by Ida Curtis
“What’s all this?” he asked.
Gilda spoke up. “We’re moving Isabel to my chamber. This is a large room, and it’s needed for some of the queen’s people.”
He nodded abruptly. “You can move her things to my bedchamber,” he said.
Chetwynd’s reply caused all three women to stare at him. When he saw their reaction, he added, “I’ll sleep elsewhere.”
As Chetwynd watched Isabel’s eyes narrow, he wondered why he never managed to say the right thing.
Lifting her chin in the air, Isabel said, “I prefer to stay with Gilda.”
Before Chetwynd could respond, his sister took Marianna’s elbow and headed for the door. “We were just leaving. We’ll come back later to help with Isabel’s things.” The two women disappeared quickly.
Staring at each other, Chetwynd and Isabel hardly noticed their departure. Finally, Chetwynd spoke. “That came out wrong, Isabel. I want you near me. I said I’d sleep elsewhere for the benefit of Gilda and Marianna.”
As he spoke, Isabel watched weariness replace impatience on his face. She remembered that except for a few hours kneeling at the side of her bed, he hadn’t slept the previous night. But she felt too vulnerable to let herself soften. “Did you tell the queen that you are married?”
“No. There is a crisis in progress, in case you haven’t noticed.” He closed his eyes then, and for a moment there wasn’t a sound in the room. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I can’t get this right. Please allow your things to be moved to my bedchamber. I have a lot of explaining to do. But please believe me, right now is not the time. Did Gilda fill you in on the details of what has happened?”
“Yes. I think I know most of the story.”
“Good. Did she tell you about Gerberga?”
“Gilda said she’s a nun and a friend of the queen’s. I know she has been accused of witchcraft in the past.”
Chetwynd nodded. “In this case, she has been accused of bewitching the queen, encouraging her to believe that Charles will inherit his father’s empire. We just received word that Gerberga has been executed.”
Isabel could see the anger in his eyes. “Does Gilda know? She was just telling me about Gerberga,” she asked.
“The abbess will speak to the nuns later. She wants to handle telling them in her own way. The queen doesn’t know either, but the abbess confided in me. I’m telling you because I want you to understand how serious this matter is.”
She moved a step closer to him. “Is the queen in danger?”
“I don’t think so. I’m sure Gerberga’s fate was meant as a warning for the queen, but the poor woman is dead, and her execution is a terrible shock to the many people who knew her. It shows how desperate Bishop Agobard has become. Although I doubt anyone would dare harm the queen, he has kept Charles at court as an added threat.”
“How terrible. The queen must be frantic at being separated from her son.”
“The queen believes Charles is safe, and she’s probably right. He is with his nurse, who also happens to be a close relation of the king. The nurse adores Charles and will take good care of him. From the queen’s point of view, it’s best that he remain at court with his half-brother Lothar. She reasons that if any harm comes to Charles, Lothar would be blamed. He can’t afford to have anything happen to the queen’s son.” Chetwynd spoke as though he might not agree with her view.
“What do you think, my lord? Is the boy safe?”
“I hope so. I wish the queen would at least pretend to give up her determination to advance Charles. But she remains defiant, believing that Lothar wouldn’t believe her in any case. I suppose she’s right.”
They had been standing in the middle of the room, but Chetwynd moved to lean against the wall as though he suddenly needed support. The action emphasized his weariness, and Isabel moved closer to put her hand on his cheek. She felt his body relax at her touch.
“I’m deeply involved in this matter, Isabel.” His words were full of regret.
Isabel answered softly and simply, “I know.”
The compassion in her voice and on her face loosened something inside Chetwynd, and he reached out to pull her against him, wrapping his arms around her. He had always desired Isabel, but what he felt at that moment was more comfort than erotic craving. It was peace and support and perhaps love. Amazed that he could experience such emotions with a woman, he groaned when Isabel tried to pull back.
“Not yet, not yet. I need you in my arms a little longer,” he murmured, kissing her forehead, afraid to break the spell.
