Before Plantagenet - Chapter 60
March 1089 - Anjou, France
Is this what Adhemar saw before his end?
Foulques wondered that as he stood alone just outside of an inn. It was not abandoned - visitors along the road to Anjou had stopped here as well. But it evoked memories nonetheless.
It did not help that he knew that his purpose here had similar intent.
That is why he stood in the near-darkness, the moonlight providing what little illumination there was. He travelled from Melun with a large enough party - Amaury and his knights, plus Geoffrey and Aines. His wife had come near the start of the year from Anjou, and he had enjoyed a blissful four months with her.
She had enjoyed life at court, commenting how she could grow used to such things. Foulques knew she most loved being revered as the duchess of one of the most powerful duchies of the realm - something Aines had long viewed as her proper destiny.
And Foulques had his beautiful wife, one who was eager to produce a child for him. It showed well enough - whereas before he would have missed Alearde, Aines gave him as much as he could handle.
It was not just Alearde either, that left him in good spirits. Philipp of Champagne provided a good time, drinking, discussing matters of the realm. The king would join them at times, as would Hugues of Burgundy and, rarely, Boudewijn. But mostly, Foulques and Philipp relaxed with alcohol and traded stories and court rumors gained from their respective wives.
However, as enjoyable as the last few months had been Foulques knew he had to return to Anjou for a few months a year. He could not leave it to Aines and Guilhem, especially as Aines spent much less time in Anjou than Beatritz did.
But she, nor Geoffrey, could not know of this meeting. A chilly late March evening, the duke had but his cloak and a large cup of wine to keep him warm. Neither did the job against a biting wind that came too frequently for his taste.
A hooded figure approached and stood beside him. Foulques sipped his cup of wine. This was the messenger Philipp had suggested he meet after one of their more recent discussions.
“I thank you for meeting with me.”
The voice was was feminine, but deeper. An older woman, who was revealed as she dropped her hood.
“Do you come of your own accord?” Foulques asked. “ Or is this for your son?”
Sibila de Barcelona did not look at Foulques when she replied. “I come for neither Duke Hugues, nor for my former brother by law, Philipp of Champagne. I come for the betterment of the realm.”
“I hear that a great deal these days,” Foulques said. “It is good to hear we have so many good souls who take interest in it.”
“You scoff,” Sibila said. “But are you not angry over the king bypassing your claim on Maine?”
Foulques did not respond.
“Your silence speaks volumes,” she said.
“You wished to meet with me for something,” Foulques said. “What is it?”
“We look for aid in… removing the threat to the realm,” Sibila said.
“The king?”
“I do not name names,” Sibila said.
“And you plan to revolt?” Foulques asked.
“We will not,” Sibila said. “There are other ways to make change. One man removed. His young son in his place, who should be far more malleable.”
An understatement, if that were possible, Foulques thought. Should Philippe be killed, his son Alphonse would come to the throne. The designated regent? Hugues of Burgundy. He would be de facto king of the realm.
“And what would that son think on the Maine question?” Foulques asked.
“You know I can make no guarantees,” Sibila said. “But the boy is not possibly the son of Satan himself. Certainly a good thing, do you not agree?”
Foulques chuckled. “I am not a religious man, my lady. Nor do I think a lustful choice made as a young man makes one the spawn of the devil. I care most about what is rightfully mine. What can you promise of that?”
Sibila lowered her head. “You would be looked at with greater favor however and such things can go a long way.”
“Promises can go even further,” Foulques said.
“I can lie to you if I wish,” Sibila said.
“And I you,” Foulques said. “So it appears we are at an impasse.”
Sibila chuckled. “Understood, Duke Foulques. Then I shall retire for the evening. I wish you the best of luck in your journey.”
“Likewise, my lady,” Foulques said.
And with that she was gone, leaving Foulques to ponder whether he needed to take the ultimate step with his liege.
He had much to ponder.
….
A scream echoed through the keep in Angers. It was enough to get Foulques, Mayor Guilhem and Geoffrey to stop their conversation and look up, first at one another and then toward the door of the duke’s chamber.
Foulques shook his head. “Women’s work, they say.”
“Do you think her all right?” Geoffrey asked.
“Does it matter?” Foulques asked. “You did not put the bastard in her belly.”
Geoffrey looked down, before again looking back toward the door.
“Adalmode has done masterful work with this before. I am certain Ermengarda will be fine,” Guilhem said. “And that Aubry would appreciate your concern for his mother.”
Foulques raised an eyebrow. That was enough to concern his son?
Such compassion was admirable for one’s friends and family - but there had to be limits. Caring too much for the extended family of your friends was probably a bridge too far.
“You would be wise to focus on our discussion,” Foulques said as he looked to Geoffrey.
“The matters of the duchy are settled, are they not?” Geoffrey asked.
“Unfortunately, no,” Guilhem said. “The measles outbreak that began in Normandy has now spread to Anjou proper.”
“What are our options?” Foulques asked.
