“Oh, he may not show tonight. He leaves tomorrow morning on the Queen’s pilgrimage – and is doubtless practicing his craft in bed right now with some lucky woman. He only arrived last Tuesday, you know – and women lined up at his door ever since.”
“Beatrice!”
“Margaret told me. She was with him for two nights straight – more than any of the others.”
“Margaret? Lady Margaret?!”?
Beatrice nodded, her eyes satisfied slits.
“But she would never commit adultery! I know there are others… but surely not her! She’s a pious woman – I mean truly pious. She’d never break one of the commandments! I can’t believe she could have been seduced – even by a one so charming as he.”
“But that’s just the point!” Beatrice hissed, bending nearer Theresa’s ear. “God knows he’s the most attractive man who’s ever been at court – I’m fifty-two, and can’t think of anyone I’ve ever seen who’s better looking. That smile… Holy Mary! But it isn’t even that – or his wealth, though I heard his lands to the south are vast and rich, and he has numerous estates – more wealth than the king!”
“Can that be?!”
“Yes, but it’s none of those things that make women like Margaret risk everything to get into his bed.” Here Beatrice leaned away and coughed slightly as two gorgeously attired noblewomen passed, the stiff, gem-encrusted hems of their gowns scraping the floor behind them. Theresa busied herself with a quick sip of wine, then swiftly replaced the goblet to become all ears as Beatrice once again leaned closer.
“He’s a master at making love – Margaret said she could hardly believe it herself, but he has such skill…”