Katharine’s old lips flickered with a smile. “I seem to remember a very angry woman telling me that she would not marry into a family so entrenched in oppression and politics.”
Devereux half-nodded, half-shrugged. “Forgive me. When you accused me of ignorance, you were correct. I did not know both sides of the situation.”
“And you feel that you do now?”
She nodded faintly, moving to close the massive oak panel. “I believe I am learning,” she said truthfully. “Your son has helped me understand a great deal.”
Lady Katharine took Devereux’s elbow as they moved towards the warm solar, smelling of fresh bread and rushes. It was the first time that Katharine made a companionable move towards Devereux, who did not take it lightly. She patted the elderly woman’s hand.
“And you have helped my son learn a great deal,” Katharine replied. “I believe this marriage has been good for you both.”
“It has.”
“Excellent,” Katharine said as they entered the solar. “I am pleased to hear this.”
Devereux’s smile broadened as she and Lady Katharine exchanged knowing glances. Silent words of understanding and approval passed between them, establishing the beginning of a relationship between them. By this time, Lucy was on her feet, moving to greet Devereux. Lady Katharine moved to her favorite chair, ringing a little silver bell for her servants and her dogs. Devereux went to the table set with fine dishes of food, trying not to become ill at the sights and smells.
Lucy chattered and Frances remained predictably silent as they broke their fast, but Devereux couldn’t follow the conversation. She was still focused on Davyss, her longing for him growing by the minute. She had grown inordinately attached to the man since his arrival at Thetford and now his sudden absence had her feeling hollow and sad.
Eventually, Lucy’s prattle pushed her to the point of agitation and she excused herself quickly, retreating to the bedchamber she and Davyss had shared. Stretching out on the mattress, she could smell him on the sheets and she inhaled deeply.
The tears quietly came. She missed him already.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Lewes Castle
May 15, 1264
“He will showyou complete absolution and mercy, Davyss,” Hugh’s young face was grave. “It is over. All of it is over. Why must you be so stubborn?”
Davyss wasn’t shackled or bound as some of Henry’s other knights were, something he should have been grateful for. Even now, Philip, Andrew and Edmund were bound and guarded. But they had stripped Davyss ofLespadaand the rest of his weapons, items that were in Hugh’s possession now. Davyss stood amidst a cluster of tents in the early morning hours, facing off against his brother as chaos went on around them.
The Battle of Lewes was over on the morning of the fourth day. The fields surrounding the small town and castle ran red with blood from de Montfort and Henry’s troops, and in the end, it had been a bad decision by Prince Edward and a bright one by de Montfort that led to Simon’s victory.
Even though Henry’s troops were nearly double the size of Simon’s, the Earl of Leicester had made the smarter choices with the limited men he had. Edward, ever-confident, had failed to listen to Davyss’ advice and it had cost him the battle. Henry and Edward’s men were being corralled and processed, prisoners of war now that the battle was concluded. It had been a disaster for Henry’s forces and now they were all prisoners, including Davyss.
Davyss answered his brother. “My allegiance is to the king, Hugh,” he said quietly. “I cannot change loyalties as easy as you can.”
Hugh’s face flushed. “I had no choice. I had to pledge to de Montfort or you would have killed me.”
“Do you truly wish to delve into that subject right now? I would advise against it.”
Hugh’s face flushed deeper. “It was not my intention to hurt your wife but she should not have confronted me. Had the woman known her place, none of it would have happened.”
Davyss was starting to lose his cool. Exhausted and beaten, his patience was limited as they veered off the subject at hand and into very dangerous territory.
“If you say another word about my wife, I will kill you where you stand,” he growled “Do you hear me?”
Hugh couldn’t help himself, perilous as it was. “I am glad that she is not dead,” he said firmly, extending a hand to his brother to emphasize his point. “Uncle Simon told me that she survived her fall. But I will not apologize for a confrontation that she started.”
“I warned you, Hugh.”
Hugh’s mouth worked furiously but he wisely heeded his brother’s final warning. It was as far as he dared push him. He sighed heavily, raking his hands through his dark hair and struggling to get control of himself. He was exhausted, as they all were. It had been a difficult few days. He eyed his older brother.
“How is your shoulder?” he asked.
Davyss’ hazel eyes regarded his brother before looking away, gingerly rotating his right shoulder. “It is well enough,” he said. “The arrow did not damage anything vital.”
