“You know that doesn’t mean they don’t take strong action when they believe it’s necessary.”
“You’re right, and I won’t rule them out. Another possibility is Bernard of Septimania. As the king’s chamberlain, he works closely with the queen in managing domestic matters. I’ve thought about him a great deal since we left court. I suspect he was jealous that Judith sought my help on several occasions.”
“He’s jealous of more than that,” Ingram muttered.
Chetwynd couldn’t believe his ears. “What did you say?” Ingram ignored the question. “Bernard has a reputation for conspiracy. I wouldn’t put anything past him. I think he and Lothar are your most powerful enemies.”
Although his friend hadn’t overtly criticized him, Chetwynd couldn’t help but blame himself for the mistakes he made. Lothar, Bernard, or even one of the bishops could have reasons for acting against him.
“I admit I’ve made mistakes, Ingram. But it is unlikely any of the enemies we mentioned know of my marriage to Isabel. We have to look elsewhere for who might be involved in her kidnapping.”
“Could someone have followed us from Narbonne?”
“A possibility. In any case, it is clear that I need to do everything possible to keep Isabel safe.”
“Have you informed Lady Isabel you’re going to leave her at Saint Ives?” Ingram asked.
“No. And don’t look at me like that. I’m taking her to the Roman bath at Mainz. I promised her a surprise. I’ll have a chance to talk to her there and inform her of my decision.”
“Some surprise,” Ingram grumbled.
“The surprise is the visit to the bath,” Chetwynd said, trying to curb his growing irritation with his friend. “You know how impressed she is by Roman ingenuity.”
“You’re not going to be able to bribe her with a tour of the bath,” Ingram warned. “Lady Isabel will not look favorably upon being left behind.”
“A bribe is not what I had in mind,” Chetwynd snapped. But of course he had hoped to make her more receptive to his decision. “I just want to do something she’ll like. She’s been through a lot in the last two days. It should be easier to talk to her in a more relaxed setting, away from the convent.”
“I think I should come along. You’ll need someone to stand guard if you’re going to try the waters. You’ll be in a vulnerable position in several ways.” Ingram smirked at this thought and added, “We can leave Jerome here to keep an eye on things.”
“I was planning to ask you to come. I may need some moral support after telling Isabel I’m leaving her behind,” he admitted.
Ingram raised his eyebrow. “You’re asking me to help convince her?”
“Try to see my point of view, Ingram. I wouldn’t be suggesting Lady Isabel stay at Saint Ives if I didn’t think it necessary for her safety. She was lucky to have escaped from the kidnappers, but they may try again. And then there are my enemies at court. Gilda often protects and hides women. She will make sure Isabel is well cared for while we work on discovering who is behind the plot.”
Ingram hesitated, clearly considering his answer. “Lady Isabel has already proven she can take care of herself. Are you sure her safety is the only reason you’re abandoning her?”
His patience at an end, Chetwynd slammed his hand on the table, causing several heads to turn in his direction. “I’m not abandoning her!”
Ingram merely shrugged at the outburst. “Perhaps that’s too strong a word. But I fear that’s how Lady Isabel will view your decision.” Ingram paused again. “I shouldn’t be giving you personal advice, but I have become very fond of Lady Isabel. Just be sure you know what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. Then tell Isabel the whole truth.”
Ingram’s advice startled Chetwynd. In all the years they had been together, he couldn’t remember him ever advising him about personal matters. Although he suspected Ingram had not been happy about his involvement with Queen Judith, his friend had never said a word.
“It seems everyone has grown fond of Lady Isabel. First Jerome was smitten; now you stand up for her. I understand what you’re saying, Ingram. I promise I’ll do the best I can to make things clear to Isabel.”
Chetwynd knew Ingram had a point. He couldn’t put off telling Isabel the truth for much longer. She had already heard gossip about Queen Judith and himself.
“Tell the men they’re free to leave, Ingram. Then wait for me at the stables.”
Feeling the need for a quiet place to think, Chetwynd headed for the chapel. He and Isabel had missed the morning service. Kneeling, he said a prayer of thanks for Isabel’s safe return and sat back on the bench. When Ingram advised him to consider his true reasons for leaving Isabel behind, his friend was hinting that his involvement with Queen Judith might be influencing his decision.
Whatever Ingram might think, Chetwynd no longer had any feelings for the queen beyond the sympathy he felt for her situation. She was a young and beautiful woman married to a much older man who had deserted their marriage bed. The king spent his time and energy on religious retreats, leaving Queen Judith on her own to protect her young son’s birthright. When she sought Chetwynd out, he had been eager to help, and later flattered when she invited him into her bed. Even then he had known he wasn’t the only one she had granted this boon.
In the garden at Narbonne, he had told Isabel that he had an attachment, when in fact his relationship with Judith was over. But rumors died hard, and his career had been hurt by his involvement with the queen. He had selfishly believed that having a wife would put an end to the gossip. What Chetwynd hadn’t thought about was the danger from enemies he had made while helping the queen.
If he had cause before the kidnapping to suspect he had done Isabel
