Chapter 15

Chapter Fifteen

Chamont-sur-Maine

It had seemed that naught could go wrong, but when the day came for Bartholomew to plead his case before King Henry, Anna was fearful of the result.

Perhaps it was simply that she was not in the habit of meeting kings.

Much less asking for their favors.

She and Bartholomew had journeyed south, with Leila and Timothy to aid them, after leaving Fergus in charge of Haynesdale. There was much to done, for Bartholomew wished to rebuild his father's keep and restore the village to its former site. The villagers were enthusiastic and had begun the labor quickly. Their memory would be of aid to Fergus in directing the work, and Bartholomew had declared himself confident in his friend's administration. Duncan, too, had remained at Haynesdale, for his place was with Fergus until that knight was safely home again.

Bartholomew carried several trunks of coins south to make his plea to the king. Cenric had needed to be restrained to ensure he did not follow them, but Bartholomew said the journey would be too much for him. He had rubbed the dog's ears and vowed to return, and Anna halfway thought the beast understood him.

The weather had been fair, and despite Anna's concerns, their crossing to France had been uneventful. She alone of the party had never journeyed so far, but Bartholomew explained much to her and took her to many churches along the way. He taught her French as they journeyed, and though her efforts had made them all laugh at first, her skills improved daily. She also had to learn to comport herself like a noblewoman, and Leila had assisted her with that.

Still, by the time they reached Gaston's abode, Anna had been certain she would make a mistake that would cost Bartholomew dearly. She hoped that wedding her would not be the mistake that cost him all, for the whim of kings could not be anticipated.

Ysmaine had been gracious in her welcome and polite in her few suggestions, which had bolstered Anna's confidence yet more. Ysmaine's maid Radegunde had immediately spied that Anna was with child, confirming Anna's own suspicions. Ysmaine was rounder yet, and the two knights congratulated each other on their good fortune.

It was Gaston who sent word to Anjou, inviting the king to visit. That astonished Anna, for she thought people went to kings, but to her further amazement, King Henry accepted the invitation.

For two days hence.

The kitchens descended into a frenzy of baking, roasting, stewing and saucemaking. The lady Ysmaine laughed that only a fool would cross that threshold willingly. The seneschal had the strewing herbs changed twice in the great hall—for he did not care for the scent of the first ones—and the wood stacked high beside the fireplaces. Banners were hung and minstrels were hired, and the parade of meat to the kitchens was sufficient to make Anna's eyes round.

There were swans and peacocks to be served, as well as venison and a roast boar, countless egg dishes and fine tarts. There was wine and there was ale, fresh bread and many cheeses. She could not believe the bounty of Gaston's larders and pantries.

It was just before noon on the chosen day that the entire household was gathered before the gates of Chamont-sur-Maine to welcome the king's party. Gaston and Ysmaine stood by the very portal, with Anna and Bartholomew to one side, then all of the household standing in order of rank. The villeins lined the road through the village, and some measure of rank was displayed there for the tradesmen and the guild members were closest to Gaston's household. All were dressed in their best, and each stood a little taller when the fanfare was heard announcing the king's arrival.

At first glimpse of the king, they all bowed low.

Anna could not help but steal glimpses of the king's party, in their rich robes, riding magnificent horses. She had never seen the like, and she caught Bartholomew smiling at her awe. She supposed her thoughts were as clear to him as ever.

Even the saddles of the steeds were embellished, wrought of colored leather, hung with richly embroidered caparisons, even hung with silver bells. Mail and scabbards gleamed, the armor and weapons more likely to see a fine company of guests than a bloody battlefield.

The king himself was aged, but not as old as Anna might have expected. His hair was silver and his legs were bowed, doubtless from all the time he spent in the saddle. He dismounted with a grimace that was so fleeting she might have imagined it. He greeted Gaston with a warmth and familiarity that was evident to Anna even though she could not readily follow his quick French.

She was astonished that she stayed in the home of a man who was friendly with the king himself!

Then the king paused before Bartholomew. Anna felt her gaze upon him, but kept her head bowed until he gestured. She watched him survey Bartholomew. "And so the son of Nicholas of Haynesdale is finally found," the king said in English that bore a slight French accent. "I never imagined that Gabriella would have allowed you to be lost for good."

"You knew them, sire?"

The king smiled. "I arranged their match, Luc Bartholomew. Is it true that the mark is burned into your flesh? It seemed such a fanciful tale."

