by Ida Curtis
“I’m sure you can ride quite well. There must be a religious group from this area that will be attending the Fall Assembly. In view of your planned vocation, I think they would be more suitable companions for your journey.”
The sarcasm in his voice when he spoke of her vocation was not lost on Isabel. “I haven’t joined a religious order yet, and I may decide against it.” She realized how illogical that sounded, even as she said the words. The man was infuriating and forced her to say the most unreasonable things. She couldn’t believe she had ever suspected he was her champion.
They were glaring at each other, unaware of the attention they had attracted. Lady Winifred spoke up. “Isabel, why don’t you take Lord Chetwynd for a stroll through the garden?” It was more an order than a suggestion. “You can speak more freely there,” she whispered into Isabel’s ear.
Without a glance at Lord Chetwynd, Isabel stood up. Unmindful now of the crowded hall, she stalked across the room to a passage leading to a doorway. She wondered if he would follow, but told herself she didn’t care either way. In the sudden quiet of the garden, she could hear he was close behind. She hurried along the path. The hallway had been dim, but the garden was lit by moonlight.
Chetwynd grabbed her arm to still her flight and roughly turned her to face him. Isabel stumbled against him, shocked at his hold on her bare arm and the proximity of his hard body. She felt angry instead of frightened. Before she could pull away, he backed up and dropped her arm as though it had burned his hand.
“Your bold request took me by surprise,” he said. Frowning, he appeared sorry he had handled her roughly, but he didn’t apologize. “Your father is the one to make such a decision. Why would you ask a stranger to escort you on a long journey?”
“Since you know Justin and my father, you are not a stranger to my family.” She felt defeated and close to tears, but managed to ask in a trembling voice, “Why won’t you escort me?”
They were still standing close, and he reached out to trail his finger along the thin scar on the left side of her forehead. He quickly withdrew his hand, but not before Isabel gasped at his gentle touch. It was the touch she remembered.
“It was you who rescued me, wasn’t it?” she whispered, wondering if he would admit it.
Before answering Isabel’s question, Chetwynd paused, remembering how he had watched as the healer sewed the gash together; then he nodded. He had barely been able to feel the slight mound of the scar. Turning away from her, he sat upon a nearby bench.
Leaving a space between them, Isabel joined him. They had gone only a few steps into the garden, where there was enough light to see each other. But Chetwynd didn’t need to look at her to remember how she had filled out the gown she wore to the dining room. The low cut and soft folds emphasized her full, grownup figure. She wore a head covering, but it couldn’t contain her thick dark curls, and a few hung around her face.
Isabel finally broke the silence between them. “I’ve wanted to thank you for a long time. I hope someone thanked you that day eight years ago when you rescued me.”
Chetwynd nodded his head again, still a little shocked at his need to touch the small line on her forehead. “Why don’t you cover the slight scar?” he asked. “It would be easy to do.”
“The scar has been of use a few times,” she answered with a sly smile. “It has discouraged suitors who believed I had been ruined. Old men like to believe the worst.”
He shook his head at her words. “When they noticed the scar, you must have given some details of what happened in the meadow that day for them to think that.”
When Isabel shrugged, Chetwynd changed the subject. “The road to Aachen is long and dangerous, my lady. It’s a hard journey for seasoned travelers. I understand you have never been away from Narbonne. I believe you should wait for a group that will take a more leisurely journey.” He hoped logic would work better than the anger of their argument in the dining hall.
“You are exaggerating the danger because you don’t want the inconvenience of taking me with you. There are several women in your group. I’m sure I can travel as well as they do.”
“You have no idea what you’re talking about. Why did you lie about taking religious orders?” he demanded, giving up his attempt at logic.
“The only reason I said that was because I was afraid you would believe I was pursuing you. It was clear that my grandmother was pushing us together. She is always hoping to find me a husband. I want to go for my own reasons, and they have nothing to do with finding a husband.”
