Crusade

‘She wouldn’t accept it; I would wager a Danegeld on it.’

‘What about the boy, Sweyn? Or Edwin? That might be a good match.’

‘Robert, this is a shock. I need time to think.’

‘You have twenty-four hours. We march at dawn the day after tomorrow.’

I had to act quickly, and immediately sought Edwin’s advice.

‘Count Robert is adamant that someone must take her as a wife if she is to continue in his service.’

‘Sire, I thought he was an admirer.’

‘He is, but Hugh Percy and the others have spoken to him and are set against it. They say it will cause trouble and that many of the knights are opposed, claiming that she prefers to be the ram doing the tupping rather than the ewe being tupped.’

‘It is unfair, my Lord, she has done nothing wrong. I think I know why the knights are causing trouble. Some time ago, I woke early one morning to find her alone by the horses and very pensive. Eventually, she told me that during the night she had been disturbed by two knights from Avranches, naked, drunk and egged on by others, who were fondling her and pulling down her leggings. As you might guess, her seax was at the throat of one and her foot in the balls of the other within moments. I suspect both were humiliated. She told me that it was not the first time it had happened.’

‘Does she prefer women, as the rumours suggest?’

‘My Lord, I don’t know. She never has any suitors because she never encourages anyone — Emma and Edgiva seemed to be able to subdue the memory of Bourne, but Adela never could. They are now happily married with children, whereas Adela has chosen the life of a warrior. I suspect vengeance still burns in her heart.’

‘So, what are we to do? Robert is being generous and suggesting that he will offer a small landholding to a suitable candidate.’

‘Sire, I suspect that steed won’t gallop. Adela is not without funds of her own, and the thought of her marrying a stranger would be out of the question.’

‘Then you’ll have to marry her.’

Edwin looked stunned.

‘You’ll make a handsome couple. You’re close enough in age; it’s perfect.’

‘With respect, my Lord, it is not perfect. My regard for her is like that of a brother. I can’t marry her.’

‘Well, someone is going to have to marry her, or she will be using the gift of a steed from Count Robert for a long ride home. He’s given me twenty-four hours to resolve it.’

I sent Edwin to get Adela and Sweyn the next morning. The encounter was not one I relished.

‘So, that’s the situation. I’m sorry, Adela, but the Count is adamant. I think he’s very sympathetic, but there are many in his retinue who are set against you continuing to Scotland. This expedition is crucial to his future and he can’t afford doubts about his judgement getting back to the King.’

Adela tried to grit her teeth, but her eyes filled with tears and there was nothing she could do to stop them streaming down her face. Her chest began to heave and she bit her lip to try to contain her emotions, to no avail.

‘They think I am queer, I know that. But that’s not the real reason — the real reason is, I frighten them. Weak men fear strong women, and weak women are jealous of those who stand up for themselves in a man’s world.’

‘Adela, forgive me…’ I hesitated. ‘But I have to ask you this — remember, we are comrades, brothers-in-arms — is it women you desire, rather than men?’

‘My Lord, I desire neither.’ She shrugged. ‘All that was extinguished in Bourne a long time ago.’

‘Would you consider a marriage proposal from an upstanding knight in the Count’s retinue? That would give the Count a way to let you stay with his army.’

‘No, sire, I would not.’

‘Adela, the army marches in the morning and you will have to return to Aquitaine if we cannot resolve this.’

‘So be it. I will find another way to follow the Code of Knights and fulfil my destiny.’

She had now regained control of her emotions and the look of steely resolve had returned to her face.

‘I will marry you.’

Sweyn had said nothing until this point, but his sudden intervention stunned all three of us.

‘If you’ll have me.’

Adela did not respond; her face remained set, free of emotion. It was Edwin who broke the silence.

‘Sweyn, you’re not yet seventeen and only just dubbed a knight.’

‘On the contrary, Edwin, I am an ideal suitor; I am a knight of Normandy and I have land and money in Aquitaine. I think I’m a pretty good catch for any lady, even someone as discerning as Adela.’

‘But you’re like brother and sister.’

When it came, Adela’s blunt reply was as astonishing as Sweyn’s offer had been.

‘I accept. You’re right; you are a fine catch, any woman would be proud to have you as a husband.’

‘Then it is agreed, we will be married today. I’m sure one of the Count’s clerics will conduct the service.’

I was rendered speechless; I just sat and listened.

Adela took Sweyn by the hand, her expression still stern.