Wild Bells to the Wild Sky (48 page)

"I do not think that has always been your philosophy on life, Mustafa," Valentine challenged him.

"My mistake in the past, Captain. I was young and arrogant. I accept now what must happen," he said, turning his gaze to the distant shore.

Valentine smiled, juggling the oranges he had bought at the fair. "Well, I am pleased that the fates brought you and me together in that bazaar in Alexandria."

The Turk bowed his head, honored by his captain's words.

"Now, that is what I call a fateful sighting," Valentine murmured, his gaze narrowed as he stared at the shore. "Do you see what I do, Mustafa, or have I been misled by the mists? Is she mortal, or a Nereid sent to
bewitch
a weary sailor?"

The Turk followed his captain's gaze to the riverbank.

Sitting astride a white horse galloping along the shore was the most beautiful woman either man had ever seen. Dressed in green velvet, like the tall grasses growing along the river, her red hair flowing out behind her like a wild flame, she raced the wind with innocent abandon. She would disappear,
then reappear almost magically out of the mists rising from the river. Only once did she seem to pause, and then she sat staring at the river, as if searching the clutter of masts for a certain ship.

"I wonder who she is," Valentine murmured, vowing he would find out. "She is riding toward the fair. Strange, I didn't see her when we were there this afternoon. Tomorrow, after I've met with Elizabeth and paid my respects to certain people, I will return there and see if I can find her," he promised himself.

The silken hangings drawn back from the wide windows with their panes of heraldic glass moved imperceptibly with the soft breeze. The walls of the banqueting hall were covered with allegorical murals and tapestries, while the ceiling was crowned with elaborate plasterwork. A carved overmantel depicting Orpherus and the Muses graced the wall fireplace. A long table displayed a prodigious amount of silver plate laid with refreshment, while a small ensemble of six musicians played at the far end of the hall and filled the chamber with music.

"The gardens aren't planted quite the way we wish yet because the work on the banqueting house is not completed, but by next spring I think they will be quite lovely,"" Lady Elspeth said to one of her guests. "We've the orchards planted, and even a small vineyard. Oh, yes, an orangery, too. Oh? Why, yes, that is good advice."

"I really think you should
consider
the merits of the classical design rather than the Oriental. Let me have a look at the plans before you add the trim. Never let Charles handle these details. He gets to carried away," Lady Denning advised. "I've supervised all of the building on Denning House. Haven't had four husbands like Bess, Countess of Shrewsbury. We should all be so fortunate," she added as her husband approached.

" 'Tis a fine, stately home, Lady Elspeth," Sir Charles Denning stated as he joined his wife.

"Have you seen the solar room, Charles? 'Tis quite magnificent. The sun must be simply stunning coming through those oriel windows," Lady Denning remarked.

"Fine Turkey carpets, Lady Elspeth. Can't ever keep the dogs off them at home, though," Sir Charles said much to his wife's mortification. "Yes, indeed, 'tis a fine, stately home you and Sir William have built," he commented again as he took note of the inlaid paneling of the walls carved with the emblems and initials of the Davies family.

"Thank you, Sir Charles. Sir William and I are quite pleased with Riverhurst," Lady Elspeth responded, glancing around the room with pride, and even a sense of relief. Although she had loved Whiteswood, it was now a part of the past. It was where she had begun her married life with Basil as husband, but Riverhurst was where she would live out her days with William and their children. Simon was now master of Whiteswood.

".
.
.
buttery, pantry, brewhouse, and bakehouse," an admiring woman was saying nearby. "A wine cellar, chandlery, and six ovens in the kitchens. Can you believe that? They've even a spicery. No, I haven't seen the chapel. I would rather see it during the day, I hear the stained glass is breathtaking. Is it true, Lady Elspeth, that you've an open gallery beneath the great gallery? Whatever for?"

