Alys lay awake most of the night, alternatively savoring and regretting her impulsive kiss, calling herself a fool and wondering if Burke would think her wanton. She finally fell asleep just before the dawn, only to awaken out of sorts. ’Twas a sullen gray day, the skies heavy with the threat of rain, and far from the finest weather to set out on the journey to visit Heloise.
But Alys dressed, attended the second Mass, and returned to the bailey with her uncle and Brigid to find Burke waiting with his saddled steed. The others were apparently still asleep.
Burke’s arms were folded across his chest, his dark fur-lined cloak flowing behind him. Alys’s heart leaped at the sight of him, no less at the certainty that he waited for her.
“And where are you going?” Uncle demanded.
“Burke takes
