THE WEEK FOLLOWING THEOBALD’S submission, Maud sat on the ivory-inlaid chair in the great hall of Winchester Castle awaiting the deputation of London citizens, who had arrived the night before. Directly in front of the dais, Robert, Miles, Bishop Henry, and Brian stood in a semicircle around her. David of Scotland, flanked by two Highlanders armed with claymores, sat on the dais with her, as befitting one of his age and rank.
“I have seen the treasurer’s report,” announced Robert, holding up a parchment for everyone to see. “It makes grim reading, even worse than we feared. As the land is in such disorder, it may take months to collect the revenues due us. Funds are so low we cannot even hold a proper coronation. If it were not for the generosity of Miles of Gloucester we would have neither meat nor drink on the table.”
The flaxen-haired giant grinned broadly. “I only wish I had more to offer.”
Maud’s eyes rested fondly on Miles, whom she had just created Earl of Hereford. It was rumored that his great wealth had been accumulated by years of plunder, but Maud turned a deaf ear to such tales. All that mattered was his willingness to help her cause.
“Something must be done at once,” Robert continued.
“We are all aware of the problem,” said the Bishop impatiently. “What remedies do you offer?”
“Ye could borrow from the Semite moneylenders against that which is owed the crown,” David of Scotland offered.
Maud sat forward in her chair. “I think that is an excellent idea, Uncle,” she said, “but why need we go to moneylenders?”
Robert, Miles, and Henry turned toward her in surprise, as if suddenly reminded of her presence.
“Do not trouble yourself over such matters, Madam,” the Bishop said with a dismissive gesture. “Leave us to deal with this coil.”
“I’m not merely a figurehead, my lords. I mean to be of use to you. Will you not hear what I have to say?”
They looked at her with polite disinterest, and Maud realized that despite everything said to the contrary, they did view her only as a figurehead, a living symbol of the crown, and if she allowed it, would divest her of all authority. Even Robert and Brian and Uncle David, those who cared for her the most, wanted her to be like wax in their hands, molded to fit a pattern they intended to set for her. She would sit on the throne but they would rule the country. Well, the sooner she disabused them of that idea the better.
“Have the London burghers arrived at the castle for their audience?” she asked.
“Yes,” the Bishop replied.
“Send them in.”
“Now?” Henry raised his brows. “We’re in the midst of a discussion about finances. They can wait.”
Without responding, Maud clapped her hands and a servitor came running. “Bring in the deputation of London citizens.” She turned to Henry. “I have a plan in mind. Bear with me.”
She saw the men look at each other in consternation. Her uncle drew his grizzled sandy brows together in a frown.
“What are ye up to then, Niece?” he asked. “I hope ye won’t be headstrong now and take matters into ye own hands.”
Henry gave the Scottish king an indulgent smile. “She is wiser than that, Sire. Tell us your plan, Madam.”
He made her sound like a child showing off a new trick. Maud’s lips tightened.
The servitor entered leading a group of middle-aged men covered in long fur-lined cloaks. Bearded and somber-faced, they reminded Maud of Old Testament patriarchs come to life. She welcomed them pleasantly, offered refreshment, and waited while her advisers greeted them.
Their spokesman came directly up to the dais and bent his knee. “We have a request to make, Lady, and pray you are willing to grant it.”
“I will most certainly try. Then I have a request of my own.”
Out of the corner of her eye Maud saw the Bishop of Winchester stiffen, his nostrils quivering in alarm. Startled, the spokesman glanced at Henry, then looked quickly away. But not before Maud had seen the brief exchange. She sucked in her breath. Had the Bishop met with the London deputation last night or even earlier? Did he know what they wanted of her? He had told her he did not.
The head of the London citizens was speaking: “We have come to plead for the release of our most beloved King. We beg you to free him from captivity and let him accompany his wife and children to Boulogne.”
Maud froze; it was the last thing she had expected to hear. She stole a look at the Bishop but his face was without expression. Had he connived with these people for Stephen’s release, she wondered, even put them up to it?
“What you ask is impossible,” she told the spokesman, keeping her voice civil. “Stephen usurped my throne, beggared the treasury, failed to exact retribution from those who broke the law, and has made England unfit for human habitation.” She almost choked with the effort to control her growing rage. It was past belief that these citizens would seek to free the very person who had brought such misery to their realm.
“I’m sorry,” she continued, “but in all conscience I cannot grant your request. It would be far too dangerous to release the former king, who would then become a focal point for my enemies. Surely you can see that?”
“What I see, Lady, is that you refuse to honor our request,” the man said in a sullen voice.
The deputation all looked at her as if she were the enemy, not Stephen. He was a Londoner, one of them, while she was the interloper, the stranger from Germany married to a hated Angevin. It was all there in the hostile expressions on their faces. Maud became aware that the din of voices in the hall had grown quieter, everyone listening to the exchange.
