beginning to recognize as the manâs attempt to smile. It wasnât much of a smile, not nearly so bright as the one heâd bestowed on the dog. His eyes warmed briefly, from inky black to rich brown.
âRest easy, Lady Kathryn. Bruce is a reasonable man. He will find you a good husband. Until we hear from him, you will remain inside the walls of Homelea.â
âOh, but I must visit St. Maryâs.â Her last visit had been two weeks ago and the childâs first birthday was next week.
âWhy?â
Stunned by his question, she struggled for an answer. âI visit every week.â
âAnd again I ask, why must you risk your safety by going there?â
âMy safety?â
âThe English need access to the river crossing on your lands as much as Bruce does. Do you think they wonât try to regain control of Homelea? Of you?â
âI care nothing for your plans for war. I simply wish to visit the abbey as Iâm accustomed to. There is an elderly nun of whom I am very fond, and I take her food and other items to give her comfort.â It wasnât exactly a lie, just not the whole truth, Kathryn assured herself.
âVery well. I will provide you with an armed escort and you may go.â
âWhen?â
âIn a few days.â
Kathryn didnât want to wait, but from his forbidding expression, she knew better than to argue with a man who liked dogs better than people.
FOUR
R ODNEY CARLETON, newly named Earl of Fairfax, looked about the room at those Edward had hastily summoned to attend a war council. The Earls of Pembroke, Ulster, and Dunbar were in attendance. Edward seemed barely able to conceal his glee at whatever news he planned to share. The king quickly called his noblemen to order.
âGentlemen, Bruce has finally given us the means to subdue the rebel Scots once and for all.â
âWhat is the news, Your Majesty?â asked Ulster.
Ulster remained a valued member of the inner circle despite his daughterâs imprisonment at the manor of Burstwick-in-Holderness. Edwardâs own father had arranged the marriage of Ulsterâs daughter, Elizabeth de Burgh, to Robert the Bruce in an effort to wed the Scotsmanâs loyalty to the English king. Only her fatherâs continued loyalty to England had saved Elizabeth from being tried as a traitor.
Rodney returned his thoughts to the present as Edward continued. âWe are still in command of Stirling. Our commander there, Sir Philip Mowbray, arrived here in London last week under a grant of safe conduct. It seems Bruceâs impatient brother has committed Bruce to the capture of Stirling Castle.â
A murmur arose among the gathering and the king raised his voice to be heard. âA bargain has been struck whereby, if I do not rescue Stirling from Bruceâs siege by Midsummerâs Day, then Mowbray will yield the castle to Bruce.â
âAnd is Bruce bound by this agreement?â Dunbar inquired, his voice incredulous.
âYes, he is. Mowbray and Edward Bruce pledged their sacred honor. Robert must see this through and meet us, at last, in a pitched battle he cannot win. No more must we abide his irregular warfare. He will meet the might of England and be vanquished.â
Edward pounded the table in front of him. âWe shall assemble a mighty army and defeat these vexing Scots once and for all. The relief of Stirling shall be our battle call and will cause all of England to rally to our cause.â
âHere, here,â shouted a chorus of voices.
At this, Carleton spoke up. âWe shall prevail, Your Majesty. The Scots have seen much of war these past years, and it has taken a toll. How soon do we begin preparations?â
Edward smiled in malice. âImmediately. I have sent writs to eight earls, including the four of you here today, and eighty-seven barons, summoning you to appear with your forces at Berwick by June tenth.â
Heads nodded as