“Aye, we will,” Geoffrey answered for her.
“We go home ourselves,” FitzAlan said. “Perhaps we can travel together as far as London.”
“I am leaving, as well,” Stephen said beside her.
The tightness that had been around Isobel’s heart like a vise eased a bit. She would not have to say good-bye to Stephen until they reached London, and that would take at least a week.
“You travel to England?” Robert’s tone was casual, as if this were a matter of little concern. “To Northumberland to claim the Carleton lands?”
Northumberland! Why, they would journey together for two or three weeks. If Stephen remained in Northumberland, she might even see him at gatherings from time to time.
“I stay to fight with the king,” Stephen said. “I am taking command of William’s men.”
Isobel’s stomach gave a lurch.
“I must bid you all adieu now,” Stephen said. “We march at dawn.”
March? At dawn? Isobel felt herself sway on her feet.
As Stephen left her side, she felt a rush of cold where his hand had rested on her arm.
Stephen and FitzAlan slapped each other’s backs.
“I know you will watch over Jamie for us,” FitzAlan said and pulled Stephen into a fierce bear hug.
Jamie was leaving, as well? Would she have no chance to bid him good-bye?
Lady Catherine fell into Stephen’s arms, weeping openly. “Promise me you will come back. Promise.”
“Give my love to the children,” Stephen said and kissed her cheek.
After saying his farewells to Robert and Geoffrey, Stephen returned to stand in front of Isobel. His eyes were soft as he took her hands.
“Isobel, I wish you every happiness.”
“You have a command, as you wanted,” she said, her voice cracking.
“I told you what I want.” He attempted a smile, but his heart was not in it.
He gave her hands a final squeeze and was gone.
Isobel flung the water jug against the wall. It bounced instead of smashing to bits, giving her no satisfaction at all.
Now that she finally had what she wanted, why was she not happy?
She paced the small bedchamber until her legs ached. Finally, she crawled onto the bed and lay on her back. The bed curtains encased her like a tomb. Tears of frustration slid down the sides of her face and into her hair, making her head itch.
If not for Stephen, she would be content. Nay, she would be overjoyed! He had taken that away from her.
What did he mean, telling her he wanted her and then leaving? She pounded her fists against the bed. And then she cried in earnest until her head ached and her throat was parched.
The door opened with no warning knock. A moment later, someone jerked the bed curtain back with a snap and thrust a candle in her face.
“How can you be so foolish!”
Lady Catherine. Could the woman not leave her to her misery? Isobel locked her arms over her eyes.
The mattress sank as Lady Catherine sat on the bed.