The Everlasting Covenant (33 page)

“
Guardian, my lord?
”
she asked, confused.

Brennan looked up from the table, irritation creasing his brow. He did not like Marcella and never had. Doing anything at all to improve her wealth or status grated on him, for he felt she was not deserving of either. Likewise, he did not understand Anne
’
s forgiving nature. He did not think his wife was wise to do so much for her mother. But he was unable to deny his wife
’
s merest request. He sighed.
“
The Countess told me you have an idea to relinquish Raedelle entirely to Quentin without your interference, as you should, but you are not satisfied to take residence with your other children and Heathwick is your desire, though I can
’
t say I know why. It is not a beautiful place.
”

“
It was ... in its day ..
.,
”
she said, her voice weak.

“
So be it –
perhaps you can fashion something out of it again. It suffered
a great deal from the battles f
o
ught nearby, but you have my leave to do what you can. And countess for Deirdre you shall be.
”

“
For ..
. Deirdre,
”
she gasped.

“
Aye,
”
he said, frowning,
“
I secured the place from the crown
’
s attainder for my daughter
’
s dower estate, naming you and Sir Trenton as guardians of that estate on her behalf. The privy
title is only a courtesy, of course, but I concede you deserve as much, if only for your losses. I have given your requests due report, madam. Bart
’
s estate has been increased by adding at
tainted lands to his barony and before the year is out he will be named the first earl. And I traded some gold for the honor of countess that you will wear
--
I do hope you appreciate it. I grow weary of bettering your estate at my own expense.
”

Marcella turned to look at her daughter, who had been su
pervising the packing of Marcella
’
s belongings. Anne stood as tall as she could, still a head shorter than her mother. Anne had delivered Heathwick, but not without keeping her hands on it. Marcella
’
s anger was boundless, but she was careful not to show it here, in front of the earl. Yet, as Anne read her mother
’
s eyes, she knew the battle would continue.

Marcella looked back at the earl, her son by marriage, who was actually as old as she.
“
Thank you, my lord. You are most generous.
”

Brennan shrugged, frankly pleased that Marcella would not be residing with them at Ayliffe again, but annoyed that the luxury had come at such a high price. He would have considered Deirdre
’
s dowry in a few years, and he thought Heathwick not good enough for her. He left the document on the table for Marcella and quit the room.

Marcella walked slowly toward Anne. She looked down at her and her voice was a whisper, for there were servants about the room engaged in packing the new dowager countess
’
s be
longings.
“
That
’
s twice you have fooled me. There will not be a third time,
”
she said.

Anne kept silent, but met her mother
’
s eyes. She knew the route to be taken, she had to yield a bit now and then, but it was essential to keep Marcella
’
s possessions in check. It was clear that what Marcella wanted
--
wealth, power, and some mysterious revenge on Daphne deFrayne
--
was all best sought through Anne. Anne, then, knew she had to keep her mother wanting, and keep control of Marcella
’
s assets, so that Marcella would not risk abandoning her relationship to the earl. Anne
knew better than to try to change Marcella. She wished only to outlast her.

“
One hundred pounds a year is a grand fortune, madam. It should surely buy you the gowns and gems you desire. And that other thing you wish, to have Heathwick so that Madam de
Frayne may not, is also done.
”

“
It is not enough,
”
Marcella said, her eyes glittering.
“
I want sole possession of Heathwick, I want to be countess for my son, not for my granddaughter.
”

“
Then tell him, madam. Hurry,
”
Anne bravely challenged.
“
Perhaps you can catch the earl before he leaves. Once you finally use your threat, I am certain Lord Forbes will give you the moon and all the stars.
”

“
You think you have outwitted me, don
’
t you, Anne? Nay, I will not tell him today. I will find a better time, a better way.
”

Anne smiled courageously, though inside she felt tremors of fear.
“
When you tell him, you are finished.
”

***

It was not completely unexpected, Daphne knew that one day she would see the face she most feared. While she was allowed to return to court, Marcella
’
s presence there could not be avoided for long.

She saw Lady Gifford enter the gallery from the other end. Daphne had just come from Lady Scales
’
s apartments. The dis
tance between the two women was great, but both paused at their respective ends of the long gallery. Daphne advanced with her eyes downcast, using her instincts alone to direct her. When she stood before Marcella she dipped into a deep curtsey.
“
Good afternoon, my lady.
”
Then she bravely rose to look into Mar
cella
’
s angry eyes.

