“King Louis is bringing the queen back to Aachen, and they may arrive tomorrow. I know this because the queen sent Gilda on ahead.”
“Gilda is here in Aachen?”
“Yes, I saw her in the church. It seems Judith has cultivated a friendship with Gilda since we left Saint Ives. Gilda told me all about it as we walked in the garden at the nun’s residence.”
“You have been busy, haven’t you? I’m surprised Gilda is here. She is almost as impulsive as you are. I hope she isn’t getting into any trouble.” Chetwynd noticed that Isabel looked away from his eyes.
“What is it, Isabel? What is my sister up to?” he demanded.
“Gilda changed out of her habit and went to the great hall with me. Her idea was to keep a low profile. But Justin found us, and he, like you, was upset that I hadn’t stayed in your quarters. Gilda distracted him, and I slipped away to find Marianna. Neither one knows where I am, but Marianna can tell them if need be.”
“Dear Lord in heaven. Gilda has become involved in this as well?”
“She has been involved since she delivered your letter to Queen Judith,” Isabel reminded him. “Did you know that Gilda and Justin never met? She’s a beautiful woman, and I think Justin took notice of that fact.”
“Isabel, Gilda is a nun.”
“She didn’t look like a nun. You should have seen her out of her habit. She told me she stayed at the convent because she enjoys teaching the children. She could change her mind and leave if she wished. She keeps a set of clothes in Aachen so she can move about without anyone knowing she is a nun.”
Chetwynd shook his head. “She’s just as bad as you are. But don’t even think of matching her with Justin. He’s involved with Lady Lilith.”
“But Lady Lilith isn’t interested in marriage. You told me that. Don’t you think if she loved him she would marry him?”
“There is her children’s inheritance to think of. She is protecting them by not marrying again.”
“Lady Lilith should trust Justin to protect her children.”
“I have no idea where you get your ideas. Forget about Gilda and Justin. Tell me what you two discovered while you were deceiving everyone.”
“I saw Lothar in the great hall. He didn’t seem angry, Chetwynd, but we watched him and he was drinking quite a bit.”
Chetwynd stiffened. “You didn’t approach him or show yourself, did you?”
“No, no, of course not. Gilda and I stayed well out of his sight. Not that he would recognize us, but we didn’t even take the chance that someone would point us out to him.”
“Good. Isabel, these are dangerous times. One nun has already been executed, and Lothar seems determined to prove he is in control. If Justin doesn’t succeed in freeing me tomorrow, promise me you’ll return to Aquis and wait for me there.”
“I can’t promise that, Chetwynd. It would cause me such distress to be so far away while you are in here. Please don’t ask me to do that.”
“You are driving me mad. My God, I love you, Isabel. All right, I won’t ask that of you. But stay close to Justin.”
They held each other silently for a while. “Would you like me to tell you about the garden I walked in with Gilda?”
Chetwynd smiled at her attempt to distract him from his worries. “Yes, I’d like to hear about it.”
“The garden is behind the walls of the nun’s residence, and it’s a maze with lots of paths. But the best part was the herb garden where we sat and talked as the smell of mint drifted up to us. I think I’d like to plant an herb garden at Aquis, Chetwynd. Just outside the kitchen door. I don’t think Gertrude has one. I’ll have a bench built and we can sit on it together.”
“I’d like that, my love. Perhaps I should forget about finding the culprit behind your kidnapping. As soon as I’m free, we can return to Aquis together. Let Justin seek out the answers for us.”
Isabel beamed her pleasure. “Do you really mean that?”
“Yes. We can stay there until the Spring Assembly. All I want to do is spend as much time as possible with you.”
They were staring into each other’s eyes when they heard voices. Isabel had promised she would leave at once, and she gave Chetwynd one last kiss. By the time they sprang to their feet, they realized it was not the guard at the door.
“What do we have here?” Lothar asked as he strode into the cell, a self-satisfied grin on his smug face.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
ISABEL WAS TOO STUNNED TO DO MORE than stare at Lothar. From the smirk on his face, it was clear that he found the situation amusing. When Chetwynd moved to stand in front of her, shielding her body with his own, she lost sight of Lothar.
Two burly guards crowded into the small cell, forcing Chetwynd to back Isabel up against the wall to keep some distance between himself and the guards. She tried to peer around him, but his bulk made it impossible to see what was happening. However, there was no mistaking the menace in Lothar’s voice.
“I have to congratulate you, Lord Chetwynd. Even in the dungeon you manage to find a woman to service you. I wonder what the queen would think of your ability to attract women. But then I guess she already knows about your attractions.”
In spite of the provoking taunts, Chetwynd knew how important it was to keep his temper in check. “This is an innocent maid who brought me some food. Let her be on her way, and I’ll answer your questions, Lothar.”
“An innocent maid. Did we arrive too soon? Let’s have a look at the obliging wench.”
Realizing there was no point in trying to
