Forbidden Love (22 page)

Responding to William's summons, Roanna stepped forward quickly to stand beside her husband. Her eyes glowed as she stared up at him in the most profound relief and love. With his compelling gaze locked on hers, she hardly heard the King begin to declare her innocence. But she became abruptly aware when he was stopped by FitzStephen's sudden interruption.

In the rapid hush, the vanquished Norman shouted, "I challenge the outcome of this combat! The accused's champion must be sworn to chivalry before he can render God's judgment The Englishman took no such oath. The decision is meaningless, for he had no right to meet me on the field!"

In the pandemonium that followed this shocking assertion, William remained strangely aloof. He appeared deaf to the shouts of those who supported FitzStephen's charge and equally oblivious to those who hurled insults at the Norman for so abusing Colin's mercy.

The King waited until some semblance of order could be restored before stepping forward to address the crowd. With apparent reluctance, he said, "FitzStephen is quite correct. The decision of trial by combat is valid only if both the opponents are sworn to God's service as knights."

Odo opened his mouth to protest, vehemently, only to be stopped as his half-brother continued calmly, "However, I see no great problem in this." A royal hand reached out, beckoning Colin. He came at once, having anticipated what was to happen.

As the crowd gaped in disbelief, the victorious chieftain went down on one knee before the King whose vision of peace he shared. William calmly unsheathed his own sword. Laying it across Colin's right shoulder, he said loudly and clearly, "I accept you as liegeman to serve me well and loyally all the days of your life, and in return I pledge myself to the defense of our lands, families, and mutual honor."

Pausing for just an instant, as though to savor the moment, he concluded firmly, "Rise, Lord Algerson, Earl of Hereford."

"
T
ell me the truth," Margaret pleaded anxiously. "Do you think I'm being foolish?"

Roanna smothered a laugh. Her eyes were gently teasing as she studied her nervous friend. Despite all she had lived through and triumphed over in her forty-some years, Margaret was acting like a timid young girl.

"Not at all," she assured her kindly. "Anyone who suggests such a thing is only envious of your great happiness. Few ever find true love. It's not to be turned aside at any age."

As she spoke, her mind flew unerringly to the man who was the source of her own limitless joy. Colin was downstairs with the rest of the household, waiting for the festivities to begin. His deep laughter reached her even over the voices of the other men.

A faint blush stained her cheeks as she remembered the passion-enthralled night they had just spent together. Since his terrible clash with FitzStephen, and its remarkable aftermath, their lovemaking had been especially ardent and tender. In the privacy of their chamber, they could not resist the need to celebrate the continuance of life in the timeless way of lovers everywhere.

Shaking her head ruefully, Roanna considered that given her recent lack of sleep she had no right to look so good. A quick glimpse in the mirror revealed a radiantly beautiful young woman whose skin glowed lustrously and whose tawny eyes shone with sublime satisfaction.

The lavender tunic she wore seemed to fit more snugly than usual. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she wondered if her breasts were indeed somewhat fuller. The faint, tentative hope that had first occurred to her several days before arose again. She touched a wondering hand to her still flat belly, breathing a silent prayer that she was right

Too quickly for Margaret to notice, Roanna hid her preoccupation. She resumed brushing the older woman's luxurious chestnut hair lightly sprinkled with silver. The soothing motion eased some of Margaret's nervousness. She even managed to smile as Roanna slipped the veil in place and secured it with the golden circlet that was Alaric's bridal gift

Shaking her head slightly, she murmured, "If anyone had told me a few months ago that I would be doing this . . ."

"But a few months ago," Roanna reminded her gently, "you hadn't met Alaric."

"That is true," Margaret admitted ruefully. "I really had no idea I was capable of reacting to a man so . . . uninhibitedly. . . ." She blushed lightly as she added, "It isn't that I didn't love my late husband. He was a good man and I was very fond of him. But we were married so young and what with the children and all the problems of the estate, we never seemed to really get to know each other. Whereas with Alaric, I felt as though I knew him the moment we met" She looked up, her soft gray eyes uncertain. "Does that sound impossible?"

"Not at all. I felt the same way when I met Colin. Well. . . perhaps not the first instant. . . ." She laughed, remembering her initial impression of him as a marauding Viking. "But very quickly, once I realized how strong and gentle he was, I knew he was the man I wanted to spend my life with."

"It must be startling enough to make such a discovery at your age," Margaret said softly. "But at mine.... I shudder to think what my children think."

