|
|
|
|
|
|
posed raid. That seemed reasonable enough to Gervase, and with no more than a cynical lift to her brow, she bade Marie enjoy her retreat. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gervase's request for a party to accompany Marie to Craswall naturally was referred to Bassett, who said several things not quite under his breath about Richard's sister-by-marriage and her desire to visit the priory just when he needed every horse for a more important purpose. Walter overheard and was filled with a combination of guilt and relief. He had been considering riding to Clyro rather than spend an evening in Marie's company, but he did not wish to go to Clyro. He had just thought of how it would be possible to accompany the raidershe could carry a shield with colors other than his ownand he wanted time to argue Bassett into accepting his idea. Thus, although he felt guilty for having driven Marie away, he was also grateful to her for going. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
When Marie rode into Craswall Priory, Sir Heribert was startled and at first rather alarmed. He was aware that Marie was not yet sufficiently enamored of him to have followed him just to be with him, and he feared that some emergency had arisen. However, as soon as she made known her plan, Heribert was delighted. Naturally, he had no intention of simply accusing Walter of rapehe would never have been believed. He intended to kill Walter when he caught him naked and unprepared in Marie's bed. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Heribert was not afraid that Marie would betray him as a murderer, for he could place the entire blame upon her. He had heard enough of the Earl of Pembroke's fondness for Walter to make logical the threat that Marie's brother-by-marriage would either kill her or immure her forever if he discovered she had been instrumental in the murder of his friend. Once Walter was dead, Heribert would make clear to Marie that they would sink or swim together. She would have to keep the secret of how Walter came to die or be adjudged as guilty as his killer. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
However, Heribert said nothing of his private plans, merely agreeing that the device should certainly cause a new, young wife much pain. He tried to convince Marie that it would be safer to send her letter to Clifford, since it would be more likely that Walter would get it. Sybelle might destroy the |
|
|
|
|
|