The Nun's Betrothal

by Ida Curtis

  Philip nodded his agreement.

  But as time passed Gilda began to question her own decision. She was about to give in and follow Justin’s plan when they saw riders approaching Mainz. “It’s Leonardo and Sister Freda,” she told Philip.

  “Stay hidden,” Gilda ordered, then on foot she raced from the cover of trees and approached her surprised friends. “What are you doing out here?” Leonardo asked as his eyes searched around for Justin.

  “Follow me,” she answered, and led them to where Philip still hid. It took only a few minutes to explain the situation.

  “This is how you are spending your wedding night?” Freda asked.

  “Don’t remind me,” Gilda said. “What can we do? Why hasn’t Justin followed us?”

  Leonardo was the one to answer her. “I’ll find out. You go on to the cottage, and we’ll follow.”

  “It’s secluded. No one but Philip can find it. We’ll have to wait for you,” Gilda said.

  Leonardo glanced around at their hiding place. “I don’t like to leave you here. This is too close to the walls of the city.”

  Philip spoke up then. “I’ll lead Gilda and Sister Freda to the cottage, then come back to wait for you and Justin.”

  “The idea was to spirit you away from Mainz, Philip. Now you’re talking of coming back here,” Gilda pointed out.

  “The plan is not perfect, but it’s the best we can do,” Philip replied, determined to prove he didn’t always think about himself.

  Leonardo agreed with Philip. “It’s the only way, Gilda. I have to find Justin.” As he spoke, he remembered promising Justin that he would watch out for Gilda, and he hesitated. “I promised Justin I’d take care of you if you were separated from him.”

  “I’ll take care of her,” Philip promised.

  Leonardo frowned, then turned to Freda. “Make sure nothing happens to her,” he said.

  The matter was decided, and Gilda, Freda, and Philip headed for the secluded cottage. As they approached their destination, it occurred to Gilda that it might no longer be a safe hiding place. But all was dark, as it had been the night they had spent there. Inside, Philip hurriedly lit a fire for Freda and Gilda.

  “I’ll bring Justin back to you, Gilda,” he vowed as he left the cottage.

  Gilda stared at the closed door. “He had better keep that promise,” she muttered.

  “Let’s try and get some rest,” Freda said. “It’s been a long day, and we’ll need our strength for tomorrow’s meeting with Lord Metcalf.”

  Gilda nodded, sure it would be impossible for her but hoping Freda would be able to sleep.

  “What if something happens to Justin?” she couldn’t help asking after they were settled on the floor in front of the fire. “I’ll never forgive myself, Freda. I’m the one who first persuaded him to help Philip.”

  “Lord Justin is one of King Louis’s most favored ministers, Gilda. Cedric may be dangerous, but I doubt even he would do anything to harm Lord Justin.”

  “I hope you’re right. Justin thinks we are safe until he makes his report to the archbishop.”

  “I’m sure he’s correct, Gilda. Try and get some rest now.”

  Hours later Gilda was still awake when she heard the cottage door open. She sprung to her feet. “Justin, is that you?” she whispered, so as not to wake Freda.

  “No, Gilda,” Leonardo answered. “It’s me and Philip.” Before he could say more, Gilda grabbed his sleeve and demanded, “Where is Justin? Did you come away without him?”

  “Yes. Don’t worry. Justin is fine, but . . .”

  “Then why isn’t he here?”

  “Give me a chance to explain, Gilda. Justin stayed at Mainz. It turns out Cedric was told by Lord Metcalf that Philip had been visiting Emma, pressing her to marry him. Cedric wants Lord Justin to visit Metcalf and explain that his marriage to Lady Mariel will be annulled, freeing him to marry Lady Emma.”

  “We suspected that might happen, Leonardo. But why didn’t Justin return with you?”

  Leonardo and Philip exchanged glances, then Leonardo continued. “The count learned that you and Philip had left Mainz together. He insists Justin stay with him until they can visit Metcalf together tomorrow. Cedric suspects you have been helping Philip. He wants to keep Justin with him.”

