The Bishop of Caen stood. “This day, we will hear evidence in the matter brought before the court by Sir Renouf de Maubadon. It’s alleged that milord Hugh de Montbryce did kidnap and commit adultery with the legally wed wife of Sir Renouf de Maubadon, master of Melton Manor in Sussex.”
The cleric droned on about jurisdiction in the matter, but Hugh was more intent on watching Devona, willing her to be strong. They could prove Renouf a traitor, but that would not free her from the charge of adultery.
“Milord Rambaud, Comte de Montbryce and Earl of Ellesmere, will speak for the defendant.”
Ram would not be allowed to speak for Devona. She was a woman, and a Saxon, without rights. He was relieved Ram was the one representing him. His older brother showed no signs of agitation. Antoine sat holding Sybilla’s hand. She was obviously nervous.
The bishop called first on Renouf de Maubadon, who explained his grievance in detail, disparaging his wife and her family, almost weeping when he told of the death of Torod, and then unleashing his anger on the Montbryces, explaining his suspicions. He ended by pointing at Devona and exclaiming, “My wife is an adulteress who has betrayed me. She must die.”
Then Melton will be wholly yours.
It was all Hugh could do not to vault over the guardrail and strangle the beast. Yet, throughout Renouf’s testimony, Ram never moved a muscle.
The bishop addressed Ram. “Milord Earl. Do you have questions for the complainant on behalf of your brother?”
One of the barons on the curia rose to his feet. “It’s plain Montbryce is guilty.”
King William leaned forward. “Mon seigneur Giroux, you will honor the protocol of this court, or you will leave.”
Giroux clenched his jaw, bowed to the king and sat down.
Ram strolled over to Renouf. “How do you know your Capitaine Torod is dead?”
Renouf squirmed. “He cannot be found. He must be dead.”
Ram attacked again. “Did you fight at Hastings, Sir Renouf? Before you reply, remember that I am the man who compiled the muster roll.”
Renouf glowered at Ram, glanced at the king then shook his head. “Non.”
“Did you see action in any of the battles that secured the English throne for His Majesty?”
Renouf hesitated. “Non.”
Ram waited. “Yet you claimed the wealthy manor at Melton as though you were entitled to it. What did you do to earn that prize, Sir Renouf?”
“Your Excellency,” François de Giroux wheedled to the bishop. “I fail to see—”
“Giroux.” The king’s voice was ice cold. “Be seated.”
Again, the nobleman nodded and sat, glowering at Ram.
Hugh breathed a sigh of relief. His brother knew what he was doing, and it seemed the king was willing to listen.
Renouf whined. “I’m a Norman. That’s my entitlement.”
The king shifted his weight in his seat and squared his shoulders. He looked annoyed.
Ram’s next question seemed to confuse Renouf. “Are you, Sir Renouf de Maubadon?”
The bully’s face reddened. “Am I what?”
Ram glanced briefly at the king. “A loyal Norman.”
Shock rippled through the assembly.
“Silence,” William roared.
“Of course—I’m a loyal—Norman,” Renouf spluttered, glancing nervously at Sybilla. The assembly murmured its agreement with Renouf’s assessment.
“Can you explain then why you have been a frequent visitor to the Angevin fortress at Grandeguay in Le Maine? And why you have taken money there?”
François de Giroux leapt to his feet, shouting his objections. “Your Majesty, I must protest.”
William looked at him coldly. “Sit down. I would hear the reply.”
Renouf had started to sweat.
How does it feel, animal? To be trapped?
Then Renouf made his biggest mistake. He lied. “I’ve never been to Grandeguay.”
Ram paused. “Your Majesty, may I ask that Lady Sybilla de Montbryce be allowed to speak?”
A curious murmur arose from the crowd.
William arched his brows then grunted his approval.
Ram approached Sybilla. “Will you stand, Lady Sybilla, and tell the curia who you are and what knowledge you have regarding this matter?”
The color drained from her face as she stood. “I am Lady Sybilla de Montbryce. Before marrying my husband I was the wife of Denis de Sancerre, the late seigneur of Grandeguay.”