“
Our fortunes have greatly changed,
”
Marcella said.
“
You have been told?
”

“
Aye, my lady.
”
Daphne regarded Marcella
’
s rich blue velvet, her sparkling necklace. Daphne herself wore a gown that was easily eight years old and modest by comparison.
“
If Heathwick is your desire, I am glad for you that you could attain it.
”

“
How disappointing. I hoped you would be envious.
”

“
I do not envy you, my lady,
”
Daphne said softly.
“
I never have.
”

“
Did you not love him, then? All those years that he longed for you and dismissed me?
I
told him you cared not at all, but he still gazed off in the direction of Heathwick.
”
Marcella laughed.
“
Even from the grave I imagine his body has turned toward that estate. He will be surprised, then.
”

“
My lady, though you are loath to believe it, I never took from you.
I
want nothing of yours now. Please, let it end. For your own sake.
”

“
For my sake? Oh madam, all that makes my life pleasurable is watching your comeuppance. Your family may be returned, but
I
will do all I can to see that they are not restored.
”

“
My lady, let us not hurt the children ... it is not their
--
”

“
You are not so haughty now, madam. Where are your title, your fine gowns, your highly sung heroes? I see you have been greatly reduced. Only two sons, landless knights, and no gems. I wonder if he would be smitten with you now.
”

Daphne lifted her chin. Marcella
’
s cr
uelty was not startling to her –
she had long known about the woman. She had been near to many conversations in which Marcella was discussed. Her heart was torn with pity. Marcella had acquired so much, and still she had nothing.

“
If my poverty pleases you, my lady, then surely you will be happy for some time to come. My sons will be a long t
ime in gathering prosperity ..
. and you may rest easy in my home
--
the deFraynes will never have their former wealth and influence.
”
Daphne smiled serenely and stood straight with dignity.
“
There is a portrait of Lord deFrayne in the gallery. Behind it, a closet. Within, gems that once belonged to our family and could not be retrieved before I could flee. If they have not yet been dis
covered by some warlord or castellan, wear them. They will flatter you.
”

Marcella
’
s mouth opened in surprise. She looked down at Daphne deFrayne, speechless.

“
Wealth is not important to me, nor to my sons. If I could
tell you where to find what you long for, I would do it. Good day, my lady,
”
she said, bowing deep.
“
Good health,
God
’
s blessing.
”
And then quietly and with dignity, Daphne turned away, moving slowly past Marcella and down the gallery.

Tears sparkled in Marcella
’
s eyes. She had not cried in many years, and the ache in her throat was unfamiliar and painful. She stared at Daphne
’
s departing form, her envy reaching heights she never dreamed of. Her lips moved in a trembling murmur.
“
How dare she pity me.
”

Chapter Twelve

Cameron deFrayne
felt the deep insult of having his
lands given away, but Dylan urged his angry brother to
exercise patience and caution. Whether right or wrong, the deFraynes had supported the losing side, and to be allowed in England once again was something for which to be grateful.

With the sale of ships that had belonged to his wife
’
s father, Dylan was able to buy a rich town house in London and send for Raynia. If Heathwick was no
longer possessed by the de
Frayne family, Dylan said, it was probably for the best. There were greater lands and keeps to own, and they would be owned, given time, when the deFrayne men once again proved their loyalty. Cameron settled in the north with his wife and young son, and Raynia moved to the city with Dylan and his mother. To secure this much had taken more than a year, but Dylan was grateful just the same.
“
Our fortunes will be replenished,
”
he promised Cameron.
“
It was sworn to me by Anthony Woodville, and these things take time.
”

In this year Dylan saw Lord Forbes, but the countess remained at Ayliffe through the winter following the birth of her daughter. Anne
’
s failure to join Brennan in London both surprised and
disappointed Dylan. He grew impatient and tense. He wanted both land and a woman whom he could love. Life with Raynia was nearly unbearable. She was spoiled, sickly, and complain
ing. He did not frequent her bed, and she admitted she was grateful to be free of his affections. She found her wifely duty to satisfy his infrequent lust abhorrent. She had miscarried within six months of their reunion and did not recover easily. He pitied his poor mother, who carried the burden of her obnoxious daughter-in-law gracefully, caring for and indulging Raynia as best she could. He recognized Raynia to be his obligation, henceforth, and was appreciative that she was only a nuisance and not a dangerous or ambitious woman. They did not love each other in any fashion. Raynia loved no one at all except her ugly little maid, Jeannette. Dylan suspected the two women of indecent pastimes, but he held silent.

