CHAPTER EIGHT

 

Sophia arrived early the next morn at the nunnery. She followed one of the sisters to the small chamber in the chapter house where Prioress Matilda could be found working most days. Sophia hoped to speak with the woman who had become both a mentor and friend in the past few years. The older woman often provided sound advice on issues of which Sophia was uncertain.

Though the church bells had rung to signal the beginning of the day only a short time ago, the prioress was already writing at her desk.

“Greetings, Lady Sophia,” she said as she rose to take Sophia’s hands and hold them for a long moment, her blue eyes searching Sophia’s. “How are you this fine day?”

“I am well,” Sophia said with a genuine smile. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”

“Not at all. Please join me.” She gestured toward a chair near her desk as she dismissed the nun who had shown in Sophia.

As prioress of the nunnery and its twenty-one sisters, Matilda had many responsibilities. But the people of Berwick remained her priority. Her unflagging support after the siege had helped not only Sophia, but the other residents as well. Her faith despite the horrific murders was something Sophia admired. She might not understand how the prioress had such a firm belief in God or the ability to forgive, but she admired it all the same.

Sophia knew Matilda was a noblewoman who had taken her vows soon after her husband had died. She’d told Sophia she’d longed for children of her own but never had them. Still she appeared content with her life. Sophia thought her time in the world outside the convent walls gave her an empathy not often found in the clergy. She and Sophia had discussed all manner of things over the years. The prioress was one of the reasons Sophia’s sister, Ilisa, enjoyed spending so much time at the nunnery.

“What brings you here so early in the day?” the prioress asked.

Sophia hesitated, uncertain where to start. “I would appreciate some advice.”

“I’m always happy to share my opinion.” Her calm smile eased Sophia’s nerves.

“Sir Gilbert is once again pressing me to marry him.”

“I’d hoped he’d taken your response last time as a final answer.”

“As did I.”

“Have his reasons changed?”

“He insists it will calm the unrest in Berwick.” Sophia bit her bottom lip, hoping the older woman didn’t agree.

“That is an important reason.” Matilda’s expression revealed little of her thoughts.

Sophia supposed that meant she needed to come to her own conclusion rather than seek the prioress’s.

“Indeed, but I’m not convinced ’tis true.” She sighed and decided she may as well admit the truth. “I don’t think I can bring myself to marry him. I don’t care for the man, and I fear that is coloring my logic. But if it truly would aid Berwick—”

“Sophia.” Prioress Matilda reached across the narrow desk to touch Sophia’s hand. “If you believed his statement, you would’ve already agreed to marry him.”

Sophia released a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “Is that why I refused once again? I’m no longer certain of anything, let alone what I should do. I don’t know how to best help my family or the residents of the city. I am well aware that discontent remains within the walls of Berwick.”

“That discontent is not your fault, Sophia. Nor is it your responsibility to calm it.” She leaned back in her chair. “I would tend to agree with you. I think Sir Gilbert might be manipulating your feelings and your strong sense of duty to convince you to agree.”

“I don’t wish to marry him.” The worry of doing so had kept her tossing and turning all night. The image of him in bed beside her was enough to set her stomach to churning. Though her sense of duty ran deep, she couldn’t quite bring herself to agree to the match.

“Then don’t.” The simple words didn’t completely ease Sophia’s guilt.

“Eleanor is disgusted with my decision and insists I’m being selfish.” She’d unfortunately overheard Sir Gilbert during his visit and had confronted Sophia as soon as she’d returned home the previous day.

“Eleanor will only be happy when she once again lives in a fine keep. Whether that is a result of her husband’s return or you marrying Sir Gilbert so your family might reside in Berwick Castle again doesn’t matter to her.”

“You’re right. But what of Ilisa and Alec? Wouldn’t they be better off returning to the keep?”

“Do they care for Sir Gilbert?”

“Nay.”

“Then I don’t see how having a different roof over their heads will aid them in any way.”

Sophia rose to pace, unable to sit still when her thoughts spun in so many directions. “At least then we’d know where our next meal is coming from.”

“Have you spoken with them about this?”

Sophia shook her head. “I don’t want them to worry more than they already do.”

