* * * *
They rode in silence as the golden globe rose high in the sky. The only sound breaking the silence was the stiff creak of the saddle. Isabeau leaned into Kendrick’s massive chest, savoring the last few moments of its safety. How could she do this willingly? Part of her knew it may be best but part mistrusted his motives for doing it.
As they moved around the bend in the path, a stone cottage came into view. It was not a typical stone cutter’s home but more like a manor though not quite as big as Henstrige. Light gray stones shone in the sunlight as they rounded the corner. Built in the shape of an H, the home looked formidable. High walls rose to the sky, topped with working battlements. The corners were rounded so the enemy could be seen from any direction. She had expected something much smaller from Hedda’s talk. I wonder what Kendrick’s mother is like, she thought idly as they neared the structure. She shivered. What if she was tall and overbearing like Kendrick?
* * * *
Kendrick halted his horse at the oak-inlaid door and dismounted. Pulling the hem of his tunic down over the tops of his massive thighs, he held his arms out for her. She took them gratefully. "Much thanks," she murmured as she was set to her feet. Just then, the creak of the door drew her attention.
A woman emerged, no taller than she was. Her hair was jet-black and fell to her waist, braided neatly with ribbons and pearls. The ivory dress clung to her youthful curves and highlighted her olive tinted skin. Dark eyes held a warm softness while her sweet mouth curved into a smile. "Welcome, Isabeau, to my home," she stated in an Irish lilted voice as her gaze flicked to Kendrick. "I hope my boisterous son has not been too hard on you."
Isabeau shook her head. So this was Kendrick’s mother! "Nay, he has not," she stammered nervously.
The woman extended her slender arms. "My name is Matilda," she stated proudly as the slim arms enclosed her warmly. "I welcome you to my home for a while. I think it will be a good time for us to get to know each other."
Isabeau cast a sideways glance to the silent Kendrick then back to his mother. "Why have you asked for me?"
Matilda’s arm looped through hers as though they were long lost sisters. "I want to get to know the woman who is bearing the child of my son." She looked to Kendrick, "I will take care of her from here, Kendrick. Return to Henstrige and I will let you know when to return."
Kendrick nodded then moved over toward her. "Not before I take something with me to remember Isabeau by." With that, his lips slid over hers, deliciously sensual and satisfying. He plundered the depths of her mouth with his experienced tongue and she responded in kind, nearly forgetting the presence of his mother.
Without warning, Matilda cleared her throat to remind them of her presence and spoke in a soft tone. "Kendrick, ‘tis time you got going. I want you back at Henstrige before night falls. I like it not that you wander through the forest alone."
Kendrick broke the kiss and stepped back with a smile on his face though his gaze never left hers. "I am a grown man, Mother, and a seasoned warrior. I can take of myself."
Matilda chuckled slightly then turned Kendrick’s face towards her own. "I still worry, Kendrick. I nurtured you in my womb for many months and gave you life. Nothing will stop me from worrying about you."
Kendrick drew his tiny mother into his arms and dwarfed her size completely. "I promise, Mother, I will be careful but you are right. The forest is no place to be, even for a seasoned warrior. Now I will take my leave of you," he turned to her, "I love you, Isabeau."
Isabeau could do nothing but stare into the dark depths of his eyes. She could not say she loved him even though her heart told her it was true. For a moment, she tried to summon the courage but it was if a veil came down and blocked all of her thoughts. Swallowing hard, Isabeau fought through the haze. "I will miss you, milord." She quivered as she put her arms around his neck and embraced him.
His arms went around her waist and lifted her off the ground with the force of his hug. "That was not exactly what I was looking for but it will do for now." He kissed her forehead hard as if to imprint his lips into the soft flesh. "Remember I will be back in a fortnight or less if I cannot stand it."
She kissed his cheek. "I will be waiting here," she murmured softly as she stepped away.
"Enough of this, Kendrick," Matilda ordered. Her small but strong looking hand went to Kendrick’s shoulder and pushed him toward his horse. "Ride for Henstrige. This poor creature cannot rest with you around prodding her on a constant basis."