"It is, my lord."

"Yet the ring is lost."

"Nay, my lord," Anna dared to say. She tugged the lace from her chemise, noting how avidly the king watched her bodice for the sight of the ring. "It was entrusted to my family's care by Lady Gabriella."

The king lifted the ring, turning it so that the wyvern rampant caught the light. He smiled a little. "I remember it well. See the mark inside? Nicholas had the date inscribed when I granted Haynesdale to him, after his father's demise." He nodded. "He was a good man." He loosed the ring and it fell on its lace to Anna's breast, then eyed Bartholomew. "And this is your lady wife?"

"Aye, sir. Daughter of the Lady of Haynesdale who was wedded first to Royce Montclair and the youngest son of the Duke of Arsent."

"I wager there is a tale there," the king mused and Anna felt herself flush. "And yet, though she has the ring, you do not wear it."

"Only a king can make a baron of the realm, sir."

"And the king has always chosen the wife of the Baron of Haynesdale," Henry noted.

Anna's heart went cold.

"Forgive me, sire, if I have been presumptuous," Bartholomew said.

"You have been," the king replied, his manner stern. Then his gaze fell to Anna's belly. "And impetuous as well." He sighed and frowned. "Far be it from me to ensure that another bastard is born in my realm."

Anna gasped in delight at his implication. The king surveyed her and she wondered whether he realized the fullness of her relief.

Then Henry smiled at her, his eyes twinkling. "Fear not, I will not annul a match that has so obviously been consummated."

"I thank you, sire," Bartholomew said.

The king offered his hand to Bartholomew, who quickly bowed to kiss it. "I will need to see the mark, of course," he said. "And the escheat will have to be paid."

"I have coin for it, sire, as well as the taxes unpaid by the former Baron of Haynesdale."

"Your timing is most excellent," Henry said, then raised his voice to address all of those gathered before the gates. "There will be a crusade to the east to reclaim Jerusalem. I and King Philip and my son Richard will lead this venture, and I bid all of you to contribute to its financing as the new Baron of Haynesdale has shown the good sense to do." There was applause. "And I bid those of you who are hale to put your affairs in order and ride with us, the better to retrieve the Holy City from the grip of infidels!"

There was a cheer of enthusiasm and the king turned a knowing smile upon Anna. "I would wager that your new lady will not have you leave her bed so soon as this," he said to Bartholomew.

"And I would remain to see Haynesdale rebuilt, sire, for both village and hall have been plagued by fire."

The king sobered. "There will be taxes to fund the crusade. Do not imagine that you can shirk from paying your due."

"Of course not, my lord," Anna said, for she could remain silent no longer. "My husband wishes to have a license for an annual fair at Haynesdale, the better to enrich our coffers with tolls and tithes."

The king nodded. "We shall reflect upon the matter," he said, though his smile was approving. Anna saw Gaston nod once at Bartholomew, and guessed that he perceived the king to be inclined to agree.

Meanwhile, Henry inhaled deeply. "There is something in the air of Brittany that fosters a man's appetite. Here we stand at the gateway between Brittany and Anjou, and all I can consider is the scent of that roast boar. My lady Ysmaine, would you be so kind as to lead us to your board? Though it has been but a short ride, I find myself famished indeed."

"With the greatest pleasure, sire. You do us great honor with your presence." Then Ysmaine switched to French, her words falling so rapidly that Anna had no hope of following the conversation.

She took Bartholomew's elbow and his hand folded over hers. "Does that mean he approves?" she whispered and Bartholomew smiled at her.

"If all proceeds well, it shall be done."

"And why should it not?"

"There is no reason, Anna. Gaston considers the matter resolved, and I will take confidence in his view."

"Then Haynesdale will be yours!"

"Once the ring is on my finger." They passed beneath the gates, and Bartholomew bent to kiss her cheek. "But truly, the ring of greatest import is already upon my finger."

The sole one he wore was his wedding band, just as Anna wore just one. She smiled up at him, well content with her fate. "Ysmaine's maid thinks it will be a boy."

Bartholomew could not hide suppress his smile, and his eyes danced as she loved them best. "Whether it is boy or girl is of no import, Anna," he vowed. "For I am more than willing to try again to conceive an heir."

And in this matter, it must be said, Anna did fully agree with her lord spouse.

*

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The Crusader's Vow

Book #4 in the series

Coming in April 2016