La Flamme (Historical Romance) (23 page)

The archbishop's eyes were piercing as he motioned his guard forward. "Take this young man and examine his upper right leg. Then return here and tell me what you have observed."

The moments seemed like hours while they waited for the guard to bring Richard back. Sabine reached out her hand to Thea, and the old nurse took it.

Thea was already convinced. Softly she touched Sabine's red hair.

"Dear Thea, I thought that you were dead, or I never would have left you that night. You offered your life so that Richard and I might live—I have never forgotten that."

"I would do it again if the need was such. Knowing the strong swimmer you were, I never gave up hope that you would one day come home."

The door opened, and all eyes turned to the guard who ushered Richard into the room.

"Tell us if you found anything on the lad's leg," the archbishop demanded.

"I found, Your Excellency, a round birthmark, just as the woman said."

The archbishop turned to Richard and nodded. "Your claim had been proven, My Lord Earl. Henceforth, you shall be known as the earl of Woodbridge, and shall be entitled to all monies and estates accorded to that title."

Sabine grabbed Richard and hugged him to her. "It is done! Oh, Richard, father would be so pleased; his heir has come safely home."

The archbishop interrupted them. "I will ask all of you to leave with the exception of you, Your Grace."

Sabine nodded reassuringly to her brother. "Go with Thea, Richard. I shall soon join you."

When they left the room, Sabine turned her attention to the archbishop, her chin set in a stubborn line. "I have nothing more to prove, Your Excellency."

"What shall we do about your situation, Your Grace?"

"I have put no petition before you, so my future is not your concern."

He smiled wryly. "Your tongue is sharp, like your father's. I should have seen the resemblance sooner."

"I am going home with my brother, where I intend to petition the pope for an annulment from my marriage with Garreth Blackthorn."

"1 wonder what his grace will say about that?"

"That is no concern of mine."

"A marriage is not so easily put aside, Your Grace— the king does not wish this marriage to end. You will remember the particular interest he took in this union."

"While it is true that I married to please the king, I shall seek an annulment to please myself."

The archbishop was laughing so hard that he was shaking. "If I were your husband, Your Grace, no pope would take you away from me."

She raised her head. "You seem to believe that Garreth Blackthorn was innocent of any wrongdoing to my family— I am not so convinced."

He looked shocked. "You cannot believe that. The king has pardoned him of that crime. I, myself, drew a confession of guilt from his cousin, Cortland Blackthorn."

Sabine remembered that name from her wedding. She also recalled the hatred in Cortland Blackthorn's voice when he had spoken of Garreth. "It may have been the cousin who drew the bow, but perhaps Garreth aimed the arrow."

"That is a dangerous assumption, Your Grace. I have here a letter from your husband. Would you like to know what it says?"

"I'm not interested."

The archbishop unfolded the letter slowly and deliberately. "I feel obligated to tell you that it was because of this letter more than anything else that persuaded his majesty that young Richard's claim should be investigated. His grace interceded on Lord Richard's behalf and asked that we return all titles to him. He has also asked to be notified immediately about the results of this hearing today."

For a moment, she looked fearful. "He is here?"

"No. He remained at Wolfeton Keep."

So Garreth acknowledged her as his wife. She had not been certain that he would, and she had not expected him to help her brother.

"Richard and I did not ask for his assistance."

"It's a pity. He never gave up believing that you were alive."

"If there is nothing else, Your Excellency, I would like to join my brother."

"Before you go, may I inquire what you have been doing all these years—his majesty will want to know why you did not return sooner."

"I'm sure my uncle has told you I was in France—tell his majesty that." She turned to look at the door. "If there is nothing else, I'm anxious to see Thea. She seemed very ill. And it is a long journey to Woodbridge—I want to go home."

"The king will not allow you to remain at Woodbridge. You will soon find yourself installed at Wolfeton Keep."

She raised her eyebrow, reminding him again of her father. "Tell his majesty not to concern himself with me."

He chuckled. "I don't believe that would be wise. Rather, I shall give him your regards."

She started to object, and then reconsidered. "Do as you will."

He smiled at her. "Go with God, and may God help your husband—I believe his grace is going to need divine guidance."

Sabine did not smile at his humor. She turned and walked toward the door, wondering if she should be happy about Richard, or frightened for herself.

26

There was no joyful reunion between Sabine and Thea because the nurse was feverish and talking incoherently by the time Sabine left the archbishop. It was apparent that she was too ill to make the long journey to Woodbridge, so Sabine gently helped her into the carriage that would take them to the house outside London.

"It will be all right, Thea. I will take care of you now."

The old nurse mumbled over and over, "I wait only for Sabine and Richard—then I die in peace."

When they arrived at the house, Sabine helped Thea to bed and then immediately sent for a physician. After examining Thea, the man was not encouraging; he told Sabine that the old nurse would not recover from her bout with fever.

Sabine was torn. She did not want to leave Thea, and yet she had to accompany Richard to Woodbridge. She bent to kiss the old woman's cheek. "We'll soon have you well, Thea, then you will come home to Woodbridge."

Thea rolled her head. "1 won't die here in this strange house. I want to go home."

