Page 117 of Lionheart

"Speakfreely," Lionheart said. "I can think no less of you than I donow."

"Yourfather was as deeply in debt back then as he was when he died. He soldeverything, leaving you naught but your name. He turned to King Henry forsupport, becoming one of his courtiers, accepting whatever crumbs the kingdoled out. But it was not enough to support his extravagant way of life."

Vanoramust have noted how hoarse her voice had become, for she poured a goblet ofwine and handed it to the older woman. Lady Barbara took a sip, then continued.

"Youmay find this hard to believe, son, but I swear 'tis the truth. You were but ayear old when your father sought to ... sell my services to his friends. Hethought it a perfect solution to his lack of funds."

SomehowLionheart could believe it of his father. "Continue."

"Irefused, of course, but your father was adamant. One night he locked me in mychamber and sent up a man who had paid him to ... to use me."

She beganto weep softly, without making a sound. The silent tears coursing down hercheeks affected Lionheart more deeply than her words.

"Whathappened?"

"Ifought when he tried to force me. I fought for my honor, my pride, for my verylife. I... hit the man with a poker, and at first I thought I had killedhim."

The tearskept falling. She dug into her sleeve for a handkerchief and fought forcontrol. "When your father learned what I had done, he realized I wouldnot be so easily managed and beat me senseless. I awakened in a convent withoutany memory of what had transpired. The first years were easy, for I knew notwho I was and prayer seemed to bring me solace.

"Butas the days and weeks passed, I felt as if something was missing from my life.Two years later my memory returned, and I tried to leave to find you.Apparently, the abbess informed your father of my recovery, for he visited meat the convent and threatened to kill you should I attempt to see you or reportwhat had been done to me. You see," she whispered, "he had alreadyspread the story that I had fled with a lover."

"Howtragic," Vanora whispered.

"SinceI had nowhere to go, I remained at the convent until the abbess informed methat Sir Robert de Coeur was dead. Free at last, I contacted friends I had notseen in years. They gave me funds to travel to England to find you. Naught inmy life was more important than finding my son and making amends."

Lionheartsaid naught as he regarded his mother through shuttered lids. "You musthave feared Father greatly."

"HaveI disillusioned you, my son? Did you love your father?"

"Ihated him," Lionheart said darkly. "He was no father to me. I saw himinfrequently after I was fostered, and not at all after I earned myspurs."

LadyBarbara seemed to breathe easier after Lionheart's admission, but she appearedsmall and fragile and pathetic beneath the weight of her sad memories.

She arosewith effort, seeming older than her years. Her eyes were riveted on Lionheart'sface, as if memorizing his features. "You are more handsome than Iimagined, everything a mother could want in a son. Thank you for hearing meout."

"Whereare you going?" Lionheart asked.

"Tothe chapel. I want to thank God for giving me a son who rose above his father'scruelty to become the man you are today." She smiled at Vanora. "Youare just the kind of woman I always wished for my son. Tell my grandchildren Ishall love them just as I have loved their father all these years."

"Youmay tell them yourself. . . Mother," Lionheart said.

"Thankyou, Lionheart," Vanora said quietly.

Incrediblejoy suffused Lady Barbara's face. "Oh, my son, I have been praying forthis day. Not one moment passed during the last twenty-five years that I didnot yearn for your love, wondering what kind of man you had become under yourfather's tutelage. I thank God for guiding you over the years, and for givingyou Vanora to love." She sent him a shy smile. "May I hug you?"

Lionheartopened his arms, and his mother walked into them. They remained thus for a longtime, until they regained their composure.

"Youare welcome to stay as long as you like, Mother," Lionheart said. "Iam sure Vanora will be glad for your company."

"Itwill please me to have you on hand to welcome your first grandchild into theworld," Vanora said.

"Aye,I will stay, but Only until your child arrives. After that, I will make do withoccasional visits. I do not want to interfere in your lives. 'Tis enough toknow that my son has accepted me into his life again. Now if you will excuseme, I still intend to visit the chapel. Nearly a lifetime of prayer is adifficult habit to break."

After LadyBarbara took her leave, Vanora flew into Lionheart's arms. "You have madetwo women very, very happy. I am so proud of you, Lionheart. It took courage toadmit you were mistaken about the woman who birthed you. Your mother was aninnocent victim of your father's cruelty, but you suffered as well."

"Thesuffering was naught compared to how I felt when I thought I had lost you toDaffid, or when I realized you were the White Knight and how close I came tokilling you. That was true suffering. I love you with my whole heart,vixen."

Vanoragave him a blissful smile. "Like your name, you possess the heart of alion, but even lions love. Take me to bed, Lionheart. Hold me and never let mego."