by Ida Curtis
“No, she did not. That was one reason I did not object to the king sending you and Sister Gilda to look into the matter. Lady Mariel refused to speak to me. When I first heard that she had barred Cedric from her bedchamber, I tried to talk some sense into the willful woman. After that first day, she refused to see me.”
His words, and the haughty way he spoke them, convinced Gilda that Lady Mariel showed very good sense in not confiding in the bishop. When Justin glanced over at her, she could tell that he agreed.
“I’m pleased to hear that you do not resent the work that Sister Gilda and I are here to do. Your attitude will make it easier for us to work together.”
Justin watched the satisfied expression spread over the bishop’s wide face before he continued. “There is something I’m curious about, your grace, and I hope you can help me. I understand from Count Cedric that he wishes the annulment so that he can pursue another match.”
The satisfied expression disappeared. “He told you that?” the bishop burst out in a high squeal. Caught off guard, his face flushed. Slowly he seemed to regain his composure. “There is nothing settled, and I’m surprised the count would mention anything about it.”
As Justin watched the bishop’s eyes narrow, he could see that Gunthar realized he had been led into a trap. “Cedric did not say much, but we have heard rumors and he did not deny that he had other prospects. I haven’t questioned anyone yet, but I’m sure we can find out more.”
Gunthar must have decided it was best that Justin hear the story from him. “A local landowner is in poor health. He was a soldier in the service of Charlemagne and owns a large property south of Mainz. His only child is an older woman who never married. In order to secure her future, Lord Metcalf approached me to help him find a match worthy of Lady Emma. Until Cedric is free, nothing can be settled. That is why I prefer it be kept a secret.”
Justin understood why the bishop would be eager to facilitate such an alliance. He and Cedric ruled Mainz together. Although the bishop was in charge of religious matters and the count secular affairs, in practice the two worked closely. Adding a large piece of farm property to the count’s holdings would enhance the position and prestige of Mainz.
“Do you suppose Lady Mariel could have heard rumors about the possibility? Perhaps she was frightened that she would be put aside.”
“How should I know? I’ve already told you the willful woman did not confide in me.”
It was clear this line of questioning irritated the bishop. Justin didn’t mind irritating him, but he wasn’t sure it would gain him much information.
“I’m sure you did what you could to discover what was bothering Lady Mariel. Young women can be difficult in such situations. Do you know if there is anyone she did confide in?”
The bishop’s large body had been quivering with anger, but at the change of subject and Justin’s sympathetic tone, he stilled. “I don’t know of anyone. I’m afraid I can’t be of any more help to you on the subject of Lady Mariel.”
“Thank you for your time, your grace. If you do think of someone Lady Mariel might have talked to, please let me know.”
After the bishop had left the room, Gilda moved closer to Justin and repeated his words to the bishop. “Young women can be difficult in such situations.”
“I was trying to smooth things over. It’s called tact, and, as you may have noticed, it worked.”
“I know. You managed the old toad brilliantly.”
Justin’s mouth fell open, and he glanced quickly around to make sure they were alone. “You’re a nun like none I’ve ever known,” he whispered.
“So you keep saying. Do you think we could go for a ride? There’s a monastery nearby that Freda wishes to visit while we’re here. We might learn something from the humble brothers.”
“By all means. It’ll be interesting to learn if they have heard anything about this affair.”
CHAPTER FIVE
It was a short ride to the monastery located outside the walls of Mainz. Although Sister Freda had mentioned she was related to one of the monks, Gilda and Justin were unprepared to see a giant of a man approach her at the gates. He lifted Freda from her horse and swung her to the ground, then embraced the tall woman in huge arms that made her look tiny. Freda was blushing when she pushed him away.
As the cheery man laughed at her embarrassment, Freda said, “This is my nephew, Brother Arnulf. I sent him a message that I would stop to see him.”
