Free The Truest Heart by Samantha James

future, she acknowledged suddenly, was no less uncertain than hers.
    Neither of them had any choice. She could only wait, wait for whatever fate would befall her …
    And Gareth as well.
     
    Chapter 5
     
    “He doesn’t believe me. Nor does he like me,” Gareth stated flatly.
    Gillian had done little more than cross the threshold of the cottage when she was hailed by Gareth’s statement; it was readily apparent he spoke of Brother Baldric. She pushed the door shut, then turned to face him.
    Gareth had pushed himself up to rest against the pillow. No semblance of a smile softened the grim line of his lips.
    She considered his statement, a trifle unsure how to respond. “There are reasons for that,” she said finally.
    “And what might those reasons be?”
    Ah, but she should have known he would persist. “I’ve known him since I was a child. He served my family long before I was born. He’s been protective of me since my father’s death—”
    “And your husband’s, no doubt.” He made the interruption pointedly, and with decided coolness.
    Gillian was uncomfortable. “Yes,” she lied.
    The corners of Gareth’s mouth turned down. “He has no reason to distrust me.”
    “He is wary of you because you are a stranger.”
    “Isn’t it the duty of a priest to—”
    “He is not a priest. He is a lay brother in the service of the Lord. After the death of his wife and four children many years ago, he decided to dedicate his life to God.”
    “My point exactly. That he has never taken holy orders is irrelevant. He wears the trappings of a man of God, so is it not his duty to impart charity toward others? You claim otherwise, but I failed to see little hint of a forgiving, benevolent nature.”
    Gillian could summon no argument, save one. “There is much discontent in the country at present,” she murmured.
    His expression was a clear indication he was clearly unsatisfied with her explanation. Brother Baldric had urged caution; frantically she wondered how much she dare divulge.
    “There are some who are not favorably disposed toward King John,” she stated carefully, “some who fear John has spies afoot in every corner of the kingdom. The people of England have grown weary of the demand for taxes. Many believe King John wishes only to fatten his war chest, that he cares little about England and only wishes to retake the possessions he lost in Normandy.”
    “A time when loyalties sway like the wind. A time when it’s every man for himself.”
    His perception was only too astute. Gillian nodded. “My father used to say that even before the interdict, it was as if all of England lay hidden beneath a bleak cloud.”
    “And so King John is heartily disliked.”
    Despised, more like, she nearly blurted. She stole a glance at Gareth, only to discover that his features were almost guarded. Brother Baldric’s warning clanged through her once more. Do not trust lightly. She hesitated, all at once afraid to say yea, afraid to say nay.
    He indicated the stool beside the bed. “Sit,” he said. “Tell me of the interdict.”
    There was a rustle of movement as Gillian obliged. “I was too young to remember, but there was much discord between the Vatican and King John when the archbishop of Canterbury died.”
    Gareth held up a hand. “The archbishop of Canterbury,” he repeated. “It was Hubert Walter, wasn’t it?”
    “Yes. Pope Innocent refused to confirm the selection of the monks, Reginald, and also cast aside John’s choice, the bishop of Norwich. The pope’s choice was Stephen Langton. John swore he would never allow Langton to step foot on English soil. When John refused to give in, the pope placed England under interdict…”
    “… and so the church doors were locked and sealed,” he finished grimly. “The bells did not toll. Altars were covered and sacred relics stowed away. But John at last swore allegiance to Rome and Stephen Langton was declared archbishop.”
    “Yes,” Gillian