The Shattered Rose Page 0,56

be cared for until this matter is settled."

"What matter requires to be settled, Brother Forthred?"

"The ownership of the babe."

At that, Galeran rose too, pleased to still be in armor, and bloodstained armor at that. "Who claims the child other than her mother?"

Forthred stepped back. "The father, of course."

"Who is?"

"You .. . you do not know?" Forthred was suddenly like a man who strides boldly along the road, only to sink into a quagmire.

"Why don't you tell me?"

The monk looked around uneasily, seeking wisdom of those around. He received none, though there were plenty of smirks.

He turned back to Galeran, narrow-eyed. "Sir Raymond of Lowick confesses to being the father of the babe, my lord. He admits his sin, but declares that both he and the Lady Jehanne believed you dead when the child was conceived. He rejoices in your safe return, and is truly repentant for the sin committed. As penance - recognizing the irritant his daughter must be in your household - he will take upon himself the burden of raising the child."

Galeran let a thoughtful silence run before saying, "I would think his penance should be somewhat more severe than that."

"My lord bishop has also fined him twenty shillings and imposed many prayers upon him."

Galeran nodded. "My wife already prays earnestly for God's mercy, but she certainly should pay the same fine. My Lord Hubert, could we borrow coin from you?"

"Why, yes," said Hubert, an alarmed look in his eyes. He sent a servant off with a message.

Galeran turned back to Forthred. "As to the babe, we insist on bearing the penance of raising it."

The monk paled, seeing the trap before him. "That is to place a burden on you, my lord, who carries no blame at all."

"Ah, but is that true? Did I not leave my wife unguided for many a long month? Even holy Pope Urban, who called for the crusade, had doubts as to whether married men should take part. As always, our Holy Father is wise in matters both spiritual and temporal."

"But any sin on your soul has been wiped out by the crusade, Lord Galeran."

"Then I'm sure Our Savior will grant me the strength to bear one small irritant in my household.", Forthred's cheeks were mottled red. "My lord, the bishop insists that the child be given into his care until this matter is settled!"

Galeran rested his hand on the hilt of his sword. "Brother Forthred, the child cannot leave her mother, for she is at the breast."

"A wet nurse could be found. . . ."

"I do not believe in feeding a highborn child the milk of inferior women."

"Well, then . . ."

"Nor will I entertain the notion of my wife going off to Durham with the babe. I am just back from crusade and require my comforts."

Forthred's thin lips curled back in what was very close to a snarl, but his arguments seemed to be exhausted.

Galeran took the opportunity to summon Jehanne out of hiding. In moments she was at his side, head slightly bowed, a perfect picture of womanly demeanor. "You sent for me, my lord?"

"Yes, wife. It appears Raymond of Lowick has confessed his sin to the Bishop of Durham and been forgiven upon payment of twenty shillings and the promise to bear the penance of rearing little Donata. It seems only fair that you pay the same penalty."

When he'd mentioned Raymond raising the child, her color had come and gone with panic. But then she took in the rest of his speech, and her eyes widened. He saw her have to fight a wild impulse to laugh.

He had to control his own lips' tendency to twitch.

Hubert's steward arrived with a purse. He presented it to his master, but was waved over to Galeran. Galeran took the purse, but then dropped it in Jehanne's hands.

With a deep breath she turned to the monk and knelt "The bishop is wise and merciful, Brother Forthred. I willingly give this money for his holy works and beg his prayers and yours to aid in my petition for forgiveness from our almighty and merciful Father in heaven."

Once the dazed monk had taken the purse, Galeran raised Jehanne with all courtesy. "I, too, thank the bishop for acting as peacemaker between myself and Raymond of Lowick, who so heinously took advantage of my absence.

In return, I promise that I will not raise my hand against Lowick unless he offends again. May we consider this matter closed, Brother?"

"I doubt it," snapped the monk, who then strode