Chetwynd sighed. How had he managed to get himself so tangled up? He knew Justin wished to have her join him in Aachen, and now he was arguing against taking her. But Isabel was an intriguing, beautiful woman, and for this reason he was reluctant to have her on the journey. His experience taught him to be cautious of seemingly innocent maids. He recalled that Theresa had been twelve and of noble birth when she arrived at his father’s manor to be tutored with his sister. She and Chetwynd had become involved in some lessons of their own in the woods behind the manor house. In love for the first time, he had believed they were destined for one another. When he went off to be educated, she had vowed her love and promised to wait for him.
Chetwynd was a third son, without prospects of an inheritance. Idealistic as he was, he assumed this would not matter to Theresa. He had been proven wrong. He was unaware that his father also had his eye on the young woman. While Chetwynd was away, his mother died giving birth to her seventh child. Theresa had been quick to accept his father’s proposal of marriage. When she later told Chetwynd her marriage to his father need not end their love affair, Chetwynd fled his father’s estate to seek his fortune as a soldier.
Isabel was the innocent he had rescued, but he remembered her movements in the water when she thought no one was watching. Her relaxed sensuality as she moved her hands over her breasts was a great contrast to the frightened woman who entered the great hall. Although the lady was wary of soldiers, that didn’t mean she feared all men. He knew it made no sense, but the fact that Isabel was no longer the innocent he remembered disappointed him greatly.
Lost in their own thoughts, neither one of them had noticed Lady Winifred’s approach. When she spoke up, they were both startled and quickly stood up to face her.
“I followed you because I heard Isabel ask you to take her to her brother,” she explained. “It was bold of her to ask, and you were correct to refuse. But I think it’s a good idea, Lord Chetwynd. Circumstances have kept her at Narbonne Manor. But it’s time for her to leave home and build a life elsewhere.”
Chetwynd frowned, surprised at her words. He remembered that his own grandmother was the only person who didn’t want him to leave his home. “It would be a dangerous journey for a lady,” he replied. Then he thought of a new argument that might work with Lady Winifred. “As she is unmarried, Lady Isabel’s reputation would be at risk. I’m sure Lord Theodoric would understand the problem and not approve the plan.”
Isabel had either given up her suit or was just opposed to any suggestion her grandmother might make. “Lord Chetwynd is right, Gran-mere. Father will never approve of my leaving Narbonne unless it’s to join a nunnery.”
“Yes, I understand the problem,” Lady Winifred replied. “Your father would, of course, object to your traveling with a troop of soldiers. But I have a proposal that is sure to overcome your father’s objections. Lord Theodoric wants to see you settled and safe, which is why he urges a religious vocation. He would believe his objective accomplished if you were to marry Lord Chetwynd.”
Quiet followed her words. Her grandmother’s frank proposal had silenced the blushing Isabel. Just as disconcerted, Chetwynd realized his own words had trapped him. He wondered at Lady Winifred’s bold suggestion. Marriage arrangements were usually worked out between the men of the family, although he wasn’t naive enough to think that women played no role.
When there was no response, Lady Winifred explained, “Isabel does not
have many options. Several opportunities to wed have already been missed. She is past the age to make an advantageous marriage . . .”
Isabel quickly interrupted her. “Lady Winifred, Lord Chetwynd is not interested in my marriage prospects.”
Ignoring her outburst, Lady Winifred continued, “Now, what about you, Lord Chetwynd? You are a man of good fortune, at an age when it is desirable to start a family. I imagine there has been pressure on you to wed.”
Chetwynd hesitated, wondering if he should say he had taken a vow of chastity, but that reminded him of Isabel’s lie about taking religious orders. He was beginning to have sympathy for Isabel and could understand Justin’s desire to get her away from Narbonne. “Yes, it has been suggested more than once that I should wed,” he admitted.
“Good, I thought that might be the case,” Lady Winifred declared, confident she had made an important point in her argument.