"Don't talk, just rest." Sabine moved to the door, where she lowered her voice to Ysabel. "I'm concerned about her."

"I will remain with her throughout the night," Ysabel said. "You go to bed now."

Sabine nodded. She was exceedingly weary, but once in bed, she could not sleep. She rose several times during the night and went into Thea's room. Thea's condition had worsened, and she was babbling about the night Woodbridge Castle had been attacked, reliving the whole tragic incident.

It was difficult for Sabine to leave Thea the next day. She issued orders that the servants were to see to Thea's every need, and that the physician was to visit her twice a day. She left instructions that if Thea grew strong enough to travel, she was to be brought home to Woodbridge.

The closer the coach got to Woodbridge Castle, the more subdued Richard became. Sabine tried to engage him in conversation, but he remained silent and pensive.

It was a strange cavalcade, with their Uncle Joseph and Uncle Simon following in a carriage, no doubt discussing Richard's future.

At last Sabine took Richard's hand, thus forcing him to look at her. "If there is something troubling you, we should speak of it."

His shoulders slumped, and he seemed even more dejected. "I have been thinking of the obligations that face me, for which I have had no preparation. You tell me that many people will depend on me, and yet, I have not the knowledge to guide them. No one would be willing to follow the direction of a boy."

"Richard, the fact that you are our father's son makes you the rightful lord in the villagers' eyes—and they are ready to follow your guidance. You will have a host of people trained to aid you. Each of them will have a particular function and they will know well how to perform their duties. Uncle Simon will help you in matters concerning Woodbridge. And he has agreed to stay on while you attend school."

Richard looked from his sister to Ysabel. "You will soon leave me, Sabine. And you will also leave, Ysabel?"

Sabine realized what was bothering him, and it was time to tell him about Garreth. "Richard, I must tell you about the signet ring you found in my jewel chest."

"Did you think I wouldn't know that Garreth Blackthorn is the duke of Balmarough? I did not speak of him to you because you were reluctant to talk about him. But I find it confusing that he did not appear to know you in Paris. Would not a husband know his own wife?"

She gathered her strength. It would be difficult to tell him about Garreth. "I can see where it would be confusing. When Garreth and I were married, I was but four years older than you are now. I never lived at Wolfeton Keep. I saw him only on two occasions other than our wedding day. I was a child then—he did not recognize me as a woman." She dreaded what she must tell him now. "Garreth was locked in the tower because it was believed that he ordered our father murdered."

"Uncle Simon told me about that. But he's innocent, Sabine—I know he didn't do it."

She had no response to that. Everyone save herself seemed to believe in Garreth's innocence. "Whether he is worthy of blame or not, I want never to see him again. I shall not move to Wolfeton Keep. My home is at Woodbridge—father would have wished it so."

Ysabel shook her head. "I do not believe that you can live your life by the wishes of your dead father. This is not France, Sabine, and your future will rest on the dictates of the duke. I would not so easily dismiss him from my life if I were you."

"I will expect Garreth to cause trouble and make demands. But I do not intend to obey him. I may as well tell you both now that I have decided to petition the pope for an end to my marriage."

"Sabine," Richard said, a frown creasing his brow, "I liked Garreth Blackthorn. Too much of your life has been devoted to me, and everything you have done was for me. Is it not time to live for yourself?"

"You have been doing much pondering of late, old wise one," Sabine replied, touched by his concern for her. "Let us speak of this later. Within three hours, we shall reach Woodbridge Village—consider how elated the people will be to see you."

Richard again became silent, and after a time, he fell asleep, leaning his head back against the cushioned seat.

Sabine met Ysabel's eyes. "I know what you are thinking, Ysabel."

"I was not aware that you could read minds."

"I have decided on this annulment, and I will hear nothing to the contrary."

"I believe the duke will have much to say on the matter."

"After the humiliation I've been to him, he will undoubtedly welcome the annulment. Do you think that he wants all England to know that his wife was an actress? I pray that he will be as eager to be rid of me as I of him. For seven years, I have been married to him, and yet, for only one night was I his wife."

Sabine glanced at Richard and saw from his deep breathing that he slept soundly. "Everyone believes that Garreth was wrongly accused of my father's murder. But I will always have doubts. I want to believe in Garreth, yet dare I?"

"Only you can answer what is in your heart. I told you in Paris that I sensed no evil in him," Ysabel said.

Sabine thought back to the night she had lain in Garreth's arms while he pledged his love to her, the night she had also admitted that she loved him.

"My heart is as cold as the winter that will soon cover this land. If only I could go back and relive that last night in Paris," she said softly. "I deliberately humiliated him, and he will not so easily forgive that."

"You cannot go back—there is only forward."

"He must despise me." Sabine pulled the soft fur lap robe about her, suddenly feeling cold. "But little I care."

"So I see," said Ysabel, noting the sadness in Sabine's eyes.

The day was cloudy, and there was a chill in the air as Lord Stephen rode through the woods that surrounded Wolfeton Keep. Many of the leaves had fallen from the trees, but those that persistently clung to the branches were now ripped away by the gusting winds that sent them swirling to the ground.

