The PROMISE
THE STORY SO FAR: Lady Elinor de Bohun lives with her widowed mother, Margaret. Her late father’s brother, Sir Gerald, worries Margaret about the state of her finances and insists Elinor is swiftly married while there is still money for a dowry. At a tournament on her 17th birthday, Sir Gerald introduces his choice, Sir Richard Tremaine. Elinor, who promised her father to marry only a man she truly loves, finds Sir Richard deeply unattractive, though he proves a good horseman. Suddenly, a dashing new contender arrives to take part in the joust…
The new contender rode up to the stands. Raising his visor, he bowed low to Lady Margaret.
‘I am a latecomer,’ he said, ‘and a visitor. I have no right to ask, but I beg to take part, if your lady wills it so.’
Elinor leant forward, the better to see his face. His cheeks were tanned, his eyes blue, his lips full. From beneath the heavy chain mail, jet-black curls peeped out.
It was for her mother to reply, but it was Elinor who stood up.
‘I will it so,’ she said. ‘It is my birthday, and I grant your request, sir.’
Behind her, she heard her uncle give a ‘harrumph’ and had to suppress a smile.
The visitor raised his head and met her eyes.
‘Thank you, my lady,’ he said, and rode off towards the starting line. He hadn’t
