The d'Albiac Inheritance: An Ela of Salisbury Medieval Mystery (Ela of Salisbury Medieval Mysteries Book 9)
J. G. LewisEla climbed the wooden stairs to the viewing gallery with her heart in her mouth.
“Is this young Richard’s first time jousting at a tournament?”
Ela turned to see her old friend Anne de Quercy. “It is.” She smiled bravely.
“Are you dying inside?” Anne, an older woman, her silver hair hidden beneath a crisp white veil, peered at her with a warm, pale blue gaze.
Ela sighed. Her son would be mortified if she told people she was anxious for him. “Sir William Talbot insists that he’s ready, but as a mother I can’t help but have some trepidation.” She glanced down at the lists, where jesters still tumbled around to entertain the crowds
“Of course you do, it’s only natural,” said Anne, ushering her toward the front of the gallery filled with mothers, grandmothers, aunts and other matrons and widows. The blushing and giggling young girls watched from another gallery on the far side of the men’s gallery.
“He’s a skilled rider,” said Ela, trying to convince herself. “And handy with the lance.” His brother Stephen was actually better at both, and often bested him in their practices. But as the older of the two Richard was compelled to compete first or become a laughingstock.
“And the instruments are blunted, don’t forget that,” said Anne. “The worst part of losing is having to part with a beloved horse. And the expense of lost armor is no joy, either.”
Ela prayed that Richard wouldn’t have to forfeit the kind chestnut mare who’d faithfully given him so many hours of practice over the last two years. That was indeed the worst loss, though sometimes the winner would allow the horse to be purchased back for a price.