Knave Of Hearts. Shari Anton

gave a woman he was wooing. Did Edwin know nothing about women? Maybe he knew something about one particular woman that Stephen didn’t.

      He would never have guessed Carolyn preferred to read a psalter for her leisure, yet Carolyn sat in the great hall reading instead of taking to her solar to choose which baubles to place in her new wooden chest.

      “The Swiss monastery at St. Gall is renowned for beautifully illustrated books,” Edwin commented.

      “Never been there,” Stephen admitted. “Mayhap one day I should visit.”

      “In need of a psalter, Stephen?”

      “Nay, but it would account a fine gift for my mother. She cherishes fine works of a religious nature.” He refrained from voicing his belief she cherished them overmuch.

      The tarts and ale arrived. Edwin assured William that Marian and girls were settled for the night. Stephen contemplated drawing Carolyn away for a private talk, then decided it too soon, for she hadn’t yet let go completely of her sulks. ’Twould also be too obvious a ploy for privacy to commit in front of Edwin.

      “You look tired, my lord,” Edwin commented to William.

      The old man waved the concern away. “I spend too much of my day abed as it is. Besides, Carolyn and I were discussing the improvements she wishes to make to Branwick.”

      Carolyn closed her psalter. “My suggestions are quite sound, Father. I believe you should approve every one.”

      “And again I ask, where would the coin come from to pay for all of these improvements?”

      “I know how you abhor moneylenders—”

      William huffed. “Thieves. Every one.”

      “—but many of the repairs must be made before winter. We can delay some until after we sell our stock of fleece. The price should rise soon and—”

      “If it does not, then with what will we repay the moneylenders?”

      Carolyn pursed her lips, and for a moment Stephen thought she would end her argument. He silently urged her on, cheering her persistence. How many times had he stood before Gerard, arguing a point, striving to make his brother see reason? At times, it worked. To his delight, Carolyn’s chin rose.

      “Father, I realize you find it hard to make decisions based on others’ observations and opinions. If you were able to take to horse and ride the estate, you would agree that all of the items on my list deserve immediate attention.”

      “Surely not all.”

      “Ivo agrees with me.”

      “My poor steward likely gave in to you to save his wits. But you are right, since I cannot see for myself I must depend upon the opinion of others. Edwin and I have discussed—”

      “Without telling me? You would heed Edwin’s opinion over mine?”

      William didn’t answer, simply stared hard at Carolyn. She noticeably reined in her temper. Stephen knew the feeling and was tempted to defend Carolyn. Truly, though, she didn’t yet need help, had held her own quite admirably.

      “I see,” she finally said, her voice calm now yet strained. “Am I to assume you have made a final decision then?”

      “Not as yet. I thought to seek yet one more person’s opinion.” William’s challenging gaze swung around. “What of you, young Stephen? Have you the knowledge of land use and husbandry to offer an opinion?”

      ’Twas a challenge, insultingly delivered. The old lord wanted to know how, as a husband to his daughter, Stephen would council Carolyn. ’Twas also clear William thought Stephen incapable of a knowledgeable opinion, just as he thought Carolyn’s knowledge faulty.

      Stephen knew perfectly well how to manage an estate, several of them in fact. All of his holdings were doing quite well, too.

      “On what matter would you like an opinion, William?”

      “What might be your view on moneylenders?”

      The answer placed Stephen squarely between Carolyn, who urged obtaining a loan, and William, who wanted nothing to do with those he considered thieves. No simple yea or nay would suffice if he wished to please both daughter and father.

      “I have not had occasion to use their services, however, I believe if the need for ready coin is urgent, a lender should be considered. I know two London Jews who my family has dealt with in times of dire need. Both are forthright in their bargaining and are content with a modest return on their loans.”

      William’s eyes narrowed. “So you would risk the loss of Branwick?”

      “Never. A lender should only be consulted if Bran-wick is already at risk from want of ready coin. Without knowing the particulars of the improvements Carolyn has suggested, nor having any notion of the health of your coffers, I would not presume to judge Branwick’s state of need.”

      Stephen thought he’d slipped from a dangerous situation neatly, until William continued.

      “As I was about to say before Carolyn’s outburst, Edwin and I discussed the replacement of the millstone. Apparently the stone is cracked so badly it cannot be trusted through harvest. ’Tis a heady expenditure, but must be done lest we be short of flour for winter. On the remaining items I am undecided.” William turned to Carolyn. “On the morn, give Edwin and Stephen copies of your list. Mayhap one or the other can find a way to give you all you wish at a price I am willing to pay.”

      In so few words, casually delivered, William had declared a contest. Stephen clearly understood that whichever suitor presented the best overall plan at the least cost would be highly favored as Carolyn’s next husband.

      Armand entered the bedchamber with a smug, satisfied look about him that even the dim candle glow didn’t diminish.

      Lounging on the bed, stripped down to sherte and breeches, Stephen didn’t have to ask where and with whom Armand had found amusement.

      “So how is the little maid?” Stephen asked.

      “Her name is Dena, and she is lovely.”

      At the hint of defensiveness, Stephen abandoned the urge to tease the squire further.

      William’s audacity yet rankled. ’Twasn’t fair to take his ire out on Armand. Though it annoyed him, he’d participate, if only because Edwin hadn’t protested the contest, thus making Stephen look peevish if he did.

      “Was Dena also informative?”

      “Somewhat.” Armand threw the bolt on the door and began to shrug out of his tunic. “The twins are not Carolyn’s half sisters, but her cousin’s daughters.”

      “So I learned for myself. I also learned that their mother is a widow. Did Dena say how Marian came to be at Branwick?”

      “Nay, but then I did not ask. Shall I?”

      Stephen thought to say yes, then changed his mind. The mystery was still there, but would keep for the nonce. More urgent matters pressed on his mind.

      “No need.”

      Armand shrugged a shoulder. “As you wish. Anyway, I did ask Dena about Edwin of Tinfield, thinking you would wish to know about your rival. On that score, she was most informative.” He tossed his tunic down onto his pallet at the foot of the bed, then lowered onto a stool to dispose of his boots. “Edwin’s prime holding is not far from here, so he has known William de Grasse and his family for a long time. Apparently Edwin lost his first wife about the time Carolyn lost her first husband. He applied to her father for a marriage bargain, but William had already pledged Carolyn to another.”

      “So now Edwin tries again.”

      “Only this time Carolyn pleaded with her father to let her choose her third husband, or at least have some say. William must have felt some pang of sympathy because he agreed. He has, however, allowed Edwin