The Lily and the Lion (13 page)

‘No, she is in a monastery in France.'

‘A monastery! But how did …?'

‘Catherine, my head is ringing louder than the bells of Westminster Abbey.' He withdrew a parchment from his richly embroidered doublet. ‘Here, the answers you seek are written in your sister's hand. At great peril to our skins, Gillet managed to slip me this letter. The poor lad is run ragged attending the Prince but he sends word that he will visit as soon as he may.'

‘Thank you, Lord Wexford.' I took the letter and noticed him staring at me. ‘Is something amiss?'

He rubbed his red eyes. ‘No, nothing.'

Hurrying to my room, I broke the seal upon your news, praying that your circumstances had changed. But as I read my soul despaired. My dearest sister, how my heart weeps for you and I long to be at your side, but I am powerless to act without the support of my guardian.

Midsummer's Eve

I had begun to fear that Gillet would never be released from his duties, when unexpectedly he appeared before the tolling of the noon bells.

I did not think it possible to see such changes in a man as I have with him. He sat beside me and seemed somehow defeated, haunted perhaps. I could only guess at the cause.

‘You look tired.' Timidly I took his hand into mine.

‘I have barely seen my bed,' he grunted. ‘Besides running errands like a common servant, I exhausted every opportunity to gain an audience with King Jean le Bon.'

‘I think it is you who are exhausted! Did you succeed?'

He stretched out his limbs with a deep sigh. ‘No. It was not to be. Did you receive your sister's letter?'

‘Yes, thank you. How was she, Gillet?'

‘Much improved when I left. Her spirit has not been broken. Do not worry. Armand will take good care of her.' He gathered my hands within his and gently stroked the knuckles. ‘The Prince of Wales is to escort Jean le Bon to Calais next week, there to wait until the ransom arrives. I have been granted temporary leave from my duties and will take rest here for two days before departing. Have no fear. I will see Cécile delivered to safety.'

An audible scraping brought our attention to the door. You can imagine Gillet's reaction to discover Anaïs, shocked by her sudden exposure, squatting outside, listening to our conversation.

‘You little viper!' he cried, grabbing her sleeve.

‘I wanted to see you.'

‘Then you need only knock.'

‘Ah, Gillet.' Her countenance changed immediately as she reached out to take hold of him. ‘I missed you and thought you would have come to visit me by now.'

‘And I will, as soon as I have finished relaying my news to Catherine.' He placed his hands upon her shoulders, pushing her back, but she darted away, slipping behind one of the high-backed chairs.

‘You will not be happy when you learn of how I have been treated. I was returned to the kitchen by that old, fat Lord Nobody. Well, a pox on him.'

‘Anaïs, I am sure it is just a misunderstanding, I will speak with Simon soon.' He stretched out his hand with a contrived smile and she shimmied towards him, licking her lips like a satisfied cat. She placed her hand on his crotch. ‘I must talk with you.'

Gillet jumped, then removed her fingers from his groin. ‘My ears are located much higher.'

‘It cannot wait.'

He pushed her towards the door, rolling his eyes at me. ‘I will see you at dinner, Catherine.'

Evening 21 June

I have just returned from what was a very strained supper with Monsieur de Bellegarde and Lord Wexford. Although the meal was beautifully served, it seemed that Gillet had no appetite and the Earl was ill-humoured. At first I was unable to understand what would lead to such behaviour but as we dined it became apparent that the gentlemen had quarrelled. Both appeared sullen and neither would look the other in the eye.

Believing that my best course of action was to say nothing, I focused instead on the delicious and varied repast. Towards the end of the proceeding, with not a word spoken at the table, I chose to excuse myself and return to my room. However, as I rose Lord Wexford indicated that his permission had not been given and that I was to remain.

‘Before you retire, Gillet will speak to you on a matter of a personal nature. I do not wish to spoil my meal so will take my leave.'

He was obviously displeased with Gillet and for some reason this bothered me greatly, but I know not why.

Gillet waved away the maids and took up two goblets and a jug of mead, directing me towards the opposite end of the long, oak table which was free of the remnants of the evening meal.

‘Sit,' he said, filling my mug and settling himself opposite. ‘I am sorry, Catherine.' His eyes betrayed the sadness so plainly etched upon his tired face, his apology was genuine.

‘Sorry?' I was startled, for what could have occurred in the three hours since I saw him last? ‘Has something happened to Cécile?'

‘No, no, this is not about your sister. This is about Anaïs and me.'

Almost immediately, dread seeped through my body. Each time her name is mentioned I am left with a new and unforgiving emotion in my heart, and have to reproach myself for harbouring such ill feelings.

‘Anaïs is with child, one she claims I fathered,' he sighed. He refilled his mug and took a long drink as I sat there struck by silence, for what could I say? I watched him as he waited for my reaction but when it did not come he continued, ‘She has insisted upon an agreement of marriage.'

‘You intend to marry Anaïs?'

Gillet seemed somewhat taken aback by the ferocity of my exclamation, for rarely am I known to raise my voice. ‘My declaration of impending fatherhood brooks no reaction but it would seem that vows do. May I ask why?'

