The only times Rosamond had trusted him were when Fate had given her no choice to do otherwise, and yet he had saved her life both times. "I do," she pledged. "You once told me that if I gave you my trust, you would never betray it, and you never have."
"Tomorrow, I ride to Gloucester. Gilbert has agreed to meet with Lord Edward; I'm confident he will join us."
Rosamond lay secure in his arms all night, knowing that dawn would part them. When Rodger arose, he did not awaken her, but when the bed turned cold and empty, Rosamond roused and flew to the window. He was already mounted and ready to depart, and she knew there was no time to go down to the courtyard. She watched him pause and look up at their high window, and the heaviness of her spirit dissipated as he placed two fingers against his lips, then pressed them to his heart.
******************
At Gloucester, Alyce de Clare was chagrined that her young husband Gilbert treated her with cold indifference. She had arrived when he was away for a few days, and by the time he returned, she had made herself at home, issuing her demands to the kitchen staff and treating the castle servants like dirt beneath her feet. Gilbert confronted her immediately. "Madam, you will limit your orders to your own women; you have no authority here at Gloucester."
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"But I am your wife. ... I am the Countess of Gloucester!" she protested.
"Are you indeed? I don't recall the marriage being consummated. Remember, Alyce, you are here on my sufferance." He glared into her black eyes until she submitted and lowered her lashes.
After that, Alyce changed her tactics and became all-submissive. Most days, Gilbert was absent from the castle, but when he returned in the evening, she tried to engage his attention by dressing and acting in a seductive manner. She was determined to lure him to bed her and consummate the marriage. If she could give him an heir, her position would be secure. When Gilbert remained indifferent to her, Alyce doubled her efforts.
As Rodger de Leyburn traveled through the Forest of Dean on his way to Gloucester, he saw that Gilbert was gathering a great force of armed men. When he arrived at the castle, Gilbert welcomed the news that Lord Edward had escaped, and readily agreed to accompany Rodger and meet with the heir to the throne at Ludlow.
"News travels fast," Gilbert observed. "I soon learned how few barons attended Simon de Montfort's great Parliament!"
"I am sure he was shocked when you did not arrive, Gilbert."
"After the shabby way I have been treated, he should not be shocked! I expect him any day at Gloucester, demanding the reason why I wasn't in London to support him."
"And if he does come, he will see that Gloucester is an armed camp. It is a considerable show of power, Gilbert."
"It will show him that he does not hold the preponderance of power without me, and I predict the numbers will double when word spreads that Edward has escaped."
At supper, when Alyce joined them in the dining hall, she took the seat next to Rodger, as if they were still intimate friends. It occurred to her that perhaps she could make use of Rodger de Leyburn's visit to make Gilbert jealous.
"Countess," Rod murmured politely, though in actuality he wanted to choke the bitch for the havoc she had wreaked at Tewkesbury. He held his tongue, wanting no trouble with hot-tempered Gilbert.
"Has your wife made you a father yet?" She toyed with his wine goblet, provocatively running her finger around its rim.
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"As a matter of fact, I have a son." Rod moved his goblet away.
"Congratulations, Rodger, that's wonderful news!" Gilbert raised his wine in a salute.
Alyce de Clare placed her hand on Rod's sleeve, caressing his arm beneath his doublet. "It takes a virile man to produce a son; are you not envious, Gilbert?"
"I am envious indeed of his lovely wife, Rosamond."
With a provocative finger, Alyce traced a pattern on Rod's velvet-covered chest while she gave Gilbert a teasing glance from beneath her lashes. "Perhaps you should ask Rod to give you a lesson in how to go about the business of making an heir."
Gilbert's face turned bright red. He withdrew his dagger and thrust it into the wood of the trestle table in front of Alyce. "Touch him again, and you lose your fingers!"
Alyce jumped up in alarm. "Oh! How dare you threaten me with violence? Rod, do you not see how he treats me? I will not sit here and suffer such abuse!" She swept from the hall, and her attendant ladies followed her.
