“Indeed,” Brilliana confirmed, “I hold him as hostage for the life of Cousin Randolph. You know that he is a prisoner?”
“I heard that news with the rest of the budget,” Sir Blaise answered. “And what kind of a creature is your captive? Does he deafen you with psalms, does he plague you with exhortations?”
Brilliana laughed merrily.
“No, no; ’tis a most wonderful wild-fowl. My people swear he is mettled in all gentle arts, from the manage of horses to the casting of a falcon.”
Sir Blaise shook his staff in protest of indignation.
“Is it possible that such a rascal usurps the privileges of gentlefolk?”
“He carries himself like a gentleman,” Brilliana answered. “More’s the pity that he should be false to his king and his kind.”
Sir Blaise smiled condescendingly.
“Believe me, dear lady, you are misled. A woman may be deceived by an exterior. Doubtless he has picked up his gentility in the servants’ hall of some great house, and seeks to curry your favor by airing it.”