Song of Isabel

by Ida Curtis

  Isabel had no idea how to reply to this information, and wondered if it could possibly be true. She knew little of life at court, but it seemed unlikely to her that a woman would urge her lover to marry. Fortunately, the queen didn’t seem to expect her to reply, as she hardly paused before continuing.

  “I would like to know you better and hear how you managed to capture the elusive Lord Chetwynd. Would you be kind enough to wait behind the others so we can become better acquainted?”

  Although it sounded like a request, Isabel suspected it was a command. “Of course, Your Majesty,” Isabel agreed, pretending she had a choice, and hoping her expression didn’t reveal the anxiety she felt.

  “Lord Chetwynd will take you to my chamber. I should not be much longer, Lady Isabel.”

  The queen spoke as though she were genuinely concerned about keeping them waiting. As Chetwynd led her away, Isabel’s spirits lifted. It was over and she hadn’t disgraced herself. But upon entering the queen’s chamber, Isabel remembered how Chetwynd had looked standing behind the queen. Her sense of relief was short-lived.

  “The queen certainly had a great deal to say about your popularity at court, my lord.”

  Chetwynd ignored her reference to the queen’s words. “You’re doing fine, Isabel. I knew you would.”

  Isabel suspected he was patronizing her. “I must say I was surprised at how graciously the queen accepted my introduction as your wife. But then I guess it was her idea that you marry.”

  “Don’t believe all you hear, Isabel. The queen manages to turn every event to her advantage. It’s her specialty.”

  “Yes, I can see that she does. I had the impression she was on a grand tour of convents. She gave no sign she had recently been banished from court.”

  Isabel remembered the intimate smile the queen had sent Chetwynd’s way, and couldn’t help resenting the clear signal of their relationship. “The queen’s control of her emotions is remarkable. Imagine meeting your lover’s new wife, and giving her a gracious smile and best wishes,” Isabel commented tartly.

  Her words shattered the patience Chetwynd had been working hard to maintain. “I can understand why you’re surprised at her control, Isabel. As long as I have known you, I can’t remember a time when you made any effort to control your emotions.”

  Isabel blushed at his remark, but still managed a sharp reply. “You, like the queen, have been a master at controlling your feelings.”

  Chetwynd rolled his eyes toward the ceiling, searching for strength from above. She was correct, of course. Since he met her he had fought hard to control his desire to lie between her legs.

  “I don’t want to argue with you, Isabel. I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. In fact, one of the many things I admire about you is the fact that you are so open about how you feel. I enjoy being able to read your emotions on your face. I can’t tell you how reassuring I find that trait.”

  His words surprised her. “Truly?”

  “Truly,” he replied with a wide smile.

  Isabel turned her head away to hide her own smile. She wasn’t sure she should forgive him so quickly, so she studied the large room.

  “Look at this place,” she muttered, waving her hand to indicate the furnishings.

  Intricate tapestries of rich colors hung on the walls and warmed the room. Placed beneath a lively harvest scene was a chair made of dark wood, its seat padded and its arms decorated with elaborate carvings. Clearly it was the queen’s chair, as there were benches arranged on either side. There was no doubt where the attention of visitors would be directed.

  “All the comforts of the palace,” Chetwynd replied. “The queen doesn’t go anywhere without them.”

  Isabel was still studying the decor when one of the queen’s attendants entered the room, followed by the queen herself. Queen Judith’s fixed, regal smile was still in place, but to Isabel’s eye it was beginning to look a bit strained. She decided to imitate the queen’s gracious countenance. Returning the queen’s smile with a broad smile of her own, Isabel hoped it looked more sincere than it felt.

  After the queen passed by them, headed for her chair, Isabel noticed Chetwynd had raised one eyebrow at her in a questioning manner. She turned her version of the regal smile on him. In response he shook his head and looked heavenward once again.

