An Uncertain Choice

I cast aside my strange disappointment and attempted to conjure appreciation for the headpiece. Sir Bennet was as thoughtful as always and certainly had an eye for beauty.

As Trudy began the process of preparing me for the dance, I couldn’t stop waiting for the final rap on the door, the one that would bring Sir Derrick’s gift. But as the hour passed silently, without any further interruptions, my heart filled with uncertainty. Surely he wouldn’t neglect to send me something, not when his friends had taken such trouble to bestow such fine gifts upon me. Especially after the way we’d bantered in the rain. Had he misplaced his gift? Or forgotten?

But as the afternoon wore into evening, my heart pinched with the truth: he had not forgotten to give me a gift. He’d simply chosen not to.





Chapter

13




“Are you ready, dear one?” The duke tucked my hand more securely into the crook of his arm.

I stared at the massive doors of the Great Hall and swallowed hard. “Yes, I believe so.”

Dressed in a knee-length doublet with polished silver buttons, the duke stood tall, his face clear of worry, his eyes brimming with pride. “Your father and mother would have been delighted to see the beautiful young woman you’ve become.”

I glanced at the full crimson skirt, at the tight-fitting waist and bodice that shaped me perfectly, and at the diamonds and pearls that sparkled brilliantly. “I know I’ve already said it a hundred times, but thank you for the gown. I’ve never worn anything like it.”

He smiled down at me. “You deserve something special to celebrate this occasion.”

“Thank you, your Grace.” I stood on tip-toes and kissed his cheek as I would have my father. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Then you’ve forgiven me for throwing your future plans into disarray?”

“There’s nothing to forgive. I’ve realized I can’t shy away from this challenge out of fear.” I’d opened my heart to the knights, I’d made myself vulnerable to love. I didn’t want to think about what would happen at the end of the month if I wasn’t in love with one of them. Even worse, what if one of them didn’t fall in love with me?

“Shall we proceed?” the duke asked.

I nodded, swallowing my nervousness once again.

As the duke signaled the guards standing at attention to open the doors, I resisted the urge to let my fingers flutter to the diamonds and pearls that circled my neck or to the veil of roses gracing my head. Instead, I once again felt the sting of Sir Derrick’s slight. I lifted my chin, though, and hoped he would see the gifts the other two had given me and realize his mistake. At the very least, I’d determined to thank Sir Collin and Sir Bennet generously by paying them all my attention. If Sir Derrick was making it clear that he didn’t want to court me, then why should I spend my remaining time considering him? Especially when I only had two weeks left.

The doors swung wide and a sudden hush fell over the guests. The duke squeezed my hand and together we started into the large room with its high vaulted ceilings, arched stained glass windows, lush tapestries, and a long strip of gold carpet that had been rolled down the center of the room for my entrance. I could feel all eyes on me, curious yet admiring. I kept a smile on my lips and glided forward through the room, grateful for the strong, steady presence of the duke at my side.

He delivered me regally to my place, and then, after pushing in my chair, he took his seat next to me. The three young knights joined him that evening as guests of honor at the head table.

Throughout the dinner, Sir Collin and Sir Bennet carried on a lively conversation with me. Although I was tempted to glance at Sir Derrick positioned farther down the table, I refrained. He seemed disinclined to enter into my discussion anyway. I tried to pretend that I didn’t care, that I was completely happy speaking with and spending time with Sir Collin and Sir Bennet. Why should I not be? They were both entertaining and thoughtful. And I truly harbored fondness for them both.

Nevertheless, after the time with Sir Derrick in town earlier in the week and the moment in the gatehouse when we’d been dripping wet but happy, I’d expected him to begin showing me more attention and making an effort to seek me out. But he seemed content to sit back and converse with those around him without so much as a glance in my direction.

I tried not to admit how much it hurt.

After the feast, the duke escorted me around the room and introduced me to the guests, many whom I hadn’t seen since my father and mother had died. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed mingling among them and was secretly relieved the Baron of Caldwell and his wife weren’t there. I wasn’t sure I could have endured thinking about Thomas and the possibility I could have been married to him by now if only I’d known about the exception much earlier.