The Silent Touch of Shadows by Christina Courtenay Page B

multitude of brightly coloured cushions and tapestries. Most of these had been made by the ladies of the household, and the latest work in progress was spread out on a large table nearby. It was a room to relax in, and Sibell allowed herself to do so for the first time in months.
    ‘I’m afraid things are not going well.’ After glancing around to make sure there was no one to overhear their conversation, she proceeded to pour her troubles into Maude’s sympathetic ears. ‘Since I last saw you, my father has kept me closely guarded. Indeed, for the past three days I’ve been locked in my chamber with hardly any food.’ Sibell swallowed hard. ‘That was after he beat me.’ She looked up at the older woman, tears of despair hovering on her lashes. ‘He-he means to m-marry me to Sir Fulke of Thornby. The man is old enough to be my grandfather, and known to have abused at least three wives into an early grave.’ Sibell shuddered in distaste before exclaiming, ‘I simply couldn’t bear it. I’d rather die.’
    Maude patted her arm. ‘It is as I thought, he will sell you off to the highest bidder in order to increase his own status.’ She tut-tutted. ‘Sir Fulke is indeed a bad choice, but I suppose your father was swayed by the man’s connections and wealth. I’ve heard that he is very powerful.’ She shook her head. ‘Life is most unfair, especially for us women. To an uncaring father, a girl child is but a chattel to be sold into marriage or made use of in any way he sees fit.’ Maude sighed. ‘I had hoped he would make a better choice for you.’
    ‘I almost agreed to the marriage,’ Sibell confessed. ‘Being confined in such a tiny space for so long was simply unbearable. I felt as if I couldn’t breathe, and I was afraid he would keep me there until he had my agreement.’ She swallowed a sob and bit her lip. ‘He refuses to listen to me. He says that my views are not important, that I will become used to Sir Fulke. And once I have given him an heir he won’t touch me anyway because I’m so tall and freckle-faced. But I don’t want him to touch me at all. Ever!’
    ‘No, I can most certainly understand that, my dear.’ Maude gave Sibell another reassuring pat. ‘Don’t worry, we’ll try to think of something. You know I’ll help you in any way I can.’
    ‘You will? Oh, thank you! I’m so glad we had this opportunity to talk. Now that I know I’m not alone, I won’t let Father win. I will find a way to defy him.’ She would do whatever was necessary. ‘Thank the good Lord your summons came today. Nothing else would have induced Father to release me until he had my agreement.’
    ‘I’m so sorry, my dear, I had no idea things were that bad. We should have insisted on you staying here after   … when we heard the news about Roland. Gilbert and I both thought you’d be happier with your own family, rather than in a place which reminded you of your marriage, but I see now we were wrong.’
    ‘I’m sure you did what you thought was best.’ Sibell didn’t want to admit that she’d longed for Sir Gilbert to insist she stay at Idenhurst until a new husband was found for her. At least then her father would have had more trouble browbeating her into submission, even if he did have the right to wed her to anyone he chose.
    ‘Well, it’s not too late. Why don’t I invite you now?’
    ‘No, please don’t! Father will know I’ve spoken to you on the matter and then he’ll find a way to punish me. He’s forbidden me from mentioning it to anyone.’
    ‘Hmm.’ Lady Maude stared out of the window, deep in thought. ‘Do you know, I believe your best course would be to go along with it for now, just to appease him,’ she mused. ‘While he’s busy with contracts and such like, we can think of a better solution.’
    ‘You truly think so?’
    Maude nodded. ‘Of course.’
    ‘I don’t know   … If only I’d had a child, then I would have had to stay here, surely?’ Her