The monk had white hair but an unlined face that gave him a youthful appearance. “Welcome,” he boomed. “I had already heard tales of the visitors to Mainz. On a mission from the king, I understand.”
The monk looked from Justin to Gilda as he was introduced, and there was a sparkle in his eye. “It’s a pleasure to meet the nun who is betrothed,” he said.
Now it was Gilda’s turn to become flustered. Several brothers in the courtyard glanced in her direction as they passed, and she wasn’t sure she appreciated becoming a curiosity.
Justin cleared his throat to distract attention from Gilda. “Tales travel quickly.” He knew people in isolated communities had a voracious appetite for news. He remembered there was a priest at the head table when Philip made his accusation.
Although Gilda was also familiar with the speed with which news spread, she had hoped to seek out rumors, not become the source of them. “We’ve come to speak with the Abbot,” she said.
“Of course. I’m afraid he is busy at the moment. I will keep you company until he is free to see you.”
They followed Arnulf to a community dining area, and Gilda was pleased to see it was empty. “My brothers and I are fasting,” he said, “but I can arrange something for you if you are hungry.”
Justin looked at Gilda. “I’m fine,” she remarked, not wishing to eat in front of a fasting monk. “What we’d really appreciate is some information.”
Brother Arnulf fairly glowed at the idea of discussing what he knew. Frowning at her nephew’s eagerness to tell tales, Freda announced she would wait outside in the sun.
“I’m sure you know the reason we’ve been sent to Mainz,” Justin began. “In speaking with Count Cedric, we learned that if his marriage to Mariel is annulled, he hopes to marry a local woman. Have you heard anything about a possible match?”
“It’s common knowledge, although it was astonishing at the time the proposed match first came to light. The timing was all wrong, of course. The count already had a young bride on her way to Mainz when rumors began.”
Gilda didn’t bother to hide her surprise. “It was being discussed even before Mariel arrived?”
“Yes. You have to understand that Lord Metcalf, an old warrior, lives in his own world, never bothering about what is happening outside his manor. He has kept his daughter to himself all these years. All of a sudden he’s looking for a husband for Lady Emma.”
“Metcalf is a famous name,” Justin said.
“Aye, I’m not surprised you’ve heard it. At one time he was one of Charlemagne’s most famous soldiers. He was granted a large benefice for his loyal service.”
Justin nodded. “I always wondered what happened to him. I remember hearing stories about his bravery in battle. He had retired to his manor before I arrived at court. Wasn’t he seriously injured?”
“Yes, which is another reason he keeps to himself. He limps badly, and his face is terribly scarred. He doesn’t like strangers to see him.”
“Do you suppose Metcalf is aware that Count Cedric is already married?” Gilda asked.
“He’s a crafty old man, interested in a match worthy of his daughter. He may know. If so, I suspect that Bishop Gunthar assured him the marriage would be annulled. Gunthar is as eager as Cedric is to have the rich farmland of Metcalf’s property become a part of Mainz.”
“What do you know of Lady Emma?” Gilda asked.
“Not much, as she stays close to home. Because of Metcalf’s health, Lady Emma is the one who manages the estate. I do know the lad
y is well past the time when women usually marry. She must have at least thirty years. Women never have much say in these matters, of course. Although her father depends upon her to manage the manor, I imagine he still wants to know that a man will be in charge when he is gone.”
“Perhaps Metcalf wants to be sure his daughter doesn’t lose the property when he dies. It could return to the king,” Justin pointed out.
“You may be right. But Lady Emma loses control in either case, as the count and the bishop will govern the land as part of Mainz if the marriage goes ahead. The king is more likely to forego claiming it for another warrior if the count takes it over.”
The Abbot walked in as the holy brother was speaking. The monk flushed, no doubt embarrassed about being caught expressing himself so candidly. He introduced the visitors to the Abbot.
“Thank you, Brother Arnulf. Perhaps you have some chore you should be attending to,” the Abbot said.
