TWENTY-ONE
A tentative knock sounded at the door. Melitta crossed the inn's best chamber to open it. "Yes?" she asked.
The chambermaid dropped a curtsy. "Beg pardon, milady. I thought this was the knight's chamber."
"George's across the hall, in what I understand is your second best chamber," Melitta said, pointing. "He said that a lady deserves the best, and a knight will make do with whatever else is available."
"Aw, he's a gallant one, isn't he? All chivalry and courtly love." She sighed blissfully. "So romantic. When will you be married, milady?"
Married? Melitta's eyebrows rose so high she suspected they vanished into her hair. Hopefully never, she thought but didn't say. Instead, she replied, "When a man demonstrates he truly deserves me, and asks for my hand."
At the sound of
