December 3
Thank you to Rozsa Gaston, author of The Anne of Brittany series of historical novels for sharing this excerpt with us today on The Anne Boleyn Files Advent Calendar.
Chapter Two
December 1501
Joanna of Castile and Philip of Burgundy
“My lady, how fare you this evening?” Louis asked, running his fingers up the back of his queen’s neck under her headdress. They sat at the head table on a dais overlooking the banquet hall.
“When are they leaving?” Anne hissed, telling him everything he needed to know about his wife’s state of mind.
“M’amie, they depart tomorrow before midday. The agreement is signed; nothing further keeps them here.” The six days of their royal guests’ stay in Blois had passed in a series of diversions as Christmas Day approached. Philip had occupied Louis’ time while Joanna was entertained by the queen.
“Thank God.” Anne raked Louis’ thigh under the table.
“My lady, must you take out on me whatever it is that vexes you?” Her touch stirred him. He would repay her in kind the moment they were alone.
“If not you then who, my lord? Surely you would not want me to take it out on our guests?”
“We will have plenty of time to go over the events of the week once they’re gone, ma Brette. Are you not happy to have attained your aim?”
“Delighted. As soon as they leave, I will be relieved as well.”
“My lady, you have ever been the model of composure before the court. Do you tell me you’re slipping?” Louis teased.
“I never slip, mon cher. I will offer my best face until precisely…what time did you say they’re leaving?” Anne glared at him behind her Venetian fan.
He rolled his eyes. His Brette was a firebrand, used to getting what she wanted and to handling delicate company, up to a point. The point had been reached.
Louis had had a pleasant enough time of it. He and Philip had gone hawking, then stag-hunting the next day, overseen a tourney, and attended the marriage of one of Anne’s maids of honor. Just that morning they had celebrated Mass together, where a French choir had sung on one side of the nave and a Burgundian choir had performed on the other. Later that day Philip and he had signed the agreement of intent concerning their children’s future marriage.
“Smile, m’amie. We shall enjoy a laugh or two tomorrow after they leave,” the king encouraged.
“Wait until I tell you what happened at Mass today.” The corners of Anne’s mouth curved downward.
“Not another breach of protocol, I hope,” Louis joked.
“Not just one, but two.”
“Heaven forfend. But save it for later; they’re coming now.” He nudged Anne’s ankle with his foot as their guests entered the banquet hall.
Philip of Burgundy, a golden Apollo, was scoping the room, doubtless sizing up the ladies present. Joanna of Castile followed behind, looking neither to the right nor the left.
(Excerpt from new historical fiction release Anne and Louis: Rulers and Lovers)
http://lrd.to/ANNEANDLOUISRULERSANDLOVERS
ROZSA GASTON writes playful books on serious matters, including the struggles women face to get what they want out of life.
She is the author of Anne and Charles (Book 1 of the Anne of Brittany Series), Anne and Louis (Book 2), Anne and Louis: Rulers and Lovers (Book 3), Sense of Touch, Paris Adieu, Black is Not a Color, Budapest Romance, Running from Love, and Dog Sitters.
Gaston studied European history at Yale and received her Master's degree in international affairs from Columbia. She worked at Institutional Investor magazine, then as a columnist for The Westchester Guardian.
She is currently working on her fourth and final book in the Anne of Brittany Series. She lives in Bronxville, New York, with her family.
Gaston can be found online on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/rozsagastonauthor, or at her website, www.rozsagaston.com. Her motto? Stay playful.
