by Ida Curtis
The way he caressed her with his hands and his eyes made it hard for Isabel to sit still. When she saw that he enjoyed her movements, she didn’t even try. His caresses became increasingly intimate, and she let out a small shout. Hearing herself, she quickly covered her mouth with her hand and tried to wiggle free.
“What’s the matter, Isabel?” Chetwynd asked, holding her in place with his hands on her waist. “Did I hurt you?”
Isabel replied in a whisper. “Justin might hear us. You can become quite loud, my lord.”
“As can you, my love.” Chetwynd grinned up at her. “Don’t worry. I had Gertrude fix a room for your brother on the far side of the manor.”
“What brilliant strategy, my lord. I can understand why you are so good in battle.”
They had Justin’s blessing, and for the first time Isabel and Chetwynd came together without a touch of anxiety. Their passion seemed to increase as they made love in a carefree and joyous manner. When they finally lay exhausted, they took turns exchanging small bursts of laughter. Although Isabel was worn out and wasn’t sure she’d ever be able to move again, she didn’t want to lose him to sleep just yet.
“Tell me about Aachen, my lord.”
“Go to sleep, Isabel,” Chetwynd muttered against her ear.
“In a minute. Open your eyes and tell me one thing about Aachen.” She put her hands on his face, forcing him to look at her so she could see that he kept his eyes open.
“When we reach Aachen they should put you to work in the dungeon, torturing prisoners,” he grumbled.
“There is a dungeon? No, I don’t want to hear about that. Tell me something good about the palace.”
Chetwynd pretended to sigh, but her enthusiasm to hear more made him eager to satisfy her. “The palace at Aachen was one of Charlemagne’s favorites. Although he had many palaces throughout his empire, he spent a lot of time there. He built a church in imitation of the great Roman cathedrals he admired so much. I think you’ll like it. Everyone who comes to Aachen enjoys visiting Charlemagne’s burial place at the cathedral. Now go to sleep.”
“Father Ivo told me that Charlemagne gathered scholars and poets from all over the empire, and even beyond its borders, to bring them to Aachen. I can just imagine those poets sitting around, reading their poems to each other. Perhaps they even composed epics in imitation of Homer. I wonder if Song of Roland was composed there.”
“I don’t know, but the story of the brave knight who served Charlemagne is a favorite with minstrel singers. Jerome is always demanding to hear the heroic exploits of Roland.”
“Yes, I can imagine he would enjoy them. Does King Louis spend as much time in Aachen as Charlemagne did?”
“Probably even more. He had a monastery built nearby, and he retreats there often. Aachen also has historical significance for the king. At the time of Charlemagne’s death, Louis was ruling in Aquitania. As soon as he heard that his father was dead, he journeyed to Aachen to assume power. There was some anxiety about the reception he would receive from Charlemagne’s former ministers. But Louis was greeted with enthusiasm and an oath of fealty was quickly pledged to the new king and emperor. I think Louis has a particular fondness for Aachen because of the acceptance he found there.”
Isabel was yawning as he finished. “Now you’re sleepy and I’m wide awake,” Chetwynd complained.
“I could do something to wear you out again,” she murmured, but she was asleep before she could reach for him.
“Tomorrow, my love,” Chetwynd whispered as he kissed her nose.
They’d had their best day since Isabel had returned to him. But Chetwynd knew the danger was not over, and he wondered if he was wise to honor his promise to keep Isabel with him. Sighing, he accepted that he didn’t have a choice in the matter. Whatever lay ahead in Aachen, they would face it together.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
THE LAST LEG OF ISABEL AND CHETWYND’S long journey from Narbonne to Aachen was different from what had gone before. Since Justin and his men now led the way, Chetwynd was free to ride beside Isabel, followed closely by Ingram and Jerome. Isabel’s sense of excitement affected her three companions, and their mood was cheerful and relaxed. Not until they were finally nearing Aachen did Isabel notice that Chetwynd had sobered and become more vigilant.