The monk left quickly, and the Abbot turned to the visitors. Justin and Gilda had jumped to their feet when the Abbot arrived, but he waved them to sit down.
“I suppose Brother Arnulf has given you most of the information you are seeking,” the Abbot said, his expression disapproving.
“It’s good of you to see us, Holy Father,” Justin said, ignoring his reference to Brother Arnulf.
“I’m aware of your mission and was expecting a visit. However, now that you have talked to Brother Arnulf, I’m not sure I have any further information to offer you.”
Hoping he could make the Abbot realize they weren’t seeking idle rumors, Justin said, “Since you are aware of our mission, you know we have been instructed to determine whether there are grounds to annul the marriage of Count Cedric and Lady Mariel. It’s our duty to speak with anyone who can give us information about the situation.”
“I understand, Lord Justin. What do you wish from me?” he asked.
“The news that another match is already being discussed is pertinent information. We have learned from Brother Arnulf that the proposal is common knowledge.”
“Yes, even in a secluded monastery the outside world intrudes continually. But though we can’t avoid being prey to secular information, it has nothing to do with our mission.”
Justin glanced at Gilda, hoping she would help him thaw out the stiff-necked Abbot, and Gilda took her cue.
“You’re probably aware that Lady Mariel has taken refuge at the Convent of Saint Ives, Father Abbot. I spent some time with her and found her to be a very frightened woman. Did you have a chance to meet her during the short time she was at Mainz?”
“No. There would be no reason for me to meet her. If she needed spiritual guidance, she would have sought out a priest, or the bishop. I don’t imagine it’s unusual for a young woman who has fled her husband to be frightened.”
The Abbot was studying her in a thoughtful way that made Gilda feel uneasy. When he spoke again, she realized what he was thinking.
“I understand that you yourself have become betrothed, Sister Gilda.”
Her first thought was that for someone who disapproved of rumors, the Abbot certainly had made note of the one about her. Knowing she should deal with this herself, Gilda struggled to keep from looking to Justin for help.
“My father sent me to the Convent of Saint Ives to be educated. I grew up there and became a member of the community. However, I have not taken final vows, Holy Father.” She prayed she wouldn’t have to say more about it.
Aware that he was the one to blame for putting Gilda in an uncomfortable position, Justin spoke up. “I trust there is no restriction against a nun who has not taken her final vows from becoming betrothed, Holy Father.”
“No, of course not,” the Abbot conceded. “But Sister Gilda is still wearing her habit.”
“Surely that is not unusual. I believe some priests are married and wear their habit,” Justin pointed out, no longer trying to appease the Abbot.
“If they are, they are old men and they live with their wives as brothers and sisters, Lord Justin.” The Abbot sat up straighter and narrowed his eyes. “Priests no longer marry, as I’m sure you know. And if nuns plan to marry, they leave the order.”
“Sister Gilda is committed to finishing her mission for King Louis before she marries,” Justin answered.
The Abbot glared at Gilda. “You represent the religious community in your mission, Sister Gilda. Do take care not to bring dishonor to that community.”
Gilda spoke quickly to stop Justin from answering for her. “I hope to bring honor to my community by performing the duty assigned me by the king. What is between Lord Justin and myself will not affect my ability to accomplish the task.” And she prayed with all her heart that she spoke the truth.
“Tales spread, Sister Gilda. You’ve seen examples of that today. Although you may be innocent of wrongdoing, the rumors can be damaging.”
“Everyone is eager to hear tales, Holy Father,” Gilda replied. “But it’s important to distinguish between important information and frivolous rumors. Most people will be able to make that distinction. It would be very difficult to live our lives in a way to avoid all rumors.”
There was a hint of softening in the Abbot’s expression. “I take your point, Sister Gilda. My own choice has been to withdraw from the world. You may discover there is difficulty maintaining a foot in both the spiritual and secular worlds. I’ll pray for the success of your mission.”
