The Deed (3 page)

Rolfe shifted on his feet, then sighed. Today. We hope.

Today? Her eyes widened. But... That is not proper. And... and I have nothing to wear.

The bishop turned to share an amused smile with Rolfe, thinking this the usual womans cry,
but his eyebrows rose in question when he saw the frown on that mans face.

They just finished blacking everything, Rolfe explained. Well surely there is something?
He paused at the younger mans expression. Did you not notice that even the servants are in
black? Rolfe asked dryly.

The bishop glanced around the empty room at that. Truthfully, he had not noticed. He
supposed he had been wrapped up in his own thoughts. Frowning now, he walked to the door
of the keep and tugged it open to peer out at the bailey. His jaw dropped when he saw that
every man, woman, and child was running about in black clothing. Slamming the door, he
turned back to peer at Rolfe in mingled bewilderment and irritation.

Emma had everything blackened, her cousin explained, suddenly finding the situation
amusing. Everything? Even the linens. Even the... The bishops voice faded away.

It seemed appropriate, Emma said uncertainly now, feeling a bit foolish. She supposed it
was going a bit far to include the linen, but truly, it had seemed appropriate at the
time. After all, it was not just the

mourning of her husband that had caused her to do so. It had been in honor of the mourning
of her hopes of having children as well, all chance for which she had thought dead along
with her husband. She was more than aware that at two and twenty, no man would have
offered for her hand. Even now she was sure that had it not been for Rolfes favor with the
king, she would have been left to wither in this old castle as a childless widow.

Sighing, she shook her head. It matters not. My husband, despite his neglect, deserves at
least a short mourning period. I simply cannot remarry for at least three months, she
announced firmly.

Frowning, Rolfe glanced at the bishop who murmured, Mayhap this would be a good time to
explain the difficulties to Lady Emmalene.

Aye. Indeed, Rolfe said with a sigh, then turned back to his cousin. He opened his mouth
twice to begin these explanations, then sighed and urged her to sit in the seat before the
fireplace, positioning himself with his back to the mantle so that he could see the empty
hall and all its entrances. It would not do for anyone else to hear what he had to say.

Understand you, Em, this is a delicate situation. You see, due to your request of the
king... He hesitated, forehead furrowed, then caught his hands behind his back and paced
before the fireplace some before turning again to where she sat patiently. You see, Em, by
requesting that the king order Fulk to... er...

Attend to his conjugal duties, the bishop supplied.

Aye. Well... by doing that, you see, you made it public knowledge that your marriage was
neer... er...

Consummated, the bishop murmured.

Just so, Rolfe agreed, tugging at the top of his tunic and clearing his throat. That being
the case, there is the problem of Fulks family. You see, Fulks aunt and cousin are
claiming that the marriage is null and void because it was neer... er... His gaze slid to
the bishop.

Consummated.

Just so.

Emmas forehead puckered. But Rolfe, it was consummated.

Rolfe froze and turned to her in surprise. Twas?

Aye. She scowled slightly. I explained my wedding night fully to the king. My husband and
I shared a bed.

Recalling the kings words to him that Lady Emma was so naive she had not even realized the
marriage had not been fully consummated, Rolfe shook his head. He briefly wondered how to
explain things to her, then decided it was beyond him. Duty to the king notwithstanding,
no man could be expected to

Tis true, Emma said, interrupting his thoughts. That my husband neer repeated his...
duties. Truth to tell, he neglected his... er... duties horribly. However, only the king
knows of this, and he is aware that I did not wish it so. I cannot think that he would
punish me because of my husbands lack of

attention.

Nay, Emma, he is not trying to punish you, he is trying to protect you. And himself. Fulks
aunt and cousin know of your husbands neglect. There is no heir. They know that. They are
a bold, greedy pair. They can cause much trouble for the king, and trouble is the last
thing he needs just now. They are claiming Fulks neglect makes the marriage invalid, and
are requesting that the land and title be turned oer to Fulks cousin Bertrand.

