King's Bishop (Owen Archer Book 4) by Robb Candace

Author:Robb, Candace [Robb, Candace]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9781446439326
Publisher: Random House
Published: 2011-03-07T16:00:00+00:00

Sixteen

An Invitation to Dine

Thoresby’s chambers at Windsor were in the new wing near the royal apartments, large and comfortable, with a hearth that served both the parlour and bedchamber. Queen Phillippa had seen to his placement here, one of her many acts of generosity towards him. Alice Perrers occupied the mirror apartment at the other end of the long hallway, also the Queen’s choice. Did Phillippa ever regret inviting Alice into her household?

Tonight Thoresby and Alice would dine in the Archbishop’s parlour. Quite civilised, enemies dining on food from the royal kitchen, fine wine from Thoresby’s cellar, warmed by a fire burning in the hearth, the torches along the wall lighting the elegant tapestries depicting such courtly activities as tournaments and dancing in the great hall. Would Alice notice the tapestries? He remembered Archer’s first visit to his London chambers, the hawk eye studying the hunt tapestries that had been designed for the parlour. Thoresby did not recall Alice studying these when she had visited him in his old quarters in the lower ward. He certainly could not remember noting the decoration in Alice’s parlour when he had returned her visit; but she had been distraction enough.

She would not distract him tonight. Thoresby meant to impress Alice with his courtly manners, allow her every opportunity to display her infamous wit. He meant to sit back and watch, and listen, and make her so comfortable she would speak to him of Mary’s death.

Thoresby’s page, Adam, staggered into the room with a basket loaded with the first items for the supper. Michaelo followed him in. Already the table was covered with a linen cloth, Thoresby’s finest Italian goblets, silver platters, spoons, even a bowl of dried, fragrant herbs from Lucie Wilton’s garden to scent the room. Adam now drew several bottles from the basket, a ripe cheese, a loaf of pandemain.

Thoresby was well pleased.

Michaelo proffered a tall, narrow bottle.

‘Your family’s liqueur?’ Thoresby asked.

‘I thought the occasion might warrant it.’ Michaelo lifted an inquiring eyebrow. His family was known for this exquisite concoction, but the last time Thoresby had heard of it was when someone had used the intense flavour to mask an unsavoury, dangerous additive.

Though it was true that Thoresby would have liked to see the last of Alice Perrers, a man in his position had to take subtler action. ‘It is quite safe?’

Michaelo smirked. ‘I assure you it is. A heady mixture of herbs and honey, nothing more. However, should you require …’

‘I do not.’

Michaelo erased the smile.

Thoresby glanced at the other items. ‘You have outdone yourselves, both of you.’

Still nonplussed by the rebuff of his attempt to amuse, Michaelo bowed stiffly. ‘These are merely the accessories, Your Grace. Adam will fetch the kitchen servants to deliver the hot dishes after Mistress Perrers arrives.’

‘Let us hope she warms to the hospitality.’

‘If all is well, I shall leave the remaining preparations to Adam,’ Michaelo said, pausing by the door until Thoresby waved him away.

Adam opened the door with a flourish, bowing low to Gilbert and his lady.

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