Enemy of My Enemy

Isabellaughed, and replied, “Oh my. Mayhap...”

Shewas cut off, when a knock sounded on the door. In response to Brant’s command,the door opened. A serf entered with a tray of food, followed by Beautrice,with Nathaniel and Ha

“Nathanielwants ‘is mother, I think. He ‘as been fussy. Ha

Isabelhad tried to nurse the infant, but he had fallen asleep. She let the littlegirl see the babe a few minutes, then when Rosamundreturned, Beautrice took Ha

Theparents, with a little help from their eldest son, tried the food from the traythat had been brought in, until Nathaniel laid downbetween them, to nap. After a short discussion, it was decided that the infantwould be named Eric, after his grandfather. With that decision made, Brantmoved the tray to the table, in the antechamber. Then, he went to look at theinfant in the cradle for a minute more, before going down to the hall. A shorttime later, Isabel was sound asleep, beside Nathaniel.

Brantreturned to the Solar, less than an hour later. He had gone down to the hall,to have a couple of tankards of ale, with his knights. They all congratulatedhim, on the birth of his second son. Once back in the chamber, he sat at theedge of the bed, watching the woman and lad, who lay there asleep.

Twoyears ago at this time, he had been pla

Herecalled how angry he had been, when he was told he would be held prisoneruntil he married her, to protect her from his enemy. However, most marriageswere arranged by families, frequently between couples who knew little, ornothing, about each other. Brant smiled, thinking about his decision to goalone with his captors, purely to move her forces into his camp, and weaken hisenemy. He had no intention at the time, of having anything to do with the girl.He had not even looked at her, during their wedding, believing he wantednothing to do with her. Brant still did not know, exactly what had sent herinto his jail, pretending to be a pretty young serf. He was sure though, thatshe had sealed her fate with that decision, at least in his mind. The lad, whowas begi

Thatwas the problem. He was not sure, what he had to say about it. Many people hadgone to great effort, to aid and protect, Isabel. Yet, he could find noexplanation as to why, they would expend that effort. Brant had his people and allies,get him all the information that was to be had, about his wife. There was noknown co

Nathanielraised his head, and Brant picked the child up, before he woke his mother. A

Chapter 20

Isabelentered the hall carrying Eric, with Rosamund, and Nathaniel, following her in.Twas a beautiful mid May afternoon. Nathaniel waswalking by himself, though he fell quite a bit.

Itwould have been a nearly perfect day, except for the message Isabel hadreceived from her mother. A

“Eric is not my grandson, he is Brant's child,” A

 “Mother, we havetwo children. In a few months, it will be two years that we have been wed,”Isabel had pointed out. “That temporary arrangement went out the window, a longtime ago.”

“Nonsense.You just need to meet some other men. You will find someone acceptable, in notime,” A

“That is laughable, Mother,” Isabel said. “Did I wantto leave Brant, which I do not, I would likely find mysuitors to be a few men who desperately, want my money. Mayhap,a few who need an heir, considering how easily I conceived Nathaniel, and Eric.Most, would only be looking for a mistress, unless youare pla

“Is that what he is telling you? That you will notfind another, if you leave him?” A

“Brant has not said anything about this, other thanthat our sons will grow up here,” Isabel said. “I intend to stay here, and seethat. There is no point in trying to reason with you, Mother. You just will notlisten.”

“I will not let you remain with that man who isresponsible, at least in some part, for your sire’s death. Were it not for hisdamn war, there would have been no need for his protection,” A

“I ca

“I will not allow it,” A

Isabel had thrown up her hands, and walked away atthis point. Trying to reason with A

Isabelwas pretty happy with her current situation, except for her mother. As Esmecame downstairs, she thought, Brant’s sister is the one who needs to go toLondon, to try to meet an eligible young man. The girl was now one and sixyears old, with a birthday approaching at summer's end. As an heiress, Esmeshould have some opinion, in possible betrothal’s.Although, marrying a complete stranger, had not worked out all that awfully,for Isabel. At least, not yet. Though she had toadmit, she still worried a little, that Brant might try to separate her fromher two sons.