Isabella: Braveheart of France by Colin Falconer Read Free Book Online

yes.”
    “Does he need your assistance? I have heard he has become the hammer of the Irish. If he is not putting down revolts in Munster he is terrorising the Wicklow Mountains. As accomplished as you are, my lord, I wonder why the king is despatching you.”
    “It is not for me to question the decisions of the mighty.”
    If a French courtier spoke to her like that, she would clout him. “Is he coming back to England?”
    “That is impossible. He risks excommunication from Archbishop Winchelsea.”
    “Nothing is impossible. My Uncle Lancaster believes that he is scheming for such a return.”
    “You believe everything Lancaster says?”
    “He’s my uncle.”
    “He’s no one’s uncle.”
    She smiles at that. He says these things without changing his expression and it takes her off guard. For some reason she imagines him kissing her the way he just kissed Lady Mortimer. Her new husband has not kissed her that way yet.
    There is something in the way he looks at her. She likes it, though she would think it insolent if he were not Mortimer.
    “May I speak plain? I hear so many rumours. I need someone to tell me the truth.”
    “The truth, your grace? A dangerous thing. I should hesitate to be caught anywhere within a king’s palace telling the truth.”
    “I hear that he has bribed the Earl of Gloucester to support Gaveston’s return, that Hereford and Lincoln have likewise been paid off with promises? If he wins over my Lord Warwick as well, the rest will follow like sheep.”
    “For one so young, you have an uncanny grasp. My own daughter is your age and concerns herself chiefly with sewing.”
    “Your daughter is not the Queen of England. One grows up very fast.”
    “Even if Gaveston should return, you have no reason to fear him. The King is seen with you everywhere now.”
    “Do you think so?”
    “Edward is a complex man. But I think you have his measure.” He spares an apprehensive glance at the gaggle of woman along the hall. He tugs at the neck of his tunic, as if he is being strangled.
    She dismisses him with a nod. He seems taken aback by this. She is half his age and half his size.
    He bows and goes in search of his king and she returns to her ladies. So, it is true, Edward is agitating for his lover’s return just as she and Edward had finally become a proper king and queen. Even from Ireland, Gaveston pulls the puppet strings. Mortimer is going to Ireland because the king knows Gaveston is coming back and he needs a strong soldier to replace him.
    Why will he not tell her this himself?
    Does he think that she is stupid?
     
     
     

Chapter 11
     
    The king is jaunty. He lopes into the chamber, trailing minions like froth off a galloping horse. All he wishes to talk about is the banquet they have hosted to woo his recalcitrant magnates. He wages this campaign like a war, throwing largesse at his barons like heavy cavalry.
    “You made an impression,” he tells her. “Your presence at the banquet was a great success! Richmond says you are the most charming dinner companion he has ever kept. Gloucester calls you the greatest gem in my crown. Who would have thought?”
    “Your grace?”
    She is genuinely puzzled by this pronouncement. Who would have thought - what?
    “Well, you are so young. So ... “ He waves a hand airily. “... thin.”
    “In France they say I am beautiful.”
    “Well you are quite pretty.” He smiles broadly. “I am proud of you.”
    Thin and pretty. You will hunger for me one day, Edward, you will burn for me.
    “We have concord again in England.”
    “There is still Warwick. And my Uncle Lancaster.”
    “Lancaster,” he says and frowns as if he has bitten down on something foul. Something moves in the rushes underfoot and he stamps on it. “Your uncle was with me once, now that Perro is gone he has turned on me.”
    Well, of course he has. Is it not obvious to you? She is disturbed that she can understand these petty manoeuvres and he cannot.
    “You have