“ ’Tis good,” the midwife stated, then glanced at Arianne as she felt the tightening of another contraction. “ ’Twill beckon the child out.”
Matilda nodded at Arianne and Helena’s questioning glances. The midwife gently kneaded the duchess’s stomach and asked, “What of the knots? Be there any yet untied?”
“Nay,” Matilda answered confidently. “I have overseen it myself. ’Tis sure that all knots in this castle have been undone.”
The midwife nodded. “ ’Twill keep the cord from knotting about the child’s neck,” she told Arianne.
Arianne’s misery and pain left her little time to consider the traditional forms of midwifery. She knew there was a knife placed beneath her mattress to cut the pain of delivery. Not that it was helping. She’d also seen Matilda sprinkle special herbs about the room, knowing that they were to give off pleasant scents and coax the baby to come with haste. But in truth, this baby was already coming in haste. It was at least a month early by Matilda’s calculations, but the shock of her father’s death had been too much.
“I’m glad you are here,” Arianne told Helena. “I feel as though we’ve become as sisters these past few days. I pray I have not asked too much of you.”
“Never, Milady.” Helena again patted the duchess’s hand. “I am your faithful servant.”
“Nay.” Arianne’s eyes were bright with pain. “You are now a most cherished friend.”
❧
Helena had just reported Arianne’s progress to a sleepy Richard, when Douglas Mont Gomeri entered room. “Your Grace, there is a messenger from the king.”
Richard came instantly awake, noticing for the first time the brilliance of sunlight that flooded in from the open windows. The silence left in the passing of the storm was nearly deafening. “What be the hour?” he questioned and glanced again to the stairway.
“It is coming upon noon,” Douglas replied. “Has the duchess—”
“Nay. Helena has just told me it will still be some time. Show the messenger in.” His voice betrayed his concern.
Douglas nodded and returned with a weary-looking man. He wore the colors of King Henry, as well as the markings. Richard acknowledged the man with his eyes, but said nothing. The man, in return, gave a deep bow and produced a wax-sealed parchment.
Richard took the message eagerly and noted that preparations were being made in the hall for dinner. “Will you take the noon meal with us?” he questioned, while breaking the seal.
“I would be most humbly grateful,” the man replied.
Richard motioned to Douglas. “My chamberlain will see to your needs. Douglas, please show this man where he may wash.”
Douglas led the man away while Richard scanned the words on the paper. There was joy in his heart as he realized that Henry had agreed to pardon Tancred DuBonnet.
“I pray it is not more bad news,” Helena said, feeling a faint despair wash over her.
“On the contrary. ’Tis good news.” Richard beckoned Helena to sit and then read, “Upon your word and oath that your brother has been falsely accused and because of the grave injustice done him, I do hereby pardon—” Richard’s words fell away. “The king has pardoned my brother!”
Helena could only nod. She had little idea as to what the duke’s brother needed pardoning for by the king, but such a matter was indeed cause for celebration. “Congratulations, Your Grace,” she announced, getting to her feet. “I must return to Arianne. I will come again when there is word.”
Richard barely heard Helena’s words. Tancred would be pardoned!
❧
“The babe is nearly born, Milady,” Matilda said soothingly to Arianne. “Just a wee bit longer and you will know such joy that pain will be forgotten.”
Arianne doubted that Matilda spoke the truth, but she gave a final push to appease the midwife’s demands. Suddenly it was done. The child was being pulled from her body and the pain was taken with it.
The midwife quickly tied the cord and cut it at four fingers’ length from its belly. The slightly blue-skinned baby soon colored to a hardy pinkish-red as its lusty cries filled the chamber.
“ ’Tis a son, Milady,” Matilda announced proudly, and Arianne wept for joy.
Helena could only stare in dumbfounded silence. What a wondrous event she had just witnessed. Never in her life had she imagined such a thing.
The midwife quickly took the baby to wash him in a readied tub of water. She rigorously rubbed his tiny body with salt, then took honey and rubbed it on his gums and tongue to give him an appetite. Helena left Arianne’s side to watch on in amazement as the tiny infant protested such treatment.
“ ’Tis a fine son, Your Grace,” the midwife called over her shoulder as she bound the baby tightly in a fine linen cloth. His swaddling kept him completely immobilized, but did not interfere with his hearty cries.
“You must take him to Richard,” Arianne stated. Helena looked up, wondering to whom she was speaking.
Matilda was weeping tears of joy and nodded to Helena. “He’ll be most happy to see you with this news.”
“You want me to take the baby to Richard?” Helena’s obvious surprise amused Arianne. The midwife placed the bundled infant in Helena’s arms before she could refuse. “But what if I stumble? I’ve not cared for a child before.”
“Neither have I,” Arianne replied. “Go, take him to his father. You will do well, of this I am certain.”
Richard had heard the cries of his son. With little thought to the king’s message, he had let the parchment fall to the floor in wonder of the new sounds.
He held his breath, closed his eyes, and thanked God for the child who cried so fiercely. Opening his eyes, he again found the room suddenly filled with people. Douglas came to his side, staring in wonderment at the staircase. Behind them, voices were murmuring with approval and speculation.
