300

Gauche

Peter took a sip from the tankard of ale and peered at Duncan.

"She looks a bit gauche, and her dress is too... tame."

Duncan mumbled without looking at Peter.

"I was afraid she'd wear that dress."

"I thought Ioannis paid you to keep master Stan out of trouble, not to ogle awkward females."

Duncan watched as Niklaus joined the dance floor and held the hand of their quarry.

"That's what I am doing."

Peter choked on the ale and sputtered. He then stared in Niklaus' direction.

"I can't believe it. Ioannis pulled a grand joke on all of us."

Worry and resignation played on Duncan's face.

"I heard Niklaus is ready to make a big announcement. It would change the power game."

Peter slapped his forehead and thumped the tankard on the table. It sloshed and spilled in a small brown pool.

"Wishful dreams. She's besotted, poor chit, and she's in for such disappointment."

Duncan turned sharply to Peter.

"I expected Niklaus to propose. It's a good match."

Peter pointed at the wall opposed to them. Duncan froze when he saw the amusement with which the beautiful woman eyed the pair. She sipped wine from a richly encrusted goblet and fixed Niklaus with an assured and possessive look.

Peter shook his head and watched with sadness the couple dancing gaily in the hall.

"You're right; there would be an announcement today. Niklaus proposed Erzsbet and Tamas gave his blessing."

Duncan caught Niklaus looking away for a mere moment. There was no mistaking the meaning in Niklaus' answering glance at Erzsbet.

He growled against the evidence and turned incredulous eyes toward Peter.

"Niklaus is an honorable man. I don't believe you."

"Would I lie?"

Duncan smiled in remorse and strode to the dance floor.

"Then I'd better earn my retainer."