Lady of the English - By Elizabeth Chadwick Page 0,106

The crow dropping his cheese for the fox to gobble; the ant and the grasshopper; the fisherman piping.

“I had the monks at Wymondham make it for you. I thought you could read it to the little one when he is older.” Adeliza’s eyes were suddenly brimming.

“Ah, beloved, don’t cry,” Will said, alarmed. “You will make me weep too. What will my men say if I come from your chamber red-eyed and sniffling.”

She laughed and wiped her eyes. “They would not dare say anything, and a strong man’s tears are perhaps the strongest thing about him.”

He clasped her hand in his, marvelling again how small and fine-boned she was. The sight of her fingers encompassed by his large paw filled him to the brim with protective love. She had been through such an ordeal.

“I never thought I would be this happy,” she said. “You do not know the gifts you have given to me.” She reached her free hand to touch the soft cheek of the slumbering baby. “This is worth more than any earthly crown.” They sat in contented silence, neither of them inclined to talk in depth, because what was felt was enough without words.

Although he had been apprehensive at first, Will was now reluctant to leave this wonderful, incense-scented room. He could have gazed at his Madonna-like wife and son all night, but he had duties elsewhere and the women were becoming restless at his lingering presence. It was time to leave. He kissed Adeliza again and the baby on his soft little brow, then reluctantly departed.

As the door closed behind him, Adeliza gave a contented sigh and, settling down in the bed, opened the Aesop, her fingertips exploring the intricate carving and smoothing over 262

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the small cabochon gemstones. It was a rare and beautiful thing.

Will was not a man of many words, but he could be thoughtful and delicate when the occasion arose, and sometimes, as now, he was capable of surprising her deeply. He did not always understand her, nor she him, but they had enough to live on, and sometimes, as now, a glittering feast.

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Thirty

Arundel Castle, Sussex, August 1139

A deliza stood by the double arch of her chamber windows at Arundel. It was late August, the harvest white in the fields and the dusty scent of high summer hanging in the air. The wet nurse sat in the window seat rocking little William and crooning to him. Adeliza was momentarily distracted by her son’s gurgles and turned to look at him, a sunburst of pure love lighting her from within. He was her little miracle and she still found it difficult to believe that God had granted her such grace.

After a moment, a smile on her lips, she turned back to the window. Will was in the courtyard, hands at his hips, the wind ruffling his dark curls around his head as he discussed the building work on the keep with the master mason. Adeliza felt blessed by the depth of his steady affection. It was like balm on a wound that had been raw and open for a very long time, and only now was healing.

Will was about to leave to attend a council at Winchester to discuss the issue of the bishops of Salisbury, Ely, and Lincoln.

Roger of Salisbury and Alexander of Lincoln were under arrest and Nigel of Ely was in rebellion in the Fenlands. Adeliza thought it disgraceful for a king to take up arms against God’s representatives. There were better ways of resolving issues between Church and State.

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Her expression grew pensive as she dropped her gaze to the letter a messenger had recently brought to her chamber. The oval wax seal on a green cord was Matilda’s. She hadn’t told Will about it yet and was toying with the idea of not showing him until he returned from court because she was worried about what the letter might contain. With all the unrest brewing in England, Stephen was keeping a close watch on the coastline because he feared an invasion from Normandy.

Adeliza knew a storm was coming, and she would either have to act or look away.

Making a decision, she left the window, broke the seal on the letter, and began to read. The writing was in Matilda’s firm personal hand and in German, which they both understood, but which denied the casual observer, Will included. Matilda expressed her delight that Adeliza had borne a