The fire in the hearth flickered faintly, chasing away the chill in the room. Eric noticed the walls were smooth and white, freshly coated in lime and painted with green, curling flourishes and a border of pink wild roses. Shields and banners added splashes of color.
Though sparsely furnished, the pieces were all of fine oak and gave off the scent of beeswax.
The room was full of life, as if announcing the imminent arrival of its new, young master.
Eleanor liked to surround herself with new and beautiful things to pass the time; she had her own ideas about how to enjoy life.
She relished all the pleasures of noble life, save for its social and marital obligations. Lofty ideals like those of Emma and Matilda had never once crossed her mind.
