Priceless

Part 14.

It was Eulalia's 17 th birthday. She didn't feel much inclined to celebrate it. Roderick had suddenly become the man of the house very much in charge and she had not been able to change his mind about Somerset. They would definitely be going.

Rosamond on the other hand was glowingly happy. Meinir and Eirian were now free and she herself had some news. She was pregnant and it was most likely that it was Guy's child. She went to her room and looked in her jewel box for Guy's token to her. No longer caring if the girl was a spy she asked her maid to take it to Lord Gisborne at the castle.

Wrapped in her cloak Rosamond waited at the tree for Guy. He came into view looking anxious as if afraid for her. As he took her in his arms he realised that she was very well. 'I have some wonderful news', it seemed to bubble from her. 'I'm going to have a baby, Guy, your baby. I can't pretend with Edmund any longer. When you take over Somersby I want to be with you'.

Guy left her in doubt that he wanted it too as he kissed her pulling her inside his coat for warmth. 'I don't know how we can persuade him to let you go though'.

He lifted her onto Pendragon and they rode back towards Bonchurch Lodge. Steward saw them approach together. Rosamond looked him fearlessly in the eye. ' Yes, go and tell your master that we wish to speak to him'.

Edmund was purple as he saw his wife holding Gisborne's hand. 'What is this game my Lady and what is that useless lump doing here?'

'This is not a game Edmund.' Rosamond's courage flaired in to life. 'Guy has been my lover for months now. He treats me with tenderness and respect, like a woman not a piece of property. I'm with child Edmund and if you work it out you'll see that Guy is the father. I fully intend to bring up my child with him at Somerby even if we have to live in what the Church calls sin'.

A howl of rage filled the air as Edmund drew his sword and lunged at Guy who pushed Rosamond behind him as he drew his own weapon.

Edmund was driven by rage and hatred but he was hopelessly out matched. Guy was not only younger and fitter but a much better swordsman with much more practice. Both men were wounded but the end did not come by a sword.
Edmund was very much overweight got very little exercise and drank heavily, this coupled with his extreme rage put too great a strain on his heart and he fell to the ground clutching his chest. By the time a physician was brought he was gone.

For decency sake Guy left Rosamond to her period of widow's mourning at Bonchurch for the next few weeks. The staff all knew however that their lady had little cause to mourn her husband and that she was looking forward to marrying her Knight in Black leather.

She went to Somersby for the birth of Eulalia and Roderick's baby. They had a little girl named Maria which was her mother's middle name. Little Maria was christened after 3 days with her Aunt as Godmother.

Roderick took his sister's hand. I want to see you settled before I take my family to Somerset. I think it is time that Gisborne made an honest woman of you, it will be good to know that a Somersby will still be here.


The wedding took place at the village church. Roderick was quite insistent that as his father in law and Guy's former employer Vasey should be there. A message was sent to Meinir and Eirian in Leicester and Roderick sent a carriage so they could travel in comfort for the wedding.
They brought a gold necklace Meinir had made as a wedding gift. It was wonderful to be able to openly invite their friends Lord and Lady Gisborne to visit them for a purely social visit.

Roderick had no qualms about telling his staff and tenants that Lord and Lady Gisborne were now in charge of the estate. He, his wife and daughter would be leaving in 2 weeks time.

Rosamond got her brother and her husband together. 'Roderick I have a gift I wish to give to my Lord. Guy has told me many secrets about himself that I shall take to the grave with me but there is one thing I can tell you. Guy once promised his Mother to restore his family seat of Gisborne.

May we rename Somersby so he may keep his promise. Roderick smiled. Guy is Lord of this manor now he may call it what he wishes.

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Rosamond gave birth to a son named Henry and later to a daughter Elisabeth and another son called Peter.

In due course Henry Gisborne became Lord of the Manor of Gisborne-Somersby.

The End