The Autumn Throne by Elizabeth Chadwick Read Free Book Online Page A

to wed William, King of Sicily, should negotiations with his envoys prove satisfactory. He is my ally and good friend, and you will be well settled with him.’
    Joanna visibly swallowed. ‘Thank you, sire,’ she whispered. Alienor could see the wide, almost fearful look in her eyes, and was utterly proud of her daughter when she pulled the right answer from somewhere deep within. ‘I am honoured.’
    ‘Good.’ Henry squeezed her hand, released it, and stood up. ‘Your mother and the Countess de Warenne will tell you what you need to know.’ Satisfied that he had fulfilled his part of the business as far as informing her went, he left the chamber, already talking to his attendants about which spears they shouldbring with them on the hunt. Hamelin followed him with a brief glance over his shoulder for the women.
    Joanna looked at Alienor and Isabel, still clearly stunned by the speed and enormity of what had just happened.
    ‘Sicily is beautiful,’ Alienor said. ‘A little like Aquitaine. I shall be sorry to part from you, but your father is right, it is a good match.’
    ‘You will have fine gowns and clothes,’ Isabel said in a kindly voice, ‘and a court and ladies all of your own. It will seem strange at first, but we will help you prepare, and I shall be accompanying you – that is already decided.’
    Joanna nodded, and some of the light returned to her eyes.
    Alienor sent Isabel a grateful look that helped to further mend the bond between them. In this at least they were united. ‘You have a while yet. You will not go to Sicily before the summer’s end. As your aunt Isabel says, there is much to do. Come.’ Alienor drew her daughter to the window seat and sat her down. ‘I will tell you what I know of Sicily and what I remember, and you can ask me anything you want. I do not know your husband-to-be, but his father welcomed me when I was on my way home from Jerusalem, and I believe you will settle there well.’
    Joanna nodded and straightened her spine, sitting erect as if testing the weight of a crown and new responsibilities. ‘Yes, Mama,’ she said dutifully.
    ‘Even if distance parts us there will still be letters and messengers; and you shall have your own household and people you know.’ She squeezed Joanna’s hand more gently than Henry had done. ‘You are bound on this course and you must do your duty to the best of your ability. That is part of being a queen. I know you understand this in your heart.’
    ‘Yes, Mama,’ Joanna said again, biting her lip.
    Alienor kissed her with compassion but did not draw out the moment because maintaining regal dignity in difficult circumstances was another part of being a queen and something Joanna had to learn.
    *  *  *
    Alienorwalked in Winchester Castle’s garden, enjoying the fresh spring morning. Bees trundled industriously from flower to flower on trees laden with apple blossom thick as snow and the air was scented with delicate perfume. At least Henry had not denied her the pleasure of this place even if he was watching her closely and giving her no opportunity to speak to anyone of influence. He continued to press home the detail that he controlled the chess board and her only way out was to agree to the annulment. Yesterday at dinner he had disparaged her by seating her down the table away from him while he conducted a conversation with a Winchester gold merchant. The times she was not invisible, he was marking her as of no consequence, and it would only worsen.
    ‘Mama …’
    Turning, she saw Harry walking down the path towards her. He was wearing his travelling cloak and a feathered cap. Here, in part, was the reason matters would deteriorate. Her sons were leaving for their duties one by one and there would soon be no support from that quarter. Richard had already departed for Poitou armed with fresh funds for his war against his rebellious vassals. Now Harry was going to join him via a visit to his father-in-law in France. Only