In the soft evening light, as the moon threaded its way through an open window, alighting on Katherine's fair hair spread out on the pillow, Richard sighed with blissful contentment. The early part of his married life had been all he could have hoped for. The beautiful woman still young and tender lying beside him, proving to be a loving and dutiful wife. He knew she had much to learn, but was as willing a wife as he was a patient husband to her.
Since before and after their marriage, Richard had learned much of her younger life. Her mother having died five years earlier when Katherine was only thirteen and at that time, her father was heartbroken, for it had been a successful match, but after her sudden illness and consequent death, was left alone to make a good marriage for Katherine, seeking out a husband of his choice. Before meeting Richard, Katherine was betrothed to Philip; nevertheless, Philip had died during a hunting accident, breaking his neck falling off a horse. It had been a great shock to Katherine, specially in the absence of her mother. As she grew older, able to accept the fact her mother would never return, maintained a caring supportive relationship with her father. She was intelligent and practical, with the ability to overcome such loss when Philip died. Richard sometimes wondered if indeed, she ever really loved him.
Her father was a well known knight, having put his trust and loyalty in Simon de Montfort, was tenacious in placing his faith in a man thought to be indestructible. But Simon succumbed to a violent brutal death on a battlefield, bloodied with both men and horses, having survived himself after the Battle of Evesham, a good year ago. A heavy destrier had partially fallen on him, impeding his legs, leaving him unconscious for some time; later he was dragged free by two young men whose banners had fallen to the blood-spilled ground under the amassing bodies.
Richard's hand strayed across the bed to the long strands of her silken hair glinting in silvery moonbeams, causing his heart to beat faster. She looked so peaceful as he gently stroked the pink of her cheeks, flushed from the warmth of the room and covers that were tucked loosely around her heaving breasts.
The early weeks of their married life had proved every bit as Richard could have expected, having no definite expectations, knowing that he loved Katherine and that was all that mattered. It was deemed successful as far as he was concerned, as she applied herself to the many womanly tasks, relishing her new role. Richard thought she had achieved much in the relative short time they had been together. His manor house, not far from the Welsh Marches, had been in much need of a woman's touch, her duties undertaken admirably, of which he was proud.
The daily routine for Richard had changed significantly, as the harsh memories of witnessing Simon's death a year earlier, were fading into the background; more so with each passing day. His new life with Katherine was one of learning, planning for a future that only God knew what was in store for them and the country.
It was early autumn, nights were becoming cooler while the days slowly shortened, the sun remaining warm. Soon the grain would fully ripen and gathered in for the oncoming winter. So far, the weather had been favourable, essential for a successful harvest.
As another day dawned mellow, air sweetly fragranced, the first beams of colour casting themselves across the horizon in rich hues of pink and yellow, Katherine sighed, wriggled her body gently beneath the covers. Richard leant over and kissed her gently on each eye, then her forehead, strands of her hair curling on the pillow. He gently wrapped several curls around his fingers, looking over to her contented face.
They were going to ride out along by the river later, as Richard had bought her another horse. Her palfrey would replace Cadell, he was still unsure of after Katherine had fallen off him, when they had first met. Fortunately she was not hurt badly or broken any bones at the time, only suffered a few bruises. Although Richard was grateful to that horse, because of their meeting, had not wished to take unnecessary chances. The palfrey would be more suitable, putting his mind at rest. Katherine had accepted his decision as she knew she must and was able to keep Cadell, much to her delight.
Richard's favourite horse was one he'd had for many years, remaining loyal, standing him in good stead for every task asked of him. Bedivere was an English variant of the Welsh Bedwyr, a companion of the legendary Arthur who trusted him with his sword, Excalibur. Bedivere had cast the sword into the lake at the request of the dying Arthur. His horse, like Arthur's companion, had remained loyal and been well trained for every eventuality.
'Is it morning yet?' Katherine's eyes were still closed. She looked irresistible to Richard, glancing across where soft light only heightened her beauty even more.
'Indeed it is my love. Soon the sun will be high in the sky while we still lie abed and nothing will get done. But I'm not complaining, at least not for a while.' He moved closer to his wife, who curled up within his own body. He breathed a subtle smell of rose water that clung to each strand of her hair. The floor rushes having been sprinkled with fresh herbs whenever possible, gave off a pleasant smell when crushed underfoot around the bed. The linen sheets and bedcovers were warm and inviting. It was difficult to rise and begin the day, but begin it must.
Later, after they had eaten a simple meal, rode out of the main gates heading for the banks of the river Severn, south of the town of Tewkesbury. The countryside was slowly turning golden, later changing to russet-coloured when the leaves would eventually fall, the ground mould-softened and trodden underfoot in the late autumn. Richard's old groom Edmund, still able to sit a horse, accompanied them a few strides behind.
Katherine laughed as she watched the flight of birds from distant trees as they winged their way skyward, disappearing beyond their horizon. 'It's a lovely time of year, possibly my favourite.' Glancing over to Richard, she seemed to be glowing.
'Indeed it is my love and how beautiful you look this morning.'
Eventually they drew rein under a canopy of trees, close to the water's edge, the sun dappled between trees, air fresh with autumn.
'Shall we walk for a time sir? There is something in particular I wish to tell you.'
Edmund was handed the reins and the two walked side by side along a narrow track.
'That sounds ominous I must say.' Richard grinned, noticing how gracious his young wife walked, skirts sweeping the ground around her legs, her head turned to one side with eyes sparkling, as the river flowed swiftly close-by.
'I was a little reluctant to mention it before now, but I am sure I am with child.'
Richard stopped dead in his tracks, turned and clasped both her hands in his, pressing them to his lips. 'Oh my dearest wife, that is wonderful news indeed. Are you quite sure?'
'As sure as I'll ever be,' smiled Katherine. 'The last two mornings I have felt nauseous and my flux hasn't arrived. It is always on time and after a brief chat with Martha, our housekeeper, it is for certain there will be a child well into the new year.'
Richard was beside himself with pride, his love for Katherine even stronger, as he was suddenly at a loss for words. 'But surely you shouldn't be riding. Will it be safe for the child?' he asked frowning, his hands wanting to feel her abdomen, but it was far too soon for that.
'I feel it is safe, as long as I don't ride too hard.'
'My dear wife, you shall have the best care available at all times. Come, let us sit for a while and watch the river.'
'May I first stroll a little longer?' she asked, smiling at Richard. Katherine had a pleading look on her face Richard couldn't resist. He took off his cloak spreading it on some grass.
'Do not go far, as there are clouds amassing and it may rain soon.' He frowned as Katherine walked from where he stood, along the path that wound in and out of the trees by the riverbank. Edmund had remained nearby taking care of their horses. Soon Katherine was out of sight and Richard immediately began to worry for her safety. From time to time there had been some pretty unsavoury characters around.
Within what seemed like no time at all, as Richard became increasing worried for his pregnant wife, he heard a woman's scream. Jumping up, he hurried at great speed to where the noise was coming from, noticing at that instant, three horseman cantering out from a clump of trees with Katherine's screams ringing in his ears. He was frantic, not knowing what he could do to alleviate the situation, but realizing there was nothing he could do in the time available. If he rode after them, there was every possibility they would not be caught as there were many trees with twists and turns in which they could go. He ran to his horse, mounting quickly, giving Edmund instructions to return home with Katherine's horse in tow. He thought if they both followed the captors, they may be slowed down, so he set off at a fast gallop, hoping he was going in the right direction. The ground underfoot was damp and there was no dust to give him any clues as to their direction. He knew at that time, a ransom would be demanded, but first he had to find her. Why else would she have been kidnapped? he thought.