“There is not much we can do for the people,” Guilhem said. “But we could close the keep and hope to prevent it from spreading here. The people will not care for it of course - especially if the death toll is high.”
Foulques stroked his beard. “What would you do, Geoffrey?”
“I… I would keep the gates open,” he said. “The people need strong leadership during a difficult time.”
A chuckle escaped Foulques lips.
Naive.
"You find my answer funny, father?" Geoffrey replied.
“In times of crisis, the people turn to prayer,” Foulques said. “Meanwhile, while you conduct business as normal, you risk yourself and your family.”
“But the people will suffer,” Geoffrey said.
“The people will suffer regardless,” Foulques said. “Nothing changes to them, whether or not the gates are open are closed. But the people in this keep? They are affected. You, myself, your sister, the duchess, your future wife, her sisters, your friend and… your friend’s mother. Whom will be weak after this birth.”
Geoffrey furrowed his brow before looking away. “Close the gates.”
“Wise boy,” Foulques said. “Deliver the order to the guards.”
Geoffrey’s head spun back toward his father. “Why do you not give the order?”
“You must learn to deliver words you do not enjoy in powerful enough a manner to still inspire confidence,” Foulques said. “Go. I will see how you have done later.”
Geoffrey could barely contain his anger, his complexion reddening. But he said nothing through gritted teeth and marched out of the chamber.
“A tough lesson, my lord,” Guilhem said.
“One he must learn,” Foulques replied. “Now, for our final matter…”
“Duchess Aines,” Guilhem said. “You wish to know how she handled Anjou in your absence?”
“I have not heard much wrong,” Foulques said. “But you would know best.”
“She is not the administrator Duchess Beatritz was,” Guilhem said. “But she has other strengths. The lady carries herself with a certain… elegance. She speaks well, and is rarely ever caught at a loss for words. I am certain there are some who dislike her - no one is beloved by all - but those whispers are quiet. I think she is liked. In time, she will be loved.”
Foulques smiled. “That is good news. And how does Agnes fare?”
“Well enough,” Guilhem said. “Aines has made use of her well. That is perhaps why even those who do not care for the duchess do not whisper. Agnes has many friends here as well - Aines has worked to make her sympathetic to the courtiers here and Agnes in turn has spoken well of her.”
“They work well together,” Foulques said. “Excellent.”
“Agreed my lord,” Guilhem said.
“Thank you for your input, my friend,” Foulques said. “You are dismissed.”
The steward bowed and headed for the door.
“Oh, one more thing,” Foulques said. “You have done a fine job administering the duchy while the duchess and I have been away. I commend you for your work and urge you to keep it up.”
Guilhem looked back to the duke and smiled. “Of course my lord. It has always been a pleasure to serve you.”
Foulques smirked as Guilhem left. He knew the steward might well be happier now than he was under Beatritz, if for no other reason than Aines left him alone much more than Beatritz did. That was fine - as he noted Aines had different strengths than Beatritz. And Anjou seemed to be thriving. So what was there to complain about?
Alearde.
He could not help it. It was the one thing he despised upon returning to Anjou. She had not been among the group to greet them when the party had returned. When he saw her, among Agnes ladies the next day his eyes drifted to a familiar face, whose body had taken an unfamiliar shape - her middle bulged with life - no doubt the spawn of Duke Gilles.
Aines had told him Alearde had been with the duke a few months back while attempting to negotiate a compromise over Agnes’ daughter. In the end, Gilles still denied Beatrice was his daughter, and he had managed to put a child into Alearde anyway.
Foulques nearly demanded Alearde be thrown from the keep. But Agnes had defended her to him.
“She went along with this on my behalf,” Agnes said when it had come up.
“Are you certain?” Foulques demanded. “I do not see her having achieved anything but carrying another bastard.”
“She did not succeed,” Agnes said. “But I do not fault her. She had an impossible task.”
“She did not have to lay with him,” Foulques said.
“I know not her specifics of her work,” Agnes said. “But I believe she was encouraged to do what was necessary.”
“By you?” Foulques asked.
“I would not ask such a thing of her,” Agnes said.
“Then who?” Foulques demanded.
“If you did not, then it would be the duchess,” Agnes said.
“She would not,” Foulques said.
“She would, for my benefit,” Agnes said. “I do not… begrudge her. But I do not blame Alearde either.”
He wished to anyway, but he acquiesced to his daughter. She reminded him Alearde had given him a daughter, aided him with two murders to help him achieve his ends, and been willing to give herself to aid Agnes.
It was enough to get Foulques to resist the urges.
For now.
……
If he was frustrated with Aines, it was forgotten that evening, as it often was. Such was her skill in the bedroom - it amazed Foulques that Adhemar did not appreciate what he had.
Perhaps if he had, he might still be among us, he thought.
When they had finished, Aines poured wine for the both of them and returned to bed.
She had impressed him, as both duchess and lover. It left him wondering if perhaps it was time to involve her in his pressing debate - whether or not to engage the plot against Philippe. He had come no closer to an answer himself. He needed someone to help him sort his thoughts.
