Her anger was what saved him. He was still fighting the great longing in his heart, a longing now that cried out to him to clutch her in his arms, to tell her how madly happy he was to see her again, to find her safe and well. And if she had shown tears or begged him to take her side in this matter, he might easily have given way. Then, in spite of all determinations, his errand of trust had likely come to failure at the last. But her wrathful rebellion against the orders of the King helped him play his part of sternness and duty. Showing an anger of his own to cover other feelings, he suddenly turned and looked her full in the eye.
‘Very well, my Lady. If you would put it so, you must not blame me for the consequences. You force me to place you under arrest.’
For one moment she stared back at him defiantly. Then she ran swiftly to the convent gate and pulled at something that hung beside the door. Instantly a bell clanged out into the stillness of the night. Its ringing dwindled slowly, then came to rest in silence.
‘Your Ladyship has saved me the trouble,’ said Giles. ‘I was about to do that myself.’
His surprising words seemed to change her mood a little.
‘But you don’t understand,’ she cried. ‘You know nothing of my reasons for—’
Quickly he interrupted her.
‘It is not my business to learn your reasons. Those you can tell to the King. My orders were only to find you and bring you back.’
From within the courtyard behind the wall they heard hurrying footsteps—then the rattle of bolts. The heavy gate swung slowly inwards. In the opening stood a Sister, peering out at them with a lantern in her hand. Giles immediately stepped forward.
‘May I speak with the Mother Abbess?’ he asked.