empress as a mother to a daughter, she could make her see sense.”
Stephen looked sceptical. “And has that happened, my lord?” Will grimaced. “She has fixed notions, but Adeliza is continuing to counsel her.”
“And may as well talk to the wall for all the good it will do.
You should not have let Robert of Gloucester leave Arundel.” Stephen drained his wine and banged his cup down. “If I order you to hand over the empress will you defy me?” Will was alarmed, but remained outwardly impassive. “Sire, if I give her to you, I will be breaking a sacred bond.” 284
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“If you do not, you compromise your loyalty to me,” Stephen growled.
Henry of Winchester stepped forwards. “You cannot afford to besiege Arundel,” he said to Stephen. “It will take too long, and while we are pinned down here, Gloucester will be carving himself an empire with Bristol at its hub. He is the one you should pursue. If you lay siege to Arundel, you will lose respect and men. The dowager queen was much loved at court and everyone knows she would not act out of defiance to you, but from the softness of her heart—and she is within her right. My lord D’Albini’s only sin is that of being too fond a husband.”
Stephen glowered at Winchester. “Then what am I to do, because I dare not leave Matilda here, whatever you say about womanly visits and the role of honour. I cannot ignore this threat and just ride away.”
Will wondered why the bishop of Winchester was giving Stephen a dove’s advice when usually he was all for seizing the moment.
“Give her safe conduct to Bristol to join the Earl of Gloucester,” the bishop said. “Return her to his custody. While she remains here, she is a woman acting of her own volition.
Sent to Bristol, men will see that she is in her brother’s keeping, and will be reminded that he is the power behind her presence, and would rule England in all but name. How many will bow to that? I will gladly go as her escort. That will leave you free to deal with insurrection elsewhere. With the Countess of Anjou and Robert of Gloucester pinned in one place, you will only have to focus on one objective—and men will commend you for your great chivalry.” He gestured to Will. “It will also liberate my lord D’Albini of the burden of his obligations.” Stephen’s mouth twisted. “Men might also commend me for great folly.”
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Winchester shrugged. “Since the alternative is a long siege that might see you surrounded in your turn by Gloucester, you have no choice.”
“It is a way out, sire.” Will had never thought to find himself grateful to the bishop of Winchester. “Otherwise we are at an impasse.”
“Very well,” Stephen growled, “but I will have renewed oaths of fealty from you and your wife, my lord D’Albini, before I ride from here.”
“Gladly, sire.” Filled with relief, Will knelt to Stephen; but he felt as if he has been bruised and battered in a hard fight and that he was still on the battlefield.
ttt
Matilda stared at Will in disbelief and contempt. “You are giving me up to him?” In that moment she could have killed Adeliza’s upstart dolt of a husband, standing there in his muddy boots, legs planted wide, telling her of the deal he had made with Stephen.
He reddened. “I am doing no such thing, domina. You are being offered safe conduct to Bristol where you will be protected without causing harm to your stepmother and those beholden to her. I ask you to see sense and agree to the truce terms the king has offered.”
“And if I refuse?”
“Then you destroy us all and you leave me no room for manoeuvre.” He extended an imploring hand. “Please, I ask you to accept the terms and go to Bristol. The bishop of Winchester and Waleran de Meulan will escort you.”
“It seems I have no choice,” Matilda said bitterly, hating to be powerless. She faced Will with angry pride but inside she was weeping with frustration.
He shook his head. “I do not have a choice either, and for that I am sorry.” He bowed to her, exchanged an unhappy glance with Adeliza, and left the room.
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Thirty-three
Arundel, September 1139
T he following morning, Matilda dressed for travel in a red wool dress embroidered with thread of gold and sparkling with jewels. A gold cross set with