“He came to comfort you.” When Mariel nodded, the abbess continued. “When Philip was lying with you, did you remove your clothes?”
Mariel’s face lifted at that. “No, certainly not.”
“This is important, Mariel. Did Philip remove your clothes?”
“No, why would he do that?”
Gilda’s mouth fell open. Was it possible that all Philip did was sleep beside Mariel?
The abbess continued her questioning. “Mariel, did your mother tell you how a child is conceived?”
“My mother died when I was young, but my father’s sister talked to me. She said a child would come after I lay with my husband.” Mariel seemed puzzled by the direction of the questioning.
“It’s not quite that simple, Mariel. Were there not animals where you lived? Did you not see them coming together?”
“Holy Mother, those are animals. Humans would never do such a thing,” Mariel said, smiling confidently.
Gilda sighed with relief, but she wanted to make sure there was no mistake this time. “Mariel, neither you nor Philip removed any of your clothes?”
“Of course not. We were also wrapped in blankets.”
Gilda’s admiration for Abbess Ermguerrd grew even greater, if that were possible. Although Gilda had known the education of a woman about to marry was often sadly neglected, it had never occurred to her that Mariel would take her aunt’s words so literally. But of course, it made all the sense in the world. Gentlewomen were often protected from the realities of life.
While Gilda sat there grinning, the abbess hid her own smile and spoke to Mariel. “Sister Freda will give you the information that you should have received before you were married. After you understand the situation, we’ll talk again about your future.”
The young woman was not as simple as she appeared, and Gilda could see that she was beginning to understand that something was missing in her knowledge of marriage. “Have I made a mistake?” she asked.
“No, my dear, the mistake is not yours,” the abbess assured her. “Your family neglected your education. It’s not the first time this has happened, and it won’t be the last. Sister Freda will help you understand.”
Before leaving the room, Freda and Mariel bowed their heads to the abbess. Once alone, Gilda was unable to contain her pleasure, and she impulsively embraced the abbess. Just as quickly she pulled back, a sheepish grin on her face.
“What now?” Gilda asked to cover her embarrassment.
“What indeed. Lady Mariel is a virgin, and since she has no fondness for Count Cedric, I suspect he will qualify for an annulment. Perhaps Lady Mariel will stay with us for a while until she makes up her mind whether she wants to return to the home of her father.”
“I should hope not,” Gilda blurted out.
“That will be her decision, Sister Gilda.”
“Yes, of course, but if she goes home, she will not be making any more decisions for herself. Her father will marry her off again.”
The abbess nodded to acknowledge the truth of her statement. “I’m glad that Philip is innocent, as I know it means a great deal to you, Gilda. I’ll summon Lord Justin, and you can tell him the outcome.”
When Justin arrived, he knew immediately by the sparkle in Gilda’s eyes that the news was good. His own eyes grew wide as Gilda explained the situation and he came to understand that neither Philip nor Cedric had lied about bedding Lady Mariel.
“I can’t imagine how you obtained that information, and I’m glad I wasn’t present to listen to it,” he said with a grin.
“It was the abbess who knew the right questions to ask,” Gilda said. “Mariel must have grown up in a protected household.”
The abbess had been quiet while Gilda spoke, but now she said, “Yes, but protected in the wrong way.” Then she turned to Justin. “Am I correct in assuming that Count Cedric will be successful in obtaining his annulment?”
“Yes, I think that’s very likely. From what you tell me, Lady Mariel will not object to ending her marriage. That would be the only reason for denying an annulment.”
“In that case, I imagine you will be leaving soon to report your findings.”
Justin glanced at Gilda. Seeing the color drain from her face, he was afraid she wasn’t planning on joining him. He spoke to the abbess. “I think Sister Gilda should come with me to explain the delicate information you obtained from Lady Mariel. I doubt I could make the parties involved believe that the lady thought she could conceive by lying beside a man.”
Justin knew he was grasping at straws, but he was hoping that Gilda would agree to see the investigation through to its finish. In fact, she appeared torn, but it was the abbess who spoke. “The decision is up to Sister Gilda. I’m gratified with the outcome of this affair, Lord Justin. Hopefully, both Count Cedric and Lady Mariel will obtain what they wish. Stay and discuss the matter as long as you wish.” This time the abbess closed the door when she left the room.
Justin spoke before Gilda had a chance to say anything. “I want you to come with me, Gilda.” He raised his hand to keep her from replying. “I know you’re going to say I can explain the situation, but in fact it would be much easier with you present. We started this assignment together, and we should report our findings together.”
“What you say would be true if there was any controversy. But the matter is clear. The count did not bed his bride, and Mariel does not wish to be married to him. In fact, she thought she was married to someone else. You don’t need me, Justin. Shouldn’t we give some thought to the fate of Lord Philip and Lady Emma? His half brother will move quickly to marry Emma once you report our findings to the king and the annulment is announced.”
“But I do need you, Gilda.” He decided to risk being truthful. “I want you to marry me.”
“I need more time, Justin.
