The Conquest by Chadwick Elizabeth

Author:Chadwick, Elizabeth [Chadwick, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Warner Books
Published: 2012-04-28T14:55:11+00:00

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CHAPTER 35

In Winchester, Rolf bought an amber necklace for Julitta and a gold ring for Ailith, upon which he requested the goldsmith to etch in runes the symbols for love and good fortune. On impulse too, with humour and a feeling of wistfulness, he purchased a new besom of birch twigs.

His conscience was rife with guilt where Ailith was concerned. Of late he knew he had been wayward, taken up with his pastime of investigating other pastures. Once or twice his quest had taken him into fields dangerously close to home. He had not regretted lying with Inga at the time, it had vented a heat which had been kept beneath a lid for far too long, nor did he regret it even now, but it was finished. He would give Ailith the ring, he would invite her to jump over the broomstick in the age-old tradition of hand-fasting – unless she wanted to brandish it about his head — and they would start anew.

His mood was optimistic, as bright as summertime as he topped the hill and saw Ulverton curled in the valley like a sleepy cat upon a blanket. Behind the village, the sun dazzled on the sea. He imagined Ailith walking along the beach with Julitta, her feet bare and her gown kilted through her belt.

He was smiling when he dismounted in Ulverton's courtyard, but it was the last occasion he was to do so for a very long time. No auburn-haired child shot out to dance around him, demanding to know what he had brought her; no tall, handsome woman emerged from the kitchens or brewery, wiping her hands on her apron, her eyes alight. His groom took his horse and with lowered eyes, led it away. A feeling of unease swept over Rolf like a cloud across the sun. The village priest emerged from the hall with a woman, the pair of them deep in conversation. It took a moment for Rolf to recognise Arlette. This was the last place he expected to see her, but when he did, his unease turned to outright fear.

He strode across the bailey, reaching her before she had taken more than two paces of her own. 'What are you doing here?' he snarled. 'Where is Ailith?'

Arlette's grey gaze widened and she clenched her hands upon the fabric of her gown, but she held her ground. 'I arrived after she had gone,' she said truthfully, 'and I took up the reins because everyone was galloping around in aimless panic. She has left you, my lord. You may ask her maidservant if you do not believe me, since she did not take the woman with her.' Briefly she returned her attention to the speechless, staring priest. 'I am sure that my lord will pay to have masses said for the souls of the dead woman and her baby. Perhaps if you would return later and dine with us?'

Father Godfrid took the hint, and with a furtive glance at Rolf, inclined his head and made himself scarce.

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