Bertrand? Emma frowned over that. She was not terribly surprised to hear that Bertrand
sought Fulks home and title. She had met him at her wedding and had not cared overly much
for him. It was not anything he had said or done that had caused her dislike. He had not
been rude or mean. In fact, if anything, he had been very gracious to her. Gallant even.
Too much so. There had been something almost oily in the mans ingratiating manner. And his
apparent chivalry had not hidden the avaricious gleam in his eyes. He had peered at the
castle, everything in it, and even at herself, with an oddly greedy glitter in his eyes
that had made her feel like a chest of gold he coveted. He seemed overly ambitious, she
murmured to herself at last.

More than you know, Rolfe muttered, catching her words.

Emma glanced at her cousin curiously. What mean you?

His gaze slid warily around the empty room. Then he said quietly, The king suspects
Bertrand and a few other lords of plotting to depose him.

Emma gaped at that, and Rolfe nodded grimly. He suspects the lord chancellor is involved
as well.

Archbishop Arundel? Emma gasped, recalling the grim-faced man who had stood at the kings
side throughout her audience.

Aye.

But why? What would they hope to gain?

Rolfe sighed. I cannot know what the chancellor hopes to gain. We are not even sure if he
is allied with Bertrand, but Bertrand, I suspect, hopes to gain power.

Emma frowned at that, and the bishop explained, As a boy, Bertrand squired and became
quite close friends with Henry of Bolingbroke.

The kings cousin, Emma murmured, her frown deepening.

The bishop nodded. Should King Richard be deposed, Henry would be the most likely person
to succeed him.

And as a friend of the kings, Bertrand would be well positioned, Emma realized grimly. So,
Henry wishes to take his cousins throne?

The two men exchanged glances; then Rolfe shrugged uncomfortably. There is no evidence of
that, Em. Bertrand and the others may simply be using the kings cousin for their own gain.
Henry has always shown himself loyal to his cousin.

I see, she murmured, her gaze moving to the fire thoughtfully.

Rolfe allowed Emma her thoughts for a moment, then added, Knowing of Bertrands greed for
power, His Majesty does not wish to give him any means with which to increase it. Bertrand
has a small holding which he inherited from his father, but tis nothing in comparison to
the wealth and power he would wield should he gain this holding. Hence, Richard has
arranged this marriage. On marrying you, de Aneford gains the title of Lord Eberhart with
all it includes.

Emma grimaced at that. That will not please Bertrand.

Rolfe shook his head. Nay. No doubt Bertrand and his mother shall be quite displeased with
this turn of events. However, by the time they approach the king with their complaint, it
shall be done. Or at least that is his hope.

By the time they approach? Her eyes narrowed. Have they or have they not made a complaint
to the king?

Well... He looked uncomfortable for a moment, then sighed. Nay. They have not had a
chance. The king heard gossip about their plans before they made a request to see him and
he managed to delay seeing them until after arranging everything. We left the day before
the appointed audience with the Fulks, which means they will be one day behind us.

They? Emma frowned.

Lady Ascot and Bertrand.

Lady Ascot is heading here as well? Oh, dear Lord, of course she is. She seems to go
everywhere that Bertrand does, doesnt she? Emma stood up, anxiety on her face. She could
very well recall her husbands aunt from the last time she had suffered her presence. While
his cousin had seemed as oily as a greased pig, his aunt had been a harridan of a woman,
terrifying the servants. Emma had never met a more unpleasant woman. Cold, complaining,
and just plain mean, the woman had actually started to beat one of the serving girls with
her cane because she had not served her quickly enough. The last thing she wished was to
see that woman return here, let alone have any power over the people who had served Emma
so well. She would never enjoy another heartbeat of peace knowing that the people she had
once led were suffering under Lady Ascots rule. That being the case, she could only be
grateful that King Richard had vexed their plans. But if he had, why would Bertrand and
Lady Ascot be heading for the castle? Emma asked that now, and watched with suspicion as
her cousins discomfort grew.

The king intends to tell them that he was unaware of their discontent and Lie. Rolfe
winced at her accusation. The bishop looked disapproving. Lie is a strong word, my lady.