"They all seem quite happy," Roanna pointed out Colin had sent an escort to bring Margaret's two sons and three daughters to London in time for the marriage. They had arrived several days before and showed no sign of being other man delighted at their mother's good fortune. Alaric's concern about how they would receive him faded quickly as he realized that the children who ranged in age from twenty to barely five genuinely wanted his help and support. For the first time in his life, he was discovering the pleasures of fatherhood

"It is good of your lord to give my youngest boy a position with his guard," Margaret said. "He can hardly believe he is to serve so great an earl."

Roanna laughed gently. "I think Colin can hardly believe it, either. It's taking him a while to get used to his new rank."

"I should think so! Imagine, the first Anglo-Saxon earl. Not, of course, that he isn't perfectly suited to it" Loyally, Margaret said, "The King is lucky to have such a man holding lands for him."

"Lucky, and wise," Roanna murmured. "Colin will keep the peace as no one else could. And because of his authority, many others who might have rebelled will instead be inclined to accept William."

Margaret agreed. Many of the men waiting downstairs were the same who had attended that supper during which Colin explained his views and held forth for accord with the new ruler. Only a short time before, when Roanna was awaiting trial, they were ready to attack William and everything he stood for. But with their pride more than restored by the outcome and everything Colin had promised seeming more possible than ever, they Were of a different mind. No matter how unlikely it would have been only weeks before, they were now willing to give the new King time to prove himself.

Which was just as well, considering that William would be arriving shortly.

Smoothing a last tiny wrinkle from Margaret's gown, Roanna silently ran down the list of preparations, confirming that everything was ready. The Earl of Hereford's London residence fairly glistened in the summer sun. Freshly replastered, with new roof riles, shutters, and doors, it was a model of gracious elegance. The yard both front and back was swept clean, the ramshackle stables replaced by a far sturdier structure, and not a hint of dirt or disorder allowed anywhere.

Inside, the rooms were perfumed with the scents of fresh flowers and the aromas of the wedding feast being prepared in the sparkling kitchens. Long tables covered in white linen were set up in the great hall. Musicians were tuning their instruments and making their final selections of the melodies they would play.

In the men's quarters, a last polish was being given to chain mail and ceremonial swords, a last brush to unruly hair and unaccustomedly grand clothes. All the retainers had new tunics and cloaks in the bright emerald and scarlet Colin had selected for his heraldic crest The colors, he had told Roanna, signified that their land was worth any sacrifice, even to the cost of blood. They were a subtle reminder to William and everyone else that the Algersons held what was theirs.

Only a few days before, the new King's court had received another, more direct warning about the futility of challenging the implacable Earl of Hereford. Having been given an opportunity to wind up his affairs in England, Montague FitzStephen departed in disgrace, carrying with him the promise that if he ever set foot in the realm again his life was forfeit.

Since there was not a man anywhere who would support him after his disgraceful attempt to steal Colin's victory, he was unlikely ever to be stupid enough to return. Stripped of his wealth and rank, FirzStephen was little more than a broken shell Roanna could almost, but not quite, pity him.

Putting aside all thought of the hapless Norman, she accompanied Margaret downstairs to where the bridegroom waited with his boisterous friends. The two greeted each other self-consciously. Alaric's gaze was infinitely gentle as he took his lady's hand. Together they stepped outside to greet the arriving King.

Standing beside Colin, Roanna watched as the royal entourage approached. Since this was one of the few times he had left his stronghold for purely peaceful purposes, William was determined to put on a good show. Banners flew and trumpets blared, caparisoned horses pranced smartly, and row upon row of lords and knights lent a festive air to the usually drab city streets.

The crowd lining the King's route cheered wildly. For too long, London had been denied the pleasure of such a regal spectacle. Old King Edward, though his memory was revered, had been far too pious to indulge in such displays. And Harold had hardly had the chance during his brief, tumultuous reign. It was left to William to restore to the people their sense of pomp and pageantry.

Convinced at last that he truly wanted an accord with them, their delight was unrestrained. For the first time, William heard English voices raised in his tribute. The sound elated him. He was smiling broadly as he dismounted before the Algerson residence.

"Quite a turnout," he exclaimed to Colin. "I had no idea the people could be so enthusiastic."

