A Man of Value by Anna Markland

Author:Anna Markland
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: BleuBelle Press
Published: 2011-12-06T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Robert de Montbryce, eldest son of the Earl and Countess of Ellesmere, strode into the Great Hall of his father’s impressive castle in England with the confidence that was his birthright. His parents were immensely proud of him. As a boy he’d endured being kidnapped and threatened with beheading by a maniac bent on misguided revenge, yet he’d dealt with it all with courage and resilience.

He’d grown into a handsome man, the mirror image of his father. He was lithe, fit and strong, and had the same piercing blue eyes as his sire. He was a trained warrior who’d accompanied the Earl in skirmishes against the Welsh and had acquitted himself well. Aware of his inheritance, he’d assumed the mantle of the castle in Normandie and the lands there without qualm. He’d stepped smoothly into the role of comte-in-waiting. He loved Normandie.

“Robert. Mon fils.” Mabelle cried, flinging her arms open wide when she saw her son enter.

“Maman,” he replied with a smile, hugging her.

“Robert. Good to see you my boy,” said his father, coming forward to embrace him.

“Papa, it’s good to see you too.”

“Robert!” Hylda Rhonwen flung her arms around his neck.

“Ah! Rhoni, I’m content to linger in the warm embrace of my loving sister. You’re growing up, little Welshwoman.” Family tradition demanded they all tease Hylda Rhonwen about being born in Wales.

They talked for a long while, enjoying the easy warmth that only members of a loving family can share with each other. Ram felt good. He’d loved his own parents, and they’d loved him. He’d made a point after the kidnapping of making sure his children were aware he cared deeply about them and he was confident they loved him. They trusted each other, aware that a great family could only prosper if its members shared love and trust. Family treachery had divided many noble houses, as evidenced by Mabelle’s own family, the Valtesses.

Robert brought them up to date on the news from Normandie, and Ram shared his opinions of King William Rufus.

“William hasn’t been successful expanding our influence into Wales,” he confided. “Though he’s an effective soldier, he’s a ruthless ruler who’s disliked by those he governs. He’s hateful to all his people, roundly denounced for presiding over what’s held to be a dissolute court and questions have been raised about his sexual preferences.”

He noticed his wife’s look of disapproval. “Sorry Mabelle, my dear. He’s a flamboyant character with a belligerent temperament who hasn’t married, and hasn’t sired any bastards, let alone legitimate heirs.”

If Ram voiced these thoughts in some circles, he could be charged with treason, but he was safe here at home with his wife and children. “I’m the proudest and most stalwart Norman there is, but we have to embrace the culture of the English to a certain degree, if we want to rule here successfully and for the long term. After all these years, people still rebel against us. Have we learned nothing? William Rufus scorns the English and their culture. He’s cruel, grasping, and arrogant and lacks tact and discretion.

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