Bold Conquest

by Virginia Henley

  "Madame and Monsieur St. Denys, this is my lovely lady, we were only wed last week." Guy looked into Lillyth's eyes and brought both her hands to his lips, then, putting a protective arm about her, he looked at his guests so that he could gauge and enjoy their reactions. Envy stood out all over St. Denys, while his wife gave birth to a hatred that needed a vent.

  "Darling, please see what is keeping Rolf. I think Mother is ready to come down now," said Lillyth.

  As soon as Guy left, Marie St. Denys said to her, "Surely the ceremony that took place last week was not a legal one. Did you never suspect that Montgomery might have left a wife behind in Normandy?"

  For one moment Lillyth felt as if a knife had been plunged into her, but she instantly dismissed the hateful words and smiled her own secret, seductive smile. "Ah, what a delightful sense of humor you French ladies have. I discovered that when we entertained my lord Robert de Mortain and his lady two weeks ago." Lillyth swept away from them with this parting shot and determined not to hold further conversation with them.

  "The king's brother stayed here?" bristled Marie St. Denys to her husband.

  Later, when much wine and ale had been imbibed, Guy put forth a suggestion to St. Denys. "I am so sure that my theories will work that I would be willing to make you a proposition. Give me your worst man. Someone who runs away habitually and needs the whip to make him work, and I'll keep him for two months. If at the end of that time he has attempted to run, or needs the whip just once, you can have all my fields for planting on this side of the river," Guy said.

  "What would you gain from that, Montgomery?"

  "Nothing! However, if he turns out to be a willing worker without the lash, then I will plant the fields on your side of the river."

  St. Denys laughed shortly. "I have a man who has tried running three times in spite of whippings upon his capture that have nearly killed him. You are welcome to him for two months— in fact, you are welcome to him permanently, but it is a sure thing that I will be planting your fields when spring comes."

  "It's a bargain. Send him over tomorrow. Now, can we offer you hospitality for the night?" Guy asked.

  "No, no, we must get back. I'll have one more cup, then I fear we shall have to depart. It has been a pleasure, Montgomery. I will be over in a couple of weeks to see how that Saxon is doing."

  After the nuptials had been thoroughly celebrated and the couple was bedded, Guy and Lillyth were the last ones to seek their chamber. "My tittle scheme seemed to work sweetheart! We should have our man back here tomorrow."

  "What terrible people they are, Guy. She was so unpleasant to me, and for no reason whatsoever."

  "Sweetheart, she had a hundred good reasons. Your beauty was enough to put her in a jealous frenzy. I am afraid she hates you very much. Do you mind?"

  "The whole world may hate me, save you," she smiled.

  He bent his lips to hers, and mouth fused to mouth, he caressed her tenderly. He drew her closer until their bodies touched at every point, then without taking his mouth from hers he lifted her into bed. His loveplay went on and on until she lay beneath him in a wanton sprawl. His iron grip told her that he could wait no longer, as in truth, neither could she. She arched her body to meet his, and he was pleasantly surprised at the passionate responses he had unleashed in her. Afterward, as they lay in the haze of love, she whispered, "Was I very wicked?"

  "Deliciously so," he whispered back.

  She cried out once in the night from a dream of dark shadows, but he was there instantly, drawing her down into strong arms.

  The monk from Mont St. Michel; who was called Sebastian, arrived, and the building and fortifications went ahead with great speed.

  Edgarson was always to be found at the center of things, so much so that his father was afraid he was under everyone's feet. One day he spoke to Montgomery. "Forgive him, my lord, but I cannot keep him away."

  Sebastian the monk spoke up. "The boy has a love for building equal to my own."

  Guy asked, "Do you think he could learn from you?"

  "The best time to learn anything is at his age. I will apprentice him, and by the time he is a grown young man, he will be the master builder of Godstone."

  Guy agreed readily. He was all for teaching his people new skills.

