Goddess of Legend (Goddess Summoning #7)(69)

Isabel stepped into the room and that was when Gwen realized Isabel was holding some sort of black garment in her hand. "How are you feeling this morning, Gwen?"

"I believe somewhat better," Gwen said. Which was a bit of a lie. In truth, other than a lingering tenderness in her chest, she felt just fine. However, as long as she was abed, she knew that Arthur would continue to visit her, and she might have time to change his mind.

'Twas not that she had stopped loving Lance. Truth was, she loved him desperately. But she feared the loss of her husband just as desperately.

She was being so very selfish, she knew. And deep inside she felt such shame. But since she had been so very young when Arthur had courted and then married her, she knew no other life. And fear of the unknown was a powerful thing.

"What have you there?" she asked, nodding at Isabel's hands.

"We'll visit that in a moment. I spoke with Tom this morning as we broke fast. He tells me that he sees no reason why you are not up and about by now."

"What business is it of yours?"

"Probably none. But the day-to-day running of Camelot is your business. And your servants are feeling lost without your steadying presence. They are concerned and confused. They need you, Gwen."

"You know this how?"

"During our daily recesses I hear things."

Gwen sat up further in her bed. "You have continued with the recesses without my consent?"

"You were in no shape to give consent."

"Does Arthur know about this?"

"He does. He has no objections. But the point is, your people miss you, Gwen. It would do them a world of good to see you up and about."

"Why has Arthur not voiced this opinion?"

"Because he is concerned for your health. He is not a healer. He doesn't know that, for whatever reason, you are staying abed long after you have needed to do so."

"But you do."

"Well, Tom does."

"My chest is still quite sore, and I hear I have you to thank for that."

"You're welcome."

"I did not mean that in a nice way."

"I knew that. I recognize sarcasm when I hear it."

Gwen knew she was being petty. In fact, she was aware that if not for this woman's ministrations, she might not have survived. She lowered her eyes. "I am so sorry. That was mean."

"No apologies necessary. I understand that illness tends to make people not themselves. You are a very nice woman, Gwen, with a big heart. I . . . we . . . that is Tom does not understand why you are not itching to get out of that bed and get back to the business of being queen."

"Why does this matter to you?"

"Because I hate to see your servants worry. They feel adrift without their queen's guiding hand."

"I will consider what you say. However, I would like to hear the same from Arthur's lips."

"Arthur is not going to demand that you get up. He also has his hands full preparing for the meeting of the knights. But he could certainly use your help in that matter."

Gwen nodded. "I see."

"There is also the matter of the wedding between James and Mary. Plans to be made. A menu to prepare. Tell me, is there nothing more fun than helping a bride to prepare for the most important day of her life?"

"'Tis a lot of fun," Gwen said.

"It sure is. Do you really want to miss out on that?"

Gwen cocked her head. "Tell me, Countess, why you have never married."

"I'm very picky."

"Does that mean you do not ever want to be wed?"

Isabel seemed to hesitate. "I don't rule anything out. Perhaps. Someday."

"Just waiting for the right man?"

"Something like that."

"All right, Countess, you have made your point and I have much to mull over. Now please tell me what is in your hands."

Isabel held up the black garment. "Your breeches."

Gwen nearly choked. "Breeches?"

"Yes, remember, right before you became ill, you had the seamstresses busy making breeches for the women?"

Gwen frowned. "Yes, yes, I have a vague memory of that."

"Well, these were made for you, in case you decide to join us at recess."

Rubbing her temples, Gwen asked, "Remind me again why we decided breeches for women was a good idea."

"So that they have more freedom during their morning recess. They do not have to worry about displaying more of their legs or worse while they play."

"Do you wear these breeches?"

Isabel grinned and lifted her skirts. Yes, indeed, she was sporting a pair of these things. She laid the pants at the foot of Gwen's bed. "We will be gathering in the bailey in a short while, should you decide to join us." She nodded her head and moved to leave.

"Isabel?"

She glanced over her shoulder. "Yes?"

"May I ask a favor?"

"Of course."

"Can you find Jenny and let her know I have need of her services?"

Isabel smiled. "Gladly. Welcome back, Gwen."

"Thank you."

"SO?" Mary asked as the women gathered round.

Isabel shrugged. "We shall see."