“From here it’s easy to forget the palace is so large,” Isabel said over her shoulder.
“That’s one of the reasons I like these rooms. Does Aachen meet your expectations?” he asked.
“In some ways it does. But I didn’t expect to be overwhelmed. The sheer size is startling, and in the bailey the area was so crowded.”
“It takes some getting used to. Most people are overwhelmed at first.” He turned her to face him. “I hate to leave you so soon, but I think I should join Justin and find out the latest news about the queen. Why don’t you take a little rest, and I’ll be back as soon as possible. If you like, we can visit the marketplace before vespers.”
“Oh yes, I’d like that.” She moved into his arms, and they held each other tightly for a few minutes. Isabel felt uneasy in the strange place and was reluctant to let him go, but she knew it would be unreasonable to object. After he gave her a long and comforting kiss, she murmured, “Hurry back.”
Marianna had given them some time to themselves, but as soon as Chetwynd departed, she rushed into the bedchamber. “Tell me everything that happened, my lady. What was Aquis like? Did it hurt to lose your maidenhead? Was Justin very angry with Chetwynd? Did they fight?”
“Give me a minute, Marianna. Help me remove my head covering. Then I’ll answer your questions.”
With her hair free, Isabel sat on the bed she planned to share later with her husband, and Marianna pulled a bench close to her. “Aquis is a lovely manor, Marianna. There is a valley with a vineyard, and the grapes were being harvested while I was there. It’s well managed by a friendly couple who made me feel at home. Their names are Gertrude and Bosco, and I know you’ll like them.”
“I can’t wait to see it, my lady.”
Isabel yawned and stretched before continuing. “When Justin arrived at Aquis, he was very angry, but he and Chetwynd did not come to blows. Chetwynd suggested that Justin might have foreseen that we would make a match when he asked Chetwynd to bring me to court. Of course Justin objected to that idea and questioned us endlessly. In the end, he accepted the marriage and gave his blessing.”
Isabel lay back and closed her eyes, smiling as she remembered the scene. Although Justin had been irate, she couldn’t imagine the two men coming to blows.
“And what about the other?” Marianna urged impatiently.
Isabel knew exactly what she wanted to know. “Oh yes, the other. Chetwynd was very considerate, Marianna.”
Her maid frowned at her words. “You don’t mean to tell me nothing happened, do you?”
Isabel laughed. “Oh, something happened. Several times. I just meant he was gentle. The ointment we brought worked well, and I owe Emma thanks for supplying it and you for reminding me it was there.”
Marianna nodded her satisfaction. “He’ll make a wonderful husband, my lady. I can tell just by seeing the two of you together.”
“I’m sure you’re right.” Isabel studied Marianna, and realized she had acquired a more confident air since they left Narbonne. “Now tell me about your time here, Marianna. I find Aachen rather daunting. What are your impressions?”
“I was most uneasy when I first arrived. There were so many people everywhere. But the very first night, at supper, I found Henny. Do you remember the serving woman from our journey? She works in the kitchen when she’s here, and she made me feel welcome. After I met her again, she put me to work helping her so I’d learn about the place. I relaxed a bit after that.”
“I’m glad you had someone familiar to show you around, Marianna.”
“Would you like me to help you change out of those dusty clothes and have a wash before Chetwynd returns?”
As Marianna lovingly attended Isabel, she described the huge kitchen and the large number of women who worked there. “It’s friendly enough, my lady, although Henny warned me to be careful what I say. Gossip travels fast. Of course right now the queen is the main topic of conversation. There is also a great deal of lamenting over the death of the nun Gerberga. She was popular with the women, my lady.”
“Yes, Gilda said as much. Is there any hint that the queen will be returning to the palace soon?”
“I wouldn’t be at all surprised. King Louis returned from his retreat and is now gone from the palace. Some say he has gone to fetch the queen home.”
“King Louis is not at Aachen?” This news made Isabel uneasy. “Justin and Chetwynd have gone to report to him, Marianna.”
“Well they won’t find him, my lady. Lothar is here, and from what I hear he is in a foul mood. The women say that Lothar hates his stepmother, and is cross because she is due back at court. They all wish he’d return to his own palace in Rome.”
Isabel marveled at the way Marianna talked so easily about the most powerful people in the empire. “You seem to have learned a great deal in a short time.”
“I keep my ears open and my mouth shut. The serving women talk a great deal, but they are careful to check who is around. Henny is trusted by many, and she is open with me.”
“What did you hear about Gerberga?”
“When the nun was thrown into the dungeon, everyone assumed she would be released without harm. Apparently it was not the first time Gerberga had been seized. However, this time King Louis was away from the palace, and her supporters couldn’t
