Page 6

Out in the courtyard, Lord Garrick called a boy to bring their horses.

As they waited, Melissa had the oddest feeling that someone watched her.

Shielding her eyes from the sun with a gloved hand, she spotted a bird soaring above the nearest turret.

Again, the same disquiet settled in her heart as she gazed up at the beautiful creature now preening its feathers as it watched her.

“Is that a falcon?” The duke led his horse on foot, a striking white palfrey. “Quite a nice specimen. Looks to be a peregrine.”

“It is indeed. Do you think it has escaped the royal mews?” Lady Agnes asked, joining the onlookers. “Should we tell someone?”

“I will take care of it,” Lord Roker replied as he mounted his horse. He bent toward Melissa, holding out his hand. “Until I see you again, my lady?”

She blushed, offering hers to him. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a flurry of wings and a loud caaa! As Lord Roker pressed his lips to her fingers, the falcon swooped and just scraped the back of the duke’s mantle, pulling some of his blonde hair free.

“By Christ, what—”

“Oh my, did it hurt you?” Melissa pressed her lips together to keep from smiling.

“Yea. What the devil possessed that bird?” He rubbed the scratch at the back of his neck, searching for the winged creature, but it had disappeared.

“It could have been the sun reflecting off your silver clasp. Mayhap he wanted a bauble of his own?” She gave him her most charming smile and saw the irritation fade from his face.

“Lord Roker, so good to see you still here.” Her father approached with his horse, a boy leading Thunder and her mother’s smaller mare. “Why don’t we ride together as far as our accommodations? We have not discussed where to meet up tomorrow.”

Melissa tried unsuccessfully to hide her pleasure at the suggestion. She did not want to seem too eager, too young or inexperienced, but the thought of another half hour with her betrothed pleased her greatly.

“I would be happy to, my lord,” he agreed. “Where are you staying?”

“The Priory of St. John of Jerusalem. Quite nice. Owned by a branch of the Knights Hospitallers.” Lord Garrick tossed the reins over the dapple-grey mare and turned to assist his wife. “They brew some fine ale, I must say.”

“Indeed? I shall have to stop in and try some while we are in residence.” Dismounting, he held out his hands for Thunder’s reins. “My lady, may I help you up?”

He held the horse while she climbed the steps of the mounting block.

Swinging her leg over the saddle, she settled onto the cushion and arranged her skirts.

As her foot fumbled for the stirrup, she felt the warmth of his hand upon her ankle as he gently guided her toe onto the bar.

No man had ever touched her in such an intimate way.

Heat flooded her face, and she looked away, remembering her dream from the previous night.

The noise of London, always loud and hectic, reverberated off the buildings that lined the narrow streets.

The design of the city was a confusing maze of twisting lanes and structures that sat almost on top of one another.

The half-timbered houses and whitewashed businesses of wattle and daub leaned this way or that, some so close together the neighbors could have shaken hands through their windows.

And the smell! Melissa was accustomed to the foulness of their moat, but it did not compare to the stink of so many bodies, waste and rotting food in such close quarters.

The city walls were packed with visitors for the approaching coronation.

Hawkers sold their wares; families bartered for better prices or a good trade.

After her childhood in the country, Melissa found herself enjoying the pandemonium of the crowded streets.

She breathed through her mouth, ignored the odor, and took in all the activity.

“What do you think of London, Lady Melissa?”

She tore her gaze from a dirty woman shaking her finger at her young son, who tried to snatch a piece of bread from the loaf she held. The boy stuffed it into his mouth, a smirk on his smudged face, chewing with enthusiasm. A laugh escaped her throat as she turned to the duke.

“I fear I have yet to decide. My experiences of town life are limited to the small villages within my father’s properties. But I must say it is exhilarating.” She raised her voice to be heard over the din. “Yet I would not want to live here! Is this the business district?”

“We are presently on Threadneedle Street. It is the tailor district.” He inclined his head. “Bread Street is in that direction, and the scents are much more to my taste.”

Melissa giggled. “You have a sense of humor, Lord Roker.”

“Let us not be so formal. As my future bride, please call me Charles.” He hesitated and then asked, “And may I call you Melissa?”

Her eyes studied Thunder’s dark mane as she nodded her consent. “Of course… Charles.” She chanced a quick glance and saw his smile. “Do you come here often?”

“Nay, not in the past but that will change. I have plans to attend the King at court. If he so allows, of course.” He pulled up his reins and reached out a hand to pull her horse up sharply. A man dashed in front of them, barely escaping the horses’ hooves. Melissa bit back a gasp.

“I see. I understand you have a home here?” She wondered what it would be like to ride these streets every day. “Tell me it’s not this hectic all of the time.”

“We’re close enough to the castle that I am able to ride if I desire.

Many businesses are along the path. Tomorrow I shall escort you along a quiet, more appropriate route to the tower.

We could also go by barge down the river and avoid all of this.

” He nodded toward her parents who led the way.

“Your father takes the shortest course, but there are more scenic ways more suitable to a duchess.”

Her heart pounded at his words. When they reached the priory gates, Charles leaned over her hand and kissed it again. Her father sent both women upstairs to their rooms, while he stayed behind to make arrangements with the duke for the next day.

The next day the king would grant them permission to marry. Her mind wandered, and she faltered on the last step before the landing.

“Careful, my dear. We don’t want any twisted ankles now.”

“Nay, my lady mother. It has just been a long day, and my mind is elsewhere,” she murmured, reaching for the door. “It has all been so much to take in.”

Lady Agnes gave her a hug. “You handled yourself well today. I am very proud. You will make a fine duchess.”

The smile from her mother’s compliment faded as Melissa stepped into her room and a chill breeze swept over her.

The shutters stood open, and the branch where her falcon had perched swayed gently in the breeze.

Her fingers went to her lips without thought; the memory of Rolf’s touch rushed back, overpowering her high spirits. Please, please no dreams tonight.