There was also his assignment on the Spanish March, far removed from the palace. She wondered if Justin had played a part in the drama.
“My lady, are you all right?” Marianna asked.
“Yes, I’m fine, Marianna. You’ve given me a lot to think about. Now go to sleep.”
“The women think you are much better for him, my lady. Henny has known him since he came to court, and she says . . .”
Isabel interrupted her. “Yes, I’m sure she has a lot to say, Marianna, but I’ve heard enough for one evening. I appreciate you telling me what you heard. Don’t concern yourself. Lord Chetwynd was very open about the matter, so I knew there was someone.”
“Aye, that’s why I told you. You know I’m not one to repeat gossip.”
“I know that. Now please go to sleep.”
“I didn’t mean to upset you, my lady.”
Isabel sighed, rolled over, and pulled a blanket over her head. What had she gotten herself into? Not only was Chetwynd involved with the queen, but he had also made a powerful enemy of at least one of the king’s sons. It was no wonder that the guests at the monastery were so surprised by his marriage.
Then another thought struck her. She rolled toward Marianna, who had already fallen asleep, and shook her arm.
“What? What is it?” Marianna asked in a sleepy voice.
“Does Ingram have a wife?”
“Yes. Hannah. You woke me up to ask me that?”
“Was she at supper? Did I see her?”
“No. She was tired. Said she was awakened in the middle of last night by an intruder.”
Isabel grinned in the dark. “Go back to sleep, Marianna.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
THE JOURNEY PRESENTED A NEW CHALLENGE the following morning when the travelers awoke to heavy rains. At first Isabel, still warmly wrapped in her blankets, enjoyed the sound of the steady beat of rain on the tent. If she could have stayed under cover, she would have been happy. But it was soon evident by the moans and groans of the women around her that staying in bed was not an option. Marianna was already digging out what protective wear she could find in the bundles of spare clothing.
Preparations for departure were accomplished with speed and efficiency. The tents were struck only after everything else had been done. Isabel wore a heavy wool cape with a deep hood that shielded her face and made it difficult to move. Jerome, quick to observe the problem, came to help her mount her horse. When she thanked him, she was rewarded with his now familiar smile.
He was the only one in good spirits. The rest of the men and women, no doubt afraid their journey would be delayed by bad weather, wore long faces. As they rode, the pelting rain drowned out all other sounds, and the darkness of the forest enveloped the riders.
The privacy of the rain-drenched ride gave Isabel a chance to think about what Marianna had told her the night before. Queen Judith’s reputation had reached legendary proportions. Although the most popular stories were about her physical beauty and numerous lovers, there were also tales that reflected better on her character.
The queen was said to support artists and urge education for everyone. Her efforts were compared to those of King Charles, now called Charlemagne by his admiring subjects. Queen Judith’s reputation made it hard to imagine her as a real person. Isabel wondered how Chetwynd had come to be one of her lovers.
The fact that a man loved a woman other than his wife was not unusual. Marriages were arranged to benefit families and provide heirs with little concern given to the compatibility of the marriage partners. But Isabel could not believe Chetwynd would enjoy the notoriety of being in love with a legend. In the short time she had known him, his temper had flared several times when his privacy was threatened. He did not seem a man who would appreciate being the source of gossip.
Deep in thought, Isabel was surprised when Ingram suddenly reined in beside her. He leaned close so that he could be heard over the rain. “Sorry, my lady, I didn’t mean to startle you. We are stopping for the night at a manor house outside of Arles. It’ll take another hour, perhaps two, to get there. I hope traveling in the rain isn’t too difficult for you. Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable?”
“No, thank you, Ingram. But it will be nice to sit in front of the fire and dry out.”
“We’re all looking forward to a warming fire, my lady. I think you will enjoy the manor house we’re visiting. Lord Herbert and Lady Evaline are gracious hosts, and there are likely to be many guests. Our original plan was to go farther and spend another night camping, but we’ll be stopping early because of the rain. Chetwynd is well acquainted with our hosts, and it should be a pleasant stop for you.”
Isabel beamed, pleased that Ingram had taken the time to speak with her and tell her what to expect. Each day she felt more comfortable in his presence.
Wishing for a little extra assurance that Ingram was married, she asked, “Did your wife sleep better last night?”
Ingram seemed surprised at her words, then grinned. “I think she did, my lady.”
Because of this exchange, Isabel was in fine spirits when they arrived at their destination. The manor was much statelier than the one in which Isabel had grown up, and she had been given a spacious room. The first thing she did was to bathe. Then she relaxed as Marianna dried her hair by the fire, gently brushing the tangles from Isabel’s many curls.
“Ingram told me there are likely to be many guests in the great hall tonight, Marianna. Apparently our host enjoys entertaining. I don’t want to make the same mistake I did at the monastery. We need to
