CHAPTER XXXI

 

The Year 1120 – the 24th Day of November

The King’s Castle at Caen

 

“I really am sorry you cannot sail with us, Marie.”

Marie believed her husband’s sentiment was sincere this time. William had gone out of his way to try to be kind to her lately, although she still saw him all too seldom. She sneezed and blew her nose.

“My head feels like it is full of rocks,” she moaned miserably. “I cannot sleep at night for coughing, and I cannot breathe through my nose at all.”

“It would only make you sicker to make the crossing now,” William said thoughtfully. “The last thing you need is a bout of seasickness on top of this. In a week or so you will be quite well. You can join us in Winchester then.”

She nodded, sinking back onto her pillows with a sigh. “It would have been so exciting to sail on the White Ship’s maiden voyage with you. After all this time of waiting, I am stuck in this miserable bed. I wish I were dead.”

The crown prince shrugged his shoulders. “So you will make the crossing on the White Ship another time. It is not the end of the world. Just get well. That rat dog will keep you company until you are well.”

“He is not a rat,” she pouted.

“The thing looks more like a rat than a dog. I shall find some lovely gift to give you when you get to England to make it up to you.”

Her eyes brightened. “Really, Will?”

“My father will have no objection to my giving you some bauble from my mother’s jewel chest. After all, the queen’s jewels should be passed down to you. What would you like?”

“A baby.”

William laughed heartily. “How is it I never noticed that you have a good sense of humor?” he said.

“Because you have never taken the time to get to know me.” Marie succumbed to a fit of coughing. “I am dying,” she moaned.

William smiled. “I do not think so.”

“It was all going to be so perfect, Will. We would greet our subjects together as we were meant to, and when you took me to your castle I was going to make it a real home for you.”

“You and your romantic daydreams,” he said. But this time he did not sound like he was making fun of her, just teasing.

They heard horses whinnying in the courtyard below. William rose and went to the window, leaning over the sill.

“It looks like we are ready to go,” he said brightly.

Marie blew her nose again. “Can you not wait until I am well so we can sail across the sea together?”

“And miss the maiden voyage of the famous White Ship? Really, Marie, we must not be selfish. After all, it is my presence onboard that will make the occasion a great one. Besides, my father has expressed his wish that I do this. One does not defy the king.”

He crossed the room, taking her hand in his and raising it to his lips. He kissed her fingers gingerly, as if they were poisonous snakes.

“Is that all the kiss goodbye I get, husband?” Marie’s amber eyes brimmed with tears. Her pretty nose was swollen and red. She reached her arms out to him.

William hesitated. “Forgive me, wife, but you look like you are leaking all over the place. I shall make it up to you when you get to England. I shall meet your boat and make a huge fuss over you, and take you home in the style befitting a princess, all right? Is that romantic enough for you?”

Marie sniffled. “What choice do I have?” she said wretchedly.

King Henry bellowed from the courtyard below, “William! Where the blast is that boy?”

The prince shrugged. “I have to go now.”

Marie fought back her tears and tried to ignore her pounding head. “I promise when next you see me I will have more dignity than this. Godspeed, Milord.” She sneezed.

“Au revoir, little Marie.” He bowed chivalrously and hurried from her room.

He had spoken to her endearingly. Dare she hope he was beginning to feel affection for her?

Marie threw back the covers and hopped out of bed, running to the window in her bare feet. The floor was so cold she had to hop from one foot to the other. Her lady-in-waiting would be furious if she caught her, but she didn’t care. She stood on tiptoe looking down into the courtyard, watching her husband mount his horse and ride toward the drawbridge by the king’s side, followed by all the nobles of the court who would be making the voyage with them.

Perhaps there is hope for us yet, she mused. He just has to get to know me. When Will sees what a good wife I shall be, he will love me. I think he is starting to like me already.

It would be so wonderful if the prince’s heart swelled when she entered a room. Would he ever feel that sudden thrill that seized her whenever she saw him? Perhaps, after Will got to know her better, he would feel that way too. Surely, when they had a baby, he would come around.

William was a different person when he was sober. Once he started drinking wine or ale he did not know when to stop. He always spent time with his rowdy friends, and they were a bad influence. Like many young men, he always drank too much, especially when in their company. That was his problem, she reasoned. When he was drunk he was thoughtless and mean. Marie would entice him to drink almond milk instead. He just needed a woman’s touch in his life, she was sure of it. A little balance and someone to mother him, that was what Will needed.

Marie resolved to get well as fast as she could. The sooner she got to England and began being the lady of her own castle, the better off she and William would be. Living in the court of King Henry was fine, and he was a generous man, but she longed for the freedom her own home would bring. Once she got Will alone, she would be with child by Christmas for sure.

Marie shivered and sneezed, drawing her shawl more closely about her flimsy shift. The young wife stood at the window until the sound of the last horse’s hooves thundering across the moat drawbridge died away.

“Bon voyage, Milord,” Marie shouted.