“ ’Tis a boy for sure, Your Grace,” one of the knights called out.
“No other could cry with such a voice,” another assured.
In a few moments, a wide-eyed Helena appeared on the stairs, a tiny white mummy in her arms. The cries grew louder as she approached, for the baby was decidedly unhappy with his new surroundings.
“Her Grace,” Helena said with obvious pride in her voice, “has been delivered of a son.”
A hearty cry of congratulations and approval filled the air. The word was quickly spread throughout the castle and into the surrounding village. The duke had an heir.
“What of Arianne?” Richard questioned anxiously.
“She is well, Sire, and quite pleased.”
Richard looked down into the face of the crying babe. Without thought, he retrieved the baby from Helena’s arms and studied him closely. The infant calmed under his father’s scrutiny and Richard smiled.
“ ’Tis a fine son, indeed,” he said to no one in particular. Then noticing the shock of burnt red hair, Richard’s smile grew broader. “And he bares the mark of his mother, I see.” Those in the room drew near to catch sight of the baby.
“ ’Tis time I thank your mother,” Richard whispered to the child.
Helena followed Richard to the lying-in chamber, where in keeping with tradition, all of the castle’s finest treasures had been laid out on display. No treasure there, however, caught the duke’s eye save Arianne.
She was lying back against the pillows, eyes closed and copper hair spilling out over the coverlet. The midwife was removing her things from the bedside and glanced in surprise at Richard’s early entry into the room.
“You should place the babe in his cradle,” she motioned to the darkened corner of the room, “where his eyes cannot be harmed by the light.”
He scarcely heard her for Arianne’s eyes snapped open at the words and fixed on Richard. She noted the pride in his eyes and the
pleasure that seemed to radiate from his face.
“A gift, my husband. A gift from the Lord above and from our love,” she whispered tenderly.
“A most perfect gift,” Richard replied and drew close to the bed. He placed the small boy at her side and watched as his son turned his face and rooted.
“ ’Tis hunger that causes his search,” the midwife said, realizing that Richard was not going to heed her suggestion for placing the child in his cradle.
Arianne lovingly guided the baby’s mouth to her breast, then started in surprise when he took hold and began to feed. Richard laughed at her expression, then placed a kiss upon her forehead.
“Love has a most unique way of surprising us, does it not, sweet Arianne?”
“Indeed,” she whispered sleepily.
Helena silently backed out of the room, feeling much the intruder in this very private moment. She was filled with wonder and thanksgiving. “Oh, God,” she said, closing the door to her own chamber, “what a remarkable thing You have done.”
Gone were all thoughts of Roger and Maude. Gone were the concerns of being sent to the abbey and never finding Tanny. No, Helena reasoned, a God who would create such a wonderful marvel as this could surely handle the simple reunion of two people.
Chapter 5
Roger was not happy at the news of Helena’s disappearance. His anger at the men who bore him the tidings was evident. “Imbeciles!” he shouted. “I gave you a small task and you could not even see it to completion.”
The men begged his forgiveness, pleading their innocence, but Roger silenced them with his raised fist. “Get out of my sight,” he growled. The men quickly took their leave, and only Maude’s laughter remained to prick at Roger’s conscience.
“So she outwitted them, did she?” Maude could not help but take the issue further. “What will you do, brother dear, when our sister shows herself to the queen?”
“London is a far piece from these lands,” Roger said, barely controlling his rage. “Helena could never make the journey. No doubt some other destination is on her mind.”
“Would that you should believe it!” Maude declared. “I know well our little sister. She will see to it that you are punished for her treatment.”
“Me?” Roger questioned accusingly. “Me? What of yourself, or have you forgotten your part in this matter?”
Maude shrugged indifferently and seated herself before the fire. She was mindless of the servants who rummaged about the house and completely unconcerned with Roger’s tantrum.
“Helena is gone. Let it be. If she is found, you simply tell them she has gone mad because of her mother’s death.”
“What of the lash marks upon her back?”
Maude smiled in a twisted manner. “Flesh knits and Helena will heal. I doubt it will leave overmuch of a mark. Besides, you can always plead innocence and declare it the handiwork of someone she met on the road. Better yet, go to Henry first and weep before him with a heavy brother’s heart. Tell him your precious little sister has fled and you fear for her safety.”
Roger seemed to relax a bit at this. Maude was perhaps right. Appearing before the king in a fit of brotherly concern would offer his feelings for all to see. Should Helena appear to say otherwise, it would remain his word against hers, and now that the Lady Eleanor was dead, Helena’s word would surely hold less weight.
“You fret over nothing,” Maude assured Roger. “Concern yourself instead with a more worthy matter.”
“That being?” Roger questioned, staring down at the immaculately groomed woman.
Maude toyed with the keys that hung from her girdle. “I am of a mind to marry,” she stated without fanfare.
“This is not news to me,” Roger replied. “Nor is it a worthy matter.”
Maude laughed haughtily. “ ’Tis worthy enough. I desire to better my standing. Our good neighbor to the south suddenly finds himself a widower, and I seek to remedy that matter.”
