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

Ch. 23 (PG-13, S): Wed in London

However, Sir Roderick as crown appointed protector of Rebecca, Lady Leicester—and the childhood sweetheart of her as his love Lady Becca—he will see no one but he become her husband, no matter what lands or coin he has to give to King John.

King John surveys that evening's banquet in the great hall of one of his many London Palaces.  As cousins by marriage, Rebecca Lady Leicester and her children sit with King John at the head table.  Of course having children at a banquet is unheard of.  But Lady Rebecca would not leave her children behind in their guest suite with their nurses—or she would stay there with them if they were not permitted to join her at the banquet.  So King John relented.  He has been approached already by two nobles seeking Lady Rebecca's hand.  And a pretty purse they do offer for her.

Leaning to his left, over his paramour of the moment Lady Canmoore's head, King John asks cagily of Roderick.

King John:  "So Merton!  How does Lady Leicester fare with the news of her husband's death?"

Sir Roderick: "Sire.  Lady Leicester is naturally upset and sorrowful—made more so because her children will now never know their father."  Sir Roderick narrows his eyes suspiciously [(3)right]  at the King's question, before returning to stab at the meat upon his plate.

King John: "Oh Yes, most appropriate."  King John waves his hand dismissively.  "But their children should have a father.  And several nobles—even a Duke—would be willing to do the deed."  And pay him a hefty betrothal tax, thinks King John.

Sir Roderick's head lifts from his food and jerks to his right to stare incredulously at their king.

Sir Roderick: "Lady Rebecca is grief stricken."  He emphasizes.  "No man should feign to tread upon her widow's wound so quickly.  It is base to suggest it." 

King John: "Your admonishment is uncalled for!  I am only thinking of Lady Rebecca needing a permanent protector. You must return to your own lands soon."  That is not really King John's reason, but it will suffice for now.

Then Sir Roderick realizing that he just chastised his King—with King John's own eyes narrowing—Sir Roderick rephrases.

Sir Roderick: "Sire, I did not wish to imply that you hold that uncaring view.  I only wish to state that Lady Rebecca is not likely to be receptive to entertaining marital prospects at this time."

King John: "Well, life is for the living.  And Lady Rebecca has a role and a duty to play in our noble family alliances."  A miffed King John states petulantly.

Sir Roderick: "All I ask you to consider is Lady Rebecca's own feelings.  Let her decide if she will be married and to whom she will be married."  Lady Rebecca is not aware of marital machinations being exerted on her behalf.

Lady Rebecca: "Sire? I must put my children to bed and beg to be excused."

King John was so lost in thoughts of what price Lady Rebecca might fetch, he had completely forgotten that she was sitting next to him.

King John: "Oh!  Oh, of course.  But I should like to see you for a private audience before you go to sleep, my Dear." King John asks nicely for a change—not as a command.

Lady Rebecca: "Very well, Sire."  She acquiesces with a small nod.  What else can she do?

***

After Lady Rebecca leaves with her children to go to their guest bed chambers suite—with Sir Roderick as their escort—the Duke of Rotham and Baron Marsh independently step up to the dais to converse with King John about their hoped for betrothal to the lovely Lady Rebecca.  King John hears each of their proposals in turn. They are handsome offers—both would fill King John's personal treasury.  But King John elects to wait to see if other proposals might be tendered.