Although Lady Winifred was a slight woman, her shoulders rounded by age, she had a strong voice that she used to emphasize her point. “Isabel’s father is unlikely to allow her to leave Narbonne on her own, as you both mentioned. But he can have no objection if Isabel is married. Since I sense that you are both reluctant to wed, I believe I have the answer that will suit you both,” she said with a satisfied smile.
Isabel looked doubtful, but she remained silent, as did Chetwynd.
“You can marry and live together as brother and sister. Once you reach Aachen, Isabel can live with Justin and the marriage can be annulled.” She rushed on before either one could object. “Consider this. Most marriages are entered into for either financial or political reasons, and usually the partners don’t know each other. You are acquainted, and you share a deep regard for Justin. There is at least some common ground.
“As a married woman, Isabel will be free to travel without damage to her reputation. Chetwynd will have the satisfaction of knowing he has helped Lady Isabel to join her brother. Think about it, and make your decision,” she said. “But you don’t have much time. If you decide to do it, let me know tonight and I’ll make arrangements with Father Ivo. Now, discuss it and see if you can reach agreement.” With an encouraging smile at each in turn, Lady Winifred took her leave.
When Chetwynd glanced at Isabel, she was staring after her grandmother. As if in a trance, she lowered herself onto the garden bench, and after a minute he sat beside her.
“I’m sorry, Lord Chetwynd. My grandmother is determined to find me a husband, and her tenacity knows no bounds. You have to understand that she has her own reason for encouraging me in my desire to leave Narbonne. She enjoys managing my father’s estate and playing the role of hostess in the great hall. Her desire to see me wed is not completely selfless,” Isabel said, not bothering to hide her bitterness.
Chetwynd nodded his understanding. Justin had been right: It would be best for Isabel to leave Narbonne. He wondered if a marriage would work for him as well. Returning to court with a wife could deflect gossip about his involvement with Queen Judith.
It was a complicated scheme, as he had made enemies at court when he tried to help the queen. Justin hoped Isabel could join him at Aachen, but he would not be pleased to find she had wed a friend whose reputation was tarnished. Chetwynd wondered if Lord Theodoric could be persuaded to allow Isabel to travel without being married, but immediately rejected the idea. At least if Isabel was his wife he would be able to exert some control over her. He didn’t need an unwed, headstrong, and extremely beautiful woman traveling with his troop.
“Perhaps Lady Winifred’s suggestion has some merit,” he finally said.
Shock visible in her expression, Isabel stared at him as though trying to figure out why he would suddenly change his mind. It didn’t take her long to come up with an idea. “Would you have something to gain from such an alliance?” she asked.
Chetwynd paused to plan his reply. “There is a reason why it would be to my advantage to arrive at court with a wife.” The next part was tricky, but he felt it was important to make it clear that he had no interest in a real marriage. “There is someone with whom I have an attachment, but it can go nowhere.”
“Is she married, then?” Isabel asked, making no effort to disguise her distaste at the thought.
“I don’t wish to talk about it,” he snapped, more sharply then he meant to, then quickly added, “I’m sorry. We have to be open with each other. Do you really need details?”
“No, of course not. It’s none of my concern.”
“Good, because I don’t want to give any. All you need know is that the attachment is over, but the gossip lingers. If you and I do marry, we would, as Lady Winifred suggests, live as brother and sister. We can stay in the marriage as long as it is convenient for both of us to do so.”
“That is what I wish, also,” she assured him. “But I can see we might have a problem if one of us wants to annul the marriage before the other is ready.” Her tone had become cool and practical. “Father Ivo has told me about such matters. I’m sure it will be easy to obtain an annulment if we both approach a priest at the same time.”
“You make a good point. I’ll agree not to ask for the annulment until you are reunited with Justin and have decided what you wish to do. I’d like you to agree to act as my wife for at least four months after we arrive at Aachen.” He figured that would give him enough time for rumors to die away.
“I know you said you don’t wish to discuss it, but how will the lady with whom you were involved feel about your returning to court with a wife?”
“That’s none of your concern,” he retorted. “There was no hope for a marriage between the lady and myself.”
“So she is married,” Isabel blurted out.
