“I thank you, my lord.” She curtsied, her face tingling. Frau Geruscha’s expression grew cold, almost angry.
Lord Rupert’s eyes stayed locked on Rose. “Will you do me the honor of being my partner for the next dance?” His teeth were straight and perfect, just like his brother’s, as he smiled at her. He leaned forward, as though hanging on her every word.
“Of course.”
Lord Rupert excused himself, saying he’d be back when the next song started.
O Lord, did he truly just ask me to dance? Let me not forget the steps of the dance, or trip, or step on his foot.
Rose could hardly believe the son of the duke and territorial prince had asked her to dance. Most people attending this dance would not even be seen speaking with someone like her.
She looked uncertainly at Frau Geruscha. “Did I do the right thing, agreeing to dance with him?”
“Yes, my dear.” The frosty look did not leave her mistress’s face, and she raised her eyebrows at Rose. “Be careful, though. Young Lord Rupert has a reputation for debauchery. You aren’t to leave this room with him, do you understand?”
Rose swallowed. “Yes, Frau Geruscha.”
Frau Geruscha’s shoulders relaxed. “I don’t mean to frighten you, child. You’re perfectly safe. Lord Rupert is sometimes careless with his attentions, and I simply want to put you on your guard. Go ahead and dance. Have a good time.”
Rose drew courage from her mistress’s smile. She glanced around the room and caught a wealthy yarn merchant’s wife staring at her. The woman’s eyes darted back to her companion, the wife of the butchers’ guild president. They were probably discussing their wonder at Lord Rupert coming to talk to her. What would they say when they saw them dancing together?
An older woman approached Frau Geruscha and began to talk about an ailment, something about a pain in her side. They moved away as the woman’s voice grew low and confidential.
Rose watched the dancers twirling in time to the music. She caught glimpses of Lord Hamlin as the guests bobbed back and forth between her and the musicians. Some girls standing several feet away were staring at Rose. When she looked at them, they burst into giggles.
Her stomach twisted into a nervous knot. She continued to scan the room but saw no friendly face. She decided to focus on her surroundings and practice describing them to Hildy.
Colorful tapestries, as well as several banners and flags, hung above a wooden table and on the center of the wall opposite the door. Some of the flags were battle-scarred, others were bright and perfect. One displayed the Gerstenberg coat of arms. The others were variations on the family colors of red, gold, and green.
Rose was most intrigued by a scene painted on the stone wall, stretching the whole length of the room. She strolled closer to get a better look. Knights in armor sat astride sleek horses. Gray hunting dogs ran ahead of them. Some knights jousted while others knelt before ladies in pale, flowing gowns with voluminous pointed sleeves that hung to the ground. A stream and a lake, along with mountains and a forest, graced the background.
She was admiring the beautiful fresco when she saw Lord Rupert approach.
“This was commissioned by my great-grandfather, Bertolf,” he said, coming to stand at her left elbow. He pointed to a man in the picture whose head was bared, his helmet by his feet. He had Lord Rupert’s rather long chin. “That is he, Bertolf Gerstenberg. And this one here is my grandfather, Conrad.” He pointed to a younger man standing nearby with a shield in one hand and a lance in the other.
Just then Lady Osanna joined them, standing beside her brother. Rose couldn’t help admiring her sea-green gown trimmed in gold. Her eyes matched her dress, the cut of which enhanced her slim waist and delicate shoulders. Her light brown hair was tightly braided and wound into a bun at the back of her head, covered by a net of gold thread.
“It’s good to see you again, Rose.” Lady Osanna clasped Rose’s hand. “You look beautiful.”
“As do you.”
“I see you’ve met my rogue brother.” She shifted her eyes toward Rupert.
Lord Rupert feigned an indignant look. “Pay no attention to such flippant remarks.”
Lady Osanna grinned as the song ended and the dancers began to arrange themselves into two lines. She inclined her head toward Lord Rupert. “I believe my brother wishes to dance with you, Rose. When you’re finished, I shall introduce you to Lady Anne.”
“It would be my pleasure.” Rose said the words automatically then realized they weren’t exactly true.
Lord Rupert held his hand out to Rose, looking impatient to be off to the dance. She placed her hand on his forearm and allowed him to lead her. They fell in line with the others, Rose beside the ladies and Lord Rupert beside the men, the two lines facing each other. She was surprised her knees weren’t buckling underneath her as she prepared to dance the Carolingian Pavane with Lord Rupert.
The music and the dance began.