The summons from Anthony Woodville to meet in a private and secret place both intrigued and excited Dylan. He hoped his fortunes would finally change. He would like to see Cameron completely restored and his mother residing in more dignity than she did at present.

The ground was barely thawed from a hard winter as Dylan rode toward Raynia
’
s house on the southern coast. He had told no one, not even his mother, where he was bound or why. He hoped the caretaker had seen the house through the winter without problems, and he was anxious to get there ahead of Anthony to be assured that all was in order. He could think of no better place and loved the hideaway for its secrecy, for its beauty, simplicity, and rustic comforts. He had given Anthony explicit instructions, in order to keep him safe from rocky pro
trusions in the inlet, or bogs and marshes on land, for Dylan did not know by what routes or means his old acquaintance would travel. They were not to arrive together.

Dylan saw the long, thin column of smoke rising from the house, and at first he was relieved to think the caretaker had already laid a fire in the hearth. But as he neared and saw horses tethered outside, his pulse raced. There were people already here, and he was unsure who they were.

With a stealth born of his experience as an exile, he crept into the house through the buttery, where food and drink were stored. His mouth actually stood agape at the gathering he found within. Four men sat about the hearth, apparently at their lei
sure. All four turned toward Dylan. He bowed in reverence, sheer wonder, and not a small amount of fright.

“
Be at ease, sir knight,
”
King Edward said.
“
I believe you are acquainted with everyone. Lord Rivers, her majesty
’
s father, Anthony, your friend and best host, and Lord Forbes of Ayliffe. Sit, drink. This will not take long. Then,
”
he chuckled,
“
your man says there is good hunting. We might enjoy the stay.
”

Dylan
’
s face grew hot. He had no idea what this was about. Was he about to achieve some great importance within this elite group, or would he be quietly slain, never to be heard from again? A full tankard was brought to him by the caretaker
’
s wife. Her hands trembled when she offered it, most likely from the excitement of entertaining the king and his closest friends and vassals, and Dylan
’
s hands shook in spite of himself when he accepted the brew. He took a hefty gulp to settle his nerves, but had it not been for Anthony
’
s confident and reassuring smile, Dylan would have wondered if Lord Forbes somehow knew about his love for Anne.

“
We are moving toward troubled times,
”
Edward said, without preamble.
“
Clever games are being played by others, and it is necessary to play some clever games of my own. I have enemies, it would seem
–
enemies who are richer than I am. My lord of Warwick is not pleased with me these days, and my brother the Duke of Clarence cleaves himself closer to the earl. My brother Richard of Gloucester is still mine, but I tell you this, there is danger ahead.
”

Dylan was speechless. He was to be let in on this privy council? These secrets?

“
Anthony swears to me that despite the fact that I gave Heath
wick to Lord Forbes for his daughter, you are sworn to be my henchman. True?
”

“
Yea, my liege. There are other lands.
”

Edward smiled. Dylan was in awe of him. He thought the
young king to be magnificent in both mind and body. Edward was actually younger than Dylan himself, yet he ruled England with cunning and power. Dylan lamented privately that he had not known Edward before Wakefield and Mortimer
’
s Cross, for he would have seen that the crown should be pulled off mad Henry
’
s head with haste.

“
Other lands, indeed,
”
Anthony said,
“
though you will earn them. The king has need of allies in enemy camps.
I
suggested it be you.
”

“
Why would you choose me? I am only lately
--
”

The king cut him off.
“
Who else would be believed? Should I send the queen
’
s own father or brother to pay homage to Warwick? Or Forbes, with his ten thousand strong? That would either alert them or amuse them. As to you, if you serve me loyally, you will earn yourself a handsome settlement, and if you betray me to them, you cannot do too much damage with your piddling few. I think it is an excellent notion.
”

“
And what would you have me do, my liege?
”

“
You are a landless knight,
”
Edward said, smiling conspira
torially at Brennan Forbes.
“
Give your services to my brother Clarence and stay close beside him. Warn me, if you can.
”

“
Sire, why do you doubt Clarence?
”
he asked, shocked. How did brothers mistrust each other?

