She Owns the Knight by Diane Darcy Page A

Marshall had need to know of your purity, and we had to obey.”
    “Whatever.” Gillian lifted her chin at the dress. “I like the dress. It’s very whimsical.”
    “Let me help you into it.”
    It turned out Gillian was actually glad for the assistance. Hoses gartered at the knees, a tight undertunic, and then the gown. She probably wouldn’t have figured it out on her own. To Beatrice’s disgust, Gillian wore her athletic shoes which would have probably spoiled the effect, except they couldn’t be seen.
    “Do you miss your family?”
    Gillian thought of her parents and brother. “Yes, I do. Very much.”
    “I’m sure they will visit often, and that Lord Marshall will take you to see them also.” Beatrice opened the door and clapped her hands. “Bring the ribbons, that her ladyship might choose.”
    Gillian stifled a smile. She wasn’t sure she’d get used to the bowing and scraping, but Beatrice was certainly taking to her new role.
    Beatrice hustled her onto a stool and Gillian sat as her hair was damp dried, coiled, entwined with green ribbons, and the silver comb inserted.
    “So, any idea what I’m supposed to do all day?”
    “My lady?” Beatrice continued fussing, cursing the thickness of Gillian’s hair under her breath.
    “You know, how do I keep myself occupied. What’s my role?”
    “Ah. Your responsibilities? To have children, of course. We are all very excited about the prospect.”
    Gillian shivered as she remembered Kellen’s promise to spend a lot of time at that particular occupation. “I meant right now. Today.”
    “Ah. Well, of course, you will want to plan the meals, talk to the cooks, make menus, and keep the kitchen accounts. Sewing is a pleasant pastime and Lord Marshall has much material. I imagine he will be most generous with ye. Do you hunt? There are the falcons, of course. And as the weather is warm, perhaps you will plan a field day?”
    “A field day?”
    “Fun, games and food out of doors.”
    “Oh. A picnic.” Gillian chuckled at Beatrice’s hopeful tone.
    “Also you are to make sure everyone is working to your satisfaction. You have no ladies to train at present, for they all left when your sister died. But I am sure that will change once your family arrives and news of your marriage spreads. Then there are the spinners and weavers. And, of course, preparations for the wedding.”
    Gillian’s head reeled. “Is that all?”
    Beatrice giggled. “Of course you will have many hands to help with all. Lord Marshall is quite wealthy, you know, with countless servants. His father has many manors, but Lord Marshall won this keep through his own merits. It was an award from the king for his strength and loyalty.” Beatrice sounded proud.
    “And, of course, many fear him and having him thus on the border is a deterrent against the Scots.” Beatrice gave Gillian’s hair one last pat.
    “Everyone is aware you brought his lordship a large dowry and is laughing about your claim of ownership over him. Lord Marshall, as well. No one has seen him laugh in a long time.”
    The girls’ eyes were shining with mirth. “The men are also excited as your dowry will allow more of them a place of their own.” She looked down shyly. “Which means a chance of marriage for some of the women, as well.”
    Gillian was amused. “Thinking of getting married, are you?”
    Beatrice shrugged, but she was smiling as she handed Gillian a piece of polished metal and Gillian realized it was supposed to be a mirror. As far as she could tell, she looked presentable. She’d check her compact later.
    Beatrice lowered her voice. “All wonder if a betrothal was broken to give you to Lord Marshall?”
    A betrothal? Gillian thought about the way that faker Ryan White had fooled her into believing he loved her and wanted to marry her. The way he’d humiliated her and left her self-esteem in the mud. Angry tears formed in her eyes. She’d been a fool, and over such a worthless jerk. She