For once, Rodger de Leyburn was at a loss for words to smooth over the explosive situation. "Gilbert, I apologize—"
"Nay, my friend, it is I who apologize for subjecting you to such an unseemly display. The French slut knows no better." Within minutes, Gilbert was discussing their journey to Ludlow in the morning, clearly demonstrating to Rodger that the woman meant absolutely nothing to him.
Before Gilbert retired for the night, he sought out Alyce in her chamber. "I am leaving just after dawn. When I return, I want you gone from Gloucester. I intend to put you aside as my wife; you are unfit to be the mother of my children."
She ran to him and placed her hands on his chest in supplication. "Gilbert, I swear I was never unfaithful to you with Rodger de Leyburn— I hate the arrogant swine!"
"Woman, it matters not to me that you have slept with others; it gives me the legal right to put you aside."
"Divorce? You cannot divorce me, I am the Countess of Gloucester!" Alyce protested frantically.
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"Divorce or death," Gilbert said grimly. "One way or another, I do intend to be rid of you."
******************
The last person in the world Rosamond expected to see at Tewkesbury again was Alyce de Clare. When a stone-faced Master Burke announced the arrival of the Countess of Gloucester, Rosamond handed her son to Nan and asked her to take him upstairs. Then she swept out to the courtyard to confront the woman she detested. To Rosamond's great consternation, Alyce burst into tears the moment she saw her.
"Whatever is amiss?" Rosamond asked warily.
"Lady de Leyburn ... Rosamond ... I must beg your hospitality."
Rosamond's gaze traveled from Alyce to her forlorn female attendants and the packhorses laden with baggage.
"It will only be for one night... have pity!" Alyce cried.
Since the sun was already setting and Rosamond could see the women could travel no farther that night, she said, "You had better come inside." She signaled the grooms who had come forward to take the horses into the stables. "Master Burke, please have the servants plenish chambers for the ladies." She led them into the spacious hall and offered them wine.
Alyce drained her cup and, pacing the chamber dramatically, began her diatribe. "My husband has thrown me out and forbidden me to return! I have done nothing, absolutely nothing, to deserve such cruel treatment! Rosamond, you know he has a temper of fire! He threatened to kill me, and you know Gilbert's temper helped cause his father's
death! He has sworn to set me aside as his wife I will no longer be the
Countess of Gloucester!"
"What started all the trouble?" Rosamond asked, not unkindly.
Alyce dashed away her tears and hissed, "It was that lecherous de Leyburn! Gilbert and I were very happy until your husband arrived and made advances to me—"
"Alyce, that is a lie!" Rosamond was furious at the accusation. "You make advances to every man you see. Rodger would not do such a thing—he knows too much about you! My husband loves me, and I trust him with my life!"
Alyce began to laugh hysterically. "Love? Trust? You poor deluded
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wretch. Every man breathing is a selfish, greedy, ruthless swine. Every man is created evil!"
"Not Rodger de Leyburn," Rosamond said firmly.
"Your innocence makes me spew! It was Rodger de Leyburn who killed your brother Giles!"
"You lying bitch!" Rosamond's cheeks burned with anger, and her eyes flashed their war
ning.
"Rod hated Giles—they were bitter rivals in the tournaments."
Rosamond drew back her hand and slapped Alyce full in the face, then Alyce lunged at Rosamond, digging her nails into Rosamond's cheek, leaving five bloody scratches. "Months before they jousted at Ware, your brother left the guard off his lance—it pierced Rod's thigh. The wound left him scarred for life!"
Rosamond doubled her fist and swung hard at Alyce, knocking her to her knees. "Shut your lying mouth! You are jealous and seek to destroy my happy marriage to Sir Rodger."
Alyce sneered. "The marriage that brought him Pershore and your brother's castle of Deerhurst? De Leyburn plotted Giles's death because it doubled your property! The avaricious swine didn't wait one day to ask Edward to betroth him to the little heiress!"
