Some trick made the lady’s words come to Gwenllian as clear as if they’d been spoken directly into her ear, though she and her companion sat at a distance that should require shouting. The music went on, but she could see now that the bard had been directed to stand a little away from the gossiping ladies in the pavilion. Instead, he diverted the maids waiting in attendance, who would no doubt be more than happy to hear the whispers that drifted so easily to where Gwenllian sat.

“Know you why Morency is come at last?” whispered the other woman. She was dressed in red and blue, colors so vibrant in the summer sun that Gwenllian could only stare and stare at the dress, feeling the color burn her eyes.

“Far more the wonder of where he has been, and more why he did not come at once when Edward asked him.” It was a light exclamation, but there was no mistaking the darker tones of import in their voices. “I am told those two have been like brothers since Acre, and ever has Morency come when Edward calls.”

“Until now,” observed the woman in red and blue. Then she leaned forward to retrieve her needlework, and her next words were lost. Gwenllian remained still, hoping that whatever luck that brought the words so clearly would hold. It seemed to depend on the speakers remaining in their spot, and so she sat rigid in her own position on the bench and waited in hopes of hearing more.

In a moment, their words came clear again. “...so fierce, but if he fears to come when Edward demands it, haps even the old rumors are true.”

The first woman was older, and spoke now with an air of authority. “Is a fact he killed old Morency, not rumor. I have seen his wicked smile when he is accused of it, like it is the fondest memory.”

“In truth, that I never doubted,” said the other woman. She leaned closer, with an air of scandalous delight. “Is the rumors of the women I mean. What if those be true?”

“Oh, you are bloodthirsty. He would have been a babe when the first died, but I grant is possible the other wives died by his design, if not by his hand.”