‘Because,' I continued, stumbling through my words, ‘because I do not trust her and … I have reason to believe that Anaïs is less than … rational,' I whispered, as though the very utterance would bring ruination upon her. ‘The church says that you must honour your promises and make good your actions, but the woman is so deceitful and full of spite, yet you seem to accept your fate with ease, particularly when you have so recently refused someone of far greater breeding and standing.'

‘Ah.' He stared sullenly into his cup. ‘I know that your sister had listened but was unsure just how much she had heard.'

‘It was not a deliberate act. She was but taking a turn in the garden and accidentally overheard you.'

‘And you expect me to believe that?'

‘I do.'

‘Then what would you have me do, Sister Mary Catherine?'

‘You must follow your heart and do what is right.'

‘I do not intend to marry Anaïs.'

‘But, Gillet!'

‘I understand that with your upbringing you may not agree with this decision but, I promise you, I will support both her and the child. There is a further matter we must consider. Your servant has revealed that she would be more than happy to share her intimate knowledge of your family with whomsoever is willing to pay the highest price, should I fail to agree to this union.'

‘Salisbury,' I whispered, his very name rekindling the nausea I felt the first time we met.

‘Yes, Salisbury or Edward, either would pay highly. Only a select few know Cécile is alive and I am unsure how much Anaïs heard through the door this afternoon. We must be very careful. We must play her game.' He beckoned me over to the far window, where we sat comfortably together amongst the cushions.

‘I am sorry, Catherine, for I have placed you in a very difficult situation. You must convince Anaïs that all is well, that you approve of our impending nuptials.'

‘I have always found dishonesty a difficult attribute. However, as I see little of Anaïs I will pray for the Lord's forgiveness and try to avoid her completely.'

‘Unfortunately you are about to see more of her than you imagine,' he said, his eyebrows rising in exasperation. ‘She has insisted that she be moved into your room so that you will be able to care for her.'

‘Me?'

‘Yes. Our betrothal improves her status. Your former maid will now become your companion.'

‘God help me! It will not be easy to keep anything hidden from her at such close quarters.'

‘No, but a few well-placed remarks could distract her completely,' he said.

‘You are asking me to lie?'

‘For the life of your sister I think the Lord will understand.' He smiled and squeezed my hand. ‘Will you not do this for me?'

‘This is my fault, for I should have been more caring, perhaps more …'

‘No. This is not your fault, Catherine. Anaïs has long wanted to catch my attention and, like a fool, I fell into her trap.'

‘Is this why Lord Wexford is so angry with you?' I asked.

Gillet contemplated the nearby tapestry of an earthly male surrendering to the seduction of an angelic nymph and grimaced. ‘He rightly blames me for this situation. He does not trust her.' Gillet turned his back on the writhing sylph. ‘Simon can be a difficult and stubborn man but his loyalty is unwavering and his courage beyond question. I am away to France to secure more practical accommodation for Cécile. I believe I will not return for some weeks,' he confessed. ‘Trust Simon, Catherine, confide in him. Seek his opinion and above all else hide the truth from Anaïs.'

I nodded my agreement as the door was swept open and the subject of our conversation sauntered in. She strode confidently towards us like a woman possessed of much self-importance. I was startled not only by her demeanour but also by her attire, for she was wearing the blue gown and surcote recently purchased for me by Lord Wexford. Her smugness at my discomfort was evident. Gillet gave no indication of his true feelings and smiled at her.

‘I was just now informing Catherine of your joyful condition,' he said, standing.

‘Yes,' I replied, unable to offer anything else.

‘Are you not pleased then?' she inquired.

‘I am a little overwhelmed.' My gaze fell to my slippers as I tried to avoid being dishonest.

‘I hope my betrothed has also informed you that you are now required to assist me in my time of need,' she added, taking a seat next to me. I rose immediately, unable to bear such closeness. ‘I have been unwell these past weeks and need much attention in the morn, especially as Gillet is to be away. Is that not so, my love?'

‘Yes, I have informed Catherine of the new arrangements.' Gillet's features were strained. ‘I must return to France and seek permission to wed but hope to return before winter sets its full force upon us.'

‘Do not fear. I will take as much care of her as you, yourself, would,' I said. My conscience was dancing about as though suspended above an open flame, my cheeks displaying the heat.

‘Do agree to stand with me at our wedding, for you have been such a loyal friend,' she said, sneering at me. Try as I might I could not force myself to smile. ‘You have no idea how long I have waited for this day, how I have dreamed of it and at last I have that which my heart most desires. Surely you want to share my happiness?'

I looked into Anaïs' face, her delight as sure as her grip on Gillet's hand. What could I do? Naught, for it is he who must control her now.

‘Please excuse me, for I must make ready my room,' I mumbled, hastily taking my leave in the hope that neither would call me back.

Gillet bowed gracefully and I darted away with my maid's sniggers ringing in my ears. As I closed the door behind me I leaned back upon it, trying to draw strength from the oak itself. I could still hear them on the other side and surprised even myself at my willingness to listen. I was torn in a way that I had never before experienced, for such dislike of a person was foreign to me. Crouching low, I pressed myself against the wood in an attempt to grasp even the smallest fragment of exchange. I was completely engaged in this fruitless exercise when suddenly I was overcome by an intense pain in the top of my ear. Imagine my horror to discover it pinched between Lord Wexford's thumb and forefinger!