Although the day was cloudy and the visibility poor, Isabel kept her eyes focused on the road ahead, eager for her first sight of Aachen. Under the trees the moisture formed a mist, but when they suddenly emerged from the forest, the path ahead cleared, and in the distance she had an unobstructed view of their destination. It was an impressive sight. There were a great number of towers reaching up to the sky, each flying a colorful pennant. Below the towers were sturdy walls topped by battlements that ringed the city. A wide drawbridge led up to the massive structure. She could see that the tall gate on the other side, although standing open, was heavily guarded.
As their party moved closer, the ramparts loomed larger and taller. “You’ll strain your neck, my love,” Chetwynd teased as she stared above her.
Unwilling to lower her gaze for fear of missing something, Isabel ignored him. The horses made a loud din as they crossed the bridge, and Isabel finally lowered her gaze to study the dark water in the moat. In spite of all she had heard about Aachen, Isabel was still unprepared for its size and the vast number of people milling about the keep within its walls. Outside the approach to Aachen had been exciting, but inside Isabel felt closed-in and apprehensive because of the crowds.
“Stay close to me,” Chetwynd called to her as some strangers on horseback mingled with their group, and they lost track of Justin and his men. “We’ll go directly to my living quarters in the palace.” He had to shout over the noise in the keep.
Isabel nodded to him and guided her horse to stay just behind his. At the stables, Chetwynd helped her dismount. “It’s not far from here,” he assured her, and took her hand to guide her through an open market.
There were many stalls selling fine leather goods, rich fabrics, and glittering jewelry. Isabel stopped a few times, attracted by the wares for sale. Jerome and Ingram went on ahead, and Chetwynd urged Isabel along. At last they reached an alley that led them away from the busy market, and Isabel heard her name called. Marianna flew from a doorway and embraced Isabel so tightly she found it hard to breathe.
“When you left Saint Ives, I feared I’d never see you again, my lady. Jerome told me you were on your way, and I could hardly believe it. Have you ever seen such a place? I didn’t know there were so many people in the world.”
Marianna held Isabel away so she could see for herself that she was all right. “You look lovely, my lady,” she said.
Isabel and Marianna were embracing again when Chetwynd suggested they go inside. They followed Marianna up a long, narrow staircase that took several turns and seemed to go on forever.
“It’s good to see you, also, my lord. The chambers here are handy, but they needed some airing.” Marianna spoke as she climbed. “They seemed very empty without someone to share them. I’m so glad I’m no longer alone. I put all your clothes in the small bedchamber, my lady.”
They had entered the outer room and Chetwynd replied to Marianna. “You can put Isabel’s clothes in the large bedchamber with mine, Marianna.”
Her maid looked to Isabel for confirmation of what Chetwynd had said. Isabel’s grin confirmed her hopes. Marianna hugged her mistress again and then wiped away a few tears. “I knew it would work out,” she murmured, more to herself than to Chetwynd or Isabel.
Now that she found herself in a quiet place, Isabel was unsure what she should do next. The few connecting rooms that were Chetwynd’s quarters were sparsely furnished and had the appearance of being temporary, with little decoration on the walls. The large bedchamber was also the main room, and there were a few benches and tables in addition to the bed. When Isabel moved to one of the two windows, Chetwynd came to stand behind her. As she looked down on the surrounding countrys
ide where the fields seemed to stretch on forever, Chetwynd placed his hands on her shoulders.
“From here it’s easy to forget the palace is so large,” Isabel said over her shoulder.
“That’s one of the reasons I like these rooms. Does Aachen meet your expectations?” he asked.
“In some ways it does. But I didn’t expect to be overwhelmed. The sheer size is startling, and in the bailey the area was so crowded.”
“It takes some getting used to. Most people are overwhelmed at first.” He turned her to face him. “I hate to leave you so soon, but I think I should join Justin and find out the latest news about the queen. Why don’t you take a little rest, and I’ll be back as soon as possible. If you like, we can visit the marketplace before vespers.”