Stephen urged his mount over the wooden bridge and into the inner courtyard of the Keep. He dismounted and handed the reins to the stable boy, then straightened his jerkin. Gazing up at the castle, he couldn't help but think it was very like a fortress with the thick heavy gates, turrets, and battlement towers. But there was warmth in the gray stone structure, and he knew he would find a welcome here.

Today, however, he was not pleased with the mission that had been entrusted to him. The Archbishop of Canterbury had chosen him to deliver the document because he was Garreth's friend. Stephen had spent an hour with the archbishop, during which he was informed about the importance of his mission.

Stephen still could not believe that La Flamme was the same little girl that had been so sickly and fragile at the wedding. What twist of fate had placed him between Garreth and her in Paris? He thought back to the chance meeting with La Flamme the first night he had seen her perform. Now he knew why she had befriended him—although he never doubted that their friendship was genuine. At the moment, he was concerned about what Garreth's reaction would be when he learned of Sabine's intentions. Stephen wished that the archbishop had chosen another messenger.

He was admitted to the Keep and told that her grace was in her private salon. On entering the room, Garreth's mother greeted him warmly and then offered him refreshments while they waited for Garreth.

"We don't see enough of you, Stephen, with you in London and Garreth here at the Keep." There was worry in her voice. "1 don't know what to do about Garreth, Stephen. I am glad you're here."

"Is he ill?"

"His health is good, but I sense much anger and confusion in him. I believe something happened to him in France and I'm certain it involves a woman—yet he will not speak of it. Do you know what is troubling him?"

Stephen was glad that he was saved from answering when Garreth entered the room. He immediately saw why her grace was concerned. Garreth had no sparkle in his eyes; he looked haggard, and seemed withdrawn and distant.

Garreth gave Stephen a forced smile. "I thought that was your horse I saw in the stable. What brings you to Wolfeton Keep?"

Stephen had been holding the archbishop's message in his hand, and he now offered it to Garreth. "I was asked to deliver this into your hands."

"I have been expecting this. A summons from the king, no doubt."

"It's not from his majesty, but the archbishop."

Garreth's mother stood. "I will leave the two of you alone. Stephen, I shall expect you to remain with us for a while. I will see you both at luncheon."

"Stay, Mother," Garreth said. "I believe I know what this is about, and it's time I told you." He turned to Stephen. "It is about my wife, is it not?"

The duchess looked distressed. "Oh, Stephen, they have not discovered that Sabine is dead, have they?"

Stephen looked into Garreth's eyes. "No, Your Grace."

"Tell her, Stephen," Garreth said dully. "Tell my mother about my ... wife."

Stephen cleared his throat. "Garreth's wife has been located."

Adrienne Blackthorn looked confused, and then she smiled. "Surely this is good news! Is she well? Have they also found her brother?"

"Yes, Your Grace," Stephen replied.

"This is wonderful. I shall have everything made ready for her. When will she be arriving?"

Garreth seated his mother and turned to Stephen. "How much does the archbishop know about Sabine?"

"He told me that when he pressed her for information about where she had been all those years, she only said that she had been in France."

Garreth's lips thinned. "I have little doubt that she does not want it known about her past."

"Garreth," his mother asked in puzzlement, "what are you saying? Have you known where Sabine was hiding all these years? Why did you not tell me?"

"I only discovered her whereabouts lately, Mother— while I was in Paris."

"So that's where she fled! It's no wonder we could not find her. You must bring her home without delay."

Stephen had been watching his friend's face and he could see the veiled anger that Garreth kept under tight control.

"In that, I believe, lies the dilemma, Mother."

The dowager was bewildered. Something was not right. "Surely you intend to bring Sabine home, Garreth. Her place is here at your side."

Garreth broke the seal on the document. There was an official-looking paper and a letter from the archbishop, which he read to himself while the others waited silently for him to finish.

Your Grace,

I am sure that Lord Stephen will have explained the circumstances concerning your wife. Against my advice, she is seeking an annulment. It is his majesty's hope that you will not allow this. It is his wish that you will take yourself to Woodbridge with all haste and bring her grace to Wolfeton Keep. His majesty will be waiting for a happy solution to this situation.

Garreth handed the letter to his mother, and when she had finished reading it, she looked at him inquiringly. "What's wrong with Sabine, Garreth? Is it possible that she still believes that you were involved in her father's death? Why else would she remain in hiding, and then demand to be free of the marriage?"

Garreth moved angrily to the window. "I care not what she does. I married her at the king's insistence, but I will not raise a hand to keep Sabine against her will— no matter what the king says. I've been in the Tower before, let him put me there again."

Adrienne shook her head. "Talk to him, Stephen. Tell my son that Sabine should be brought here at once."

Stephen shrugged and shook his head.

Garreth did not turn to his mother as he spoke. "I wonder if you would be so anxious to have her installed at Wolfeton Keep if you knew of her past?" He moved to the door and glanced at Stephen. "I give you leave to tell my mother about La Flamme."

Stephen sprang to his feet. "Not 1.1 have done what I came to do. Any more that needs doing will have to come from you, Garreth."