after my mother's death, the many duties of running a household were thrust upon me. Though I must admit that even now the adventure of the hunt is a great love of mine."
"So the man who weds you will have the best of both teachers, the warrior and the wife." Cordell was gazing at Brenna with a look of pure adoration.
Across the room Morgan felt a wave of annoyance and an instant dislike for the handsome youth who was devouring Brenna with his eyes. The elegantly attired Frenchman would look more at home at the queen's court than on a battlefield. It would seem that apple-cheeked boys whose hands were not as yet callused from holding a sword or earning their bread were always attracted to the beautiful Brenna.
Seeing his scowl, Madeline asked, "What is wrong, mon cher? Are the cakes not sweet enough for your taste?"
He shoved the plate aside.
"I have had my fill of tea and cakes."
"Ale, my lord?" Mistress Leems signaled a servant to fill his goblet.
He gave her a grateful smile.
"I have begun to think," Lord Windham said to the queen, "that the Scotswoman would indeed be a prize for a titled Englishman. She is easy to look at. She is quite charming. And she can manage a household."
He stared pointedly at Brenna, and she felt the heat rise to her cheeks. Her eyes darkened with anger. The man was studying her, speaking about her, as if she were a prize sow.
"Have you forgotten her temper, Windham?" The queen leaned back, enjoying herself.
"Nay, Majesty. But I have found that a woman can be controlled much the same as a spirited mare--a firm hand, a tight rein, and," he added with a cruel smile, "a whip, when all else fails."
Glancing at him, Brenna felt an icy chill at the smile that split his lips. In his eyes there was neither warmth nor humor. She had no doubt that the man was a tyrant who would derive pleasure from inflicting pain.
Morgan's hand curled into a fist at his side. A whip, indeed! He had spotted the fear in Brenna's eyes before she blinked it away. He had an almost overpowering urge to go to her and offer his strength and comfort. Though he would derive more pleasure at the moment if he could hold a whip over Windham's head until he begged for mercy.
Richard glanced from his brother to the woman who held his gaze.
Clearing his throat he said, "I pray the tea and cakes have soothed you after your journey, Majesty. Mistress Leems has planned a special dinner. But first, I am certain you will wish to rest."
"Aye. In a moment." Elizabeth pursed her lips in thought, then said, "I have been informed that a legion of Highland warriors is seeking an audience with me in London."
Brenna's heart soared. Megan had reached the Highlands. Brice would take her from this place.
Elizabeth went on, "It seems that they seek to deliver a petition from my cousin, Mary of Scotland, on behalf of Brice Campbell, to free his wife's sister."
Everyone in the room glanced at Brenna, whose eyes were touched with sudden light.
"I sent word with a messenger that I am unable to meet with them at this time. I urged them to return to Scotland secure in the knowledge that the woman they seek is in good hands." The queen stood, and the others followed suit.
"I would sleep an hour or two before we sup."
Morgan filled the awkward silence.
"Then I bid you good rest, Majesty."
Richard kissed her hand and Morgan did the same. When the queen and her company left the room, Brenna fled to the privacy of her chambers.
But while the others slept, she paced the floor, struggling to calm the storm that raged within. She had allowed herself to be lulled by this peaceful retreat. But she was not safe anywhere in England. The queen had no intention of freeing her. And her last hope, her countrymen, had abandoned her.
At any moment, Brenna knew, the queen could decide her fate. A fate that could make her the wife of any Englishman who asked for her. Even a madman.
Lord Windham's words had struck terror in her heart.
"I tell you he intends to ask for the Lady Brenna." Richard's words were an urgent whisper.
"What would you have me do?" Morgan stood by the window, staring bleakly at the sky.
"God in heaven, man. I have seen the way you look at her. You are not immune to her charms."
Morgan turned.
"I cannot marry her."
Richard's hands balled into fists.
"If I had legs to carry me, I would wrestle you to the floor and fight you like I did when we were lads until you came to your senses."
"It would do you no more good now than it did then."
"Aye. You were always the most stubborn, obstinate lout in all of England."
Usually such words would bring a wry smile to Morgan's lips. But his mood was so foul, not even a hint of laughter touched his eyes.
Richard watched as Morgan squared his shoulders and began to walk toward the door.
In his fury Richard grabbed a crystal goblet from the table beside him and hurled it. It shattered against the wall just above Morgan's shoulder, spraying him with shards of broken glass.
"Of the two of us, you are the cripple," Richard shouted.
"Even after all these years you have never allowed yourself to heal."
Without emotion, Morgan brushed the glass from his tunic and opened the door. When it closed behind him, Richard looked at it for long, silent minutes before turning to stare broodingly into the fire.
Dinner was to be a formal affair. All the guests were assembled when a servant announced the arrival of the queen. When the doors were opened, Elizabeth stood beside Morgan. She was arrayed in a scarlet gown; he in a scarlet tunic. Both of them looked very grave, their heads bent in intimate conversation. Everyone curtsied. Elizabeth acknowledged their greeting, then accepted a goblet from one of the serving wenches.
"Dinner is served," Mistress Leems intoned.
"I am ravenous," the queen said.
"After your excellent confections earlier, Mistress Leems, I am anxious to see what other surprises you have for me."
"The Lady Brenna has been most helpful in choosing the menu, Majesty."