Chapter Nineteen

R ichard was at last allowed entrance into Beatrix’s bedchamber. Her light blue gown was stunning along with the jewels that hung from her neck, ears, and wrist. She certainly appeared as a happy bride-to-be and Richard was thrilled for his little sister who had found a man worthy of her.

Coming into the room, he reached for her hands and brought her fingertips to his lips. Seeing how radiant Beatrix appeared calmed his racing heart and silenced any lingering objections he had still been holding for her wedding. The Empress had informed Richard that Oswin and Beatrix would be allowed to leave her service after they wed, but until such information was official, Richard continued to be on edge. ’Twould not be the first time a monarch had gone back on their word.

“You are beautiful, sister,” Richard sighed giving her a bright smile before he pulled her into his embrace.

“Do you think Oswin will agree?” she asked breathlessly.

“Aye… that is, if he knows what is good for him,” Richard chuckled before cupping her face. “Tell me you are happy, and that you have no regrets.”

“Oh, Richard… such a question,” she answered with a wave of her hand. “Of course, I am happy. I am about to wed the man I love. Why would I not be happy?”

“I just wanted to make sure. If you have any doubts, there is still time to change your mind. You have not yet said your vows before the priest. We could cancel the ceremony entirely, if you say that that’s what you want.”

Beatrix’s eyes went wide. “I will do no such thing. I love Oswin and will wed no other!”

“Then, I am indeed happy for you, Beatrix. All I ever wanted was for you to find the man who would make your heart soar,” Richard replied.

She gave a light laugh. “You sound so romantic, Richard. ’Tis not at all what I would have expected from you, given your manner as of late.”

“Just because I do not go around spouting flowery words to praise the beauty of the women at court, does not mean I do not have a soft spot for those I care about,” he replied going to the window and opening the shutter to peer outside.

“Like Lady de Maris?” Beatrix asked and Richard could have sworn a part of his heart cracked wide open just hearing another saying her name.

Richard sighed and closed his eyes, allowing himself the indulgence of envisioning the lady and imagining what she might be doing right now. But after a moment, he let the image go, forcing himself to focus on the present once more. “We are on different paths.”

“But your heart tells me otherwise,” Beatrix said coming to his side and placing her hand on his arm. “You could go and find her, Richard.”

He closed the shutter and patted his sister’s hand. “’Tis not that simple. Besides, you know full well that I will be off to serve under Earl Robert soon. Only the good Lord above knows where such an excursion will take me.”

“Mayhap eventually your journey will take you back to her side. I do not wish for you to be alone, brother, and she is the first woman in many a year that you have shown the smallest affection for. I would hate for you to lose such an opportunity to find a wife who may be perfect for you.”

A smirk crept up at the corner of his mouth. “Look who suddenly sounds like the voice of reason. If I did not know better, I would swear you are the elder sibling.”

Beatrix gave a small shrug of her shoulders. “I saw the two of you together at Oxford, Richard. Only a fool would have dismissed the signs that you cared for each other.”

’Twas Richard’s turn to shrug. “Why… we barely knew one another.”

Beatrix wagged her finger at him. “Sometimes two hearts just know when they have found their other half. I have the notion you were meant to be together. Do not dismiss what you feel for the lady. Nor should you wait too long to claim her. If you delay overmuch, you may come to regret it.”

I already do , he thought miserably but shook himself out of his sudden doldrums. “Wherever my fate might lie, ’tis not something that must needs be addressed today of all days. You, dearest sister, are about to wed one of my close friends. Shall we get you below to the chapel?” he asked holding out his arm.

“Aye,” she answered placing her fingers lightly into the crook of his elbow.

The rest of the ceremony became a blur as he watched his sister and Oswin have their union blessed by Empress Matilda’s priest. An accounting of what each brought to their marriage was recorded by a scribe and with the Empress’s approval, their marriage document was signed and sealed.

The feast in the great hall to celebrate was quite grand, and Richard was indeed pleased for his sister. There could be no doubt in his mind that Beatrix was happy as the minstrels picked up their lutes and their music filled the hall. Beatrix and Oswin made their way to dance in each other’s arms to the lively tune whilst others came to join in on the merriment. His sister’s laughter filled the great hall causing Richard’s heart to be filled with joy at her clear contentment, safely enveloped in the arms of the man she loved. ’Twas all he ever wanted for her.

Aye. She had made a good match. Oswin would be a strong enough partner to put up with Beatrix’s antics when she became too stubborn for her own good. Richard knew such a trait would not easily be diminished for she had a strong personality. Oswin was just the man to tame the woman while not crushing her spirits.

Hopefully their lives would not be disrupted with any battles at their gates and they could live out the rest of their lives in peace. If only Richard could be so lucky. He had not time to allow love into his world. For that reason, ’twas best that he forget all about his feelings for Annora. He had the notion that he would be lifting his blade soon as he continued to defend his life all in the name of Empress Matilda.