"My physician tells me that there is nothing better than walking to keep one in good health and spirits. When 'tis rainy or perhaps too hot, I can take leisure in either the closed gallery or the open one below. Both overlook the courtyard," Lady Elspeth explained.

"I notice you've put in one of those wooden staircases. Nice touch those mythical beasts serving as posts. Been thinking about tearing out the old stone one at my hall," a gentleman commented, going on to explain in fuller detail the problems he'd come up against when adding another wing to his home.

"Have you seen the lodge? No? Splendid, absolutely splendid. Hope to be invited back to do a bit of hunting this fall. The gatehouse is bigger than my townhouse. Fine horses in the stables, I hear. Oh, you have, eh? 'Sblood! Didn't realize you were the one who outbid me on that little mare."

Lady Elspeth glanced around, making certain her guests were enjoying themselves. A number of young ladies were being partnered by the gentlemen in a lively galliard, followed by a coranto with its fast, running steps. Breathless from their endeavors, they joined with the more sedate guests who were moving closer to the banqueting table which had been cleared of dinner and now was being set with sweet wine and desserts.

"I hope everyone is enjoying himself?" Sir William inquired, exchanging a proud glance with his wife as he
joined
her at the end of the banqueting table.

"Indeed, Sir William," Sir Charles said with a mouth full of quince cake. "Must have this recipe, Lady Elspeth."

"Certainly,
Sir Charles
. I'll see that Lady Denning receives it before you depart."

" 'Tis going rather well, my dear," Sir William said softly, his hand entwining with hers under concealment of her skirts.

"Yes, it is. Why, thank you, I am so pleased you are enjoying yourself," she responded to a complimentary remark from one of her guests.

"Wish Simon were here," Sir William said with a frown.

"I know," Lady Elspeth said, patting his arm. "I had hoped he would arrive in time to attend our party, but he is now master of Whiteswood. He has the responsibility of his retainers. He must learn to concern himself with the running of his estate."

"Still just a boy, Elspeth."

"A boy who is fast becoming a man,
William
," she said.

"What do you mean?"

Elspeth Davies smiled. "He may not be living alone at Whiteswood for long. Do you remember when he accompanied Quinta and Sir Rodger and Artemis to Highcross Court last winter?"

Sir William eyed his wife curiously. "Yes, nothing odd in that. The little girl is, after all, his sister," Sir William spoke unthinkingly, then wished he hadn't when he saw a slight shadow cross Elspeth's serene face.

"He is fond of Dulcie, but, I suspect, he is just as fond of Lily Christian. He was strangely quiet after that visit
-
-at least until he'd come down out of the clouds. After that, all we heard about was hose beautiful Lily Christian was. He could not say enough about her."

Sir William seemed dumbfounded. "Well, I suppose if the lad is in love with a girl, then Lily Christian would make a fine daughter-in-law," he decided, then glanced at his wife. "I have no objections. You agree?"

"Whether I do or not will not concern my son if he is truly in love; however, I do happen to approve of the match. We shall have to invite Lily and her brother and sister here for a visit."

"Cordelia Howard is looking lovely this evening," Sir William commented rather abruptly.

"Yes, as always," Lady Elspeth agreed, but there was a glint in her eye as she stared at the beautiful woman dancing now with a handsome young man. In fact, Cordelia Howard had not left Walter
Raleigh’s
side since she and Sir Raymond Valchamps had arrived. "I did not think they were going to attend. They nearly missed dinner."

"That late, were they? I didn't see them arrive," Sir William said, nodding to George Hargraves, who was partnering an uncommonly tall young woman around the room, his short legs hardly managing to keep pace with her long steps as they danced to the music. "I swear he does these things on purpose," Sir William grumbled as he caught the laughter of several of the guests as they watched the gentleman's comical antics.

"You needn't concern yourself that Minerva might be suffering an insult. She has an absolutely wicked sense of humor.
That
, and her height, scare most of the young gentlemen away. I am positive, however, that she is enjoying herself tremendously," Lady Elspeth advised him. "In fact, she is one of the few young women who has managed to interest George Hargraves."

