Chapter 6 #4
At this time of night? But Renald de Lisle, though a good lord, was not the type one argued with.
Nils unrolled what was clearly a scrap from the edge of a skin.
The writing was fine, however, worthy of the best documents.
“To Felice of Summerbourne from her affectionate niece, Claire.” Nils looks up in surprise, both that the lady could write so well, and that he was being asked to read a private document.
“Go on.”
Nils shrugged. The lady was soon to be his lord’s wife. “My dear Felice, I write to you about Lord Renald de Lisle, and his request to marry one of the maidens of Summerbourne …”
Nils read through what was clearly a review of a discussion held earlier. It placed great emphasis on the fact that the unwanted husband would mostly be absent.
“Like a wild animal,” Lord Renald commented, “best viewed from a distance.” Nils had to suppress a smile, for it sounded exactly like that.
“Does she have anything more positive to say?”
“Oh, yes, my lord. She writes, I do not think his wife will find him intolerable in the times when he is at Summerbourne. He has not shouted, or bellowed, and has not yet struck anyone. He has not broken anything through clumsiness or rage, and he eats neatly and with clean hands.”
As he read, Nils flickered glances at Lord Renald, wondering just what he was making of this. Not many men get to read such a frank analysis of their virtues and flaws.
Renald just said, “Is that the best she can do?”
“Er … no, my lord. In those brief moments in his camp, Felice, and all being cloaked, you may not have seen that Lord Renald is a handsome man—”
“Ah.”
Nils looked over and completed the sentence. “of the heavy sort.”
After a moment, Lord Renald said, “She should meet Luc le Gros.”
Nils laughed at that, but he carried on, keen to read more of this extraordinary document.
“He seems in excellent health and still has all his teeth, at least at the front. His skin suggests a healthy man, and is free of scar or blemish. There is no foul smell to him that would indicate internal problems or a lack of cleanliness …”
He couldn’t resist looking up to check the reaction.
“A positive hymn of praise.”
As often was the case, Nils couldn’t tell if Lord Renald was amused or not.
He himself was close to losing control of his voice.
“… though he does smell rather strongly of horse, leather, and such. It is only to be expected of a man of his sort, and I’m sure he can be encouraged to strip before intimacy, if that be your will. ”
“The Lady Claire is clearly an excellent judge of character.”
Nils gave in to laughter, dabbing at his eyes with his sleeve.
“Is there more?” Renald asked.
“Oh, yes, my lord.”
“In a similar vein?”
“I suppose …” Nils ran his eye ahead a bit, then looked up, rather alarmed.
“Go on.”
Nils did begin to feel guilty at reading this, which the lady clearly would not ever want Lord Renald to hear.
“What is more, Felice, I feel sure that Lord Renald would be a lusty and satisfying lover. From the way he eyes the pretty maids, he is clearly interested in such matters. From the fact that he does not bother them, I judge him to use restraint and courtesy in his loving, which must surely make for a good bed partner. And though he is a big man, I’m sure his personal endowments must be …
”—Nils thought about changing it, but couldn’t see how—”modest … ”
“Modest? As in shrinking violet?”
“And I think he would be able to use his … She’s scribbled over and scratched out here, my lord. I’m not sure what she means.”
“I am, but I’m very curious as to what she actually wrote.”
Nils put the parchment closer to the candle and squinted. “Ah … able to use his genitalia—”
Lord Renald was shaking his head, but his lips were definitely unsteady.
“—with consideration,” Nils continued, “out of …”
“Yes?”
Nils looked at him. “Out of long practice.”
“Well, that’s one thing right. Is that it?”
Nils was a little surprised. Lord Renald hadn’t shown much interest in women in the few days he’d known him. He hadn’t talked about them, or told a dirty joke. But then, circumstances hadn’t been favorable.
“Just the ending, my lord. So I ask if you wish to reconsider. If you decide that you want to be the bride, Lord Renald will arrange for you to come into Summerbourne and for me to join Amice in the camp. As oldest you have first right to take him as husband, and I would not deprive you of that, him being so close to your ideal man.”
Lord Renald nodded. “Clever girl. She is clever, Nils, even if remarkably stupid about some things.”
Having been given a glimpse into her secrets, Nils felt rather protective of poor Lady Claire. “She’s young, my lord.”
“Little younger than you.”
“But I’m not being forced to marry a stranger.”
The dark brows rose. “The mere thought of you in such a situation could tangle my mind.” Renald rose to pace the small room. “I wonder if that letter will sway the aunt.”
There was a question in it, and Nils couldn’t resist saying, “I thought I wasn’t your adviser.”
“Don’t be impudent.”
The tone carried no threat, however, and Nils laughed. “There’s no way to say, my lord. You do not plan to send the letter?”
“I keep my word. But I don’t want the Lady Felice tempted, even for a moment.” He stood in thought for a moment, then nodded. “The delicious Lady Claire, however, has just told me how to make sure her aunt doesn’t change her mind.”