Isabel gave him a tentative smile. “I like the sound of that, my lord.”
“Just one word of warning. The queen is good at using people. Be careful, my love.”
At hearing his use of the endearment, Isabel felt like her heart could fly. She would have thrown her arms around him, but he was already headed out the door. If he truly loved her, she knew she would be able to do anything.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
LADY ISABEL, PLEASE STAND STILL. IT’S difficult to help you into your gown when you keep moving out of my reach.”
“Marianna, this gown will never do. Let’s try another one.”
“You already tried on the only six gowns you have. Dark red is an attractive color on you, and the silk’s a fine quality. Sit down and let me adjust the covering for your hair.”
“Now that I think about it, I don’t believe red is an appropriate color for meeting the queen. I don’t want to wear a color that will offend.”
Marianna’s patience came to an end. “This is a deep red, darker than a ruby and almost brown. There is nothing wrong with the color. You’re making a fuss to delay meeting the queen.”
Isabel plopped down on the bench. “What do you suppose she wants of me? I suspect she’s eager to have a look at Lord Chetwynd’s country-bred wife. I’m not eager to be inspected.”
“You were nervous the first time you faced the soldiers in your father’s dining hall, then again when in the company of lords and ladies at the first manor we visited. Remember those occasions? You charmed everyone, including Lord Chetwynd.” Marianna struggled to confine Isabel’s hair under her head covering.
“I don’t think you can compare meeting lords and ladies with the queen, Marianna. What am I supposed to say? How should I act? I don’t think I can do this.”
Marianna took Isabel’s face in her hands and turned her head upwards so she could look directly into her eyes. “My lady, in my mind you are worth a dozen queens. I can’t give you advice, for I know nothing about royalty. But you, my lady, are resourceful. You figured out how to foil a band of kidnappers. You will figure out what to say and how to act when you meet the queen.”
Isabel stood up and hugged Marianna, kissing her on both cheeks before Marianna could pull away. “Now look what you’ve done, my lady. I’ll have to start over on your head covering.” In spite of her complaint, Marianna couldn’t hide her smile.
There was a brief knock, and Gilda rushed into the bedchamber. “Chetwynd is worried about you. I think he’s afraid you might not come. Isabel, you look lovely. That gown is a good choice.”
Marianna grinned and nodded at her words.
“Are you sure? I have a forest-green gown I could change into if this is the wrong color.”
Marianna sighed loudly and Gilda chuckled. “Are you stalling, Isabel? The gown you have on is just fine.”
“That’s easy for you to say, Gilda. You don’t have to worry about how to dress. I’d feel more comfortable in a plain brown habit.”
“It does have its advantages. No decisions to make in the morning. Come along, Isabel. Your husband awaits you.”
Isabel followed Gilda into the great hall where Queen Judith was receiving visitors. A long line of people waited their turn to greet the queen, and the two newcomers joined in at the end. Isabel was relieved to see her gown was not much different from those worn by the other noblewomen. The last thing she wanted to do was stand out in the crowd.
“We could move to the head of the line. After all, the queen expressed a wish to meet you, Isabel,” Gilda reminded her.
“I’d rather wait my turn.” She was in no hurry for the meeting. Maybe if she delayed long enough, Queen Judith would become tired and decide to take a rest. The possibility cheered her, and she took time to examine the crowd of people in front of her.
The large group was made up mostly of women. Although they were quietly talking among themselves, Isabel sensed an excited anticipation. Even the nuns were not immune to the flutter. It was hard for Isabel to reconcile their excitement with the fact that the queen had been banished to Saint Ives. Under the circumstances, the festive atmosphere seemed out of place.
Although Isabel could not catch a glimpse of the queen through the crowd, she saw that people at the front were being ushered over to a canopied area. She could hear introductions being made, and a soft, cultured voice speaking in reply. Some people stayed under the canopy only a minute, others longer, then each moved on to make room for the next person in line. Isabel hung back as long as possible, standing a little behind Gilda.
When she was finally close enough to see the queen, Isabel was unprepared for the sight of Chetwynd standing a little behind her. The fact that they shared the same fair coloring and handsome features made them seem like a matched pair. Isabel imagined Zeus and Hera could not have looked more royal sitting atop Mount Olympus. The thought made Isabel’s stomach knot uncomfortably.
Chetwynd stood still, his face expressionless and his body at attention. His eyes were the only things that moved, and Isabel pulled back a little so he wouldn’t notice her. She concentrated on watching the queen.
In contrast to Chetwynd, Queen Judith was animated, greeting each person warmly as though they were the only one in the room. Isabel could not tell if they were old friends or new acquaintances, as each received the same gracious smile. When Isabel moved nearer, she realized the queen said something personal to each one, asking