“
It could be that George is a little lazy,
”
Edward said sadly. Even when one was king and had an entire country to protect, a breach of loyalty from his own brother seemed to inspire more sorrow and pain than the blind rage Dylan would have expected.
“
Being the second son, George has always sought the simplest path to wealth and fame, he likes wealth and power a great deal.
I thought to sate his appetite –
I
’
ve been very generous with my brothers. But I cannot allow England to be ruled by the Earl of Warwick. Otherwise, I might just give George the whole mess and let him have his day.
”
He looked between his friends.
“
Poor George cannot seem to drive from his mind the fact that I have no son of my own yet. He is the presumptive heir to England. A moving prospect for any man.
”

Edward sighed and gulped heartily of cold ale.
“
I love Eng
land, sir knight. But it is life I love most, and George would have to conspire with Warwick to murder me to get the crown. I should like to live a few more years.
”

“
How do you think I can convince the duke to accept friend
ship and allegiance from me?
”

“
I will host a tournament in June. There you might prove your worth as a knight. After that, if what Anthony says of your skills is true, Clarence should be glad to have you.
”

Dylan glanced at each face. He saw something in each set of eyes and the curve of each mouth that he had not expected. He saw trust and confidence in him though he was only lately home from exile. He frankly did not know what he had done to inspire this powerful group to approach him, especially the Earl of Ayliffe. He finally settled on the king
’
s face and smiled.

“
I am honored, my liege.
”
Each man present extended a hand to Dylan in brotherhood and conspiracy.

***

It was not quite by choice, more by necessity, that Anne had stayed away from the court for over a year. It was not difficult to convince Brennan that she should stay behind while he waited on the king. In fact, he seemed almost relieved. Their lives had become very complicated.

Brainard, still at Ramsford and still angry, created constant trouble for Brennan with hostile, demanding letters. Likewise, Brainard
’
s host, Sir Baelfour, frequ
ently sent letters about Brain
ard
’
s occupation of Ramsford that worried and angered Lord Forbes. And the first Earl of Trelaine, Bart Gifford, grew restless and bitter. He had a large estate that was difficult to manage, and his frequent letters to
the earl smarted with jealousy –
had he known Heathwick could be gotten, he would have waited for that estate, which he perceived as richer. Anne could tell that Brennan was close to being finished with them both and that little would be required to push the Earl of Ayliffe to that end.

Meanwhile, the younger children needed their mother
’
s at
tention. It was to nurture her baby girl in her first year and see to Sloan
’
s training that occupied Anne while she remained at
Ayliffe, even though giving up her chance to be with Dylan was hard for her.

Sloan had become a large and handsome child. Anne realized, during Sloan
’
s sixth year, how Brennan might have failed with Brainard. Brennan was a devoted husband to her, but his duties to his children fell to his wife and a group of nursemaids and tutors. Sloan did not suffer from lack of attention, for he had a mother who watched him closely and he was attended by Sir Clifton, who seemed to bear a single-minded adoration for the boy.

She knew she had to keep her son from the close scrutiny of both Brennan and Dylan, because he looked more and more like Dylan as time passed. She spent the entire winter looking for a noble household for Sloan
’
s training as a page, finally sending her son off to Lord Todd near Yorkshire. She wept at her son
’
s departure even though she was confident he was in the good care of Sir Clifton and she had the utmost respect for Lord Todd. It was a painful separation for her, for she knew she would not see him for many months.
But her little lad did not cry –
he was determined to be brave and strong. All too soon he would have to give up even Sir Clifton and face growing up. Anne was not yet three and twenty and felt as though she had been a countess, with all the rank
’
s awesome responsibilities, for
ever. She welcomed the diversion offered by time spent in London.

The activities in London soon diminished thoughts of her son. A grand and festive tournament, the greatest tournament ever, threw the royal court and the entire city into a mood of frivolous celebration. The featured combatants were Anthony Woodville, Lord Scales, who was proclaimed to be England
’
s strongest and most famous knight, and the Bastard of Burgundy, Antoine de la Roche. The lists were set up at Smithfield near the queen
’
s town house and the streets were jammed with the populace, all trying to get a glimpse of the knights and the visiting nobility.