A slight echo of mirth escaped from Kendrick. "Aye, Mother," he stated in a sarcastic tone then executed a mock bow before mounting his horse. Once settled in the thick, brown leather, he turned to her. "Isabeau, if you need me for any reason, send a messenger. I will be here as fast as I can."
Isabeau’s hands rubbed her upper arms in an effort to stop the rising hysteria at his exit. "Aye, I will, milord." She gazed at him as if to burn his memory in her mind. A dark purple hued tunic graced his large frame, the hem skimming the tops of his thighs. Gold embroidery edged the cuffs and neck. Snug black breeches clung to his heavily muscled legs and tucked into black boots. His midnight colored hair tumbled down his large shoulders with the ends dandling in the breeze. She sighed. His image would have to carry her through until she saw him again.
Kendrick stared at her through seductive eyes for a moment then kicked the horse in the naked, fawn hued flanks. He blew her a kiss then allowed the animal to break into a run.
Isabeau watched with a heavy heart as he moved over the ridge and disappeared from her line of vision. Confusion slipped into her mind like an unwanted thief. On one hand, she was glad to be rid of him but on the other, she knew not how she would cope.
Matilda cupped her shoulders between her hands. "Come, Isabeau. The time will fly by quickly and you will see things in a whole different light afterwards. I have an idea. I will have a bath drawn for you. I thought Kendrick would have allowed you to bathe before you left but since I am not around to direct him, he did not think of it."
Isabeau laughed slightly at Matilda’s last comment and felt completely at ease around the woman. "I guess I could have asked but I was so tired."
"Do not worry, my dear. After today, ‘tis you who will be waited on instead of the other way around."
* * * *
The fire crackled in the fireplace with a slight sizzle and pop from the damp wood. The warmth rolling from the hearth was welcome not to mention the company. Matilda sat across from her and worked on an ebony tunic. From the immense size of the clothing, she assumed it belonged to Kendrick. She still sewed his clothes?
Isabeau sat in her own chair as silent as the grave. Her mind felt refreshed after the bath not to mention the rest of her body. One of Matilda’s gowns, deep scarlet in hue, clung to her, hugging her every curve. Her hair, washed and combed, framed her face and curled in tight ringlets. She turned and watched the fire with detached fascination until Matilda’s voice broke the logjam of her thoughts.
"How are you feeling, Isabeau?" Matilda put down the black garment and gazed at her through concern filled eyes.
Isabeau jerked her head sideways. "Fine, m-milady."
Matilda held her hand up. "Please, call me Matilda. If anyone should be addressed with a title, ‘tis you. Now what troubles your mind?"
Isabeau bit her lip. "Nothing. I am just tired ‘tis all."
"Come, Isabeau, we are both women. Is it my son who troubles you?"
Her hands trembled in her lap. "Aye … Nay, I do not know!" She leapt to her feet and paced a little around the chamber all the while her hands wrung in frustration. "He demands that I marry him for the child’s sake but I cannot trust him! His reputation with women…."
Matilda stood up and tossed the dark braid behind her slim shoulder. "He is so much like his father, Isabeau, but he is very much like me. Sit down and let me tell you a story that perhaps may change your mind."
Isabeau fought back the tears threatening her eyes. "What is t
hat?" she demanded as her hand nervously pushed back the tangle of ringlets on the side of her face.
Matilda resumed her seat and signaled for a cup of wine. "Would you like one?" Isabeau shook her head. The cup set before her was empty but was quickly filled by an eager servitor. Matilda nodded when the goblet was full and the servant disappeared like a thief in the night. She took a sip of the wine then cleared her throat. "Are you comfortable?" Isabeau tilted her head into a nod. "Then let me begin."
