Passion in the Blood (10 page)

Everything had happened quickly. A short time ago she didn’t know Robert de Montbryce, now here she was en route to meet his parents in England. But he was the son of an Earl, a future
Comte
, and the history between their families didn’t bode well. At least Pierre had come to his senses and admitted continuing the feud was pointless. It was a miracle. She’d begun to despair of her brother’s sanity. She hoped he’d gone to confess his sin against her and been shriven of it.

And what of her own parents? Would her father too come to see that marriage to Robert de Montbryce was not only her heart’s desire, but also good for their family? She fervently hoped so and resolved to pray diligently on the matter.

She felt safe surrounded by the Montbryce clan. What impressive men they were—tall, well-muscled, and good natured. And Robert was the handsomest. She would be a good wife to him.

***

Dorianne’s happiness that they were crossing the Narrow Sea during daylight was written all over her fair face. She’d never been in a boat before and Robert could see the experience exhilarated her. The wind brought colour back into her cheeks. It lifted his heart. He wanted her to look her best when he presented her to his parents. Fortunately, her wimple would hide the damage done to her hair until it grew back. He knew it distressed her.

He’d been a good sailor when he was a boy, but as he grew to adulthood the waves and the tossing often got the better of him. He tried his best not to retch in front of Dorianne, but it was a lost cause, and she ministered to him.

“I’m sorry. Your great hero is nothing but a man who can’t control his need to retch his guts into the sea. I am my father’s son.”

“Robert,” she soothed. “I’ve heard tell many people are unable to avoid retching when at sea. I’m happy to comfort you my love, as you’ve ministered to me this last while.”

Hugh chuckled as his son and nephews fell victim to
mal de mer
. “As usual, it’s proven I’m the only true descendant of our Norse forebears.”

As they neared the mouth of the Portus, Robert found his sea legs and was able to help with the landing. They dragged the longboat up on the shore where Mathieu announced his intention to ride to East Preston, one of his father’s manors in Sussex, since it was nearby. “I’ll join you at Melton Manor if I find all is well,” he added.

They arrived at Melton Manor a few hours later and Robert saw his cousin’s chest swell as they entered the Manor for which he’d been named. It was a holding that had been in his mother’s Saxon family for generations. Indeed, Devona’s ancestors had built the imposing house atop its craggy cliff overlooking the sea.

All Montbryces were well versed in the oft told tale of the secret passageway from the house to the beach below. Dorianne was intrigued when Robert told her the story.

“Can we explore it?” she asked.

Hugh laughed. “You wouldn’t want to, Dorianne. It may sound intriguing, but it was dark and smelly and dangerous when I was in it more than twenty years ago.”

Melton had overheard and offered to show Dorianne how the secret doorway opened, but wouldn’t take her into the passageway.

Again Robert chided himself for the jealous feelings this offer fostered in him.

The sooner I marry this woman, the better I’ll feel!

***

Two days later they were underway, bound for Ellesmere. They made good progress. It was a route Robert had travelled many times.

“How will you parents receive me?” Dorianne asked.

He shifted in the saddle and thought on his answer for a while. She fidgeted with the reins. After several minutes he replied. “They’ll be shocked, I can’t deny it, Dorianne. But my parents are somewhat—unusual.”

She furrowed her brow. “Unusual?”

Robert smiled. “
Oui
. They believe in the power of love.”

Dorianne was silent for a while and then ventured, “I have no experience to which I can attach your statement. Indeed I’ve heard my father say some churchmen preach that noblemen who profess love for their wives are committing adultery. I don’t understand. They love each other?”

“
Oui! S
ûrement
. Definitely, and they love me and my brother, Baudoin, my sister, Rhoni and my half brother, Caedmon. Don’t worry. It’s a lot to digest. You’ll see when you meet them.”

Dorianne’s eyes widened. “Can there exist a family where love rules instead of hate? Will they love me as they love you?”

Robert laughed, leaned over and pecked a kiss on her forehead, his heart touched by her yearning to be loved. “They’ll adore you, as I do.”