  While the queen’s attendant helped her to her seat, adjusting her long skirt and making her comfortable with extra pillows, Judith’s demeanor underwent a subtle change. She was as poised as ever and the smile was still in place, but it had become wistful. “I enjoy meeting people, but I’m afraid the circumstances are not as pleasant as I would wish. I’m sure you know, Lady Isabel, that I am not here by my own will.”

  It was the first sign the queen had given that all was not right with her world. At the mention of her unhappy fate, Isabel was chagrined that she had made fun of the queen’s brave smile. She didn’t know how she should reply, so she waited for the queen to continue.

  “There has been a terrible misunderstanding, but I’m sure that once I’m able to speak with the king, it will be straightened out. Please forgive me if I get right to the point, Lady Isabel. I’m a bit tired from my long journey and meeting so many people.

  “You are no doubt wondering why I asked to speak to you in private. Let me be frank. I know your brother, Lord Justin, is one of the king’s most trusted advisors. I have a favor to ask of you, Lady Isabel.” She stared straight into Isabel’s eyes as she continued.

  “I beseech you to use your influence with Lord Justin to assure him a mistake has been made, and persuade him to arrange for me to see the king as soon as possible. I know King Louis has begun a religious retreat, but Justin will certainly be able to contact him. I will do everything possible to make your trip to meet your brother easier. Guards will escort you to ensure your safety and speed your journey.”

  For a minute Isabel was puzzled by the request. Surely the queen could reach Justin without her assistance. Then it occurred to her that Judith had proposed the mission to separate her from Lord Chetwynd. There had been no mention of him. Perhaps she meant to keep Chetwynd by her side. Isabel wanted more than anything to reach Aachen and Justin, but she hoped the queen wasn’t implying that Chetwynd stay behind.

  Before Isabel had a chance to form her reply, Chetwynd spoke up. “Your Majesty, may I suggest you send me on this mission. It was only two nights ago that outlaws abducted Lady Isabel. I planned to leave her in the protection of the convent until I can be sure she is no longer in danger. I can travel more quickly to seek out Justin and deliver your message.”

  Although Queen Judith was still very much in control of her emotions, Isabel could see by the way she narrowed her eyes that she was not pleased by Chetwynd’s suggestion. “I appreciate your offer, Lord Chetwynd, but I need you here. I am, of course, most distressed to hear about Lady Isabel’s abduction. But she is here, so the incident must have been resolved successfully.

  “I do not wish to put Lady Isabel in danger, and I would not ask her help if this were not an urgent matter. I feel confident the guards I employ can protect her. Perhaps much better than she has been protected so far.”

  Isabel’s eyes widened as she realized this comment was meant as an attack on Chetwynd’s ability to do the same. She had been right about one thing, the queen intended to keep Chetwynd with her.

  Chetwynd’s reply was uncompromising. “I know this is a serious matter, Your Majesty. But Lady Isabel has not been to court before, and I think I can be more effective in this situation. You can trust me to serve your interests.”

  “I know you wish to help, Lord Chetwynd. The best way you can do that is by staying here where I need you.”

  The queen and Chetwynd were staring intently at each other, engaged in a battle of wills. Isabel was suddenly furious at being discussed as though she were not present.

  “Your Majesty, I’m sure your guards can protect me from any danger. I will be pleased to carry your message to Lord Ju
stin.” Isabel spoke boldly, strengthened by the anger she felt at Chetwynd for ignoring her and reverting to his plan to leave her behind.

  Chetwynd and the queen looked at her in surprise. Then, clearly satisfied that her will had prevailed, the queen’s regal smile was back in place. Chetwynd kept his face expressionless, but his narrowed eyes had turned dark. Isabel quickly looked away from him.

  Queen Judith spoke up before Chetwynd had a chance to argue further. “You are very brave, Lady Isabel, and I appreciate your offer. I am sure you are looking forward to seeing your brother again. I know you will be successful in your mission. Since it is too late for you to leave tonight, I will make arrangements for you to leave early in the morning. This has turned out very well, indeed. Lord Chetwynd is fortunate to have found you, Lady Isabel. My best wishes to you both.”

  Isabel realized at once that she had been manipulated. Chetwynd had warned her about the queen and asked her to follow his lead. Instead she had let her anger get the better of her. Now she couldn’t look at Chetwynd because she knew she hadn’t given him the trust he had asked for.

  “I will speak to the leader of my guards immediately, and he can arrange your trip to Aachen, Lady Isabel. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.” The queen made it clear the interview was over.

  Isabel bowed her head and hurried from the queen’s chamber. She had thought Chetwynd might stay behind with the queen, but he was right on her heels. She continued on to her room, eager to be alone and think about what had happened. But Chetwynd followed her into her bedchamber, and she jumped when he slammed the door behind them.

  Knowing that she had betrayed him in some way, Isabel reluctantly turned toward him. She was surprised to see that anger had disappeared from his face and resignation had taken its place.

  “I’m sorry, Chetwynd. I should have followed your lead as you asked. Instead I allowed the queen to lead me along the path she designed.”

  “Don’t blame yourself, Isabel. You were manipulated by an expert,” he said, his voice sounding weary.

  “Were you planning to leave me behind as you told the queen?”

  “No. I promised I wouldn’t. You’re going to have to trust me in the future.”

  Isabel nodded. “I could tell I’d made a mistake almost at once. It was the fact that you both seemed to forget I was there that made me react as I did. I was sure you meant to leave me.”

  Chetwynd nodded his understanding. “We were both manipulated, Isabel. I got drawn into a battle of wills with the queen. And I should have known better. If I had gone along with her request, we could have left the room and worked out a reason why you couldn’t go. So much for hindsight.”

  “What do we do now? Have I ruined everything?”

  Chetwynd began to pace. “No, of course not. We’ll think of something.”

  He was still pacing when they heard a soft rap at the door. Chetwynd signaled her not to answer. He didn’t wish to be disturbed until he had a plan.

  But there was another rap, and they heard Ingram’s voice. “Lady Isabel, I must speak with you.”

  When Isabel opened the door, Ingram didn’t look surprised to see Chetwynd. “I thought I might find you here.”

  “I’m glad you came,” Chetwynd answered. “We need your help.”

  “I had a purpose in seeking you out, my lord. Marianna spotted the leader of the kidnappers again. He must be very bold to have returned to Saint Ives. He has shaved his head and is elegantly dressed, but I’m sure it’s the same man she pointed out to me earlier. He must not be aware of the fact that we spotted him the first time. His reappearance has complicated matters.”

  “What do you mean? Did you seize him for questioning?”

  “No, my lord. That was impossible. You see he belongs with the queen’s party.”

  “Damnation.” Chetwynd’s face clouded with anger. “Are you sure?”

  “I’m afraid so. That was one connection we didn’t consider.”

  Chetwynd shook his head. In spite of this news, he didn’t see how Judith could have been involved in the kidnapping.

  “There could be some other explanation, Ingram. The same agent might be employed by someone else and is keeping an eye on the queen.”

  Chetwynd knew he couldn’t rule out the possibility that the queen had been involved somehow in Isabel’s kidnapping. But it was hard to imagine her motive or how she could have known of his marriage. They had been lovers only briefly, and he never had the impression that she was the jealous type. On the other hand, it seemed important to Judith to surround herself with strong, admiring men who might help her, and the queen had just proved that she was determined to keep him with her.

  Isabel put her hand on his arm, and he realized he had been staring into space. “We can’t be sure what the kidnapper’s association with the queen means,” he told her, then turned to Ingram.

  “We have another problem. The queen has asked Lady Isabel to approach Lord Justin on her behalf. The reason she gave for her request is that she desires Justin to contact the king and convince him to give her a hearing. Judith wants me to stay here while Isabel goes to Aachen, protected by some of her guards, of course. They are supposed to leave tomorrow morning.”

  “What are you going to do? You can’t let her go with the queen’s guards,” Ingram said.

  “I know. The queen means to separate us. She leaves me no choice. I must get Isabel away from here as soon as possible.”

