Cedric couldn’t resist injecting his view. “Lady Mariel is a simple country girl with little sense.”
Seeing that Gilda was opening her mouth to reply, Justin spoke quickly. “The misunderstanding could have been avoided if her father had fully explained the marriage arrangement to Lady Mariel. No one bothered to do that, and as a result she was confused and endured a great deal of suffering. Fortunately for her, she is happy at the Convent of Saint Ives and is as eager for her marriage to be annulled as Count Cedric.”
“Are you saying the misunderstanding was all the father’s fault?” asked Lord Metcalf, one eyebrow raised.
Justin wondered if he had made an error in judging the father so harshly in front of Metcalf. To soften his words, he said, “Others could have explained the situation to Lady Mariel before the wedding. But she did not even meet Philip until the ceremony, and once it was completed the couple started back to Mainz.” Having said that, Justin felt strongly enough to press his point. “But the father has the final responsibility, as he is the one who arranged the match. With the authority to decide goes the responsibility to do well by his daughter.”
Metcalf’s face darkened, making it clear he was aware that Justin was talking in general terms as well as about this particular case.
Impatient with what he considered a distraction from the main point, Cedric spoke up. “Explain your conclusion and the report you will make to the archbishop, Lord Justin.”
“The conclusion Sister Gilda and I reached is that there is no reason to deny Count Cedric the annulment he seeks. The marriage was never consummated, and both parties wish it ended.”
Now Cedric was smiling and nodding at Lord Metcalf. But Metcalf was still frowning. “And what of the father of Lady Mariel? What does he think about the ending of the marriage he arranged for his daughter?”
Justin nodded to Gilda, indicating that she should answer Metcalf’s question.
“At the Convent of Saint Ives Lady Mariel is beyond her father’s authority. She has asked for sanctuary. But my guess is that Lady Mariel’s father, when he learns what has happened, will consider what is best for his daughter. Most fathers will do that,” she said, knowing she was exaggerating but hoping to soften the argument she and Justin were making about fathers and their responsibilities.
Unaware of the underlying points being made by Justin and Gilda, Count Cedric tried once again to bring the discussion back to his concerns. “The annulment will go ahead quickly once Lord Justin has made his report. After that, nothing will stand in the way of my marriage to Lady Emma.”
Metcalf had sunk down in his chair and seemed to be suddenly overcome with fatigue. In a hoarse whisper he said, “I wish to think on this matter, Count Cedric. We will talk again.”
Beginning to be aware that the meeting was not going as well as he had hoped, Cedric’s panic was evident in the expression on his face as he asked, “What more is there to talk about?”
But Lord Metcalf had lost all concentration on the matter and ignored Cedric’s question. Freda was not the only one to notice the sudden change in Metcalf, but she was the first to act. She stood up and addressed their host in a respectful manner. “Lord Metcalf, would you like to have a little privacy to think over what you have heard?”
Without saying a word, Metcalf struggled to his feet, trying his best to disguise his weakness. He took the arm Freda offered.
A puzzled Count Cedric watched Metcalf’s back as he was helped from the room. “What does he mean, talk some more?” he asked, addressing no one in particular.
Bishop Gunthar, who had been unusually quiet up to now, spoke up. “You can’t rush matters, Cedric. You have made your point by bringing Lord Justin here. Lord Metcalf knows he has made a commitment to you, and I’m sure he will honor it.”
Lady Emma, who had followed her father from the room, now returned. “My father is not well and tires easily. He needs to rest now.”
It was clear from the disappointed expression on Count Cedric’s face that he was not pleased by the fact that there wasn’t a conclusion to their meeting. “I am sorry your father is unwell, Lady Emma. But it is important that an agreement is reached between us. I need to speak to him for a few minutes.”
“My father has already taken a potion that will allow him to sleep without pain. Your business with him must wait until tomorrow,” Emma replied.
“It’s your business as well, Lady Emma. I want our betrothal to be settled,” Cedric reminded her.
Lady Emma had always been shy in the count’s presence, but today she looked him in the eye and said, “I believe it would be fitting that a betrothal wait until the archbishop has granted your annulment, Count Cedric.”
Cedric’s face turned red and his eyes narrowed, but before he could reply, Bishop Gunthar spoke up. “Although what you say makes sense, Lady Emma, an understanding should be reached as soon as possible. Your father is gravely ill, and your position should be protected by settling the matter before he passes on.”
When Justin saw that Lady Emma was biting her lip at the mention of her father’s worsening health, he knew he had been patient long enough. “Count Cedric, Bishop Gunthar, I think you have accomplished all you can here today. It is time for you to return to Mainz. Sister Freda is needed here to help Lady Emma. Sister Gilda and I will stay in case either of them needs our help.”
“Leave the women if you wish, but you
