Highland Heather - Highland Heather Part 53
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Highland Heather Part 53

Elizabeth shot a glance at the young woman who stood beside Madeline.

"Then we shall all have a chance to judge your skill in the kitchen, Brenna.

Out of the corner of her eye, Brenna saw Lord Windham cross the room toward her. Just then Cordell offered her his arm.

"May I accompany you in to sup, my lady?"

"Thank you." She placed her hand on the young Frenchman's arm and together they swept past Windham, who stood scowling after them.

Quickly recovering, he offered his arm to Madeline, who cheerfully accepted. The others fell into line behind them. A servant pushed Richard's chair. Seeing him, Adrianna slowed her steps until she was moving along beside him.

Richard glanced at the lovely young French woman, then away. It galled him that he could not stride gallantly along beside her. Each time he thought he had made his peace with his infirmity, something came along to challenge him. Something or--someone.

"You have a most lovely home, my lord," Adrianna said softly.

He loved the accent that softened all her words.

"Thank you. In truth, it is my brother's, since Morgan is the eldest."

"But you live here."

"Aye. I find life in London too fast for my taste."

"I have visited my sister in London."

"Do you like it?"

She shrugged.

"It is like Paris. As you said, very fast. But here..."

She glanced around as they entered the large, airy refectory.

"Here there is time to think, to feel, to breathe."

"Aye. To breathe. The air is sweeter here than anywhere on earth."

She smiled shyly.

"I noticed. From my chambers I can smell the roses from the garden.

They are so lovely."

"Do you like roses?"

"Oui. They are my favorite, I think."

His smile grew.

"Then I shall have to show you my mother's rose garden."

"I would like that."

"Tomorrow," he whispered as they took their places at table.

"After we break our fast."

She nodded, then looked up as Morgan offered a toast to the queen.

Beside her, Richard found himself almost trembling with anticipation.

He felt as he had when he was a young apprentice, about to enter his first joust.

"A finer meal I have never eaten, Mistress Leems." The queen sat back, content, replete. She was a woman accustomed to the best. But this time, Morgan's housekeeper had outdone herself.

"I took the liberty," the queen said to Morgan, "of inviting my musicians to accompany me."

"You are too kind."

"If I need not be at court, I intend to enjoy myself. I wish to dance, to laugh, to forget the troubles of the Crown for a little while."

"Then we shall dance, Majesty."

Morgan offered his arm and the queen stood. Around the table the others stood and followed Elizabeth and her escort to the great room, where the musicians were assembled.

At the queen's signal, they began to play. The men and women who had accompanied the queen from Richmond Palace took up their positions for the dance.

Brenna stood to one side and drank in the view. With their long, stiff skirts billowing around their feet, the women in their colorful gowns seemed to float across the floor in the arms of their partners.

The queen accepted Morgan's outstretched hand. Madeline's husband kissed her fondly before offering her his arm. Cordell bowed before his sister and was surprised when she demurred.

"You will not dance?"

"Not now," she said softly.

"I would prefer to stay here and watch."

She took a seat beside Richard, all the while keeping her shy gaze averted.

Richard's smile grew until it was dazzling.

Cordell approached Brenna.

"Will you dance, my lady?"

She hesitated for only a moment before placing her hand in his. With a laugh he twirled her around. And then they were caught up in Ue crush of laughing, dancing couples.

When the dance ended, Cordell returned Brenna to the side of the room, where servants had set up tables and chairs.