Magic powder for sleeping? Something about that struck him, although Alex couldn’t put his finger on why.

He paused in his effort to put his clothes back on and get the bed linen back in some semblance of order.

There was a long pause before Joan responded. “I’m afraid it’s all gone. You had the last of it.”

“Can’t you fetch some more?”

“Nay. I brought it with me from Carlisle.”

“Well then, what am I supposed to do?”

Alex shook his head. Alice acted as if it were Joan’s fault. He didn’t know how Joan put up with it.

She wouldn’t have to for much longer, he swore. He had even more cause to want to see this blasted war at an end.

“You could try a tincture of all-heal,” Joan offered, referring to the herb commonly used to treat sleeplessness—valerian. It was used for many illnesses, including digestive complaints and nausea.

“He doesn’t like that. He says it makes his stomach hurt.”

It also sometimes had that effect.

“Perhaps just a posset of warm milk and ale, then?” Joan suggested patiently.

Alice made some exaggerated sound of exasperation. “Oh very well. But Henry won’t be pleased. He was looking forward to your powder. I’ve never fallen asleep so quickly and slept so soundly.”

Alice left soon afterward, and Alex reluctantly took his leave shortly thereafter. But something about that powder bothered him for the rest of the night.

Chapter 19

19

JOAN FINISHED HER yawn with a deep sigh. She was exhausted, but happily so. She couldn’t recall ever being this happy.

“There you go again,” Margaret said. “You have that look of that big barn cat we used to have after he caught a mouse.” She gave her a pointed look in the direction of Joan’s hand. “Does it have something to do with that ring on your finger? I don’t recall seeing it last night before you went to bed.”

“Hmmm . . .” Joan murmured noncommittally. “Don’t you?”

Margaret shook her head and laughed. “I won’t ask, although I am interested in how he managed to get that to you before you left your room for morning prayers.”

“It’s a mystery indeed,” Joan said with exaggerated piousness—which was fitting, as the two women were walking from the chapel to the Hall to break their fast.

Her cousin wasn’t believing any of it and just laughed. But after a moment she sobered and said in a low voice, “You will be careful, won’t you, Joan? I don’t want to see you get hurt, and Sir Alex isn’t the kind of man not to take notice of things.”