‘Magnus, sit on my cloak for the grass is damp and Mother will scold if you should catch a chill.’
Obediently the boy lifted his buttocks so she could feed her cloak beneath him, then we all settled down to talk again. Nesta climbed onto my lap and began to suck upon her thumb.
‘Father gave me a pony with a special saddle so that I should not tumble from his back into the dirt,’ announced Magnus, ‘now I can ride out and canter if I wish to without coming to any hurt.’
‘How wonderful.’ I exclaimed, glad that the boy had such a doting father for many men would disown such a son. ‘I used to love to ride when I was your age. I followed the hunt too and there is nothing like the feel of the wind in your hair and the thrill of the chase…’
‘Our father hardly thinks of anything but the hunt, unless ‘tis war. He rarely goes anywhere without his hawk on his wrist.’
Far off a woman’s voice called but we took no note of it. Suspicion began to nibble at the edges of my mind. I looked at the children more closely, noting their flaxen hair and blue eyes. Gytha was returning my stare with a determined, chin set expression that I knew well, and suddenly I recalled that Harold’s mother’s name was Gytha too.
I scrambled up, needing to get away, wanting to run, anywhere, as far and as fast as I could. Spinning round, I saw a figure outlined in one of the arches; it was a figure I had seen before. I recognised the graceful sweep of her neck and the passive, almost saintly demeanour. It was Eadgytha of the swan neck, Harold’s concubine.
Her children saw her at the same time as I and rushed to her, hugging and leaping about her as gleefully my own children had greeted me.
‘We did not hear you call, Mother.’ they cried, but she did not look down at them but instead locked eyes with me above their heads.
‘We have made new friends, Mother,’ Gytha was telling her, ‘they are Welsh and have the strangest of names, Nesta is the little girl but I misremember the boys’ names and their lady mother has the same name as you, Mother, isn’t that the strangest thing?’
The three of them drew nearer to me and I stood, unable to move, until she was before me in the sunlight. I should have been glad that the unfriendly sun revealed the fine lines about her eyes and mouth and highlighted the grey streaks in her hair, but I was not glad.
She was too beautiful and would be unto the grave, even her bones were lovely; she exuded a grace and refinement that made me feel both stout and awkward in her presence. We stared at each other, each disliking what the other saw.
‘I knew not who the children were,’ I apologised, ‘I had no idea you lived close by.’
‘It is of no moment,’ she replied, as gracious as she was graceful, ‘It is like Harold not to have told you.’
His name spoken between us at last made me break into a sweat. I cast about me, wondering where Harold was and, reading my thoughts, Eadgytha answered my silent question.
‘He is with our son, Edmund, trying to explain why he must marry. He is a sensitive boy at heart, for all he is a man grown. I always knew it would happen one day and was prepared for it but … the children … well, it is harder for them to understand.’
Swallowing deeply, I was suddenly aware of the awful crime I committed upon this woman. In her eyes she had been wed to Harold for nigh on twenty years, hand-fasted and accepted, by all but the church, as his wife. Now, because of me, she must step back and allow him to announce me to the world as his church-wed wife. I saw now the reason for her red-rimmed eyes and realised that her outward serenity did but conceal inner turmoil. I knew I should never be so passive were the tables turned.
‘You are very brave, Eadgytha,’ I said, sincerely wanting to make it easier for her. She raised her chin and gave a semblance of a smile,
‘I must be brave so that it is easier for the children. It is they who must not suffer, I have had twenty years of bliss and now,’ she shrugged, ‘tis time to pay the price. Harold will look after us, see us warm and fed; there are worse ways to suffer.’
We parted after that, not as enemies but not as friends either and, half hour or so later, Harold appeared from the cover of the woods, cantering toward the party that waited ready to ride onward on our journey. I kicked my mare forward before he could catch up with me and rode with my chin up and my back erect.
Once he was beside me I refused to look at him. Tears ached at the back of my throat but I would not give in to them. He tried to engage me in conversation, remarking upon the changing terrain. When I made no response, he began commenting upon the splendour of his church and asking my opinion on its design. For a while I was able to ignore him but soon my irritation grew to proportions so unbearable that I spurred my mare forward into a canter and, as soon as the way was clear, galloped ahead, hearing him start off behind me in pursuit.
