The Battle of the Queens by Jean Plaidy Read Free Book Online

– and John’s one idea had been to humiliate the noble Hugh, and that Isabella should witness that humiliation. Foolish John, he did not realise that it was not Hugh she despised at that time but himself. John had known nothing of other people because he had been so deeply concerned with himself as the only person who could be of any importance. How delighted she had been when Hugh was released – because John thought it was to his advantage to do so. What a fool that man was. It did not seem to occur to him that Hugh might hate him as much as he hated Hugh. She often wondered how much Hugh had contributed to John’s utter defeat and loss of the French possessions.
    And how she longed to see Hugh again.
    Suddenly her mood of depression had passed and she was wildly elated.
    Why not? It was feasible. It was the right thing to do.
    She was thankful that William Marshal was in the castle. She would approach the matter tentatively the very next day. She spent a restless night and could scarcely wait to talk to the Earl.
    ‘It is with great relief and pleasure,’ she told him, ‘that I watch the King’s progress. I thank God that he is in such good hands. I think he is as different from John as anyone could be.’
    The Earl looked well pleased.
    ‘Hubert de Burgh and I have the utmost confidence in Philip of Albini.’
    ‘And so have I. It occurs to me that I can serve no useful purpose in this country.
    ‘I trust the King will never forget that you are his mother.’
    ‘He will never do that. But I can safely leave his upbringing in capable hands and turn my attention to other members of my family who need me more. Richard is well looked after by Peter de Mauley at Corfe and I understand that Roger d’Acastre is most excellent. My youngest daughters are as yet little more than babies, but my daughter Joan is betrothed and I believe it to be time that she went to the home of her betrothed where she will be brought up in his household as is the custom.’
    The Earl nodded slowly. It was the custom of course for girls to be brought up in the country into which they would marry.
    ‘I believe,’ went on Isabella, ‘that she should leave without delay. She is seven years old – an age when a child’s mind begins to take shape. Do you agree with me, my lord?’
    ‘I do indeed.’
    ‘It will be necessary for her to make this journey in the care of someone who can be trusted.’
    There was a short silence. The Earl was trying not to betray the hope which had come to him. He had consulted with Hubert de Burgh and they had agreed that the Queen would have to be watched. Mothers of kings who were minors could be tiresome; and there was no indication that Isabella was a meek woman who would listen to advice.
    The Earl cleared his throat as though about to speak but Isabella spoke first. ‘My two sons are in good hands; my two young children are well cared for. It would seem, my lord, that since I am scarcely needed here, I should be the one to accompany my daughter.’
    William Marshal tried not to sound too elated.
    ‘My lady,’ he said slowly, ‘the Princess Joan is indeed fortunate to have a mother who so cares for her welfare …’
    ‘Then you agree that I should be the one to accompany her.’
    ‘I think we should first ask the King if he would be prepared to let you go.’
    She nodded gravely. ‘I think my son will want to do what is best for his sister,’ she said.
    Her spirits were rising and she felt more excited than she had since she had heard of John’s death.
    She took leave of the Earl and went to her bedchamber. She had to be alone.
    ‘Hugh,’ she murmured to herself. ‘What will you think of me? What shall I think of you?’
    And the thought of going back to the scenes of her childhood, of being reunited with her old lover – now to be her daughter’s husband – filled her with a wild elation.

Chapter II
    THE CHOSEN BRIDE
    W hat joy it gave her to ride southwards through the fair land of