Chapter 25
Rosalyne stood still, her eyes closed, while Merryn gently touched her face.
“I don’t believe the king will see anything,” her mother-in-law assured her.
“I have you and your poultice to thank for that,” she said. “I cannot believe between applying that and drinking the herbs steeped in boiled water, those things could cause the swelling to recede.” She paused. “I hope you will be able to work such wonders with Uncle Temp.”
“I wish I could. I have observed him since we arrived and we spoke about what ailed him. I know I will be able to help the pain subside in his hands but I will not be able to stop their shaking. Or correct his balance,” she added. “Still, I will do for him what I can, I promise you that.”
“Thank you,” Rosalyne said. “For everything. For allowing Uncle Temp to come live with us at Kinwick. For raising such a remarkable son as Edward.”
Merryn smiled. “I am happy you see Edward in such a favorable light. He was always the son I have worried about most.”
Her curiosity grew. “How so?”
“Ancel always had a mind of his own and due to circumstances, he grew up quickly and was my little man from a young age, wanting to protect me. Hal, you have met, so you know how charming and gallant he is, and he has never met a stranger.
“But Edward? He is my sweetest boy, always solemn and earnest. Hard on himself and yet generous to those around him. Of all my children, the girls included, he is the most sensitive. Oh, I don’t mean he is weak or delicate. Far from it. Edward is a tremendous warrior and won his knighthood on the battlefield for the bravery that he displayed. But I have always worried that he is more easily affected by things. I knew it would take a unique woman to see how special he is.”
“I am confused, my lady. Hal told me much the same, how serious Edward is. I understand he is dedicated to being a knight and knows the importance of his duties. But with me, Edward is jovial and lighthearted. We laugh a great deal when we’re together. ’Tis one of but many things that I love about him.”
The noblewoman gave her a brilliant smile. “You don’t know how pleased I am to hear that, Rosalyne. If Edward laughs with you, then you are most certainly the wife for him. Knowing you have brought out this side of him is almost as important as me hearing that you love my boy.”
“I do love him, Lady Merryn. I cannot imagine ever loving any man as I love Edward.”
“Please, call me Merryn, for we are family and shouldn’t be so formal with one another.”
Rosalyne’s throat grew thick and she blinked back unshed tears. “We are family now, aren’t we,” she said softly. “If so, I wish . . . I would so like to . . .” She couldn’t go on and turned away.
But Merryn de Montfort was not a woman to be put off. She turned Rosalyne toward her and clasped her hands. “You are my daughter now, Rosalyne. As much as the two I gave birth to and the one I adopted.” Merryn looked deeply into Rosalyne’s eyes. “I would be most pleased if you choose to call me Mother.”
“Could I?”
“Of course.”
Rosalyne hugged her tightly. “I always wanted a mother of my own. Uncle Temp did the best he could and I do look upon him as a father but I longed for a mother for so many years.”
“And now you have one,” Merryn assured her, smoothing Rosalyne’s hair. “It is almost time to go. Let me dress your hair for you.”
Rosalyne put herself into her new mother’s capable hands and let her brush and twist and plait.
“Would you like to call Geoffrey Father?”
She shrugged. “Lord Geoffrey has been most kind to me but . . . well, he is . . .”
“Intimidating?” Merryn suggested.
“Aye.”
“That is one of Geoffrey’s talents. To be loving and generous and kind to a fault, yet he can slay with a simple glance.” She patted Rosalyne’s arm. “Then call him Geoffrey for now. That will please him. You can always change your mind later.”
“All right.”
The two women went downstairs, where Edward already had King Richard’s portrait in hand.
“I sent word to the king that Mother and Father and both your uncles will join us in presenting the portrait today.”
Rosalyne did not know so many people would be going with them and hoped the king would not be upset. Nerves already shot through her, wondering how he would react when he saw the finished piece. She had confidence in her talent and the work she had done but presenting her art to the king of all of England seemed daunting.
They arrived at the royal palace and headed toward the king’s rooms. As they journeyed there, Hal and another knight joined them from a connecting hallway. Rosalyne knew the queen would not be far behind.
Their party slowed and acknowledged her presence when Anne appeared. She greeted them warmly, especially the older de Montfort pair.
“I have not had the pleasure of your company in quite some time, Lord Geoffrey, Lady Merryn. ’Tis very good to see you again. I have enjoyed feeling safe in your son’s presence. Sir Hal is certainly a favorite among my ladies-in-waiting.”
Lord Geoffrey started to reply but Rosalyne saw his wife’s elbow nudge him to remain silent.
