Eleanor watched, appalled, as the mighty abbot, who had up till now enjoyed great power and autonomy, was dismissed like an errant novice. She knew that Henrys anger was justified, but also felt that his vengeance was overly harsh. Yet to appeal to him now would be disastrousshe must appear to be supporting him and show the world that they were united in their indignation.
Later, though, in the privacy of their tent, she burned with the injustice of it all. After they had lain silent in bed for a while, she turned to him.
What on earth were you doing? she asked. People were looking at you as if you were possessed by devils.
Sometimes, when these rages are upon me, I think I am, Henry muttered.
Can you not control yourself?
No. Something in me explodes, and I have no power over it. Anyway, I was right to be angry. I will not be slighted like that. I will not have you slighted like that.
Yes, you were right, Eleanor agreed. No one could blame you for being angry. I just wish you could have curbed your temper a little and not made such a spectacle of yourself.
Henry stiffened. Dont you dare preach to me, Eleanor!
I am not. I was embarrassed. And, if I may venture to say so without your biting my head off or throwing a tantrum, I think the punishment you handed down was severe in the extreme.
Henry raised himself up on one muscular elbow. Do you? Pah! The citizens of Limogesand your people at largeneed to be taught who is master here. Stern measures are called for. Its called strategy, my dear.
Those walls are brand-new and strong, the latest in defenses. You were admiring them yourself. They took years to build, at great cost. If you force the people to pull them down, you will be hated and resented. Could you not rescind the order and think up some other punishment?
I would rather be hated and resented than not have my vassals fear me, Henry declared. How would it look, retracting my order? I would be seen as a weak man whose word is not his bond, one to be cozened and wheedled out of decisions. No, Eleanor, once my mind is made up, it is made up for good. There is no point in trying to dissuade me.
You might have taken counsel of me first, she protested. I am the duchess, after all, and these are my people.
You are my wife, and your part is to obey me, Henry flared. I am heartily sick of playing a subordinate role in this duchy. Now get on your back and learn who is master!
No man had ever spoken to her like that, but Eleanor was too shocked to object as Henry forced her thighs apart and thrust himself between them, ramming his manhood into her with little care about hurting her. Not that it did hurtnot physically, anyway, for she usually thrilled to rough handlingbut this was the first time that Henry had taken her in anger or used her body to enforce his own supremacy. Afterward, as he slumped at her side and his heavy breathing quietened, she lay there grieving, knowing that, without her being able to help it, the balance in their relationship had altered, and fearing it might never again be possible for them to come together as equals
after this.
Henry, by contrast, seemed unaware that there had been a change. He was up early the next morning, pulling on his tunic and hose and splashing cold water on his face.
Are you getting up? he asked.
Eleanor gazed at him wearily from the pillow. She knew what this day must witness, and wanted no part in it.
He came toward her and sat on the bed.
I am going to supervise the dismantling of the walls, he said, bristling with determination. I want you with me, to show that we are united in our anger.
No, she said firmly. Henry snorted with impatience.
Up! he barked. Get up! Like it or not, you are coming with me. He grabbed her arms none too gently, pinching the soft flesh, and dragged her into a sitting position.
Very well, Eleanor said icily, realizing that further protest would only result in an undignified scuffle that she could not hope to win. She slid off the bed and pulled on her shift. Grant me at least the courtesy of ten minutes to make myself presentable.
Alone with her women, she asked for her black mourning gown to be brought. That, and a black veiland my ducal coronet. No jewels.
You look like a bloody nun, Henry exclaimed when he saw her. Why the weeds?
How perceptive you are! she retorted. I am mourning the loss of my peoples love.
Dont be so dramatic, he scoffed.
After yesterdays display, you are in no position to talk, Eleanor snapped, adjusting her veil. Well, I am ready, she added quickly, seeing him framing a biting reply. I suppose you are still insisting on this cruel, harsh order being carried out?
Come! was all Henry said.
They emerged from their tent to a maelstrom of activity. Scaffolding was being erected, tools commandeered, and surly, glowering menlong lines of themwere being impressed to do the demolition work. Even the master masons, loudly protesting, had been given no choice. Women, and even children, were scurrying to and fro with huge baskets, or carrying messages conveying orders, while great carts stood ready to carry away the rubble. The atmosphere was subdued, the resentment of the people palpable. When Henry appeared, there were muffled curses.