“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