On the ride back to Mainz, Gilda lagged behind the others. Brother Arnulf was accompanying Freda, and they had gone on ahead. Gilda couldn’t forget the Abbot’s words. She risked bringing dishonor to her community for a betrothal that was a contrivance. Deep in thought, she was startled when Justin spoke up and she realized he had waited for her to catch up to him.
“You’re probably hungry,” he said, as though to explain her low spirits. She saw that he was holding out a piece of cheese.
“Have you taken to bringing along bits of food to cheer me?” she asked, astonished at his offer.
He grinned, then asked, “Is it so disheartening, being betrothed?”
“For heaven’s sake, Justin, it’s all made-up,” she reminded him as she nibbled on the cheese that he had given her. “How do you think the Abbot knew about it?”
“There was a priest at the head table last night. He no doubt raced to the monastery with the news.”
Justin leaned over to take hold of her reins and pulled her horse to a halt. Gilda was riding sidesaddle with her legs on the far side of the horse. Before she could react, Justin pulled her from her saddle to sit upon his lap.
“What are you doing?” Gilda dropped the chunk of cheese and looked around to see if anyone could see them. Although they were in the woods, she knew the walls of Mainz were not far away.
“The others have gone ahead. I’ve thought of another way to cheer you. Sit still for a minute,” he whispered in her ear.
“Are you mad? Let me go, Justin. You heard what the Abbot said about rumors.”
“There is no one to see you. Stop wiggling about. All you’re managing to do is arouse me.”
Her whole body went still. His meaning was clear, and her cheeks turned pink.
“That’s better,” he said. “No one can see us here. I want you to come to my room tonight, Gilda.”
“No. You are mad. Last night was a mistake.”
“Was it?”
She was staring at him with startled eyes when he leaned forward and captured her lips in a hard kiss. When he felt her relax against him, he softened the kiss, teasing and exploring until she was kissing him back. Her mouth opened to accept his tongue, and her arms wrapped around his neck for a thorough kiss that had them both trembling. When he broke away, she moaned.
“It was no mistake—”
Before he could finish his words, Gilda nodded and kissed him, exploring his mouth with her tongue. She liked being on his lap, as her head was level with his. When she moved to kiss his eyes, he gasped for breath.
“Have you been with a man before, Gilda?” he whispered.
“No, of course not,” she muttered as she leaned her head on his shoulder so she could kiss his neck.
“Your kisses don’t seem those of a novice.”
As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he realized he was reminding her that she was a nun. When she tried to pull away, he grasped her chin in his large hand.
“You’re an exciting woman, Gilda. I loved the way you stood up to the Abbot, and I think he respected it too. If you decide to choose the nunnery, I won’t stop you. But let me ask you this. Do you wish to take your vows without having experienced what it’s like to be with a man?”
Instead of answering, she asked a question of her own. “Could you kiss me once more?”
Justin was quick to oblige, kissing her long and hard, and while her arms held him close, his hand moved to cup her breast. It was surprisingly full for a small woman, and his thumb moved over her taut nipple.
Gilda gasped, astonished at the charge his gesture sent through her body. She knew she wanted more and tried to press closer to him.
“Say you’ll come to me,” he whispered against her lips. “I promise I won’t go further than you wish. I just want to hold you, Gilda. That’s all I can think of.”
It was what she wanted as well, but she hesitated to admit the need she felt but did not fully understand.
They heard the sound of a horse, but Justin still didn’t release her. “Say yes,” he demanded.
Gilda nodded, and he quickly slid her back onto her own horse. When Arnulf rode into sight, Gilda was settling herself in her saddle. The monk didn’t say a word but turned back so they could follow him to Mainz.
Both Justin and Gilda breathed a sigh, but their relief was short-lived. In the courtyard of Mainz the porter who took their horses told them that Leonardo had returned and Lord Chetwynd was with him.
“You were so sure that Chetwynd would approve the match by letter,” Gilda whispered as they rushed up the narrow staircase to their chambers. “Whatever did you say to him that brought him here?”