“Nothing. I was…brought here after Robert’s death. I have spoken to no one for a week. Even the maid who empties the chamber pot doesn’t speak to me.”
“Then you don’t know where Gavin is kept?”
“No, I gathered from your words only just now that he too was held. What does Lord Demari hope to gain?”
“Me,” Judith said simply, then lowered her eyes before briefly explaining Walter’s plan of annulment.
“But there can be no annulment if you carry Gavin’s child.”
“Yes,” Judith said as she looked across her mother to John. “That is one reason it must be kept secret.”
“Judith, what will you do? How do you expect to save yourself, Gavin, Joan and your husband’s man from this place? You are no foil for stone walls.”
John grunted in agreement.
“I don’t know,” Judith answered exasperatedly. “I could see no alternative. At least now I have a chance of getting you out. But first I must find Gavin. Only then—”
“Did you bring Joan?” Helen interrupted.
“Yes,” Judith said, knowing her mother had some idea.
“Tell Joan to find Gavin. If there is a man to find, she can do it. She is little more than a bitch in heat.”
Judith nodded.
“And now, what of Walter Demari?” Helen continued.
“I have seen him only a few times.”
“Is he to be trusted?”
“No!” John said. “Neither he nor that henchman of his can be trusted.”
Judith ignored him. “Demari thinks I am beautiful, and I plan to be beautiful as long as it takes to find Gavin and make an escape.”
Helen looked down at her daughter, so lovely in the glow of the coals. “You know so little of men,” she observed. “Men are not like account books, where you add the figures and they give you a manageable sum. They are all different…and much more powerful than you or I.”
Suddenly John rose and looked toward the door. “They return.”
“Judith, listen to me,” Helen said quickly, “Ask Joan how to deal with Walter. She knows a great deal about men. Promise me you will follow her advice, and don’t let your own thoughts sway you.”
“I—”
“Promise me!” Helen demanded, her hands holding her daughter’s head.
“I will do my best. It is all I can promise.”
“Then that must do.”
The door burst open and no more words were spoken. Joan and one of the castle maids came to fetch Judith so that she might prepare for supper with his lordship. She hastily bid her mother good-bye, then followed the women, John close behind them.
The fourth floor contained the ladies’ solar, a large, airy room, freshly cleaned with new rushes on the floor, new whitewash on the stones, almost as if a guest had been expected. Judith was left alone with her maid, John outside, guarding the door. At least Walter trusted her enough not to assign a spy to her. Joan brought a basin of heated water to her mistress.
As Judith washed her face and hands, she looked at Joan. “Do you know where Lord Gavin is kept?”
“No, my lady,” Joan said suspiciously. She was not used to being asked questions by her mistress.
“Could you find out where he is?”