They heard the sound of a horse, but Justin still didn’t release her. “Say yes,” he demanded.
Gilda nodded, and he quickly slid her back onto her own horse. When Arnulf rode into sight, Gilda was settling herself in her saddle. The monk didn’t say a word but turned back so they could follow him to Mainz.
Both Justin and Gilda breathed a sigh, but their relief was short-lived. In the courtyard of Mainz the porter who took their horses told them that Leonardo had returned and Lord Chetwynd was with him.
“You were so sure that Chetwynd would approve the match by letter,” Gilda whispered as they rushed up the narrow staircase to their chambers. “Whatever did you say to him that brought him here?”
“I gave him a detailed account of how the betrothal came about. Under the circumstances I can’t imagine why he would have a problem approving the match.”
But Justin remembered the outrage he felt when Chetwynd married his sister Isabel, tricking their father into believing that Justin had approved the match. He told himself the circumstances were different. Chetwynd had been warming Queen Judith’s bed a few months before he married Isabel. At the time there was plenty of reason for him to be upset with Chetwynd.
When they entered the outer chamber of their apartment, Chetwynd and Leonardo stood up. Chetwynd’s face gave no hint of his feelings, but his greeting was cool.
“This is a pleasant surprise, Chetwynd,” Gilda said.
“Is it? I’d like to speak with you alone, Gilda.”
Leonardo, who had been talking with Chetwynd, disappeared quickly, but Justin moved closer and spoke in a controlled voice. “I’m the one who wrote the message that brought you here, Chetwynd. I think I should be with you when you talk to Gilda. I remember a similar situation a year ago. At that time, I spoke with you and Isabel together.”
“Isabel and I were married, Justin. And Isabel was not a nun. I really don’t think you can compare the situations. I want to be sure you are not using Gilda. You are a skilled manipulator and have a way of working situations to your advantage. Gilda has led a sheltered life.”
Justin exploded. “You pompous ass. Do you really think I’d be able to manipulate Gilda, even if I wanted to? She may have grown up in a convent, but she knows people and has no trouble holding her own. Don’t forget her work with abandoned women. She even shed her habit when you were stupid enough to get yourself thrown in the dungeon. Gilda can take care of herself. She doesn’t need you rushing to her rescue.”
Chetwynd didn’t even try to hide his grin. “You used to have such an even temper, Justin, and often lectured me on keeping my own. I wonder what has happened to change that.”
Realizing that Chetwynd was enjoying the situation, Justin’s anger fled. “You provoked me on purpose. Is that why you rode all this way, to have a bit of revenge?”
“Not just to provoke you, but it was satisfying,” Chetwynd replied. “The reason I came is that my wife believes you have been infatuated with Gilda since you met her. I never believed it, but now I’m beginning to wonder. The betrothal you described in your letter sounds like something invented as an excuse to enhance your fascination with Gilda.”
Justin wondered if there was some truth in Chetwynd’s words and forced himself to relax. “I explained how that happened. It wasn’t planned, if that’s what you mean.”
“I believe you, Justin. Who would plan such a foolish sequence? But I’d still like to speak to Gilda alone.”
Justin looked at Gilda. She had stepped away to let them have their say. There was no reason why he should object to Chetwynd’s request, but he worried about it nonetheless.
Justin and Chetwynd had been friends since they were boys, and Chetwynd seemed to know what Justin was thinking. “I’m not against anything there might be between you and Gilda, Justin. Give me a few minutes alone with Gilda.”
After Justin left, Chetwynd chuckled and embraced his sister. “He’s not at all sure he wants me to talk to you.”
They had always been close, but Gilda couldn’t approve his approach to the situation. “You were a little hard on Justin, my lord.”
“I know. He always takes everything so seriously, and I grew up being envious of his control. I couldn’t help provoking him a bit.”
“Is that the only reason you came, to have a little fun at Justin’s expense?” Gilda asked.
Chetwynd’s eyebrow rose. “You’ve been influenced by Justin. Getting right to the point is his method.” He drew her to sit beside him on a bench.
“I came because I’m worried about you, Gilda. Before I met Isabel, I made some serious mistakes with the women I became involved with. But now I know what it’s like to find a woman I can love with all my heart and soul.
“Betrothals are entered into for all kinds of reasons, and they seldom have anything to do with love. Many of them work well. But you already have a satisfying life in the convent, Gilda. I’ve seen you there, and I know about the work you do. You were a great comfort to me when I needed it. Don’t leave that life unless you are sure you have found something that will be as satisfying.”
As Gilda put her hand on her brother’s face, she could feel the tears filling her eyes. “That’s a beautiful speech, Chetwynd. Thank you for coming all this way to make it,” she whispered.
Chetwynd was surprised at her tears. He’d never seen his calm, levelheaded sister cry. “Don’t do that, Gilda,” he begged, pulling her close.
“I’m just moved, Chetwynd. I know the kind of marriage you and Isabel share. Everyone around you can tell how you feel about each other, and it’s a wonder to see. I won’t marry unless I’m sure I’ll have the same.”
Chetwynd nodded. “Justin is a good man,
