“I still have friends at court,” the lord of the manor said rather casually. “They could help you get started and make sure you are safe from your brother.”
Prepared for rejection, Philip didn’t at first grasp Metcalf’s meaning. Then as he realized that Metcalf was offering to help him, he lost the power of speech.
There was a soft murmur of voices in the hall as the others realized what Metcalf was suggesting. The lord of the manor ignored it and continued. “You and Emma must be married right away to avoid clashing with your brother when he comes back seeking a commitment from me. After that, the two of you can leave immediately for Aachen to approach King Louis.”
In an anguished voice Emma broke the quiet that followed his words, making it clear her father had not confided his plans to her. “I can’t leave you now, Father. You are ill and need me,” she said, clearly torn between the man she loved and her father.
“You have done your duty to me many times over, Emma,” her father replied with a loving smile. “But just so that you don’t worry, Sister Freda has agreed to stay with me for a while.”
This announcement caused all eyes to seek Sister Freda, who sat inconspicuously beside Lord Metcalf until he mentioned her name. The only hint that she was aware of the curious stares was a slight pink tint that crept over her cheeks.
This final surprising announcement from Lord Metcalf set the room into action. When Emma rushed to Philip’s side, he closed his eyes to shut out the rest of the world and embraced her. Gilda sprang from her seat and pushed herself into a place beside Freda.
Once settled beside her friend, Gilda leaned close and whispered, “Is this what you wish, Freda? I thought you’d be eager to return to the convent.”
“Yes, Gilda, I wish to stay. There is much Metcalf and I have in common, and I enjoy his company.”
“He’s an ill-tempered man.”
Freda laughed at Gilda’s puzzled expression. “We share a lot of memories of how things used to be in the days of Charlemagne. Staying here and managing his manor as Emma has been doing will be a fulfilling task.”
“But he is very ill,” Gilda said. When Freda raised one eyebrow, Gilda’s mouth fell open. She looked over at Metcalf, who was watching Philip and Emma’s display of affection with a tolerant expression, then back at Freda. “Was his illness a ruse?” Gilda demanded to know.
“Keep your voice down, Gilda. Let’s just say that like his death, his illness was exaggerated.”
“You could have told me. I was worried that we were too harsh with him.”
“You need not worry about that. Lord Metcalf was upset by how close he came to a terrible mistake by approving a match between Emma and Count Cedric, but he’s not on his deathbed. He’s still the honorable and courageous man I remembered.”
Gilda, surprised by the softening she heard in her friend’s voice, leaned toward Freda again. “I know you always admired Lord Metcalf. Do you have feelings for the man?” she whispered.
“We are too old for such things,” Freda replied, but she didn’t meet Gilda’s eyes. “What of you and Justin? Did you manage to spend some time alone?” she asked to change the subject.
Instead of answering Gilda glanced over at her husband and smiled at the memory of the night they spent together. Justin must have felt her eyes on him, as he looked up from his conversation with Leonardo and returned her smile.
“Yes, I can see that you did,” Freda said. “I’m glad things worked out for you and Justin. I know you’ll be off on the last leg of your journey soon, and I’ll miss traveling with you.”
“Will you be safe here?” Gilda asked. “I think we must stay around until we see how Count Cedric will react to the news that Emma and Philip will be wed.”
“There is no need. Metcalf spoke with the manor priest this morning. He has already sent Philip and Emma off to see him. After they are married, they will go into hiding until arrangements can be made for their journey to court and an interview with King Louis.”
Turning around to look for the young couple, Gilda saw that they were nowhere in sight. “Lord Metcalf seems to have arranged everything, no doubt with help from you. I suspect you’ll suit each other.”
A servant appeared in the hall, drawing attention to himself by hurrying over to speak urgently to Lord Metcalf. After listening for a few minutes, Metcalf looked over to Freda. “A sentry has reported that Count Cedric is on his way.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Upon hearing the news that Count Cedric was on his way, Justin and Leonardo, as though reading each other’s thoughts, both moved quickly toward Metcalf. “What’s your plan?” Justin asked the lord of the manor.
Seated at the table, Metcalf looked up at the two tall men in a defensive manner. “I’m not about to conceal my decision. I’ll tell the count that I gave permission to Philip to marry Emma. As long as Philip and Emma are safe, and I assume they have gone into hiding by now, there is no sense in trying to hide the fact.”
“I admire your honesty, but the count is going to be extremely angry. I fear he may act rashly. As you know, he travels with some of his guards. Perhaps you should retire to your bed and pretend to be unwell. Someone else can give him the news,” Justin suggested, figuring Metcalf hadn’t minded using that ruse the previous day.
The old warrior scowled, clearly insulted by his suggestion. “There is no need for that. My steward has already alerted everyone in my service. If Cedric tries to seek reprisal for my action, he will find that I am not alone.”
Indeed, as Metcalf was
