Chapter Twenty-Three

H er words came to him on the second day he could remember after Isabel, she would always be Isabel to him, left. He was washing off the filth he’d collected as he’d drunk and vomited and drunk some more seeking a way out of his pain. After finishing up Connor’s brew, the pain had stopped and the haze caused by the liquor continued to keep it at bay.

Unfortunately, Orrick sought him at that time and demanded he return to his duties. Connor was the enforcer of Orrick’s will and William found himself dragged to the kitchens, stripped to his skin, and dumped into a steaming vat of water. Then his head was dunked under the water and held there until he fought back. Once Connor was convinced William was awake, he turned him over to the servants for cleaning.

He submitted mostly because he lacked the strength to fight back. And because he did not care about what he wore or did not, what he ate or did not, whether he slept or did not. None of this mattered any longer.

His face and neck were scraped of the beard he’d worn and his skin burned from it. Splashing water on it to cool the burn, he heard Alianor’s words in his mind.

My lord husband has sent along enough guards to protect the entire kingdom from an invading army.

But they could not protect her from a lone assassin.

He jumped from the tub and grabbed the drying cloth as he did. Alianor was being followed and, if Anne joined her, they were both in danger. William raced through the kitchens, up to his chambers and quickly dressed. He must find Orrick and leave immediately. It could already be too late.

Anne’s appearance and return from the dead sent Alianor into a faint. Her ladies fluttered around them, bringing a cool cloth and a cup of ale and anything else they thought might revive her. Anne waited and then shooed them all out of the room so that her reunion could be a private one. But not before urging them to keep her identity and her presence there a secret.

That suggestion came from Lady Margaret, who grasped the danger that could still exist if her existence was revealed without an appropriate level of security. After meeting Alianor in Thursby, the plan was to continue on to the convent of Saint Mary Magdalene and to wait there while Alianor summoned her husband. With the protection of the earl, her survival could be announced and then the guilty person could be charged.

But, first, she had to see her sister. Alianor had been placed on a pallet and Anne sat next to her waiting. Her hands shook as she readied herself to see the one person closer to her than anyone else. What would she say?

Nigh to five years had passed since she’d seen or spoken to Alianor. Their weddings began the separation and then Edward had completed it in more ways than just not permitting visits. As her problems conceiving and bearing a child for him became known, he made certain she knew of her sister’s success. And that he had desired her sister over her and only agreed to marry her for the land that was returned by her father.

After hearing it over and over from him and from his mother as well, Anne knew that part of her began to hate her sister. Oh, she’d fought it at first, even losing control and telling Edward how much Alianor feared him and that she had taken her place. She’d placed another powerful weapon in their hands and they’d used it against her relentlessly.

She, a mere woman, had dared to intervene in the dealings of men? She had interfered with God’s plans and those of her betters and her barren condition was God’s punishment for her haughty arrogance. She must be punished for and cleansed of her insubordination before God would grant her a child.

She shook her head, ridding herself of those thoughts. Anne may have accepted that during their marriage, after her resistance and her will was beaten down, but she knew now it did not have to be that way between husbands and wives. Alianor’s presence here, even that her husband permitted her to travel without him across England on her belief alone, was proof that love and trust could co-exist in marriage.

A gasp told her that Alianor was awake.

They stared at each other for moments before the tears erupted and then Anne was clasped so tightly by Alianor that she thought she might pass out. It went on for several minutes, the crying and hugging, the murmured words of lost sisters and praise that she was alive. Finally, when all their tears had been cried, they were able to talk. Alianor would not let go of her hand.

A few hours passed as they caught each up on what had happened and Alianor filled in even more gaps in her knowledge, especially of happenings since Anne’s disappearance and accepted death. Anne marveled at her strength of spirit and fierce determination to seek revenge on her behalf for all the wrongs done to her. The pain and suffering she’d suffered at Edward’s hands had served a purpose—they had protected and saved Alianor from becoming the unspirited wife of a controlling husband. She knew in her heart that Alianor had become the person she was now because she had married Guy instead.

When the talk came around to the most recent months of her life, Anne found it difficult to reveal what was so painful to her. In spite of promising herself that she would not say his name, her sister had wheedled it out of her and then held her as she cried out her sorrow.

Day became night and still they talked. Plans were made and a messenger was sent to Hexham, requesting Guy meet them at the convent outside Carlisle. No reason was given, but with a blush, Alianor assured her that none was necessary. No one outside her ladies was told anything but that Lady “Isabel” was traveling back with them, continuing the mas querade until Guy’s counsel and protection was attained.

Since the next day would be a difficult and full traveling day, they retired early. Alianor insisted that they share the chamber and Anne did, feeling stronger just with her support and presence. The day dawned sunny and clear, which Anne took as a good sign.

They were making good time toward the convent when the commotion began in the rear of their party. Hexham’s men-at-arms encircled the women of the group and took a defensive position as Alianor’s commander investigated the disturbance. He returned some time later and escorted a small group and two dead bodies to Alianor. Anne watched as Royce, Connor and two other of Orrick’s men came into view. Unable to look at him without pain, Anne focused her eyes and ears on Alianor.

“My lady,” her commander began. “These men are from—”

“Lord Orrick of Silloth. Who are these men? Yours, Sir Royce?” Alianor demanded. Anne recognized the anger in her tone and feared it was on her behalf.

Royce moved forward and bowed from his horse. “Nay, my lady. We found them following you, preparing an attack from behind.”

Alianor’s brows rose as she considered this. “How did you know of them?”

“Your words, my lady, when last we spoke. You mentioned that your husband had sent along enough guards to fend off an invading army. I realized that a lone assassin can be more effective at hitting a target and hiding in the forest.”