  His words awakened all Gilda’s worst fears. Cedric was keeping Justin as a guarantee that he couldn’t join Gilda in her effort to help Philip. Justin may have even suspected this might happen when he sent her ahead. “Why didn’t you stay with Justin, Leonardo?” she asked. “He might need you.”

  “Justin insisted I come to be with you, Gilda. He said to tell you he will be with you tomorrow and not to do anything on your own.”

  “Is that all he said? What does Justin plan to do?”

  Leonardo took her arm and made her sit on a bench. “He didn’t have time to tell me his plans.”

  “Because Cedric was there?”

  “Yes, he was nearby. I suspect Justin has some ideas, but we weren’t free to talk.”

  Gilda nodded, her mind racing. “Justin will visit Metcalf with Cedric, and perhaps even Bishop Gunthar will go along. Cedric may even bring some guards.”

  Leonardo sat beside her. “What are you thinking, Gilda? Justin told me to make sure you don’t do anything without him.”

  “You’ll just have to take his place, Leonardo. We are already on Metcalf’s property, and we can get to him before the count arrives.”

  Freda was sitting by the fire, and Philip was crouching beside her. Their eyes were on Gilda, waiting for her to continue.

  “We’ll have to convince Lord Metcalf that Philip is a more appropriate match for Lady Emma.”

  Leonardo shook his head. “How are we going to do that? I think you better leave it to Lord Justin.”

  Gilda hadn’t formed a plan, but she kept talking, hoping something would occur to her. “Freda knows a bit about Metcalf. He loved his wife. That may be something we can use.”

  “That’s not much to work with, Gilda,” Leonardo said. “I think I should follow Justin’s orders and keep you safe.”

  Gilda narrowed her eyes. “Who is going to keep Justin safe? The best possible outcome is to convince Metcalf before the count arrives with his men. That means that we must be ready to approach him by first light.”

  Philip finally spoke up. “I know you’re trying to help me, Gilda. But I don’t wish to put you in danger. It will be safer for you if I try to kidnap Emma while the count is speaking with her father.”

  “Gilda has the more sensible plan.” All eyes turned to Sister Freda, who had been watching them in silence. “From what I remember, Metcalf was an honorable and daring warrior. I predict he will admire Sister Gilda’s courage in facing him. She has a good chance of convincing Metcalf that Count Cedric is not the husband he would wish for Emma.”

  “Metcalf is an old man, Freda. I doubt he resembles the warrior you remember,” Leonardo pointed out.

  “Few people change their basic values just because they grow old, Leonardo. I’ll go along with Sister Gilda. There is no danger from Metcalf. He isn’t going to be disrespectful to a pair of nuns.”

  Gilda smiled, hoping she was right. “Thank you, Freda.”

  Leonardo also smiled at the older nun. “I bow to your wise counsel, Sister Freda. I just hope Justin doesn’t kill me.”

  They had agreed to try to get some sleep, but it seemed to Gilda that she had just nodded off when Freda was shaking her arm. “It’s starting to become light,” she said.

  Gilda jumped up. “I’m awake,” she said.

  “I hope they give us some breakfast,” Leonardo muttered as he straightened his clothes.

  “If Emma is there, she will feed us,” Philip said.

  Gilda turned to him. “Not you, Philip. You lead us there, then disappear. It’s important that we do not antagonize Metcalf before we can talk to him.”

  Philip paused only a moment, then nodded. “I’ll do what you say. Metca
lf used to be my friend, but that no longer seems to be true. But I won’t be far away if you need me. I still have friends in his household.”

  As they approached the manor house, Gilda noticed there was an elaborate garden near the door and an apple orchard that stretched into the distance toward the west. She remembered Philip telling her that Emma worked hard to oversee her father’s property.

  When they entered the courtyard, two servants rushed to greet them. They were taking their horses when a woman appeared at the door. Gilda recognized Emma. There was a hint of the auburn hair beneath her head covering and a puzzled expression on her face.

  “Sister Gilda, what are you doing here?” Emma asked, looking from her to Sister Freda and Leonardo.

  “We wish to speak with your father. It’s rather urgent as Count Cedric is due to arrive soon.” Gilda saw her startled expression and rushed on. “He wishes to press his suit for your hand in marriage. It’s our plan to suggest that Philip is a better match.”

