by Leila Snow
Lord Endle had cause to remove his hand in order to accept a small bag of coins passed to him by his steward. As was the custom, he then handed the bag to Madeline so that she may distribute the coins to the needy after the ceremony. Whilst she clutched the leather pouch in her hands, the priest moved forward with the wedding rites. Madeline repeated the binding vows mechanically, cloaked in a comatose haze. She was only vaguely aware as Lord Endle also affirmed his commitment to her and God. He reached once again for her hand and slipped an ornate gold band on her finger. She stared absently at the ring until he gave her fingers a brief squeeze and encouraged her to descend the steps to hand out the gold coins amongst the onlookers. As she distributed the coins they shouted and cheered, proclaiming her beauty and their fervent blessings for a fertile and fruitful marriage. Madeline blushed and the crowd roared ever more delightedly.
When the supply of coins was exhausted she made her way back up to where her new husband waited. Together they followed the priest as he swept through the now-open doors of the church. They stepped down the aisle to the front altar and knelt on the ornate, cushioned benches before it. The priest, who was relishing the attention, assumed his position and commenced the lengthy, elaborately recited mass. He followed it with the administering of communion. Madeline's knees and back were aching by the time the service was finished and she found herself concerned with how Lord Endle fared.
He did rise somewhat stiffly to receive the Kiss of Peace from the priest before he turned to press his dry lips, lightly and briefly, to Madeline's. He then took her hand in his once again and led her from the chapel amidst the cheering of the onlookers. The minstrels began another tune and together they led the procession back towards the keep where the breakfast feast would begin. As they walked, arm in arm, her head wilted towards the ground. Lord help her. She was married.
* * *
Nathaniel raised his head from the bottle of wine he had plucked from the cellars. He needed the extra fortification that wine could provide. Ale wouldn't suffice at this point. Despite hiding himself in the stables, he was still able to hear the cheers when they rang out from the bailey. The deed was done. Taking another great gulp of the expensive brew, he choked back a drunken sob. Lord help him, he prayed as his head wilted to the ground. Madeline was married.
* * *
The great hall had been cleaned and prepared meticulously. The floors were strewn with fresh rushes upon which lay the petals of roses. They gave off a soft fragrance as the wedding party trod upon them on the way to the high table.
Lord Endle was the height of graciousness, handing her up to her seat and then helping her sit. "Do not look quite so terror-stricken, my dear," he whispered in her ear when they were seated. "It will not be as bad as all that."
"My apologies, my Lord," Madeline pled forgiveness and made a great effort to smile at her husband. "I didn't intend to appear thankless."
"All is forgiven. Let us enjoy the feasting and merry-making, then soon we will be off for Marbourne, where we will be forced to enjoy another feast before we are allowed to finally rest." He winked at her and Madeline choked on the mouthful of wine she was swallowing. She turned hastily away as she felt the blood drain from her face.
Bowls with perfumed water were presented for hand washing and then the feasting began in earnest. Platter upon platter of delicacies were delivered to the tables. Lord John had spared no expense and Madeline wondered if any of their retinue would be in a fit condition to travel in a few short hours.
Her father had shipped in exotic dates and pistachios, which Madeline enjoyed despite the heaviness that sat like a stone in her belly. Platters of capons and pigeons accompanied the sausages and hams, along with fish and great rounds of cheese. There were also bowls of stewed cabbage flavoured with cinnamon and cloves, several different types of savoury pies, and mountains of soft loaf bread, not to mention the sweet, spiced apples and wild pears sprinkled with sugar. The imported chianti from Tuscani was the best she had ever tasted and she drank more than was her habit.
Throughout the meal the minstrels wandered and played their instruments, occasionally breaking into song. The atmosphere was cheerful and rowdy. Ale, beer, and mead flowed freely. It wasn't long before her father was red-faced and on his feet, belting out a bawdy love song followed by an effusive speech, which was met with much cheering and clapping.