Another murmur surged through the chamber.
Ram narrowed his eyes at Renouf, then continued his questions. “You were the wife of the Seigneur of Grandeguay when it fell to our army?”
Her voice did not falter. “I was.”
“While you were mistress of Grandeguay, did you ever see Renouf de Maubadon?”
She took a deep breath. “He came to visit my husband three or four times a year.”
The murmurs of surprised indignation were becoming louder.
“Was he a friend of your late husband?”
“I didn’t think so, and my maidservant has confirmed to me that in fact Renouf de Maubadon was a confederate of my late husband.”
“A confederate?”
Sybilla did not hesitate. “He brought money—to finance the defenses.”
The chamber filled with expressions of outraged disbelief.
Ram waited until they had quietened. “You would swear to this?”
“I trust in the veracity of what my maidservant told me. She has served me since I was a child. The only thing I would add is that when Sir Renouf came to Grandeguay he was known as Renouf de Malbadon.”
“But he is the same man?”
She nodded. “He is.”
By now the assembly was in near uproar, and again King William demanded silence.
“She’s an Angevin,” Giroux shouted. “They cannot be trusted.”
The king glared at him until he sat.
When all was again quiet, Ram continued. “And where is Malbadon, Lady Sybilla?”
“It’s in Anjou.”
Anjou echoed around the chamber.
Ram turned to Renouf. “Can you deny that you are an Angevin and that you have bled a Sussex manor, an estate under the lawful jurisdiction of His Majesty, to support the war effort against our king?”
Renouf’s bottom lip quivered.
“Can you deny it?” Ram shouted.
Renouf seemed to shrink. “Non. But that doesn’t change the fact that she is an adulteress.”
He pointed to Hugh. “And he is the man who led her into adultery. She must be punished.”
The anger on the king’s face was evident. “Renouf de Maubadon, or Malbadon, whoever you are. This court finds you are a traitor to Normandie and to England. For this crime we impose the penalty of death. If any of the barons and clergy gathered here is in disagreement, speak now.”
Silence reigned for several minutes, and everyone nodded in agreement. Renouf had gone strangely quiet.
The king turned to Ram. “What says your brother to the charge of adultery?”
Hugh watched his wife. Would she prefer death to dishonor? He ached to tell the court the truth of the horrors Renouf had perpetrated on her. He shook his head in disbelief when Devona indicated they say nothing.
They will sentence us both to die, Devona. Speak.
Ram began his argument. “Your Majesty, in the matter of the marriage of Renouf and—”
King William glowered. “Do not waste the court’s time on frivolous delays, Rambaud de Montbryce. If they are guilty they will be condemned.”
Ram opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by a commotion at the door. The guards were trying to prevent a man from entering. A man with one arm.
Hugh’s trembling legs threatened to fail him. He suppressed an urge to shout out his relief when he saw Jubert. He motioned to Ram to insist they allow the man entry.
Ram took a deep breath and faced his King. “Majesté,
this man has important evidence. I beg you allow him entry.”
Hugh fervently hoped Jubert did indeed have good news.
King William nodded and Jubert was allowed to enter. The rat catcher walked over to Ram and whispered in his ear. Ram’s eyes went wide and he coughed. He looked over at Hugh and smiled.
Hugh’s heart leapt. What had Jubert discovered?
Devona was glad her mother had been too ill to be dragged before the court. Although she could speak Norman French, she was having a difficult time in her exhausted state understanding all that was said and done. Her mother would not have understood a word.
The only thing that kept her from swooning was Hugh’s presence and Ram’s calm demeanor. Seeing Renouf proven a traitor and condemned filled her with a strange sort of relief.
But unless she revealed the depravities Renouf had visited upon her person, she and Hugh would be unable to prove they had not committed adultery. If she spoke up, as a Saxon woman she would probably not be believed.
She had entered a sort of trance, resigned to a sentence of death. For herself, it was of no matter. But Hugh, oh God, gentle Hugh—to die an ignominious death, burned at the stake, punished for his chivalry, his capacity to love, his humanity.
No!
