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the bottom of the steps. Tall and well-proportioned, the man had an air of
     belonging about him that immediately annoyed Amaury. This was to be his castle, after all.
     No one but he should be so comfortable here.
    You are? Amaury drew the words out dangerously.
    Lord Rolfe Ken wick. He gave a slight nod. Lady Emmas cousin. And soon to be your
     cousin-in-law. He grinned slightly as he added that last sentence, knowing instinctively
     that while de Aneford hadnt refused, he most likely wasnt comfortable being ordered to
     marry.
    I have had a long trip, Amaury said now. I wish refreshment.
    Plenty of time for that, Rolfe said cheerfully. The servants are busily preparing a repast
     even as we speak. However, at the moment, the bishop and my cousin are waiting patiently
     at the church. You took longer than expected.
    Amaury shifted guiltily at those words, aware he had dallied as much as possible. That
     guilt was the only reason he allowed Rolfe to urge him back down the stairs. I came soon
     as I got the order, Amaury
    muttered, glaring at Blake as if daring him to refute his words.
    Coughing into his hand to hide his amusement, his friend remained silent and fell into
     step on Amaurys other side as they crossed the bailey. The hundred or so men who had
     accompanied them, soldiers who had followed him into battle on countless occasions and had
     elected to remain with him on hearing that he was to have his own manor, fell into line
     behind them.
    Tis sure I am you did. Quite sure, Rolfe commented dryly, patting him once more on the
     back. I, of course, reassured my cousin of this. Several times this afternoon as we
     waited, he added a bit archly, then paused and turned to face Amaury as they reached the
     crowd of black-bedecked servants crowded around the church. Treat her well, or I shall be
     forced to kill you.
    His tone was so cheerful as he added that last thought that Amaury was left gaping after
     him as he moved through the people who even now were parting to allow them a path to the
     church.
    I believe you have been warned, Blake commented dryly as he watched the other man join the
     bishop and the woman at the door of the church, then his eyebrows rose. Good God, she
     looks all fit for a funeral.
    Amaury peered at the woman in question, and his jaw dropped once more.
    Well, at least she is not large... or rake-thin, for that matter. She appears quite
     voluptuous, in fact, Blake commented, looking again at the petite, rounded woman, then
     grimacing at the black gown and veil she wore. However, it does appear I was wrong about
     her being eager. Think you she actually loved Fulk? He glanced at his friend. I suggest
     you close your mouth, my friend. I fear you are in danger of swallowing a fly.
    Amaurys mouth snapped shut and he uttered between clenched teeth, What is this? A joke?
     Black to our wedding? Waiting at the church? Have I lost my
    My lord, the bishop called impatiently from the front of the church, frowning in
     disapproval. Do not tarry.
    The woman, who had stood with her back to them up until then, turned now to peer curiously
     at them, giving them a fleeting glimpse of her black veil before she turned swiftly away.
    She must be truly ugly, Amaury. Mayhap that is why the rush to wed you. This way youll not
     get the chance to see her face before you are wed.
    Amaury swallowed grimly and considered simply mounting his horse and riding away, then
     stiffened his shoulders. Get a hold of yourself, man, he ordered himself grimly. Think of
     the manor. Sighing, he straightened and moved through the crowd, feeling like a man on his
     way to the gallows.
    Emma forced herself not to turn again. She had spied several strangers standing at the
     edge of the crowd. They had stood out next to her own people, who were in their solid
     black garb. Her husband could have been any one of them, but judging by their stance and
     carriage, she knew that he was one of the two