The PROMISE

Lady Elinor’s secret tryst with her suitor was uncovered – but who had betrayed her?

- Joanna Toye

THE STORY SO FAR: At a tournament to mark her 17th birthday, Lady Elinor de Bohun was captivated by the champion knight, Sir Henry Latimer, a surprise late arrival. This annoyed her uncle, Sir Gerald, who has appointed himself head of the household following the death of her father, Sir John. Sir Gerald wants Elinor to marry Sir Richard Tremaine – her dowry and lands will settle debts Sir Gerald owes him. Sir Gerald’s men manhandled Sir Henry away, causing him to miss Elinor’s birthday feast, to her great distress. Next day, lowly scullery maid Joan risks her job to smuggle Lady Elinor out of the manor to meet Sir Henry in the nearby forest, but before he can have much conversation with Elinor, Sir Gerald and his men arrive. Elinor urges Joan to hide. What, demands Sir Gerald, is Elinor doing in the forest alone?

Crouched in the undergrowth, Joan felt her heart pound. How could her mistress Lady Elinor explain her presence in the forest when she was supposed to be resting in her chamber, feeling faint?

But Joan had faith in Lady Elinor’s quick thinking.

‘Well?’ Gerald persisted.

‘Oh, Uncle,’ said Elinor sweetly. ‘The heat was so stifling in my room. I had to breathe the forest air, and maybe find some herbs to clear my head.’

‘There are herbs aplenty in the manor garden,’ said her uncle. ‘And servants to pick them for you and make a soothing brew.’

His tone was reasonable enough, but Joan could tell he didn’t believe a word of Elinor’s explanation.

‘I went to your chamber to see if you needed anything, my lady,’ Alys, Elinor’s lady-in-waiting stepped forward. ‘I was concerned…’