She would have to speak, to tell all, to decry the monster for what he was. As she opened her mouth, a commotion disturbed the court and a one armed man was ushered in.
She watched in fascination as the man whispered to Ram, who then smiled at Hugh.
“Isembart Jubert?”
All eyes turned to the king who rose from his chair and beckoned the new arrival. Jubert walked to the king and the two men embraced, to the astonishment of everyone in the chamber.
William addressed the court. “Barons and bishops, here you see a man who has sacrificed much for Normandie and for its duke. What is your role in these proceedings, Isembart?”
The rat catcher confided something privately to the king, who frowned and scowled at Renouf. Then he put his hand on Jubert’s shoulder. “This hero will give his testimony.”
Even Ram de Montbryce stood open-mouthed, but recovered quickly. “Tell us what you have discovered about Renouf de Maubadon.”
Isembart cleared his throat. “Sir Renouf de Maubadon is not what he seems.”
Ram nodded. “We have already been made aware of his treachery. Is there more to know?”
Isembart hesitated. “There is one who can speak more forcefully than I.”
“Who?”
“His wife.”
Wife echoed around the chamber.
“But his wife stands before us, accused of adultery.”
Jubert stared at Renouf. “She cannot be an adulteress. He already has a wife.”
Pandemonium broke out and the king had to call for order several times.
When Ram was able to continue, he asked, “Where is this woman? Can you prove what you claim?”
Isembart nodded. “She waits in the antechamber—with her children.”
Hugh glared at Renouf, who looked ready to crawl under the bench on which he sat. Devona too stared angrily at Renouf.
Ram asked permission for the new witness to enter, which the king granted. A few minutes later, a woman appeared, four children in tow. Hugh estimated her age to be about two score years, the children all under ten years. They clung to their mother. It was evident they recognized the wretch trembling in the plaintiff’s chair. Their mother showed no fear, despite the circumstances. Her spine was poker straight, and her clothing and manner bespoke wealth and breeding.
Ram approached her. “Please give your name and station.”
In a clear, unwavering voice the woman said, “I am Béatrix de Malbadon, a proud Angevin, wife to Renouf de Malbadon and the mother of his children.”
Uproar ensued. The children stood transfixed. Renouf could not seem to look at his Angevin wife.
He’s afraid of her.
Quiet was restored. Ram indicated Devona. “Renouf de Maubadon claims the woman you see here in the novice’s habit is his wife.”
Béatrix glared at Devona, then in a cold voice averred, “If he has lain with her, he has committed adultery.”
Renouf suddenly fell to his knees, babbling. “I have not lain with her. I have not—I did not take her maidenhead—I did not. I made sure I did not. Tell them, Devona. Tell them. I have not committed adultery. It’s a sin, it’s a sin. I only—”
Hugh was desperate to demand that the children not have to suffer the spectacle of their father’s degradation and madness, but his attention went to Devona. She had swooned and was being supported by two men-at-arms. He wanted to rush to her, to hold her to his body, to soothe away the pain of so many years at the hands of the pitiful monster who now groveled on the stone floor.
King William raised his hand and calm was restored. “Lady Béatrix de Malbadon, I fear you’ll be returning to Anjou a widow. This court cannot condone the crimes your husband has visited on my personage and on innocent men and women gathered here.”
Lady Béatrix sneered. “I’ve learned to prosper without him. He has not been a good husband or father. We have lived off my dowry.”
William nodded to a guard. “Remove him so his children won’t be shamed further.”
Renouf was dragged out, wailing for mercy.
The king addressed Ram. “Rambaud de Montbryce, I thank you for your persistence in uncovering the truth of this matter. Your brother Hugh is released to you, as is Lady Devona.”
He looked directly at François de Giroux. “This trial is over and done. I find no evidence of adultery, and the Bishop of Caen will ensure that the unholy marriage is annulled. There will be no further persecution of Hugh de Montbryce, nor of Lady Devona Melton.”
The bishop steepled his hands in a gesture of prayerful agreement.
Ram stepped forward. “And Lady Wilona Melton, Your Majesty?”