Her eyes betrayed her fatigue. The journey was tiring her. He decided to send messengers ahead to warn of his arrival and to let the castle at Ellesmere know he was travelling with a Norman noblewoman who should be treated as an honoured guest, but who might need care.

Mabelle was agog. “He’s bringing a prospective bride, Ram. I know it. Why else would he bring a Norman noblewoman here? Antoine intimated Robert was detained by matters of the heart. I can’t wait to meet her. But why does he say she needs care? She must be ill.”

“Be calm, Mabelle,” Ram replied. “Don’t get too excited. Let’s wait and see. He’s coming primarily to bring us news of the Grand Council.”

Days later Robert and an exhausted Dorianne arrived with their escort. Martin Bonhomme took charge of delivering the Norman woman to the chambers prepared for her. Robert went immediately to see his parents awaiting him in the Map Room with Baudoin, Caedmon and Rhoni. His brothers greeted him, then he embraced his sister. “Rhoni, little Welsh woman, you grow more beautiful every time I see you.”

She smiled. “You’re a tease Robert, but I love you for it.”

“Robert,
mon fils
,” his father embraced him. “I’m always relieved to see you arrive safely. It’s not an easy journey. How fares your travelling companion?”

“She’s well, all things considered,” he replied vaguely. “Perhaps we can talk about her later. We must discuss the situation in Normandie. Antoine told you most of what transpired?”

His mother sensed his nervousness. Why had Antoine come in his stead? There was something he didn’t want to reveal, but eventually he would disclose it.

For the next two hours they discussed the arguments and counter arguments expressed at the Council. Robert confided he hadn’t wanted to support Henry, but now thought better of it. “I’ve committed our resources and our men to Henry, in accordance with your wishes, Papa,” he said confidently.

Ram shrugged. “I wish I felt as sure of Henry’s success as you apparently do.”

Mabelle huffed impatiently. “Now, Robert, what of this noblewoman who has accompanied you? What role is she to play?” she asked.

Robert’s jaw clenched. “She’s to play the role of my wife,
maman.
”

Mabelle clasped her hands to her mouth and a squealing sound emerged. “Robert! I’m overjoyed—but you don’t seem to be. I sense a difficulty.”

Robert kept silent for a few minutes. He stood, walked over to his mother and took both her hands in his. He went down on one knee in front of her and looked into her eyes.

“
Maman
, you know I would never do anything to hurt you or Papa. You can trust what I’m going to tell you isn’t said with any hurtful intent, nor with malice.”

Mabelle could hear her heart beating in her ears as her son spoke. From the desperate look in his eyes, whatever response she gave would affect all their lives. She braced herself, but was completely taken aback when he said calmly, “My betrothed’s name is Dorianne de Giroux.”

She hoped Robert hadn’t seen the flicker of horror in her eyes.

“I know I have no right to ask this of you, I know it will hurt you, but don’t I have as much right as you to hate the Giroux family? I love Dorianne and want her to bear my children, your grandchildren.”

No one spoke. Rhoni seemed to be studying the elaborately tiled floor. Baudoin’s voice broke the silence. “Robert, you’ve always been a brother I’ve been proud to look up to, to respect. I’ve never known you to make a decision that wasn’t in the best interests of our family. We’ve endured many challenges together. This is another, as is the coming war. I haven’t met Dorianne, but I know you wouldn’t propose marriage to a woman who would harm us as a family. This must have been a hard choice to make.”

Mabelle saw the relief on Robert’s face as he embraced his brother. It brought tears to her eyes. Once more Baudoin, the taciturn son, had surprised everyone with his perception and forthrightness. She looked at Robert and struggled to control her voice. “We’ll face this together, Robert. I would meet this extraordinary young woman who has overcome your feelings about the family that has done ours much harm in the past.”

“I’ll bring her to the gallery,
maman
,” Robert said, rising to his feet and letting go of his mother’s trembling hand.

As soon as Robert left, Ram moved to embrace Mabelle. She rested her head on his shoulder. “I’ve faced many challenges in my life with you, Ram, but this is one that might defeat me. When I look at the girl I’ll be reminded of the miserable years I spent with my father, and of the horror of Phillippe de Giroux.”