Rosamond's hand, about to deliver another blow, fell to her side as Alyce's words sank in. "How do you know all this?"
"I was with Edward and his companions after they jousted at Ware. I heard them plot to cover it up as an accident!"
Rosamond drew herself up to her full height and lifted her chin proudly. "I do not believe one word of these vicious lies. You may remain here tonight, only because I take pity on the women who must serve you. Tomorrow, when I come downstairs, you had better be long gone from Tewkesbury, or I shall set the dogs on you."
When Rosamond entered her bedchamber, Nan was alarmed. "My lamb, your face is bleeding!"
"It is nothing, Nan." My heart is bleeding.
"Let me bathe it for you."
"No, Nan, give me the baby and leave me.... I wish to be alone." She sat down in a carved rocking chair, holding her son to her heart. Lies! Lies! Lies! The word repeated itself in her brain. 279
But was it really true? She pushed the thought away, horrified at herself. She began to rock to soothe her agitated thoughts, and slowly, gradually, a measure of calm descended on her. She unbuttoned her tunic and offered her baby son her breast. She smiled down tenderly as he began to suckle, bringing them both comfort.
The baby fell asleep at her breast, but she rocked him for another hour. Then she gently laid him in his cradle and tucked his blanket securely about him. Finally, Rosamond undressed and climbed into the wide bed. She lay there for a long time, staring into the darkness, then, trustingly, she laid her hand on her husband's empty pillow. Rosamond knew that Alyce de Clare had to be lying, for if Rodger had killed Giles, her life would be shattered forever.
A wave of stark terror swept over Rosamond, snatching her breath away. She began to run the moment she saw the dark horse and rider, knowing instinctively they would pursue her. Relentlessly! The rider was faceless. All she knew was that he was dark; it was the horse she feared most. It was huge, black, and terrifying.
An icy shiver slithered down her spine. Her pale golden hair tumbled wildly about her shoulders as she pulled her skirts high, baring long, slim legs in a desperate attempt to escape being trampled by the cruel hooves. Her lungs felt as if they would burst as she gasped for just one more breath that would carry her to safety. Her pulse hammered inside her eardrums, deafening her as she turned to look over her shoulder. Rosamond's eyes widened in horror and a scream was torn from her throat as she saw the black forelegs rise above her. Suddenly, she saw the face of the rider. He had the Devil’s own dark beauty with jet black hair and green eyes! Then, helplessly, she tumbled beneath the murderous hooves.
Rosamond's eyes flew open. Slowly she became aware of her surroundings. She was lying in her bed, her hair a wild tangle, her night rail twisted about her body so that her long legs were bared. She let out a ragged sob and sat up. She knew she had had her trampling dream; its terror lingered all about her. But this time she had seen the face of Death, and it was Rodger de Leyburn's.
******************
Two days later as Rodger arrived back at Tewkesbury with Gilbert de Clare at his side, his eyes rose to the castle parapets. When he saw the 280
figure of Rosamond, his arm lifted in greeting, and he anticipated her running down to the courtyard to warmly welcome him home. When she did not come, he assumed that she had seen Gilbert and as a dutiful chatelaine was preparing for their guest.
When he entered the hall, he found her beside Master Burke waiting to greet their visitor. In a jubilant mood, Rod picked her up, swung her about, and gave her a lingering kiss of greeting.
Rosamond stiffened. "My lord, please."
"No need to be all formal in front of Gilbert; he's come to see our beautiful son!"
Rosamond dipped a curtsy to the redheaded youth she had known since he was a child. "My lord earl, welcome to Tewkesbury." She gave him a formal kiss of greeting. "I'll go up and see if the baby is awake. Please make yourself comfortable."
When Rodger followed her upstairs, Rosamond's heart sank, for she did not want to be alone with him. For two days she had walked about in a trancelike state, totally preoccupied with the terrible accusations Alyce de Clare had made. One minute she totally rejected the charges as heinous lies, the next minute, a shadow of suspicion clouded her thoughts. She told herself that the instant she saw him, she would know the truth, and if not, she would confront him. But because he had Gilbert with him, she could not.
