“Yes. Emma wouldn’t have told anyone about it.”
“In the morning Gilda and I will visit Metcalf and see if we can persuade him to favor your suit over that of your brother’s.”
For a moment, relief flooded Philip’s face, then he asked, “What if he refuses?”
“Philip, don’t press me. Right now, I want you to follow my orders. You and Gilda will go on ahead. I’ll follow to make sure you get away, then make an appearance in the dining hall so that Cedric will not suspect anything. I’ll join you as soon as I can.”
Gilda grabbed his arm and turned him to face her. “No, Justin, you must come with us. I don’t wish to leave without you.”
“I’ll join you as soon as possible, but we must be cautious. I want to hold back in case someone tries to stop you and Philip. With Leonardo gone there is no one to act as a rear guard.”
Gilda wasn’t happy, but she finally said, “We’ll wait outside the walls until you come.”
“If there is a long delay, go with Philip to the cottage,” Justin urged. “I have to know you’ll be safe, Gilda. Cedric may detain me, but I won’t be in danger. Please, do as I say.”
Gilda nodded her agreement, then clung to him one last time.
Justin watched Gilda and Philip descend by a back staircase that was lit by only a few torches. He followed at a distance until he saw them mount horses supplied by a friendly porter. He sighed with relief and made his way back to the great hall.
The large room echoed with loud, boisterous talk, no doubt in celebration of the news he and Gilda had given Cedric earlier. Although the meal seemed long over, men loitered at the tables, drinking and gossiping. When Count Cedric saw Justin, he waved him to the head table. “Where have you been, Lord Justin? I wished to drink your health.”
“Sister Freda wished to visit her nephew at the monastery, and we accompanied her. We just returned,” he answered.
“I’m glad you’re here, as I have a question for you. Why didn’t Philip return with you?”
“Perhaps he was still angry about being thrown in the dungeon, Cedric. I imagine he will appear before long.”
Cedric’s eyes narrowed, and he slammed his fist on the table, spilling the wine in front of him. “You persuaded me to let you take him with you to the convent, but he hasn’t returned. I hold you responsible for his appearance.”
“I needed Philip with me to discover the truth about Lady Mariel. He was proven free of any guilt. I don’t understand your concern,” Justin said.
Justin’s words seemed to enflame Cedric. “Do you not?” he shouted.
In spite of his bulk, the bishop moved quickly from the other end of the table to stand beside Justin. He addressed Cedric, “My lord, it’s been a long evening. Perhaps you should leave this discussion with Lord Justin until morning.”
“I do not think so,” Cedric answered, but he looked around at the faces turned in his direction. “We will move to a more private room, Lord Justin.”
“I agree with Bishop Gunthar that we should wait until morning,” Justin answered.
“Now!” Cedric bellowed, and two of his guards moved to stand on either side of Justin. There didn’t seem to be any choice but to follow the count.
Outside the walls Gilda and Philip watched for Justin to follow them. It didn’t take Gilda long to regret she had gone along with Justin’s plan. Philip was also impatient, and after some time had passed, he said, “Perhaps we should go ahead as Justin suggested.”
“No. We are waiting for my husband.”
“Your husband?”
Gilda was amazed at how easily the word husband flowed from her lips. “Yes, we were married this evening at the monastery,” she answered, no longer caring who knew about their secret wedding.
To give him credit, Philip looked embarrassed. “I’m so sorry, Sister Gilda. I had no idea.”
“And if you did, would you have done anything different?” she asked.
After a minute, Philip said, “You must think me very selfish.” Gilda relented. “No, it’s not your fault. But we are waiting for Justin.”
Philip nodded his agreement.
But as time passed Gilda began to question her own decision. She was about to give in and follow Justin’s plan when they saw riders approaching Mainz. “It’s Leonardo and Sister Freda,” she told Philip.
“Stay hidden,” Gilda ordered, then on foot she raced from the cover of trees and approached her surprised friends. “What are you doing out here?” Leonardo asked as his eyes searched around for Justin.
“Follow me,” she answered, and led them to where Philip still hid. It took only a few minutes to explain the situation.
“This is how you are spending your wedding night?” Freda asked.
“Don’t remind me,” Gilda said. “What can we do? Why hasn’t Justin followed us?”
Leonardo was the one to answer her. “I’ll find out. You go on to the cottage, and we’ll follow.”
“It’s secluded. No one but Philip can find it. We’ll have to wait for you,” Gilda said.
Leonardo glanced around at their hiding place. “I don’t like to leave you here. This is too close to the walls of the city.”
Philip spoke up then. “I’ll lead Gilda and Sister Freda to the cottage, then come back to wait for you and Justin.”
“The idea was to spirit you away from Mainz, Philip. Now you’re talking of coming back here,” Gilda pointed out.
“The plan is not perfect, but it’s the best we can do,” Philip replied, determined to prove he didn’t always think about himself.
Leonardo agreed with Philip. “It’s the only way, Gilda. I have to find Justin.” As he spoke, he remembered promising Justin that he would watch out for Gilda, and he hesitated. “I promised Justin I’d take care of you if you were separated from him.”
“I’ll take care of her,” Philip promised.
Leonardo frowned, then turned to