William nodded and came to his feet. Heads bowed as he exited the court with his entourage.
Lady Béatrix and her brood were escorted from the chamber.
Ram slapped a grinning Isembart Jubert on the back. “Good to see you, Isembart. Merci.”
“It’s good to see you too, milord comte. I am proud to have aided the family that has sustained mine for so long. When will you return to live in Normandie, at Montbryce?”
Ram exhaled a sigh of relief, running his hand through his hair. “Would that I could, Isembart.”
Sybilla sagged into Antoine’s arms.
Hugh raced across the chamber to gather Devona into his arms, cradling her against him.
She clung to him and sobbed into his chest.
Ram’s men eased their departure from the chamber. It seemed that now Hugh had been exonerated, everyone wanted to be his friend. A castle seneschal approached them, deferring to Ram. “Milord Earl, His Majesty has instructed me to take milord Hugh and Lady Devona to chambers provided for them, close to your own.”
Hugh breathed a sigh of relief and nodded to Ram. “Lead on, seneschal. We thank His Majesty for his consideration.”
Devona was leaning heavily on Hugh. He needed to get her to a place where he could hold and comfort her. She was too pale.
She clutched his hand. “My mother.”
The seneschal overheard and assured them a messenger had been sent to the Abbaye aux Dames to fetch Lady Wilona to the castle.
Ram moved to help Hugh support Devona. “I will accompany you.”
Antoine, his arm around Sybilla’s waist, told them he would take his wife to their own chambers where Oda awaited them with Denis. “They will be worried. We have a wet nurse, but Sybilla prefers to nurse her son.”
Devona suddenly stopped and turned to Antoine’s wife. “I thank you from my heart.”
Sybilla nodded and embraced Devona, then left with Antoine. As Hugh watched them leave, he hoped fervently that his faithful brother would find happiness with Sybilla. He and Ram half carried Devona to the opulent adjoining cha
mbers the king had provided.
The seneschal bowed. “A maidservant will be along shortly to take care of Lady Devona.”
Hugh thanked him. “Merci. We won’t need her for a while.”
Ram helped Hugh get Devona to the bed in her chamber then took his leave. “I will make some arrangements for a wedding. I’ll wager William is anxious to see you two wed. I know he’s relieved things turned out the way they did. Imagine, the sadistic brute, married to a harridan! I certainly never foresaw that. We must find some suitable reward for our one-armed friend.”
Hugh agreed. “Indeed. We are still alive because of him—and you. Thank you, my brother. I know the king’s wrath could have fallen on you and Mabelle as well. I’m sorry.”
Ram returned his embrace. “Antoine had a persistent feeling Renouf was hiding something.”
When Ram had gone, Hugh climbed onto the bed and cradled Devona in his arms, rocking gently. She seemed to have fallen into a stupor. Gradually he became aware that she was making barely audible mewling cries. He held her more tightly. Soon she was weeping.
“You’re safe now, my love. We can be properly married. I will never let anyone hurt you ever again.”
Another sob racked her. “But—Hugh—I—”
“Hush, hush.”
She struggled to sit up then coughed uncontrollably. She reached for the hem of the rough chemise given her by the nuns and wiped her eyes with it. “How can you wish to marry me now? I almost got both of us killed with my stubborn refusal to admit my dishonor because of Renouf’s perversity.”
Hugh put his hands on her shoulders. “Listen to me. You are already my wife. We gave each other our pledge. I understand why you did what you did, and I have to admit that I wanted to shout at you to tell them, but it makes no difference to my feelings for you.”
He looked into her eyes and remembered his conversation with his brothers and his readiness to criticize Ram and Antoine. Had he ever told Devona he loved her? Actually uttered the words? His actions to rescue her had shown his love, but—
He took hold of both her hands. “Devona, I love you with all my heart. I’ve loved you since the moment I set eyes on you at Melton.”
She gasped. “I know you love me, Hugh. I’ve known from the beginning. At first I was afraid that Renouf may have made me incapable of being a woman who could love a man.”
Defiance (The Montbryce Legacy Anniversary Edition Book 2) Page 19