Rodger's arms enfolded her from behind. "Sweetheart, I missed you sorely, but the meeting between Edward and Gilbert was a complete success! He's agreed to join forces with us, and word is spreading like wildfire that Edward has escaped. I'll tell you later how cleverly it was done."
As he lifted his son from the cradle, the look of love and tenderness that suffused his dark face made Rosamond's heart turn over. His hands were so gentle as he held his child, she told herself that it was impossible for those same hands to have killed Giles. Once more Rosamond assured herself that Alyce de Clare had deliberately lied to her.
They descended together to show off their prized possession, and Gilbert de Clare was suitably impressed, declaring that he would be the child's godfather and suggesting that Gilbert should be one of the boy's names, even though the infant wasn't a redhead.
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After the evening meal, when Rosamond took her son upstairs to feed him, Rodger remained below with his guest. She hoped that they would talk late into the night and that she would be asleep when Rodger came up. She felt numb and emotionally drained, knowing that the lies Alyce had told her were erecting a barrier between herself and her husband.
When he finally came into their chamber, Rosamond pretended to be asleep. Through veiled lashes, she watched him stand over the cradle for a long time, then he gently rocked his son. Listening to his murmured endearments, she might have fallen in love with him all over again if her heart had not been encased in icy dread.
She could tell that he was trying not to disturb her when he climbed into bed, and when she heard his even breathing, she let out a sigh of relief and finally succumbed to slumber.
Rosamond awoke, screaming. In an instant, Rodger was awake, holding her securely against his heart. As she fought him, he tried to calm her. "It's all right, love, I'm here, I'm here!"
A ragged sob escaped her lips. "I had the trampling dream."
Rodger brushed back the tangled hair from her face. "Tell me," he murmured tenderly.
"I saw his face clearly.... The rider was you!"
Rosamond saw the look of raw pain and regret in his eyes before he quickly masked it. It was a look that told her something he dreaded had come to pass.
Twenty-six
When she awoke in the morning, Rodger was already gone from their chamber. She reasoned that he and Gilbert would break their fast together, since they would have so many plans and decisions to make before Gilbert left for Gloucester. During the night, when she had awakened screaming from the trampling dream, she had avoided a confrontation and allowed her husband to comfort her, but now in the clear light of day, Rosamond realized she could not go on in uncertainty. She must prove to herself that Alyce de Clare had been lying.
She searched for Griffin and f
ound him at the forge with many other men-at-arms, who were repairing armor and sharpening their weapons. She beckoned to him, and they walked away from the others.
"May I help you, my lady?"
"I hope so, Griffin; I know you have been with Sir Rodger for
many years." She hesitated for only a second. "He is loath to speak of the
wound on his thigh Did he receive it in battle?"
"Nay, my lady, he was wounded in a tournament. Tilting is extremely dangerous; he was disabled for many weeks."
"So it was a lance wound? "
"Aye, my lady."
Rosamond dreaded the next question, and dreaded its answer even more. "Was it my brother Giles who wielded the lance?"
Griffin flushed. "Aye, my lady."
"Thank you for telling me the truth," she murmured. Then, as if in a trance, she walked back to the castle. She was in time to bid Gilbert goodbye as he and his knights clattered from the bailey. Rosamond watched Rodger close the distance between them. She could feel his excitement and his pent-up energy for the challenge that lay ahead. She
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looked up at him as he stood beside her, and knew these were momentous times for him and for the prince whom he served. The coming events would likely change the history of England, yet to Rosamond, none of it mattered at that moment.
"I must speak with you, Rodger."
He flashed his dark grin. "Can it not wait, sweetheart?"
"No, my lord, it cannot. Please come with me to the solar, where we may be private."
Her tone warned him of her solemn mood. He hoped she would not beg him to abandon his plans. He was aware of the danger, welcomed it even, but he knew of Rosamond's deep-seated fears about death.