“They are both intelligent people who happen to be your brother and sister. Their opinions are valid. Just because you’re the oldest doesn’t mean you have to bear this burden alone.”

Sophia turned to look at the prioress, not certain she agreed. Before she could argue, a knock sounded at the door.

“Enter,” the prioress called.

Ilisa peeked her head around the door. “I heard Sophia had arrived.”

“Come in, my child,” the prioress bid her with a pointed look at Sophia.

“Is anything amiss?” Ilisa asked as she studied her sister.

“I came to ask for Prioress Matilda’s advice.” She still wasn’t certain she should share this with Ilisa but perhaps the time had come. Besides, Eleanor would tell her soon enough. “Sir Gilbert has asked for my hand again.”

Ilisa lifted her chin, a sure sign she felt strongly on the subject. “Nay. I will not allow it. He is twice your age and William’s sworn enemy. Why would you even consider it?”

“We live in a tiny cottage and worry each day where our next meal will come from. Of course I must consider it.”

“We are managing just fine. There’s no need for you to sacrifice yourself to him only so Eleanor can move back into the keep.” The fire in her sister’s eyes surprised Sophia. “Besides, the prioress has said I might stay here at the nunnery.”

Sophia glanced at the prioress in alarm then back at Ilisa, her heart pounding. “Why would you do so?”

“It would give you one less mouth to feed.” Ilisa watched her carefully, her large eyes filled with uncertainty.

“Nay.” This was exactly what she’d feared—Ilisa taking her vows for all the wrong reasons. To Sophia, that meant she’d failed to protect her sister. “I mean no offense, Matilda but—”

Ilisa stepped closer, her hands clasped before her. “You’re not the only one worried about the future. I am considering taking my vows next autumn.”

Sophia’s heart squeezed. “You forbid me from sacrificing myself but you would do so?”

“It would be no sacrifice to join the sisters here.”

Sophia shook her head. “If I thought you truly wished to devote your life to God, I might agree.” She waited, wondering if Ilisa would protest that she did. Or if she would share the deep distrust of men she’d developed since the siege. Sophia had to wonder if that was extending to the rest of the world outside the nunnery’s walls.

Her sister looked away, her lips in a tight line.

Prioress Matilda rose to stand beside them. “I’ll try not to take offense to your conversation.” She smiled as she took each of them by the hand. “You must both do what you feel is right, but I would encourage you to include the other in your decisions. You’re both women full grown. With no man to aid you or offer protection, your lives depend on each other.”

Sophia shared a long look with her sister then gave her a smile. “We will do this together, Ilisa. Already we’ve survived so much.” She gave her sister a hug, holding her tight, memories of when they were young flitting through her mind. Time passed so quickly. “I love you,” she said past the lump in her throat.

“I love you, as well.” Ilisa drew back to look into her eyes. “Together then?”

“Aye. Together.” Sophia hugged her once more, wishing she’d had a little more time with the prioress to discuss the other knight on her mind. She wasn’t ready to share her feelings for him with her sister.

 

~*~

 

Garrick, Braden, and Chanse walked to the Priory of St. Mary on Coldwater just north of the city. Though Garrick had visited it before with Sophia, he hadn’t seen anything more than the gardens. This morn, he hoped to see the rest of the nunnery as well as speak with the prioress.

“Are you certain this visit will be worth our time?” Braden asked.

“The prioress could be a wealth of information,” Chanse offered.

“Or she could be squarely on our side. After all, the king made camp near here while he laid siege to Berwick,” Braden argued.

“Then she won’t mind speaking to us for a time, will she?” Garrick countered. “She may know more than anyone has given her credit for.” His task was to gather as much information as possible so speaking with the prioress was a logical step. Especially since they’d had little luck uncovering anything of interest thus far.

Something needed to change, but he had no idea what. He hadn’t realized how difficult this mission would be. Or perhaps he didn’t have the necessary skills for it since his second sight had been of no use. Without that, he had nothing more than the natural reasoning of any ordinary man. He swallowed hard at the thought, for that was not good enough. Not for a de Bremont. And not for the people of Berwick.

“What if she leans toward the Scots side?” Braden asked.

