Desire by Jayne A. Krentz Page A

of pink. "I am told that such ballads are very popular at the finest courts throughout Christendom."
    "Personally, I have seldom found it either necessary or convenient to follow the latest fashion," Gareth said. He gave the small crowd a cool, deliberate look. "I trust you will all excuse your lady and me. We wish to converse in private."
    "Of course." Joanna rose to her feet. Then she smiled at Gareth. "We shall see you at supper. Come along, William."
    William hopped off the bench. He grinned at Gareth. "Is the Window of Hell very heavy, Sir Gareth?"
    "Aye."
    "Do you think that I could lift it if I tried?"
    Joanna frowned at him. "Certainly not, William. Do not even suggest such a thing. Swords are very dangerous and extremely heavy. You are much too delicate for such weapons."
    William looked crestfallen.
    Gareth looked down at him. "I do not doubt that you could lift a sword, William."
    William beamed.
    "Why don't you ask Sir Ulrich if you can examine his sword?" Gareth suggested. "It is just as heavy as the Window of Hell."
    "Is it?" William looked intrigued by that information. "I shall go and ask him at once."
    Joanna looked horrified. "I do not think that is at all wise."
    "You may be at ease, Lady Joanna," Gareth said. "Sir Ulrich has had a great deal of experience with such matters. He will not allow William to hurt himself."
    "Are you quite certain it is safe?"
    "Aye. Now, if you do not mind, madam, I would like to speak with Lady Clare."
    Joanna hesitated, obviously torn. Then good manners took over. "Forgive me, sir. I did not wish to be rude." She hurried off after her son.
    Clare bit back her annoyance. Now was probably not the best moment to inform Gareth that Joanna did not want William encouraged in his growing enthusiasm for all things pertaining to knighthood. She tapped her toe impatiently as the others took their leave.
    Dalian lingered a moment, giving Clare an urgent, searching glance. He looked frightened but determined.
    Clare frowned and quickly shook her head once in a small negative gesture. The last thing she wanted was for Dalian to attempt to be her champion in this awkward situation. The young troubadour stood no chance against the Hellhound of Wyckmere.
    When they were alone in the garden, Clare turned to face Gareth. He no longer stank of sweat and steel, but the rose-scented soap he had recently used did not disguise that other essence, the one that smelled so right to her.
    She could not help but notice that even though he had discarded hauberk and helm, he did not appear any smaller than he had earlier.
    Clare was forced to acknowledge that it was not his physical size, intimidating as that was, which made him seem so large and so very formidable. It was something else, something that had to do with the aura of self-mastery and clear-minded intelligence that radiated from him.
    This man would make a very dangerous adversary, Clare thought. Or a very strong, very loyal friend.
    But what kind of lover would such a man prove to be?
    The question, unbidden and deeply unsettling, had a shattering effect on her.
    To cover her strange reaction, Clare sat down quickly on the stone bench. "I trust my servants have made you comfortable, sir."
    "Very comfortable." Gareth sniffed a couple of times, as if testing the air. "I seem to smell of roses at the moment, but I expect the odor will soon fade."
    Clare set her teeth. She could not tell if he was complaining, jesting, or merely remarking upon the fragrance. "The rose-perfumed soaps are among our most profitable wares, sir. The recipe is my own invention. We sell great quantities to the London merchants who come to the spring fair in Seabern."
    He inclined his head. "That knowledge will greatly increase my appreciation of my bath."
    "No doubt." She mentally braced herself. "There was something you wished to discuss with me, sir?"
    "Aye. Our marriage."
    Clare flinched, but she did not fall off the bench. Under the circumstances, she considered that