Lady of the English - By Elizabeth Chadwick Page 0,195
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Lady of the English
she struggled to assimilate the news. “At least there I can pray and be of value, rather than lie here feeling like a useless husk.
Will has accepted my choice, but it is a raw wound for him. I know it is the right thing to do, but he is not yet convinced.” Her voice faltered. “The baby is but a year old. If there was another way, I would take it…”
“Perhaps there is another way. Have you tried—”
“The physicians have done everything they can,” Adeliza said wearily. “Now it is in God’s hands and that is why I must go.”
“When will you leave?”
“As soon as arrangements are made. Will is likely to drag his heels, but I will find the strength to chivvy him.” Matilda shook her head. “I did not realise you were sick. I came to tell you I am returning to Normandy.” Now it was Adeliza’s turn to stare. “Why?”
“I need to raise money and troops. With Robert gone, there is no one to command an army, unless Geoffrey or Henry take on the mantle. Henry is almost of an age to rule. Next month he will be fifteen; that is older than his father was when he married me and became Count of Anjou.”
“It is still perilously young to govern,” Adeliza said with concern.
“I agree, but he has abilities beyond his years, and even if I cannot lead an army, I can still advise him. There are many who will help him in the field, but he will be their uniting emblem.” She looked at Adeliza. “Like you, I have little choice. Henry must come to the fore. I was furious with him when he crossed the Narrow Sea and made that foolish attack on Stephen’s castles, but I was proud too. That was a year ago, and he has grown and matured in that time. He will be king, I know it with all my being. Men such as your husband will support him, where they would not support me. It is not defeat,” she added, setting her jaw. To admit defeat would make this terrible, 483
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bloody war worthless and, at the same time, set its price beyond anything that could be repaid.
“No,” said Adeliza. After a moment she said, “You could sail from Arundel with me. Your baggage is at Wareham, I know, but you have some things with you here, and I would welcome your company on the voyage.” She bit her lip. “It also means Will would have to let me go instead of striving to delay me, which I know he will try to do.”
Matilda looked taken aback, but then grew thoughtful. “I cannot tarry,” she said. “I am not leaving England because I am abandoning it to Stephen but because I need to organise resources in Normandy, and I need to begin straight away.”
“The sooner the better.” Adeliza’s chin dimpled, but she controlled herself. “The moment there is a fair wind for a crossing.”
Matilda nodded. “In that case I will send word back to Wareham, and help you to pack what you need.” ttt
By the castle jetty on the river Arun, a ship rode at anchor. The wind was strong and bitterly cold, but the weather was clear and the master had assured his charges that they would be safely ashore in Normandy well before nightfall.
Will stood with Adeliza, waiting for the sailors to complete their final preparations. She was wrapped in a thick, fur-lined cloak to protect her from the wind and sea spray. Above the bulk of the rich blue wool, her face was as wan as a lily and her eyes enormous. He kept striving for normality, telling himself that she was only going to Afflighem for a short time to pray and recuperate and that she would soon return, but it was like a bandage over a wound that would not stop bleeding.
He was glad Matilda was accompanying her on part of her journey. He had no love for the empress, but there was a special bond between the women and he knew, with Matilda’s 484
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strict rules concerning routine and order, Adeliza would be well looked after, and at least the empress would be out of the country and his way. Even the blackest cloud had a silver lining.
He took Adeliza lightly in his arms. She was so fragile that he feared to use his full embrace on her. Grief engulfed him because