The earl smiled drily. "All they needed was a chance, my lord Alaric and Margaret have been kind enough to provide it"

William glanced at him understandingly. Both men knew full well it was not the wedding the people cheered. They might be glad enough of the couple's happiness, but it was their own great joy in the vastly improved state of affairs that sparked their welcome.

Nodding silently, the King turned to greet his hostess. A soft sigh escaped him as he drank in the sight of her beauty. He missed his wife terribly and hoped they would soon be reunited.

Some glimmer of his longing reached Roanna. She made a special effort to make him feel at home as they entered the great hall garlanded with bridal wreaths and lit by dozens of tall, white candles.

"You are a lucky man," William told his newest earl "Your lady is not only remarkably lovely, but she possesses rare strength and grace." More softly, he added, "I can well comprehend why you guard her so fiercely."

Colin graciously accepted what he knew to be a sincere compliment "Thank you, my lord. But in all truthfulness, I will be glad to take her home to Hereford. London palls on us both."

"I share the sentiment," William admitted, "despite today's showing. Being shut up inside city walls is no way to live."

Talking of the pleasures of country life, the two men proceeded to the chapel where Alaric and Margaret would be wed. Only a few of the guests, those who would fit inside the small chamber, followed them. The rest were content to wait in the great hall, where kegs of ale and wine had already been opened and the drink flowed freely.

Odo had been asked to bless the union. Highly pleased by the invitation, he had been reluctant to admit that in his twelve years as a bishop he had never performed a marriage and was in fact unfamiliar with the rite. A quick study of the prayer book borrowed from a young priest who managed to hide his surprise at his superior's ignorance sufficed to make him sufficiently eloquent.

Whatever the prelate lacked in piety he more than made up for with thoroughness. Having gotten through the mass with only a few pauses to consult the missive held up by an assistant, he blessed the couple and admonished them to cleave together in loving fidelity all their lives.

"Marriage," Odo reminded everyone firmly, "is a holy state endowed by God for the comfort of souls and the procreation of children." It was not to be entered into lightly or, as was regrettably too often the case, for material gain.

The silver-tongued bishop did such a convincing job of expressing her own feelings about the beauty and meaning of matrimony that Roanna found herself wondering how she had ever believed him capable of leading anyone astray. Not a trace of the unbridled sensualist showed in his somber features as he joined the bridal couple's hands and announced them wed.

The congratulations afterward were as much for Odo as for Alaric and Margaret. He had given a superb performance, which his audience, knowing him as well as they did, was fully able to appreciate. Still marveling over his magnificent delivery, the guests followed their host and hostess, their liege lord, and the new couple into the hall.

Their arrival was greeted with jovial shouts as the celebration got underway in earnest. From his seat at the high table, William rose to announce he wished to honor the marriage with a gift. Handing a document bearing the royal seal to Alaric, he declared that henceforth all the lands and property in Norfolk that had belonged to his wife and her family were restored. The news brought especial joy to Margaret's eldest son, who fairly beamed with delight as his stepfather, after thanking the King, asked the young man if he would be so kind as to manage the estate, which would now one day be his.

No one in the hall was so naive as to think this meant all Anglo-Saxon claims would be upheld. But it was an indication that William would at least be fair in his judgments, and as such it gave hope to all.

Through the long, enthusiastic merrymaking which followed, Roanna was surprised to discover she had little appetite. The seemingly endless parade of dishes carried from the kitchen made her feel slightly queasy. Only the blandest offerings were at all tolerable to her, and she could eat little even of them.

Far from detracting from her pleasure in the event, this further proof of her most cherished hope only made her all the happier. Colin, noticing her lack of appetite, looked at her with concern. The beaming smile she gave him made him blink, so joyful was it Reassured that she must be fine, he nonetheless kept a careful eye on her throughout the remainder of the meal.

Very sensibly, Margaret had claimed one of the few privileges of age and insisted she could do without any bedding ceremony. She and Alaric simply contrived to slip away unnoticed as a troupe of acrobats distracted the company. When their absence was noted, there were some goodnatured complaints from the guests, who hated to be cheated out of any excuse for ribald jokes and suggestions. But with the food and drink more than making up for arty lack, the revelries quickly resumed. It was well past midnight before the last amply fed, tipsy lord stumbled to his horse and took his leave.

Even then, Roanna's tasks were not complete. She checked to make sure all the fires were safely banked, the candles snuffed and torches gutted, and the remnants of the feast removed so as not to attract vermin. Not until the last servant was abed did she retire to seek her own rest