"When is Valentine due back from his latest voyage?"

"Any day now. Why?"

"Watching Cordelia Howard dancing with Raleigh reminded me of when she and Valentine used to be lo
-
-
Well, I just wondered if he knew about Cordelia Howard and Sir
Raymond
. I had always thought that she and Valentine would wed. After all, she did visit his home last year," Sir William said almost disapprovingly.

"From what Artemis has told me, the visit was not what any of them had
hoped
," Lady Elspeth said.

"Speaking of Valentine's sister. Surprised to see Sir Rodger here. Didn't know he'd left Cornwall, especially now that Artemis is expecting."

"Well, I am pleased we saw him in town and convinced him to accompany us to Riverhurst and stay here while he awaits Quinta's return from Scotland. Apparently, she became concerned over Artemis and insisted on returning to Ravindzara before she had planned. I believe Sir Rodger is here to escort her to Cornwall, as well, I suspect, to find a good physician to accompany them back."

"Nothing wrong, is there?"

"No, but this will be Sir Rodger's first child, and he is anxious. I believe his sister, Honoria, is staying with Artemis. You remember how nervous you were when I gave birth to your firstborn."

"Was a damned sight more nervous over the second birth; knew too much then to rest easy," he said. "Ah, Thomas, how is everything? Eliza, looking lovelier than ever. can I get you anything?" Sir William asked as Thomas Sandrick and his wife approached.

"Wonderful banquet, Sir William."

"I am enchanted with
Riverhurst
, Lady Elspeth," Eliza Sandrick said shyly.

"Thank you. And how is young Henry Thomas?"

"A bit fretful of late, Lady Elspeth. He cries constantly. I fear 'tis the rash. I just don't know how to ease the pain of it."

"I have had to many sleepless nights to remain a proud father for much longer," Thomas
Sandrick
said with a rueful glance.

"I will have my old nurse give you her special salve. 'Twill do wonders, I guarantee. If you will excuse me for just a moment, I will get you some now lest I lose the opportunity later," she offered.

"Thank you. I would also appreciate any advice your nurse can give me."

Lady Elspeth laughed. "I warn you now you will come to regret asking. Lanny likes nothing better than to share her views concerning child-rearing. I will not be long, William," she said, excusing herself.

"Mary Worthington is looking our way, Thomas," George Hargraves commented as he quickly stepped behind his taller friend.

"I have nothing to fear, or have you forgotten I am married?" Thomas reminded his fearful friend.

"That has never concerned her before," George said, risking a glance at the woman heading their way. "It merely means that I am a bit fairer game than you, my friend."

Eliza eyed the two as if they were still in swaddling. "She never finished our conversation of earlier," she said with an understanding smile as she walked off to meet the woman.

"No offense, Thomas, but since you wed Eliza, she seems more and more like her brother. Never knew she had a tongue in her head, and certainly not a witty one, until now," George complained good-naturedly, wishing he'd paid closer attention to Eliza Valchamps when she'd been unwed.

"Raymond cannot stand competition from anyone, especially a sister he had come to look upon as little better than a mouse," Thomas spoke dryly.

"Become a bit of a tigress, eh?" George guffawed.

"At least where I and our son are concerned, yes," Thomas said quite seriously. "So guard your tongue when around her."

"I stand warned."

"I wonder where Sir Raymond is,"
Thomas
Sandrick commented, for he hadn't missed Cordelia Howard's flirting with Walter Raleigh. Indeed, it had been scandalous.

"Most likely off sulking. He was looking daggers at the man earlier."

"I am indeed fearful for Raleigh," George Hargraves said, helping himself to a goblet of wine and a piece of spice cake. "But not because of Sir Raymond. Crossing swords with him would be a joy compared to falling prey to that she-wolf. Think we should warn our friend?: