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CHAPTER TWO --VENUS WITH MARS RISING

(Caen, Normandy, February 14, 1066)

For a pining romantic the feast of Valentine is melancholy, and Lady Agatha of Normandy was miserable. Since receiving word of her abrupt and humiliating matrimonial rejection by Harold Godwinesson of England that had accompanied the tiding of Harold’s seizure of the English crown in wake of King Edward’s death, both acts in violation of Harold’s sworn oath to her father Duke William Bastard, Agatha had brooded heart-broken within her room, unwilling to emerge out of consuming shame and sorrow. However, a formal summoning by her mother, the formidable Duchess Matilda, had forced Agatha to reluctantly conclude her exile, and thus she awaited Matilda’s arrival in the Great Hall of Caen castle. Sitting in the women’s balcony sixteen year old Agatha shivered against the whistling winter wind that penetrated the narrow shuttered windows, resonating like a chill note from a frosted lute. Though the hearth situated upon the left side of the Hall had a warming fire blazing, the smoke evicted through a massive louver or chimney, Agatha wound her light emerald wool cloak about her, trembling as much from dreadful anticipation as from the cold.

Gazing across to the musician’s gallery just opposite her position Agatha sighed, wishing there were players present to soothe her apprehension through the lilting interpretation of a sweet lyrical balm. Looking down on the Hall floor, large enough to entertain one hundred and fifty people, Agatha counted the trestle tables that doubled as beds for her sire’s retainers to pass the time until her mother’s arrival. In the midst of her effort Agatha detected motion on her right and a large hound came bounding toward her, a smile alighting Agatha’s face as it reared up to lick her face after she stood to greet her most cherished and devoted pet.

“Rollo, my dear and faithful friend! Ah, boy, how good it is to see you again! Oui, mon ami, I still love you, truly, ah, if only men could emulate hounds in fidelity, what bliss would prevail between the sexes!” Duchess Matilda stood observing the happy reunion between the dog and her daughter, allowing Agatha a brief episode of untroubled pleasure ere their serious personal discussion commenced. Although small in stature Lady Matilda wielded influence befitting a proud and determined persona of legendary charisma, intelligence, and ambition, being often referred to in whispers about court and beyond as the great Charlemagne reborn to the kirtle. In almost twenty years of marriage Matilda had proven a more than equal partner to her warrior husband, and exerted power second only to Duke William’s in the realm and upon occasion it was said surpassing of it. Agatha could speculate regarding the purpose behind the impromptu conference but knowledge of both her mother’s nature and the critical situation confronting her parents and Normandy informed her it would doubtless prove demanding.

“Well said, ma cher fille. Alas, no man can ever rival a good hound where the rendering of allegiance is concerned. Though I must admit, your sire’s proven remarkably consistent in his observance of conjugal fidelity. I suppose being at war constantly is the best deterrent against adultery’s sultry lure. Speaking of war, child, I know you’re aware of what’s happening. I’ve called you here to speak about how you and I may collaborate to spare our realm and England another conflict which can profit neither land, truly, and which if ignited could result in death for your precious l’Anglais, my darling Agatha. Or your father’s, although that prospect’s far less likely, I grant you. I’ve raised you to be a learning girl, cher, and a conscientious Christian, have I not? You’ve been schooled to place your duty as the second highest noblewoman in Normandy above your own private concerns, so I assume I may depend on you now to respond with proper selflessness to secure the best interests of Normandy and our noble house. Comprenez, cherie?”

Agatha gulped, knowing a sobering request would be forthcoming in wake of Matilda’s speech. The Duchess gestured for Agatha to sit with her at the women’s table, Rollo reposing at the feet of his beloved mistress as Agatha replied with wary courtesy.

“Of course I’ll do whatever I can to avert war between us and England, Madame, but I don’t see that will be much, my lady. I’m just a girl, remember, and a jilted bride. Harold has seen fit to disown me, Mother, although my heart abounds with love for him still after almost two years apart. Father from the little I have heard has no actual interest in pressing my claim as Harold’s lawful consort, intending rather to simply use Harold’s violation of our betrothal to garner more recruits for his proposed expedition against England. Meanwhile I’ll still be here at home, with no more fairer prospect of being reunited with Harold than ever before, and worse, I doubt any other worthy young gentleman shall desire me, even though I have maintained myself in strict chastity since Harold last left me.” At Agatha’s assertion of unsullied innocence Lady Matilda flashed a knowing smile that at once incited anxiety in her daughter’s breast. Leaning forward Matilda revealed her knowledge of Agatha’s most urgent and potentially scandalous secret, in a doting yet disapproving fashion.

“Is that so, ma fille? Then the rumors reaching me concerning certain intimacy that’s said to be transpiring of late between you and Taillefer, your adopted brother, are false? Please, Agatha. Don’t forget, I was a young girl like you, once, and just like you I flirted with the scandalizing temptation of an illicit passion’s covert embrace, though alas with less success in my day then you’ve managed to date. You needn’t fear I’ll inform your father of your little trysts with his Herald, girl. It would hardly be prudent or maternal of me, would it? Anyway, at least you’ve had the good sense to service Taillefer in the French manner only, and by hand. Thus, as you declare your virginity is still a prize worth possessing. That’s much to our purpose, ma cherie.

It’ll allow you to retain some grace in wake of the shocking accusation you’ll need to make now in order to place Harold Godwinesson on dilemma’s rough horns, as they say, as the responsible party liable for the outrageous assault imposed upon you at his order. In conspiracy with France, your royal cousin.” Agatha paled and gasped in horror at Matilda’s proposal, shaking her head in ardent denial. The Duchess paused, anticipating of her daughter’s understandable objections and prepared to overcome them.

“Mother, in the name of Lord Christ Our Blessed Savior, what are you saying? You cannot be serious, are you? What imaginary conspiracy between my Harold and cousin Philip are you talking about? There’s nothing of the sort going on so far as what’s occurred between Taillefer and me, Lady, I swear! As you seem to be quite aware, Madame, all we have done is to engage in some mutual enjoyment in the French style, along with a pursuit of the sin of Onan, that’s all, believe me! I made it plain to Taillefer our … relationship would advance no further, physically speaking. I’m still virginally pursed, and neither Harold nor France had anything to do with my granted improper, but ultimately harmless consorting with Taillefer! And it is not as if he and I were truly blood relatives, Mother. As you’ve pointed out he’s like my brother, but not in fact a true kinsman. So our sexual relations don’t … I mean, didn’t constitute incest, legally. Did they, my lady? Oh please, please, tell me they didn’t! Oh my God, I’d die of the disgrace if they did!” The Duchess reached out a hand to reassure Agatha, patting her upon the arm to ease her worry. Agatha began to feel ill, awful visions of exposure and mockery spurring her fearful nausea.

“What might be said of your unfortunate breach of maidenly protocol is a matter which we could debate until Judgment Day, ma cher. That is, if the secret were to come out without our personal control over how the events pertinent to the incident are rendered. That’s what we must talk about today, Agatha. I can, and shall protect you from suffering undue consequences related to your regrettable lapse in discretion, but you must follow my instructions without question, my angel, if you’re to stand a fair chance of having Harold Godwinesson accept you as his sovereign bride. You must say and do as I direct, with no hesitation or digression. I’ve already spoken to Taillefer regarding his role in this affair of yours and he’s given me his oath of full cooperation in this delicate matter’s handling. So, it’s up to you now, cherie. Do you want my help in this instance, or not?” Agatha sighed, torn between the calls of conscience and convenience. After a few pensive moments, necessity and terror overrode all other considerations and Agatha nodded in forlorn resignation.

“As you command, Madame. God knows I don’t want to cause Father any difficulty through my sudden and irreparable disgracing. What would you have of me, Mother?” Duchess Matilda grinned in satisfaction, her love of intriguing more impassioned owing to her child’s future being at stake by its success. As Lady Matilda began to outline her strategy, Agatha discerned quickly there was more than her own well-being which concerned her mother, revenge against France as plainly important an objective to be encompassed as Agatha’s defense against any damaging by innuendo, along with a similar animus’s sating against Harold himself which Agatha perceived with great curiosity.

“It’s like this, girl. In order to avoid war with England over that old fool Edward’s estate, we have to supply your martial sire with a causus belli closer to home. At the same time we need to manipulate circumstances so Harold Godwinesson, witnessing the eclipse of his alleged partner in rank conspiracy against you, shall be compelled to make amends and thereby deter such evil fortune from befalling himself through his generous and practical invitation to you to come join him abroad as England’s royal domina. You understand, ma cher fille? France and Harold will be accused of arranging your partial debauching, leaving that little rat Philip vulnerable to your father’s wrathful disposition. The rightful war upon France will render any invasion of England impractical, and indeed unnecessary, as one crown is as good as the next, wherever one finds it. Once your sire’s King of France as he should’ve been years ago, we can negotiate a settlement with Harold demanding of his formal recognition of you as his sole legal Queen consort. Thus, a perilous and wasteful war abroad will have been averted, France will be ours, and Harold will be yours, Agatha, whether he likes it or not. Personally, considering the unsavory pedigree and the unpleasant personality of his current bride who I understand was selected purely for the sake of political expediency, your elevation to replace the bitch shall mark a tremendous, and I daresay welcome improvement in Godwinesson’s conjugal fortunes. The rest must be left to you, child. Just remember, it takes more than four legs and a bed to make a satisfactory marriage.” Agatha couldn’t help blushing at Matilda’s ribald counsel, inspiring first her mother and then Agatha to a fit of risqué giggling. When their mirth passed Agatha turned serious, inquiring regarding what her part in the Duchess’s schematic would entail.

“I pray God you’re proven correct, Mother, truly. Nothing would please me more than to be found meriting of my husband’s sincere respect, along with his passionate attention, before God I so swear. You haven’t yet explained just what you expect of me, however, Lady. You want war between Father and France in a manner involving Harold that presents him with a menace that’ll be sufficient to warrant his acceptance of me in Lady Aldgyth’s place, to spare both himself and England terrible scandal and suffering. Very well. How then do you plan to accomplish such an objective? Who is it you intend to employ as the critical lever to provoke the scenario you desire in this instance, Mother?” The name yielded by the Duchess surprised Agatha, inducing a shiver of involuntary guilt for an innocent and charming entity’s impending unjust, but alas inescapable abusing for her own happiness’s sake. Matilda intuited the troubling her proposal stirred within Agatha, exhorting her daughter to remain focused upon her duty and the obtaining of her heart’s desire to the exclusion of all secondary concerns.

“Prince Hugh of Vandemois, ma cher. He’s the perfect candidate. Although he’s been here as our guest for almost fifteen years, our people still hold him in suspicion as a Frenchman, and he has cultivated a considerable reputation as a bon vivant at our court. Your father’s sheltered Hugh since the Prince’s exile from Paris in wake of his detested half-brother Philip’s birth, and Hugh’s disownment by my late uncle King Henry. The Prince has received every courtesy, and so his despicable treachery shall be greeted with the natural fury one would expect to be leveled against a Judas harbored within one’s own house, so to speak. You are well known to him, and he’s been seen to flirt with you, and also heard to comment with more than innocent admiration regarding your comeliness. It’s also a fact of crucial significance Prince Hugh exhibited a great warmth toward Harold Godwinesson during the Englishman’s last stay here, and was witnessed to have protested our treatment of Harold extensively as well. Therefore, it shouldn’t prove all that unthinkable Harold would seek alliance with Hugh to effect your villainous compromising, on behalf of himself and King Philip. By the way, I happen to know for a fact Philip sent Hugh a criminal proposal recently, implying the Prince’s recall to Paris with great reward if Hugh agreed to facilitate your sire’s base murder. Such a knowledge shall assist us grandly towards tightening the rope about Hugh’s throat, and render him amenable to reasonable negotiation concerning his formal public statement against his dastardly employers, don’t you think, Agatha?” The ruthless tactics of Matilda left Agatha uneasy and divided, and she arose to pace about the balcony with a heavy heart, wishing Prince Hugh no harm personally but consumed by a gnawing want for swift and lasting reunion with Harold Godwinesson. Matilda stood and held out her arms for Agatha’s embracing, offering her daughter encouragement and urging Agatha’s resolve.

“You must be strong, cherie, and let nothing sway you from the pursuit of your heart’s desire. I realize as a moral maiden it vexes you to implicate one who’s not harmed you in such a design as I’ve advanced, and please believe me when I say I’ve no grudge against Prince Hugh myself, truly. This is simply the unfortunate but alas necessary business of state we’re conducting, girl, nothing more. I promise you, Prince Hugh shall not be harmed. I’ll make certain of it, I swear.

All you have to do is speak as I inform you, Agatha, and all shall prove well in the end. I trust we understand each other now. Don’t we, ma ange?” Agatha stared at the Duchess, unable to tender her mother an immediate affirmative reply. Before Agatha could recover her power of speech, she detected the sound of footsteps below, Rollo stirring at the sensing of his master’s approach and racing with an excited bark down the steep staircase leading to the floor to greet the Duke of Normandy.

William of Normandy was a tall, muscular man of vast physical strength, a constant soldier since his turbulent youth due to his inheritance of Ducal authority at the age of seven upon his father Robert’s death while on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Cunning, resourceful, and relentless in the pursuit of respectability and renown, the man known commonly to his irking as the Bastard had, after breaking away from vassalage to France, transformed a lawless realm torn by incessant civil dissension into the most disciplined and aggressive state in Christendom, defeating his prior ally and patron King Henry of France twice, gaining recognition from Rome of the legitimacy of his controversial matrimony with Lady Matilda, a distant cousin and former ward of France, and annexing the province of Maine. Along the path to such martial preeminence Duke William had traveled to England fifteen years earlier and thereafter ever claimed his cousin King Edward had promised his royal estate would pass to William upon his death. Two years before, in collusion with Matilda, King Edward, Queen Edith, and Earl Tosti, his despised but useful brother-in-law, William had encompassed the critical political compromising of Earl Harold Godwinesson, his chief rival for England’s throne. Now that Harold had obliged the Duke by violating his sworn oath of support for William’s sovereign inheritance, the ambitious Duke was busily engaged in planning for the invasion of England to depose Harold and assert his right to the English crown, this obsession now bringing him to the Great Hall in search of the Duchess and Agatha.

“Maud! Where are you, my good wife? Attend me, please! You too, Agatha, my dear child! I’ve tidings which shall affect you most of all, girl, and which I’m certain shall make your heart swell with pride and excitement, rendering Harold Godwinesson a mere irrelevant memory, ma cherie! Matilda, Agatha! Where are you two? Show yourselves, my ladies, for we’ve much to speak of! Ah, Rollo, my noble hound! Yes, boy, it pleases me to see you, as always, mon ami! Matilda! For the love of Almighty God, woman, will you please present yourself with Agatha, or shall I wait all day upon your appearance?” Duchess Matilda nodded in tacit understanding to Agatha, indicating for her to proceed down the stairway. Agatha took a deep breath and heeded her mother, praying the Duchess knew what she was about.

Upon reaching the ground level Agatha hugged her father warmly, as did Matilda, the Ducal couple sharing a fond kiss in greeting. Duke William inspected his consort and daughter with a beaming pride, pleased to have his house include such fair and meritorious feminine specimens. The Duke bid Lady Matilda and Agatha sit with him at the family table in the center of the Hall, the trio mounting the few steps of the dais it rested upon to be seated behind a sheer silk curtain. Duke William wasted no time in conveying the report of a portentous arrangement just attained with France that left Matilda and Agatha staggered in disbelief.

“It’s all settled, Ladies. I’ve managed to wring alliance with Paris for my expedition against England and that perfidious swine, Harold. King Philip has consented to send troops and funds for my invasion, in exchange for receiving Agatha’s hand in marriage. With France on my side at last there’s no obstacle left to bar my path to England’s sovereignty, save perhaps Rome, but my ally and kinsman Robert Guiscard shall attend to His Holiness’s convenient blessing of my enterprise, I’m sure. Well, daughter, what’ve you to say? Soon you’ll be the Queen of France, girl. And with a weak brat like Philip as a spouse, you’ll prove the true sovereign of that land, quick enough, in bedchamber and without.” Tears of profound sorrow and rage welled within Agatha’s eyes as her mind reeled in a disgusted contemplation of having to perpetually endure such an odious conjugal union, and she leapt up, stamping her feet and shrieking her rejection of her father’s selfish intention. Lady Matilda crimsoned, infuriated at her husband’s callousness and Duke William’s grave error in policy according to her perspective, determining to reverse the Duke’s decree to enact her own preferred strategy.

“No, by Christ and His blessed saints! Never, do you hear, Father? I’d rather die than wed Philip, I’d rather be married to Lucifer himself in hell than lie beside that wretched French dog my entire life! How, how can you propose to do this to me, Father, how can you force me into a miserable political marriage with my very own cousin, a blatant act of incest, with such heartless impunity? I won’t go, I will not! I’ll give myself to the first man I encounter, I’ll sell my sex in a public brothel for the cheapest price before I consent to be bedded and bled by such a vile and obnoxious oaf as Philip Capet! Mother! In the name of heaven, please, say something! Protect me from this, this atrocity, I beg you!” The Duchess arose, her face dark with indignation, and glaring at the incensed Duke instructed Agatha to return to her quarters until contacted. Agatha brushed tears from her eyes and embraced her mother as if in peril of her mortal soul, receiving Matilda’s ardent hug and kiss of firm support.

“Go to your room, child. I’ll handle your sire as I’ve done the last twenty years, rest assured. You will not be traveling to Paris anytime soon, my word on that as your mother and this realm’s mistress. Go now. Rollo! Attend to your sweet mistress! As my daughter’s noted, your loving faithfulness is far less subject to fickle alteration than that yielded woman by men, even a father of hitherto professed devotion.” Rollo bounded after Agatha as she rushed from the Great Hall, leaving a smoldering Lady Matilda to confront the irate and inflexible Duke over his abrupt and to her mind thoughtless maneuver. For his part Duke William faced his consort with adamancy, resolved not to bend as he’d done in the past to Matilda’s incessant wearing argument.

“Save your breath, Matilda. I’ve made my bargain with Philip, and there’s an end to matters. I’ll not be made to renege upon my pledged word to our new ally so do not harangue me on the subject. Remember, I am master here, if you please.” The Duchess made a derisive sound and muttered something inaudible. Duke William stood and demanded its repetition, his large dark eyes aflame with resentment.

“What was that, Madame? Speak up, wench, I didn’t quite hear what you said! Repeat it, if you would, my lady, at once!” Lady Matilda frowned, her face a harsh mask of stone contempt. With aggravated sarcasm, the Duchess deplored William’s alliance with their realm’s perennial enemy, reminding the Duke of the manifold injuries the house of Capet had inflicted upon them both over the years.

“You! You witless ape! How after all of the evil France has done us these last thirty years you could stoop at this crucial instance to align yourself with its degenerate monarchy’s simply beyond me to comprehend, by the Blessed Virgin’s seven sorrows! You must’ve received one too many hard blows upon your dented war-helmet to even consider such a monstrous union of our houses, husband, let alone consented to its abominable consummation! Have you forgotten how my royal uncle treated you, not to mention me, all those years ago? You were nothing but Henry Capet’s earnest footstool when we met, a meek and malleable youth who would’ve spent his days with his nose so far up his master’s arse you’ve would’ve been perpetually swallowing Henry’s wind and dung, that is, when he wasn’t imposing Sodom’s vicious subordination upon you with the overt permission and approval of your sainted mother! I know of what I speak as you well know, William, for I too was forced to yield my dignity to my uncle’s perverse privy appetite after that half-Celtic English seducer Brihtric Meaw left me pregnant and my sire sent me from Flanders to atone for my sin at Henry’s court! I’ll never forget the humiliation Henry imposed on me, confining me to a damned nunnery under strict guard and appalling conditions save when he was ravishing me, or parading me like prime meat for the examination of countless drunken princes of lecherous mien and groping hands! My uncle thought he was crowning me in shame by giving me to you in marriage, husband, but when he realized we truly loved each other and would present him with a formidable threat, that conniving bastard dared fling the charge of consanguinity at us, petitioning Rome to annul our troth on grounds of incest and thereby casting the shadow of whispered illegitimacy upon our children, our children, William! France attacked us twice in the past, being repulsed at great cost on each occasion, and up until his death just six years ago Henry Capet still harbored malice within his heart against us, and would’ve doubtless pursued our destruction yet again, mark me! And that accursed whelp Philip is no better as you should know, my lord! He is as abhorrent a character as it’s ever been my distaste to encounter, and I will not allow you to thrust my daughter into the clutches of such a disgraceful beast, you understand? Agatha loathes Philip as well he deserves, the little worm, and her heart belongs to Harold Godwinesson, Will, like it or not! I thought we’d agreed to at least place Agatha’s claim to Harold before Rome, ere we made any decision regarding her future, and that such a decision would be reached in tandem, not in this arrogant arbitrary fashion! Am I your esteemed wife in all things as I’ve long assumed, Norman, or am I no more than the receptacle into which you’ve spewed your noble seed? I want an answer, William, and I can outwait a hundred moons for it!” Duke William banged his fist upon the table, growling, the Duchess being unimpressed by his temper’s display as usual. Recognizing he’d need meet Matilda’s challenge with tact William sighed and approached his hostile bride, laying his hands on Matilda’s shoulders in attempt to calm her for reason’s prevailing over the Duchess’s purely emotional objections.

“Listen, Maud. I know it is a great shock, and I understand how it leaves you with a profound taste of bitterness in your mouth. Trust me, I don’t like the notion of having Agatha wed unto France any more than you or our daughter, truly. I’ve not forgotten the mistreatment of your uncle, may his rotten soul burn in hell forever, but as my sainted mother used to say, Madame, compromise is the firmament upon which all fair fortune flowers. The plain fact is I need my flanks covered while I’m abroad pursuing my rightful sovereign title. If I were to depart and France were still hostile you’d be left susceptible to a cruel fate indeed, ma cherie. As would all of Normandy, comprenez? You should try and see the wedding of Agatha and Philip more positively, Maud. You’ve sought vengeance against France for years now, and with Henry dead and Agatha wielding inevitable reigning influence over Philip, I’d say your objective is achieved or almost so. Wouldn’t you agree, Lady?” Duchess Matilda stepped back from her husband and folded her arms across her chest in a gesture of obvious defiance, shaking her head to the Duke’s rising frustration. William swore, throwing his hands in the air as Matilda rejected his reasoning and retorted with a scathing rebuttal of the Duke’s strained logic.

“How consistent your most feeble efforts to distort all rational debate to your own advantage remain, husband. It’s a pity you did not deign ply a career as an advocate, I’m sure the rates of crime in this realm would be cut in half thanks to your twisting of facts to serve your own ends. My position is unchanged by your dubious persuasion. Harold Godwinesson agreed to accept your claim to Edward’s estate before his own and I grant you’ve every right to hold him to his oath, my lord. However, Harold also swore to have our daughter joined to him in matrimony, and that is promise of equal weight before Almighty God which I must now insist he likewise honor, in full. By that I mean Agatha must be accorded her right to be crowned as the Queen of England, without further delay or excuse. Nothing else will rectify the situation in my opinion, and I expect the father of my child so wronged to employ every means at his disposal to ensure her reception of due justice, and the securing of her satisfaction concerning the outcome of this affair. I will not permit Agatha to be cast aside to suffer heart-broken abandonment chained to France’s bedposts, William. Harold is her spouse, by ceremony, law, and her heart’s choosing.

We’re therefore obliged as dutiful Christian parents to pursue Agatha’s happiness as our main objective and not the fulfillment of your own petty and, in all frankness, quite contrived royal ambition. Or don’t you think you owe your own flesh and blood such generous consideration, mon seigneur?” Duke William contemplated Matilda with intense exasperation, disbelieving of her galling contention’s absurdity. The frigid expression of intractability in her deep blue eyes only augmented William’s sense of harried injustice.

“You’re the one who must be suffering derangement, Lady, if you believe I’ll sacrifice what I’ve waited and worked for these last fifteen years for the sake of a fool girl’s romantic illusions, daughter or not! Harold never intended to honor his word to me, Maud, not regarding the crown nor receiving Agatha as his bride, you knew this as well as I did! That entire episode of Harold being made to swear allegiance to me was for the single purpose of providing me with an excuse upon Edward’s death to press my claim to the English throne with an aura of legitimacy, woman, and I only agreed to Agatha’s being engaged to Harold to turn the blade stuck into his pride a bit harder! I never planned their betrothal should ever be consummated, for how could I invade the realm of my own son-in-law and challenge his right to reign with Agatha wedded unto him, and established in sovereign authority by his side? Betrothing Agatha to Harold was a spontaneous notion of yours, Madame, or almost so, since I can recall clearly those rather curious nocturnal discussions that transpired between you and l’Anglais upon a veiled subject or subjects I never quite learned the nature of. If there is something between you and Harold Godwinesson that I should know about which you’ve chosen to occult from me, Matilda, now is the time for you to exercise candor over discretion.” The Duke noticed a slight flush come over Matilda’s face at his implication but the Duchess didn’t appear otherwise disturbed by such probing inquiry. In response to the Duke’s question and invitation, Matilda just shrugged, walking away from the table with William following.

“There’s nothing between Harold and me, my lord. What could there be, pray? I’ve only had relatively brief contact with him after all during sporadic visits to visit with my sister Lady Judith in England. I barely know the man. All I do know, William, is that our Agatha still loves Harold despite the passage of two long years. It s not what either of us intended or anticipated, but there it is. All I’m asking of you is that you take our daughter’s feelings and future into consideration before you commit yourself irrevocably and irreparably to this expeditionary folly of yours, and bind us to a treacherous realm you know as well as I to be unworthy of anything except conquest and subordination. Why risk everything in what will likely prove a futile endeavor to defeat the English on their own ground when France is closer and far riper for the taking, mon cher? Paris can offer you minimal resistance, William, whereas Harold’s Huscarls are the most formidable force in Christendom beyond our own borders, and led by an experienced commander in fierce defense of their native soil shall demonstrate themselves far more difficult to subdue than King Philip’s divided and corruptible ranks, mark me! If you’d only exercise a little sober prudence, my lord, the world could indeed prove yours, so long as you were wise enough to leave the sun to the sky.” Duke William bristled at the insinuation of his being unlikely to prevail in combat over Harold and resented Matilda for proposing limitation concerning his ambition based upon such perceived cowardly calculation. The Duchess rolled her eyes in annoyance at the rearing of William’s pride, to her perspective the curse of womankind and the singular impetus for disaster in the world.

“That’s it, isn’t, Maud? You truly believe Harold Godwinesson to be my superior in the arts of war, and presume my inevitable defeat ere I’ve even touched English soil? Well, va te faire foutre, Madame! What the hell’s that blasted Englishman accomplished, save to pacify Wales through a vicious Jezebel’s murderous accomplice? Godwinesson was being beaten by Prince Gruffydd when Harold arranged for a secret conference through that bitch Aldgyth’s deceitful petition to her too-trusting husband. The criminal slaying of a noble warrior in the field at the wanton behest of his faithless consort, by men of her own bodyguard she’d corrupted through seduction, isn’t a battle tactic I’d be inclined to boast regarding. Other than that, Harold can’t remotely compare to me as a soldier, Maud. I’ve the best army on the Continent and England has been conquered from the sea before, as you seem to most conveniently forget. Of course I would find France an easier fruit to pluck, but where’s the glory in that, Lady? To conquer the French would be nothing, but to succeed in taking a stronger, richer realm like England would render my name exalted beyond imagining, for all eternity! None would dare call me Bastard again, wife, neither to my face nor behind my back, never again, do you understand? For that purpose’s accomplishment, I would storm heaven and hell, Matilda. Ah, how could you ever comprehend what’s it has been like for me, having to exist with a perpetual cloud of scandal over my name? You’re well-born, cloaked in respectability’s comforting mantle from the cradle. You don’t know what it is to need bear the stinging stigma of illegitimacy’s undermining onus all the days of your life. How could you?” Matilda reddened and advanced upon Duke William in fury, her fists clenched and her teeth bared. Hurling herself at her startled spouse the Duchess vented hot indignation at William’s ignorant statement, reminding him of the shared adversities of their consistent overcoming and her own acquaintance with ignominy’s awful burden.

“Idiot! Thankless arrogant sale con! And just who has it been that’s stood by you all of these most difficult and demanding years, brainless dolt, guiding you through one perilous crisis after another, William, who, pray? From the hour we were wed your struggles and dangers have been mine, and it’s thanks to my cunning and diplomacy you are alive and prosperous enough to stand there and dare tell me I’ve no understanding of your God-cursed petty brooding’s infinite agony!

Pity poor William Bastard, everyone snickers at him behind his back, so he feels bound to make endless war upon everyone in sight save his one true enemy to bolster his wounded manhood! I would laugh until I soiled myself at the utter jest of it all if I weren’t all too aware of the terrible cost such childish obsession over a mere name’s standing will entail, if you persist in this stupid endeavor’s hopeless pursuit! I’ve no notion of suffering, my lord? No idea of what it is like to be shamed and steeped in stinking dung? Well, if you’ve been bent for evil pleasures, William, so have I, remember, and the experience of Sodom was no less scarring for me to endure than it was for you! I’ve known the heartache and disgrace of being seduced, impregnated, and exiled from home, and the added indignity of being abused in the most vicious fashion by a sovereign kinsman charged with my rehabilitation! Oh, and did I forget to mention having undergone the horrific episode of having my unborn bastard torn from my womb to die that my family needn’t be tainted by its vulgar birth? And beyond all this, I’ve had to endure having my status as your lawful wife questioned and the legitimacy of my own offspring subjected to universal scorn by my Uncle Henry and his allies, I’ve slept awash in tears with my heart in my mouth every time you’ve ridden away to battle’s scarlet embrace, and I’ve accepted your employment of our own children as instruments in this puerile chess game you have been playing first with Edward and now with Harold for sake of a mere bejeweled bauble’s empty possession! So don’t you stand there and tell me I don’t know what heart-rending pain and sorrow you’ve known, William of Normandy! I’ve had enough anguish heaped on my slender shoulders for your sake to stagger Atlas, and in your hapless proximity the damned rain of merde is never-ending, by Christ and His saints! Ungrateful wretch! I’ve a mind to take our brood and go home to Flanders, so you may see what’s it’s like to fend for yourself for once, without benefit of my uniformed insight!”

Chastened by Lady Matilda’s ferocious reproach Duke William held up his hands in a gesture of sincere appeasement and remorse, the Duchess breathing heavy and wiping tears from her eyes as she relented in her vociferous assault. Turning her back upon her husband Matilda struggled to rein her roiled emotions, as the Duke offered her apology in attempt to repair their estranged relations. Scratching the back of his head shaved in traditional Norman fashion, Duke William admitted his misjudgment of Matilda in a softened tone of earnest appreciation.

“I’m … I’m very sorry, my lady. I misspoke, severely. I apologize. It’s just that I … You must understand, Maud, it’s a question of … of … Woman, please, for the love of God, please don’t fight me regarding this! I need you now more than ever, Madame, we must stand united in our purpose as ever before, more or less, if my English enterprise is to prove successful! I swear Agatha’s fortune and sentimental attachment toward Harold will be factored into my calculations somehow, but you must agree to support me in my chosen venture, Duchess, or else, all could be lost, Matilda, lost!” Lady Matilda was about to question William’s sincerity concerning his vow to consider the best interests of their daughter in his incessant plotting, but before their converse could continue it was intruded upon by Earl Tosti, Harold Godwinesson’s younger brother, and the former Earl of Northumbria until his deposition and banishing through Harold’s treacherous machination. Tosti, a stocky nobleman of about forty with shoulder-length light brown hair and rough features whose coarse cast reflected a sinister and duplicitous nature, was married to Lady Judith, Matilda’s elder sister, a plain decent gentlewoman the Earl often abused with outrageous impunity owing to Judith’s meek passivity, and the usual distance between England and Matilda. The Duchess frowned at his unwelcome appearance, having urged Judith’s divorcing from Tosti upon manifold occasions, always in vain. Duke William was no more pleased to see Tosti than Matilda, but having need of his amoral and ambitious brother-in-law extended the Earl courtesy William and Matilda could both agree exceeded Tosti’s merit.

“Good day, Tosti. If you don’t mind, Lady Matilda and I were in the middle of an important discussion concerning private family matters. If you’ll please wait, I’ll see you after we’ve put certain differences of opinion between us to rest.” Tosti shrugged, smiling in his typical irking fashion of cold smugness. Matilda felt her flesh crawling as always in the Earl’s evil presence, but paid close attention to everything Tosti said in vigilance against potential dissembling.

“As you please, my lord. I was coming to inform you the preparations for my impending raid on the English coast are complete. I’ll soon teach my good brother Harold the cost of betraying me, with fire and blood. I’d also wanted to tell you I intend to make a brief visit to the house of my brother Earl Gyrth of East Anglia. I’ve some personal business to discuss with his wife the fair Lady Tilaflaed that could prove most accommodating to the success of our common cause. I’ll not tarry at Norwich long, I assure you. After all, I have a devoted wife who will be anxiously awaiting my return.” At Tosti’s snide reference to her sister Lady Matilda reacted with a cold indictment of her hated English kinsman, warning Duke William against permitting the Earl’s raid on his homeland to proceed. Earl Tosti evinced no overt discomfiture at Matilda’s harsh denunciation, regarding the Duchess with irritating confidence.

“How dare you presume to make light of Judith’s alas misplaced fidelity, you accursed scum! If I knew my sister would not implore undeserved mercy upon your behalf, I’d have your flayed carcass hung upon this castle’s walls to serve as an example of an unrepentant sinner’s agonized end, by the Blessed Virgin’s holy tears! Think you I’m unaware of Judith’s continuing abuse by you behind closed doors, villain? I’ve seen the blackened eyes and swollen jaw you’ve imposed upon my dear kinswoman, blackguard, and I’m all too familiar with the vicious physical practice you demand her submission to, damned English swine! Well, I’m telling you, Tosti, if my sister suffers any further cruel and deliberate indignities at your hands, your worthless hide shall prove my most cherished trophy, nailed to these walls like the sundry tapestries already adorning them!

I trust we quite understand one another, brother-in-law. Otherwise, your time with us may prove shorter than your arrogance has assumed. William! If I were you, good husband, I’d cancel this scheming cur’s expedition, for I’ve heard whispers Tosti’s destination is not to return hence, but to make harbor in Oslo to petition for his position’s restoring from Harald Hardrada” Earl Tosti ignored Matilda’s threat, and her implication of his alleged treachery, to the Duchess’s immense annoyance. Addressing himself to Duke William as if Matilda weren’t there Earl Tosti gave his host fervent reassurance of his loyalty and gratitude in oily fashion, William disbelieving Tosti’s unctuous outward sincerity but being disinclined to withdraw his leave for the Earl’s expedition despite his perception of Tosti’s likely betrayal.

“With respect, my lord, you know how prejudiced your consort is against me, to the point of utter irrationality, I fear. I believe I’ve made it clear on many occasions how truly appreciative I am of your generous hospitality’s extension to me and my family, William. You’ve no need for concern regarding where my allegiance lies, upon the lives of my children I swear. Your enemy in this instance is my very own and the filial blood we share won’t deter me from assisting your accomplishment of my usurping brother’s deserved eclipse. Harold has harmed me just as he’s harmed you, and your daughter if I may be so bold as to say. I won’t rest until I’m avenged on Harold, as you should not, regardless of any other voices that might argue against my brother’s confrontation for his many sore trespasses. There can be only one agenda here, brother-in-law, and that’s your reclamation of Edward’s sovereign estate from Harold’s illegal and outrageous seizure. My only objective in your service is to advance such an agenda unto its proper end in triumph over our common adversary. Of course as I’ve stated plainly in my estimate enlisting the alliance of my old friend King Harald would greatly maximize the prospects of our shared endeavor, but as you’ve seen fit to demur from the pursuit of such alignment, the issue is dead so far as I’m concerned. I hope I’ve allayed any undue reservations you may’ve entertained of my reliability, my lord, owing to the scurrilous gossip of certain parties. You know, you’d do well to heed the old maxim my noble sire Earl Godwine often quoted in reference to the management of his domestic disputes. A woman’s tongue bites less through broken teeth. It’s a lesson Lady Judith’s absorbed that you might find useful in applying within your own house as you did once to some small effect, William.” Duchess Matilda crimsoned and drew a dagger sheathed at her waist in furious response to Tosti’s barbed baiting but Duke William imposed himself between his wife and brother-in-law to prevent inconvenient bloodshed. As Matilda fumed in bitter and murderous resentment, Duke William admonished Earl Tosti against future commentary on the Duke’s personal affairs and also reminded the duplicitous Englishman of the consequences any actual or perceived treachery on his part would immediately provoke.

“Keep your opinions to yourself, Tosti, where my family’s concerned, thank you. And don’t entertain any fool notions regarding the possibility of seeking the redemption of your fortune by some unauthorized alliance with Scotland or Norway against my interest. Remember, my reach is considerable, brother-in-law, and will find you if you should hide from my wrath at the feet of God Himself. And your children will of course remain here in my keeping as guarantors against potential temptation towards treachery. So we understand one another completely, I can assume, oui, mon ami?” Earl Tosti nodded, casting a disdainful glance at Lady Matilda as he played the perfect loyal courtier for her husband’s benefit. Matilda frowned and attempted to dissuade the Duke from trusting their nefarious English kinsman, her tone curt and cutting.

“If you persist in permitting this vile piece of merde de chien to enjoy your confidence, Will, and proceed with his dubious enterprise of inevitable betrayal, then you are a greater fool than I had presumed, and of late that’s no small estimate, frankly. I say this filth should be thrown into the dungeon to rot awhile, ere we can convince my good sister to be done with him so this swine may be dealt with as he deserves, a disposal I have some rather severe considerations to advance concerning. Furthermore, I think we must summon a state council to solicit the perspectives of your advisers regarding what do to about Agatha, husband. I believe Abbot Lanfranc’s opinion on the matter is one we most need to receive, and so with your permission, my lord, I’ll call for the council to convene, so we may discern – “ Earl Tosti interrupted the Duchess to her intense irritation with a casual but jagged remark which aroused Duke William’s pride against Matilda by its calculated implication of subordinated weakness. Matilda, failing to intuit the effect Earl Tosti’s comment exerted upon her husband, was left unprepared for the instinctive response of violence by the Duke it incited.

“It appears, my lord William, that the gossip of the court rings true concerning who is truly sovereign in your house. It’s been said that while you may hold the scabbard of authority, it’s your good wife who in fact bears the steel of its wielding. It seems Matilda holds the reins of power in bedchamber and out, spurring you to ride in the direction she pleases by her tongue’s lashing, intimate and outright. Little wonder I’ve heard you referred to in passing as the noble stud of Flanders, ever saddled for service to Madame Charlemagne’s pleasure, passionate and political. Perhaps it’s the Duchess who should lead your army abroad, kinsman, as it is Maud who’ll plainly rule my country despite your earnest pretension to the contrary.” Duke William crimsoned at Tosti’s stinging assessment, staring at Lady Matilda with an abrupt overwhelming resentment. Before he could restrain himself the Duke’s bitter animus was then vented through a swift and brutal retaliation, to Earl Tosti’s covert delight.

“I’ll show you who’s the master here, Englishman!” Lashing out the Duke struck Matilda a hard blow to the face, knocking the Duchess down, her cheek bruised and her lip bloodied. As Matilda lay crumpled and dazed before him Duke William loomed over her and seized his wife by the front of her gown, dragging the Duchess to her feet and then slapping Matilda across the face twice in succession. Matilda said nothing, her countenance pale with fear and scarlet with fury at such sudden savage abusing.

“Now you listen, woman, and mark me! I’m the Duke of Normandy, the most powerful lord in Christendom, as well as its most successful warrior, and I’m telling you there’ll be no further debate regarding my policies between us, comprenez, Madame? The expedition against Harold shall proceed, as shall Tosti’s mission of reconnaissance, and your mouth shall not issue protest against either, is that clear, Matilda? And so far as Agatha is concerned I will have her escorted to Fecamp at once by Wadard and Vital, to reside within the care of Abbess Bertrada in solitary reflection until she accedes to her obligation to this realm as I’ve decreed. That’s my final word on matters. You may go, and by Christ and His saints, Lady, do not ever see fit to challenge me again, in private or public. Is that quite understood, woman? I said, Duchess! Am I understood with absolute clarity?” Lady Matilda gazed at Duke William in silent festering indignation, and a profound personal regret for his reckless turning on her at Tosti’s now perceived manipulation. Without a word, the Duchess curtsied low in apparent chastened submission to the Duke’s stern disciplining, then turned and departed the Great Hall without a glance back at her husband, now anxious and remorseful for his estranging action. Earl Tosti endeavored to ingratiate himself at Matilda’s withdrawal, praising Duke William’s chastisement and offering crude observation on the nature of marital relations with women of Matilda and her sister’s nationality.

“Ah, well done, my lord! Well done! It’s about time that haughty little cunt was put back into her proper place, I say! You’ve allowed her too much liberty for too long so far as her voicing of defiance toward your objectives and the tactics employed to achieve them is concerned! There’s only one law to be observed with such proud and pretentious putains, William, and that’s the law of fist and Dick, as my old sire used to say! Of course, as we both know, Flemish mares are ever heaven to ride, but hell to rein, isn’t that so, mon cher frere? What was it that astrologer of yours said when you had asked him about your last child’s being born on Maud’s birthday? That she’d be fiery like her mother, owing to the conspicuous appearance of Venus with Mars rising in their celestial charts. I know something of your dilemma, brother-in-law, for I also encountered a bit of difficulty in taming my own Flemish firedrake at first. As I’ve said, however, the rod and the staff prove sufficient in encompassing dominance, so long as they’re both administered at length if you understand my meaning, Will!” Duke William found no amusement in Earl Tosti’s over-familiar prattle, which he found boorish, but wanting a clarification of certain concerns he held regarding both Harold’s situation and the potential obstacles to his English expedition the Duke refrained from dismissing the irksome Englishman. Instead, he motioned for Tosti to be seated with him at his table, noting how his invitation of pure necessity caused his obnoxious kinsman to grin like a proverbial feline in proximity to a presumed rodent prey, and puff himself up like an esteemed gentleman rather than the notorious rogue he was.

