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serve it.” Her mother watched Jacqueline carefully over the peregrine as she considered that counsel. “You are sickened by this feeding.”
    â€™Twas not a question, but Jacqueline nodded. “I cannot bear to see innocent creatures die.”
    Her mother’s gaze flicked to the bird then back to her daughter. “As such matters go, Melusine’s killing is mercifully quick.” She gave her daughter a stern look. “I am not fond of the hunt myself, but our company has traveled two months on slim rations. They have need of meat, of a hot stew in their bellies.”
    This Jacqueline understood better. “To ensure they do not fall ill?”
    â€œAye, and more than that. ’Twill prove to them that they have not traveled so far for naught. Meat is a symbol of home and hearth, of stability. ’Twill reassure more than their bellies.”
    Jacqueline almost smiled. “You sound as though they are your children.”
    Her mother’s lips pursed. “’Tis the way of some to believe that noble birth infers only privilege. Your grandfather taught both me and your uncle that ’twas the mark of a true noble to never neglect his responsibilities. ’Tis our duty to ensure that our vassals are fed and clothed, have honest labor and are defended against outside threat.” She lifted one fair brow. “The greater good must be served, regardless of one’s own preferences.”
    Jacqueline studied the bird, well aware of her mother’s watchful gaze upon her, and decided to be bold. “How does calling yourself a countess serve the greater good? You have not been a countess since my father died—surely the title passes with the estate?”
    Her mother laughed, much to Jacqueline’s surprise. “Caught! You shall have to add “liar” to my list of crimes.”
    Jacqueline stared at her mother, blinking like an owl surprised by a sudden light. She took a deep breath then and asked for the answer she most desired. “What of Reynaud?”
    Her mother eyed her for a long moment, then gestured to the boys to dress the first hare. She cried a command to the bird, which immediately took flight from her fist. She abruptly turned away, wiping her gloves on the grass, then shedding them as she straightened. Jacqueline feared that would be the end of their discussion, but her mother suddenly turned back to face her.
    â€œCome. Melusine will not kill so soon after eating and she will not flee after eating from my hand. Walk with me as I try to explain the inexplicable.” Eglantine tossed her daughter a crooked smile. “There was a time when I could simply tell you a thing was so because I said ’twas so, and you would have believed me. I see that those days are gone.”

Chapter Three
    J acqueline and Eglantine walked in silence for a moment, the rain falling upon them like a soft mist. Its touch soothed Jacqueline’s fears, though she watched her mother carefully, seeking some hint of her thoughts.
    A rare frown pulled Eglantine’s fair brows together. “I admit that matters might have resolved differently had your father Robert lived to this day, or had Theobald not done as he did. But the truth in this is inescapable.” Eglantine paused. “Do you know what happened fourteen summers past?”
    â€œI was born?”
    Her mother smiled in reminiscence. “That you were.” She touched Jacqueline’s cheek with a fingertip, marvel in her eyes. “My first child, and the light of all my days and nights thereafter. Never a greater gift could there have been. You have blossomed into beauty this past year, just as your grandfather predicted.”
    Her loving glance could not be interpreted as a lie and Jacqueline felt herself blush. “But everything is so different...”
    â€œYou will become used to your beauty, Jacqueline.”
    â€œBut I would rather look like