Somehow they managed light conversation as he led her through a door and out into the grounds. It was a small path, and she dimly recognized that he was steering them away from the press of court. He spoke of the fine weather and she spoke of her lack of skill in hawking and together they wondered, without any urgency, when they might join a party and he might teach her more of the sport. It could not be more clear that he did not want to teach her, and that she did not care to learn.

Finally they were at the hawk house, and Morency was bidding a servant there to bring them to see a certain tiercel. It was far, far in the back corner, and when they reached it, the servant nodded and left.

She stared at the bird, idly musing on its worth, as the sound of footsteps faded and the silence stretched between them. When he said nothing, she turned to look at him. He seemed to wait for her to speak, but she could think of nothing to say. He shrugged slightly, an unusual air of apology about him, and nodded to where the servant had exited.

“He joined Edward on crusade, Hubert, and I spoke for him when he wanted to work for the care and keeping of the royal mews. He is indebted to me. He will see that none will hear what we say here.”

All by his design, this corner of privacy in a place notorious for its abundance of eyes and ears. There was nothing arrogant about him now, or angry or lustful or sneering. He spoke with a gravity she could not quite believe, so unfamiliar it was in him. “Where do your men lodge? You must send word to them quickly, that you remain here at the request of the queen, but I pray you show caution in your message. They will wonder why you have no maids to attend you.”

In fact, she had hired a local girl last night, for the sake of appearance only. It was too strange that a daughter of Ruardean would come without several attendants, yet she had thought her escort of armed guards and one lone maid would answer the demands of propriety. But it would not do to have the girl stay with her here, lest the other servants should question her and wonder.

“We shall say I had a maid from home who grew sick when we were but a day’s ride from Windsor.” He nodded readily, and her suspicion grew. Who was this man, who urged her to caution and would lie to help her? “Davydd awaits at the postern for my word, but I would lodge where my men are.” She could not imagine staying here among these ladies, but he shook his head as though staying elsewhere were unthinkable.