Lady of Fire Read Free Page A

faint trace of bitterness in his voice that faded as he added, "Alas, Demoiselle, we are arrived, and by the look of things, you have been missed."
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    "Gilbert, I tell you I won't have it! William the Bastard can order your service, but he cannot order me in my household!" Lady Mary's voice was shrill and strident, carrying well beyond the confines of her solar.
    "Mary…" Gilbert of Nantes' tone was placating.
    "Mary nothing! The boy is naught but stable fodder, and the girl shames us with her boldness! I say they can both live on bread and ale dispensed in the kitchen during Festival. I will have neither at my table!"
    "And I tell you that Normandy demands their presence—before I could whip the girl for her unseemly behavior, William's whelp warns me, 'I'd not mark her were I you, for my father would have her sup with us tonight as reward for her bravery.' " Gilbert nearly strangled at the recollection of Prince Henry's coolness toward him. "Whilst you and I consider her overbold, the duke considers her brave, so we must hold our tongues. She sups with
Normandy
himself, I tell you! Would you have him bring his mailed fist down on me because you hate your daughter?"
    " 'Tis you who curse her for not being a son!" Mary shouted back.
    "Aye, but she may have some value to me yet, wife."
    "Then let the little strumpet appear at supper and nowhere else—but I warn you, Gilbert, I'll not have your harlot's son in my hall."
    "Nay, there's little enough harm in the boy, Mary, and 'twould seem he's caught William's eye. Walter tells me he means to take Roger into his service."
    "The son of a Saxon whore?" Mary curled her lips in sarcastic disbelief.
    "The grandson of a Saxon thane. He could be a credit to me yet."
    "As much credit as the little strumpet, I'll warrant."
    "Eleanor? Nay, whether you care to admit it, Mary mine, the girl's a beauty. I can aim high for a son-in-law, I tell you."
    He could not have chosen his words with less care. Lady Mary was intensely jealous of the girl's looks and could not abide even the faintest praise of her beauty. "Husband, are you daft? She'll naught but shame you! What worth is there in a maid so lost to propriety that she'd mix in a common brawl? Let her go to a nunnery and cast about for a husband for Margaret. Nay, I've changed my mind. You will tell Duke William she is ill."
    Gilbert's patience was strained. "By all the saints, but you are a fool, Mary. 'Twas her boldness that lets me look high.
Normandy
notices her now and hints an interest in her marriage. And you, jealous fool, would hide my chance for gain. Sons of great houses ride in
Normandy
's train—sons who could make Eleanor a countess or more. I say dress the girl in finery, deck her in jewels, and see what comes of it."
    "If you have her at our table, I'll not be there," Mary threatened.
    Gilbert unclenched his fist and gave her the open palm of his hand across her cheek. She reeled from the blow, her expression one of shocked disbelief. Her hand went to her face as she screamed, "You hit me!"
    "Aye, I did—and I'll do so again if you defy me. You listen to me, Mary mine! You've done naught but stand in my way since you came to me. You would have me disobey my liege lord to satisfy your meanness, wife. And what have I ever had of you?" His voice dropped to a menacing growl. "I'll tell you what—a lot of whimpering in your marriage bed and naught but three girls to show for thirteen years as a wife. You would taunt Glynis and make her life hell, but at least she knows how to make a son."
    Mary's anger made her reckless. "Really, Gilbert?" she challenged. "And did she make one for you? I doubt it—I always have. Roger Bastard bears little likeness of you, my lord, yet you parade him around here like you are a randy rooster, flaunting him as a symbol of your manhood. Well, what of me? I've conceived three live and four stillborn girls, Gilbert, and if I've not borne a son, it's because