The Plague Tales

by Ann Benson

  No wonder at all, Alejandro thought to himself. I am sometimes so lonely that I would strike up a conversation with the house cat about his recent acquisition of dead rats if I thought the cat would talk back.

  They reached the entry to the great hall, and were announced by the sentry to the king. Edward motioned them forward, and Alejandro saw to his dismay that Isabella was seated on a cushioned stool near her father. His mood soured at the knowledge that he would have to make his argument against her request to the king in her presence.

  After Sir John’s departure King Edward turned to Alejandro and began his inquiry into the morning’s disruption. “Dr. Hernandez,” he began, speaking in a slow and deliberate voice, “my daughter informs me there is some disagreement between you and her on the matter of her tailor’s access to the castle. I would have your insight regarding this situation.”

  Alejandro cleared his throat nervously. “Your Majesty, a tailor is as likely as a baker or blacksmith to carry the plague’s causative agent, whatever it may be, into the castle. As I have plainly stated, I believe that only one diseased person can infect the entire castle, and we must be ever vigilant against such unwitting introduction of the pestilence to the safe haven that we have achieved here at the cost of our liberty.”

  Isabella was ready with her response, and when she spoke, it became obvious to Alejandro that she had already consulted with her father, and had ascertained the limits of what she could hope to gain, for the proposal she put forth was softer than he’d expected it to be.

  “Dr. Hernandez, I suggest a compromise. Can we not hold him and his goods in quarantine within the castle until we are certain that he harbors no contagion? You have spoken of this possibility before.” She rose from her cushioned seat and began pacing around, wringing her hands while she spoke. “If after a period of, say, six or seven days, the man has shown no signs of disease, might we not assume that he is harmless?”

  “Regrettably, Princess, I cannot say for sure. There is simply no way to know with certainty that the man cannot infect you and every other unsuspecting soul within these walls. And the time you propose is far too brief.”

  She looked at her father with a pleading countenance, silently asking for his help. This was a much different woman from headstrong shrew he had observed this morning. She was completely charming and innocent again, as she had been at their first meeting, and Alejandro could well understand why her father doted on her so shamelessly.

  Her imploring look was not lost on the king. He himself turned to the physician and said, “I believe that Isabella’s suggestion has some merit. And I would not see her suffer. Perhaps we can reach a beneficial compromise.”

  She suffers, from a lack of tailoring? he thought incredulously. He thought of the ragged homeless children he had seen in the streets of Avignon, children who had no families alive to care for them, and was disgusted that this woman, princess or not, should consider her situation anything short of marvelously fortunate. His resolve hardened.

  “Sire, I must remind you there is no possible benefit in compromising my restrictions. There is only the bleak potential for great tragedy, which will benefit no one, least of all your daughter, who can otherwise look forward to a long and prosperous life, and no doubt a brilliant marriage.” He saw Isabella wince when he spoke of marriage. Let her suffer a moment’s embarrassment, he thought. It will do her good to know some discomfort, however brief. “I cannot help her to survive by allowing possible carriers of the infection to enter these walls. I beg you to remember that in the time I have been serving you, although the world outside the gate continues to suffer massive losses, we have not lost one member of the household to the plague. Clearly my restrictions are having the desired effect. I cannot cure the disease if it enters while we are lax in our vigil, but I believe that I can keep it out.”

  But the king, having grown extremely weary of his daughter’s whiny supplications and the constant carping of her servants, finally gave in to her and ordered that the tailor be allowed to enter the castle.

  “Do whatever is necessary to see that the safety of the castle is maintained,” he said to Alejandro. Then he turned to Isabella and said, “I will hear no complaints about this anymore. The tailor will be quarantined for whatever period he deems suitable.”

  So Alejandro explored the castle grounds again, seeking an appropriate place in which to quarantine such a visitor. After much indecision he finally decided on a small, little-used chapel located on the eastern side of the lower ward. Its many windows enabled the physician to observe the occupant closely without actually having contact with him. After a questioning of the remaining castle guards a man was found among them who was handy with tools, and by his crude but effective efforts the windows and doors were refitted with wooden bars.

