Read The Queen from Provence for Free Online Page B

point would there have been?
    ‘The Count of Ponthieu is eager for the match,’ went on Hubert, ‘and so I believe is his daughter. In fact, my lord, I have it on the best authority that they cannot believe their good fortune.’
    ‘This does not surprise me,’ answered Henry complacently. ‘Ponthieu is of no great moment when compared with England. It will be a grand match for the girl.’
    He smiled. He would enjoy being kind to his bride, showing her what a fine match she had made, letting her know that in every way he was her superior. How she would love him for showering such benefits upon her!
    ‘Hubert,’ he said, ‘I want you to press ahead with this marriage. There has been too much delay.’
    ‘It was my intention to do so, my lord,’ replied Hubert. ‘Rest assured that within a few weeks your bride will be here.’

    When Richard had returned to England his first duty was to present himself to his brother. Even as they had greeted each other they were both aware of the caution which had crept into their relationship. They had lost the trust they had once had. Since that day when Henry had quarrelled with Richard and had even thought of making him a prisoner, and Richard had gathered together some of the chief barons to side with him, Henry had been wary of his brother. From the very day he had ascended the throne in the manner of every baron about him had been the implication that he must remember what had happened to his father. Runnymede! The very word held a grim warning. It happened to King John; it could happen to you. The barons would never again let any King of England forget what a power they were. And when a King had an ambitious brother who had already shown himself capable of standing against him, he must indeed be cautious.
    Richard would never forget that, urged on by the Justiciar, Henry had once been on the point of arresting him and but for the loyalty of some of his servants and his own prompt action he might have found himself the King’s prisoner. He had been forced to arouse those barons who were watchful of the King and ready to side with him before he was able to feel free again. And although he and the King had become friends afterwards, such incidents left their mark.
    Richard was intensely aware of the rivalry between them. He himself could never forget that it was only the timing of their birth which had placed Henry in the superior position and he naturally thought that he would have made the better King. Henry was aware of his feelings and this did not endear him to his brother.
    Still, because of their close relationship they both knew that outright animosity between them would be uncomfortable for both of them.
    Henry was irritated because his matrimonial adventures had failed but at the same time pleased because Richard’s adventure in that direction, although positive, was far from satisfactory.
    ‘So, how did you fare?’ the King asked.
    ‘Well enough.’
    ‘And you make progress with your preparation? When shall you be leaving for the Holy Land?’
    ‘There is much yet to be done. It could be two years at least.’
    ‘So long! Well, you will have a little time with your wife before you go.’ The faint smile, the glance from under the drooping lid irritated Richard. There was no need for Henry to gloat. Richard knew he had made a mistake. But at least he had married and had a son to show for it.
    ‘The boy flourishes,’ he said with a hint of malice. Henry flinched. How he would have loved to have a son. ‘You must see him, Henry. After all he is named for you.’
    ‘I am happy to know all is well with him. I trust that ere long he will have a boy cousin.’
    ‘Ah, so the marriage plans are going ahead.’
    ‘We are still waiting for the return of the embassy. When they arrive I shall lose no time.’
    ‘I understand well. You have waited over long.’
    ‘Did you see Joanna when you were in Ponthieu?’
    ‘I did.’
    ‘And you thought her