“Oh yes, I’d like that.” She moved into his arms, and they held each other tightly for a few minutes. Isabel felt uneasy in the strange place and was reluctant to let him go, but she knew it would be unreasonable to object. After he gave her a long and comforting kiss, she murmured, “Hurry back.”
Marianna had given them some time to themselves, but as soon as Chetwynd departed, she rushed into the bedchamber. “Tell me everything that happened, my lady. What was Aquis like? Did it hurt to lose your maidenhead? Was Justin very angry with Chetwynd? Did they fight?”
“Give me a minute, Marianna. Help me remove my head covering. Then I’ll answer your questions.”
With her hair free, Isabel sat on the bed she planned to share later with her husband, and Marianna pulled a bench close to her. “Aquis is a lovely manor, Marianna. There is a valley with a vineyard, and the grapes were being harvested while I was there. It’s well managed by a friendly couple who made me feel at home. Their names are Gertrude and Bosco, and I know you’ll like them.”
“I can’t wait to see it, my lady.”
Isabel yawned and stretched before continuing. “When Justin arrived at Aquis, he was very angry, but he and Chetwynd did not come to blows. Chetwynd suggested that Justin might have foreseen that we would make a match when he asked Chetwynd to bring me to court. Of course Justin objected to that idea and questioned us endlessly. In the end, he accepted the marriage and gave his blessing.”
Isabel lay back and closed her eyes, smiling as she remembered the scene. Although Justin had been irate, she couldn’t imagine the two men coming to blows.
“And what about the other?” Marianna urged impatiently.
Isabel knew exactly what she wanted to know. “Oh yes, the other. Chetwynd was very considerate, Marianna.”
Her maid frowned at her words. “You don’t mean to tell me nothing happened, do you?”
Isabel laughed. “Oh, something happened. Several times. I just meant he was gentle. The ointment we brought worked well, and I owe Emma thanks for supplying it and you for reminding me it was there.”
Marianna nodded her satisfaction. “He’ll make a wonderful husband, my lady. I can tell just by seeing the two of you together.”
“I’m sure you’re right.” Isabel studied Marianna, and realized she had acquired a more confident air since they left Narbonne. “Now tell me about your time here, Marianna. I find Aachen rather daunting. What are your impressions?”
“I was most uneasy when I first arrived. There were so many people everywhere. But the very first night, at supper, I found Henny. Do you remember the serving woman from our journey? She works in the kitchen when she’s here, and she made me feel welcome. After I met her again, she put me to work helping her so I’d learn about the place. I relaxed a bit after that.”
“I’m glad you had someone familiar to show you around, Marianna.”
“Would you like me to help you change out of those dusty clothes and have a wash before Chetwynd returns?”
As Marianna lovingly attended Isabel, she described the huge kitchen and the large number of women who worked there. “It’s friendly enough, my lady, although Henny warned me to be careful what I say. Gossip travels fast. Of course right now the queen is the main topic of conversation. There is also a great deal of lamenting over the death of the nun Gerberga. She was popular with the women, my lady.”
“Yes, Gilda said as much. Is there any hint that the queen will be returning to the palace soon?”
“I wouldn’t be at all surprised. King Louis returned from his retreat and is now gone from the palace. Some say he has gone to fetch the queen home.”
“King Louis is not at Aachen?” This news made Isabel uneasy. “Justin and Chetwynd have gone to report to him, Marianna.”
“Well they won’t find him, my lady. Lothar is here, and from what I hear he is in a foul mood. The women say that Lothar hates his stepmother, and is cross because she is due back at court. They all wish he’d return to his own palace in Rome.”
Isabel marveled at the way Marianna talked so easily about the most powerful people in the empire. “You seem to have learned a great deal in a short time.”
“I keep my ears open and my mouth shut. The serving women talk a great deal, but they are careful to check who is around. Henny is trusted by many, and she is open with me.”
“What did you hear about Gerberga?”
“When the nun was thrown into the dungeon, everyone assumed she would be released without harm. Apparently it was not the first time Gerberga had been seized. However, this time King Louis was away from the palace, and her supporters couldn’t reach him. Bishop Agobard decided to hold a trial to test whether Gerberga was a witch. She didn’t pass, of course. The trials are such that not many endure them and are found innocent. She was executed secretly before anyone powerful could help.”
