Page 29 of A Most Forgettable Girl

“And pray, how did you describe me?” she asked impulsively. Before he could answer, she picked up her own letter. “I have described you as a prominent courtier of standing and influence, who is both a man of learning and culture and heir to a considerable estate in Caer Lyoness. Sir James supplements his income with the composition of music and has lately had his pieces played at the cathedral in Caer Lyoness.”

James cleared his throat and picked up the first letter he had written. “One Gunnilde Payne,” he read aloud, “only daughter of Sir Aubron Payne of Payne Manor.”

“That’s it?” She sounded disappointed.

“What else would you have me write?”

“Well, you could have made some attempt at description,” Gunnilde huffed. “Even if it was only to state I am a country girl born and bred!”

“That would give them entirely the wrong impression,” he said dismissively.

“How so?”

“They might think you would be content to be sent home to live quietly at Wycliffe Hall, writing inventories of bed linens,” he explained dampeningly. Mother would just love that. Someone else to lord over and have jumping to do her bidding.

“Oh, well, in that case I suppose I must be grateful to you,” she said, sounding anything but.

James sat back in his seat. What accomplishments would she have him describe? Mistress Payne is an arrant flirt who enjoys catching the eye of all and sundry. She has flaunting yellow hair and a pleasing buxom appearance. He gave his head a quick shake. Probably best not to let his thoughts stray in that direction.

“I would not be content to molder in the country,” she added painstakingly. “If I was, I could have stayed at home and meekly done my stepmother’s bidding.”

“I am well aware of that,” he responded crisply.

“In any case, how do you know I am an only daughter?” she asked.

He snorted. “You would certainly have told me by now if you had a sister.”

She lowered her eyes. “And would your parents like a daughter to live quietly at home with them?” she asked guiltily.

He did not answer for a moment, then said, “They have a niece of my mother’s who lives with them already. She fulfils that role and helps run the household.”

“Oh. You never mentioned a cousin before. What is her name?”

“Rebecca.”

“Is one of your other letters for her?”

“For Rebecca?” He was startled. “Certainly not. We are not on such terms. One is for our steward, Denby, and the other is for my old music tutor, Master Gregory. He lives in town and would have expected me today. I wrote him a brief note of explanation.”

“He was the person you usually see on the second Wednesday of every month?” she deduced.

“Yes, we attend a musical gathering on that day. I see a lot of him when I am in Aphrany and visit with him often. I rent an attic room in his house and keep my musical instruments there.”

Her eyes widened. “Oh, I see. And will I meet this Master Gregory of yours sometime soon?”

“Why would you?”

“Because he is an important person in your life, is he not?”

He paused. “Yes, he is, but he is not someone you would be interested in knowing. He is no one of consequence here at court.”

Gunnilde flushed. “You think that is solely how I judge people?” she asked, two bright pink spots on her cheeks. “Perhaps it is as well you gave no description of me in your letters. Your opinion of me is far from flattering, Sir James!”

“Whereas your description of me was all flattery,” he replied. “Yet relied purely on hearsay. You have never heard any of my music and we have never conversed on subjects of literature or education.”

She had the grace to look a little embarrassed by his directness. “We have not,” she admitted. “I myself am not much versed in such matters.”

He let his eyes travel over her disfavor. No really, he could see no purpose in having her sleeves slashed about to high heaven like that unless it was to show off her shapely upper arms. And as for her distracting hairstyles...