Evander bowed.
“I thank you,” he said, and followed Thoroughgood out of the room. Brilliana turned to Rufus.
“I trust you will all feast here to-night.”
Rufus shook his head sadly.
“Tears in my eyes and heart, but not possible. We join the King to-night for Banbury.” He came close to her and spoke low. “Bright Brilliana, will you not give me your golden promise ere I go?”
“You must not ask that yet,” Brilliana pleaded. “I must know my own mind.”
Sir Rufus banged his hands together.
“By God, I know mine, and my mind is to win you if I have to kill a regiment of rivals.”
Brilliana pretended to shudder at his ferocity.
“Lord! you are a very violent lover.”