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pitcher of wine and three
     glasses sat. A drink, Bishop?
    The holy man started to purse his lips in disapproval, then changed his mind. Aye, he said
     heavily, moving to join him. It may be just the thing.

The Deed

Chapter Two
    My God! Amaury glared resentfully at the armed men surrounding his own as Castle Eberhart
     came into view. See you the gall of the woman?
    Blake hid a smile and shrugged. Twould seem your bride would have you safely delivered.
    Safely delivered? Grimacing, he shook his head. She sends her men out to fetch me as if I
     am a stray cow.
    Surely she would not send so many for a cow? Amaury glared at his laughing friend. Blake
     shrugged. Well, I have said it afore and If you say once more that I should refuse to
     marry her, I will strike you down right here. You may try, Blake allowed with a small
     smile.
    Grunting, Amaury decided to ignore him. It was obvious that Blake had no concept of the
     situation. How could he? He was not a bastard son with no hope of coming into holdings by
     natural progression. He had a legitimate father who would pass the reins of his estate on
     at his death. He did not truly know how hard Amaury had worked all these years to gain a
     place in the world. Marrying Lady Eberhart would give him everything he had ever dreamed
     and striven for. A home to call his own. The very idea was like balm to his hungry soul.
    It was just a shame his soon-to-be-wife was a hag, he thought with a sigh. But then,
     perhaps he would get lucky and she would be too busy running after their children to pay
     him any mind.
    That being the case, he would see to it that she was pregnant as quickly as possible. If
     he could bear the chore, he thought grimly. Then his gaze slid over the outer wall of the
     castle and he sighed.
    It was the most beautiful castle it had ever been his pleasure to look upon. It was his.
     His! The thought made him straighten in the saddle. His.
    Damn! He could lie with Medusa herself to make this his own. Amaury filled with
     determination as they rode into the bailey and his eyes slid across the towers, barns, and
     people hurrying this way and that. His people. His ...
    A frown plucked at his mouth as he took a second look at those people. Then he turned to
     peer at the men escorting them.
    He had not noticed before, but the men Lady Emma had sent to fetch him were all garbed in
     black. Amaury had been so angry at the action, he had not taken note of their garb. Now,
     however, he was hard put not to notice. It looked as if every single person within the
     walls was dressed in black, and he frowned at the oddity of it.
    He had heard of castles where the people wore their colors, but usually it was reserved
     for only personal servants in the castle and men-at-arms. Here, everyone seemed to wear
     black. Even the very littlest babies wore their color as they played about the bailey. If
     they were their color. He hoped this wasnt a portent of things to come.
    A glance at Blake showed that he too had noticed the odd dress. He was frowning as he took
     it all in. Still being peeved at him, Amaury merely shrugged and dismounted when his
     friend finally turned to him questioningly.
    Sebert! A plain-faced maid rushed down the stairs as they started up them. Yer to escort
     his Lordship to the church. The bishop, her lady, and Lord Rolfe are waiting there.
    Gods teeth, Amaury muttered under his breath to his friend, forgetting his determination
     not to speak to him. They be waiting at the church.
    Twould seem the bride is eager, Blake said drolly as Sebert turned to them.
    Ignoring him, Amaury continued up the stairs, announcing, I shall have refreshment first.
    The little serving wench immediately threw herself at the door, barring his way. Nay! Her
     ladyship said ye were to
    I am the lord here now, Amaury began coldly.
    Not yet.
    Turning slowly at those grim words, Amaury stared at the man pushing his way through the
     group of men at