  “My father is not well. He has already made up his mind, and I fear you will be unable to change it.”

  “What do you wish, Lady Emma? Do you want to marry Count Cedric?”

  “No. I’ve never wished that. I remember our talk, Sister Gilda, and I thought of seeking sanctuary at a convent, but I do not want to hurt my father. He is not well and needs me,” Emma said.

  “Just give us a chance to speak to him before Cedric arrives. Sister Freda knew your father many years ago and may be able to help,” Gilda said, exaggerating the connection to convince Emma.

  Emma looked over at the older nun, then nodded. “I’ll see if my father will see you. Come in and have some refreshment while I speak with him.”

  Freda whispered to Gilda as they moved into the great hall. “I didn’t know him. I knew of him, as you are well aware.”

  Gilda nodded. “We’ll work with what we have,” she answered.

  The visitors sat at a long table and were served soup, fresh bread, and ale. When they heard some shouts coming from behind the door Emma had entered, they exchanged worried glances.

  “His shouts are fairly robust,” Freda commented. “Lord Metcalf can’t be feeling too poorly this morning.”

  “You make it sound like that’s a good thing,” Leonardo said, fortifying himself with a long drink of ale.

  Emma returned and sat beside Gilda. “He insisted I tell him why you want to see him. I had to tell him you are friends of Philip. Are you sure you want to go ahead with this, Gilda?”

  “Yes. Has he agreed to see us?”

  “He did, but only after I told him one of the nuns knew him from his days at court. I suspect otherwise he would have refused.”

  Sister Freda stood up. “This is our chance. If Count Cedric arrives before we are finished talking with your father, try and delay him,” Freda said to Emma.

  “I’ll do my best, Sister. Don’t you need me with you?”

  “It might be best if we talk to him alone,” Gilda answered. “Leonardo will wait with you.”

  “I told Justin I’d keep my eye on you, Gilda. I must go with you,” Leonardo said.

  Gilda and Freda exchanged glances. Leonardo was a handsome young man, much as Metcalf had been in his youth. Gilda didn’t want him to distract Metcalf with thoughts of what used to be.

  “I think Metcalf will be more comfortable with just the two of us,” Gilda said.

  Sister Freda smiled at the worried young man. “I agree with Gilda. But don’t fret, I think I’ll be able to protect her from an ailing Lord Metcalf.”

  Leonardo looked toward heaven. “Lord Justin will surely kill me,” he said.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  As Gilda and Freda entered Lord Metcalf’s private chamber, Gilda remembered her brother telling her that the old warrior was hard to look at because of his scars. When she saw that Metcalf’s face was red and puckered on the left side, she wished she had warned Freda. But she need not have been concerned as Freda’s composed expression never changed.

  Metcalf used a thick staff at his side to push himself to a standing position. Although he towered over Gilda, Freda was only a head shorter than he was. After a glance at Gilda, Metcalf held Freda’s eyes. “Do I know you?” he asked.

  His blunt question didn’t faze Freda. “We were at court at the same time. I knew one of your men, a soldier named Gregor.”

  Metcalf narrowed his eyes and stared at her face as though searching for a clue. “A worthy warrior. He died young. Are you his wife?”

  “No. He was already wed when we met.”

  Metcalf nodded, as though understanding that Gregor meant something to her. “That was many years ago,” he said. Then he turned to Gilda. “I certainly didn’t know you at court. You’re much too young.”

  “No, but you met my brother, Lord Chetwynd. He stopped to see you not many days ago.”

  “Yes, I remember Lord Chetwynd. We had a good talk.” He paused, then continued, “So neither one of you is an old acquaintance. It was rather bold to represent yourself as such.”

  Since he sounded more curious than angry, Gilda said, “I’m afraid the situation called for bold measures, my lord.”

  Unfortunately, her reply turned him suspicious. “Just what situation are you referring to?”

  Since it was too late to soften her approach, Gilda said, “We wish to speak to you about Lady Emma and your plan to have her wed Count Cedric. Are you aware that the count recently married Lady Mariel of Bordeaux?”