“So, Tosti. What word has reached you from England concerning your brother’s designs and general status at present? What preparations are being made against any expedition by my army or Norway’s? How are relations between Harold and his new consort? Is he truly bedding Lady Aldgyth and her daughter at once as rumor’s long implied? What have you heard from the court of France I should know of, if anything? I heard a whisper Aachen had sent an envoy to Paris in secret. If my prospective son-in-law Philip plots against me I would appreciate knowing what he and the Emperor Henry are about.” Earl Tosti responded to the Duke’s questions with calculated integrity, uncertain of what William knew from independent sources. Duke William received the report of Tosti with quiet wariness, aware the Earl would tell him only what he thought the Duke already knew, or suspected.

“As your own agents may’ve already informed you, my lord, my brother intends to meet with Lady Agathe at Corfe castle, imminently. My guess is Harold will offer her some sort of bargain by which young Edgar Aetheling shall be compensated for his faction’s declaring of support for my brother’s sovereignty. I doubt Agathe will prove very receptive, however. She’s determined to unseat Harold in her son’s favor, and it would require civil war at home to accomplish such an objective. Meanwhile I hear Harold’s building up the defenses of our southern coast and trusting the north’s protection to those idiots, Earls Morcar and Edwine, may they burn in eternal hellfire! If this is true, then the whole north of England will be left vulnerable to invasion. This could be critical to your own expedition’s success, William, if Harold is forced to march north against the forces of Norway, if he attacks, leaving the south open to your army’s landing and entrenchment. Of course, there’ll still be Harold’s Huscarls to contend with, in some form or another. They are the best infantry in Christendom, and will fight to the last man in defense of English liberty, that I’ve no doubt about. That’s why I thought it prudent to ally with Harald Hardrada, to put Harold in a vise between you and the Norseman. No matter. As for France and Aachen, I heard Philip’s been offered Princess Ursula, the Emperor Henry’s lovely younger sister, in exchange for allying with the Empire against you. Aachen fears your becoming sovereign in your own right would be an impetus for you to envision yourself the rightful heir of Charlemagne’s mantle Henry holds as his own unique birthright. And so far as Harold’s relations with Lady Aldgyth, I’m pleased I can report that thus far there haven’t been any, in the conjugal sense, I mean. Aldgyth’s furious with my brother but Harold remains adamant in denying their loving troth its expected consummation. And without a royal heir, Aldgyth’s no more a proper Queen of England than I am, the accursed bitch! It serves her right for murdering Prince Gruffydd, and attempting to harlot her own noble daughter Princess Gwendolyn. Gwen’s a decent girl, and so far as I know Harold treats her with respect as his own child. She’s very close to Lady Ealdgyth, my good sister-in law. Discarding her was my brother’s greatest error, mark me.” Duke William shrugged, ruminating upon what he’d been told. Earl Tosti watched him with close scrutiny, alert to every inflection.

“Interesting, indeed. Have you heard anything yet from Archbishop Stigand or Queen Edith? And what of Lady Judith, Tosti? You know I can’t keep shielding you from Matilda’s wrath if you continue abusing her. And do you think Judith is telling the truth about what Harold did to her and Gundred?” Tosti laughed in a sneering fashion, shaking his head. The Earl’s disregard for his wife aggravated William, inspiring an augmented distaste for Tosti’ company.

“No, I’ve not yet been contacted by His Excellency, or Edith, but I shall be, soon, never fear. And in all frankness I couldn’t care less what Matilda thinks of me. Judith’s my devoted loyal handmaiden, and will not suffer me to endure so much as a hostile glance from your consort in perceived malice without defending me to her last breath. And no, there is no truth to Judith’s charges. As we both know, my lord, a plain bone rouses no hounds and Harold doesn’t shit in the family troth, so to speak. Edith’s put Judith up to defaming Harold and her campaign won’t end there, I promise you. Oh, lest I forget, William. You might want to be on guard as a rumor has reached me regarding an intrigue by Lady Matilda against Prince Hugh of Vandemois. She may attempt to accuse Prince Hugh of some illicit relations with your daughter Agatha, entirely contrived, but I thought you should know ere the plot comes to any irksome fruition. You don’t want sudden war with France forestalling your expedition abroad, I realize. Last, Emmeline is arguing with young Robert again, and she’s threatening to communicate with her sire, Robert Guiscard, at Melfi, so you might want to increase your vigilance of her as anger on Guiscard’s part could induce him to press Rome to decree against you when you petition His Holiness for blessing to invade England.” Duke William’s reply to Tosti’s intelligences was to dismiss the troublesome Englishman, advising Tosti to remain silent concerning their conversations. Earl Tosti flashed an unconvincing smile as he rose, bowed, and withdrew to pursue his own covert schemes the Duke had no doubt.

“You may leave me, Tosti. I’ll inform you when your fleet will be sailing. And say nothing of what we’ve spoken of to anyone. Not to anyone, comprenez, Monsieur?” In wake of Tosti’s going Duke William cast his gaze about the Hall and his eyes fell upon a large colorful tapestry of Matilda’s making, depicting scenes from the Garden of Eden. The representations of Eve’s creating, and her fateful tempting of Adam with forbidden fruit incited an acerbic observation, the Duke shaking his head in rueful reflection.

“Women! Sore ribs, every one of them!” Laughing to himself in a melancholy manner Duke William went off to attend to state business. Elsewhere Lady Matilda and Agatha brooded upon their respective fortunes, resolved to alter them favorably or bring hell to bear in trying.

CHAPTER 3