FRANCIS QUICKLY REALIZED female company was sadly lacking during his stay at Windsor Castle. There were ladies aplenty, of course, but most of them were above the fray and not likely to conduct an illicit albeit brief affair with him. In general, the ladies of court were mostly women of noble birth, or had married into the nobility. There was always the kitchen or chamber maids to be considered, but Francis had yet to succumb to their dubious charms.

Then he met Alice Drury, the seventeen-year-old daughter and only child of Baron William Drury and Margaret Daubeney. The family came to Windsor from their holding in Suffolk the day after Christmas by invitation of the King. Baron Drury had been a presence in the court of Henry VII, receiving his title from the current King's father for fighting off a band of marauders in Bury St. Edmunds.

Alice was tall for a woman, perhaps a mere six inches shorter than Francis. Her slender frame was adorned with full breasts, blonde hair and light brown eyes. Francis was enchanted by her thin upper lip, full lower lip and a pert nose. Her pale skin almost appeared translucent in the lighting to be had at Windsor, giving her a soft glow he found impossible to resist. She was not overly shy, deliberately keeping her eyes level to his when they were introduced by William Compton.

Francis bowed slightly. "Very pleased to meet you, Mistress Drury."

She offered him a half-smile, almost mocking in its display. "Likewise, Mr. Bryan."

"How long will you be staying at Windsor?"

"His Majesty has asked us to remain until after Twelfth Night, Mr. Bryan." She regarded him with her light brown eyes. "And how long are you staying, may I inquire?"

Francis was already calculating in his mind how much time he would have to seduce Alice. It was currently December 26th, giving him just ten days to woo her before Twelfth Night on January 5th.

Francis met her gaze. "I'm staying as long as the King has need of me. We will probably return to Greenwich sometime in March." He gave her a smile. "It is unfortunate you will not be there as well."

She appeared surprised. "I must go where my parents will, Mr. Bryan. I am nothing if not a dutiful daughter."

"As you should be," he murmured in response.

Dancing was part of the nightly entertainments at Windsor. When calls for the Galliard began, Francis invited Alice to be his partner. She quickly accepted, taking his arm as they walked to a cleared area of the Great Hall. Many young couples were eager to partake of the lively dance as a band of musicians started to play from a balcony above.

"You know the Galliard?" Francis asked Alice as they paused on the floor.

She laughed. "Yes, of course. Just because I live in Bury St. Edmunds doesn't mean I'm ignorant of modern ways."

He bowed. "My apologies, Mistress Drury."

Francis was impressed by Alice's quick agility as they swept through the dance moves. When he took four hopping steps to complete one turn with a high leap, holding Alice in the air during the cadence, she squealed with delight. When he landed with one foot in front of the other, she melded into his arms. He gazed down at her, a warm light in his eyes. She returned his regard boldly, as if to let him know she wholly approved.

"You almost make me forget my comportment," he whispered into her ear.

"Don't mind your manners on my account," she returned flirtatiously.

Francis drew in his breath softly. It was obvious Alice was his for the taking. All he had to do was reach out and he could have her.

"Would you like to take a walk in the Moat Garden?" He asked her.

She nodded. "Yes, Mr. Bryan. I've grown quite warm all of a sudden. A turn in the cold air would surely remedy it."

Another set of the Galliard had commenced, so Francis and Alice were able to slip away with little notice, apart from the watchful eyes of the King. He saw the couple leave the Great Hall, a smile forming on his lips. Francis had taken a quick fancy to Mistress Drury, as well he should. She was a lovely young woman, but from a good family. Francis would have to be cautious in his perusal of the lady, the King mused. It wouldn't do to besmirch the honor of Baron Drury's daughter.

Francis and Alice went through the Guard Chamber in the round tower to exit the castle, stepping swiftly into the cold night. Torches blazed high on stone walls, lighting their way as they took a path to the garden, which was dusted with newly-fallen snow. Royal guards holding upright halberds stood in groups of two near the torches, merely nodding to Francis as he passed by them.

Alice wore a long, black ermine coat with gold-braided cuffs over her dark blue velvet gown, which included a square neckline, fur-lined sleeves and a gabled hood. Francis admired her profile as she walked briskly alongside him.

"Are you cold?" He asked her solicitously.

She shook her head. "No, not at all. I find the air to be invigorating." He saw the condensation of her breath turn into a mist when she spoke, and was oddly aroused by it. She was seemingly unaware that she was a warm, sensual woman, inviting with her eyes, speech and the simple presence of her voluptuous body. She gave an air of innocence, yet there was no denying her nubile form and quick mind.

"Are you spoken for?" He asked her suddenly, his tone blunt.

She glanced sideways at him. "Pardon?"

"Are you spoken for?" He repeated, turning his head to stare straight ahead as they walked on the path.

"No, I'm not spoken for. Are you?"

"Never."

She studied him. "Never as in you've never been spoken for, or never as in you'll never be spoken for?"

"A bit of both," he admitted sheepishly.

"Oh." She seemed to let her thoughts settle before continuing. "Why? Don't you want to marry one day to carry on your family name?"

He shrugged. "I suppose, but I'm in no hurry to do so."

Alice gave a short laugh. "To be honest, neither am I. In that we are alike, Mr. Bryan. Yet I know it will be expected of me, so someday I'll have to shackle myself to a man and produce a passel of brats."

Francis laughed at her frank description. "You're right, Mistress Drury. To me, as an observer, marriage appears to be a bit of a prison sentence."

"Exactly," she replied flatly. "And who wants that?" She paused on the path, turning to look into his face. "If we are going to be friends, don't you think we should call each other by our given names? Can we please forgo with the mister and mistress drivel?"

He smiled widely at her. "I heartily agree with you, Alice."

"Thank you, Francis." She returned his smile, her eyes bright. "I feel much better now."

"Shall we return to the Great Hall?"

"I suppose we should, although I'm finding our walk preferable to a hall crowded full of revelers."

"You're a country mouse at heart," he teased her as they turned to make their way back to the round tower.

"Not so much a mouse," she responded softly. "More like a paradoxical mix of clapping thunder and a purring kitten." She gazed at him boldly. "Do you think you can handle me, Francis?"

He returned her intense stare. "I can and will, Alice. You won't regret it. It is the one promise I can make to you."

"Then what are we waiting for?"

Next > (Chapter Twenty-Three)