Read Online The Bride Tournament by Ruth Kaufman - Free Book Online Page B

king, he made Richard an earl and commanded him to marry you,” Blanche continued with a shrug. “Richard had no choice.”
    Why did those words burn hot as fire?
    At least Blanche wouldn’t travel with them to court. Eleanor would be spared days of wondering about hidden meanings behind every word or glance she and Richard exchanged. Not that it should make a difference to her what they said or did.
    Richard meant nothing to her. Nothing at all.
    Inspiration struck after Blanche left. If she and Richard once loved each other, perhaps their feelings could rekindle if Blanche was one of the potential brides.
    That way, all four of them could end up with the spouses of their dreams.

    As she hurried back to her chamber, Blanche’s heart sped faster than Thistle, her favorite mare she’d had to sell.
    Caught by Eleanor searching Richard’s things…what a disaster. She’d been so busy fuming over Richard’s marriage she hadn’t heard his new wife approach. Had Eleanor accepted her excuses?
    Well, she’d tread with more care. And cultivate Eleanor’s friendship so she’d have more reasons to see Richard. And find ways to win him and his father’s alchemy secrets.

    “Here’s my plan,” Eleanor whispered to Alyce.
    They sat in a corner of Middleworth’s large solar, the deep blue silk gown Eleanor would wear to court spread across their laps. Each worked a needle with costly silver thread to form a glistening flower border along the hem. The same thread she’d used to embroider her and Arthur’s initials. She wished she had gold, instead.
    Richard and her father sat on a cushioned bench on the opposite side of the room, entrenched in conversation. Congratulating each other on their success at wedding her off, no doubt. They’d best not be plotting the best approach to extract quintessence, thought to be the fifth element after earth, fire, air and water.
    Eleanor said, “You’ll help choose six promising contenders from the available unwed ladies. You write faster and more neatly than I, so I’ll rely on you to keep track of each lady’s qualifications and progress.”
    She bade herself focus on her delicate stitchery, yet found herself looking at Richard. Why did he have to be so handsome? Why did his smile warm her heart?
    “What if they don’t want to participate? What if none of them wants to marry Richard…in general, or in particular because he’s married to you?”
    Eleanor forced her gaze from her husband to Alyce. “What woman wouldn’t want to marry Richard? Except me, that is. And he won’t be married to me for long. Alyce. I must tell you something. We haven’t yet…consummated.”
    “What?” Alyce’s squeal drew the attention of Richard and her father. “I thought—”
    “All’s well!” she called before lowering her voice. “I don’t know how much longer I can hold him off.” Or how long I’ll want to.
    “Are you sure you want to?” Alyce annoyingly echoed her thoughts. Her sister knew her far too well. “Eleanor, please, stop this foolishness.” She set her needle aside. “How did you get Richard to agree to—never mind. You’re letting what you think is your right to marry Arthur blind you to what must be.”
    Eleanor’s needle paused. “I need time to plan. I can’t feign illness, nor can I think of another way.” She smoothed a stray thread from a shimmering flower.
    “You can’t choose a trail of deceit.”
    Eleanor raised her head in defiance. “It was chosen for me by our father and our king who attainted Arthur. I but follow in my own way. For the greater good.”
    Richard was looking at her. Her heart beat faster as he walked toward them.
    He bowed and handed Eleanor an engraved leather pouch. “For you, my lady. This belonged to my father’s mother. He would want my wife to have it.”
    Alyce gathered up the yards of silk as Eleanor took the pouch.
    “My thanks.” She lifted the flap. “Oh, my,” she breathed as she pulled out the most stunning