“But how does one say, "When I hold you in my arms, I lose all reason?”

“I was given leave to choose any of Sir Laon le Breton's unwed daughters after the New Year,and I want you.""You can't have me," Bronwyn snarled. "My father...""Ah,yes.His absence was the reason I have not announced my claim sooner,but now that he is dead,I see no reason to delay any longer.You are mine, Lady Bronwyn.You always have been and always will be.I'm done waiting.”

“Why what,my lord?"She watched him look away and stare absentmindedly at the fire, but he refused to let go of her arm. She waited, enjoying the small pleasure of his touch,but after a moment, asked again. "Why what, my lord?"Ranulf didn't move,but in a low voice answered, "Pick one.Why did you return to Hunswick when you thought I was in danger? Why are you still here? Why did you stay with me last night? Why are you not frightened of my appearance when so many are?" Then his head swiveled around so his gaze could lock with hers. "But mostly I want to know why you kissed me.”

“So tell me about your eldest daughter. I assume you will say she is blond, blue-eyed,and beautiful beyond compare.""Ranulf,you are far too cynical.""You have said so before.So speak. Tell me of your temptresses and how their beauty can ensnare my men with a mere glimpse.""And for that last sarcastic remark, I shall describe them in detail,and maybe someday you,too,will have daughters and understand the fear that lurks in my aged heart.”

“Eleanor reached over and stroked his foreman."Was I fair?" Henry whispered.She nodded. "Very. Besides, I think our Ranulf gave you the justification for some of the changes you have been considering.Perhaps a court of law is needed.""He did.And besides it was all highly entertaining.I had to bite my tongue when Craven started all that nonsense about Ranulf trying to kill him with an arrow.""So you knew from the beginning..." Eleanor murmured in partial disbelief and admiration."That Ranulf was up to something? The man would never let anyone-even me-insult his honor without response. It was hard to wait until the oaf finished everything Ranulf needed him to say...and come to think of it...it was very convenient for Lady Bronwyn to be in disguise. How is it that you did not inform me earlier of what was to happen?""I did not know," Eleanor rejoined quickly. "I met with his wife, who never owned to her true identity...but I liked her and suspected she would enjoy the night much better as one of my ladies-in-waiting.It is a great honor,you know.""And the idea of coming in masquerade?""Well,it has been dull lately.""And you never knew who she was.Never thought to tell me you suspected Lady Bronwyn was not whom she professed to be.""I only knew for sure that I liked her and that she was Laon's daughter. And as for the masquerade, I did it for you, my king.""Me?""Mmm-hmmm," Eleanor purred against his ear. "I know how very much you like to be entertained.""And that it was.Quite diverting. Never thought to see the day where Ranulf would be at ease in a crowd-or so demonstrative," Henry said, pointing at the joined couple."He's in love,my king.Just like I am. Perhaps someday I'll do something about your men and their rough-mannered ways. Maybe I will convene my own court-the court of love.""I think that babe in your womb has made you soft in the head," Henry teased."Maybe," Eleanor sighed as she sat back in her chair with a smile that spoke of a mind whirling with ideas.”

“What did you say?" Bronwyn asked.Ranulf scowled, hating to be caught mumbling. Something else he never did. "I said that I don't yell! I don't shout! Ever!""I find that hard to believe,my lord, for I have heard you do quite a lot of both since you arrival.”

“I hope Lily told you how happy I was by the offer to marry your commander.""She mentioned it," Ranulf grimaced."Who knows? Maybe Rolande and I will meet and decide to stay together, forgoing the annulment."Ranulf rocked back on his feet, picking up the basin, and stood up, causing water to slosh on to the floor from the abrupt movement. She sounded so damn happy. He plopped the water bowl back on its table. And why shouldn't she be? "You will like my commander. He is as handsome as Lillabet is beautiful."Pain flashed in Bronwyn's eyes, turning them dark, almost black. If Ranulf's aim had been to hurt,he had struck true, resulting in a desire to inflict similar anguish. "As long as he doesn't lie to me and make me out the fool, I will be content.""I suspect he won't if you don't lie to him first."Bronwyn pushed herself out of the chair as a frisson of anger shot up her spine. "Maybe I won't if he doesn't order me away from my home without the courage to look me in the eye when he does so.""I never pretended to be someone else.""In that you are correct, my lord.You made it very clear from the beginning that you were a hateful man," she seethed."Didn't seem to bother you when you used your female wiles to entice me to your bed," Ranulf hissed back.Bronwyn marched over to the door and swung it wide open. "I wonder just how my sister will deal with your barbarism. She is sweet,beautiful, and innocent,but she also knows nothing about running a castle.So preprare yourself,my lord.In a few months you will have a rundown estate and no commander either,for after I use my feminine wiles on him, I doubt we will be staying here at Hunswick.”