Page 19 of One Knight
With regard to Hilda, her only question remained. Would he allow her to return with them? Elisande knew Hilda would need a longer respite from the journey and couldn’t imagine the knights would want to travel at this slow pace for their return. And from how he had spoken to Alger, Elisande was certain Sir Henry would never allow him to accompany them back to the manor.
As soon as they were within a hundred strides of the priory, people began coming outside the gates to meet them.
Elisande was grateful they were not thunderingtoward the small settlement at the speed they had undertaken before.
She spotted Brother Benedict’s short, round form in his brown garment.
“My lady, are you all right? Have you need of sanctuary?”
“I am only in need of rest, Brother Benedict.”
“And in need of a priest to perform a wedding,” Sir Henry added as he rode up beside her and reached for the reins of her horse.
“A wedding?” Brother Benedict asked. “Whose marriage?”
“Ours. Mine and the lady’s,” Sir Henry clarified. “Without delay.”
“Lady Elisande?” He looked to her. Brother Benedict had known her since she was small. “Is this true?”
Thankful for the clarity the last few days had provided her, Elisande nodded. “Yes. Sir Henry and I wish to be married, Brother Benedict.”
Sir Henry nodded with surprised approval as he met her gaze.
“Your brother has given his blessing regarding the match?” Brother Benedict asked.
“My brother has presumably left the country and gone to Ireland, or wherever else others are seeking sanctuary following the invasion. He and his men departed as soon as word of the Normans’ impending arrival came.”
Brother Benedict looked to the heavens before meeting her gaze. “Then, absent his consent, I can only ask, are you certain, my lady?”
It felt as though everyone around her held their breath.
Elisande knew Brother Benedict was giving her every opportunity to change her mind. He wouldn’t marry them if he believed there to be coercion. Elisande could still choose to take vows if she desired. She looked to Sir Henry, and he waited for her response with an unreadable expression upon his face. She had given up hope of ever having a husband or family of her own. And it seemed God had given her a second chance. She wasn’t going to waste it.
“Yes, Brother Benedict, I am certain. Sir Henry will make a fine husband.”
Elisande didn’t know who made the strangled sound that came from behind them, but she assumed it was Alger.
“You heard the lady. Have you any reservations about performing the ceremony, Brother?”
The monk looked at Sir Henry, and Elisande knew he appeared to be a fearsome warrior in his armor and chain mail.
“Are you a believer, Sir Henry?”
“Of course.”
“Then, no, I have no reservations if both parties come freely to the union.”
“Then we shall not delay.”
Sir Henry dismounted and reached up to lift Elisande from her saddle, as he had many times now. But this time, Elisande knew she would not mount as a maid ever again. The next time she sat atop her horse, she would be a married woman.
“You wish to do this now? In your armor?” Brother Benedict asked.
“I am a knight. It only seems fitting.”
“My lady?” Brother Benedict looked at her askance. “Would you not like time to refresh yourself? To change your clothing?”
She looked at Sir Henry. He was prepared to wed her here and now. Not in the chapel. Not in a few hours.
