Lady of the English - By Elizabeth Chadwick Page 0,114

not rightfully his. He only consented to this match between me and Will because he wanted one of his own men in control of Arundel. He wants to render me powerless—or his wife does.” Matilda grimaced at the mention of Stephen’s dumpy little wife. It was going to be a long battle to dislodge the usurpers.

The warning notes of a horn blared from the battlements and the women looked at each other in alarm. Moments later, Joscelin came to the chamber door and announced that King Stephen was pitching his tents outside Arundel’s walls. “My lord is going out to speak with him,” he said and, message delivered, hastened out again.

“Stephen would not dare besiege us.” Adeliza’s eyes were wide with anxiety. “I still hold the title of queen and I am his aunt through my first marriage. He will not breach that etiquette.”

“But your husband sent for him in the first place,” Matilda said curtly.

Adeliza flushed. “He was honour-bound to do so, even as he was honour-bound to grant you entrance and succour. You know that.”

A nauseating brew of anger and pain churned Matilda’s stomach. She rose abruptly to her feet and started towards the door.

Adeliza said sharply, “Let Will deal with this. Stay here.” Matilda turned. “How am I to be queen of England and 282

LadyofEnglish.indd 282

6/9/11 5:35 PM

Lady of the English

regent for my son if I shut myself in this chamber and let a man speak for me?” she demanded with icy contempt.

“You have no choice. Do you think I want any of this?” Adeliza’s chin wobbled. “Do you not know how frightened I am? Not for myself, but for my child, for my husband, and most of all for you—for what will become of you, and what you will become.”

Her words struck Matilda like a slap. “I am an empress and a queen,” she snapped, “and I will be no one’s pawn.”

“But I am a queen too, and you are my daughter,” Adeliza pressed. “And you are God’s child and His subject above and beyond all.” She reached a slender hand towards Matilda.

“Please, leave it to Will—for my sake.” Matilda felt like screaming at Adeliza, but knew it was pointless. “Very well.” She made a determined effort to control her frustration. “But I will have the maids pack my baggage, because whatever happens, it seems I have outstayed my welcome.” ttt

Will dismounted outside the king’s recently pitched campaign tent and handed his reins to an attendant. The morning mist was slowly clearing to expose a fuzzy halo of sun, although there was no warmth in the atmosphere. Will inhaled deeply to steady himself and followed an usher into the king’s presence. Stephen was standing by a brazier, warming his hands and drinking hot wine, steam curling from its surface.

“Sire.” Will knelt on the thick fur rug. The king’s brother, Henry, bishop of Winchester, was also present and extended his hand for Will to kiss his sapphire ring. He too must have recently arrived, for he was wearing silver spurs and the hem of his cloak was muddy.

Stephen gestured Will to rise, irritation obvious in the abrupt waft of his hand. “What do you mean by succouring Robert of Gloucester and the Countess of Anjou at Arundel?” he demanded.

283

LadyofEnglish.indd 283

6/9/11 5:35 PM

Elizabeth Chadwick

Will cleared his throat. “The Earl of Gloucester is no longer at Arundel, sire.”

“And you did not see fit to detain him?” Stephen’s gaze was dark with displeasure. The bishop looked down and fiddled with his episcopal ring.

“Sire, I deemed it honourable to let him go on his way without interference.”

Stephen’s brows arched in astonishment. “Did you indeed?”

“He is my stepson by marriage and the son of King Henry.

I am honour-bound to respect the kinship bond and give him houseroom. It would have been dishonourable to make him my prisoner. Had you arrived while he was still under my roof, I would have had to choose between my oath to you and my duty to a family guest.”

“But why grant them houseroom in the first place?” Stephen snapped. “Why in God’s name give them a safe landing place and admit them into the castle? What is the point of having everyone on alert, watching the coast, if you are going to open the back door? Either you have soup for wits, my lord, or I should add you to the list of the faithless.” Will’s shoulders tightened. “They would have landed no matter what precautions you took. My wife thought that by talking to the