Here Be Dragons - 1 by Sharon Penman (best inspirational books txt) 📕

one. How would you fancy a bath?"A PALLET had been made up by the bed; they stood looking down at the sleeping child."Do you remember the mother at all, John?""Yes, I do; does that surprise you? Clemence d'Arcy. A very pretty girl . .and a very stupid one."Joanna's clothes lay on the floor by the bathing tub, and John touched them with the toe of his boot. "Have these rags burned, Adele.

90I assume there is a seamstress in the castle? See that she has enough material, from your own coffers, if need be.""But John . . . it's nigh on ten; she's abed for certes.""Not for long. I want a new gown for Joanna by morning, something soft, in green or gold." Reaching for the corner of the blanket, he rubbed gently atJoanna's wet hair. She stirred, but did not awaken."I'm amazed, in truth, that she does not seem to fear me. I rather doubt thatClemence spoke tenderly of me. Until I can engage a suitable nurse, I'll expect you to care for her," he added, and Adele's mouth dropped open."Me?""Yes, darlingyou. Passing strange about the name. Joanna was Clemence's mother; I recall now. I think I shall tell her that she was named after my sister Joanna. She is my first daughter, Adele; all the others have been sons."Adele laughed. "I've never seen this side of you before, John. You remind me of nothing so much as a lad with a new toy!"John raised his head, gave her a long, level look. "I begin to think you might be as stupid as Clemence," he said, very softly, and Adele paled."I did not mean to offend you, my lord.""Well, then, you'd best think how to make it up to me, darling," he said, still softly, and she nodded."It shall be my pleasure.""Not entirely yours, I hope!" He laughed then, and after a pause, she laughed, too.JOANNA slept till midmorning, awakening, bewildered, in a huge curtained bed as soft as a cloud. There was a fox-fur coverlet pulled up over her, and at the foot of the bed lay the most beautiful clothes she'd ever seen: a linen chemise, an emerald wool gown, and a bliaut over-tunic of green and gold. But her own gown was nowhere in sight.Wrapping herself in the fur coverlet, she moved cautiously from the bed, began to search the chamber for her clothes. Never had she been in a room like this.The walls were covered with linen hangings, glowing with color. Thickly laid floor rushes, intermingled with sweet-smelling basil and mint, tickled the soles of her feet. There was a table covered with a clean white cloth, an enormous oaken coffer, even a large brass chamber pot.Joanna was at a loss. But she was remembering more now, remembered being bathed and put to bed, remembered a man with a reassuring smile, green-gold eyes, and the beautiful, unfriendly woman he

91lied Adele. She remembered, too, how, when she'd awakened in the 'eht not knowing where she was, he'd taken her into bed with him nd Adele; nestled between them, she'd soon slept again, feeling safe for the first time since her mother died.The door opened; Adele entered. "Well, you're up at last. John's awaiting you in the great hall, so hurry and dress.""My clothes are gone," Joanna said reluctantly, suddenly afraid that she'd be blamed for their loss."They're right there on the bed." Adele pointed impatiently when Joanna merely looked at her, uncomprehending. And only then did Joanna reach out, timidly touch the soft lace edging the chemise, not truly convinced such clothes could be hers until Adele snapped, much as her mother had so often done, "Are you going to tarry all day? Put them on."Following Adele down the winding stairwell, Joanna discovered it led to a great hall, much like the one at Middleham. Dogs were rooting in the floor rushes for bones; servants were carrying platters of food; men seated at long trestle tables laughed and joked as they ate, the overall atmosphere one of cheerful chaos. Joanna hesitated, daunted by the sight of so many people, butAdele pushed her forward, into the hall. "Go on in. Would you keep him waiting?"At the end of the hall a dais had been set up, and Joanna recognized the man who'd been so kind to her the night before. She was gathering up her courage to approach him when he beckoned to her. She came at once, realizing, with a jolt of astonished happiness, that he was as glad to see her as she was to see him. Within moments she found herself seated beside him, being urged to share the food ladled onto his trencher. She was dazzled both by the size of the portions and the amazing variety: roasted venison, lampreys in sauce, a rissole of beef marrow, pea soup, glazed wafers, pancake crisps, and a sweet spiced wine he called hippocras.John let her sip from his cup, named each food for hereven let her choose for herself which dishes she wanted to try, and by the end of the meal, Joanna was utterly captivated by him. He had a low, pleasant voice, never raised it, and yet was obeyed with celerity. It was obvious to Joanna that he was a man of importance. That made it all the more wondrous that he should take such an interest in her. She watched him closely, eating what he ate, and laughing when he did, so intent she did not at first notice what would normally have claimed all her attention, the small spaniel puppy being led toward the dais."You said your mother would allow you no dog, Joanna. Well, I will," John said, depositing the squirming spaniel in her lap. He heard her catch her breath; she looked up at him with eyes so adoring that he

92laughed. "I think you shall be cheaper to content than the other women in my life; they yearn for pearls and silks, not puppies.""For me? Truly for me?" The