* * * *
"I was born in Ireland to a poor family. I was the youngest of nineteen. It was hard on my family. So my parents made a painful decision. It was either let me out in the wilderness to die or send me to London where I would be schooled in the service of the King. They loved me enough so they sent me to London. I was given to the head steward and his wife who raised me along with his son. As I grew older, I knew my beauty was making itself evident. I would catch the King, then the Prince of Wales, sneaking glances at me and trying to accost to me. I would avoid him as much as possible but I could not help myself. He was so tall and handsome. All the women of the castle would vie for his bed at night. I was the only one who did not. In time, I fell in love with the steward’s son or I at least thought I did and we agreed to marry when we grew older. Unfortunately, the Prince caught wind of this. In revenge, he forced the steward’s son to serve in the army. With my betrothed gone, I was fair game. Oh, Kendrick’s father pursued me with all the wiles known to mankind. I simply refused his advances because I had to. Deep down, I was in love with him and had been for quite a long time, even before my betrothed was thrust into service."
"The King’s marriage to Margaret of Navarre did not stop his pursuit. Finally, he caught me in the beautiful garden that his mother kept on the north side of the castle. He demanded to know why I rejected him all the time. I could not lie to him. He was the King after all, having been made so by the death of his father several months before his marriage. Before I could say anything, Edward kissed me and I knew it was all over. We made love among the roses that day. Every day afterwards, there were special assignations were we could meet and drown in the desire consuming both of us."
Isabeau let the story sink deep into the fabric of her mind before she began her questioning. "That is a beautiful story, Matilda, but what does that have to my refusal to marry Kendrick?"
Matilda took a dainty sip of wine then set the cup back down. "I was getting to that. Kendrick was born almost nine months after our first meeting, the product of our love. Unfortunately, Queen Margaret was upset. Her son, Edmund was born a short time after Kendrick and she had not taken it well that her husband’s mistress had given birth to a healthy son as well under the same roof. So, with much prodding, Edward gave me the title of Duchess of Kent and all the estates that went with it, including Henstrige and this manor. The only thing wrong with it was that I was made to move here not too long after Kendrick was born. I was given a healthy income from the crown as well as servants and anything else I should require. Kendrick was allowed to come with me since he was too small to wean but his father demanded that after a certain age, he be returned to London to be raised. That broke my heart. I had hoped Edward and I could raise him together but we were not able to," she tearfully explained. The moisture residing in her eyes became a thick veil of wet film. "The day the garrison arrived to take him to London was the darkest day of my life. Kendrick was only five at the time but large for his age. I remember telling him to be good and do as his father instructed as I fixed the collar on his tunic. We stood watching the garrison grind to a halt and the captain read the proclamation that Kendrick, son of King Edward I, leave for London immediately to take his rightful place by the King’s side. There were tears in Kendrick’s eyes and I remember wiping them away. He looked at me and asked me not to cry. He was going to be a big strong man some day and marry a Queen so he could be royalty too. The fact of his illegitimacy always bothered him. Kendrick had always longed for a real home filled with parents who lived together and loved each other until the end of time. Now that his own child is coming, he wishes that for the child. Marry him and give your child a real sense of belonging. Let him be part of the child’s life. You cannot imagine the hurt when you cannot even see your own child grow up."
Isabeau heard every word from Matilda’s lips and it softened her heart toward Kendrick. For the first time, she saw the man beneath the rough exterior. "What about trust? I know his reputation…."
Matilda nodded. "Aye, I have heard it as well but you must understand something, Isabeau. Kendrick has never wanted anything in life as he has wants you. Even Bregonia could not turn his head as you have. I know my son and that is one of the traits I hold dearest to my heart. He is true when it comes to matters of the heart. If you marry him now, the trust will build later and so will the love."
"Does the King still visit you from time to time?"
The corners of Matilda’s soft mouth curled upwards as a slight blush stained her cheeks. "Aye. He visits monthly and we spend a few days in my chamber before he must return to court. But that is another story. Do not make up your mind tonight but take the time you will be here to decide. If you decide not to, I will ask Kendrick to send you back to Castile if you so desire. The only stipulation will be, however, the child must be left here."
