Bone of Contention by Roberta Gellis Read Free Book Online Page B

rose almost to the bangs that crossed his forehead.
    “I know nothing about the lady beside her tenancy.” Bell’s voice became noticeably colder.
    Magdalene grinned behind her veil. She was momentarily tempted to intrude herself into the conversation, just to tease Bell and see his fair skin turn as red as Sir Ferrau’s cape, but she quelled the impulse. Sir Ferrau might take her boldness as an invitation. Then she would be in trouble because she would have to refuse him… She hesitated over that thought. Why would she have to refuse him? He was an appealing man. No, it was too dangerous to take any man she did not already know until she understood in what William was involved. Even as the thought formed, she knew she was lying to herself, but she did not wish to seek for her true reason, and she fixed her mind on the men’s conversation.
    Sir Ferrau had clicked his tongue in response to Bell’s repressive remark. “Sorry. Idle curiosity. My besetting sin. I hope you and the lady have lodgings in the town. Count Alain is well bestowed, so I am also well lodged, but the town is packed like a barrel of herrings.”
    “I am staying at Wytham Abbey with the dean,” Bell said. “Monseigneur”—he patted his horse—“needs the exercise, and I don’t mind the ride.”
    “It is no great way,” Ferrau agreed, but his voice was absent and he glanced back speculatively at Magdalene.
    She was again tempted to mischief, but modestly lowered her head. Then she was sorry about her deliberate act of propriety because Bell smiled. He did not smile at her—he was not a fool and doubtless guessed what her reaction to such a gesture of satisfaction would be. He was looking straight ahead, but there was something about the back of his neck and the tilt of his shoulders that betrayed his pleasure in her action. Likely he thought she did it for him. She sighed. Likely he was right.
    Meanwhile as Ormerod drew closer, Bell said eagerly, “I have just had a thought about how you could bring yourself to the king’s notice. Go to the castle and ask for Bruno of…of…yes, of Jernave. Tell him the problem. He is a Knight of the Body and may well know whether the king will be able to listen to your plea.”
    “A very sensible man, Sir Bruno,” Sir Ferrau put in. “He arranged Count Alain’s lodging. How do you know him?”
    “I usually attend Court when my bishop does,” Bell said. “I like Sir Bruno, who is a real favorite with the king but never puts on airs.” And, as if those last words reminded him, he added, “Forgive me, Lord Ormerod, I have been remiss. Let me introduce to you Sir Ferrau. Sir Ferrau is in service with Count Alain of Brittany who is also earl of Richmond.”
    The young lord nodded pleasantly and then an expression of deeper interest crossed his face. “Richmond is none so far from that contested farm. Is Count Alain in Richmond often? Could I present the case to him?”
    “He is most often with the king,” Ferrau said warily. “And not wont to interest himself in local problems. Perhaps you had better consult his bailiff.” He bowed slightly in the saddle and then said, “If you will excuse me, Sir Bellamy, Lord Ormerod, I see two of my master’s men over there.”
    Bell was surprised at the abrupt decision to leave, but said only, “If you do find time to visit Lord Sutton, remember me to him. We met once or twice when he visited Abingdon Abbey,and he even once came to watch me practice with one of his men, and praised my…ah…energy.”
    “Gladly.” Sir Ferrau smiled back over his shoulder. “I hope to get to Culham before the Council is over.”
    Bell was smiling when he turned back to Ormerod and was surprised again to find the young lord staring hard at him.
    “You know Lord Sutton of Culham?” he asked.
    “Well, not to say ‘know.’ Culham is not far from Abingdon Abbey where I was schooled, and Lord Sutton has several farms deeded to the abbey in his care. He pays his rent