Gilda watched the effect that Justin’s argument had on the two powerful men. They had been sure they had the evidence they needed to obtain their goal. But now the bishop’s smirk was gone, and he appeared thoughtful.
“You’ll return to the convent and question Lady Mariel?” Cedric asked.
“Yes. We have more information now and should be able to determine what is behind Lady Mariel’s flight. I know that you are impatient to have things settled, but the archbishop is going to want to know all the facts. I sincerely believe it’s in your best interest to allow us to continue our investigation.”
Gunthar wasn’t ready to give in completely. “You talked with Philip, and you’ve heard what we believe. You must credit that there is merit to our suspicions.”
“I learned a long time ago that things are not always what they seem, your grace. You may have reason to be suspicious, but I don’t believe you should act on suspicion alone. A young man’s life is at stake here. As I said before, someone who has no personal interest in the outcome of the investigation can most forcefully present the facts. That’s why we were appointed in the first place. I assure you we will find the truth and report it to the archbishop.”
Justin’s words were met by silence, and Gilda held her breath. When the bishop nodded to the count, she knew Justin had won them over to his view. She prayed they would stay convinced until she and Justin had a chance to talk to Mariel.
“I will leave the situation in your hands, Lord Justin,” Cedric conceded. “But I can’t tell you how upset I am by this betrayal. I have always treated Philip as a brother, in spite of the fact that we have different mothers.”
“Try and keep an open mind, my lord,” Justin urged. “If you love your brother, you will surely want to believe him innocent until proven otherwise. His future is at stake.”
“Of course, you are right,” Cedric replied, attempting to sound sincere.
Back in their chambers once again, Gilda watched Justin pace the floor. “What’s the matter, Justin?”
“I don’t like the way things are working out. Gunthar is prepared to brand Lady Mariel and Philip adulterers and win Cedric his annulment. The count seems prepared to go along with him. I have stalled them from acting for a while, but I’m not sure how long they will be patient. If Cedric really cared for Philip, I’d feel better. What do you think?”
“I don’t know. Sometimes I think Cedric is sincere in his regard for his brother. He gives you all the right answers. Other times I feel he is playing a game. He’s much more skilled than the bishop at hiding his feelings.”
“What bothers me most, Gilda, is that what they say may be true. You said Mariel was worried she was pregnant.”
“Yes, but I think you’re right to want to wait until we can talk to Mariel. There have already been several surprises in this case, and I’m still suspicious of the count.”
Later, when Chetwynd arrived in their chambers, he found Gilda and Justin in a thoughtful mood. “New developments in the investigation?” he asked in a cheerful tone.
“You might say that. Tell us about your visit with Lord Metcalf. Gilda and I need a distraction.”
“The old warrior may be on his last legs, but he greeted me warmly. Mostly I think he wanted someone to talk to about the good old days when Charlemagne was alive. He said things were simpler when there was a strong leader in charge. He made me nostalgic for the old days I never experienced.”
“We were led to believe he is on his death bed,” Gilda said as she watched her brother settling himself on a bench and stretching out his long legs. “That’s why he is now eager to find a husband for Lady Emma.”
“Metcalf didn’t appear well. He has a lot of scars and is a bit hard to look at until you get used to him. His energy faded as we talked, and I was afraid to stay too long.”
Justin nodded. “That fits with what we have heard. Did you see Lady Emma?”
“I hinted several times that I’d like an introduction, but old Metcalf ignored me. She didn’t seem to be anywhere around. But as I was leaving the manor, I came upon a group of peasants tanning some hides. It’s a skill I admire, so I stayed to watch for a while. While I was there a beautiful woman on a magnificent horse raced by. One of the men muttered about another sighting of Lady Emma. I understood that I had seen the lady of the manor.”
Gilda perked up at his words. “A beautiful woman? Brother Arnulf said she has thirty years and keeps to herself. Tell us more.”
“I only had a glimpse, but her hair had come loose from its covering, and its russet color reminded me of turning leaves. Her face was lively with excitement. The lady was not alone.” Chetwynd dropped the last tantalizing aside with a satisfied smirk.
“You seem to have surmised a lot from what you call a glimpse,” Gilda said.
“Lady Emma didn’t even glance in my direction. I would say she was completely preoccupied, and the man she was with was equally engaged.”
“Are you trying to tell us that you think Lady Emma has a lover?” Justin asked.
“I don’t believe it,” Gilda said. “You’re making it up, Chetwynd.”
Her brother was laughing. “I thought you might be surprised. I spoke with the peasants about her. They were reluctant to speak at first, but one of the young women confirmed Lady Emma’s identity. It seems the change in the lady of the manor has surprised them all. Apparently, she has become quite animated of late.”
“If she has a lover, that doesn’t necessarily change what we know of the situation,” Justin pointed out. “Her father was
