“I did not realize you were here, my lady,” she said. “I retired early last evening. When did you arrive?”
Vesper, too, could see how overwrought Margaretha appeared. This was not the stern, firm woman she’d first met when she had come to Selborne. “At the evening meal, my lady,” she said politely. “My father escorted me from Eynsford Castle. We had heard of the archbishop’s assassination and… and I had to come. I had to tell Val that he had my support in this matter. I felt that it was important.”
Margaretha’s gaze moved over the young woman’s features as she took a second look at her. Vesper was certainly lovely and well-spoken enough. She’d seen that from the beginning. Margaretha also remembered her level-headed decision making in the wake of her brother’s execution, something Margaretha had admired. In spite of everything, she had some respect for the young woman who seemed to be caught up in a terrible circumstance with her father and brother. But for the fact that the woman had come to support Val… that action couldn’t help but touch Margaretha’s heart.
“I am sure Valor appreciates your devotion,” she said. “I am sorry I did not know you were here until now. I would have made more of an effort to show you the hospitality of Selborne.”
Vesper forced a smile. “My appearance was rather sudden,” she said, looking at Val. “Your son was kind enough to be quite hospitable.”
There was some expression that passed between the two that Margaretha caught, something warm and liquid. She couldn’t help but think how much like his father Val looked at thatmoment as his pale eyes glittered at Vesper. She’d seen that expression on Gavin de Nerra’s face, many times, and the meaning was very special to her. To see it in Val’s features touched her more than she realized.
Mayhap he truly is in love with this young woman….
But thoughts of warmth and love were going to have to wait. There was an army approaching for her beloved boy and she couldn’t shake the sense of foreboding she felt. It was becoming more weighty by the moment.
“Then I am glad he showed you such hospitality, for you are always welcome at Selborne,” she said. Then, she turned her attention to her son. “As for Henry, I fear that he wants more from you if he is sending his army to escort you. Had he simply demanded your appearance, he would have sent a missive. Nay, this is more than that.”
“What more?” Vesper asked, worried again as her gaze moving between Val and his mother. “What do they want?”
“To arrest him,” Margaretha answered for her son. “That would be the only purpose of sending an army here. If Val refuses to surrender himself, then they will lay siege. Val thinks that I do not know this, but I do. They want my son and they want him badly.”
Vesper looked at Val with increasing horror. “Is that true?” she asked. “Are they here to arrest you?”
Val cast his mother a long look, exasperated that she should be so blunt about the situation. “I am not certain,” he stressed to them both. “But I must go to them. Mother, will you please entertain Lady Vesper until I return? She will be your daughter soon so I would like for you to get to know her.”
Margaretha looked at Vesper again, who was looking up at Val with an expression that suggested she was verging on tears. Perhaps Margaretha wasn’t thrilled with the swiftness of the marriage but, ultimately, she had to trust her son. If he thoughtthe lady was worth his affections, then Margaretha would give him that benefit. Already, she liked the woman. Moreover, if she was to lose her son, then Vesper would be her last connection to him.
God, please do not let this be the last time I see my son….
“She will be my guest,” Margaretha finally said. “I look forward to her company.”
Val knew it was hard for his mother to say that. She wasn’t happy with any part of the situation so he appreciated the fact that she didn’t try to argue with him about it. When the situation was serious, as it was now, Margaretha knew how to behave. She didn’t push. She simply accepted.
“Thank you,” he said to his mother. “Now, I must go down to the bailey. Lord du Reims is waiting for me so we may ride out to meet the incoming army. Know that I will send word when I can, but I imagine I will be at Henry’s mercy for the foreseeable future. You must not worry about that.”
It was a futile statement considering both women were already worried. “You are Henry’s cousin,” Margaretha reminded him. “Do not let him forget that. He must treat you more fairly than most.”
“I will not let him forget, Mother.”
Margaretha had nothing more to say to him. Everything was in the hands of Fate now and there was nothing left to do but for Val to face what was coming. Lifting her hand, she put her warm palm on his cheek.
“Then God be with you, Valor,” she said. “I shall pray for you.”
Val smiled at his mother, bending down to kiss her cheek. He looked at Vesper and hesitated a moment before bending down to kiss her cheek, too. Perhaps, he shouldn’t have done it in front of his mother, but that couldn’t be helped. He wanted to make this a parting well-made, and that included a proper farewell tothe woman he was in love with. He made his way to the stairs, leaving the stricken women behind him. He took the first step and then paused.
“Mother,” he said, not looking at her. “I love Vesper. You will treat her as you would treat me. That would make me happy.”
Vesper’s eyes widened and she dared to look at Margaretha, who was looking at her son. “If you love her, then I shall, too,” she said. “Go, now. Do not keep Henry waiting.”
Val continued down the stairs without another word, leaving Vesper and Margaretha standing in tense silence. Margaretha finally turned to Vesper, who was looking at the dark stairwell where Val had disappeared. She could see the utter devastation in the young woman’s features, the fear for the man she loved heading off into an uncertain future. Margaretha understood her fears very well, for she had them many a time when Gavin would head off to battle.
“Would you join me for the morning meal, my lady?” she asked. “If we are to know one another, we may as well start now.”
Vesper knew she should accept. She should be gracious and polite and impress Val’s mother. But she couldn’t seem to manage it.
“Nay,” she said after a moment, looking at Margaretha. “Forgive me, my lady, but I… I am going to Winchester with Val. I cannot let him go alone.”
With that, she abruptly turned into her chamber and rushed to her satchel, hauling it up onto the bed as she began yanking clothing out of it. Margaretha, surprised by her declaration, followed her into her chamber but stopped just inside the doorway.