The wind tore at my eyes and I let the tears spill, feeling them dashed coldly from my cheeks by the speed in which I travelled. A small wood loomed and I saw, from the corner of my eye, the green blur of the undergrowth. Harold, on his superior mount, drew closer behind me and, at last, he caught up and almost overtook me. Grabbing the bridle he forced my mount to a halt. I was breathless with exertion and anger. The air wrenched from my throat in gasps.
‘God’s teeth, Eadgyth.’ he panted, ‘Whatever is the matter with you today?’
‘You Goddammed, lying bastard.’ I screamed, using words I had only ever heard my brothers use.
‘You have lied to me constantly, since we first met. You lied about the reason for our marriage, you lied about wanting me for myself and you lied about the reason for stopping at Waltham. I hate you, you ill-formed, disease poxed, ditchscum.’
I panted for breath, dashing annoying tears from my eyes before I continued,
‘I have met your wife, Harold, and I have met your charming children. And all I can say is that you are a heartless, goddammed rotten bastard that doesn’t deserve them.’
‘Eadgyth.’ he exclaimed, obviously shocked at my fluency in gutter tongue. Had I not been so angry I would have thought his outrage funny.
‘Oh don’t, Eadgyth me.’ I cried, trying to disengage his hand from the bridle so I could ride on. The horses began to sidestep together along the woodland path, it was uncomfortable to be jogging along in such a fashion so, at length, we fell into step and moved along at a slow walk.
‘It isn’t as if I hadn’t told you about them, is it?’ he asked and I knew he was right, he had been open about his situation from the start …all but the fact that, up close, her beauty was unsurpassable. I had liked the children but now, having seen Eadgytha face to face, I felt both jealous and guilty at the pain I was inflicting.
‘I don’t know how you can think of hurting them so, Harold. The fact that you have no conscience about your actions makes me wonder if you are the man I believed you to be.’
I refused to look at him but I could tell from his voice that he was rattled enough to have abandoned his usual casual, mocking manner.
‘Eadgytha and I were happy for many years. I was little more than a lad when we met and she a maid. I have treated her well, and our children, and will continue to do so. She knew that our union was not recognised by the church and she also knew that, should it be required of me, I would have to marry a church-wed wife. ‘Tis the way of the world, Eadgyth, if she can accept it, why can’t you?’
He sounded so pompous that I lost control again. ‘So, you would wed with me simply because it is required of you. How do you think that makes me feel? What was it you once said? That you wanted ‘a woman who would grab at life with both hands with you and if you went under would come up fighting’ or some such similar pretty words. You lied to me, Harold, you led me to believe that you wanted me for myself but, in truth, you only want me for the power my brother’s support can provide you in your quest for Edward’s throne. I’ve been pawned in marriage once before and do not wish to be so again.’
He reigned in the horses.
‘Get down.�
�� he ordered, barely waiting for me to disengage my feet from the stirrups before dragging me to the ground.
‘What is it that you want, woman. I’ve asked ye to be my wife, I’ve told you how I feel about you and I’ve tried to explain about Eadgytha and the children, yet you obviously require some other proof of my sincerity.’
Taking my wrist, he dragged me to the side of the road and pushed me against a tree, where he leant against me so that I felt the hardness of his body against mine. He kissed me, refusing to stop although I pushed against his chest with both hands. The kiss went on and on. The rough tree bark dug into my back. Hardly able to breathe, my heart banged and my head whirled as his tongue thrust between my lips. My nose was filled with his odour and my mouth with his hot, livid lust and I stopped fighting, vanquished by a will stronger than mine own.
Mercia 1065
It was strange to be in my grandfather’s house again. I looked in delight around the carved high hall where I had spent so many happy times. Edwin, proud of his inheritance, greeted us with enthusiasm, his wife standing in the background waiting for an introduction.
‘Harold.’ Edwin cried, ‘so, I am soon to call you brother?’
They slapped each other effusively on the back while my brother’s spouse and I exchanged shy glances and the children scampered off in search of mischief.