  Once more Emma found herself compelled to visit Morag. It was obvious to Morag that Emma was at the end of her rope, not knowing which path to take. She had wanted to conceive badly enough, but now that the child was beginning to show, she wanted to be rid of it

  "Morag, you must help me," she pleaded.

  "No. The master has forbidden me. This is no simple matter of bringing your courses down because they are a few days late. This is to deliberately destroy a child!"

  Greediguts spotted a sparkling brooch at Emma's neck and flew down to peck at the shiny object.

  Emma screamed. "It tried to kill me!" she sobbed.

  "Nonsense, woman. Magpies are collectors." The intelligence of the average woman is abysmal, Morag muttered to herself.

  "Then if you will not give me a potion to drink, make me a spell," begged Emma.

  "Foolish, foolish! Think you if you walk backward, or spit in the fire or bow to the raven it will keep the sinister gods at bay?"

  "Are you trying to tell me the old beliefs are all nonsense?" asked Emma.

  "Some believe one thing, others another. Do you really think a deformed child is one the fairies have replaced? And do you believe if you whip it enough they will come and take it away?"

  "I could not whip a child," said Emma, sinking onto a low stool.

  "You will make a good mother. Go now and believe with all your heart that the father will decide, for one reason or another, to support you in your great need," declared Morag with total conviction.

  The ladies spent their days weaving and embroidering the beautiful cloth which had been ordered by the king and by his brother Robert. After the evening meal, Guy usually went over building plans with his men, but if he went upstairs to get drawings or maps, they knew he would not return that night, for as soon as he saw Lillyth all thought of buildings and plans vanished from his mind.

  On days when there was such a downpour it was impossible to work outdoors, Lillyth knew that Guy would begin to tease her and then to steal kisses and sooner or later find an excuse to lure her to their chamber, where they would lose themselves in each other's arms in the huge bed.

  Guy decided to have the sheep-shearing as early as possible so that he could take some of the winter fleeces to London along with the cloth. When he got back, it would be time to start thinking about planting.

  "I am so excited about going to London, Guy. I have never seen it, you know," Lillyth said as she mended one of his chainses before packing it for the journey.

  He looked at her in astonishment. "Sweetheart, you aren't coming with me to London. What gave you such an idea?"

  "Oh please, Guy, you wouldn't leave me behind, would you?" she pleaded.

  He shook his head. "Nay, love, we sleep on the road the first night. It wouldn't be fitting."

  She could not believe he was saying no, as he had been able to refuse her nothing since they were wed. She went up to him, stood on tiptoe and slipped her arms about his neck. "I have been so looking forward to it, Guy. We can spend time alone together away from the hall for the first time. Please?"

  Green eyes looked down into hers and he could not hide his amusement. "Playing the temptress will not work, Lillyth. It would be unsafe for you, so the answer is no."

  She was disappointed and angry, so she left him. He treats me like a child, she thought. Then she conceived of a plan to go without Guy knowing. If she could get part of the way without his discovering her, she did not think he would make her return home. She packed her things along with his and put them in the baggage cart with the bolts of cloth and the bales of wool. Guy was taking his campaign tent for the night on the road, as it was still quite cold. Provisions for the journey for both the men and
the horses were also packed in the baggage cart.

  Lillyth waited to see which men Guy would take with him. He chose his three most seasoned knights, skipped Rolf because of his recent marriage, and as an afterthought told Nicholas he could come along. Lillyth was delighted. She explained to Nick that she wanted to go in his place; she would need his horse and his armor.

  "And what do I get in exchange for giving up my trip to London?" He winked at her suggestively.

  "Oh, Nicky, do not tease me. I am deadly serious! It is a surprise for Guy."

  "It will be a surprise, all right," he chuckled. "By God, it's worth it! It's a fine joke to play on him. Mind you, do not involve me in this when he discovers you. He has eyes like a hawk, you know; likely you will not get away with it."

  "I'll get away with it," she vowed.

