Infidelity (The Montbryce Legacy Anniversary Edition Book 9) by Anna Markland

Author:Anna Markland [Markland, Anna]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, mobi
Published: 2019-02-18T05:00:00+00:00

Westminster

Carys, Countess of Ellesmere, was heartily relieved when the tide finally receded, allowing them to ford the Thames to the Eyot of Thorns. The ornate gates of Westminster Palace came into view. With New Year’s celebrations scarcely over, the family had been obliged to travel on frost rutted roads at King Henry’s bidding, to celebrate Twelfth Night at court.

She turned to her daughter-by-marriage who had traveled with her and Fleurie and Isabelle in the carriage from Ellesmere. “I used to make such journeys without a second thought,” she complained, “but these old bones are weary after four days on the road. I often complain that the Conqueror granted my father-by-marriage an earldom far from Westminster, but if he hadn’t, Baudoin and I would never have met.”

Peri smiled weakly. “It has naught to do with old bones. I too am weary and give thanks to the saints I had you as traveling companions.”

Carys returned the smile, but worried Peri was relieved she had not been obliged to travel alone with Gallien.

The relationship between her son and his wife perplexed her. She had hoped Peri’s eager personality and loving ways would have softened Gallien’s hardened heart by now, but he still seemed determined to treat her with cool detachment. It was embarrassing that he had given his wife no Yule gift.

However, she had noted the passion that burned in her son’s hooded eyes when he watched his wife. She recognized that look, having seen it often in her husband’s eyes. Gallien was in love with Peri. Why did he refuse to admit it? Had she not proven she was trustworthy?

Carys had known from their first meeting that the girl was true to her name. Many healers wore a ring of peridot, herself included. The gemstone was a symbol of purity and morality. Deep in her heart she was certain Peri would never betray Gallien. She suspected her son knew it, but was afraid to risk his heart again. It was an ancient saying among her Celtic people that a person with too many earthly problems could never appreciate the beauty of a peridot.

Despite Gallien’s obvious irritation, everyone had quickly fallen into the habit of calling her Peri.

“I fear we will see little of our husbands while we are at court. King Henry wants to talk strategy for his campaign against the French king.”

Peri frowned. “Henry will attack France?”

Carys sighed. “Louis the Fat of France has set Clito as comte in Flandres, and supports Clito’s claim to the Duchy of Normandie. Henry has to act.”

“Clito?” Peri asked.

“William Clito, son of Robert Curthose, the king’s imprisoned brother.”

“Curthose, the former Duke of Normandie?”

“Yes. It is not likely Henry will attack Louis directly, but he’s already financing the armed opposition of the nobles and towns in Flandres. This is the reason he has allied England with Anjou—to strengthen his hand against Louis.”

Peri hesitated. “This means Geoffrey of Anjou will be at Westminster for the discussions?”

“And his father too, I shouldn’t wonder. You may meet friends from Anjou in his entourage.

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