‘Well, Eadgyth, you decided to accept Earl Harold’s offer after all. It pleases me much, does it not, Gunnor? Oh, you have not met my wife have you? This is my sister, Eadgyth and this, Harold of Wessex, of whom you will have heard and this is Gunnor, soon to be the mother of my son.’
She dropped a small curtsey and ushered us toward the hearth where a tray of victuals awaited.
‘Just to take the edge off your appetite,’ she assured us, ‘a meal will be ready ‘ere long.’
I bit into a honey-filled wafer.
‘Mmm, delicious,’ I murmured as Nesta flung herself at me, embracing my knees with delight. Harold swung the child into his arms and she squealed with glee, grabbing at his moustaches with her pink, starfish hands.
‘Your children are delightful, Lady,’ commented Gunnor, ‘and I think you have found them a loving step father.’
I watched Nest snuggled contentedly in Harold’s arms and could find no argument with Gunnor’s words.
‘And your child, Gunnor, when is he expected?’
She flushed, ‘In March, God willing. Edwin is beside himself with joy, like a cur with two tails.’
The men were laughing at something, it pleased me to see them getting along so well, Edwin barely topped Harold’s shoulder but was his equal in rich attire and I recalled that he had ever been concerned about his apparel in his youth.
‘Did Edwin tell you that Morcar will be joining us tomorrow?’ Gunnor asked, ‘We thought we should mark your betrothal with a proper family feast. Both of your brothers are delighted at the match.’
‘Well, I am not surprised, an alliance with the mighty Godwins can do us no harm and Harold benefits equally. Our marriage will mean a family foothold in each of the Earldoms now. His brothers, Leofwine and Gyrth, hold much of the south and east and Tostig is Earl of Northumbria; now, with this alliance with Edwin, Harold strengthens his position further.’
‘I’m sure that isn’t his only reason though, Lady Eadgyth, it is obvious Earl Harold holds you in high esteem.’
‘Hmmm,’ I answered, ‘Gunnor, we are sisters are we not? Eadgyth is my name. Now, would you accompany me on a stroll about the manor, I used to visit here as a child and would love to see it all again. My grandmother, Godgifu, had a wonderful flower garden, is it still here? Would you show it to me?’
Gunnor put down her goblet.
‘I should be delighted. Shall I call the children to come with us?’
We quit the hall, the boys running ahead, calling out to me as they discovered the secrets of the manor. Nest was fractious so Anwen carried her; she sucked her thumb and tucked her head into the hollow of her nurse’s neck. Outside, we perched on the edge of a stone seat, making the most of the last autumn sunshine.
‘Do you see much of Morcar?’ I asked, ‘I have only seen him the once since I returned from Wales, he seemed to have changed little but I am surprised he remains unwed.’
Idwal brought me a small posy he had picked. I smiled my delight and held them carefully on my lap.
‘He comes from time to time,’ Gunnor answered, ‘but they closet themselves away so I have not really become acquainted with him. Edwin says he is unsettled and needs a wife to soothe his restless spirit, I think he has a suitable match in mind.’
I laughed.
‘Oh, they teased me terribly when I was a child. I grew up thinking myself fat and ugly because of their constant taunts, but I have since learned that I do hold some charm … for at least a few men.’
‘Brothers are like that. I have five and each and every one of them tease me remorselessly, even though I am a woman grown with my own household. Mind you, should any mistreat me, they would be up in arms about it.’
‘Harold’s brothers are all very much like him, have you ever met them?’
Gunnor shook her head.
‘No, I haven’t, although I have heard much. Is not one of them … Tostig is it? Is he not troublesome to his father?’
I watched Maredudd pick up a small pebble and toss it into the ornamental pool, Idwal followed suit until Anwen got up from the bench. ‘The water will soon be like a midden if we foul it with rubbish.’ she scolded and the boys slunk away in search of further mischief.
‘Tostig was a trial in his youth, the father is dead now but Harold has told me that Swegen was the worst of them all. I believe he found himself in disgrace when he abducted an abbess and refused to release her. She was quite ruined by the matter and bore him a child in the end; when he tired of her he just abandoned her and the babe.’
