It was mid-morning, Lady Elizabeth was just taking her seat at the brunch table where her son, Henry, was already grumbling. Once again the young and exotic Diane had turned him down and he was in a sour mood.
"Again I find her conversing with that rogue Peter of Burwick," he growled into his tea. "They were discussing his recent victory over Sir Mark on the tourney field in France, as if a victory there is worth anything!"
"Didn't Sir Mark beat you last year in Brussels, my dear?" Elizabeth calmly remarked.
"Need you remind me, mother?"
Elizabeth sips her tea quietly. She felt sorry for the poor boy. He had his heart set on this girl, yet she avoided his advances. He once purposed marriage to her, but she turned him down.
Elizabeth knew the stories behind Diane's hesitation. She knew the girl was not ready to settle down nor chose a mate, much to the dismay of her parents. Her father had presented every prince within a week's riding distance to meet with her dismissal. Her poor mother was ailing and they both wanted security for Diane before she expired.
Unfortunately no one had asked Diane's opinion on the matter. She had other ideas!
"I should challenge that Peter to a match," her son declared. "Maybe when I beat the boasting out of him I'll gain some respect."
Elizabeth inclined her head in agreement knowing he would do it regardless of her desires.
Henry strolled out into the courtyard and headed for the stables. James, the stable master, was polishing the carriage tack as he approached. "James, saddle Soup immediately. I am on my way to Burwick with a challenge."
"Yes sir," replied James, dropping the tack and retrieving the gelding.
A few minutes later James watches as Henry turned Soup down the lane towards Burwick.
'That boy was in for another beating over that silly girl once again,' thought James.
Next week we'll discover the terms of the challenge and whether it was worth Henry's trouble to go against Peter of Burwick!
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