  As the preparations were nearing completion, the princess repeatedly summoned Alejandro to her apartment, for the purpose of probing him about the length of the tailor’s initial confinement, each time trying to get the physician to agree to a shorter period of incarceration.

  Though he was always glad to have the opportunity to catch another glimpse of the elusive Adele, Alejandro grew weary of her mistress’ tirades. One day he finally told her, “Princess, I have determined that the suitable period of confinement shall be six months. Only then can I be sure that no contagion has been brought into the castle.”

  Isabella paled in fury at the doctor’s obviously impertinent remark. “How dare you toy with me, monsieur! Do you forget who I am?”

  To which he replied, “Certainly not, my lady. You are my patient, and you will abide by my rules for preserving your health. However, I do not wish to prolong your anxiety, so perhaps we can reach an agreeable compromise, as we have so effectively done in our past negotiations.”

  “Explain your proposal, then” was her guarded reply.

  “I propose that the quarantine be limited to one fortnight, in exchange for which you will agree to abide by my restrictions for your behavior without negotiation or objection for the six-month period that was to be the tailor’s original quarantine. And may God grant that our confinement shall not last that long.”

  Isabella renewed her complaints, loudly denouncing the “intolerable” conditions of the bargain proposed by Alejandro. The physician reminded her that the king had quite clearly given him the authority to confine the tailor for as long as he wished, and she finally acquiesced to his proposal.

  “Then bring forth one of your ladies, and I will summon Sir John, and we shall seal this bargain before witnesses.”

  She stomped off rudely, heading to her private chamber in what Alejandro thought was a most unprincesslike manner, muttering and complaining all the way, to await the arrival of Sir John.

  Isabella’s nurse had observed the goings-on with wicked satisfaction, pleased that someone had finally gotten the better of the impertinent princess, wishing to herself that she might get some similar revenge for all of the rude insults Isabella had heaped upon her in her years of service. Alejandro interrupted her enjoyment by asking for Kate to be sent to fetch Sir John. Then Nurse retired, and Alejandro was left alone in the sumptuous parlor.

  Almost immediately he heard a door open. Looking toward the sound, he saw that it was Adele, and he felt his heart skip a beat.

  Her steps were so light that she seemed almost to float toward him, her skirts rustling behind her, small and delicate like a china figurine in her pale dress. Cascading from her close cap was a filmy veil, which settled softly around her shoulders when she came to a stop before him. Wisps of her titian hair escaped the cap’s enclosure, and he longed for more of the wondrous stuff to break free and tantalize him. She stood before him, smiling sweetly, and he drank in her image.

  In his imagination he reached out with one arm and encircled her waist, drawing her close to him, while pulling away the cap and veil with the other, releasing the glorious tresses to fall freely down her arched back; as his fantasy proceeded, he gathered up
the silky mass of locks in his hands and pressed his face shamelessly into it, breathing deeply of the intoxicating scent. In reality he stood quickly, and gave her a courtly bow. She responded to his respectful gesture with an equally graceful curtsy of her own, then astounded him by holding out her hand. Without thinking he reached out and took it in his own, and brought it to his lips for a lingering kiss, all the while staring intently into her green eyes. She did not flinch, or recall her hand, but kept it raised. Finally Alejandro could no longer stand the fierce beating of his own heart, and fearing it would burst and thus deprive him of further joy, he slowly lowered her hand and let it go with anguished regret.

  What strange and enthralling possession forces my blood through my veins as if it were lightning? I have seen this lady only rarely, and never conversed privately with her, yet I am a prisoner of her charms. Alejandro fought to maintain his composure, and remained awkwardly silent, in the sure knowledge that should he try to speak at this moment, the sound issuing forth would be as dry as the croaking of a frog. His spittle had entirely deserted him.