He cradled her in his arms and rocked her. “And yet, Mabelle, you can look at Caedmon and not be reminded of my infidelity.”

Rhoni spoke up. “What’s the alternative,
Maman
? Will we reject her? If we do, we reject Robert and the choice he has made. He’s my brother. I won’t reject him.”

***

A short time later, Robert entered with a very nervous Dorianne. She was still experiencing some lingering discomfort. Nevertheless, she determined to present a good impression as she met her beloved’s parents for the first time. They would see she was the well brought up daughter of a Norman baron. Robert held her hand tightly and introduced her.

“Papa,
maman
, Baudoin, Caedmon, Rhoni, please welcome to our home my betrothed, Dorianne de Giroux.”

Turning to Dorianne he continued. “Dorianne, I present to you my father and mother, the Earl and Countess of Ellesmere, Ram and Mabelle de Montbryce, and my brothers, Baudoin and Caedmon, and my dear sister, Hylda Rhonwen. We call her Rhoni.”

Dorianne was struck immediately by the striking resemblance the four men shared. This was where Robert had inherited his dark good looks. She sensed hostility, especially from Robert’s mother, the woman whose father had begun the terrible feud.

Hoping her pain and exhaustion weren’t apparent, she curtseyed deeply and bowed her head. “
Milord
Earl and Countess, I thank you for welcoming me to your home.”

Ram took Dorianne’s hand and said formally, “Welcome to Ellesmere, Lady Dorianne.”

As Dorianne attempted to rise, the blood rushed to her head. She swayed as the room swam around her. Ram took hold of her elbow and helped her to a chair. She flinched as she sat down heavily.

Mabelle rushed over. “What is it, my dear?” she asked with genuine concern.

Robert moved quickly to help Dorianne stand, and she recovered her equilibrium, horrified at what had happened. “Dorianne was harmed,” he said grimly.

“Harmed?” Ram exclaimed. “By whom?”

Dorianne knew Robert had no choice. The look in his eyes said he would have to explain. “Her brother, Pierre. She didn’t want me to tell you. He whipped her. It brought on a fever.”

Rhoni gasped audibly. Tears streamed down Dorianne’s face. What must these people think of her family? “But he has repented. He has seen the error of what he did. Ask Robert.”

Everyone looked at Robert whose face betrayed his doubt. Somehow, someday she would make Robert see her brother had repented.

The shock was evident in Mabelle’s voice as she shook her head. “Dorianne, you’re obviously as much a victim of the bitter feud between our families as we have been. I assume you were punished for caring for my son. Though wounded, you’ve been willing to undertake this arduous journey for Robert’s sake.”

There was no trace of hostility in her voice as she said, “Robert, take this lovely young woman back to her chamber. She needs rest. Has Carys seen her yet?”

“
Non,
maman
, I was trying to take care of her myself,” he replied sheepishly.

“Robert, you’re not a healer. Ask Carys to come at once to Dorianne’s chamber.”

Turning to Dorianne she said softly, “Dorianne, many years ago I was the victim of the consequences of my father’s anger towards your grandfather and the unspeakable things he perpetrated. This family, including Robert, have suffered much because of it. But I know your family has suffered too, and is obviously still suffering from the long held hatreds. You and I must lay that hatred to rest once and for all. It will keep trying to raise its ugly head, but we must defeat it.”

Dorianne felt dizzy with relief on hearing these words from the Countess. It was the truth, and she grieved her father might not put hatred aside. She was at once filled with hope and despair. How to put that into words other than a simple, but heartfelt, “
Merci, Madame Comtesse.”

Robert turned to his father. “I’ll wed Dorianne as soon as possible, Papa. I would prefer to have the ceremony here with you and
Maman
present. I want your blessing on this union. It’s important for the good of my soul, and it will be important when we return to face the difficulties awaiting us in Normandie. To be frank we would have difficulty marrying in Normandie without her father’s permission.”