Isabel stayed in his embrace. As much as she enjoyed the sweet closeness, Isabel was frightened by the despair with which he spoke of his involvement. Finally, she whispered against his cheek, “What happens next, my lord?”
Her question dragged him back to the present, but he didn’t loosen his embrace. “I need your help, Isabel. The queen has asked to see you.”
Her eyes widened. “Why would she want to see me? Does she know I’m your wife?”
“She knows.”
“But you said you didn’t tell her.”
“I didn’t have to. By the time I arrived, she knew of our marriage and that you are Justin’s sister. The queen is good at discovering things,” he said. “Especially if there might be some advantage to her in the knowledge,” he added.
“Is Justin somehow involved in this affair?”
“I doubt it very much. But the queen views him as someone who can help her. She’s probably right. Justin’s reputation for bringing parties together is greatly respected by both sides in the struggle to ensure an orderly succession to the throne. I tried to put her off, but she insists she wants to see you.”
“But why?”
“No doubt she wishes to use you in some way, perhaps to gain Justin’s support. I’m going to do my best to keep you out of it, Isabel. But I can’t very well refuse to present my wife to the queen.”
Anxiety made Isabel’s throat tighten. Whatever she might think personally, Judith was still queen and a powerful woman. “When does this happen?” she managed to ask.
“As soon as possible. She’s holding a reception in the dining hall, and it may have already started. You should get ready.”
“Get ready? I’ll never be ready for this meeting.”
Chetwynd smiled at her. “You were so eager to reach the palace. Don’t you wish to meet the queen, Lady Isabel?”
“No. Do I have to go?” she asked in a pleading voice.
Chetwynd sobered. “I’m afraid so.”
The fact that the queen knew about his marriage had Chetwynd wondering if she might pose a threat to Isabel. The idea haunted him. “I’m very sorry that our marriage has involved you in this matter, Isabel. I vow to do my best to keep you out of harm’s way.”
“Are you referring to your intention to leave me at the convent while you travel to Aachen?” She put some space between them so she could watch his face.
“No. We’re going to stay together, Isabel. I gave up the idea of leaving you behind when you struck me at the Roman bath. Lord, that hurt.”
“I really had forgotten about your bruise, my lord. I must have been blinded by anger. I’m so sorry.”
“I deserved it. Everyone warned me against trying to leave you behind. I should have listened.”
“They did?” Isabel couldn’t help being cheered at this news.
“I won’t leave you, Isabel. You’re my wife and you stay with me.”
Isabel wasn’t sure how much to read into his answer, but she hugged him tightly and buried her face on his chest to hide the tears that sprang to her eyes at this happy news.
“No tears, my lady,” he said, lifting her face and gently wiping the tears away with his fingers. “Now listen to me. I have no idea what the queen will ask of you. Try to follow my lead in answering her request. Whatever happens, we stay together. I promise you that.”
As though to emphasize his point, he kissed her. Chetwynd finally forced hims
elf to gently release his hold on her. “We can’t delay any longer, Isabel. Do you want to change your gown and perhaps put some powder on your bruise?”
Isabel had forgotten everything at his vow that they would stay together. Now she was startled back to reality. She remembered Jerome’s description of the luggage the queen had carried with her and imagined her many fine gowns. “I can’t go like this.”
Isabel looked down at herself. At the bath she had thrown on her clothes, and they were already wrinkled and smelly from riding a horse. She had no intention of appearing before the queen in her soiled riding clothes.
“I’ll find Marianna, and you can get changed. But don’t take too long, Isabel.”
At the worried expression on her face, he wove his hands into her thick hair and made her look at him. “You’re going to do fine, Isabel. Just remember this. The queen wants something from you. She believes you, and your connection with Justin, can be useful to her. You have an advantage over her because you know that. We’ll deal with this together.”
Isabel gave him a tentative smile. “I like the sound of that, my lord.”