Madeline fought against the melancholy that dragged at her and made a tremendous effort to appear the radiant bride, both for the sake of those assembled and for the sake of Lord Endle. He made repeated toasts to his bride's beauty and virtue, until even the most hardened in the room had to agree that the man was clearly, utterly besotted with his new wife.
Throughout the festivities, Madeline was constantly aware of Nathaniel's absence. It was the first ordeal she had ever experienced without him by her side to share it and she felt lost without him.
Her heart skipped a beat when she saw him enter from the farthest side of the room. She was certain it wasn't her imagination when she saw him sway and stumble slightly. Unlike the rest of the revelers who were clothed in their best finery, Nate wore a simple tunic that appeared crumpled and worse for wear. His hair was mussed and loose about his shoulders. He looked as if he hadn't slept--which of course he hadn't. He didn't so much as glance her way when he strode purposely to the dais where she, her groom, and her parents were seated. Lord John beckoned to the knight and Nathaniel bent over to speak quietly to him. Madeline watched in curiosity as her father beamed and nodded his agreement to whatever Nathaniel had told him.
Standing once again, albeit a little unsteadily, her father banged his pewter goblet on the table until the attention of the room was on him. In a loud voice he began, "As is customary, I'd like to give my daughter a gift on the morn of her wedding. Her safety and wellbeing will ever be forefront in my mind, despite that I give her to another to care for today. Thus with much thought, I have decided to gift her with three of my best knights."
A murmur and cheer rose up around the great room. Banging the goblet again, her father continued. "I have chosen Sir Nathaniel to lead this personal guard and he has just given me the names of the two others he has chosen. These knights have his full trust and confidence. Included in Lady Madeline's personal guard will be..."
Madeline didn't hear the names as the room swirled before her eyes and her vision went black.
* * *
"Too much excitement for one day," she could hear a voice state from her left.
"No doubt," another voice echoed from somewhere around her right side.
She cracked an eye open to find her father and Lord Endle seated on opposite sides of her bed in her solar. She was still dressed in her wedding gown and somehow she couldn't remember having walked to her bedchamber. In fact, the last thing she remembered was her father's announcement... Oh good Lord! He was sending Nathaniel with her to Marbourne. How would she bear to see him everyday with what had passed between them? And her living as the wife of Lord Endle? She groaned.
"Ahh, she awakes," Lord Endle said patting her hand, his eyes crinkled into a pleased smile. "We were worried, my dear, when you suddenly slumped over during the feast."
Madeline worked her mouth trying to come up with a plausible excuse.
"My apologies, my Lord. I found it rather warm and stifling in the hall," she said finally.
He nodded his agreement. "It was quite warm. The day is very fair. Good for travelling. Perhaps you should have a short rest before we continue to Marbourne. That is if you feel up to travelling, my darling?" he asked considerately, worry furrowing his brow.
"An excellent idea, my Lord. I'm sure I will be feeling right as rain with a short rest."
Lord Endle nodded and rose to leave the room.
As he departed, her father patted her other hand. "That's my girl. Never known you to be one of these silly misses who is forever getting the vapours. Well, I will leave you for a rest. Would you like me to send in Nursey?"
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"No, thank you, Papa. And thank you for the gift. It was very thoughtful," she said past the lump in her throat.
"Yes, well...I know how close the two of you have been. Thought you might appreciate having a few familiar faces around."
"I will," she managed to choke out.
* * *
She was left to rest for near an hour until Nursey came to wake her. She hadn't managed to nap at all, despite her lack of sleep the night before. Her mind raced and her pulse beat steadily in her veins.
"Time to get up, lovey," Nursey cajoled pulling back the curtains from around her bed. "Everything is packed and Lord Endle is anxious to get going in order to arrive to Marbourne before nightfall."
Madeline sighed but she dragged her heavily weighted body from the bed and slipped her shoes on.
"You should manage in that dress, I'd think," Nursey pondered, looking her over. "It isn't such a long ride to Marbourne. Not more'n a few hours. It'd be best if you ride into your new home looking grand, as the new mistress."
