CHAPTER XVIII
SQUIRE GEOFFREY
"Welcome, Geoffrey. I bring thee good tidings," exclaimed Oswald, slipping from his saddle and embracing his friend and tried comrade.
It was a month after Geoffrey's home-coming, but during that period much had taken place.
The Lady Bertha had warmly welcomed her son, whom she had almost given up as lost. Concerning Sir Oliver her anxieties were greatly relieved, since she now knew that he had effected his escape from the clutches of the Lord of Malevereux. Sir Raoul d'Aulx, her husband's captor, she also realized to be an upright and gentle knight, in whose hands Sir Oliver would be sure of honourable treatment. The loss of Taillemartel she regarded with equanimity, since the fief was ever a source of anxiety and trouble.
"Taking all things into account, Geoffrey," said the châtelaine, "I have much to be thankful for. Next to thy father's life his liberty is most to be desired, but for the nonce I must rest content. But, another matter: since it is our noble King's pleasure to lead an army into France, it is the duty of his loyal subjects to make sacrifices to that end. Had thy father been here he would gladly have placed himself at the head of his retainers and led them to the rendezvous at Southampton. Since that is impossible, and that our men and archers must go nevertheless, 'tis fitting that, as thy father's heir, thou should'st lead them. Now, art willing to do so? Remember, unless thy heart be in thy work 'tis labour in vain."
"Madame, such is my ardent desire," replied Geoffrey, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
"I expected no other answer, my son. Go, and may the saints protect thee. Of the nineteen men-at-arms, fifteen are to join the King's army; of the thirty and seven archers I purpose keeping but five. Thus the quota provided by the Manor of Warblington will number forty-seven men under Oswald and thyself, too few to form an independent company. Therefore I have asked Sir Thomas Carberry to allow our men to muster under his banner. If he be willing—and I have no doubt to the contrary—his reply will be forthcoming ere night, for Oswald hath ridden over to Portchester this morn."
"I crave thy patience on a small yet weighty matter, mother," exclaimed Geoffrey. "What is thy wish concerning Jean?"
"The Norman fisher-lad whom thou hast brought overseas? 'Twould be unseemly to send him back to France with thee. I have already spoken to the lad, and, by St. George, he is no patriot. Doubtless he finds himself well treated here, for with tears in his eyes he besought me to keep him here at Warblington. Therefore 'tis my purpose to place him under the charge of Herbert the falconer, since for a Norman peasant lad he showeth great promise."
"On that score, then, my mind is easy," replied Geoffrey. "And now tell me, when do we set out for Southampton?"