  “Do you want me to accompany Lady Isabel?” Ingram asked. “It might be hard for you to get away if the queen is determined to keep you here.”

  Isabel had been looking from one to the other as they spoke. She thought about objecting to Ingram’s suggestion, but instead held her breath, waiting for Chetwynd’s answer.

  “Thank you for your offer, Ingram, but I have no intention of being separated from Isabel again. We’ll leave together. If you and Jerome stay behind, you can pretend ignorance of our flight and keep your eyes open for further developments.”

  Ingram nodded. “Jerome will want to go with you.”

  “Convince him we need him here.”

  “Where will you go?”

  “Home, Ingram. Aquis is located between here and Aachen, and we can reach it quickly. Only my most trusted friends know its location. When you feel it’s safe for you and Jerome to get away, you can seek out Lord Justin and bring him to Aquis. When we are all together and have more information, we can make further plans.”

  “Are you sure you won’t need Jerome? It’s not as close as you make it sound.”

  “Two people leaving the convent will be less conspicuous than three. You and Jerome can make your presence known and be a distraction. No one will think anything is amiss if Isabel and I don’t appear for the evening meal. We are newly married and about to be separated. If we do this right, no one will know we are gone until morning and we’ll be at my manor by then.”

  Hearing that Chetwynd had no intention of leaving her behind, Isabel was glad she had kept her silence. She spoke up for the first time. “What about Marianna? She’ll want to come with me.”

  Chetwynd put his arm around her shoulders. “As with Jerome, it’s better if she stays here. We need to move quickly and travel as far as possible before we are missed. Ingram can cover our disappearance for a longer time if Marianna stays here. He will see that nothing happens to her and will bring her with him. Will you trust me in this?”

  Although concerned about her maid’s reaction to being left behind, Isabel nodded, and Chetwynd gave a sigh of relief before he turned back to Ingram.

  “One more thing. I’ll write a letter for the queen, telling her that upon much consideration I decided it would be best not to wait until morning to seek help from Justin, and to speed delivery of her message, I must leave immediately with Isabel. I’ll point out we must keep our departure a secret to protect the queen from any spies in her party, adding that we can make better time alone, and stressing our desire to serve her
quickly. Words to that effect.”

  “I’m sure you can make it sound sincere. I almost believe you,” Ingram said with a smile.

  “You can delay discovering the letter in my belongings as long as possible. That way when she finds we’re gone, she’ll think we’re on our way to Aachen.”

  Isabel’s eyes widened as he spoke of the letter. “Will the queen believe you?” she asked.

  Chetwynd shrugged. “I doubt it very much. But she’ll pretend she does to save face.”

  “I hope you’re right. How do we get away without being seen?” Isabel asked.

  “We’ll leave while everyone is at chapel.”

  As Isabel listened to the two men work out the details, she appreciated how well they worked together.

  “Shouldn’t we talk to Gilda, Chetwynd?” Isabel asked. “We can enlist her help to ensure that those we leave behind are safe?”

  Both men turned to her, and Chetwynd grinned as he embraced her. “Good idea, Isabel. Bring Gilda here immediately, Ingram. We don’t have much time.”

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  BY THE TIME GILDA AND MARIANNA rushed into the bedchamber, Isabel had tossed together a few necessities for their journey, and Chetwynd had written a letter for the queen. The anxious expressions on the faces of the two women made it clear they knew something was amiss.

  “Ingram said you wished to see us,” Gilda said.

  Marianna caught sight of the small bag Isabel had packed. “Are we going somewhere, my lady?” she asked.

  Isabel took her maid’s hand and drew her to the bench to sit beside her. “Something’s happened, Marianna. The queen wants me to go to Aachen tomorrow morning with some of her guards as escorts. I’m supposed to contact Justin for her, and she wants Chetwynd to stay here. In order to stay together, we decided to leave this evening before anyone can discover we are gone.”

  “I can be ready in minutes, my lady,” Marianna assured her.

  Isabel looked up at Chetwynd, wondering if he’d changed his mind. He knelt in front of Marianna so he could look into her face.