Anita Mills Read Online Free Page B

marriage for you.”
    “Maman …”
    “Nay, I’d have you listen to me. When Guy raises his standard beside the Empress his enemies will increase, and there will be those who think to take what we have by siding with Stephen. But we do what we believe to be right, whatever the sacrifice.”
    “I will not take William d’Evreux for husband, Maman,” Elizabeth stated flatly. “I’d sooner take the veil. Why can it not be Joanna who must wed? Or Eleanor? I did my duty once,” she reminded her mother.
    “As does Isabella, for her husband’s family sides with us in this. And Joanna is to be betrothed to Clifford’s son. Would you have Eleanor given ere her courses are begun?”
    “Nay, but—”
    “Besides, you are the eldest and therefore the most desirable to many.”
    “Tell them I am barren. Surely—”
    “There are those whose heirs are secured,” Catherine reminded her. “They can afford the risk for the privilege of calling Guy of Rivaux kinsman. If not Evreux, perhaps William de Tracy—or Bernard d’Aubigny. Both have asked of your father, and neither is too old to please.”
    “You wed where you loved, Maman! Why is it that I must be given where I cannot?” Elizabeth cried. ‘Nay, but I’ll not do it! Ivo was enough!”
    “I loved where I wed,” Catherine told her daughter mildly. “And if you had an inclination in the matter, I am sure that Guy—”
    “My inclination is to remain unwed!”
    Elizabeth rose, letting the rich silk she’d been embroidering slip from her lap. Clasping and unclasping her hands to control the panic that threatened to overwhelm her, she walked to the narrow window and unhooked the shutter. The cold, icy wind hit her face. Turning back, she managed to keep her voice calm.
    “For the love Papa bears me, I’d ask to stay here, Maman.”
    “For the love you bear Guy, I’d ask you to accept another marriage, Liza.” Cat stood also and moved to stand behind her daughter. Reaching upward to lay a hand on Elizabeth’s shoulder, she was silent for a moment, then said softly, “There are those who will waver when the war goes ill, Liza. You could be the difference for Guy. We also serve your father’s cause by our sacrifices.”
    “Papa swore—”
    “And he will not force you to take another husband,” Cat admitted. “But I am asking you to consider the matter for his sake. Take a strong man, one who will mayhap give you children of your own, for I have never believed you barren, and—”
    “Children who will stand below my lord’s other sons,” Elizabeth retorted bitterly. “Nay, I could not bear it.” She pulled away from her mother’s hand. “Nay, I’d not do it.” Swinging around, she dared to face Catherine. “After all, you did not wed Robert of Caen for your sire, did you?”
    “If I did not, ‘twas because my father’s overlord gave me to Guy ere ‘twas done. And the result has been a happy one, Liza.”
    “Well, mine own marriage was not, and I’d not—”
    “What was there about Ivo that gives you such bitterness, daughter? Was he unkind? All you have ever said was that he did not beat you.”
    “I’d not speak of him now.” Elizabeth moved past her mother toward the door. “I do not believe Papa would wish this. There must be another, less miserable duty.”
    It had not gone as Catherine would have wished, not at all, and yet she had sown the seed, she supposed. “As your father’s daughter, you will do what is asked, Elizabeth. Think on that, I pray you.”
    “Elizabeth met her youngest sister on the steep, winding stairs. “What ails you, Liza?” the child complained as she brushed by. “Is Maman … ?”
    “You’d best prepare yourself to wed,” Elizabeth snapped, “for I will not.”
    Eleanor of Rivaux turned to stare, wide-eyed, as the older girl continued down the steps. “Has Papa found a husband for me?” she called out before Elizabeth disappeared.
    “William d’Evreux!”
    “But he’s short!” the