Lady of the English - By Elizabeth Chadwick Page 0,112
gazed down at his broad shoulders and glossy dark curls. She knew little of this man personally beyond the detail that he had given his oath to Stephen. Yet his honour was unquestioned and she was certain that while she was under his roof, he would protect her with his life. But beyond these walls and the etiquette of the kinship bond, it was a different matter, and she suspected he was already wondering how soon he could be rid of her and Robert.
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The chamber appointed to Matilda was comfortably luxurious, furnished with embroidered cushions on the seats and benches, fine wall hangings, rich textiles, and clean, clear light from beeswax candles and oil lamps. A subtle scent of incense filled the air and there was even fine pale glass in the windows.
Adeliza might no longer be queen of England, but she still surrounded herself with regal trappings and an atmosphere of tranquil grace.
Matilda walked around the room, familiarising herself, and then paused by the painted cradle that a maid had brought in.
A swaddled baby lay on a soft lambskin cover, its face pale rose-pink, its lips making small smacking sounds as it slept. Matilda felt a pang at the sight of such innocence. “Isn’t he beautiful?” she said, smiling at Adeliza. “I am so pleased for you. I know how much you grieved for your childlessness when you were married to my father.”
Adeliza’s own smile was full of tender pride. “I was in doubt about leaving Wilton, but God answered my prayers and showed me it was the right decision. I have such cause to bless His bounty.”
“And your husband?” Matilda’s voice held a note of caution.
Adeliza’s complexion grew rosy. “I am content,” she said.
“Married to your father I was queen and Lady of the English, but Will has given me what I could not have—and he loves me.” She looked at Matilda. “He has opened our gates to you on the understanding that you are visiting as my kin, and that somehow a peaceful settlement can be negotiated from this.
While you are under our roof as a guest who is stepdaughter to his wife, he will succour and defend you, but do not expect more. Even this was a great step for him to take and I had to fight very hard to persuade him. That he admitted you at all is as much a miracle as that baby lying in the cradle.” 278
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“Then how do I make men such as your husband change their minds?”
“I am not sure you can,” Adeliza replied.
Matilda went to the window and touched the panes of pale green glass with their wavy stretch marks, and gazed at the luminous tinge reflected on her skin. “Stephen stole my throne, and no one tried to stop him—save Baldwin de Redvers.
Now others are thinking twice about following Stephen, but only because they dislike the politics of his court and that they must play underdog to other men. They will come to me to punish Stephen, not because they honour me and the oath they swore and then cast away like latrine rags. They will come because they think to have greater influence at my court and that I will give them the rewards Stephen will not. After all, I am a woman and can be more easily manipulated—no?” She grimaced. “I can use such men, but I can never trust them.”
“Some will honour you,” Adeliza said. “You spoke of Baldwin de Redvers. There is your brother Reynald too. He will stand firm. You can look also to Wallingford for aid that will not waver.”
Matilda turned round, her heart quickening, and met Adeliza’s quiet stare. Her stepmother said, “I have seen little of Brian FitzCount since your father’s funeral, but you have in him a loyal servant unto death.”
Matilda felt warmth rise in her cheeks and turned again to the window, seeking a cool draught. She had to guard her heart from all blows. She dare not let Brian inside because he would break it from within. “I should be downstairs with Robert,” she said abruptly.
“No,” Adeliza said firmly. “There is time for all that in a while. It has been so long since I have seen you and soon you will be fully occupied with the business you have come about. We have so much catching up to do. I want to know 279