“Just one word of warning. The queen is good at using people. Be careful, my love.”
At hearing his use of the endearment, Isabel felt like her heart could fly. She would have thrown her arms around him, but he was already headed out the door. If he truly loved her, she knew she would be able to do anything.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
LADY ISABEL, PLEASE STAND STILL. IT’S difficult to help you into your gown when you keep moving out of my reach.”
“Marianna, this gown will never do. Let’s try another one.”
“You already tried on the only six gowns you have. Dark red is an attractive color on you, and the silk’s a fine quality. Sit down and let me adjust the covering for your hair.”
“Now that I think about it, I don’t believe red is an appropriate color for meeting the queen. I don’t want to wear a color that will offend.”
Marianna’s patience came to an end. “This is a deep red, darker than a ruby and almost brown. There is nothing wrong with the color. You’re making a fuss to delay meeting the queen.”
Isabel plopped down on the bench. “What do you suppose she wants of me? I suspect she’s eager to have a look at Lord Chetwynd’s country-bred wife. I’m not eager to be inspected.”
“You were nervous the first time you faced the soldiers in your father’s dining hall, then again when in the company of lords and ladies at the first manor we visited. Remember those occasions? You charmed everyone, including Lord Chetwynd.” Marianna struggled to confine Isabel’s hair under her head covering.
“I don’t think you can compare meeting lords and ladies with the queen, Marianna. What am I supposed to say? How should I act? I don’t think I can do this.”
Marianna took Isabel’s face in her hands and turned her head upwards so she could look directly into her eyes. “My lady, in my mind you are worth a dozen queens. I can’t give you advice, for I know nothing about royalty. But you, my lady, are resourceful. You figured out how to foil a band of kidnappers. You will figure out what to say and how to act when you meet the queen.”
Isabel stood up and hugged Marianna, kissing her on both cheeks before Marianna could pull away. “Now look what you’ve done, my lady. I’ll have to start over on your head covering.” In spite of her complaint, Marianna couldn’t hide her smile.
There was a brief knock, and Gilda rushed into the bedchamber. “Chetwynd is worried about you. I think he’s afraid you might not come. Isabel, you look lovely. That gown is a good choice.”
Marianna grinned and nodded at her words.
“Are you sure? I have a forest-green gown I could change into if this is the wrong color.”
Marianna sighed loudly and Gilda chuckled. “Are you stalling, Isabel? The gown you have on is just fine.”
“That’s easy for you to say, Gilda. You don’t have to worry about how to dress. I’d feel more comfortable in a plain brown habit.”
“It does have its advantages. No decisions to make in the morning. Come along, Isabel. Your husband awaits you.”
Isabel followed Gilda into the great hall where Queen Judith was receiving visitors. A long line of people waited their turn to greet the queen, and the two newcomers joined in at the end. Isabel was relieved to see her gown was not much different from those worn by the other noblewomen. The last thing she wanted to do was stand out in the crowd.
“We could move to the head of the line. After all, the queen expressed a wish to meet you, Isabel,” Gilda reminded her.
“I’d rather wait my turn.” She was in no hurry for the meeting. Maybe if she delayed long enough, Queen Judith would become tired and decide to take a rest. The possibility cheered her, and she took time to examine the crowd of people in front of her.
The large group was made up mostly of women. Although they were quietly talking among themselves, Isabel sensed an excited anticipation. Even the nuns were not immune to the flutter. It was hard for Isabel to reconcile their excitement with the fact that the queen had been banished to Saint Ives. Under the circumstances, the festive atmosphere seemed out of place.
Although Isabel could not catch a glimpse of the queen through the crowd, she saw that people at the front were being ushered over to a canopied area. She could hear introductions being made, and a soft, cultured voice speaking in reply. Some people stayed under the canopy only a minute, others longer, then each moved on to make room for the next person in line. Isabel hung back as long as possible, standing a little behind Gilda.
