Page 5 of Raven's Rise
Angelet smiled. True, she was very pretty. She’d been a pretty girl when the betrothal was struck, she’d been a pretty young woman on the day of her wedding. She was a pretty young widow on the day her husband died. And now she was a pretty, useless ornament that no one thought twice about.
“I would not object in theory,” she said. “But Otto is the one to ask about a marriage. He seems to think I should remain as I am.”
Father Mark wrinkled his nose in distaste. “Women are not meant to be alone. Eve was created as companion to Adam. So you should be a companion to another. I will speak to Lord Otto on the matter.”
“As you think best, Father,” Angelet said, though she knew Otto’s mind was unlikely to be swayed by any new argument.
In fact, she would be interested in another marriage,ifthe man was worthy. And that was the issue. Angelet would have no say in any marriage Otto might arrange for her. The man could be old, or cruel, or sick, or violent.Be careful what you wish for, she reminded herself. It would be foolish to throw herself at the first man who offered for her. What were the chances that she would actually be matched to a man whom she could love, or even respect? A handsome or strong man who would actually care for and protect her? An intelligent man who could succeed in the world? No, she shouldn’t press too hard for a change in her circumstances. Let Father Mark argue if he liked, but she would say nothing.
Then Otto himself walked into the chamber. Though he was over fifty, his hair was still mostly brown, with only a few silver strands at the temples. His eyes were clear and missed nothing, a fact that all the manor servants knew all too well. He was a subtle, clever man, always eager for news of the world, mostly so he could use it to his advantage.
“Good day,” he said. His voice was the warmest thing about him, always well-modulated and deceptively friendly.
Father Mark stood immediately. “Good day to you, my lord. God’s blessing upon you.”
Otto nodded graciously, as if accepting a gift from the priest. “What goes on here? Counseling our Angelet away from sin?”
“The lady needs little counsel of that nature, my lord. She is virtuous and good, and a fine example to others. In fact, since we are speaking of her…”
“Not now,” Otto said, with a slashing motion of his hand. “I have other matters on my mind, and you may go.” He then surveyed Angelet. “This altar cloth you’re working on. How close are you to finishing it?”
She gestured to the table, proud of what she’d accomplished. “See, it is nearly done, my lord.”
“How astonishing,” another voice said. A thin woman stepped from Otto’s shadow.
“Good day, Lady Katherine!” Father Mark said as he reached the door. “I didn’t see you there!”
Katherine was Otto’s wife, and it was common for people to not see her. Otto eclipsed her in every way. She was as quiet as he was talkative, as meek as he was bold. She seemed content to always walk behind him and never speak her own mind. A perfect wife.
After Father Mark left, she leaned over the table to look at the cloth with sincere admiration. “So very beautiful. I’ve never seen such colors.”
“I hope not, considering what the materials cost,” Otto said, chuckling. “But all the better, for it will be a most impressive gift.”
“A gift for whom?” Angelet asked. “Should I embroider a name onto it?”
Katherine shot an almost guilty look toward Otto, but he only said, “No need. You just work to finish the design. A few days will suffice?”
Barely. But Angelet gave a little nod. “I will try, my lord.”
“Do not overtax yourself,” Katherine warned in her wispy voice. “If you have another fit, you will lose a day of work.”
Now Otto's expression soured. “God’s wounds, it’s been three months since her last fit. I thought we might not see another.”
“I do not choose it, my lord,” Angelet whispered, hoping to calm the coming storm. “I do not mean to trouble the household.”
“Yet trouble it you do, either with your tales of heavenly glory or your fits and seizures. It is intrusive to daily life, Angelet. You are a selfish creature to expect us all to stop what we do simply because you cannot keep control of your body or mind. It is a moral failing on your part.”
“I am sorry, my lord. You could send me home to my family in Anjou.”
“Unlikely. The d’Hivers are for the Empress, and would the king like me any better if I sent one of their own back to them, even one as pathetic as you? No, I will do my duty and keep you in Britain. If it stays the hand of one soldier in a battle, it is enough. Never speak of that again, Angelet.”
“Then what will you do with me?”
“God knows, but I’ll think of something. Thank God I was quick to move young Henry to a foster home. If you’d mothered him any longer than you did, he might have fallen prey to the same curse.”
“It’s not a curse,” she protested, though it certainly felt like one.
“My lord,” Katherine said. “What harsh words to tell a mother! And the mother of our grandson, at that. When Hubert left for fostering all those years ago, I could feel my heart break.”
