A Memory of Love by Bertrice Small Read Free Book Online Page B

whore!” Rhonwyn said angrily.
    “Nay, nay, that is not it, sister!” ap Gruffydd replied. “She is ignorant. Totally ignorant. Morgan and his men loved my children and protected them, but they could teach them only what they knew. My daughter has a knack for war and weapons. She is, it seems, a worthy successor to me. My son prefers to compose songs and poetry, and has no talent for a warrior's pursuits at all. He's only fit to be a bard or a priest. You must teach Rhonwyn how to be what she is meant to be. A lass, not a lad. How can I give her in marriage when she doesn't even know what marriage is? She must be taught the Norman tongue, for as you see she speaks only our language. She needs to learn how to wear skirts, not chausses and braies. She must be a Christian, sister, yet she has no idea of religion or faith. She says moon cycles, not months. I don't even know if she has her woman's flow yet. You must gentle her, Gwynllian, so that in a month's time I may take her to Edward de Beaulie, at Haven's Castle, to be wed.”
    The abbess laughed aloud. “ A month's time? You are mad, Llywelyn! It will take more than a month to tame this bedraggled, fierce-eyed wildcat you have brought me. If indeed I can do it at all. If she does not cooperate, then you are out of luck, brother. How could you promise a daughter you had not seen in ten years to an English treaty marriage? What in the name of all that is holy were you thinking? Were you thinking at all? ”
    “Then what the hell am I to do, Gwyn?” he asked her, running a big hand through his dark hair.
    The abbess turned to Rhonwyn. “Do you understand any of this, my child?”
    “Aye, I do,” Rhonwyn said. “My lord has explained to me that a marriage is a formal and respectable union between a man and a woman. It is honorable. It is my obligation to my lord to take part in this marriage. I know how to do my duty.”
    “Well,” the abbess remarked to her brother, “she may have little learning, but she is, I believe, intelligent.” She turned to her niece. “You are willing to be married to Edward de Beaulie?”
    “Is there a choice in the matter?” Rhonwyn said.
    “Nay, there is not,” the abbess told her.
    “Then I am willing, and will do my duty” came the cool reply.
    “You have much to learn, my child,” the abbess said.
    “Then teach me,” Rhonwyn answered.
    The abbess turned to her brother. “Tell Edward de Beaulie that his bride is finishing her education at Mercy Abbey and will leave here in early April for Haven Castle. A messenger will arrive before her to announce her coming, but she will be there before midmonth. He may prepare for the marriage ceremony then, and you will bring your daughter to him yourself. It is unlikely your future son-in-law will object to this arrangement. He may have some small pursuits and matters to clear up before a bride can come to him.” She smiled suddenly at him. “This favor will cost you dearly, Llywelyn.”
    “I know,” he responded wearily.
    She chuckled. “I shall make a list of my demands, none of which are negotiable, brother.”
    He nodded. “Whatever you want, Gwyn,” he said.
    The abbess turned again to her niece. “Your first lesson, my child, is in how to address me. When I speak to you, you will conclude your answer with the words my lady abbess . Do you understand, Rhonwyn?”
    “Aye, my lady abbess” came the reply.
    The nun smiled. “Excellent!”
    I like her, Rhonwyn thought to herself. She understands me as no one ever has understood me.
    The abbess reached out, picked up a small bell on the table and rang it. Almost immediately another woman, dressed in the same fashion, entered the room.
    “Yes, my lady abbess?”
    “This is my niece, Sister Catrin. She will be staying with us for the next few months, preparing for her marriage to the lord of Haven Castle. She is a true innocent, raised in an isolated place by a group of pagans. Give her a chamber in the guest house.