“Good answer,” she said, snuggling into the pillows and handing her cup to him. She called to Isabelle, who remained at the end of the bed. “Isabelle, fetch some parchment, the thickest you can find, and shears too. Then change back into your nightgown and come to bed.”

Isabelle climbed onto the bed and kissed Gwen’s cheek. She had tears in her eyes, for she obviously knew something terrible had occurred. “I love you, Gwen.”

“I love you too. Now do my bidding,” she teased, mimicking her husband’s brogue again.

Greylen sat next to Gwen, adjusting her so she lay in the crook of his arm. He kept whispering he loved her as he passed papers to Gavin, who shared their written words with the men by the fire. Taking their orders, the men began leaving in groups of two, then they’d return before another two would go. Yet he and Gavin made no attempt to leave. And they’d go nowhere, not until they were sure Gwen was, in fact, making a swift recovery, as the case seemed to be.

Isabelle returned with the items Gwen had requested. She sat on the bed between her and Gavin, listening as Gwen explained what she wanted her to do. “But, Gwendolyn, we have cards already.”

“I know, but those decks have fifty-six cards and I want these with fifty-two.”

Isabelle made three decks of cards as Gwen requested. Then his sister read while Gwen napped, sitting very close to Gavin. Close enough to brush her leg against his. Gavin seemed to pretend not to notice, but when she stopped, Greylen watched as Gavin’s leg brushed hers.

Gwen felt better by early evening and was allowed to use the garderobe by herself. Greylen still insisted on carrying her and waited just outside the door as his mother and Anna saw to her personal care.

They dined in their chamber that evening, and she had him “turn on some music.” She had what she called “an extensive collection” that she’d “downloaded over the years.” According to his wife, he and his men liked the “acoustical sounds and lyrics of alternative rock.”

Greylen sat on the bed, alone with his wife. He had her wrapped in his arms, his lips against her forehead as they listened to a song she’d played for him before. “’Tis the music I hear when I watch you in the courtyard,” he whispered, squeezing her as she nestled against him.

Later, Gwen taught everyone how to play her favorite card games. Greylen and his men were truly grateful for the new games. Within minutes, as was their want, they became fiercely competitive. “Gwendolyn, we’ve need of coin.”

“Okay, poker it is.” She laughed, patting the bed. “Come on, I’ll teach all of you this game. It’s what men gamble over most.”