‘It is the wool clip from various of my manors,’ she said. ‘Hugh Bigod gave his permission for me to take the fleeces with me when I go. It is woman’s work and spun or unspun it does not amount to the kind of money with which William could mount an invasion.’
‘And if you are stopped at Dover?’
‘If the cart is searched, they will find nothing.’ She dabbed up the breadcrumbs on her platter with her fingertip. ‘I intend to travel as a noble lady of frugal means, without silk or trimmings – perhaps a little embroidery and a good brooch, but nothing that will shine in the light.’ She warmed to her theme. ‘My equipment will be of good quality but with a few scuff marks. My personal baggage shall go in a single plain cart and no silver bells on the harnesses.’ She gave John a serious look. ‘If I leave in a proud and haughty manner it will encourage them to search. Let them see a dignified, modest matron going to join her husband out of duty. If they question the wool – well then, I must make a living. I am a woman who has been taught her place in the world.’
John gazed at her. ‘I think both William and I have underestimated you. My mother would greatly approve.’
Joanna gave him an almost superior smile.
‘I also think Simon de Montfort has greatly underestimated you,’ he added quietly.
She shuddered at the mention of his name. ‘Let us hope so.’
‘De Montfort is going to take a step too far at some point. He cannot hold the rebel barons to his cause. They have their own interests at heart, particularly Richard de Clare. He will not allow de Montfort to dictate to him. My brothers have been carried along by de Montfort, but not for much longer. The Queen will find she has climbed into the wrong bed.’
Joanna looked away, tight-lipped. Her own bond with the Queen was damaged beyond repair. She no longer trusted her and had lost that duty of service. Her loyalty had transferred to Leonora who had grown in her affections as her love for Alienor had corroded. She would serve her without reserve. ‘Yes,’ she said. ‘She will come to realise when it is too late.’
‘Edward is a force to be reckoned with,’ John continued. ‘For now, he is playing a subtle game and appeasing the rebels with smiles and words of conciliation, but his claws are sheathed. He will help William, mark me.’ He finished the wine and rose to leave. ‘I should go.’
Joanna rose with him. ‘Thank you for all you have done. You are a true friend. We owe you a debt we can never repay.’
‘Do not speak of debts.’ John kissed her cheek. ‘If you did, I would have too many owing to you and William. The sooner you are restored to your rightful place, the sooner all will be well with the world.’
Joanna knelt before the Queen to take her leave, feeling as though she was standing before a pile of cold ashes that had once been a warm fire.
Alienor bade her rise and then, with a heavy sigh, drew a ring from her finger set with a cabochon ruby. ‘You think I am against you, but I am truly not, my dear. If you ever need my help, then send this to me, and I shall answer. Who knows what the future holds in such uncertain times?’
Joanna easily read the meaning behind the words. If William should die, or should she want to impart useful information, then the Queen would welcome her – at a price. ‘Thank you, madam, I am grateful for your support.’ She spoke with stiff courtesy, but she was too shrewd to knock the pieces from the board. There might come a time when she could use the ring to advantage.
She turned to bid farewell to Leonora, who gave her a piece of silk so fine it could be drawn through the gold ring around which it was wrapped. ‘This is my parting gift to you,’ Leonora said. ‘You must write to me if you have need. I have valued your advice and company, my dear aunt.’ She kissed Joanna gently on the cheek.
Joanna curtseyed and maintained a formal attitude; it would be unwise to show too much affection towards Leonora in the presence of the Queen. Leonora had already gone out on a limb by taking Joanna into her bower over the past weeks. ‘Thank you,’ she said gracefully. ‘You have been very kind to me.’
The children and Joanna’s diminished household waited in the courtyard with the single baggage wain and the wool carts. John de Warenne was present too, with a small entourage of knights to escort her as far as Dover.
Joanna was gathering her reins when Hugh Bigod arrived. Her stomach clenched, but he greeted her courteously.
‘I wanted to bid you Godspeed, cousin,’ he said. ‘I wish you no ill, although I know you might think otherwise.’
Joanna shook her head. ‘I harbour no grudge, Hugh. Whatever has happened is for your conscience, not mine, but I would hope never to call you my enemy.’
‘Never that,’ he replied, red-faced, and gave her a piece of parchment. ‘This is an extra safe conduct bearing my seal as justiciar. I know you have one from the King, but this is a further endorsement.’
It was indeed valuable to have, and not something she had expected. ‘Thank you,’ she said, with more warmth in her tone.
Hugh touched the brim of his hat in salute. ‘I hope to see you in better circumstances, cousin.’ His gaze flicked over the wool carts. ‘You are enterprising.’
‘I have to be,’ she replied. ‘This is wool clipped from my own sheep and my ladies will spin it into yarn to be sold. It will keep the wolf from my door a while longer.’
Hugh gave her a shrewd look. ‘You do know the carts may be searched in Dover.’
‘Let them,’ she replied with a shrug. ‘I have nothing to hide. I have no money as you know.’
‘Indeed, cousin, and my safe conduct may well assist you to a smooth passage.’ He bowed to them and departed.
Joanna looked at John. ‘How much does he know?’ she asked in a low voice.
‘I have no idea,’ John answered, ‘but I would never underestimate Hugh. He may be quiet but he’s as sharp as a knife. He also has his own set of principles and loyalty to kin. I would say he is trying to help you, and he knows how to be silent.’
