Lord Rupert leaned down, his lips close to her ear. “The first song I requested especially for you.”
The song was a ballad, the music slow and sweet. The words were in Italian, of which she only understood a smattering.
Lord Rupert translated. “You see beauty and gentleness joined together,” he whispered, his breath causing wisps of her hair to brush against her ear, “and adorned with virtuous manners.”
He paused while they sang the next verse.
“She moves her eyes in a face that proves heaven exists.”
Rose could feel his gaze fixed on her, but she locked hers on the musicians, a blush suffusing her cheeks. He continued with the next verse, his voice deeper.
“And makes me a faithful subject of love. I enjoy sweet service more than freedom.
For when I come before her face I place all my desire in pleasing her.
I feel all unworthiness perish in my heart and virtue awaken there.”
Rose risked a peek at him. His expression was so intense it made her heart pound against her chest. He leaned very close. His gaze raked over her face, and Rose was glad the light was too dim in the Great Hall for him to notice again the bruises, or the blush infusing her cheeks. She forced herself to turn away from him, with the thought that others were probably watching.
The song ended and everyone applauded. Rose felt a warm hand on her back and realized it was Lord Rupert’s. She turned her eyes to his and gave a little shake of her head. Kissing her hand in private was bad enough, but touching her in public was too bold.
He took his hand away, but with a pitiful look.
The Meistersingers continued to play their instruments while the servants brought out the fish course, consisting of spiced lampreys, roasted salmon, eel, and fish pies.
Lord Rupert seemed to have lost his appetite. He passed over nearly every dish, and instead of eating, drank wine and spoke in low tones to Rose.
“I’ve arranged for the singers to accompany us to the square after the feast, where we can dance all afternoon.” He gave her an arch look. “I know you like to dance.”
They finished the fish course, and the servants carried the leftovers out to the poor who waited at the door, as was the custom.
The Meistersingers began another song, this time a lively tune in Latin.
“I requested this song also. Do you understand Latin?”
“Yes.”
Lord Rupert smiled down at her. “You’ll like it. It makes one want to dance.”
The lead singer belted out the verses, then the deep, rich voices of the other singers answered him with the rollicking chorus.
Rose listened to the song as Lord Rupert conversed with the bishop.
When the music ended, the servants carried in a giant pie that was so large it required two young men to carry it. The servers set it at the high table in front of the duke as the cook followed them in. She took a long knife and sliced open the crust and several birds flew out. Women squealed as the birds fluttered up to the rafters. Everyone applauded, except Duke Nicolaus, who roared with laughter.
The next course featured venison with frumenty, but the liquid meat pudding was everyday fare for her and not very tempting. She ate some pears in syrup instead, and a bit of fruit pastry.
The Meistersingers sang another ballad, this one about a hunter who, with his greyhound and falcon, was caught in the rain and sheltered by a shepherdess. Lord Rupert translated part of it for Rose then was distracted by a friend.
Rose tried to look interested in the food, in the entertainers, jugglers, and acrobats. She sighed in relief when the feast came to an end.
Lord Rupert turned to her and placed his hand on her arm. “The Meistersingers shall play some dancing music for us in the Marktplatz.” His grin grew wider. “And I have one more song I asked them to play just for you. Will you meet me in front of the Rathous at three o’clock?”
Rose smiled and nodded.
“And wear your bracelet?” The inflection of his voice made it a plea.
“I can’t promise.”
“It would mean so much to me.”
“I’ll try. You know, if Frau Geruscha found out you gave it to me, and that I accepted it—”
“She won’t find out.” He smiled, as though happy now that he realized Frau Geruscha was the reason she was resisting.
“I’ll see you at nones.”
Chapter 13