Geoffrey was not ready - his naivety with the epidemic proved that. Agnes simply made poor choices - she may learn in time, but she had to prove herself to Foulques before she could be trusted.
Beatritz… she would be a sound option. But she was gone. And Amaury and Guilhem, while friends, were lowborn men. They lacked understanding of how the world of the nobility moved.
No, it had to be Aines.
“My love,” Aines said as she brought him out of thought. “There is a matter we must discuss.”
“There is a matter I wish to discuss with you as well,” Foulques replied.
“Then you first,” Aines said. “Your business is of the utmost importance.”
Foulques did not dispute that - instead explaining to her the basics of what he had been told. And it was basic - the conspirators would not fully reveal themselves or their plans until he committed to them.
“So they wish for you to aid in his murder?” Aines asked when he was finished. “Interesting.”
“And you wish me to take part?” Foulques asked.
“I did not say that,” Aines said. “It is unwise to make any decision until all options are evaluated.”
“And those options are?” Foulques asked.
“You know as well as I do that the choice is not between Philippe and Alphonse. The boy will not last long,” Aines said. “It shall be Boudewijn, Duke Hugues, or Philippe’s brother’s Hugues, if he can promise to bootlick the nobles enough.”
“Do you think any of them better than Philippe?” Foulques asked.
“It is not for me to decide husband,” Aines said. “You are the duke. And you are the one he has wronged in Maine.”
“I do not know if joining in this plot will get me Maine,” he admitted.
“You should be skeptical,” Aines said. “I think it is too much to promise. The realm will be anything but certain should this succeed.”
“Then you would not wish for me to take part in this?” Foulques asked.
“If Maine is only reason,” Aines said. “Then it is a risk. But is Maine the only reason? Perhaps you think another man would make for a better king.”
“Certainly not Boudewijn,” Foulques said. “Prince Hugues is less of a problem now that he is done with my cousins, the Bachaumonts.”
“Tragic business that,” Aines said.
“They say Hugues’ wife died of the great pox,” Foulques said. “It lessens my sympathy for her.”
“Perhaps,” Aines said. “But all of the siblings met tragic ends. Bouchard was regrettable. Euphrosine by the pox. And poor Agathe! Married to the Prince of the Scots, then eaten by her insane father-by-law - even though she was with child!”
Foulques’ eyes widened. He had not heard that.
“When did that happen?”
“It was a few years ago,” Aines said. “It serves as a warning not to let your daughter join the court of those barbarians.”
Foulques could scarcely believe such a thing.
Literally murdering and eating your son’s pregnant wife? King Malcolm Canmore was a monster - thank God he had finally died a year ago.
“Moving on from that unpleasant business, is one more matter to consider,” Aines said. “I know you have grown frustrated with Philippe in the last year. Such things are understandable. But… there is something to the devil you know.”
“Pun intended?”
A sly smile formed on Aines’ thin lips. “Philippe has plenty of machinations. But we know this of him - he is ambitiously trying to expand his control - but it is to where the realm does not currently reside. He also has a strength to protect our interests, but has shown little inclination to stop his powerful vassals from doing what they wish. In fact, he often placates them - as he did with my father and now with you.”
“Yet he does not give Maine,” Foulques said.
“He placates, but it is because he fears you,” Aines said. “That latitude has cost you Maine, for now. But it allows you free reign to do much.
“And Philippe considers you a friend. They try to tempt you with favor, but you already have that favor.”
“Then you think it best for me to remain loyal,” Foulques said.
“I lay out fact,” Aines said. “If the facts seem to make it clear your path, then that is good. I will not tell you there is no opportunity in pursuing this, but there is risk. And the gain is far from certain - that much we agree upon.”
Foulques nodded. Her case, whether facts or opinion, was sound. He would put his anger aside for now, and not back this plot.
But he would not reveal it either.
“Thank you for your consul, wife,” Foulques said. “You continue to prove yourself every bit worthy of your title.”
“Thank you my love,” Aines replied.
“Now, what is your matter?”
Aines smiled. “It appears our time together has been fruitful. My monthly visitor is nearly four weeks late.”
“You are with child?” Foulques asked.
“I believe so, husband,” she said.
He kissed her and moved his hand to her belly. It was still relatively flat - there was no sign of the pregnancy just yet.
Though he wished to do more than just kiss her at the moment, he decided that would be unwise. While he had certainly bedded his mistresses while they were with child, and Aines herself when she was carrying her late husband’s, he always avoided the sinful behavior with his own wife.
But Aines did not show much disappointment when he told her. Instead, replying with a smirk: “There are other ways to please, my lord.”
As she slid her hand down, Foulques only had one thought.
My God, she is perfect.
.....
Note: OK, I have to make special mention the sad fate of Agathe Bachaumont. I did not intend for that to go into this update, but when I looked up what happened to her sister, then her... the 
does not do my face justice. CK2! Having the king literally eat his pregnant daughter-in-law? What are you doing? (Answer: Doing the things that makes CK2 great)
