The Autumn Throne Read Online Free PDF Page B

he isplanning a marriage to Alais of France or to Rosamund de Clifford.’
    Hamelin shrugged. ‘The gossips will always create fire from sparks. Knowing my brother he will do neither because of the upheaval it would cause. One is betrothed to his son and the other is a mere baron’s daughter. He is not that foolish.’ He pulled her to him and gave her a kiss. ‘You must distance yourself. That is the only way to stay safe and survive.’
    ‘Yes, you are right.’ Isabel leaned into him, seeking comfort.
    ‘I have some other news that might be more to your taste,’ he announced after a moment. ‘Henry tells me Sicilian envoys will be arriving with a marriage offer from their king to our niece Joanna. If their terms are acceptable, Henry is going to agree.’
    ‘I knew it had been mooted, but I had not realised … it is far away for the child.’
    ‘It is Joanna’s destiny to make a great marriage and foster good relations between the countries. She knows that, and you have prepared her well. By all accounts the bridegroom is handsome and well disposed, and the Sicilian court is one of the most prestigious in Christendom.’
    ‘It is a good match and I am pleased for the great future she will have, but I shall miss her. So will Belle.’
    ‘It is her duty,’ Hamelin said firmly. ‘It is what she was born to.’
    ‘I was born to it too. I might have been England’s queen.’ Isabel thought of her first husband who had been heir to the throne and had stepped aside for Henry. If fate had been different, Alienor’s crown would have been hers. ‘I am glad I am not; it would have broken my heart to let our daughters go at so young an age. How soon must Joanna leave if it is agreed?’
    ‘By the autumn.’
    Hamelin’s white gazehound leaped up on the other side of the bench, circled several times and then settled, resting her muzzle on Hamelin’s thigh.
    ‘Henrywants me to escort her there and see her safely bestowed.’ A smile lit in his eyes. ‘You are to come too, so the time for parting is not quite at hand. What do you say to that?’
    Isabel pulled back from him and then she laughed in surprised pleasure. ‘I do not know what to say! It is a prestigious undertaking, and there will be much to do.’ She thought of all the items for a bride’s wedding chest, and the new garments and trousseau that would have to be assembled, not to mention the organising of a new household for Joanna. Henry would not allow Alienor to do it, that was for certain. She hastily stopped thinking about Alienor before she began crying again.
    ‘Indeed there will, but say nothing for now,’ he warned. ‘Do not go making a great display of packing the baggage.’
    ‘Of course not!’ She gave him an indignant look. ‘I can keep secrets!’
    ‘I know you can,’ he mollified her, and then grinned. ‘It will be a fine opportunity to bring home silks from the Sicilian workshops for gowns, and wall hangings, hmm?’
    Isabel gave a mock flounce. ‘I might just suspect you of offering sweetmeats to comfort me.’
    ‘What is wrong with that? What pleases you pleases me because it brings harmony to my household – and I value that above all things.’
    ‘I value it too.’ She bit her lip in contrition. ‘I am sorry.’
    ‘For what? Having a gentle heart?’ Tilting her face to his, he kissed her. ‘I treasure that in you too.’
    Isabel responded warmly before drawing back again. ‘You say it will pass, but words are easier than deeds. What should I do about Alienor?’
    He gave a pragmatic shrug. ‘Do nothing. Let the dust settle. Alienor has few enough allies that she can afford to spurn your friendship and counsel. Let her come to you, but do not expect an apology. Neither she nor Henry has it in them.’
    Isabel shooed the dog away, and perching in Hamelin’s lap, curledher arms around his neck. ‘I never want that to happen between us,’ she said with vehemence, ‘that we should come to a divide in the path and