Isabel shivered at the tale. “How terrible,” she said, an uneasy feeling replacing her happiness at being in Aachen.
“No one seems to know, or will say, whether Lothar was involved in the trial. According to the women, there was no love between him and Gerberga, and he certainly wouldn’t be above using her to make trouble for the queen. But most doubt he would go so far as having her put to death. She is the sister of Bernard of Septimania, the king’s chamberlain, who was also away from the palace.”
“What of the boy, Charles? Is there any word about his fate?” Isabel asked.
“Oh, he is safe enough, my lady. He is being well cared for by his nurse. King Louis’s son is in no danger.”
Isabel remembered that Chetwynd believed the boy would be safe, and Marianna’s news seemed to confirm his view. That was reassuring. But the fact that King Louis was away from the palace, and Lothar was in charge, made her nervous for Chetwynd and Justin. In Father Ivo’s tales about Aachen, it was a place where poets and thinkers gathered. Clearly it was also a center of political intrigue and even menace, where people who displeased the king or the powerful church fathers could be thrown in the dungeon.
As Isabel was revising her thoughts about court life, Justin arrived at their door. Although he greeted them cheerfully enough, Isabel noticed a telltale crease on his forehead and stiffness about his mouth.
It didn’t take a second for Isabel to realize he was alone. “Did Chetwynd find you?” Isabel asked her brother, trying to still her growing alarm.
“He did. King Louis is away from court, but we are expecting him to return tomorrow.” Justin looked around the room to avoid looking her in the eye. “I see you have made yourself at home here.”
Trying not to read too much into her brother’s inability to look at her, Isabel asked as casually as she could manage, “Where’s Chetwynd?”
“There is nothing to worry about, Isabel,” he began, and his words had the very opposite effect from the one he desired. He might be a diplomat, but Isabel knew him too well to be fooled. She waited for the rest without speaking, and Justin finally said, “Lothar has detained Chetwynd. He said he wished to speak with him.”
Making a great effort to remain calm, Isabel took a deep breath. “Why would Lothar detain Chetwynd?” she asked, using the same word Justin had used, but wondering if he meant Lothar was ho
lding Chetwynd against his will.
“They had some words,” Justin admitted. “When we entered King Louis’s chambers expecting to find the king, we found Lothar. Unfortunately, he was in a foul mood. I suspect Lothar has always resented Chetwynd and his influence upon King Louis. Chetwynd’s friendship with the queen increased his resentment. Our timing was bad, and Lothar turned his anger on Chetwynd.”
“Where, exactly, is Chetwynd, Justin?”
“Lothar just needs some time to cool off. As soon as the king arrives, Chetwynd will be released.”
Isabel kept her voice even but firm. “Justin, I want to know where Chetwynd is.”
Justin looked from Isabel to Marianna. “In the dungeon, but just for a short time, I’m sure.”
When both women gasped, he quickly added, “Lothar wants to talk with him. As I said, Lothar was in a temper, and I suspect he wants to cool down before he questions Chetwynd.”
Isabel sat down abruptly, afraid her legs would give out. Justin sat on the bench beside her and put his arm around her shoulder.
“I’m making a mess of this, Isabel. I’m not going to try and convince you that this is not a dangerous situation. You’re too smart for that. But Chetwynd is a soldier, and he’s used to danger. He will survive this as he has survived many other dangers. I know this is all new to you, Isabel, but you have to trust me to see that nothing happens to Chetwynd.”
Isabel nodded. “I do trust you, Justin.”
Justin held her tight for a few more minutes before speaking again. “I’m sorry to bring this news, then rush away, Isabel. I knew you would be concerned when Chetwynd didn’t return. Now I must see if I can find out when King Louis will arrive at court. The king is our best chance to free Chetwynd before Lothar decides to question him. I am afraid the two men rub each other the wrong way. Are you going to be all right?”