“Why do you wear a blanket?” Brian asked, swimming toward Robert. “Come join us.”
Robert thrust his foot in the water, then drew back. “By the Mass, the water is cold.” A chord of Welsh music ran through his voice, reflecting the heritage of his mother who had been the daughter of a Welsh chieftain when King Henry had captured her during his first campaign in Wales. “Others are abroad and I have no wish to offend by my nakedness.”
“Such modesty would do credit to a nun,” Brian said, with a wink at Stephen.
Shaking off the effects of his encounter with Maud, Stephen swam through the water after Brian, climbed onto the opposite shore, and before Robert could stop him, pulled off the blanket. Shouting with laughter, Stephen took his arms, Brian his legs, and, ignoring Robert’s curses and protests, together they lifted him high then dropped him into the cold water. He emerged, shaking himself like an angry dog, then came after Stephen. Together they wrestled in the water, each trying to throw the other off balance. Stephen was the taller but Robert the more solidly built; neither could best the other.
That had always been the case even as youths, Stephen thought, trying to get a firm grip on his cousin’s slippery body. Despite the fact that they were the best of companions, equally favored by the King—he had married them to wealthy heiresses and showered them with land, power, and influence—the two had always been rivals as well. He and Robert competed for the King’s affection and attention, for prowess in hunting, skill at arms, and success on the battlefield. But since Robert, as a bastard, could not even be considered to inherit the throne, both he and Stephen knew who would ultimately triumph.
“Ah, now we see what it is that endears him to his wife,” Stephen cried. “You shouldn’t hide your light under a blanket. Would he not put a stallion to shame, Brian?”
“Indeed, the prowess of the Welsh is well known,” Brian replied, “for they breed like hares. Listen, my friend, I have a mare that wants servicing—”
Robert let go of Stephen to leap at Brian and they both disappeared under the water in a flurry of thrashing limbs.
“My lords?”
Stephen turned to see his squire, Gervase, approaching at a rapid pace through the grass.
“The King is calling for you, my lords. His daughter is across the river and he’s anxious you attend him before she arrives in his camp.”
“We caught a glimpse of her. Tell him we’ll dress and be there at once,” Stephen said.
“My sister has arrived?” Robert asked, emerging from the water. “Why didn’t you tell me?” He hastily climbed onto the bank and wrapped himself in the blanket. “Dearest Maud. Do you realize it’s been fourteen years? I cannot wait to see her.” He ran up the hill.
Stephen and Brian climbed onto the bank, pulled on their long shirts, and followed at a leisurely pace. The mist was rapidly burning off now, revealing clear blue skies. It promised to be a day of brilliant sunshine, Stephen observed, a day of good omen.
“Tread carefully with your beauteous cousin,” Brian advised him in a serious undertone. “You have sufficient conquests to testify to your manliness a hundred times over.”
“Now that is arguable.” Stephen bent to pick up a grass straw and slipped it between his lips. “Like glory or riches, can one ever have sufficient?”
Brian smiled. “You’re beyond redemption, I fear. There will come a day of retribution, mind.”
“By God, you can be tedious. I only jest. Do you think me such a fool as to go against my own interests?” Stephen grimaced. “I’ll be the very model of chivalry, have no fear. Unfortunately, the lady is as safe with me as in a cloister.”
Which was God’s own truth, Stephen thought regretfully. He would sooner poke at a wild boar with a short stick than incur his uncle’s displeasure. Besides, there was something about that brief, wordless exchange with Maud that did not suggest an easy conquest, a moment’s sport easily forgotten. But he had no intention of revealing that to Brian.
Flinging an arm over his friend’s shoulders, he gave him a rough squeeze. “I wonder you never took holy orders. You’re wasted away from the pulpit.”
They reached the pavilion. Before entering Stephen paused, suddenly remembering the sense of danger he had experienced earlier. He had never uncovered the source of that feeling, he realized. Odd, it was the first time he could remember that his instinct in such matters had played him false.
Chapter Five
MAUD RACED THROUGH THE grass carrying her shoes, stockings and cloak. Still tingling from the impact of her heady encounter in the reeds, she ran full tilt into Aldyth who was waiting for her at the door of the pavilion.