The Black Lyon

sayings. My husband has but left me not a week past. His behavior did not point to his tiring of me.”
    “You see, I know Ranulf as you do not. I know he needs women, many women, and I am willing to accept such behavior. Are you, Lady Lyonene?”
    She could only stare at the woman, hating her, yet listening in spite of all reason, which told her that the words were false. “I accept my husband as he is, as I must.”
    “Well spoken by a loving wife. Will you feel the same when this husband sets another in this fine hall, puts another by his side at table? What say you when another child is favored over yours?” She near whispered this last sentence.
    “What is your meaning of another child? Ranulf has no other children but the one I carry.”
    “He will soon, my innocent lady, for I carry one now that is as much his as the one you give shelter.”
    “Nay! I do not believe you! It is another man’s bastard—if indeed you do hold a child in that fleshless belly—and you try to convince me it is my husband’s.”
    “I have given you warning and I have shown you proof of your husband’s love for me. Shall I show you the letters again, for I know you have seen them? Shall I describe the intimate moment of passion when he gave me the ribbon with the lions that you took from me? Nay, I see you know my words to be true.”
    Lyonene tried to still her racing heart, calm her emotions and think rationally. When she spoke, it was quietly and deliberately. “Many women must look aside when their husband’s bastards are born. I am no less strong than they.”
    “Ah, a most sensible way, but I think you forget King Edward.”
    “And what has the king to do with such an ugly matter as you have placed before me?”
    “Much, I fear.” Amicia watched Lyonene, studying her reactions to the words. “As has been mentioned, you are but a baron’s daughter, while I am heir to the Duke of Vernet’s properties and fortune. King Edward would like much to have England associated with such lands. Has he not expressed his doubts as to his earl marrying so low-born a woman?”
    Lyonene could not answer, but her mind filled with memories.
    “Do you know the story of Gilbert de Clare, the Earl of Gloucester? He has obtained his divortium and will soon marry the Princess Joanna. What think you King Edward will say when he finds the Duke of Vernet’s daughter carries the child of the Earl of Malvoisin? Think you he will laugh and pat Lord Ranulf’s shoulder? Or will he think of the war such a great insult to France might bring?”
    Lyonene could not reply.
    “What will you do then?” the high voice continued. “Will you sit calmly by as the Pope dissolves your marriage? And what of your child? Your child whom you thought to inherit will be cast aside and mine will become the Earl of Malvoisin. Will you remain here and share Lord Ranulf’s bed as his mistress? He seems to enjoy you well. I am sure he will continue to do so, even when you are not tied to one another with a marriage document. Mayhaps you will return to your parents. Will they not be proud of their daughter? Married once to the renowned Black Lion, his son in tow. You will be a prize, and your father will have little difficulty in finding you another husband. What say you to sharing a bed with another man? Mayhaps he will not be so strong as Lord Ranulf or so handsome, but he will have the hammers and iron to forge new babes.”
    “Cease!” Lyonene put her hands over her ears. “Leave me! I can bear your presence no longer.”
    “It is not my presence that troubles you, but the truth you hear in my words. I will go, but you are far from rid of me.”
    Alone again, Lyonene sat, stunned, unable to make a coherent thought. Kate came and went, her questions unheard, unanswered. The woman’s words did indeed have the ring of truth. She seemed to remember every word spoken at court, every hint at her unsuitable marriage to an earl.
    What of Ranulf? He seemed to sneer at convention, but he loved his king, and his honor was a matter of great importance to him. What if he were pressured by his king? She knew the answer, knew Ranulf could not disobey his king. Had he not once mentioned Simon de Montfort with hate, saying how the man had risen against his king, tried to overthrow King Edward’s father? Nay, Ranulf was an honorable man and would do what his conscience dictated.
    She tried to sew again, but could not. What of Amicia’s crude statement? The idea of