“The king had us watching for you from the towers,” the man told him. “You must come at once.”
When they reached the Exchequer, Stephen helped Isobel dismount. She was so exhausted, she fell into his arms.
“I cannot see the king like this,” Isobel pleaded.
Poor Isobel, she still wore men’s clothes. Despite her attempts at washing, she was as filthy as the rest of them.
“I’m sorry, but the king will want to hear of the plot from your own mouth,” Stephen told her. “He’ll tolerate no delay.”
She had dark circles under her eyes and looked so weary he was tempted to carry her. Instead, he fastened her cloak for her and pulled her hood low over her face.
“Now no one will see what you wear,” he said, “except the king, and he will not notice.”
They were ushered into the king’s private parlor behind the great hall. To Stephen’s relief, the king was unattended save for Robert, William, and Catherine.
“God be praised you are safe,” the king said before Stephen could exchange greetings with the others. “Once we learned de Roche was involved in the attack on the abbey, we feared for you both.”
“How did you learn of de Roche’s role?” Stephen asked.
The king smiled at Catherine. “Your sister-in-law got it out of Marie de Lisieux.”
Catherine smiled back. “I could not let the men risk their virtue by questioning her, could I?”
Stephen gave them a brief recounting of the events in Rouen. The king seemed more intrigued than disturbed by the news of the murder plot. After peppering Stephen with questions, he turned to Isobel.
Stephen was worried. She was swaying on her feet, and the king had to ask her repeatedly to speak up. After she recited the critical letter from “T,” the king narrowed his eyes and stared off into the distance.
“The Dauphin is behind it,” the king said, rubbing his chin. “He has the most to lose, and this is just the sort of cowardly act he would favor.”
“He would not act without key Armagnacs behind him,” William said.
“Perhaps not,” the king said. “But I doubt King Charles—or that depraved queen of his—had any part in this scheme.”
“That would make for awkward relations when you wed their daughter,” Robert put in.
The king broke into laughter. “Too true!”
The king’s expression grew serious as he turned his attention back to Stephen and Isobel. “I am most grateful for this service and wish to reward you.”
Stephen bowed. “ ’Tis an honor to serve you.”
“Lady Hume,” the king said, “I owe you a husband.”
Damn! Could Henry not give him even a day to get matters settled with Isobel?
Stephen caught Robert’s wink and looked to his brother. William’s nod confirmed it. They had already spoken to the king on his behalf. Isobel was his.
“I apologize for my first choice of husband,” the king said, “but I believe you will be happy with my next.”
The king’s eyebrows shot up as Isobel fell to the floor at his feet.
“Please, I beg you, sire,” Isobel said. “Do not make me do it. If you are grateful for my service, release me from my promise.”
The king glared at William and Robert. “You told me she would be pleased.”
Robert motioned to the king, urging him to continue.
“Please, do not make me,” Isobel wailed and pounded her fist on the floor. “Can I not be left alone!”
