"Sir Guy's Atonement" (Book 3) by Gratiana Lovelace, 2015 (a Wattys2015 Nominee)

Ch. 8 (PG-13): Reunion

Sir Jasper:   "That is not for you to contemplate.  It is enough for you to know that she is off limits to you." 

Sir Jasper is well aware that a young girl might be tempted by the strong looking Sir Roderick.  But that Sir Jasper's own situation and connections to the royal house via Prince John are impeccable.

Having an inkling that Sir Jasper possesses the arrogance to think himself a suitable match for Lady Caroline, Sir Roderick now sneers.

Sir Roderick: "I believe, Sir Jasper, that any man attempting to win the hand of Lady Caroline will have to prove his worthiness to ensure her future happiness.  And only Lady Caroline can make that determination--with the supportive guidance of her family. I fear that neither myself--nor even such an august personage as you--will hold any sway in that marital decision."

Sir Jasper:  Narrowing his already beady eyes, Sir Jasper glowers in annoyance.  "We shall see. And do not think that Sir Guy of Gisborne will hold any sway for you with Lord Havorford regarding his daughter.  Gisborne's influence is not a continuing factor to be concerned with."   Sir Jasper says rather ambiguously--given his well defined plans for Sir Guy of Gisborne.

Sir Roderick:  Sir Roderick eyes Sir Jasper questioningly  about his last remark.  But he chooses not to pursue it at the moment. "Now if you will excuse me, Sir Jasper--please lower your sword--I will attend to my commission."  Sir Roderick says flippantly.

Sir Jasper: "Very well."  Sir Jasper lowers his sword. 

Then as Sir Roderick steps past, Sir Jasper purposely grabs Sir Roderick's injured shoulder and Sir Roderick cries out in pain.

Sir Roderick: "Aargghh!"  Sir Jasper releases his hold on Sir Roderick's shoulder and stares at Sir Roderick who is trying to catch his breath as the pain subsides as he adjusts his arm in the sling.  "Hhhh!   Hhhh!  Hhhh!"

Sir Jasper: "Just remember Sir Roderick, courtiers like you come and go within Prince John's circle.  But I always remain by Prince John's side.  I am his eyes and ears--and his agent."  There is a not so veiled threat being made.    "Understood."  Sir Jasper glowers.

Sir Roderick:  "Understood, Sir Jasper."   Sir Roderick replies warily, wondering what Sir Jasper is about.  Sir Roderick has only just returned to court and is not familiar with all of its machinations.

Sir Roderick backs away, keeping his eyes on Sir Jasper until he heads back into the banquet hall.  Then Sir Roderick goes in search of their hostess, Rebecca Stafford Oxbridge, Lady Leicester as his commission for her son, little Lord Graham.

***

Whilst everyone else is mingling before the feast is to begin, the youthful twenty one year old and attractive Rebecca Lady Leicester steals away to an out of the way quiet corner bench window seat of Gordon Castle and she looks out upon her lovely moonlit gardens shining with an almost iridescent glow.  She bows her head wistfully [(2) right], her thinking that she is surrounded by such natural beauty, but she has no such beauty of love in her personal life--but for the love she shares with her two wonderful children.  And she laments that she was given in marriage to a man who did not love her--the father of her children Lord John Oxbridge, the Earl of Leicester--long gone away from her at the Crusades with King Richard now three years ago.  A tear escapes her watery eyes and she brushes it away--knowing the foolishness of wanting what she cannot have.

Lady Rebecca has been musing for several mintues when she hears booted footsteps as someone approaches from behind her. She lifts her head up, seeing a young, virile, and handsome knight before her.  And she is stunned to see him--her childhood love, Sir Roderick Merton.  But she notices that he looks so different now from when she last saw him five years ago--all of his former boyishness now banished with his maturity.  He is much larger as a man of strength and agility, and his hair is long but neatly tied behind him.  Yet, he seems to be injured with his left arm in a sling under his dark grey cape covering  his similarly colored velvet tunic underneath.  Seeing his powerful frame encased in such elegant finery makes Lady Rebecca see Sir Roderick as more of a gentleman, rather than the fierce warrior that he is.