“’Twould seem you were correct and you have my thanks. And, Lady Isabel’s as well, I am certain.”

Why had she done that? Anne wanted to fade into the trees and not be seen at all. And especially not by him. All she could do was nod and not meet his gaze.

“Isabel, are you familiar with either of these men?” At Alianor’s wave, a guard turned the dead men over so she could see their faces. Anne gasped as she recognized one of the men from the night of her attack. “Marie? Is this not the man we noticed at the abbey?” Her lady nodded and she looked at Anne. “’Twould seem that discretion is still not a trait of mine. My purpose has been discovered and I have jeopardized you once more.”

“My lady,” the commander said. “I think we should get to the convent as soon as possible without any more stops. Once there, you will be safe until your husband arrives.”

Alianor called the guard to her and whispered some additional comments to him. The commander rode back, issuing orders in a low voice so that his words did not carry outside the group. At his word, Anne and Alianor, still surrounded by other guards, began to move forward.

“What did you tell him?”

“I invited Sir Royce and the others to join us at the convent. He deserves at least a good meal for saving our lives.”

“Alianor! How could you?”

“He came to save your life, Anne. Not mine. And from the looks he gave you he has something to say to you.”

“He said all there was to say and did not speak words I wanted to hear. You may eat with him if you like, but I will seek solace in prayer tonight.”

They rode for some time before Alianor spoke again.

“You know this will mean war.”

“War?” she asked. “Why?”

“Father arranged your marriage to close the breach between him and Lancaster at the king’s order. And Father returned that bloody piece of land that Robert lost his life defending as part of the settlement.”

“Aye, I know those things.”

“Since your death, that land remains with Lancaster.”

“Why was it not returned when I was reported dead?”

“Their agreement called for it to remain in Lancaster’s hands unless your marriage ended in an annulment. On the birth of an heir or on your death, they retain it.”

Anne was stunned. She knew that Edward’s father had refused to allow him to seek an annulment and now she knew why. She guessed that Edward had given up hope after five years and one miscarriage and tried the easier method—her death. Of course it would have to happen in such a way that he could not be blamed or the land would be lost. An attack by brigands while traveling was a good way, especially if there was a family member there to identify the remains and bury them quickly.

“And now?” Anne was almost afraid to ask.

“When your survival is revealed and you identify your attacker, Father will go to war.”

“And many will die.” The whole reason for her marriage, the reason she had not gone to her father when Edward had turned abusive, would be overturned and many in her family and in their allies’ families would die. Because she was alive.

“So be it. Those mangy curs deserve to die after what they did to you.” Anne wanted to smile at her sister’s bloodthirstiness, but the subject of war was too serious. “Worry not,” she continued with a dark look in her eyes, “they will pay.”

Anne could see Alianor standing on the beach once more, brandishing her sword of driftwood and scaring off the imaginary Viking soldiers as they attacked. She may be the older one, but Alianor had always been the stronger one, the bolder one in their play.

She rode in silence the rest of the way, never daring to look back to see where he was, but always wanting to. They arrived at the convent and were shown to quarters reserved for higher-ranking guests in the lay wing. Anne discovered that Orrick’s men had stayed back an hour to search for any others who might be following the party.

True to her word, Anne asked to be shown to the chapel when dinner was announced to Alianor. Her sister took her aside, none too happy at her decision.

“I did not know you to be a coward, Anne.”

“You have not known me for five years, sister. I have changed much in that time.” Sometimes, she’d discovered, ’twas easier to be a coward and live to tell. “Besides, your words today made me think about the effect of my ‘resurrection’ on our family. I want to think on it.”

“You fear war?”

“I fear losing Guillaume to them. I fear causing so many deaths when my death will keep the peace.”

“And I am unwilling to lose you again, Anne.” Alianor looked at her. “But, go and think and pray on these events. I want you to be at peace with this before we do anything more.”

Anne walked into the chapel and knelt near the altar. She prayed for guidance, she prayed for options and she prayed for peace. Lady Margaret’s words and suggestions came back to her. Mayhap she should enter the convent? Alianor would know where she was, could even visit her from time to time, but war would be averted. And, if she chose one like this one, she could live as a lay sister and not take vows.

Is that what she wanted? To live with these other sisters and work in service to them?

No. She wanted one thing, one person, and, damn her weak heart, even knowing that he did not want her, she still loved him. She really needed to talk to someone. She needed the counsel of someone she trusted. She would seek out Alianor and come to a decision by morning. Too many people were already aware of her identity. The sound of footsteps approaching drew her attention. Thinking that Alianor had come to berate her for missing dinner, she stood and turned to her.

It was him.

Royce stood just a few paces away. She lowered her eyes, not daring to meet his gaze. She needed to leave before she said something stupid. Or did something even worse. Anne had begun to walk away when he reached out and touched her sleeve.

“I am here to beg forgiveness.”

She purposely misunderstood him. “If you ask Sister Genevieve, she can arrange for one of the priests to hear your confession. Now, excuse me.” Gathering her gown, she stepped around him.

“I have begged God’s forgiveness so many times that he ignores me now. Nay, Isabel…Anne, I have come to ask for yours.”

His voice sent chills rippling down her spine. She must go. Now.

“I am so happy over being reunited with my sister, Royce, that I will forgive you any transgressions you may have committed against me. Now, I bid you good evening.”

One…two…three…just two more steps and she would be out of the chapel. She held her breath and took the first one. Staring at the floor and clenching her fists to keep from crying, Anne prepared to take the final one. Royce stepped in front of her and stopped her from leaving.