‘But that’s scandalous.’ cried Gunnor, ‘Edwin didn’t tell me that, the poor woman. I am quite certain he told me it was Tostig who was trouble, said the folk under his rule in the north couldn’t abide him, that he was too harsh and his greed had led to the murder of some good men.’
Exchanging looks with Gunnor, whose face was pinched with disapproval, I wondered at the truth of her words and made a mental note to enquire of Harold.
‘I don’t know, I have only met him the once. He is a fine looking man. Gyrth and Leofwine are brave looking men though, they seem tall and godlike until you see them next to Harold and then they pale to insignificance.’
Gunnor smiled. ‘That’s love speaking I think, Lady,’ she said, but I was bending over to examine a flower that Idwal had brought me and so made no reply.
The betrothal feast was planned for three days hence and, with the arrival of Morcar’s entourage, the holding was at bursting point. The place took on the atmosphere of a king’s court, albeit not so pious as that of Edward.
There were games and dancing, contests and bards. Harold and I were the centre of attention as everyone wished us good fortune. The king and the queen were not present for Edward had been unable to resist an invitation from Tostig to hunt with him at Britford. Part of me suspected that Tostig, ever jealous of Harold’s favour with Edward, had been attempting to spoil our celebrations but, since neither Harold nor I minded that the royal couple stayed away, it was a plot that failed. As fate decreed we did not need Tostig to spoil things for fortune had already ordained otherwise.
Our festivities were well-advanced, our cups brimming and the dancers building up a healthy sweat, when a messenger arrived, hot foot from Britford, summoning Harold to the king’s presence. To my dismay he began to make his preparations to leave at once.
‘Oh, Harold, must you go?’ I cried, over the clatter of the celebrations. ‘ How unreasonable for Edward to summon you when he knows we mark our betrothal.’
He took my hands in his, looking so contrite I almost believed he was as regretful as I.
‘I’m sorry, sweeth
eart, but you know that when the king calls, his serf must obey.’
Devastated to be so let down on our special day, I did not smile at his likening himself, the richest earl in the realm, to the peasantry. There was little he could do but I felt dour nonetheless. ‘Shall I accompany you?’ I asked.
‘Nay, sweetheart, you will only hinder me. I shall hasten back as soon as I may.’
And so, taking only a few huscarls with him, he cantered into the night leaving me watching with Edwin at the hall entrance. My brother looked pensive.
‘Mayhap I should go too,’ he said, ‘I suspicion there is trouble looming for Edward to call Harold forth from a private gathering.’
‘Oh no, Edwin, stay here with us, he will return as soon as he can, he promised, at least, to send me word should he be delayed.’
As good as his word, Harold was back in three days but only to relate the news to us and bid me farewell ‘ere he rode forth again. We gathered about him in the hall and waited while he gulped a cup of ale.
‘Ahh,’ he gasped, wiping his mouth on his sleeve, ‘I needed that.’
Unable to wait any longer, I asked the question that everyone longed to.
‘What did Edward want?’
Harold looked about the thronging room.
‘It is not good news, sweetheart. Trouble had broken out up north,’ he said. ‘It seems the thegns have risen in rebellion against Tostig. They have ridden on York and broken into his residences, stolen his treasure and murdered his huscarls. His retainer, a fellow called Copsig, managed to escape and raise the alarm. The king is calling it treason. Although the thegns swear they ride soley against Tostig and not the king; mind you, it amounts to the same thing when a man is as deep into the king’s pocket as my brother.’
‘What has Tostig done?’ I asked, as soon as the room grew quiet again. Harold perched on the edge of the mead bench and put his foot on a stool; the company was hanging on his every word.
‘Things haven’t gone well since he was given the blasted earldom. I’ve told him he can’t tax the northerners as though they are as prosperous as the south but he would never listen. Since the very beginning there have been whispers against him and, as his brother, I have ever believed only the good. I never got to the bottom of what happened at his house when Dolfinson and Ormson were murdered. He pleaded innocence then which was enough for the king and he escaped punishment even though their blood still stains the floor of his hall. I tried to advise him then but he wouldn’t listen.’
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