“Are you feeling warmer?” Chetwynd whispered in her ear.
His breath tickled her, and Isabel almost gasped her pleasure. Instead she pulled herself out of his arms. “Yes, thank you.” She realized how hoarse her voice sounded and grimaced.
Chetwynd resented the separation and cursed himself for asking the question. He leaned forward and brushed her lips with his own.
Isabel turned away, afraid he might be able to tell how much she wanted to be back in his arms. She didn’t think she could bear a repeat of the previous night. “I’m very tired, my lord.”
Chetwynd was tempted to toss caution to the wind and have one deep, satisfying kiss. But he suspected one kiss would not be enough. There were too many obstacles in the way of doing more. He still hadn’t explained about Lady Pacilla and the complications facing them once they reached the king’s palace. He had no desire to open that topic.
“Of course. It’s been a long day,” he said.
Chetwynd led the way back to camp, going slowly so Isabel wouldn’t stumble. He was careful not to touch her again until they were about to part. Only then did he dare put his hand to her face for a brief caress.
When Isabel closed her eyes at his touch, he leaned forward and whispered, “I should sleep better tonight. I spent last night on the floor beside Ingram and his wife. They both snore.”
Isabel’s eyes and mouth flew open. Chetwynd grinned and said, “Sleep well.” He moved away quickly.
As Isabel settled into her bedroll, she thought about Chetwynd’s last words to her. He seemed to be telling her that he had not left her bed for that of another. She wondered if he was telling the truth. He had no reason to lie, and the surprising fact was that he even bothered to explain himself.
Chetwynd might be in love with someone else, but he also had feelings for her, she was sure of it. She remembered Marianna’s words about how she looked at Chetwynd, and she suspected it was similar to the longing she saw in his eyes.
Stretching her limbs, Isabel remembered how she had lain beside Chetwynd the night before. She missed him. But if she was correct and Chetwynd did desire her, there was a chance that he would one day again find his way to her bed.
“My lady,” Marianna whispered from behind her.
Isabel willed herself to be silent and pretend to be asleep. She was not ready to confide her feelings to anyone, and even if she had wanted to, there were others nearby. The women did not need more to gossip about. She was sure there would be speculation about the fact that she wasn’t sleeping with her husband.
But Marianna was not to be put off. “I know you’re not asleep, my lady. I learned something today I think I should tell you.”
Isabel still did not answer, and Marianna continued. “Don’t worry about the other women. They’re fast asleep.”
The snores and deep breathing around the tent confirmed her words. Isabel gave in to her curiosity and turned to face her companion. “I’m listening, Marianna. What did you learn?”
“Well, it’s something I think you should know,” Marianna repeated, hesitating now that she had Isabel’s attention.
Isabel could just make out Marianna’s face in the firelight that came through the opening in the tent. She could see her anxious expression and knew she was stalling.
“You have my attention now. What is it, Marianna?”
“You know how you told me Lord Chetwynd is in love with someone else?”
Isabel felt her heart jump. She was suddenly alert and prompted Marianna. “Yes, I told you that. Have you learned something?”
“I know who she is. The women were gossiping about it. They were saying they thought you are a much better match for him. In their opinion he was infatuated with the other.”
“Yes, I’m sure they had lots to say. Who is she?”
“They don’t believe it was ever true love, but rather a young man being used by a woman married to an older husband. You know, for the pleasure he could give.”
Isabel groaned. Marianna’s stalling was driving her mad. She spoke as sternly as she could manage in a whispered voice. “Marianna, tell me what you know about the woman now.”
Marianna took a deep breath and said, “It’s the queen. Queen Judith.”
Isabel was speechless. Could the serving women be playing a joke on Marianna? she wondered. She herself had heard many rumors about the queen. Her incredible beauty was often mentioned. The fact that she was much younger than King Louis made her a prime target for gossip.
Isabel knew that Lady Winifred had certain theories about the royal household that she shared with anyone who would listen. Her grandmother had suggested that most of the rumors about Queen Judith had been made up to discredit her. Isabel remembered Lady Winifred saying, “The queen has many enemies. Her three stepsons and the old bishops are terrified of a woman who is willing to fight for the rights of her son. I’m sure they are behind the scandalous tales.”
Was it possible that Chetwynd was involved with the queen? She was beautiful, and the rumors spoke of many lovers. Isabel knew Chetwynd had spent time at court. She could imagine any woman, even a queen, being attracted to him.
“What else did you hear, Marianna?”
“Sarah believes Lord Chetwynd is in danger for supporting the queen. Lothar has a wicked temper and spoke out against Lord Chetwynd at the Spring Assembly. That’s the reason that such a fine knight as Lord Chetwynd was sent to the Spanish March.”
Her new friends had certainly filled Marianna’s ear, Isabel thought. If Queen Judith and Lord Chetwynd were lovers, it would explain a great deal. He had said more than
