The Passionate Enemies Read Free

must be good for me, must it not? Yet had I not made it she would be here and by the saints, Stephen, I would have trained her to rule this land and made her my heir.’
    â€˜But as you so rightly say, sir, it is too late. She is the Empress.’
    â€˜It is this solemn fact, Stephen, which has brought me to this decision.’
    Stephen was afraid to look at his uncle for fear he should betray his eagerness.
    It was coming now. He was certain of it. The King was going to tell him that, because he was the son of his favourite sister, his beloved nephew whom he regarded as his own son, who had fought gallantly at his side in Normandy, who had shown himself to be liked by the English and a young man malleable to the King’s will, he would name him his heir.
    This, thought Stephen, is the greatest moment of my life. Why should I not be King of England? Am I not the Conqueror’s grandson? Of the three sons who survived great William, Rufus was dead, Robert a prisoner in his brother Henry’s hands, and Henry was fifty-two without a male heir. So why should not the son of the Conqueror’s daughter take the coveted crown?
    It was almost as though fate was playing into his hands. Fate had married Matilda to the Emperor of Germany so that she could not be Queen of England (and how would the people react to a woman on the throne?). William, the King’s only son, had been drowned in the White Ship. And he, Stephen, had been sent at an early age to the English Court;he had won the King’s favour; he had a grace and charm of manner which had brought many to his side.
    This was his great moment. He could almost feel the crown on his head.
    Time seemed to slow down. So many thoughts pushed themselves into his mind with the rapidity of lightning.
    â€˜Yes,’ said the King, speaking ponderously as though to give greater effect to his words, ‘I have given this matter much thought. It is not a step to take lightly. But I am no longer a young man, Stephen. I have lived through fifty-two winters. It is a goodly age, and although I am still in the full flush of my vigour I must perforce look facts in the face. A kingdom without an heir is a kingdom which breeds trouble. Long before I die the people must know that there is another to step into my shoes. I trust you, Stephen. You have proved yourself to be a good friend to me and this country.’
    Stephen could scarcely suppress his excitement.
    â€˜My lord, I will serve you and this land with my life.’
    â€˜I know it, Stephen. You are a good boy. If I had a wife and got her with child it would be a year before a son could be born. I should be fifty-three years of age, Stephen.’
    Stephen nodded safely. ‘How wise you are, sir. I have most admired your love of truth. You always looked it in the face and admitted to what you saw. Sir, it is a quality I most admire. I strive always to emulate it.’
    The King inclined his head.
    â€˜So,’ he went on. ‘I have decided to marry again. Now . . . no waiting. By the saints, there is no time for dallying. I must get my bride to bed and with child without delay.’
    Stephen was speechless. For once he could not find the right words to say.
    The King did not seem to notice. ‘Yes, I shall marry at once. I must have a son. The Kingdom must have an heir. I trust you, Stephen. When my son is born you will swear on sacred bones to me that you will uphold him if I should die before he is of an age to defend himself. I know you would do so, but I shall need your oath . . . and that of all those who serve me. Yes, Stephen, I have come to this decision. There is nothing for me to do but take a wife.’
    Stephen bowed his head, still not speaking. How could hetrust himself to do so when he had seen his hopes shattered, his greatest ambition shown to him as to be as nothing more than a dream.
    Stephen rode from Westminster to the Tower Royal, that magnificent palace which Henry had