Lady in Waiting by Anne Herries

Author:Anne Herries
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2004-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

James Morton watched her in frustration. It seemed that Sir Nicholas had little more success with the fair Catherine than he—but his own case was urgent. He must win her if he could, for his life and fortune might depend upon making Mistress Moor his wife. Sometimes he thought that her life might also hang in the balance, for there were times when he was very afraid.

‘I have heard something that might interest you.’

Catherine was surprised a few days after the contest to be stopped by Louise Montpellier as she was on her way to the Queen’s apartments.

‘I do not understand you, mademoiselle?’

‘Sir Nicholas told me that you were making inquiries on behalf of the family of Mistress Williams?’

‘Yes, that is true. Do you have any news?’ Catherine looked at her expectantly.

‘I can tell you that they are not amongst the official list of the dead, though many more are missing. They may have gone into hiding, of course.’

‘Lettice will be relieved to know that at least they are not on the list of the dead. Thank you for telling me, mademoiselle.’

‘She is fortunate that hope remains for her family.’

Catherine saw a suspicion of tears in the other girl’s eyes and her heart was touched. She had never cared for Louise, but she could feel sympathy for her in this case.

‘There is none for your own family?’

‘No…’ Louise raised her head, her eyes sparkling as she fought back her tears. ‘None. I saw them killed that night and the house burned around them.’

‘I am sorry. It must have been dreadful for you.’

‘Do not give me your pity,’ Louise said, anger driving out the grief. ‘I want nothing from you, Mistress Moor. Except that now I have given you the news you sought you will stop plaguing Sir Nicholas at every turn! He does not find it amusing, though he is too much of a gentleman to say so.’

‘I beg your pardon?’ Catherine stared at her, surprised by the girl’s sudden change of mood. ‘What can you mean?’

‘You are perfectly aware of my meaning.’

‘This is ridiculous!’

‘Do you deny that you deliberately provoke him because you want him to notice you? I have seen the way you look at him!’

‘I do deny it,’ Catherine said, a flash of temper in her eyes. ‘Indeed, you insult me, Mademoiselle Montpellier. I have no interest in Sir Nicholas. None whatsoever. And I certainly do not seek him out at every turn.’

‘Then why were you talking with him so earnestly last evening?’

‘We had some private business to discuss, and I do not see that I must share it with you.’

Catherine raised her head proudly. Sir Nicholas had come to her to tell her of the bear, which he had successfully released from its cruel master.

‘I fear it must remain in captivity for its remaining days, for it could not live else,’ he told Catherine. ‘But I have a friend who rescues such animals and I know that he is prepared to nurse it back to health and care for it until it dies a natural death.

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