The Guardianship
Not long after these events Philip’s troops marched into Brittany, where
they met with a quiet reception; but when they attempted to establish
themselves in Normandy, they encountered violent resistance. The
powerful barons there had made a complete surrender to the English
government. They had accepted Geoffrey as its representative and had
submitted to him, but they would not recognize Constance, for before her
departure to England Eleanor had won them over to her side. Their
followers were well armed, and stoutly resisted the French troops. In
the numerous encounters which occurred the interests of the Duke of
Brittany were no longer considered. The stake was the mastery of England
or of France, and one or the other side alternately gained the upper
hand.
It was still quiet in Brittany, and in Constance’s vicinity Höel and his
men kept good watch. Longingly and often the Duchess gazed at the child
in her arms and wished that he could soon be a man to fight with sword
in hand for her and her rights. Thus they were living in apparent
security at the castle in Rennes, but really in continual fear of
approaching dangers. The times were troublous, and the world was full of
disquiet, but Arthur passed his days pleasantly, in an atmosphere of
love. Life was all smiles for him. Under Bertha’s care and Höel’s
devotion he became both gentle and courageous, and as he grew stronger
nothing delighted him more than rivalry with Alan in all knightly
practices. The latter, older and stronger, was not only attached to the
young Duke by friendship, but by duty and devotion, and thus became both
his companion and protector. They were inseparable, and shared
everything in common. They roamed the woods and fields together with all
the joyous enthusiasm of youth, but their greatest longing was to
perform heroic feats. They were much more delighted to listen to Höel as
he told them of his adventures and exploits at arms than to the
chaplain, who was their instructor. With rapt attention they heard the
story of how Höel and Duke Geoffrey rode together to Normandy and other
provinces, overcame the haughty barons, stormed their strong castles,
and sent them to England to pay fresh homage to the King. Arthur longed
to be such a hero, and his dearest wish was to assist his mother in the
restoration of the ancient authority. Combining boldness and gentleness,
he was specially fitted to rule, and it was his greatest pride that he
was entitled to the position of ruler by birth.
Arthur was in his tenth year when the report reached them that King
Henry’s sons, incited by Eleanor, had conspired to prevent his return
from Scotland. Unexpectedly, however, he suddenly appeared in England
and frustrated their plot. The news disquieted Constance so greatly that
she sent Höel for information. He had been absent several days, and his
return was now eagerly awaited.
One evening the Duchess was looking from her window, which commanded an
extended view of the city and its vicinity. Fatigued with riding and
hunting, Arthur had sought his mother, and was resting his head upon her
shoulder. She turned to him and stroked his heated brow. Bertha and Alan
were also present, and the room was very quiet. Suddenly Bertha stepped
to the window and exclaimed, “There comes my husband with a stranger.”
The two rapidly drew near, and dismounted in the castle-yard, whence,
seeing the ladies at the window, Höel came to their apartment. Bertha
and the boys met him in the anteroom, at the door of which stood the
Duchess. “What news do you bring?” she asked.
“Bad news,” replied Höel. “King Henry is dead.”[8]
The Duchess silently motioned to the knight to enter, and seated
herself. After Bertha had taken the boys away, Höel began: “The King
died of a broken heart, so the people say. He could not endure the
thought that the Queen had plotted his overthrow.”
“Horrible!—and the Princes?”
“Richard threw himself at his father’s feet and begged forgiveness.
Prince John, on the other hand, hypocritically sought to clear himself
of guilt. But the King knew only too well. ‘All three sons,’[9] he
groaned, and fell unconscious.”
Constance started, and Höel was silent. Yes, the third one was Geoffrey.
“And did he die at once? Did he leave no instructions concerning the
kingdom? Had he no thought for Geoffrey’s son?” asked the Duchess.
“They say he longed for his grandson and mourned because he had not been
able to see him. He drew up his will and placed it in the keeping of the
Lord High Chancellor. Then he turned his thoughts to divine things, took
the sacrament, and passed away.”
Constance was silent for some time, then asked, “And does any one know
the contents of the will?”
“It is sealed up in the royal exchequer and can be opened only in case
the Prince—no, King Richard—shall die childless. Only the confidential
witnesses know its contents,” said Höel.
“_King_ Richard!” replied Constance. “God be thanked it is Richard who
has come to the throne. He is noble and high-minded, and will protect
us.”
“God grant it! Would that he could soon come to France and restore
order.”
“Whence came the rider who brought the news?”
“From Rouen. English vessels have landed there, and brought Norman
knights who were in the Scottish campaign. They will guard the country
until he can come himself and take possession.”
“As soon as King Richard comes to Rouen, we will seek him there.”
“Meanwhile,” said Höel, “I will make ample preparations to insure your
safety.”
“Is it not shameful,” said Constance indignantly, “that the Duchess of
Brittany should be insecure in her own country?”
Höel was awaited in the hall by the two boys, who plied him with
questions. The death of King Henry made a deep impression upon Arthur,
who already realized that his fate had rested in his grandfather’s
hands. For the first time also he realized the insecurity of human
greatness, and when suddenly the bells tolled in the city’s church
towers, and the castle chapel bell added its solemn peals, he was
greatly overcome, and held fast to Alan’s hand.