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.Alfwold would be within his rights to chastise her and if he chose to beat her no-one would lift a hand to stop him.She felt suddenly light-headed.Would he refuse to give her an annulment?‘Alfwold, go on – your news.’‘I went to the abbey and I’ve seen Abbot William.’ Alfwold’s pock-marked skin was mottled, as if he were labouring under some great emotion.‘I have to tell you that he denies all knowledge of the priest, Eadric.’Rosamund looked blankly at him.‘Abbot William can’t know every priest in the diocese.Didn’t Father Eadric come from York?’‘Eadric didn’t come from York.’‘What are you saying?’Alfwold cleared his throat, his mouth was grim.‘Eadric’s not a priest, he’s an impostor.’Lufu gasped.‘An impostor,’ Alfwold repeated.‘The man’s in the pay of the Angevins.Eadric’s been sent to England to make trouble for King Stephen.To pave the way for Mathilda’s son, Henry.He stole his habit from the rightful owner of that document I told you about.You remember, Rose? The one hung about with wax seals.’‘I remember.’ Rosamund’s throat was so dry she could hardly get the words out.‘The naked body of a man has been found on the moor, on the road from York.It’s likely that he was rightful holder of the parchment.The rebels must have killed him.’‘Lord have mercy,’ Lufu said, crossing herself.Edwin put an arm about her shoulders and cleared his throat.‘Eadric used his stolen identity to gain the confidence of the villagers in Ingerthorpe.Rose, the point is that you and Alfwold are not married.The ceremony Eadric presided over was a sham.You’re not married.’Rosamund’s legs gave way and she groped for the bed.Plumping herself down on the edge of the mattress, she buried her face in her hands.I’m not married to Alfwold, there’s no need to beg for an annulment.She lifted her head.‘You’re saying that I’m free? That I haven’t broken holy vows?’‘You have it aright,’ Edwin said, nodding.‘Abbot William was clear – there’s no priest named Eadric.The abbot told me he knew of a priest named Eadmer whom he thought would get the appointment, but no Eadric.’‘Eadric, Eadmer,’ Rosamund murmured.‘The names are very like.’Alfwold came closer.‘The document was in Eadmer’s name.When I met Eadric he was waving it about as though it was the key to St.Peter’s gate, and my unlettered eyes saw the name Eadric.I have no learning, and Eadmer and Eadric are scripted almost the same.They’re easy to confuse.’ A broad, blackened hand reached for her.‘Rose.?’Rosamund was staring at Oliver and didn’t hear him.Her heart thudded.I’m not married.I’m free.She felt giddy with relief.Stooping over, she stroked that wayward lock of hair from Oliver’s forehead.Her lips curved.‘Rose?’ Lufu tapped her on the shoulder.‘Mmm?’‘Don’t even think it,’ Lufu said.Rosamund turned innocent eyes on her friend.‘Think what?’‘You know what I’m talking about,’ Lufu said, quietly.‘I can see it in your face.You’re free, and you’re changing your mind about telling him who he is.’ Lufu shook her head.‘You’re hoping that if he believes himself your equal, he will offer you marriage.’Rosamund put a hand on her heart.‘Lufu, I swear no such thought entered my mind – but now that you mention it, I confess the idea has appeal.He might offer for me.’‘Where are your wits?’ Lufu made a sound of exasperation.‘He’s a knight.You’re worlds apart.’Tears stung at the back of Rosamund’s eyes.Lufu jabbed a work-worn finger at Oliver.‘This man – this knight – isn’t for you.Lord, it’s bad enough that you were considering keeping his identity from him, but to be thinking about marrying him – why, that’s twenty times worse! What about Lady Cecily? He’s promised to wed her.What you’re thinking about is probably a hanging offence – you can’t deceive a knight into marriage and hope to get away with it!’Rosamund’s throat closed.‘He might have learned to love me by the time he finds out.’Lufu watched her, shaking her head.‘Lufu, he might.And if he does, he’ll forgive me.’ She gripped Lufu’s sleeve.‘I shall make him love me.’‘Lord, the girl’s wits have cracked,’ Edwin said.He glanced at Alfwold who was staring at a hole in his boots and continued.‘Knights are bred to fight.They love power and position.Riches.They don’t love simple peasant lasses, even if they like them in their beds.’ He raised his voice.‘You warm his bed, girl, that’s all.Do you hear me?’She gave him a sad smile.‘I should think they’d hear you down at the quayside.’‘Aye, well, you make me mad, Rose,’ Edwin said.‘You can’t deceive him.’Alfwold looked up.‘No, she can’t,’ he said.‘It would be best if she married me, in truth.That would put a stop to all this nonsense.Rose, you put more than your own life in jeopardy with this foolish fancy of yours.You must wed me and forget this knight.’‘Forget him?’ I can’t!The bed creaked as Oliver rolled onto his side.There was an appalled silence.Edwin was gaping, ludicrous in his dismay.Lufu went white and even Alfwold was pale beneath his stained skin.Rosamund was tempted to laugh.Except it wasn’t funny – if Oliver was awake, he would have heard everything.‘His eyes are shut,’ she whispered.‘His breathing’s regular.’‘No, no, he’s awake! He’s listening,’ Lufu muttered.‘Lufu, he sleeps.’Alfwold caught her arm and drew her to the doorway [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]