Madeline nodded dully and accepted the cloak that Nursey handed her. With one last glance around her room, she lifted her chin and strode out of her bedchamber.
My star, that barely rose, is set;
My day of hope is done
My woman's life of love and joy
Ere it has scarce begun.
~Ada Cambridge
CHAPTER 9
A great crowd of horses and knights milled about impatiently in the bailey. In the midst of the commotion stood a cart stacked with Madeline's trunks. The two horses hitched to it stomped and swished their tails at the irritating flies that swarmed about them. Surprisingly, the cart didn't appear heavily laden despite containing all her worldly possessions. Surreal how one could condense one's life down to only a few wooden boxes, Madeline thought absently.
Lord Endle stood tall and proud next to the wagon, looking every inch the wealthy earl that he was. To his right stood a knight holding the earl's handsome grey gelding. To the left stood Nathaniel. He looked slightly more respectable than he had earlier. He must have at least bathed as his hair was still wet and he was in fresher clothing. His face however, was ash-white despite the warmth of the sunny day. The sight of the damp blonde waves hanging to his shoulders reminded Madeline of the silky flow of it through her fingers. In his hand he clutched the reins to her bay mare. Madeline was alarmed to see that his knuckles were split with fresh injuries that hadn't been present earlier that morning. She felt herself blanch at the arrow of pain that shot through her heart and she put her hand on the doorframe to support herself.
"Ahh, here you are my dear," her father boomed from behind, startling her. "Feeling better?"
Madeline nodded weakly. "Where is mother?" she asked to distract herself.
"She's taken to bed with a headache," Lord John responded. "I tell you, that woman's lack of motherly instinct is not natural."
"It's of no consequence any longer. Really. Please don't concern yourself Papa. I am used to it," she answered, not particularly surprised that her mother would avoid seeing her off.
"But," her father said brightening, "Soon you will have a family of your own and I'm sure you will make an excellent mother. I can hardly wait to have a grandson to bounce on my knee."
Madeline flushed.
"Shall we?" he asked gesturing down the stairs. "Lord Endle awaits."
She allowed her father to take her arm and to lead her down the stairs of her home for the final time.
Her husband beamed as he saw her approach. "You appear to be well. Are you recovered enough to travel, my dear?" he asked graciously.
"I believe so," Madeline responded, studiously avoiding any glance at Nathaniel. She turned to her father and suddenly wrapped her arms around the big man, who raised his own arms to enfold her in a familiar embrace.
"You are always welcome here, my girl," he whispered gruffly into her hair.
Madeline choked back a sob and clung to him until he stepped back from her and placed her hand into Lord Endle's. Her new husband gave it a reassuring squeeze.
"Are you sure you would prefer to ride rather than travel in a litter?" he asked thoughtfully. "Tis no more than four hours ride. Yet I cannot help but think that you should be more comfortable in the litter."
"Nay, my Lord," Madeline responded. "The fresh air will do me good. But I thank you for your consideration."
"Very well then," he nodded. "Let us mount up and be on our way," he said as he swung easily into his saddle.
As Madeline moved towards her mare, she couldn't help but notice that Nathaniel remained steadfast in his aversion to making eye contact with her. She stopped beside the horse's flank and felt Nathaniel's strong hands circle her waist. Like lifting a feather, he raised her upon the saddle. Settling her, he reached for her hand and discreetly tucked a small leather pouch into her palm.
"What is this?" she asked quietly.
"Tis a chicken bladder of blood. You will need it later to prove your virtue," he whispered between clenched teeth. If possible, his face drained even further of colour as he spoke the words.
For a moment, Madeline once again felt faint. She hadn't thought of all the repercussions of last night's decision but Nathaniel, as always, had her best interests in the forefront of his mind.
"Thank you Nate," she said softly and brought her hand to rest on his forearm.
He flinched away from her touch as if she had scalded him. Jerking his arm back, he turned and strode away.
Madeline blinked back tears at his rejection. With grim determination and for the benefit of the gathered crowd, she plastered a mask of serenity onto her face. Digging her heels into her obedient mare's sides she followed Lord Endle through the courtyard and out the gates of Alwinsopp.
