The Lion of Justice by Jean Plaidy Read Free Book Online Page B

long. She could, however, not prevent Alan’s seeing Edith and Mary.
    She sent for the girls. A summons to the Abbess’s apartment was a cause for apprehension, but Mary, who had not been selected as the butt for Christina’s venom as Edith had, and for whom the Abbess had no special plans as yet, was less concerned than her sister.
    When the girls stood before her in their black garments, their hair carefully hidden, the Abbess surveyed them critically.
    Edith had a certain beauty but the habit was very effective in concealing it and if this man had thoughts of marrying her, it might be possible to hurry her into taking some sort of vow. The determination to thwart Edith’s desire for a worldly life was growing in the Abbess. A strong woman, accustomed to having her own way, never forgetting her royal birth and that the crown of England should have belonged to her family, she was anxious to rule her own empire, and that included her nieces who had become part of it.
    She had considered Alan of Bretagne. A middle-aged widower, a man not without power and clearly a friend of Robert of Normandy and Rufus King of England, since the former had sent him to England on some mission and the latter had given him permission to come and visit the Atheling girls at her Abbey.
    Of course he was looking for a bride, although he was a little old for that, but if he were hoping for heirs he wouldselect a young girl. Constance, his dead wife and daughter of the Conqueror, had been childless during their six years marriage. And his union with the royal family had perhaps given him a taste for Princesses.
    Christina did not like it. Nevertheless, she could not disobey the orders of Rufus. She shuddered to think of the man. He was crude and vicious. She was well aware of his perverted sexual tastes. She thought a good deal about such sinful practices, conjuring up pictures of the crude red-faced King and his favourites, the better, she promised herself, to implore the saints to put a stop to such evil.
    She noticed with satisfaction that Edith was looking a little fearful.
    She kept them standing in suitable humility.
    â€˜We have a visitor who has asked to see you. As you know, it is against the rules of the Abbey for our young novices to receive visitors. But this is an old nobleman who is visiting England on some mission from the Duke of Normandy and the King has asked if you would graciously receive him. I shall of course be present. Now, we will go.’
    Alan of Bretagne bowed low and said what a pleasure it was to meet the Princesses.
    It was long since Edith had seen such a man. He was old, it was true, but he was a warrior and he brought a new and alien atmosphere into the Abbey.
    â€˜I have recently come from Normandy on a mission from my Duke to the King. The King will I doubt not wish to have news of you.’ He had a commanding air, this man. He turned to the Abbess. ‘I would like a word in private with the Princess Edith.’
    The Abbess bristled. Her strength was as great as his and she was on her own ground.
    â€˜My lord Duke, I could not so far forget my duty.’
    â€˜Then,’ said the Duke, ‘we will sit together in yon window seat while you remain here with us.’
    The Abbess looked thunderous but the Duke had bowed to Edith and she, without looking at her aunt, walked to the window seat with the Duke in her wake. Christina, reminding herself that he came with the blessing of the King, and being astute enough to ask herself what report he would takeback, had no alternative but to sign to Mary that she be seated on the far side of the chamber with her while the visitor and Edith conversed – in sight of her alert eyes, yet out of earshot.
    The Duke bent towards Edith; she noticed his big hands, his weather-beaten skin, his rather rough method of speech. He lacked the grace of her uncle Edgar. He repelled her slightly. Ever since that day when her aunt Christina had made her put