Lady of the English - By Elizabeth Chadwick Page 0,60

grandson; can you not see fit to do the same for me? If you do not honour my marriage agreement, then what else will you not honour? How can you expect men to keep their vows to me if you do not stand by your word?” His complexion darkened. “Have a care what you say to me, daughter. I will not stand for your haughty words and high-handed behaviour. You shall have those castles when I see fit and not before. You have no notion what you are asking of me. It will mean displacing people. It will mean having to make new arrangements and deal with consequences.”

“But there will be consequences too if you do not hand them over.” She scooped her son into her lap. He laughed and 149

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reached to the platter of honey cakes. Laboriously he grasped one, took a bite, and then offered his mother the rest.

Her father wiped his hands on the napkin at his side and threw it down on the table in a screwed-up heap. “I told you, this is not the time to speak of such things,” he growled as he stood up. “We will debate on a more appropriate occasion.”

“In other words you are refusing to turn over those castles to me and Geoffrey. You are reneging on your promise.”

“Daughter, I am telling you I will do so in my own time, not when you and that meddlesome husband of yours dictate.” He stalked off, shoulders back and expression pugilistic. Matilda sighed heavily. She had not expected him to agree; this was only the first bout and she had months in which to keep at him, like water wearing down rock. He had to be made to see that the situation would only degenerate if he did not deal with it.

He could not rein back time for ever.

ttt

A third time the barons knelt and swore fealty to Matilda and on this occasion to her baby son too, perched upon her knee, his coppery hair gleaming on his soft round head almost like a halo or a crown. The Madonna and child was a potent image that Matilda exploited for all it was worth. The gathering was smaller than the previous two and consisted mostly of Norman barons, although Robert of Gloucester and Brian FitzCount had arrived from England on the morning of the ceremony and had added their vows and their voices to the other oath-takers gathered in Rouen Cathedral.

“So this is England’s future king,” her brother said, chucking Henry under the chin. “You and I should become better acquainted, young man.”

“Indeed he is,” Matilda replied firmly. “He will receive a full education as befits his destiny, and learn from the men who will guide and support him. He will know the law and all he needs 150

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to protect himself and his lands. He will learn to know friend from foe, and good counsel from bad.”

“You speak fiercely, sister.” Robert said, smiling.

“Because I must,” she answered, and looked at Brian, who was gazing at Henry with a pained look in his dark eyes. “I am hoping he will learn judicious matters of exchequer from you, my lord FitzCount,” she said, adding playfully, “but I will have others teach him how to raise a tent.” Brian’s expression lightened. “I thought I succeeded rather well, given the circumstances, and I learn from my mistakes. I could give him the benefit of my experience.” Matilda’s face grew warm. “I am sure there is much of value he can learn from you,” she said.

Brian inclined his head. “Whatever you deem he needs from me, I will be honoured.” He bowed and moved away to speak with some barons he had not seen in a long time.

Robert gazed after him. “It is a pity he has no heirs of his own.

His wife is too old now to bear him sons or daughters.” He gave her a cautionary look. “Be on your guard with him, Matilda.” She stiffened. “In what way? I hope you are not suggesting…”

“No, no, of course not.” He raised his hand to stay her indignation. “He is a good friend and a powerful ally. He cares for you deeply, anyone can see that, but he is loyal to his position and he has great personal integrity—you both do. Keep within those bounds and all will be well. Give no one cause to talk of scandal—because they will if they get the opportunity.” Matilda