* * *
Whenever she was overwrought or angered, Madeline normally relied on a swift ride in the countryside to clear her head. Today, despite the beautiful weather, she was not soothed by the sound of hoofbeats on the dry ground nor by the cool wind that fluttered her fine veil about her face. Nathaniel had always been her companion on such rides. But not today. Not this ride. Now he was her constant distraction. It required all her focus and resolve to provide her new husband an attentive smile whilst he chatted amiably about his future plans and her forthcoming presentation at court.
As the highest ranking knight of Madeline's personal guard, Nathaniel assumed the riding position directly behind her. Following him was the remainder of her contingent, Sir Gareth and Sir Hugh. She could hear the latter two chatting and joking as they pondered their new lives at Marbourne. Nathaniel, however, rode silent as a wraith. He had not said a single word to her since leaving Alwinsopp, and on the one occasion she had turned to look at him, he had refused to meet her gaze.
Several hours later, Lord Endle pulled his horse to a halt just as they topped a small rise. "There she is," he exclaimed with pride. "Marbourne. Your new home, my Lady."
Madeline gazed across the valley, dotted with stone cottages, farms, and sheep, to the fortress that towered over the surrounding countryside. It stood forbidding and regal. Its thick stone walls arched up as a continuation of the rocky cliffs from which it rose, a proud and ancient defense against all enemies. Madeline was at once awed and cowed by the majestic fortification that she was now mistress of.
She turned to gaze at Lord Endle who sat atop his horse watching her reaction with an amused glint in his mild eyes.
"Will it suffice?" he asked, with just the faintest touch of insecurity in his voice.
"It is regal," she replied honestly. Fearing any further delay may cause her to be overcome by her anxiety and the desire to flee, Madeline asked, "Shall we continue, my Lord?"
Lord Endle nodded and kicked his horse to a trot. Madeline followed.
* * *
The castle was accessed by a long, narrow roadway that snaked its way up the side of the cliff. To one side was a sheer rock face, which Madeline hugged closely as she strove to
avoid the precipitous drop on her other side. Their route to the fortress had barely enough width for the cart that followed. Madeline turned in her saddle, more than once, expecting to see her trunks slide off it and tumble down the steep incline. Three sides were impassable cliffs. The only means of access was the one upon which they rode. The castle was indeed a strategic defense. All enemies could be spotted for miles as they approached. It stood to reason then why Marbourne Castle had never been conquered. It had long been the seat of the Lord's family, in sustained favour with, and loyal to, the crown.
As they gained the summit of the escarpment, they were greeted by a massive gate set into the monstrous blocks of the ancient stone wall. A hue and cry went up from the castle walls as heralds announced the arrival of their Lord and his new bride. With a creak and a groan the gate was gradually raised until villagers, servants, and peasants came streaming forth to converge around the bridal party. They were accompanied by minstrels who commenced strumming their instruments and singing. Madeline felt Nathaniel push his horse through the throng and up to her side. Out the corner of her eye she saw him beckon his fellow knights to do the same. She was moved by his show of protectiveness, though one glance at the faces of the Marbourne inhabitants confirmed that she had nothing to fear.
The crowd cheered and threw petals garnished from the fall wildflowers. Madeline couldn't help but smile at their show of joy and good favour. Lord Endle reached to untie a pouch from his saddle and handed her yet another bag of coins, which Madeline took from his hand. She threw handfuls of coins in a shimmering rainbow to fall amongst the multitude. Madeline noticed that the majority of the people appeared both decently clothed and sufficiently well-nourished. She was gratified in the knowledge that Lord Endle was obviously a generous overlord.
Whilst the throng was distracted with gathering the coins, their procession made its way under the great archway, through the outer bailey and a second gate, and finally into the innermost bailey. The cobbled courtyard was surrounded on all sides by high stone walls, crenelated at the top to afford protection for the archers and defenders of the castle. The bailey was brimming with servants and knights, all eager for the first sight of their new mistress.