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They usually are, Paul said with a wry look. Have you met many people yet?
Not yet. Brian has invited us for drinks tomorrow morning. We shall probably meet
quite a few people there.
Yes that's a good idea. It will be nice for you to know some people down here,
being on your own may be good for writing but it can get a bit lonely. Besides, Brian is a
nice chap. He yawned and gave her an apologetic smile. Sorry. It's travelling upsets
my time clock.
Sit down and relax while I get the lunch, Ally said, smiling at him affectionately.
It's going to be another hour yet. Have a sleep if you want. I'll wake you when it's
ready.
Paul nodded, yawning again. I'll be all right by this evening. If you don't mind, I
might take a nap on the sofa.
****
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Trial by Fire
Robin had trained in the exercise yard until he was exhausted, but it hadn't eased the anger or
the pain inside him. They were going to marry her to another man, and there was nothing he
could do to stop them. His arguments with his father had brought him nothing but more pain
and frustration. Wild thoughts went through his head, thoughts of killing his father, Bishop
Walden, or the man who would be Isolde's husband.
He burned with jealousy as he thought of Isolde in her husband's arms, of her soft white skin
being touched by another's hand, of her lying beneath another man, while he wanted her. He
wanted her so badly that his flesh ached for her& For the smell of her.
****
Wake up, Paul! Ally gave her brother's shoulder a little shake. You're having a
nightmare and lunch is ready.
Paul opened his eyes. Startled from his dream, he felt disorientated, unsure of where
he was. He'd had such a vivid, strange dream.
Sorry, he said apologetically and pushed his hair back out of his eyes, aware that it
needed cutting. His forehead was damp with sweat. It was so odd I was dreaming I
was living in medieval times, and thinking I d like to murder someone, but I can't
remember who or why.
It's my fault for telling you about the book I'm writing, Ally said. Or maybe this
place has an odd effect on your mind.
Paul shook his head and stood up. I don't believe in ghosts or in reincarnation.
Come on, let's eat. I'm starving.
Ally nodded, but she felt uneasy as she led the way through to the dining room. Was
it her imagination or had it gone very cold in here?
You will ruin us both, Robin.
She heard the agonized cry and glanced at her brother, but he was looking at the
festive table.
You've gone to an awful lot of trouble, he said. Roast goose and all the trimmings,
and special stuffings. You must have made a lot of these things yourself?
I wanted it to be a good Christmas for us both.
It will be, my love. He poured some red wine into two glasses and handed one to
her. To the future may it be happier for us both.
He shan't have her! She's mine. I would rather see him dead.
Paul blinked. He wasn't dreaming now, but he'd heard the voice the same voice as
he'd heard in his dream.
Did you say something, Ally?
No& She looked at him intently. Did you hear something, Paul?
No not just now.
Nor did I, he denied stoutly. I expect it was the wind outside. Let's eat. I'll carve.
45
Anne Ireland
Chapter Six
Isolde
The countryside through which they'd passed earlier on their journey had been bleak
indeed, but now the great mass of the Pennines had given way to the gentle coastal
plains of Cumbria. Here, there were lakes more beautiful than anything Isolde had ever
seen. The woods were teaming with game and rich, fertile lands where sheep grazed
lazily and grew fat. She was enchanted with all she found, her spirits lifted as she saw
at last the great manor house, which was to be her home.
It had begun life as a Norman castle, as its main tower stood looking out over the
wide sweep of a natural bay. However the manor house had been built more recently,
facing down towards the Tarn, a huddle of stone cottages clustered about its edges, and
the little church set back from the village.
So this is Urstwick, Isolde said as the bishop's horse drew alongside her own. It is
a fine house, my lord.
Your future husband is a rich and important man, he replied. I have not given
you to an unworthy man, Isolde.
Isolde's serving woman, provided for her by Sir Henry, was riding pillion with the
bishop's servant, their horses trailing some distance behind. Knowing they could not be
overheard, Isolde asked the question that had formed long ago in her mind.
Why have you troubled yourself with my future, my lord? I am no one. Merely a
base born woman, a bastard. Unworthy of your notice.
No! He shook his head, looking at her oddly. You were never that, Isolde. I knew
you would ask one day. At the time, it was decided to let everyone believe you to be the
child of a serving wench, but you were actually the daughter of a lady. She bore the
child of her lover in secret while her lord was away fighting for the king.
Isolde nodded. She had begun to suspect the truth long since.
Who was my mother, sir?
My own dear sister. Bishop Walden's face softened. I cared for her deeply and
was unhappy when our father wed her to a man she despised. He was unkind to her
from the start, and I saw the bruises on her arms where he had beaten her. She came to
46
Trial by Fire
me for help when she knew herself with child by her lover. She was afraid her husband
would return and discover her sin. I helped her to conceal your birth. He sighed
heavily. She died of a fever some months later. I dare say it was a just punishment for
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