“She’ll tell us nothing, and we’ll be on our way. I don’t think we have much to lose.” He didn’t care to share how concerned he was with his lack of results thus far. Not until he had no other choice.

He turned his attention to the layout of the nunnery—anything to shift his thoughts from possible failure at his first real quest.

The cloister consisted of a small chapel at the east end, the chapter house, a refectory, kitchen, a small stable, and a church, which dominated the other buildings.

“This is of significant size for a prioress and twenty-one sisters,” Chanse said as he studied the area.

“They probably have a few servants as well to help them care for it,” Braden added.

They’d chosen to walk from the city this morn so as to draw less attention. Though the way three sisters in their black habits who stood outside the gate paused to stare, Garrick wasn’t certain they’d accomplished their mission.

Chanse gave a little wave to one of them whose face flushed. She immediately turned and hurried inside, probably to announce their arrival.

They continued through the open gate of the cloister and paused in the courtyard.

“I can’t say as I’m familiar with nunneries. I’m not certain where we’ll find her.” Garrick looked around for someone who might aid them.

A sister approached to greet them and offered to show them to the chapter house. She bid them to wait while she informed the prioress of their arrival.

Garrick heard female voices, one of which he recognized. Though he knew he’d see Sophia later when they met with the wool merchant, he was pleased when she walked into view. He decided against pondering the reason his heartbeat quickened at the sight of her.

Sophia stopped short. “Oh. Sir Garrick.” She almost looked guilty as she stared at him.

Her sister, whom he recognized from his previous visit, halted as well. Her gaze took in him and his cousins briefly before she looked away, seeming uncomfortable in their presence.

“Good morn,” he greeted them.

The pleasure on Sophia’s face touched something inside him. Might she be as pleased to see him as he was to see her?

Prioress Matilda entered the room as well. “Isn’t this a lovely surprise.” She smiled at Garrick and his cousins. “To what do I owe this honor?”

After introductions were made, Garrick said, “We came to offer some wool to the nunnery if you have need of it.” That was the only valid excuse he could think of for being here.

“Donations are always welcome. Many thanks to you.” The prioress glanced between him and Sophia, her brow raised.

Could she so easily tell he was attracted to Sophia? He hoped he wasn’t that obvious but when it came to Sophia, he wasn’t certain of anything.

“Forgive me, but I am going to check on the mare that’s lame,” Ilisa murmured. She avoided looking at him or his cousins and seemed most eager to leave their presence by the way she shifted uneasily.

“Braden might be of assistance,” Garrick offered. When Braden frowned at him as though he’d lost his mind, Garrick raised a brow in return. Surely befriending Sophia’s sister wasn’t asking much. “He has a way with animals.”

Braden cleared his throat and glanced at Ilisa. “I would be pleased to take a look if you like.” His face turned red with his offer.

“Very well.” Ilisa looked anything but pleased. She turned and left without another word.

Braden bid the prioress and Sophia good day then hurried out to catch Ilisa.

“I’ll see if I can lend my assistance as well,” Chanse said then departed. Whether he followed his brother to keep an eye on him or to assist in charming Ilisa, Garrick wasn’t certain.

“I must be going as well,” Sophia said.

“If you’d wait a few moments, I’ll accompany you back to Berwick.” At her nod, he turned to the prioress. “May I have a moment of your time?”

“I’ll wait for you in the garden,” Sophia said with a hesitant glance at the prioress before she departed.

“Join me,” Prioress Matilda bid him then led the way toward a small, sparsely furnished room where she took a seat behind her desk.

He followed her and sat in the chair to which she gestured. Though uncertain if talking to her was wise, he had nothing to lose.

“I understand you’re here to trade wool?” She folded her hands on the desk, watching him with a polite smile.

They visited for a short time, allowing Garrick to gather an impression of the prioress. She seemed an intelligent, forthright person who held a high regard for the city as well as for Sophia. That carried weight in his eyes. Did he dare ask the questions to which he needed answers? Yet not asking would gain him nothing.

“I have heard alarming rumors,” he began. “I wonder if you had heard them as well.”

“Oh?” She didn’t appear overly surprised at his words.

“Some speak of an uprising. One that might restore Scotland’s power.”

