Lady of the English - By Elizabeth Chadwick Page 0,194
said.
“She is not here with an army. This is a personal visit, and one she must have risked much to make, because this is not safe territory. It is not about war and political manoeuvring.”
“You said that nine years ago,” he snapped, “that it was just a visit between kin, and look where it led.”
“That was not the beginning, as well you know. What can she do now? She has no army and Robert is dead, God rest his soul. If you do not want her within the castle, then put me in a litter and I shall go to her. I mean it, husband,” she added 480
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as he began to shake his head. “I may lack the strength, but I certainly have the will. Will you grant me this?” His mouth twisted. “When have I ever refused you?” he said and, turning on his heel, banged out of the room.
Adeliza closed her eyes, summoned what small strength had trickled into her bones from the wine she had drunk, and had Juliana and Melisande help her rise and dress. Her clothes hung on her and the women had to draw the lacings to their tightest to fit her figure. She had them flush her cheeks with a tint of alkanet ointment, and placed a dab on her lips. She drank more wine and managed to eat a crust of bread while the maids put fresh covers on the bed and burned more incense on the braziers to freshen the room.
Then she sent Melisande to organise the kitchens and prepare sleeping space for the guests, and prayed that she could hold herself together for the duration of their visit. Much as she wanted to see Matilda, she hoped her stay was going to be a short one.
ttt
Matilda faced Will in the great hall. Last time they had been in each other’s company was in the snowy courtyard of Abingdon Abbey.
“Domina,” he said with a curt bow. He did not kneel and she let it pass.
“Thank you for opening your gates,” she said, her tone gracious but frigid.
“Do not thank me,” he replied. “I would have refused you, but Adeliza insisted and while I could so easily deny you, I cannot find it within me to deny her.” Matilda gave him a narrow look. “I will not stay long, but in the interests of all she has done for me and meant to me, it would be discourteous of me not to bid farewell.” He whitened and his hazel eyes shone with such antagonism 481
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that Matilda recoiled and Hugh Pluckenett and Brian FitzCount hastened to her side, ready to defend her.
“Tact was never your strong point,” Will said, “but that is crass even for you.”
Matilda gazed at him in affronted amazement. “What is crass about wanting to see Adeliza before I leave for Normandy?” Colour flooded back into his face. “You are leaving? I thought you meant…ah, nothing.” He gestured towards the stairs. “Go, speak with her.”
Matilda stared at him. “Thought I meant what? What is wrong with her? Is she ill? There has been no mention in her letters.”
“She would not make a parade of it for others,” he said, and turned his head, refusing to engage further.
Filled with apprehension, Matilda climbed the stairs to Adeliza’s chamber and found her sitting in a chair by the hearth.
Her cheeks were rosy, but the colour looked painted on and beneath it she was like a wilting flower.
“Forgive me if I do not rise,” Adeliza said, “but you are welcome, whatever impression Will may have given to you in greeting. He is as grumpy as a bear just now.” Matilda hurried over to her and kissed her cheek, and felt the dusting of cosmetic against her lips. “Oh my love, why did you not say you were unwell?”
“What would be the point of telling you about something you could not change?” Adeliza shook her head. “It would only have added to your burdens, but I am truly glad to see you before I leave. I have a letter half written…”
“Before you leave?” Matilda looked at her in surprise. She had come here to say her own farewells, and this reception at Arundel had thrown her off balance. She had prepared herself for many responses, but not this one. Nor had she bargained for finding Adeliza in such a weak physical state.
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