Chapter Twenty-Two #2
“Oh, but I do. William. You were left to pick up the pieces of this family when he died. I know you put your life on hold, and now you finally get to be happy.” She shook her head and looked up at him with a watery smile.
“I am so proud of the man you have become and the positive influence you will have on those boys and your own bairns.”
Thoughts of the child growing in Agnes’s belly made him swell with pride. He hoped they would fill this castle with many in the years to come. He’d forgotten for the moment, his mother did not yet know.
“William, what is it?”
Just then Geoffrey came running up to them. “Mother, such a wonderful thing has happened!” Tugging on her arm, she looked at William with a furrowed brow and let her younger son pull her toward the hearth.
Agnes stood and faced her with her hand on her belly wearing a warm smile. William’s heart was about to burst with the pride of her strength and his love for her.
With no words spoken, his mother understood immediately and raced over to embrace Agnes.
“Och, my sweet dear, is it true? And how do you feel? Are you wanting any particular food? Do you feel ill? Come and sit, and I will call for the cook. You must eat plenty of meat, for that is what will grow strong bairns. You are pale and so I will make sure we find pressed beetroot to drink.” She drew in a breath and turned to William.
“Go make sure Neville retrieves Old Nan. Tell her she has to move into the castle now. Tell her I said so.”
William moved to Agnes and placed her figurines before her then smiled. “I’m sorry, there’s nothing I can do for you now,” he said with a grin. “She will give you no rest.”
Agnes laughed and snatched up Bregdi and Nessie. “All is well,” she said. “I don’t mind a little pampering.”
William kissed her soundly. “I will return soon. I have no idea what this evening’s meal might include, but I suggest you select a sampling of all that is offered.”
“If I do that, I’ll be fat before I’m even showing,” she said teasing him.
“There is no version of you I would not love and will not cherish.”
With that he left the hall in search of Neville. He didn’t have to look far as the man was just coming in through the gates. William didn’t have to ask the gates be closed immediately anymore. It was a given until the order was lifted. If he ever allowed it again.
“Ah, there you are,” Neville said as he dismounted. “I have news.”
“As do I,” William said with a grin. “Tell me yours first.”
Neville cocked his head and raised a brow. “You’re looking rather pleased with yourself today.”
“Aye, now out with it so I can share mine.”
“Very well, the buildings are nearing complete for the two families displaced. Several men from the town have offered to replace the furnishings if you can provide the materials.”
“See to it they receive the best we can find as well as fabrics for bedding and clothing for all the family. I will pay for whatever they need.”
“They will be pleased to hear it. So many in the town are grateful for your continued care and attention. You have well earned their respect over the years, but even more so now.”
William wouldn’t have it any other way. They were his people and he took his responsibility for them seriously.”
“Now what is your news, or perhaps I can guess by the grin on your face.”
“I won’t make you guess, Neville. Agnes is expecting our first child.”
William was pleased when Neville’s eyes misted with his news. He’d mistakenly lost some faith in this man, but he intended to put it firmly back in place starting right now.
“Well, that is the best news I have heard in a long time. How is she?”
Chuckling, he said, “Suffering the very real peril of a doting grandmother to be. Which brings me to your assignment.”
“Oh no. Something tells me I’m not going to like this.”
“My mother’s exact words were, ‘Go make sure Neville retrieves Old Nan. Tell her she has to move into the castle now. Tell her I said so.’ And so you see, you get to bear the news, so I am saved,” he said as he clapped Neville on the shoulder.
Neville’s face paled. “You wouldn’t do that to an old friend, would you?”
“I would not. Come, we ride together. She can refuse either of us individually, but she won’t be able to resist both of us under my mother’s orders.”
Together they trotted to the village to speak with Old Nan trailing a cart for her comfort and belongings.
William took the time to reflect on the time that had passed over the last several weeks.
Like the town, his relationship with Neville would rebuild.
As it would with his mother. He was pleased she had something else to focus on now, and perhaps in time she would spend more time with them than in the garden.
The peace he’d always longed for appeared within reaching distance.
They would need to stay the course, but he was certain with their collective effort they would come through this ordeal stronger than before.
That was all he could hope for at the moment.
And that they all wanted the same peace gave him further hope.
The king wanted his parties, and William wanted a quiet life.
And why couldn’t they both have that? His beloved Agnes would never feel fear for one more moment in her life or else he would slay the person who put it there.
He’d found her by way of his own will and by the grace of God and he would never lose her again.
When they arrived at the village, William took his time to look around and truly see the extent of the damage.
Those he encountered he spoke with at length to ensure they lacked nothing.
He instructed the merchants to bring in extra provisions from wherever they could find them.
His people would have fat stores from now on to help them heal as well.
This horrible band of rebels had touched so many lives who would need justice, understanding, and support.
Now standing before Old Nan’s home, he hesitated. He couldn’t force the woman from her home. He didn’t have the heart for that. So he would ask her kindly one more time and then if his mother wanted to take it up with her so be it.
When he was about to raise his hand to knock, the door opened. She carried a bag and pointed to several crates behind her.
“Well, ’tis about time. I’ve been waiting all morning for ye. Come now, I will need to see to the lass to see what she’s lacking. Come now, what’s the hold up?”
Neville situated her in the cart, and they lifted in her life’s collection of this and that. William scratched his head as she winked at him.
Would wonders never cease.