The Order of the Lily (41 page)

‘She has been unwell,' Catherine offered as further explanation. ‘Anguish of any kind may lead to her death. I could not, and
would
not allow that to happen.'

‘So, you took on your sister's persona?'

‘Yes, M'lord, for Salisbury had threatened—'

‘Salisbury?'

‘He had John Moleyns attack me on several occasions and he bribed my maid into causing me great harm. I could not risk such a thing occurring to Cécile.' She dabbed at her eyes.

‘William is impulsive and stubborn, but I can manage him. His purse is large, yet he has little with which to fill it.' Edward shifted his gaze to the window. ‘I will, as a means of apology and as a show of goodwill to your sister, have Lord Salisbury receive a satisfactory stipend, enough to persuade him to stay well away from you both.'

‘You will?'

‘With one proviso, that you tell your sister that I … I … miss her,' he stammered. He stepped to the casement. ‘I dared to hope for Cécile's return, and I would have conceded much to see our child legitimised.' He circled brusquely and with the arrogance of royalty. ‘What woman could refuse such an offer? I'd yet see it done. You may tell her that my proposal stands and I shall beget another heir upon her.'

The door was wrenched open by Simon. Each man regarded the other until Lord Wexford bowed, his irreverence obvious.

‘Wait in the hallway,' the Prince commanded. Simon did as ordered but left the door ajar.

‘Now that your deception is over I want your honesty. Where is Wexford taking you?

‘To my sister.'

‘Then I ask that you deliver my message to Cécile. Tell her I will expect her at my new court in Bordeaux.' He held out his hand and assisted her to stand. ‘I will hold back my hounds and allow you to travel freely, but I would have her come to me.'

‘Yes, Sire, I will tell her,' Catherine promised. He raised his closed fist to her lips and she kissed the ring upon his finger. ‘Thank you.'

He retracted his hand and stood away, his smile strangely beguiling.

Catherine heard the heated exchange as the Prince confronted Simon in the corridor. She was shaking uncontrollably, the enormity of the past hour striking her like a slap to the face. Was this the finality to her dreams? Would she never see her family together?

The heavy footfall upon the stairs assured her of the Prince's departure and she inhaled deeply, for, until then, she had hardly breathed at all.

‘Are you harmed?' asked Simon, placing his medical box on the floor and gathering her into his arms.

‘No,' she replied, her voice hoarse.

‘What did he say?'

‘He accused us of uncovering Thomas' plans and then poisoning him!'

‘What plans?'

‘I do not know. Perhaps …'

‘Wait,' cautioned Simon. ‘It would be best to discuss this after we return to our chamber.'

‘What of my father?'

‘The Prince is organising the removal of his body, and we have been granted leave. We must away quickly, for I do not trust the Black Prince any more than does Gillet, and I would have us gone before he changes his mind.'

They silently retreated down the stairs and exited through the rear of the building, stepping out into soft mud. Simon led her along the alleyway and through the dark until they finally came upon the kitchen door of their inn.

Catherine could not control the rapid beat of her heart, nor the shivering, no matter the number of blankets Simon wrapped around her.

‘We must assume Thomas Holland made agreements for your future whilst he was in London for I cannot think of any other reason why the prince would accuse us of harming your father,' Simon summised.

‘I don't understand?'

‘Lady Wexford, you and I have not received the King's permission to marry. Some would say that in itself is an act of treason. Of course, had we received your father's blessing it would not be so much of an issue. But, had Sir Thomas wanted to create mischief he may have petitioned the King. You may yet find yourself a young widow with your second husband having already received permission to wed.'

‘Oh Simon, no,' she gasped, reaching for his hand.

‘Did the Prince say anything else?'

‘As we assumed, his devotion to my sister remains unabated, but 'tis worthy to note that he is convinced that the babe is lost. I told him Céci miscarried on the boat to England'

‘That was quick thinking. Did he believe you?'

‘I think so. He was visibly shaken.'

‘Then we must be thankful that at least one good thing has come from this night,' Simon replied.

‘Well, what have you to say for yourself?' Edward's fury was evident as he paced before the hearth.

‘Nothing, M'lord. I had nothing to do with his death. I imagine that Wexford …'

‘Was not responsible and nor was his wife,' concluded the Black Prince. ‘I had business to discuss with the man and instead I find him lying in a pool of green spittle, your horse stabled not ten furlongs from where he fell.'

Salisbury remained tight lipped as he watched Edward's every move.

‘How much do you want?'

‘M'lord?'

‘You heard me. How much coin will it take to make you give up your foolish claims on the Holland girls?'

‘With all due respect, Your Majesty, my claims are not
foolish
.'

A young squire stepped forward and placed several large bags of coin on the table. He was soon followed by another and then a third. Salisbury's eyes sparkled.

‘I know you have served many masters, but from now on, you serve only
me
. Agreed?'

‘Yes, M'lord.'

‘The matter between yourself and the Holland family is now settled.'

Salisbury nodded.

‘Now, take your sorry hide back to England and find
that
which my father demanded of you some time ago. His patience grows thin.'

Salisbury gathered the bags in arms and quickly shuffled his way from the great hall, his cheeks glowing with humili-ation. But it did not matter. He had what he wanted and it was more than enough to clear his debt. He returned to his accommodation and barred the door, then lifted the lid to his coffer. He hurriedly secreted all but one bag of coins, before pouring himself a healthy measure of ale.

The Prince assumed that
he
had killed Holland. Well, so be it. He had not liked the man anyway, but poisoning was not in his repertoire. That was more of a woman's revenge.

Her knock was sharp and not unexpected. ‘Well?'

‘He thinks I killed Thomas.'

‘Did you?' she asked.

‘You know very well that I did not!'

Joan smirked triumphantly. ‘Of course not.' Dressed in widow's weeds she was even more captivating and Salisbury felt the resentment. She remained as beautiful as the day he had married her but doubted she could recall any fond memories from their shared past. He kept his face carefully blank.

She unclasped the emeralds at her neck and dropped them into his open palm. ‘We are settled then?'

‘This is a little less than agreed,' he replied, estimating their weight.

‘You did not bring me the body I requested.' Her gaze settled on the one bag of gold he had left for her to see. ‘Besides, you have already been handsomely paid.'

‘Holland jewels no longer to your liking now that your husband is dead?'

‘I have my eye on a richer set,' she boasted and marched from the room.

Salisbury sat upon the bed and kicked off his boots. So far he had collected two from three. The King had promised him a knight's reward for the location of the Lady of Scotland. He was one step closer to having it all. He just had to find this last piece.