The Order of the Lily Read Online Free PDF Page A

‘but Beraud’s own father disinherited him when he refused to take up arms against King Edward II. When Edward of Windsor became King he reinstated Beraud to his rightful inheritance and rewarded his loyalty with this estate. Upon his death, Arnaud’s older brothers claimed the titles and lands in France. This manor they dangle as a bone to the younger siblings but Renaud has already been given to the church, so that only leaves Arnaud and Gillet.’
    â€˜Gillet’s father was a lieutenant to my grand … Prince Edmund?’ Cécile’s voice rose incredulously. She took a hurried sip of the hot, wine-spiced milk and immediately choked, coughing with a splutter.
    â€˜Cécile! Do be careful!’ Margot reached out to steady the cup that was dangerously teetering over both their laps. In doing so, her sleeve rolled back to reveal a large bracelet of purple bruises just above the wrist.
    â€˜Margot!’ cried Cécile, horrified.
    Quickly Margot covered her arm. ‘Hush. It is nothing, I beg you. I … I bruise so easily.’
    Cécile looked far from convinced. ‘What happened?’
    Margot gave a humourless laugh. ‘I was married to Arnaud d’Albret, that’s what happened.’ She sighed miserably. ‘I was twelve when the Black Prince swept our lands in his terrifying chevauchée of ’55. My father died beneath the stroke of his sword and I was delivered to the Albret captain who had “taken a fondness for the girl with green eyes.” I was kept as a ward and then when Arnaud’s first wife died, he married me. It sounds like a romance out of a troubadour’s tale but I assure you it is not. I often wish I had shared my father’s fate.’ She looked at Cécile and her face softened. ‘But not all Albrets vent their temper as does my husband. Gillet has a kindness about him that is greatly lacking in his brother.’
    â€˜You mean your husband beats you?’ Cécile entwined her fingers with Margot’s.
    â€˜It is called discipline and I am slow learner. I can abide my own mistakes but when others suffer on my behalf, I … I … I had a squirrel once, called Mimi,’ whispered Margot. ‘And the cook left a roasted chicken stuffed with chestnuts on the table, uncovered. It was meant for our supper but Mimi found it. What squirrel could resist the nuts? Arnaud caught her eating it. He banished me to my room, informing me that I could sup alone in my chamber. That night he had a tray sent up for me.’ Her eyes glazed. ‘When I lifted the linen covering my plate I found the charred body of my squirrel.’
    â€˜Oh, my Lord,’ choked Cécile. ‘How could anyone do such a thing?’
    Margot’s eyes flickered with hatred. ‘Arnaud could. His justice is swift and cruel, and he does not like to be defied in anything.’ She gave a strangled laugh and peered down at her belly. ‘And I am about to royally defy him.’ She suddenly grasped Cécile’s hand. ‘You must leave here now. Find Gillet and warn him. I overheard Arnaud talking with Amanieu before he left. They plan to petition the Crown for a lucrative marriage contract for Gillet. The Albrets are high in favour these days, and the brothers have convinced King Edward to consider his own niece. Gillet will have no choice for it will come as a royal decree. It suits my husband well, for then he would inherit this place and we will remain here.’
    â€˜Marguerite.’
    Both girls jumped as a dark shadow loomed over them. ‘You are required in your chamber.’ Arnaud bowed politely, but he squinted at his wife with barely concealed anger. ‘Now.’

    When Margot did not appear for supper that night, Cécile began to worry. The revelations of Arnaud’s temper riddled her with all sorts of imaginings. Finally she worked up enough courage to ask after her health and Arnaud threw