“We are delighted that all of our sons have served in the royal guard at one point,” Merryn said sweetly. “And I must thank you, your grace, for arranging for Edward and Rosalyne’s marriage. It was so thoughtful of you.”
“I wanted to do what I could to help their love along,” the queen confided. “Being in love with my husband has made me sympathetic to the plight of others.”
“I feel the same.”
They continued on till they reached the king’s rooms, where her uncle, Benedict, joined them.
He kissed her cheek and said, “You look none the worse for your terrible ordeal.”
The group shuffled into the king’s rooms and was led to a chamber off to the left. The queen entered first and took a seat, while the rest of them stood and awaited her husband’s arrival.
Richard swept into the room and went to kiss his wife’s cheek. Everyone bowed and curtseyed to him and then waited for him to speak.
His eyes searched the room and stopped when he spied the de Montforts. “I am happy to see you at court, Lord Geoffrey. Lady Merryn. My grandfather was fond of you both and you know the affection I carry for your son, Ancel. He helped me grow from a boy into a man and I will forever remain in Sir Ancel’s debt.”
“We are delighted to be in your presence, your majesty,” Lord Geoffrey said.
Richard’s gaze then landed upon Edward. “I see my portrait awaits its unveiling.” He glanced to her. “Lady Rosalyne, will you do the honors?”
“Of course, your highness.”
Rosalyne threw back her shoulders and walked confidently to where her husband stood. Edward lowered the wood so that she could easily remove the cloth covering it. He winked at her and she refrained from allowing a nervous giggle to escape. Lifting the material away, she stepped aside and bravely turned toward the king to measure his reaction.
His face remained blank as his eyes skimmed the painting, then a slow, satisfied smile lit his face. Rosalyne relaxed upon seeing it.
King Richard crossed to her. “My lady, you have surpassed my expectations. You have painted me as I am—and as I wish to be. I see authority in my bearing but also humanity. There is truth in your art, Lady Rosalyne.”
The king took her hand and pressed a kiss upon her knuckles, stunning her. Looking her squarely in the eye, he said, “I do not know how to justly compensate you for your work on my and the queen’s portraits.” He paused. “Because of your husband’s great service to me and now yours, as well, I say that you might ask me for anything, my lady, and I will give it to you.”
Rosalyne tore her eyes from his and looked to Edward. He shook his head and shrugged.
“If the happy couple does not know what to ask for, then I do, sire,” Benedict said.
The king focused on the man who interrupted. “Bowyar, isn’t it?”
“Aye, your majesty. Lord Benedict Bowyar.”
“And what is your stake in this, Lord Benedict?” the king asked, interest evident in his eyes.
“Sire, I am Lady Rosalyne’s uncle. Her other uncle, the non-painting one.”
Everyone chuckled at his remark and he continued.
“My older brother, Lawrence, inherited my father’s title and lands. Unfortunately, his life was cut short, as was that of his wife, Lara. They were Lady Rosalyne’s parents.”
“I see,” the king said.
“My wife and I were not blessed with children, your majesty. That makes Lady Rosalyne my closest blood relative. Instead of Shallowheart reverting back to the Crown upon my death, I would ask that it go to Lady Rosalyne and her husband, Sir Edward de Montfort, and that you would make Sir Edward the next Baron of Shallowheart.”
His words stunned Rosalyne. She glanced to Edward and saw shock on his face, as well.
“I won’t need time to mull over your offer, my lord,” the king said. “I reward good men who are friends to the Crown. Sir Edward de Montfort is certainly one of those men. Though I wish you a long and prosperous life, Lord Benedict, I would be happy to see your estate in the hands of Sir Edward. The title, too.”
“You are most generous, your highness,” Edward said. “As is Lord Benedict. Lady Rosalyne and I are honored to serve you in any capacity.”
“That may include another painting or two,” Richard quipped. “For when the queen and I have children. We spoke about it and when they come of age, it would greatly please us for Lady Rosalyne to return to court and paint their portraits.”
“I would like nothing better than to paint your sons and daughters,” Rosalyne assured the monarch.
“Now that we have settled that matter, we would be happy for all of you to join us in a celebratory meal,” the queen said.
They filed into an adjoining room and spent the next several hours dining and telling stories. The king remained in high spirits throughout the meal.
As others spoke around them, Edward took Rosalyne’s hand. “Your portrait has been deemed a success, Wife.” He smiled at her with unabashed affection.
“And you will make an outstanding baron someday, Husband,” she said in return.
Edward raised her hand to his lips and pressed a fervent kiss against it. “May all our dreams come true, my love.”
Rosalyne smiled at the man who held her heart. “They already have.”