When she was finally close enough to see the queen, Isabel was unprepared for the sight of Chetwynd standing a little behind her. The fact that they shared the same fair coloring and handsome features made them seem like a matched pair. Isabel imagined Zeus and Hera could not have looked more royal sitting atop Mount Olympus. The thought made Isabel’s stomach knot uncomfortably.
Chetwynd stood still, his face expressionless and his body at attention. His eyes were the only things that moved, and Isabel pulled back a little so he wouldn’t notice her. She concentrated on watching the queen.
In contrast to Chetwynd, Queen Judith was animated, greeting each person warmly as though they were the only one in the room. Isabel could not tell if they were old friends or new acquaintances, as each received the same gracious smile. When Isabel moved nearer, she realized the queen said something personal to each one, asking about their circumstances or inquiring about a member of their family.
The queen came from Saxony, where the women had a reputation for fair complexions. Seated on a raised chair, her regal bearing was displayed to full advantage. Except for a small gold tiara, her blond tresses were uncovered and hung down her back. A vivid-blue, low-cut gown showed off perfectly shaped white shoulders. There was no indication that the royal beauty who dominated the room with the brilliance of her smile had recently been banished from court.
As the line moved nearer, Isabel noticed there were several attendants on the far side of the queen. They seemed to be in charge of making introductions, supplying the queen with information on each person. They also moved the visitors along without giving the impression of hurrying anyone.
Perhaps aware of the charming picture she and Chetwynd presented, the queen turned to favor him with one of her smiles, a little extra sparkle in her eyes to indicate the special connection they shared. At the sight of that smile Isabel closed her eyes, afraid to see if Chetwynd would respond.
Although Isabel had been hiding behind his sister, Chetwynd finally spotted her as she neared the queen. Isabel hung back, clearly unaware of how appealing she looked as she peered around like a curious child with eyes wide and her white teeth chewing her lower lip. Chetwynd grinned as he moved along the line to stand beside her.
“I’ve been searching the crowd for you. I was afraid you weren’t coming,” he whispered to Isabel. “You could have moved to the front of the line.”
Isabel didn’t look at him or bother to answer. In her mind she still saw Chetwynd as he looked standing beside the queen. Although the queen had a reputation for being a great beauty, Isabel still hadn’t been prepared for her radiant presence.
While Gilda was being introduced, Chetwynd put his hand under Isabel’s arm just above her elbow. She ignored him until he gave her a little shake. She twisted about to glare at him.
“That’s better,” he said without freeing her arm. “Relax. You’re not Daniel entering the lion’s den.”
Isabel tried to free her arm, but realized she could not dislodge his firm grip without making a scene. At the same time, she was relieved to be rescued from the paralyzing tension she had been experiencing. Her anger at his jest had displaced the dread of coming face-to-face with Queen Judith.
When Gilda moved on, the queen turned toward Isabel. Lord Chetwynd was introducing her, and his words were ringing in Isabel’s ears, making her a bit dizzy.
“Your Majesty, may I present Lady Isabel, daughter of Lord Theodoric of Narbonne. Lady Isabel recently did me the honor of becoming my wife.”
It took a few seconds for his last words to register with Isabel. She was staring at Queen Judith, who was even more striking up close. But if Isabel was surprised by Chetwynd’s words, she was even more surprised by the queen’s smile. It was the same gracious smile she bestowed on the many who had gone before Isabel and gave the impression that the queen was hearing pleasant news.
While Isabel bowed her head, Queen Judith spoke in a voice that projected sincerity. “How very nice to meet you, Lady Isabel. I trust your journey from Narbonne was a pleasant one?”
“Yes, thank you, it was,” Isabel replied automatically, completely forgetting that she had been kidnapped by a group of outlaws. She congratulated herself on the surprising fact that she managed to say these few words without a stutter or croak.
“At court Lord Chetwynd was a great favorite with the noblewomen, Lady Isabel. I urged him to marry, and I’m happy to see he has finally followed my advice. My best wishes to you both.”