  “Good day, Dr. Hernandez,” she said.

  And why, he swore inwardly, has God granted her the voice of an angel, to further enchant me?

  The heavenly voice continued. “I am Adele de Throxwood, and I serve the Princess Isabella as her companion and confidante. She has requested that I stand as witness to a bargain between you, and it is my pleasure to oblige her.”

  Finally finding his voice, Alejandro thanked her, then added, “Sir John will join us as well.”

  Then the full weight of his discomfort descended upon him, stunning him into silence. He had never in his life kissed a woman before this day, even on the hand, and had assumed as was the custom among his people that the first woman he touched would be his bride. What would this elegant lady say, were she to discover his true identity? Would she recoil in revulsion, horrified by his wicked deception?

  How complacent he had grown in this short time away from people of his own kind; how easily he could simply forget his past and live this privileged life, serving a foreign king, reinventing himself as his circumstances demanded it. The dividing lines between Christian and Jew were sharp and seldom violated. He knew it would be completely unthinkable for him to engage in a romance with a Christian lady of noble birth. He shuddered to think of what his punishment would be at the hands of her liege lord, which in the case of Adele was King Edward himself, since she lived in his daughter’s household.

  She must assume that I am of the Spanish nobility, and think it suitable to engage in this flirtation with me. She does not realize that I am not of her station in life. Dear God, why have You brought me safely this far, only to torment me with something I cannot possibly have?

  Adele took a seat on a thickly padded bench, and gestured Alejandro to join her, which he did at once. When they were settled together on the seat, Adele leaned toward him and confided, “My lady complains incessantly about your restrictions on her freedom, as though she is the only one who bears the burden of confinement.”

  She had artfully led him to a matter on which he could speak without nervousness. “I know of no other way to guarantee your safety. My patron has managed to keep the pope alive while more than half of Avignon’s residents have perished around him; his success can only be due to his strict guardianship of the pope’s daily routines. It was rumored in the palace at Avignon that Clement’s complaints could make those of your lady seem weak and inconsequential.”

  “This I cannot imagine, for our Isabella has become nothing short of a shrew with her relentless whining. She can be such a pleasant companion in gentler times; I adore her spirited company, but she bears this poorly, and has grown quite sullen.” She sighed, casting her eyes somberly down. “I miss her former gaiety and will be glad when limits are no longer imposed on our activities.”

  “As will I, Lady Throxwood.”

  Kate appeared at the outer door of the anteroom, with Sir John in tow. After the customary greetings and courtesies Kate disappeared through another door, and Adele excused herself to announce Sir John’s arrival to the princess. Sir John watched as Alejandro’s eyes eagerly followed every step of her departure, then saddened when she disappeared behind Isabella’s door.

  Alejandro was caught unprepared when Sir John said, “A lovely lady, is she not?” He had not realized that his infatuation was so obvious to others. The amorous regard Alejandro suddenly felt for Adele was meant to be private, for it was a new thing to him, and he had no experience in the ways of love. He simply didn’t know how to respond to Sir John’s inquiry without giving himself away. It had never occurred to him that other men might find her as enticing as he did, and this surprising thought gave rise to a few moments of jealous uncertainty. His cheeks reddened involuntarily, causing Sir John to laugh.

  “Do not be embarrassed, my friend; and do not fear, I have no interest in the lady myself.”

  Alejandro was visibly relieved, but still unsure how to respond. He finally asked, fearing an unwanted answer, “Has she a paramour, or is she betrothed?”

  Sir John put his fears to rest. “The princess cherishes Lady Throxwood’s company, and has promised to support her so long as she remains in her service. Since Adele’s family is gone, her father lost in France and her mother a victim of the plague, it is up to the king to see to her marriage. Edward is in no great hurry to displease his daughter, as you have seen, and hence no one has spoken for Adele.”

