Priceless

Part 2

Sheriff Vasey stood watching a beautiful dark haired girl preening in front of him in a new dress. She was so lovely sometimes he could hardly believe she was his.

This was one of the rare occasions when he didn't regard a woman as scum.
This was his daughter. Illegitimate but no less a person for that he believed, regardless of how Norman law discriminated against those born out of wedlock.

Her name was Eulalia and she would be 16 in 3 weeks time. She had been the surprise result of an unexpectedly enjoyable liaison with a Spanish noblewoman. She had been feisty and fiery, with a voracious sexual appetite.

Like Vasey she also had a penchant for her own sex, they had enjoyed several threesomes during their time.

When she had returned to Spain and her husband, she had discovered she was pregnant. Given the timing it had to be Vasey, she wrote to tell the expectant father, but emphasised that her husband had decided to bring up the child as his own.

When she gave birth to a daughter, , her husband was not best pleased. As soon as the child (christened Eulalia) reached 5, he had her sent to be educated at a convent, ensuring it was one where she could learn English. The idea being that when she was 12 years old, she should go to her father in England. Eulalia's mother gave birth in the meantime to 2 sons, which had their proud father preening like a peacock.

Eulalia knew where she was not wanted. It hurt her to think she was put aside so easily. She was determined to make the best of her future however, so went to England relishing the adventure.

When Vasey saw that his daughter was a beauty and had already learned to be devious and manipulative, he welcomed her. He had not the slightest improving influence on her. She became horribly spoiled and her doting 'Papa' positively encouraged her less pleasant attributes.

As her 16th birthday approached, he organised a feast for her, inviting the top nobility in three counties. This was in part so that he could seek out a husband for the girl.
She was maturing at an alarming rate. She was still a virgin he believed, knowing it was her trump card in the marriage game, but she had many admirers. This might not have been so bad but for where Eulalia's eye was currently trained.

She had a huge crush on her father's Master at arms, Guy of Gisborne.
A tall, well built, man in his mid thirties. Dark, handsome and with a delicious masculine sexiness. Thankfully Vasey had nothing to worry about on Gisborne's part. He didn't do little girls.

Eulalia however had her father's philosophy of 'if I want it I'll do whatever it takes to get it'. Best to find her a husband as soon as possible.


Edmund , Earl of Bonchurch had spent a fruitless week searching for his runaway villein Meinir. He had reduced poor Eirian to more tears by interrogating her, refusing to believe that her betrothed had not told her where he was going. Bonchurch's own men had scoured been looking on the roads to London, the coast and Wales, to no avail.

Sheriff Vasey and Edmund were old (for want of a better term) friends. Vasey's help was therefore to be expected in getting his 'friend's' villein back. The lad was a good worker and as a goldsmith he was highly gifted. Edmund had every intention of getting the last drop of value out of the lad, after he had flogged him raw.

Guy found himself put in charge of Vasey's contingent of the search party. Himself and 8 of his men. Privately Guy was not convinced that this was a worthwhile use of manpower and time. Dammit, the lad could be anywhere and with a master like Bonchurch, who could blame him for running. Guy as lord of Locksley was hardly liked or respected, but he was not in Bonchurch's league of unpleasantness.

Guy also felt huge sympathy with the young wife Bonchurch had taken 6 months ago now. He was not of Guy's belief that a woman was just as entitled as a man to have pleasure in the marital bed.

Any woman who took his fancy risked finding herself ravished. No doubt his poor wife dreaded his coming to her bed at night.

To the task in hand however, thought Guy. He had his orders, however bloody stupid he thought them.

For another week, the combined forces of Bonchurch's and Guy's men scoured the most likely routes Meinir could have taken. When Guy returned to Bonchurch Lodge after another fruitless day at the end of the week, he finally spoke his mind.
'With the greatest respect my Lord, it is unlikely we will find your runaway like this. My guess is that he will try to work his way to freedom, in a charter town. I would recommend that we return to normal duties and ensure we have eyes and ears in any charter town we encounter'.

Bonchurch had no wish to let his man go, but he was forced to admit that Gisborne had a valid point. Besides he had another more pressing matter for
Vasey's man to deal with.

His young wife Lady Rosamond had gone to her family in Somersby near Lincoln because her mother had been ill. She had recovered, but it was only likely to be temporary. Bonchurch now wanted his lady back at home, begrudging any time she spent away from her duty as his wife.
Normally her twin brother would escort her back, but on this occasion there were matters at home to be attended to and he could not spare the time. Bonchurch didn't trust his own guard with his woman, so he asked Guy to provide an escort.

The ride to Lincoln was a pleasant one, thought Guy and he welcomed a reason to avoid Vasey's spoiled brat daughter who was trying to be alluring with him.

He sent a messenger ahead to Somersby, to ask for hospitality for the night before returning tomorrow with the lady, give her another night with her family, before the prison doors closed again.

As Guy and his men arrived they were greeted by the lord of the manor. He couldn't have been more than 25 years old. Tall and slim yet wiry. he had the sort of handsomeness that could be thought girlish, particularly his big blue eyes with long lashes. His air of quiet authority was highly impressive and his hair was very distinctive, thick and the dark red of a copper beech.

'Sir Guy,' he held out a hand, his voice pleasant, but with firmness to it. 'Roderick of Somersby. I'm sure your men would like to go to the kitchens for some dinner and will you join my sister and myself.'

He led the way to the great hall. ' Will your lady be joining us my Lord?' Guy enquired. 'I'm not yet married'. Roderick replied. 'I've been too busy unfortunately. I believe we are 2 bachelor's together'. Guy nodded but did not elaborate.