Isabeau’s eyes widened. "Surely, you do not mean to be so cruel!"
"I am not being cruel, Isabeau. ‘Tis just I do not want my son going through the same agony I went through while he grew up. I think if you keep that in the forefront of your thoughts, the decision will be easy," Matilda stated mildly then rose from her chair and stretched. "’Tis getting late. I think I will retire for the evening. I would suggest you do the same."
Isabeau felt the tiredness creep into her bones. Without thinking, she agreed readily. "I will soon. I would like to watch the fire a bit more."
Matilda brushed a kiss on her forehead. "Do not make it too long." With that, Matilda took her leave. All was quiet except for the soft swish of the velvet cauda as it trailed out behind her.
Isabeau continued to stare at the flames while her hand absentmindedly traveled to her belly. I will make the right decision, she told the babe, for all three of us.
Chapter 17
Isabeau laid her head down but for some strange reason she could not quite get comfortable. Several times, she fluffed the pillow with a thought that it might help her. It did not. The mattress was comfortable, almost as comfortable as Kendrick’s bed but it was just not the same. I wish he was here, she told herself, otherwise I do not think I will be able to last a fortnight without sleep. She sighed heavily as she jammed a fist into the pillow. Somehow she must drift to the land of dreams. Thoughts, running like a raging river, flowed through the valley of her mind. What was she going to do about Kendrick? She did love him and wanted him as much as he wanted her. Could she trust him enough to give him her heart? He had proven himself several times yet she could take none of them into account. You must, she chided, and or else you will push away the only true love of your life. She sighed deeply. What was her decision to be?
Sleep eluded her most of the night as her thoughts turned to those of Kendrick. What was he doing at this moment? At Henstrige, she would be aware of his movements at every turn but now it felt strange that she knew nothing. Was he all right?
* * * *
The day passed with a slow speed despite the fact that she enjoyed Matilda’s company and laughed at quite a few stories of Kendrick when the King allowed him home to visit. Behind her smile, Isabeau yearned for the warmth of his arms and the delight of his laughter. Even though she was just one day away from him, she already felt the loss. Several times during one of her small talks with Matilda, she found her mind drifting away to thoughts of him. I must marry him, she told herself, for I do not know if I can take the pain of this forever. Part of her wanted to jump up and ask to return to Henstrige while part of her remained restrained. Which would win?
* * * *
The night passed pretty much the same and the day repeated itself. It was her third day at Matilda’s and Isabeau was no closer to a final decision than she was before. What would be the right one?
Glumly, she trudged up the stairs with the candle in her hand. Wafts of wind traveled down the narrow hallway and caused the flame to flicker. Shadows danced on the wall and she cupped her hand to the weak fire. She looked down the hall. Her chamber door was open. Isabeau halted and stared at it through narrowed eyes. Why was it open? Stop being silly, she told herself, the chambermaid probably neglected to close it when she left. She drew a deep breath. Aye, that is all it was.
Isabeau walked in with quick steps and immediately her eyes went to the open window. The hem of the tapestry flapped in the breeze and thumped softly against the wall. Chilly air swept in and her free arm rubbed her full one for warmth. I wish Kendrick were here. The bed would be so much warmer.
"Isabeau." The sound of the familiar voice jerked her from her thoughts and caused her to spin around so fast that she dropped her candle. Was that Kendrick?
Her gaze locked on the large bundle in the bed. "Kendrick, is that you?"
"Aye, that it is, Isabeau. I could not stay away from you any longer." Suddenly the moon peeped from under the clouds and bathed the room in a silver-white light. It gave her the chance to see him fully. He lay on his back with his hands laced behind his head and his eyes half closed. His midnight colored hair streamed out over the white pillows and his shoulders. Aside from his seductive smile, he wore nothing else.
Isabeau hurried to the window and looked out. "How did you get in here, Kendrick? It must be a least a few rods from the ground!" she exclaimed as her mind marveled at his ingenuity.
Desires Promise Page 25