Free The Lion of Justice by Jean Plaidy Page B

King, I hope.’
    â€˜I doubt she recognizes that. She may try to stop the marriage.’
    â€˜When
I
have consented.’
    â€˜She may try, but with your consent I’ll marry the Princess in a week or so.’
    â€˜May she give you all you want,’ said Rufus.
    â€˜Now I have my lord’s consent, that matter is settled,’ said Alan.
    â€˜You should ride back to Rumsey to tell the happy girl what is in store for her.’
    â€˜When I have celebrated my victory, I shall do so.’
    Left alone with Ranulf, Rufus said: ‘If only it werepossible to deal as easily with Anselm as with my brother Alan!’
    â€˜Alan is easily satisfied. A good bedfellow and a cask of wine will do for him. Anselm wants power and that is in truth another matter. You have no wish for the girl nor the wine – so he can have them. But the power is yours and not to be shared. Oh, never fear, my King, we’ll settle Master Anselm – ay, and before the Princess begins to grow large with Alan’s seed, if need be.’
    Alan of Bretagne was very pleased with himself. He had the King’s consent to his marriage. The girl was personable – young and royal. Her brother had now become King of Scotland. This marriage would be almost as advantageous as his first.
    He sat drinking with the company he had brought with him from Normandy. It grew late as he enlivened the company with stories of his prowess both as a soldier and lover.
    His little Scottish Princess had a treat in store.
    The stories grew more wild and more ribald as the evening progressed, and again and again Alan’s goblet was filled.
    â€˜Well, my friends,’ he said, ‘it is time I left for Rumsey. The Princess will be anxious. She’ll think I’m never coming to claim her.’
    He stood up. Hazily he saw the faces of those who had been drinking with him. He was vaguely aware of the smiles changing to expressions of concern as he fell to the floor.
    The Abbess sent for Edith.
    â€˜I have a message here,’ she said grimly. ‘The King has given his consent to your marriage with Alan of Bretagne.’
    Then Edith knew that on no account would she take this man. Yes, even a life here in the Abbey was preferable to that. Moreover if she consented to take her vows her aunt would be less harsh to her. She had been so in the last weeks because she knew of the turmoil which was going on in Edith’s mind.
    â€˜I will not marry him. I’ll take the veil,’ cried Edith.
    â€˜You fool,’ retorted her aunt. ‘Don’t you understand? It is too late. The King has given his consent. You have no choice.’
    Edith stared with horror at her aunt.
    â€˜Did I not warn you? Did I not tell you that God would avenge your renunciation of him? You have had opportunities given you and constantly you turned away. You could not decide. You were set against the holy life. You longed for a man and then when you saw one, some sense of decency prevailed. But it is too late. The King has decided.’
    â€˜Perhaps I could go to the King.’
    â€˜Go to the King? It is not possible.’
    â€˜If I pleaded with him . . . If I could tell him . . .’
    â€˜You do not know the King. He would not be moved by the tears of women.’ The Abbess laughed as though momentarily enjoying the situation; but she was almost immediately grim again. ‘Nay, you have been chosen and you have rejected God’s wishes. He has now decided to punish you.’
    â€˜Oh, Holy Mother,’ whispered Edith.
    â€˜Yes, you may appeal now. It is too late, I tell you. Had you taken your vows none could have touched you. They would not have dared. But no . . . you would not. You deserve everything that befalls you. You have chosen. You will be handed over to that vile man and he will make sport with you.’
    â€˜Please . . .’
    The Abbess laughed bitterly. ‘Your