“How interesting that an English knight heard such a rumor.” Her gaze held a wisdom that few did. “Is this the sort of thing discussed in taverns these days?”

He only gave a polite smile, waiting to see if she’d share what she knew, for he was now convinced she knew something.

“What else have you learned in the short time you’ve been here?” she asked.

“That the people of Berwick should not be made to suffer any more.”

The light in her blue eyes told him he’d struck a chord. “On that, we agree.”

“Whether trouble brews from an Englishman or a Scotsman makes no difference. It should be stopped.”

“That’s an interesting claim for a man such as you.”

“I am here temporarily, but perhaps that lends me some objectivity. The residents of this city, such as Lady Sophia and her family, deserve peace.”

“They do indeed. Yet I’m not certain that’s possible.”

Garrick nodded, appreciating her honesty. “That is my fear as well. What action could be taken to save lives is another matter.”

“Forgive me for expressing any doubts as to your abilities, but I’m not certain one knight can solve the issues that plague Scotland.”

“I am not here to solve Scotland’s problems. I only feel compelled to aid Berwick. Regardless of who is causing unrest, I would like to see it halted.”

The prioress studied him for a long moment then sat forward. “I am an excellent judge of character, and you strike me as a man of honor. Are you?”

“I am indeed.”

“And are you willing to hold what I say in confidence?”

“You have my word.”

Still she hesitated, studying him further as though weighing his merits before finally asking, “Have you heard of the Guardians of Scotland?”

“Nay.”

“I’m certain you can guess their purpose.”

“To see Scotland remain under Scottish rule?” At her nod, he asked, “Who are they?”

“You could guess that as well.”

“Would William Fraser be involved?” He’d heard of the man’s political prowess as well as his trip to France to gain an alliance. Rumor told that he had yet to return to Scotland.

“Along with James Stewart. There are more, some part of the Guardians while others have formed their own factions. A few are determined to rid this country of those who don’t agree with them. Don’t underestimate their determination.” She eased back in her chair again, tucking her hands inside the wide sleeves of her black habit. “While I believe it would be best for Scotland to be ruled by a Scottish king, my more immediate concern lies with this city and its people.”

“On that we agree. Who in Berwick supports the Guardians?”

She shook her head. “Difficult to say at this point.”

“Not Sir Gilbert,” Garrick suggested.

“As unlikely as that might be, Sir Gilbert’s motivations are complicated.”

“Similar to his relationship with the Douglas family—Sophia in particular.”

“You have learned much in the short time you’ve been in our city,” she said with a nod of approval. “The Douglas family has become easy to blame for those who are unhappy here.”

“I’ve seen that for myself. The comments Sophia endures on a daily basis are disturbing.”

“Words can be endured. Actions would be more difficult.”

“What are you suggesting?” he asked, hoping she’d trust him enough to tell him if she knew anything.

“I only know from past experience that unhappy people tend to lash out at an easy target. With Sophia’s brother, William, gone and Alec so young...” She shook her head. “I suppose I’m asking you to watch over Sophia and Ilisa both while you’re here.”

“We will do what we can.”

“That is all I can ask.” She rose, signaling their meeting had come to an end. “I hope your time here is successful.”

“My thanks. If you hear anything more, please let me know.”

“I will.”

Garrick left the prioress and went into the courtyard in search of Sophia, his thoughts tumbling as he walked.

The Guardians of Scotland had a difficult path ahead of them. Though Garrick wasn’t in disagreement of their goal of Scottish rule, he could easily guess more innocent lives would be lost in the process. Such things happened in times of war.

The Guardians didn’t immediately concern him. From what little he knew of them, he was certain men such as William Fraser and James Stewart would proceed with caution. It was the other more radical groups who caused him worry. Who were they and what might they do to reach their goal?

Unfortunately, as the prioress had pointed out, Sophia and her family were an easy target. He no longer believed they were causing any problems but someone might choose to hurt them to send a message to others. How strange that he’d gone from suspecting the Douglas family to protecting them in such a short amount of time.

But it was no easier to do one than the other, not without rousing Sophia’s suspicions. The days to come would require that he tread carefully. What that meant was not clear, not when his reasoning was affected by his growing attraction for the lady.