Chetwynd interrupted her before she could continue. “One more thing, Lady Isabel. While acting as my wife, you must obey me in every matter. There must be no suspicion that ours is anything other than a real marriage.”
Isabel raised her eyebrows, pausing only a moment before replying, “Of course, Lord Chetwynd. But remember, we both have something to gain by marrying. You are not doing me any greater service than the one I’m doing for you.”
Chetwynd knew what she said was true. “It’s settled then,” he agreed.
CHAPTER FOUR
SINCE NEITHER ISABEL NOR CHETWYND wished to linger in the garden after the terms of marriage had been discussed and agreed upon, they sought out Lady Winifred in her quarters. She was expecting them, and invited them to sit while she poured them wine.
Lady Winifred’s room was richly furnished with colorful tapestries and cushioned benches that showed to best advantage in candlelight. But the comfortable room did nothing to ease the tension evident in its visitors. Lady Winifred flashed them a satisfied smile as she handed them each a goblet of wine.
Chetwynd drank deeply as though he needed fortifying, and Isabel was tempted to follow suit. Instead, she stared at her wine and took a sip, reminding herself that no one was forcing Chetwynd to take her to Aachen.
“Since you are both here, I assume you have decided to go ahead with the plan I suggested,” Lady Winifred said.
Isabel just nodded, but Chetwynd spoke up. “Yes, Lady Winifred, the arrangement you suggested suits us.”
“Excellent. I thought it might.”
Isabel cringed at Lady Winifred’s smug reply. She noted that Chetwynd used the word arrangement, not marriage.
Paying no attention to Lady Winifred’s self-congratulatory tone, Chetwynd continued. “I seek your advice on whether I should approach Lord Theodoric tonight, or wait until morning. My troop is scheduled to stay but two days at Narbonne. There is not much time to arrange matters.”
Lady Winifred smiled, clearly pleased that Chetwynd had the good sense to ask her advice. “I think it’s best you wait until morning to speak to Lord Theodoric. You can approach him directly after Mass. I feel confident he will approve the match, and once that is done, there will be ample time to arrange matters. My son will want to settle
upon Isabel’s dowry first thing. Then arrangements for the exchange of wedding vows can be made quickly.”
Startled at the mention of a dowry, Chetwynd looked from one woman to the other. “I hadn’t thought about a dowry. Considering the type of arrangement we have agreed to, there is no need for one. I received a benefice from King Louis, and it provides me with a generous living. A comfortable estate located near Aachen, it earns enough to support my army and meet all my personal needs. Lady Isabel is welcome to stay there as long as she wishes. There is no need for a dowry, Lady Winifred.”
Chetwynd’s words surprised Isabel, and she realized she knew little of the brooding man she was about to marry. The fact that he was reluctant to accept a dowry for a sham marriage showed that he had integrity. A promising discovery, she thought.
But Lady Winifred seemed unimpressed. “I’m afraid you don’t understand the situation, Lord Chetwynd. My son is a proud man. He might be suspicious if you did not accept a dowry. This is to be a marriage between two noble families, and a dowry is expected. My son would not approve a marriage that did not reflect well upon our family. There is no need to confide the nature of the marriage until it is certain you wish to have it annulled,” she advised.
Chetwynd’s silence must have made Lady Winifred suspect he was having second thoughts, because she quickly added, “You can return the dowry to Justin if that will make you feel more comfortable.”
Isabel knew how Lady Winifred hoped this affair would turn out, and it was not with an annulment. Perhaps Chetwynd was also aware of her grandmother’s expectations. Before Isabel could think of a way to give Chetwynd a chance to withdraw gracefully if he wished, her grandmother spoke again.
“I have seen many marriages that began with a lot less chance of success than this one. Most of them lasted a lifetime. It may work to both your advantage to stay together, and I will not deny I’m hoping for that outcome. In any case, you will find out in the coming months whether matrimony suits you. It will be entirely up to you when and if the marriage is annulled. No one can force you to remain wed.”