Read Betrothal (Time Enough To Love) for Free Online

meals and at chapel. He has even agreed that if Princess Joanna can spare you one afternoon, I may take you riding.”
    “To what end, Sir Geoffrey?” She now suspected this scheme would not be to her liking. It put her too much in his company.
    “So that we may talk and pass time together as much as possible. Thus we will become very well acquainted, my lady.” His face exuded kindness, his voice gentleness and warmth. “I wager by the end of the fortnight, you will know me well enough to look forward to our nuptials as eagerly as I.”
    Alyse froze as though ice covered her. Whatever she had said to him last night, this was not the result she had expected. She tried to remember what she had asked of him, but the thought of the next fortnight spent constantly in his company confused her. A nagging, rational part of her mind insisted that what he proposed was sensible and would accomplish the task handily, but she did not want to do it. She had counted on that time to herself—her last days of freedom—before she had to spend the rest of her life with him.
    The dread must have shown on her face, for Geoffrey leaned forward and his eyes searched hers. “My lady, you grow pale. Have I distressed you yet again?”
    She looked at him but barely saw anything.
    Escape. She had to flee while she could.
    “My lord, I believe your plan has merit.” She rose, bringing him to his feet as well. “I fear, however, that our time this morning is at an end. I must go now to Mass in the chapel.” Sanctuary.
    “As must I, my lady,” he reminded her and offered his arm. “May I have the honor of escorting you there?”
    No escape .
    Alyse nodded, resigned, as he placed her hand atop his sleeve. Even this small amount of time alone would be denied her. With as good grace as she could muster, she allowed him to lead her from the Great Hall.
    * * * *
    Geoffrey knew he had displeased her once more and cursed inwardly. He was ruining this opportunity but could not fathom how to repair the damage. She walked beside him woodenly, her hand like a dry stick on his arm.
    I have faced enemy troops with less trepidation than this .
    As they wound their way toward the chapel, thoughts of battle strategies filled his head and he decided to seize the offensive tack. He doubted he could make things worse.
    “You have been at court but a short while, Lady Alyse? I did not meet you here last Christmas.” Not only a ploy to get her to talk, but to learn about her as well. If she would take the bait.
    “No, sir. We did not meet.” She looked up at him and some of the fear retreated from her face. “I arrived at Windsor but two months ago. Before that, I was in the household of Lord Penburthy, in service to his wife, Lady Elizabeth. I have lived in the north these past ten years.”
    He had not heard her speak so much at one time. Her low-pitched voice had a melodious quality—a pleasure to listen to. “Were you excited, then, to come to court?” Geoffrey experienced a giddy rush when he saw a tentative smile play about her lips.
    “Aye, my lord, I came here eagerly. ’Tis very grand, especially after Merwyck Castle, near the Scottish border. A place beautiful, but wild. The castle did not have as many comforts as I find here.”
    “What comforts?” He was fascinated by the way she blossomed before his eyes.
    “Oh, warmth for one. Being so far north, the castle stayed cold always, even in summer. There were four other girls who served Lady Elizabeth, and we slept all in one room. Very noisy at night. To share with only one person here is like heaven.”
    Geoffrey held his breath, for as soon as the words were out she colored prettily and darted a fearful glance at him. He had valiantly bitten back his amusement, yet still she noticed.
    A delicate black eyebrow lifted. “You have a comment, my lord?”
    Geoffrey laughed. As they arrived at the chapel, he took her hand, feeling that almost familiar rush of fire through his. “I would say,