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was summoned once again, to Lady Margaret’s solar and there she offered Stacey the garments. Stacey looked at the dresses and held them up to herself. “These are lovely dresses and you’re very generous to offer them to me. I assure you, I’m not unappreciative, but these garments will not fit me. These dresses are made for a short large bosom woman. As you can see I’m tall and slender.” 
    “Yes I know,” Lady Margaret said. “Mayhap we can alter them.” 
    “Whose garments are these?”  Stacey asked.
    “They belonged to Eric’s dead wife,” Lady Margaret said.
    Stacey dropped the bliaut and said, “Oh god, I didn’t know he’d ever been married.  How did she die?” 
    “We think she was poisoned.” 
    “How and why?  Who would do such a thing?” Stacey asked. 
    “We be not sure,” Lady Margaret said. “She was carrying Eric’s child and was five months along.” 
    “I’m so sorry,” Stacey said. “To lose a child and a wife at the same time; no wonder he’s like he is. When did she die?” 
    “Ten years ago,” Lady Margaret said. “Her name was Frances. She was the youngest daughter of Lord Thomas and his dead wife.”
    Stacey was sorry for him, but that didn’t make up for his rude behavior toward her. However, the garments were beautiful. They were made of brocades, Brussels lace, linens from Rheims and silks from the Middle East. Stacey didn’t know how to sew to make them over, but she knew someone who could.
    Stacey was so angry with Eric that she did not go to the hall for breakfast, lunch or supper. She spent her time exploring the corridors and rooms of this large and ancient place. Many times, she feared she might loose her way in the maze of halls of the castle. In her exploring, Stacey found Molly, the Seamstress.  She was very pleased with her good luck, as she had made up her mind; she would not go back to the hall until she could look decent in Lady Margaret’s eyes. Alice gave sustenance from the kitchen for her and Rolf who was not seen either. Eric had no doubts about where he was, or with whom.
    The Earl was informed about how the young miss had helped his destrier by removing the thorn from his leg. He was told also about how James, the young squire almost chocked to death.  Eric knew he should thank her, but she had a way of infuriating him. Eric gave orders that Stacey was to no longer be fed from the kitchen. If she was hungry, she was to eat from the table in the hall, like everyone else. However, this acrimonious order still did not bring her to the table. Stacey was angry more with herself than with Eric. He had brought out some kind of sick enjoyment in her by fighting with him.
    Stacey knew, she wasn’t allowed on the practice field, but she still liked to watch. For a while, she had been watching two knights practicing the joust. Stacey recognized the big gray, so she assumed one of the knights was black beard. When he dismounted, he pulled off his jerkin and shirt. That caught her attention and she set up and took notice how his muscles flexed and bulged while sparring with a broad sword. He has a nice body, she said to herself. Muscular and lithe, he stands about six foot three, I guess, he weighs about one-hundred and ninety pounds, or so, has black hair and brown eyes. He might be handsome without that beard. Mayhap he’s younger than he looks. Geese, I’ve gotta get out of here, I’m starting to talk like them.
    That afternoon when Stacey and Scooby came inside, she was informed, that his lordship would see her in the parlor. Stacey took a deep breathe and said, “Good gracious Alfred, do I have to go in there?” Alfred smiled and said, “Yes miss, ye must; his lordship is waiting.”
    Stacey knocked at the parlor door.  She heard what sounded like a grunt, so she opened the door and went in.  The earl was standing by the windows.  His hair was still wet from his bath and he smelled like spice. He was dressed in chausses, a white