  He continued, happily enumerating the lady’s charms. “I have known her since her childhood, for we are distantly related, and I applaud your appreciation of her fine qualities. She is notably patient with her tempestuous mistress where others have collapsed in frustration. Perhaps this is the reason for Isabella’s sincere admiration for Adele. She alone seems capable of prying out the princess’ gentler nature.”

  He smiled knowingly at Alejandro. “But enough of my elaboration. You are already aware of the best in her, and from your smitten look, I suspect that any unkind gossip I might conjure up about the lady would pass by your enraptured ears unheard.”

  When Alejandro did respond, it was to only express his uncertainty. “I fear she will find me wanting in the amorous arts. I have little experience with women, having devoted myself slavishly to my profession. Until now I have not found a lady whose virtues are sufficient to tempt me to set aside my consuming interest in my work. It is a disconcerting state of mind for an innocent such as myself.”

  “In this castle it is a formidable task to maintain a state of complete innocence.”

  “As you have said before,” Alejandro replied, recalling the tale told of Kate’s arrival in the household.

  Once again the physician felt his forehead grow tight, and his head ached dully from the constant strain of deciphering the guttural language and understanding the confusing customs of the English people. Painfully aware of the differences between them, Alejandro retreated into his own thoughts, drifting back in time to his safe and comfortable home in Cervere. I will never be one of them, he thought. We are worlds apart.

  But suddenly Isabella and Adele were before him. He wondered how long they had been waiting for him to break free of his trance. When she finally had his attention, Isabella looked directly at Alejandro, almost challenging him, and said, “Sir John and Lady Throxwood shall be witnesses to our agreement and to your promise that my tailor’s quarantine shall be only one fortnight. Please repeat the bargain we made earlier.”

  The physician stated the terms again, and Isabella questioned the witnesses as to their understanding of the bargain. Finally satisfied that she had an unbreachable contract, she turned to Sir John, and instructed him carefully. “Choose a swift rider, one who will have the best chance of success, and tell him to make ready for a journey on my behalf. I shall send Lady Throxwood with further instructions shortly.”

  Chandos bowed to her and departed for the gate.

  Then she turned to Adele. “Proceed at once
to the gate in the company of Dr. Hernandez. You will order the rider chosen by Sir John to ride out immediately and summon the tailor James Reed. Bid him to carefully describe the conditions of the service I require to Master Reed. Should he be hesitant to attend me because of the quarantine, instruct the rider to remind the tailor of the considerable value of my continued patronage.” She turned to Alejandro and said, “You will, no doubt, see that Master Reed is comfortably lodged during his quarantine. I will not have his treatment any less noble than it is when he attends me under less restrictive circumstances. I count on his goodwill. As I count on yours now, Physician.”

  Alejandro bowed, and Adele curtsied, and they left together. They walked slowly and deliberately through the vast castle, taking an unnecessarily long and winding route to the gatehouse, each one wishing to prolong the time spent with the other. Merciful God, he thought, she does not resist my company, but enjoys it as I do hers.

  Despite his aversion to the onerous task at hand, he thought that this was perhaps his best hour since the glorious morning when he and the true Señor Hernandez had splashed in the warm waters of the Mediterranean. Time stood still now, as it had then, and in the presence of this woman, his demons seemed at rest.

  Twelve

  Caroline awakened in the middle of the night with a fresh dream hanging in her memory. Bits and pieces of it teased her, making her want to remember much more. She struggled to shake off the haze that clouded her consciousness and obscured the dream’s details.

  A horse. A long ride.

  She lay in the bed and slipped back and forth between two antithetical states, one in which she would swear that she could actually feel the rise and fall of her own body on the running horse, so stunning was its reality, and another more clouded mind-set in which she would not have claimed with any certainty that her own arm ended in a hand. In and out of the dream she floated, feverishly tossing in the bed until the covers were hopelessly tangled around her, restricting her movements and pinning her in place. The details of the somnolent tale became more vivid, and she left the edge of the dream to plunge fully into it at last.