He meant it to distract her from her nervousness, to put her at her ease so that the hall full of people would not see a shrinking bride shying away from a villainous lord. But he was glad he asked it, surprised again to discover the depth of his desire to simply know more of her. So strange had been her upbringing. He drank wine as she told him, quite simply, that it had pleased her to learn. She spoke of her Master Edmund, whom she loved well and who appealed to Lady Eluned to allow her to devote time to the study.

“My mother did not like it.” She gave a little shrug. “But I would not learn to cause a wound without I learn to heal it also.”

It took no more than a swift beckoning glance, to bring Hugh Wisbech to his side.

“Lady Morency will see the gardens tomorrow, where are grown such herbs as are used for healing.”

“As my lady wishes and my lord commands, I will take her to the place set aside many years hence for the purpose. But I must beg my lady’s forgiveness that all is now little more than weeds overgrown, though the herb-house still stands.”

“Already you save us from neglect and disrepair, Lady Morency.” He offered her the cup of wine.

Hugh immediately took this as an invitation to discuss at length the many less tended corners of Morency. Somewhere in an exchange about the merits and disadvantages of erecting a dovecote, Ranulf saw her hands were steady again, her shoulders relaxed.

The dovecote, the garden of herbs, and he thought now of how the knights’ quarters must be improved and the palisade inspected. With so many hands, much could be done quickly.

He looked out across the hall and at his knights. Long ago had they sworn him fealty, but never had he thought more for them than he had thought for himself: duty, the sword, and the king’s next command. Now he saw them at table, laughing and drinking and admiring every wench near.

Loyalty and love. He had come to trust in their loyalty. But he did not know them, or love them.

He shifted his gaze and caught sight of her Madog, who watched her as she silently cut bits of baked apple. Even now, her cousin watched her in case she should need him, ever vigilant lest there be danger that might harm her.

“Do you command your cousin watch over you, lady?” he asked mildly.

She looked at him, startled. He nodded to where Madog stood surveying the hall with frequent glances to the high table where they sat. Her features changed, melting into a warm affection when she looked at Madog.

“Nay, is no commandment of mine.” A faint ghost of a fond smile lingered on her full lips. “He is wary of uncertain times and strange places. Ever is he ready to defend me.”