The Lily and the Lion by Catherine A. Wilson, Catherine T Wilson Page B

returning?’ I asked, watching her face intently.
    â€˜I suppose so,’ she replied without looking up from her mug of mead.
    â€˜Did he not tell you when?’
    â€˜Not really. He speaks more to you than to me.’
    â€˜But I thought as you are close he would tell you more.’
    â€˜You assume incorrectly.’ Anaïs stared long and hard at me then drained her goblet. ‘Some say Gillet is very handsome. Some say he sits fine on a horse. I say he sits better on a woman, but like all men he often needs encouragement.’ Her sneer was unmistakable.
    She knew that I knew!
    And I was mortified!
    â€˜My dear, devoted Sister Mary Catherine,’ she continued, ‘so innocent and so naïve. You think us all free from sin and accept all that you have is honestly obtained. You will learn and you will do so quickly. When you want something from a man you must pay a price.’
    â€˜I am sure I do not know your meaning.’ I fought against the feeling of dread slowly seeping through my chest and fumbled for my concealed rosary as Anaïs sauntered from the room.
    Near the noon hour Gillet finally appeared, his glossy locks still wet and his face freshly shaved, yet nothing seemed to have washed away his unhappiness.
    â€˜Catherine, I find you well?’ he asked somewhat tersely.
    â€˜You do,’ I replied as confidently as I was able, fighting the sickening feelings in my belly.
    â€˜I only ask as you seem strained.’
    â€˜I fight a demon that wishes to fly forth in anger at you.’
    He had been staring intently through the open window but now spun to face me, quite surprised. ‘I should have not spoken so harshly to you before I departed for London but I do not think you understood the danger in which you placed yourself.’
    I did not reply, waiting instead for him to continue.
    â€˜I am glad to see that you have obeyed my instructions and continue to dress as a maiden.’
    I closed my eyes, unable to face his scrutiny as he took in my headdress, the ruffled cap and veil that barely covered the hair spilling out across my shoulders.
    â€˜Catherine, you have no reason to feel shame.’
    â€˜Perhaps, but you do,’ I whispered. ‘To lie with my maid, under the roof that I share was a sinful act.’
    His brows arched in astonishment. ‘Anaïs told you?’
    â€˜No, I saw you upon your bed. I feel that under the circumstances it would be inappropriate for me to accept your assistance or protection. I will pray for your soul and that of Anaïs on your departure to France, where your act of redemption will be the safe return of my sister to her French family.’ I waited for his reply, unsure of what his reaction would be and was not surprised by the curses that flew from his mouth, nor the slamming of his fist onto the tabletop. ‘Gillet, it is no longer appropriate for me to continue this discussion,’ I said, rising to my feet and turning to leave.
    â€˜No! Wait! I admit that I did lay with Anaïs but it was not my intent to do so or for you to be hurt by this knowledge. When I returned from Paris I was angry, disappointed, and I wanted nothing more than to forget. I have known your companion for many years. She was originally employed as a maid by my father. She has never hidden her feelings for me and in the past it has given me comfort to speak with her about my home. You see, I was forced to leave Gascogne and was lucky enough to be given into the employment of Mary St Pol. As fate would have it Anaïs had been transferred to the Abbey several years earlier.’
    â€˜Did Lady Mary know of your association?’
    â€˜No, I kept it hidden from her. At that time I only longed for conversation and a friendly face.’
    The inn was quiet, the room stilled by the steady flow of Gillet’s calming voice. ‘I could not have foreseen what was to occur between you and Salisbury and your flight with