  Metcalf’s dark eyes glared under his bushy eyebrows. “The man made a mistake. These things happen. The count wishes to marry my Emma, and she will have a place of honor as his wife. What possible business is this of yours?”

  “I happen to know that Emma wishes to marry another.”

  He held up his hand to halt her words. “Philip! He is too young to be a suitable husband. Since you have never married, perhaps you don’t know that it is a father’s duty to arrange his daughter’s match and a daughter’s duty to accept his will.”

  “I am well aware of that, Lord Metcalf. But I also believe that it’s a father’s duty to make the best decision possible for his daughter. Is Philip’s age the only reason you do not wish him to marry Emma?”

  Gesturing with his staff, he shouted. “You’re questioning my judgment! I’ve had enough of this. Out of here, the both of you.”

  Gilda took a step back at his attack, but Freda stood firm and addressed Metcalf. “Your words show a different man than the one I remember,” she said.

  Freda seemed to throw him off-balance. “We didn’t know each other. What are you talking of now?”

  “At court your fame made you the subject of much gossip. You were rumored to be faithful to your wife, in spite of many temptations. You respected your marriage vows. I always admired that about you, Lord Metcalf.”

  “What do I care for your opinion of me?” he replied. But his face softened, and he sat down. “Did you know my Emilia?”

  “We met a few times. She was very beautiful and looked much as your daughter does today.”

  “Yes, Emma is much like her. I kept my daughter to myself too long.” He looked into Freda’s eyes as though seeking her understanding. “Because my end is near, I wish her married and settled. When she marries Cedric, she will become a countess.”

  Gilda’s eyes widened when Freda sat beside Metcalf on the bench. Because her own words had upset him, Gilda moved to the side to keep out of his line of vision as she watched her friend.

  “Clearly you care a great deal for your daughter. Is it your wish that Emma bear children, my lord?” Freda asked.

  “Of course. I remember how happy Emilia was when Emma was born.” He seemed lost in thought for a minute. “She told me she felt fulfilled and that I had made her the happiest woman in the world.”

  “Did you know that Cedric was married twice before he married Lady Mariel?”

  Gilda saw Metcalf stiffen. “You go too far,” he said.

  In sp
ite of his reaction, Freda continued. “I’m sure you know that Count Cedric never did produce an heir. You think Philip is too young for Emma, but perhaps you should be considering that Cedric is too old.”

  Metcalf looked from Freda to Gilda. “What kind of nuns are you? You should be saying prayers and helping the poor, not interfering with a father’s decision for his daughter.”

  In spite of his words, he wasn’t as angry as when he ordered them out of his chamber. Gilda wondered if Freda’s words had affected him. Before either one of them could reply to his question, Emma appeared at the door.

  “Sorry for the interruption, Father, but Count Cedric wishes to speak to you at once,” Emma said. She closed the door behind her and whispered, “He has some men with him and seems impatient.”

  When Lord Metcalf struggled to his feet, Freda put her hand on his elbow to help him. He acknowledged her assistance with a curt nod. “I will speak to him in the dining hall, Emma. Serve the men some ale.” He turned to Freda and Gilda. “Do you wish to join us, or do you wish to keep your visit to me a secret?” he asked, making it clear he suspected the latter.

  “We will wait a few minutes to enter the hall, if that is all right with you,” Freda answered.

  “Do as you wish. It seems you are used to doing just that,” he muttered as he followed Emma out of the chamber.

  As soon as they were alone, Gilda embraced Freda. “You were wonderful,” she whispered.

  “I’m not sure how much good it did to point out the count’s shortcomings.”

  “At least it gave Metcalf something to think about. You seem to be the one with the best instincts in this situation. What do we do now?”

  “There is not much more we can do,” Freda said. “Why don’t we go to the dining hall and sit quietly in the background as we are expected to do? If nothing else, that will throw everyone off.”

  Gilda grinned at the prospect. “In minutes I will see Justin. I hope he will not be too shocked at my presence here.”

  “I suspect that Lord Justin may be getting used to being shocked by you, Gilda.”