to the twenty-eighth. Under the guidance of Father Bernard, William would officiate all the Advent services apart from mass.
There was a part of Alice that thought William would make a great steward for the church but, as much as William was worthy, even she knew the church would never accept someone with no royal blood.
‘Not yet, but I have no doubts Father Bernard will tell him soon. There’s no one more suitable for it.’
‘He does have the most beautiful voice in the choir, which will help him secure the post,’ Elizabeth said.
‘And he has me to make sure it happens,’ Alice said.
Elizabeth made a tsking sound. ‘This is why you remain unmarried. All your projects and causes. At least this particular project—making a child, with no connections or blood, steward of a wealthy landholding household—will start and end with William.’
Alice rubbed her hands towards the fire.
‘Alice?’ Elizabeth said in a warning tone. ‘It will end with him? It’s fine that you help the families here in Swaffham with other things, but William must be the only one you educate.’
Alice arched her brow. If she could help William, she could help others. Her sister had her projects as well, and Mary’s household was larger than the entire Fenton family’s. Alice had this.
‘Why?’
‘You are my most frustrating, sister.’ Elizabeth glanced through the open doorway. ‘But we’re here to celebrate Martinmas. The Alistair and the Benson families are in the other room, and no doubt wondering what we’re arguing about.’
‘We’re not arguing.’
‘Chatting heavily, then.’
Alice smiled. ‘Certainly.’
Elizabeth clasped her hands loudly. ‘Don’t think we won’t chat heavily another day. But right now I need to ensure that Cook hasn’t packed her satchel and left the kitchens.’
‘Oh, yes! What a tragedy would occur if the precious goose can’t be shoved in the oven and the cook, in shame, runs away!’
Elizabeth shook her head in chagrin, and Alice knew she had her sister on her side.
However, even as Alice’s heart warmed, unease settled upon her. It was time for her to meet everyone. To laugh even if she didn’t feel like it. Even if she disdained the waste and chatter that didn’t help her projects. It was time to begin what King Edward had ordered her to do. It was easier arguing with her sister.
‘Who else is coming?’
‘The Alistairs and Bensons, along with Lyman and Mitchell. Also, a few from the town council and a couple of shopkeepers,’ Elizabeth said.
Trust her sister to be supporting her husband. ‘Ah, to address cleaning up the streets?’
Elizabeth smiled conspiratorially. ‘I intend to ply them with lots of wine until they agree.’
‘Lots of wine? That should make the Alistairs and Bensons happy.’
‘No doubt the Alistairs more than most.’
Family friends for years, the Alistairs and the Bensons were like uncles and aunts to the Fentons. It would be easy for Alice to procure an invitation into their homes for investigation. They might be practically family, but she couldn’t dismiss anyone from being responsible.
Apprehension made her dizzy. But with Elizabeth beaming nothing but goodwill, how could she not do what the King commanded? What wouldn’t she do for her family?
‘That seems like quite a party for St Martin’s Day,’ she said.
‘Oh, I might have invited one more... Just to help your cause.’
Alice bit her tongue. It was what needed to be done, but the mere thought escalated her apprehension.
‘Anyone I know?’
‘It’s a surprise. I have it on good accord that the gentleman who will be attending this evening is visiting family and hasn’t been in town for years.’
Hugh had not been in Swaffham for years.
Alice’s heart skipped. There was no reason Hugh should come to Swaffham. No reason at all, except she’d seen him in that garden and he had said he would talk to the King.
‘You’ve gone pale.’ Elizabeth’s mouth turned down. ‘Have you changed your mind?’
Alice tried to stop her spinning thoughts. It couldn’t be Hugh. For one, Elizabeth would never have requested Hugh’s presence, and two he couldn’t be visiting family since he had none here.
‘No, no. Merely...nervous, I suppose.’
Her sister’s frown eased. ‘It’s the gentlemen present who should be nervous. That gown is stunning on you.’
The gown she had chosen tonight was one of her favourites. A silvery grey bliant with a purple surcoat. Alice had also adorned herself with a silver belt and the daintiest silver and pearl necklace she owned. She knew what the colours did to her eyes. She’d need every bit of confidence she could get.
‘Go in. If not to show off that gown, you must be cold—and the fire in the other room is much larger.’ Elizabeth gave a small smile. ‘They don’t bite, Alice, despite your avoiding them all these years...and I’ll be with you soon enough.’
Plastering a smile on her face, Alice followed her sister out of the comfort of the private parlour and into the much larger public room. After some brief pleasantries and a nod to her guests, Elizabeth departed. A servant offered her a drink, and Alice took it gratefully.
She’d need the warmth and the wine’s strength—especially since Lyman and Mitchell turned immediately upon her entering. She knew them well enough. Both single, both with some means. Both of marriageable age, and just the kind of men who were her target.
Alice took a fortifying sip.
* * *
Following behind Eldric, Hugh stepped into the mayor’s dining room, expecting the reactions of the seated company. In past similar situations, he had revelled in the quiet bite of that moment when complacency turned to outraged surprise or amused curiosity.
Unfortunately, this time he wasn’t able to absorb all the surprised reactions on his sudden appearance before their ever-polite host and hostess rose to greet Eldric, who was already by their side.
With barely a glance from Elizabeth, the servants swiftly rearranged the table settings to make room for him. Other servants left to retrieve additional food.
All of it worked like societal clockwork. Even the guests seemed to move with precision as they adjusted their seats. Except for a few people, he didn’t recognise anyone. Not a surprise since most of them washed their hands of his entire family.
What was surprising was that Eldric had lied when he’d said he was permitted to bring a guest. The evidence