  The night before they were to leave, she put Nick's chausses, mail shirt and helmet in a coffer in her chamber, along with a pair of her own leather boots and gloves. When Guy came to bed, the quality of her silence told him that she would have none of him. However, he chose to ignore the warning and reached for her. She pulled away from him quickly and turned over to face the other way. It was the first night she had denied him since they were wed. A small frown creased his brow. Perhaps I should take her along, he thought. Then he considered breaking down her defenses, which he knew without doubt he could do in short order, but then he thought, She is just waiting for me to capitulate. I will not be ruled by the wench.

  When he arose before dawn, she was sleeping so peacefully and innocently beside him that he did not wish to disturb her. Besides, he feared her tears and what they might do to him. His lips brushed her forehead in farewell and he was gone, carrying his sword from the room quietly. She waited two full minutes and then opened the coffer and dressed in Nick's attire. She skipped breakfast and made her way by stealth to the stables where Nicholas had promised to meet her.

  "Now, tell him you will bring up the rear with the baggage cart, don't forget. Thank you for saddling your horse for me, I would never have managed in this damned chain mail," said Lillyth.

  "It's too heavy for you, Lillyth, you will never hold yourself up in the saddle," he protested.

  "I will manage for a few miles. Here they come," she hissed. "I will hide in the back stall."

  Totally ignoring the sleepy-eyed stableboys, she crouched down in the stall and held her breath. Guy's voice came to her loudly. "Nick, where is your mail and helmet? You are not traveling without them!"

  "Half-asleep, I guess," Nick apologized. I'll get them. You go on ahead, I'll stay with the baggage cart for a while, then later on I'll trade places with one of you."

  The party set out and Lillyth came from hiding. "Quick, give me your cloak, I'll stay behind the cart where I cannot be seen very well. It's still dark out anyway. Wish me luck."

  Her face was alight with the excitement of the escapade and Nick shook his head. He only hoped Guy did not wipe that smile from her face too soon.

  By the time they had traveled for an hour and it came a little lighter, Guy noticed his men looking at him askance, and he immediately wondered what was going on. Were his men planning to stay in London and go home with William at the end of the month? He dismissed that thought. If they were about to desert him, at least one of them would have been man enough to tell him before this. He glanced back toward the baggage cart and was surprised to see the rider in the rear duck out of his line of vision. He immediately knew it wasn't Nick because of the size, and he knew instinctively that it was Lillyth.

  For a moment he was angry enough to strike her, then as he pondered what he would do, he cooled down a little. After all, she knew how angry he would be, but she had dared his wrath just to be with him. He softened a little. He knew if he went to her and ordered her home she would defy him in front of his men. He could make her obey, but it would not be a very pleasant scene. She had won her point, but if she wanted to have her own way, she would have to be willing to take the consequences! What he knew would happen sooner or later occurred. A wheel of the baggage cart became caught in a deep rut, and strain as they might the oxen team could not pull it out. Guy rode toward the cart and shouted, "Be a good lad, Nick, and take care of this, will you? I suppose you will have to unload everything, pull the oxen ahead out of the rut and then load everything back on the wagon again. We needed a rest anyway. When you have done, come and join us in a drink," and he rode off and motioned the other men to follow. They dismounted under some trees and Guy poured ale all around.

  "You cannot let her struggle with that lot," Hugh protested.

  "When she comes to beg my pardon and ask for assistance I will give it to her, and not before!" he stated.

  He settled back, prepared to enjoy himself.

  Lillyth was almost fainting from the weight of the helmet and chain mail, and the chore she now contemplated was gargantuan. She struggled with a few items, but she could not do the job. She took off the helmet and wiped her brow. She knew the moment had come when she must face Guy. Then, like a revelation, she thought, What if he knows I am here? Surely they would not leave Nicholas to cope by himself while they sit drinking under the trees? What if he is just waiting for me to beg his forgiveness? She tugged down a bale of wool, lay down in the roadway and rolled it on top of her. Then she gave a little scream, closed her eyes, and waited. Before she could take two breaths, Guy was kneeling beside her.

