CHAPTER FORTY FIVE
The proud dark-haired woman strode haughtily across the room and with considerable vigour seized the arm of the grim-faced man seemingly in deep contemplation. The latter looked up sharply but did not seek to rise from his chair. Indeed after the initial look of surprise he appeared to lapse into a brown study.
“Hugh of Lusignan are you a real man, or just a political schemer?”
Even this direct statement or question did not appear to ruffle the lassitude of the deeply thoughtful nobleman. The gentleman in question was in fact the Comté de Marché who had featured prominently earlier in our story.
“I have had a belly-full of the machinations going on on both sides of the Channel, my dearest Isabella” responded de Lusignan.
“Yes indeed” snorted Isabella. “I find that hard to believe knowing you as well as I do. For God’s sake my son Henry is involved here. Surely you can take sides against the Dauphin”
“God’s teeth woman” snapped de Marché “I was very helpful to Louis, I was a great encourager of his earlier in the campaign, why should I change now? I agree the whole affair has been mishandled and is like to be totally inconclusive.”
“Yes but your old enemy my husband King John is dead now. Why do you have to take such a line? Henry is my own flesh and blood. You were wont to admire my flesh once my dearest Hugh, my ardent lover. Is it true then even your recent crusade could not obliterate me from your mind?”
“I fail to see the connection madam” glared Hugh.“Even so John took you away from me, you were promised to me all those years ago.”
“Yes
and I’m yours now, we can be married quickly and secretly. But above all do I
have your word and your will to support my son in all things, especially in
defence of his
“Yes indeed” smiled de Marché in his doleful fashion. “It would tickle your late husband’s fancy to know that I am solidly behind his brat. I don’t know how he would react to my at last securing ....”
“Watch
your tongue, my future husband” fumed Isabella “Henry is no brat but
the Lord’s anointed.”
“Of course, of course, my dear, an unfortunate turn of phrase on my part. I apologise.”
Isabella had almost even more allure when moved to temper. Hers was a capricious temper which in someone less intelligent and beautiful would have been regarded as a major irritant. Given her many attributes such storms of fury were almost acceptable. Hugh le brun, bold warrior, shrewd politician that he was, had a weak spot for the woman. He had all those years ago and even now he could not resist her. Time had enhanced her beauty, added maturity and poise to her earlier sensuous charms. She needed no coronet to adorn her brow to announce her regality, her very presence indicated a person of special quality, someone who must be listened to, even obeyed or face the consequences.
“The Dauphin does not deserve your help and comfort” resumed Isabella.
“I will not be other than a dutiful supporter of your rights, my love” responded de Marché wincing slightly.
“I can then rely on you to be ......”
“I am a man of honour” grunted Hugh le brun. “If I give my word, consider it done. I have designs here on the Continent myself. It is after all not too good an idea to have an over-strong French monarch. When Philip dies, I think that I will be able to control his less brilliant son. Louis looks to me to provide an input of some sort on a number of issues. I can play a useful rôle here helping not only your good son madam, but myself as well. Admit” continued de Marché “that I may be crafty but at least I smack of honour.”
“Yes” murmured the Queen “You are honest in your cunning way. Perhaps that’s what I admire about you.”
“What?” enquired de Marché. “Do you mean my honesty or my cunning.“
The two lovers stared at each other as if seeking to explore the depths of their respective souls. Then all of a sudden they were swept away in gusts of laughter. Here were twin hearts and minds meant for each other in these difficult, uncertain times. What a combination, who could stand against such forces? Young Henry, if he had heard this conversation, would have been pleased that he had such unscrupulous, or was it merely determined allies.
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