“You’re very wise, Gilda. But be careful. It could be dangerous to be caught between the queen and Lothar.”
Gilda nodded. “As Lothar left for Rome the same day you and Chetwynd went to Aquis, you both avoided the return of the king and queen. Lothar has now returned for the Spring Assembly and so far has not caused any problems. Justin suspects this is the calm before the next storm. As much as I hate to admit it, he’s probably right. Lothar is no doubt as determined as ever to keep Queen Judith from advancing her claims for her son, Charles.”
With a grimace, Gilda said, “That’s enough of palace intrigue. I know Chetwynd will be impatient for us to join him, but tell me quickly about yourself, Isabel. Has it been a good winter for you?”
“Better than good. Chetwynd and I have had a great deal of time to become acquainted, and we are closer than ever. I do love him so.”
“I knew you’d be happy together.”
“And I love our home. Bosco has been training me to keep the accounts for the manor. He says he’s getting too old to do everything by himself. It’s satisfying work, and I have the support of Bosco’s wife. By the time Chetwynd goes off on his next campaign, I’ll be ready to manage the manor, with Bosco’s help, of course.”
“Do you have any idea where he will go?”
“Not yet, but Chetwynd told me the armies will be getting their assignments for the summer campaigns soon.”
Gilda lowered her eyes to Isabel’s waist and asked, “Isn’t there something else you wish to tell me?”
“You miss nothing.”
“I don’t have to be too observant. You didn’t have a stitch on when you greeted me.”
“I’m very excited, and so is Chetwynd. Even Jerome has come around. When he first heard I was with child, he scowled every time he saw Chetwynd. Jerome has always been very protective of me. But I guess he has observed that I’m healthy and happy and has accepted the inevitable.
“I have been teaching him to read. Jerome is a smart lad, and when he becomes frustrated with reading the Bible, I tempt him to work harder by bringing out the tales of Ovid. Father Ivo, our family priest, would have been proud of what I’m doing with the copies of the tales he gave me. He always said I’d be a good teacher. And what about you, Gilda, are you happy with your life?”
“I’m content. Sometimes I miss the convent, but there is a great deal of work to do here.”
“Have you taken your final vows yet?”
“No, not yet. I have been busy with my work in Aachen, and the abbess has not pushed me to take my vows. There is plenty of time to do that when I return to the convent.”
Isabel studied Gilda’s beautiful face, trying to read her thoughts. “Perhaps you will choose to return to the world and give up your nun’s robe.”
“I doubt that. I have a great deal of freedom when I wear my habit, and sometimes it gives me an advantage when I’m trying to help someone. Justin once accused me of using my vocation to influence the cases I plead before the bishops.”
“And do you?”
Gilda grinned. “Sometimes. I use whatever I need to win a case. But don’t tell your brother I admitted it. He can be insufferable.” Quickly changing the subject, she said, “Chetwynd’s waiting. Let’s go to the dining hall.”
AS ISABEL AND CHETWYND WAITED IN LINE TO greet King Louis and Queen Judith, Isabel whispered with her husband, telling him about her conversation with Gilda. “I think Justin and Gilda were made for each other.”
“You keep saying that, and you are dreaming, Isabel. You said she called him insufferable. And what about him? After embracing you in the dining hall, Justin frowned at Gilda and moved away. And before you and Gilda arrived, he was telling me it was time my sister returned to the convent and took her final vows.”
“Aha, I knew it. No doubt he wants her to make up her mind to leave the nunnery. In spite of what they say, I think they fancy each other.”
“Forget it,” Chetwynd advised. “I remember how nervous you were about meeting Queen Judith. Aren’t you nervous about meeting King Louis?”
“Maybe a little. But I already faced Lothar earlier, and that was probably the hardest thing I had to do. The last time I saw him was a very emotional time for me, and I wasn’t sure how I would react when we met again.”
“I admit it was a shock when Lothar went out of his way to stop by our table. I suspect he admires you, Isabel. He greeted you warmly, while he gave me only the briefest of acknowledgments.”
“I doubt I will ever understand the man,” Isabel said.
They had reached the royal couple, and Isabel studied King Louis as he was speaking to the noblewoman in front of her in line. Louis was shorter than the queen and looked old enough to be her grandfather. Nonetheless, his face had a serenity that suggested he was at peace with the world. It was easy to see why people called him Louis the Pious.
Isabel had been concentrating on the king and was surprised to hear the queen speak up. “Lady Isabel, how good to see you again. Your Majesty, this is Lord Chetwynd’s wife. I have told you about the assistance she gave me in my darkest hour.”
Isabel noticed that the queen’s smile was as bright as ever. For a minute it was easy to imagine that she had indeed helped the queen, instead of fleeing to Aquis
