An Air of Arrogance (ch43)

 

Chapter 43 De Clare

Several weeks had passed since Strongbow’s son Gilbert had arrived in Leinster. They had spent much of their time getting to know one another and adapting to their new father-son relationship.

During this time Gilbert adjusted well to his new way of life. He dressed well, ate well, and tried to read every book he could find.

He also tried to befriend his new cousin Edward which wasn’t always reciprocated. Edward had been brought up privileged and along with it came an air of arrogance. His father William had inadvertently instilled in his son a sense of pretentiousness by exhibiting his own pompous behaviors toward people of a lesser class.

And even though Gilbert was heir to the throne of Leinster and had the same Noble blood as he, Edward wouldn’t look past where Gilbert had come from. He felt that Gilbert’s peasant mother was the source of his peasant blood, a notion that had been impressed upon him by his father William, Gilbert’s very own uncle.

  

During this time Strongbow had become increasingly close to Isabel, Gilbert’s mother, much to the dismay of his brother William. He had taken an instant dislike to her and made no secret of it. He would often interrupt them whenever they were together, using trivial problems that he insisted needed immediate attention. It happened so often that Strongbow caught wind of it and confronted William one day while they were out practicing their longbow.

 “William may I have a word with you?” Strongbow asked as his brother set aside his bow and concluded his practice. 

“Of course. What is the problem?” He asked nonchalantly.

“I have noticed something and it has been bothering me a great deal.” He answered, not sure of the correct way to bring it up. 

“Okay, let’s go take care of it.” He said as he prepare to leave. Strongbow stood for a moment and decided to be straightforward with his brother. It was the only way to address such a problem. 

“Actually I have a problem with you. With your constant disrespect for Isabel.” He said in an irritated tone. 

With a tone of surprise he answered, “Isabel? I haven’t been disrespectable towards her.”  

 “Oh come now. Everytime I am with her you show up and haul me away, don’t think for a second that I haven’t noticed. You don’t even talk to her or even acknowledge that she is there. It needs to stop now William.” Strongbow said with urgency. 

Knowing that he couldn’t go on defending himself he tried a different approach. “I don’t see why you are so bothered.” 

“She is my son’s mother William! Have you forgotten that Gilbert will be king someday?” 

“No I have not Richard. To be completely honest I just don’t care for her much.” He admitted as he folded his arms in a careless manner. 

“William, hold your tongue. How can you say such a thing?” He said harshly as he thought for a second and continued without his firm tone. “How can you not like her? She has such a wit about her and a wonderful sense of humor.” 

“Sorry Richard but I don’t see it. It seems as though you have taken quite an interest in her personality traits.” William said suspiciously. 

“Yes, I am interested in her. She is a good person and I enjoy spending my afternoons talking with her. There is nothing wrong with that is there?” 

“Shouldn’t you be spending your afternoons with someone who has the potential of becoming a queen someday?” 

“I am certainly not entertaining the idea of marriage anytime soon. I am still getting used to ruling Leinster and being a father, not to mention that I just got over my recent catastrophe with Aoife. No need adding any extra problems.” He said casually as he tried to restrain the true feelings he had for her. He knew it was a long shot, a kingdom would not be very receptive if his wife had come from a peasant family, nor would the new affluent Normans who were coming in droves from England. 

William could tell that his brother was lying. He had come to recognize the mannerisms in which Richard would display when he was enamored by a woman. He had seen the same thing when Aoife was the object of his affection. But still, William didn’t want to upset his brother and challenge his argument, so ultimately he decided to do whatever was necessary to keep Isabel at a distance and make sure Richard wouldn’t once again waste more time on a woman who was only temporary.