  "Dear God," he prayed, "do not let her be hurt."

  She peeped between her lashes and saw his face so white that she took pity on him. "Oh, love, do not worry, I am not hurt."

  They must have presented such a ridiculous picture sitting on the roadway that Guy started to laugh. She struggled up a little and said, "Get this damned smelly wool off me, it's probably lousy."

  "You little bitch," he laughed, "I'll have to get me a long rod to use on you."

  "You have a long rod you use on me," she said wickedly.

  "Lillyth, sometimes you shock me," Guy said.

  "Help me off with this chain mail; I don't know how you endure it."

  "We only have one tent with us, my dear, you will have no privacy tonight."

  "Neither will you," she said mischievously.

  "I do not mind an audience," he threatened.

  "Oh, you would not!" Then she saw he was teasing her.

  When they arrived in London, Guy found them a comfortable inn and took two bedchambers. Their room was spacious with a lovely fireplace and a window overlooking the busy inn yard. Guy left Lillyth alone while he and his men took the cloth to William's court. He was determined to sell the wool today so that no guard would be needed all night. He asked his men if they would like to deliver the other order of cloth to Robert at Berkhamstead, which would leave him free to show Lillyth about London for a few days. The men readily agreed, and he put Hugh Montrose in charge because he'd been with Guy on his previous journey, and knew the way.

  Chapter 21

  As Hugh had ridden away from Godstone he had found it a wrench to leave Adela behind. The farther away he got, the more she was with him in thought. He worried that she might be molested in his absence, though he had warned her over and over not to take foolish chances by walking alone, not even in the daylight. He had almost decided to ask Adela to be his wife. He had been a confirmed bachelor all his life, mainly because he had never seen a union that brought happiness, but as he observed Guy and Lillyth, he realized he was letting the years slip away and it was time to grab his happiness with both hands, before it was too late.

  Back at Godstone, Adela sang to herself as she went about her day. Her thoughts dwelled again and again on Hugh Montrose, and she realized that she looked forward to her man's return rather than dreading it as she had in the past. She laughed to herself as she thought of the day she had unstitched the mattress to remove the knotted ligature. She felt most benevolent toward Morag and decided to take her some damson jam preserves as a treat. She wanted to ask Morag about that ancie
nt custom young women observed when they wanted a proposal of marriage. If she remembered correctly, the rite involved baking a cake with flour and soot, eating one half and putting the other half under your pillow. Or was it baking a cake with black and white beans in it? If you got a white bean, the answer would be yes. Well, Morag would be able to tell her.

  Morag was not at her own hut, but was with one of the peasant women who was in labor. Accouchements always had a morbid fascination for a woman, so Adela went along to Elfrida's hut. The hut was crowded with women. Elfrida's daughter lay on a rush mat on the floor, swollen with child. She had apparently been in labor for two days, and they had sent for Morag as a last resort. Morag felt caught between the devil and the deep. She gauged that the girl was too far gone and would die anyway, so she was loathe to touch her. She did not want to be blamed, and human nature being what it was, she knew she would be blamed if she tried and failed. She observed the women's attitudes closely. The younger women, who would probably find themselves in like case, begged for help for the girl. The older women, past childbearing age, were more callous, saying it was nature's way to suffer in childbirth.

  Finally Morag was challenged to act or lose her position in the village pecking order. Without touching the young woman in any way, she directed the other women to fill an empty eggshell with hops and malt, heat it in the fire, and make the mother-to-be swallow it.

  Adela watched in horror as they fed it to the woman writhing in labor, and it induced the wretched creature to vomit and then to scream. The talk inside the hut was ghoulish. One woman declared the child was too big to come and would crush the girl's insides and she would bleed to death. Another agreed, saying, "It's the heads! All the children born in that family have big heads. It will tear her to pieces to deliver it."