Pope Joan_ A Novel - Donna Woolfolk Cross [70]
Finally, she judged the time was right. “I have come to ask your help with a domestic matter.”
He looked gratified. “Dear lady, I am only too happy to help. What is the nature of your difficulty?”
“It is the girl Joan. She is no longer a child; she”—Richild chose her words delicately—“has now reached womanhood. It is no longer seemly for her to remain under our roof.”
“I see,” Fulgentius said, though it was apparent he did not. “Well, I should think we could find some other lodg—”
“I have arranged an advantageous match,” Richild interrupted. “With the son of Bodo, the farrier. He is a fine young man, well favored, and will be farrier himself when his father dies—there are no other sons.”
“This comes as a surprise. Has the girl expressed any inclination for marriage?”
“Surely that is not for her to decide. It is a far better marriage than she has any right to expect. Her family is poor as coloni, and her odd ways have given her something of a … reputation.”
“Perhaps,” the bishop replied amiably. “But she seems devoted to her studies. And she could not, of course, continue at the schola if she married the farrier’s boy.”
“That is why I have come. As it was you who contracted to bring her to the schola, you would have to agree to her release.”
“I see,” he said again, though he still did not, quite. “And how does the count feel about the match?”
“He does not know of it. The opportunity only just offered itself.”
“Well, then.” Fulgentius looked relieved. “We will wait till his return. There’s no need to rush the matter, surely.”
Richild persisted. “The opportunity may not be open long. The boy is reluctant—seems he’s taken a fancy to one of the town girls— but of course I have seen to it that this match will be far more beneficial for him. His father and I are agreed upon the dowry. The boy now says he will carry out his father’s wishes—but he is young and of a changeable disposition. Best if the wedding take place immediately.”
“Nevertheless …”
“I remind you, Eminence, that I am mistress of Villaris, and the girl has been placed in my care. I am fully capable of making this decision in my husband’s absence. Indeed, I am better suited to make it. To speak frankly, Gerold’s partiality for the girl clouds his judgment where she is concerned.”
“I see,” Fulgentius said, and this time he did, only too well.
Richild said quickly, “My concern is strictly monetary, you understand. Gerold has spent a small fortune obtaining books for the girl— a wasteful expense, since she has no possible future as a scholar. Someone must provide for her future; now I have done so. You must see that the match is a good one.”
“Yes,” Fulgentius admitted.
“Good. Then you agree to release her?”
“My apologies, dear lady, but my decision must attend upon the count’s return. I assure you I will discuss the matter fully with him. And with the girl. For though the match is … advantageous, as you say, I am loath to commit her to it against her will. If the match proves agreeable to all, we will proceed with dispatch.”
She started to speak, but he cut her off. “I know you believe the match will be compromised if it is not concluded immediately. But, forgive me, lady, I cannot agree. A fortnight, or even a month, will make little difference.”
Again she tried to object, and again he silenced her. “I am quite decided. There is no point in further discussion.”
Her cheeks burned with the insult. High-handed fool! Who does he think he is to dictate to me? My family was living in royal palaces while his was still tilling fields!
She eyed him levelly. “Very well, Eminence, if that is your decision, I must accept it.” She began to pull on her riding gloves as if preparing to leave.
“By the way”—she kept her tone deliberately casual—“I have just had a letter from my cousin, Sigimund, Bishop of Troyes.”
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