He found much to do in the village. He also discovered from a few terse questions that the emissaries had no real knowledge of the content of the papers. They would rest the night and depart in the morning. With no answer. No answer was necessary, Gilles had told them, with no further explanations. Now, alone in the small chamber where Thomas, Roland, and he discussed the business matters of the manor, Gilles read and reread the betrothal papers. The other documents were the marriage settlements—vast in number—to encourage Gilles to wed again. Michelle d’Ambray’s father was a powerful Marcher baron to whom Richard owed a favor. D’Ambray was also a man with seven daughters. He held far-flung estates from the dispositions of William the Conqueror. To secure his barons’ loyalties where Richard wanted them, Richard had betrothed Gilles to the d’Ambray’s eldest daughter. The king’s personal message stated his devout wish that Gilles would obey. Sweet Jesu, Gilles mused. Richard expected him to wed a child.