Emma waved that away impatiently. What else is he going to tell them? Rolfe hesitated. He
is intent on keeping the peace. Of course, Em agreed dryly. And?

He intends on telling them that as it was so obvious to the court that you were more than
willing to... er...

Do your duty, the bishop supplied.

Aye. That being the case, he had not thought they would bring such a petty claim.

He hopes to shame them into recanting their claim, the bishop pointed out with
satisfaction.

However, should greed win out oer honor...

Emma rolled her eyes at that. There was no doubt in her mind at leastthat given a choice
between saving their pride and getting their hands on Eberhart Castle, greed would win out.

Then he shall tell them that neer having considered such a problem and having been
concerned for the safety of the castle, its occupants, and yourself now that there is no
lord, he commissioned the marriage between yourself and Lord Amaury. However, he will
supply them with a letter to the effect that should they arrive before the wedding is
accomplished and...

His gaze swam anxiously to the bishop again, who sighed and supplied, Consummated.

Then they may call a halt to the wedding and reclaim the property.

Emmas eyes narrowed at that. The very thought of those two vultures gaining power over her
people made her blood boil. Then she noticed the way Rolfe was suddenly avoiding looking
at her. And? What else?

Rolfe turned his gaze unhappily away, and Emma found herself wringing her hands again as
she waited impatiently. Finally, she took a step forward. What else, Rolfe?

When he could only look at her pityingly, it was the bishop who filled the silence.
Bertrand also wishes to lay claim to you, my lady. As his wife.

What? She turned on him in horror. But I do not like him. A foolish argument indeed.
Liking had little to do with duty and marriage. Besides, she had not even met Amaury de
Aneford, but had not protested his possible suitability as a husband. Still, Emma was not
thinking too clearly just then; she was a mite overset by the fact that Bertrand had even
included her in his plans. It was astonishing to her. After all, Fulk had not been able to
bear his husbandly duties, why would his cousin wish to saddle himself with her? Good
Lord, this was a worry, she thought.

Bertrand claims tis the only fair resolution, Rolfe put in dryly. That way you shall not
be deprived, as he puts it. Though we all know it simply is not true. Hes commented to one
and all that he would like nothing better than to get his hands on your

Dowry, the bishop said with a sharp look at Rolfe.

Aye, that too, Rolfe muttered. Eberhart Castle had been falling apart when Emma had
married Fulk. Without her wealth it would have fallen completely to ruin. No doubt
Bertrand and Lady Ascot would not wish to have to return that. If there was any left.

The PIG! Emma bellowed, surprising both men with her volume. Shed rather lie down with
snakes than share her bed with Bertrand. Aside from that, the idea of having his mother
herefor she would no doubt move in should her son become lord of the castlegave her the
vapors. The woman would take over. Shed run the place as if it were her own. Shed order
Emma about like a servant, and most likely treat the servants like slaves. Emma could
almost feel the beatings that would occur then. The spilling of a tankard of ale would
probably bring about the breaking of bones. By God, she would not have it! This will not
do at all. We must... Where is my husband?

Your husband? Both men peered at her in confusion.

Amaury, she said grimly. He is to be my husband, is he not? Well, where is he? Does he not
realize the seriousness of the situation?

He has not been apprised of the situation as I understand, the bishop said carefully.
However, the king sent him a message to make himself available here forthwith to be
married. He glanced at Rolfe, then back. We actually expected him to arrive before us as
he was only

Well, where is he? Emma demanded, then frowned suddenly as a thought struck her. Mayhap he
has been beset by bandits.

Rolfe smiled slightly at her suggestion. I do not think a couple of pesky bandits would
even slow down, let alone stop de Aneford. Hes

Then mayhap Bertrand had him assassinated.

My lady, the bishop said soothingly, but Emma was in no mood to be soothed.

SEBERT! she roared suddenly, moving to the door.

She has quite a set of lungs for such a petite woman, the bishop murmured with a mixture
of awe and horror to Rolfe.

Aye. Her cousin smiled crookedly. I had quite forgotten about that aspect of her
personality. She has not displayed it since our youth that I know of.