“Have you given him time to even bury his wife?” Roger asked angrily.
Maude stuck her nose in the air and refused to comment, making Roger laugh. “I see my point has hit its mark. There is time enough to concern yourself with such a thing. I must decide what is to be done in regards to Helena.”
“I thought it was decided,” said Maude with a look of reproach. “Take yourself with haste to His Majesty’s fortress and tell of our deep sorrow. Our sweet little sister has run away.”
❧
Working over her needlework while the duchess nursed her son, Helena commented without thought, “You are my first true friend.”
Arianne noted the sorrow in her voice. “There is no one else?”
“No.”
“Mayhaps it is only that your memory fails you in this matter,” the duchess suggested carefully. She was already suspicious of Helena’s artful dodge regarding her family.
Helena winced and cast her gaze to the fire. “Mayhaps.”
“Still,” Arianne continued, feeling deeply grieved for the young woman’s obvious pain, “you have a friend in me, and I would like very much for you to stay on here for as long as you like. You may be my lady-in-waiting, if it pleases you.”
Helena’s heart swelled with gratitude and joy. “I would be honored.”
Arianne smiled. “We are quite isolated here, but the city is ever growing and drawing more people. The duke is seeking a charter for the town and that will enable us to have a yearly fair, instead of making the journey to Scarborough or York.
“I have no other lady-in-waiting, and Matilda has been my only friend and companion these long months. The duties of my home require much of me, and you could do much to help me.”
“I know naught what capacity I might assist you in,” Helena responded, “but I am most humbly your servant.”
“Nay,” Arianne said with a shake of her head. “Never that. You will be my friend. Perhaps you would find pleasure in helping me with the babe?”
“To be certain, Milady. I would find caring for your son an honor.” Helena bubbled the words. “I have never been around children. I was the youngest in my family.” The sudden realization of what she’d said hit Helena hard.
The intake of her breath was not lost on Arianne. “See there, a bit of your memory returns. Mayhaps it will not be long before you remember in full.”
Helena knew that Arianne was being graciously generous. She offered a weak smile and nodded at the duchess’s words.
“Perhaps the first place we should start,” Arianne continued, “is in moving you to the chamber nearest my own. Then, too, we shall need to fit you for clothing. I presume you have little else with you?”
“Nay,” Helena confirmed with a frown.
“I have fine seamstresses here and can work a stitch quite well myself. We’ll have you clothed in no time. What colors do you favor?”
Helena felt her throat tighten. To admit a favorite would be to offer up yet another proof of her memory. “I. . .I am,” she stammered, “uncertain.”
“Of course,” Arianne nodded, then appraised the girl carefully.
Helena self-consciously allowed the scrutiny. She was dressed simply, yet the velvet cloth bore the evidence of her status. She remembered having lost her head covering in the woods one night, and no one, not even Matilda, had offered her a replacement. This thought caused Helena to put her hands to her bare head, sending her needlework clattering to the floor.
“You have lovely hair,” Arianne said, noting the long blond braid that hung down Helena’s back. “My own, as you can see, is frightfully unsettling.”
Helena shook her head. “ ’Tis not true, Milady. It is a fine shade. It reminds me of late autumn sunsets when the sun is like a fiery red ball on the horizon. I find it most beautiful.”
“Mayhaps, but I
am no courtly English beauty.” The baby was now sleeping, and Arianne ran a finger against his cheek. “Hair of gold and eyes of blue are what the women of England long to display. Alas, I cannot even boast the eyes, for mine are brown. Yea, you are the very image of refined womanhood, Helena.”
Helena blushed at the praise and nervously she sought to occupy herself. “May I put him in the cradle for you?” She motioned to the baby and Arianne offered him up.
“I think crimson would do you justice. Yea, and golden yellows and silvery blues to match your eyes. I’ll have the cloth brought to you and you can choose from the bounty of our storerooms.”
“You are too generous, Milady,” Helena said, fighting to keep the tears from her eyes. She put the baby in his cradle, then turned to face the duchess.
Arianne patted the bed and Helena sat down beside her. “It pleases me to do this.” Arianne put her hand upon Helena’s shoulder. “I am truthfully glad for your company. Richard is often about his work and sometimes the loneliness does not bode well for me.”
“But there are things,” Helena finally said, knowing that she couldn’t go on lying to Arianne, “things which you do not know about me.”
Arianne smiled. “When you are ready, you will speak of them. Until then, I am content to wait. Please know this, however.” Her eyes were soft and full of concern. “You are safe here, and no harm will come to you. My husband is a powerful man and good friends with King Henry. If you have fears, Helena, lay them to rest. We are happy to be your protectors with God’s help.”
Just then the door opened, and Richard entered with Devon at his side. “Am I interrupting?”
“Nay, but the babe is sleeping, so please do not address us as though you were barking orders to your men.”
Richard eyed his wife with a grin. “I wouldn’t dream of it, Your Grace.” Devon chuckled from behind, while Richard gave a sweeping bow.
“Why have you come then?” Arianne questioned in mock annoyance.
Richard straightened. “Devon has agreed to bring my brother home to England. I pray it meets with your approval.”
Alas My Love Page 4