“Perhaps you don’t realize the disastrous state of the realm,” Maud continued softly. Their blank faces infuriated her. Who did they think was responsible for England’s terrible condition? “There is so little left in the treasury that I can’t put meat on my table without aid, or even hold a proper coronation. The truth, good sirs, is that I desperately need your help. Funds must be raised for me in London at once.”
The citizens looked at each other in dismay. Maud could feel them withdraw even further from her. The leader tried to catch the Bishop’s eyes. One look at Henry told her he was furious with her for not having first explained what she intended to do.
“It’s your duty to support the realm,” she persisted. “My eldest son, your future king, will be with me when I come to London, and I must hold a proper coronation.”
“We’re not prepared to give you an answer now,” the spokesman stated. “First we must return to London and consult with our colleagues.”
“Nor do we expect an answer now,” Henry said with a forced smile as he stepped forward, ready to take charge. “When Domina comes to London for her coronation we’ll meet again and hear your decision.” He paused. “Meanwhile, the lady will take your request under serious consideration. Serious consideration,” he repeated loudly. “Now, I trust you will be my guests at Wolvesey during your stay in Winchester.”
Before Maud could stop him, he quickly ushered the men out of the hall, returning a few minutes later.
“God’s wounds, what possessed you to ask them for money?” he spat out. “Why didn’t you tell me what you intended? You’ve made me look a proper fool, Madam. And to reject their plea out of hand was the height of folly! Stephen is still very popular in London and Matilda is regarded as a saint! You must learn to be more politic.”
Her eyes like storm clouds, Maud regarded him steadily. “Do you suggest that I accede to their request and free your brother?”
“Don’t be absurd! But there’s no need for these men to know your true intentions. Bargain with them; tell them what they want to hear. If they will raise funds for you then you may seriously consider freeing Stephen. Reveal little, promise much, but commit yourself to nothing.”
Maud found herself repelled. “I refuse to make false promises.” She appealed to her uncle, Brian, Robert, and Miles. “Haven’t we all had sufficient of fair words and deceit?”
Henry raised his voice. “We speak of diplomacy, Madam! London lies in a part of England that remains loyal to Stephen; skirmishes are still being fought in the southeast and Matilda continues to gather an army in Kent. Far better to let me handle all such matters in future.”
Robert stepped forward. “Peace!” He looked up at Maud. “The Bishop is right, Sister, our position is far from secure in London. We must give no one cause to turn against us. Perhaps this was not the most auspicious moment to request funds.”
Miles and Brian murmured their agreement.
“Listen to the Bishop, Niece,” said David. “Henry has ye best interests at heart. Be guided by his judgment.”
“I think we’re all agreed that until you’re crowned, affairs of state would be best left in our hands,” Robert added.
The silence in the hall was like a tomb as everyone openly listened to the heated exchange. Maud could feel all eyes upon her, weighing, judging. She saw several of the barons nudge each other while others exchanged significant glances and smug smiles. They were not displeased to see her being put in her place. Maud’s cheeks burned with humiliation.
For a moment she hesitated while a parade of images passed before her eyes: All the men who had been important to her had attempted to control her, never letting her fully emerge in her own right. She remembered her father sending the frightened little girl into Germany against her will, then forcing her into a loveless marriage to serve the succession of England and Normandy. She had always seen the Emperor as a benign husband who truly appreciated her. But even he had been continually advising, dominating, steering her in the direction he wanted her to go. Most important of all there was Stephen. Her cousin had captured her heart, enslaved her body, only to betray her love and trust. Now she was left with his bitter legacy: a divided realm that clearly did not want her to rule. Even her own supporters did not trust her enough to make her own decisions.
Thus far she had done what was asked of her, dutifully deferring to the judgment of others. Her mind reeled when she remembered the orders she received on a daily basis: Do this, don’t do that, listen to Henry, listen to Robert, heed your Uncle David.
But no more. No, by the Holy Mother of God, no more! She was virtually queen, only weeks away from her coronation; no longer would she be used or treated like a not very intelligent child. From now on she would take matters into her own hands.
Maud rose slowly to her feet. “By God’s splendor, if these London citizens do not willingly give me aid then stern measures will be taken against them.” She fixed the Bishop with a steely glance. “And against all others who are not fully behind me.” She wanted him to know, though she had no proof, that she suspected his underhanded dealings with the Londoners. When all was said and done, Stephen was Henry’s brother, a fact she must never forget.
“Stephen has brought disaster to this land. A firm hand on the reins is now needed and that’s what England will have, my lords.”
Her eyes swept the hall, lingering on the barons, the clergy, and last on her close advisers. “I will be queen in fact, not just in name. I advise you all to remember that.”