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progress.
Isolde was silent. In truth, her heart was beating so fast that she could find neither
the breath nor the words to answer him.
 You are to meet your husband quite soon, the bishop told her.  I have come to take
you to his home, which is not more than thirty leagues from here. He has but recently
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Anne Ireland
returned from court, and wishes to bring forward the time of your marriage.
 I am to be married at once? Isolde felt sick with fear.  But it was not to be for
another year.
 You are fifteen, quite old enough to be a wife, the bishop said.  I would have
granted you another year of study with the Sisters, but Sir Henry grows impatient for
his bride. He is five and twenty and feels the need to secure his heir. Especially as it
seems His Majesty, the King would make war against the French. Sir Henry is one of
Edward's most trusted followers and must fight at his side, but if he should die without
issue during the coming campaign, his name dies with him. I have therefore acceded to
his request.
Isolde looked beyond him to the Abbess. Only a miracle could save her from this
unwelcome marriage, for even if she were to send a message to Robin, she doubted he
could do anything to stop it. Lord Mortimer still lived, and while he lived, his son must
obey him.
 Before you take Isolde from us, I believe you should discover whether or not she
has a vocation for the Church, Mother Margaret said.  If she wishes to give her life to
God, then neither you nor Sir Henry can deny her.
Bishop Walden's eyes narrowed in annoyance. They were so intense that Isolde
shivered, feeling as if they might pierce her very soul.
 Is this true? he asked.  Do you wish to offer your life in the service of God? Speak
now, Isolde of Lynston, or accept the destiny I have ordered for you.
Isolde was torn by indecision. She had been happy here, yet she longed for life, for
freedom. And if she gave herself to Christ, she would never see Robin again.
 Speak, girl!
 I cannot answer you, my lord, Isolde said at last.  I do not know what God wants
of me, so I must submit to your will.
 Then you do not have a vocation, the bishop said, well satisfied.  You are a good
Christian woman, I make no doubt of that, but you can be devout as a wife. Indeed, you
must, for Sir Henry will expect it. He smiled at her.  Make your farewells, Isolde. We
shall leave within the hour.
 May I see Sister Bertha before I leave?
 Yes. There can be no harm in that, but be brief.
Isolde turned away. She felt sad to be leaving her friend, but she believed it was right
she should go. In her heart, she did not feel the life of a nun was right for her. She was
not modest enough.
Sister Bertha was lying with her eyes closed when she entered the tiny cubicle that
was her cell. It was very cold, icicles forming on the bars of the window.
 Are you sleeping, Sister?
 No, just thinking. Sister Bertha looked at her.  So you are leaving us. I had hoped
you would stay. There is no one to take my place when I die. No one who understands,
as you do.
 But you have Sister Anne and the others.
 They do not see as you do, Bertha said.  I have lived by the rules, doing my best to
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Trial by Fire
ease pain where I can, but you make people well again, Isolde. I have seen it with my
own eyes. Felt it in my heart. You do not believe in submitting to an unkind fate. There
are times when I too have rebelled.
Isolde stared at her.  But you have always said it was a sin to try and save life, that
we must only ease pain. You told me it was only if God willed it, we were able to heal.
 I was wrong, Bertha said.  I would have taken the sleeping juice, but you would
not let me die. I shall recover and I shall help those I can. But you could have done
more.
 I want to help the sick, Isolde said,  but I want to live in the world, Bertha. I cannot
help myself. I want to know the love of a man.
 As I did once. Bertha smiled at her surprise.  I was not always a nun. I did not
come to it as a vocation, as Mother Margaret. I discovered men are faithless creatures. I
was left alone, deserted by a lover who used me ill and then deserted me. I would have
starved had the Sisters not taken me in. I have always been grateful for their care of me
and I have served the best way I could. You would be safe here, Isolde, I fear for you
when you leave here. Such beauty as yours is a curse. I fear it will bring you to grief.
 I wish I could stay, Isolde said, tears starting to her eyes.  But there is someone I
love. If I stay here, I shall never see him again.
 Is he the man you are to wed? Isolde shook her head and the nun looked sad.
 Then you will suffer for that love.
 Perhaps. Even so, I cannot stay.
 Then go with God, Isolde. I shall remember you in my prayers.
 And I, you. Isolde bent to kiss her.  I love you, Bertha. I think you are the only
person I have ever loved except Robin.
 Is that his name?
 Yes. Isolde smiled.  We played together as children. We always loved one another.
I think perhaps we always shall, no matter what happens to us in this life.
 Take care, Isolde. I see danger for you in this love.
 I have always known that, Isolde admitted.  Yet I cannot let it go, try as I may to
be dutiful. I must meet my destiny, whatever that may be. I fear it, yet it draws me on.
 Then go, Bertha said.  My thoughts go with you and my blessing.
Isolde was reluctant to leave her, but she knew she could delay her departure no
longer. Bishop Walden would be growing impatient.
As she walked from the cell, she heard something and glanced back. Sister Anne was [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]