From the Sketchbook:Scene 2

This chapter of Courting Trouble tells us why the people of Wessex do not like their King. A power hungry and resentful prince sets his warriors against the legitimate king, killing him while he is visiting his mistress. All who are eligible and of age to take the king's place are killed in the skirmish. The mistress is burned for infidelity, and her husband remarries a very young girl. Wessex's enemy, Mercia, takes over the kingdom by installing the puppet king Beorhtric.

Elfwinne, a Lady of the Court

Elfwine is a lady at King Beorhtric's court in the novel Courting Trouble. She is a friend of the queen, Odburh. In the following passage, the novel's heroine, Cynetrith, is introduced to Elfwinne, who entertains her friends with a riddle.

“This is my friend Elfwinne,” [Prince Athelstan] said.

“Nice to meet you,” I said, smiling warmly.

“You have the greatest smile,” said Athelstan. The young man accompanying Elfwinne grimaced.

“And this,” said Athelstan, indicating the youth, “is my best friend Yurmin.”

“Hello, Yurmin,” I said. He seemed to be far away.

“I just heard this one today,” said Elfwinne. “ ‘Outside I’m ornamented. Inside I’m dark. A lady takes care of me and, when her lord is feeling valiant, takes me to him. He upends me and puts a hairy thing in me. It’s a tight fit. Soon he’ll be thrusting. What am I?’”

We all looked at each other and giggled.