As Chetwynd arose from the hard pew, he spotted his sister seated at the back of the chapel. Gilda smiled at him, and they left the chapel together.
“You seemed deep in prayer, or perhaps thought. I waited for you to finish,” she explained. “How is Lady Isabel today?”
“She’s recovering quickly,” he replied, thinking about the energy she’d displayed in bed. “I’m taking her to the Roman bath at Mainz.”
Chetwynd took Gilda’s arm and guided her to the walkway around the cloister garden. There were few people around, but Chetwynd kept his voice low and his eyes alert for eavesdroppers.
“As I’m sure you’ve heard, we’ve delayed our journey for a day. I believe Isabel should stay at the convent with you until I can assess the situation at court. I fear she may still be in danger.”
When Gilda halted, he had to turn to face her. “Are you sure that’s the best plan?” she asked. “I think she would prefer to be with you.”
“Yes, I think it’s for the best,” he replied with a patience he didn’t feel. “There are too many people who could have reason to harm Isabel just to spite me.”
Gilda shrugged, and they started walking again. Both were quiet while two nuns passed them by. Then Gilda said, “We had a long talk last night, Chetwynd. Isabel told me you plan to have your marriage annulled. I found it hard to believe. When you came to her room last night, I saw the expression on your face. Marianna and I left you alone to care for her.”
Gilda didn’t continue, but Chetwynd knew the question she was asking. “I’m surprised Isabel told you about us, although I guess I shouldn’t be. She is very frank, and I know you’re a good listener. Our marriage is still not consummated, Gilda.”
His sister nodded. “I’m already fond of Isabel. I wouldn’t want her hurt.”
Chetwynd interrupted her before she could continue. “Please believe me, I don’t want that either.”
“I do believe you, Chetwynd. But you didn’t let me finish. I don’t want you hurt either. Be sure you don’t do anything to destroy what you have found with Lady Isabel. She is not Theresa, you know.”
Moved by her concern for him, Chetwynd embraced his sister. “I’m well aware of the fact that Isabel is nothing like Theresa. I will come back for her. Remember that, and reassure her if you think it’s necessary.”
When Chetwynd finally returned to her room, Isabel couldn’t hide her relief. He had been gone for so long that she had been afraid he had changed his mind about their outing.
“Sorry for the delay, Isabel. You look fresh and rested. I see you have managed to hide most of the bruise on your face.” He grinned at her as he leaned forward to take a closer look.
“Marianna found what she calls powder. I suspect it’s baking flour. Where are we going?”
“There’s a Roman bath nearby. I believe you mentioned you’d like to see one.”
Isabel’s mouth fell open, but no sound came out. She rushed forward, about to throw her arms about his neck, then almost as quickly pulled back.
Sorry that he had made her feel self-conscious about touching him, Chetwynd smiled to put her at ease. “Ingram offered to accompany us. Although it’s not far, it’s best to be cautious.”
Isabel had hoped they could be alone, but she understood Chetwynd’s concern for safety. Later, as they rode away from Saint Ives, she felt like a falcon set free to soar across the sky.
“The bath is on the outskirts of Mainz, straight ahead and up that slope,” Chetwynd said.
“I’ll race you,” she answered. Without waiting for a reply, she urged her horse in the direction he had pointed.
Isabel had not exaggerated her ability to ride a horse. Chetwynd remembered how outraged she had been that first night when he suggested she would slow the progress of their journey.
Chetwynd rolled his eyes and spoke to Ingram. “So much for safety. Keep guard at our backs.”
It only took a minute to catch up with Isabel, and Chetwynd had to smile at the determination on her face as she leaned over her horse’s head, urging him on.
They galloped their horses like children who had been released from their lessons. When Chetwynd pulled ahead of her, Isabel laughed at the sight of his golden hair flying out behind him. She’d noticed he seldom wore a helmet to cover it. They soon left the discreet Ingram far behind.
Only upon approaching Mainz did they slow their horses and stop at the impressive stone building that housed the bath. Chetwynd helped Isabel from her horse, and they climbed the wide stairs to enter on the top level. Once the heavy wooden door closed behind them, it was dark inside.
When Isabel’s eyes adjusted to the dim interior, she saw that the upper floor was a walkway around a square opening. Over an ornate railing, they could look down upon the pool of water located below them.
Leaning over the railing, Isabel stared down at the dimly lit green bath. She found it difficult to see the bathers. Clouds of steam swirled above the waters, and figures moved in and out of view. Light flickered from torches mounted on the walls. The steady murmur of pumping water added to the flickering light, and rising steam gave the impression of a mysterious underworld. Isabel was mesmerized, and Chetwynd had to grasp her arm to pull her along.
“The changing rooms are this way. Would you like to try the waters?”
“Are women allowed in the bath?” Even as Isabel followed
