Almodis by Tracey Warr Read Free Book Online Page A

my passion for books. Parchment and gold are so costly. Even more so than months and months of a scribe’s time!’
    I nod and carry on with my list, although wary now that he is perhaps laughing at me after all, despite his assurances. ‘He also had Saint Gregory of Tours’ History of the Franks . Oh yes, and Apicius’ treatise on cookery. He paid 200 sheep, and an enormous pile of rye, wheat and millet for that one.’
    ‘We have a few books in Barcelona,’ Ramon says, ‘but I would like many more. And to build a library would be a fine thing.’
    ‘I have a few books of my own,’ I say, ‘and I intend to collect more and be a patroness to writers and book-makers.’
    Ramon arches his eyebrows at that. He has a mobile, expressive face. ‘Excellent,’ he says.
    ‘My grandmother, Adalmode of Limoges, left some books to me and my father has just given me Adhémar of Chabannes’ Chronique . I could show it to you if you like.’
    ‘I would like that very much. I can bring you a literary surprise in return that I think will please you.’
    ‘What is it?’
    ‘Ah,’ said Ramon, ‘but then it won’t be a surprise will it?’ He rises to his feet, bowing. ‘I must go now, Lady Almodis, or my grandmother will think I have been kidnapped by Moors!’
    We laugh again and he takes his leave. I remain seated on the bench for a moment. I know that his grandmother, Ermessende, is famed for her military and political stratagems and no doubt she has schooled Ramon well. My empty stomach rumbles and I move to leave, passing Piers who is still standing in the semi-darkness polishing leather.
    Back in the chamber, Bernadette fusses, scolding me for being absent so long and now being late to get dressed again, until I snap at her. ‘Mind your tongue, girl. I’ll do as I please and you will like it or you can find employment elsewhere.’
     
    I am sitting alone in the chamber in the afternoon as my sister, father and brother have gone to meet Pierre and his mother to seal the details of Raingarde’s betrothal. I sigh heavily at the thought that I will only be reunited with my sister for a few brief months before we each marry and are separated again. There will be a great distance between us once more.
    ‘Sighing my Lady?’ Ramon asks quietly. He has come in so silently that I am startled. Bernadette, is standing next to him with her mouth open. He has pre-empted her attempt to announce him properly. Ramon is, of course, considerably more formally dressed than when I encountered him in the mews in the morning . He is wearing a short brown tunic and a jewelled sword under his blue cloak. Now that I am meeting him in daylight, I see that his blond hair is bright and short and his eyelashes and brows are brown. A pink blush is visible under the tanned skin of his cheeks, almost as if they have been delicately brushed with paint. His nose and mouth are shapely. A slim black-haired woman with olive skin, wearing a yellow tunic, stands behind him holding a musical instrument. I force a smile onto my face as Ramon bends to kiss my hand.
    ‘I am thinking how I must soon be parted from my sister.’ I gesture to two stools for Ramon and the woman to take. ‘She is to be wed to Pierre of Carcassonne and I to Hugh of Lusignan in a few short months when we are both of age. So our reunion is very short but sweet.’ The woman has taken out a wax tablet and stylus and is writing something down.
    Ramon notices my glance and introduces his companion and her activity. ‘This is Mistress Dia,’ he tells me. ‘She is my surprise for you. She is a troubadour and one of great skill.’
    Dia laughs at his words without looking up from her scribbling. I like the sound of her laugh. She sounds as if she acknowledges her own worth and is appreciative, but not obsequious, about Count Ramon’s assessment of her. A female troubadour!
    ‘And no doubt,’ continues Ramon, ‘she is scribbling about you already. The dolour of two beautiful