The Passionate Enemies by Jean Plaidy Read Free Book Online Page A

she was eager to do all that he wished. He could, of course, have taken her to his bed before they reached Windsor and the actual marriage ceremony took place.
    That could be dangerous. What if he got her with child as he so hoped to do at the earliest moment and met his end before the ceremony? There would be a disaster; and the child would be just another of his bastards.
    No. If he were to take her to bed before and during the tedious journey to Windsor, then a ceremony there must be.
    He sent for his priest and told him of his dilemma.
    â€˜My lord,’ was the answer, ‘the marriage must be solemnized with all ceremony due to the King and his new Queen.’
    â€˜I know it, I know it,’ said the King with a return to that irascibility which all had dreaded and which had abated considerably during the wooing period. ‘But you know my ardent nature. Would you have me anticipate the marriage vows?’
    â€˜My lord, you would perjure your soul. And the Princess is no ordinary woman to be taken at your pleasure.’
    â€˜I know that well, man. So there must be a ceremony. Oh.nothing to make a noise about. A few words said over us. Come. No more arguments. Arrange it.’
    And so it was arranged.
    There at Ely the words were spoken and Adelicia became the wife of Henry I of England.
    He found her submissive but not responsive; it was as he had thought.
    Still, she was beautiful; she was young and appealing; and once she had a healthy boy growing within her he would be content.
    The royal party made its way from Ely to Windsor and there waiting to greet them at the castle was Henry’s old friend and chief adviser, Roger, Bishop of Salisbury. With him was his beautiful mistress, Matilda of Ramsbury whom Adelicia presumed to be his wife. She was a little puzzled because she had been under the impression that the clergy were not permitted to marry.
    Roger was respectful; the beautiful Matilda was kind and as there had been so many strange revelations in her life during the last months, Adelicia accepted this as yet another. The laws of England must be different from those in her country.
    Matilda carried Adelicia off to her apartments and there, with the assistance of a few women, helped her change her habit and prepare for the banquet which would celebrate their arrival.
    Adelicia was struck by the outstanding beauty of Matilda and could scarcely take her eyes from her; she seemed awkward in her presence and very, very young.
    â€˜You are going to be very happy,’ Matilda told her. ‘The King will be an indulgent husband if you do all you can to please him.’
    She was comforted.
    In the meantime Roger had accompanied the King to his chamber and they talked alone together.
    â€˜The marriage,’ said Roger, ‘should take place without delay for you are an impatient man, my lord.’
    â€˜Did you think, Roger, I would wait for the ceremony? We are already bedded.’
    â€˜To my lord’s satisfaction, I trust.’
    â€˜She is a child, Roger. No more.’
    â€˜I believe you are not averse to a young virgin.’
    â€˜Virgin she doubtless was and is so no longer. I trust by now that the seed has been well and truly planted.’
    â€˜It is a matter for rejoicing, my lord. But the ceremony?’
    â€˜The priest married us at Ely and every night since, she has been in my bed.’
    â€˜So there was a ceremony. That pleasures me for there are spies who watch our movements. I doubt not there would be indignation from the Duke of Louvaine were he to hear that his daughter had lost her virginity without gaining a marriage contract.’
    â€˜Nay. I married her, but I’ll do so again for the sake of the people. It would never do for it to be set abroad that there had been no ceremony. There would always be those to declare that the child, which I pray is now growing within her, was a bastard.’
    â€˜The marriage must take place without delay and