Joanna swallowed tears. ‘And the same for me.’ She pushed her fingers through his curls and kissed his warm mouth, and against her body she felt him laugh.
‘Ah, I need to sleep,’ he said. ‘I fear the sun will rise before I do again.’
She lay down and cuddled at his side. ‘I confess that I too need a rest from the journey. Until sunrise, then, my dear, fair husband.’
While they were breaking their fast the next morning on bread and cheese, Joanna looked at him. ‘You have not asked yet what monies I have brought to you from England, although we have discussed everything else.’
He shook his head. ‘I would not press such a thing – I know how difficult matters have been for you. I can see very well the straits to which you have been reduced – worrying over carts of spinning wool.’ He grimaced.
She eyed him with amusement. ‘It is from my wool clips in the Marches. Why should I not bring it?’
‘Of course,’ he said slowly, his expression doubtful. ‘But even so …’
‘However, I have still managed to make a small contribution to our finances.’
‘Yes, indeed.’ He reached to his cup and drank.
He was humouring her, and she smiled inside with anticipation and glee. ‘I will show you once we are dressed.’
Joanna summoned Nicola to assist her and selected a gown of rich blue wool. No longer did she have to look like a frugal widow and it was so satisfying to put on her rings and a decorated belt.
When she returned to the hall, William was playing with the children, chasing the girls who were shrieking dramatically. Joanna laughed to see their antics, but bade them go to their nurses for a while. She received some pouts and stamping, especially from Margaret, but she was adamant. ‘I have some business with your father for the moment; he will return soon enough.’ Shaking her head in exasperation, she took his arm and led him towards the door.
‘You make them wild!’ she said.
He grinned at her. ‘And if I do?’
‘They need no encouragement!’
‘Where are we going?’
‘To the wool carts in the barn, but when you see them, you must not make a show.’
‘You are being very mysterious about all this.’
‘I have had to be so careful. You are going to be surprised, but I don’t want you to react.’
‘Very well. Whatever it is, I promise not to cry out or flinch.’ He made the sign of the cross on his breast, and she could tell he was still humouring her.
‘Hah, what do you think I am going to show you?’
He slanted her a smile. ‘I have no idea, but I am preparing myself. It could be the King’s great bear for all I know, or the bones of his poor elephant.’
She gave him a withering look.
Arriving at the barn, she dismissed the guards and looked round to check that there were no lurking stable boys or servants. Reassured that the coast was clear, she went to the first cart and began unhooking the canvas cover, gesturing for William to help her. He eyed her askance but did so with willing dexterity, before standing back, hands on hips, to gaze at the piled wool sacks.
‘Is this it?’
‘Give me your knife.’
‘What?’
‘Your knife, give it to me.’
Mystified, a little reluctant, he unsheathed the dagger, and she took it with a smile.
‘You think I am mad, don’t you?’
