Page 34 of Rogue Knight
“Gil tells me a dense fog he attributes to St. Cuthbert cloaked the rebels and prevented his men from advancing.”
Geoff pondered the idea. “’Tis said Cuthbert protects that city.”
The sheriff shrugged. “Mayhap you are right. The ways of the saints are not for mortal man to understand. On a brighter note, FitzOsbern has returned from Winchester as well and Gil has decided to hold a feast in the new castle on Baille Hill before he opens it to the garrison.”
“The men could use a bit of celebration,” said Geoff.
“’Twill be only a small group. Gil has invited Helise and me and FitzOsbern, but he also mentioned wanting you to be one of his guests.”
“Me?” Geoff would never have expected an invitation to join what would be a feast for the Norman nobles in York.
“Aye, he thinks much of you and asked me to see to it. He’s also invited Archbishop Ealdred, seeking to make amends, I presume.”
“Or, given the archbishop’s one time support for Edgar the Ætheling, it may be Gil wants to be certain Ealdred is with us. Our sire trusts no Anglo-Saxon, not even a man of the Church.”
Malet seemed to ponder the suggestion. “I wonder if William put a word in Gilbert’s ear before he left. But no matter, it should be a merry group. It has been a long while since we have had a proper feast.”
Geoff gazed across the river to the new wooden structure rising from a motte surrounded by a large bailey and palisade. “I did not realize the new castle was completed.”
“’Tis finished, save a few final touches of the hammer. William insisted on haste, you will recall. This evening will be a celebration just for us. Gilbert has already moved in but tomorrow he opens it to the others.”
“Will you move to the new castle?”
“Nay. Helise and the boys prefer to stay in the original tower while we are here.”
Geoff briefly pondered what Emma might think of the new, larger castle and, suddenly, he knew who he wanted by his side for the evening. When he wasn’t with her, he was thinking about her. Whether she knew it or not, whether she wanted it or not, Emma of York held his heart in her delicate hand.
“As long as your wife and the English archbishop will be there, might I bring a lady of York as my guest?”
A frown formed on Malet’s face. Given the women who frequented the hall—serving wenches and whores—Geoff understood.
“She is a veryproperlady, Malet… a virtuous young widow.”
“Ah. In that case, I am certain Gil will be pleased to include her. Another citizen of York might put the archbishop at ease. Mayhap he knows of her. And Helise would be delighted to have the company of another woman. Yea, by all means, bring her. I will let Gil know to expect the two of you.”
***
The enticing smell of berries baking in a crust with honey, cinnamon, black pepper and cloves wafted through the air. It was all Emma could do to keep the twins occupied for she had promised they could share the first of the berry tarts when they were cool enough to eat.
Inga, tired from her morning of picking flowers with Finna, was resting in their shared chamber above.
A knock sounded on the door.
Reminding herself that Artur, who would normally greet visitors, was grooming her horse, Emma wiped her hands on a cloth. “I will see who has come.”
Sigga nodded and handed the first of the treats into the twins’ open palms.
Magnus, held in rapt attention by the sight of the freshly baked tarts disappearing into their mouths, whimpered.
Emma chuckled at the three of them and headed toward the front door. Magnus was so fixed on the tarts he did not even notice her departure.
She unlatched the door to see Sir Geoffroi standing there in his knight’s hauberk. Wisely, she supposed, the Normans rarely left the castle without the protection their chain mail afforded them. Since he wore no helm, his blond locks were in full view like spun gold around his head and his blue eyes were twinkling.
“My lady,” he said, bowing. When he straightened, there was a grin on his face.
“You seem happy today.”
“I am rarely unhappy,” he replied.