Roderick spoke again. 'May I ask a favour of you Sir Guy. ' Will you be a friend to my sister. At Bonchurch she has no one, except for her maid Eirian who is fiercely loyal. Edmund is foul. I was not happy at giving Rosamond to him,but I had little choice. He treats her horribly, she's terrified of him and he's crushing her spirit.
He treats his dogs and horses better than he treats her, or any of his servants or tenants.'

Guy looked at the young Lord. He clearly cared deeply for his sister. He had not elaborated on why he had been forced to give her to Bonchurch. This was only a detail however. Bonchurch was not keeping his side of the bargain, that was obvious and Guy for all his faults believed in the sanctity of the marriage vows. He held out a hand to Roderick. 'You have my word, I will be a friend to your sister, if she will allow me to.'

Guy fell silent and stood up mesmerised, as the most beautiful woman he had ever seen entered the room. she could only have been Roderick's twin sister, Rosamond Countess of Bonchurch. The same copper beech hair as her brother flowed over her shoulders and she had the same huge long lashed eyes. Her skin was creamy and she had a sweet pink mouth, which smiled at Guy.

' I beg your pardon for my lateness. Mother needed me'. Roderick introduced Guy to her. Rosamond felt a thrill as she looked at this dazzlingly attractive man, the journey home would not be quite so bad after all.

Guy spoke to Rosamond. 'I believe you will be pleased to learn that your husband's missing villein has not yet been found. Your husband asked the sheriff to give help in the search. I was put in charge of our party'.

Rosamond looked at him not sure what his thought s were. 'I make no secret of my sympathies sir. Meinir was treated shabbily by my husband. Not the behaviour one should see in a gentleman'. Meinir has taken nothing that was not promised to him. The law may say that he is a criminal, and as a man of law I suppose you have your duty. I on the other hand see my husband as the criminal here'. She faced Guy fearlessly. The man's face was un readable.

Roderick wisely changed the subject and they talked of other things during the meal.

As they finished. The steward came in saying there was a messenger wanting to see the Countess. Rosamond gave a small secret smile. ' I 'll speak with him and then if you'll excuse me gentlemen, I 'll go to my room. I need my sleep for tomorrow.' She held out a hand to Guy. I'm pleased to have met you Sir Guy. I'm sure we'll get on well. Good night to you'.

She led the messenger into the solar. 'I hope I've guessed your mission right'.

'He's in Leicester, milady'. The look on her face telling him she understood the enigma. ' Will you give him my good wishes then and say that 'she' sends her love. Do you have a token for me?' She continued, still watchful.

The messenger gave her a bundle wrapped in sacking. Rosamond looked inside and was well content. She paid the messenger and asked the steward to give him a meal and find him a bed for the night.

In her chambers, Rosamond drew Eirian into her dressing room, carefully
closing the door before she spoke. 'I have the news we've been praying for'.
She opened the bundle on the bed and Eirian, with happy tears in her eyes looked at a welsh love spoon. ' It's so beautiful'. she sighed. Do we know where he is My Lady?' Rosamond spoke one word, into the girl's ear
'Leicester'.

The next move was to get Eirian to Meinir. Rosamond had a plan already. Eulalia's birthday feast would provide cover for the girl to at least get away from Nottingham. Robin Hood had also offered to provide her with an escort at least part of the way.

Well content the 2 women retired for the night.

Roderick, bade farewell to his sister, saying he would see her at the feast.

As it was a warm day, Guy suggested that Rosamond and Eirian might like to ride. Eirian sat behind one of the guards and Guy lifted Rosamond onto his own horse, climbing up behind her. He was not going to pass over the chance to sit close to a beautiful woman.

They rode in silence for a few miles, then Rosamond spoke ' Tell me Sir Guy, is all I hear about you true?' Guy thought for a moment. 'That depends madam on what you've heard'. Rosamond chuckled. 'Quite a mixture. That you are a sadistic,vicious bully and also that you are a quite magnificent lover'. 'All true then madam', Guy replied.

His turn to question now. ' Your brother told me your marriage is not good. Given Bonchurch's reputation with women, no surprise. I'm interested to know why your brother let you marry the man. He told me he had little choice. I find it hard to believe'.

Rosamond sighed deeply. 'Our late father was a womaniser,a heavy drinker and a gambler ( depressingly similar to my husband). He was a totally useless gambler however, which meant he lost more than he won. He died in terrible debt. Poor Roderick was left to pay. Father left sufficient money to pay the biggest debts, the rest Roderick had to work hard to raise the money for them.

After 3 years the only outstanding money was to Edmund of Bonchurch. He had been a 'friend' of Father's so we thought he might be more lenient.

We were wrong of course. He became very impatient. Finally he gave Roderick a way out. My hand in marriage to wipe out the remaining debt.

Roderick didn't want to do it, I knew though that if he became bankrupt, landing in a debtor's gaol. My marriage chances would be ruined anyway. Mud sticks and my brother would always be tainted, so I agreed to the marriage.

Edmund treats me worse than he might because I am no more than property to him.

He says I am a whore, selling my body to pay Roderick's debt.' Guy felt her body shake with tears. He put his lips against her hair, leaning down to her ear.
'I promised your brother to be a friend to you. Will you let me?'

Rosamond sighed, it came from her very depths. 'You can do nothing to help me. The law, that you up hold, is on Edmund's side and I went into this with my eyes open. Just the same, I would welcome your friendship Guy, that I do need.'

As they arrived at Bonchurch, Edmund came out to re claim his wife. There was no affection in his greeting, even less in hers.

Edmund was not oblivious however to the tender warmth with which she looked at Gisborne as he helped her down, nor the way the sheriff's man held her waist as though she were a priceless treasure, a few seconds longer than necessary.

Rosamond would pay for this tonight.

TBC