Read Online Spain for the Sovereigns by Jean Plaidy - Free Book Online Page A

Queen, her head on one side, a smile playing about her mouth. So, thought Beatriz, she continues to adore that man. But not completely. Beatriz knew that Ferdinand had been disappointed not to have taken full authority from Isabella. Beatriz applauded the Queen’s resistance.
    ‘He fights for his kingdom as well as yours,’ said Beatrix, ‘for although you are Queen of Castile, he is your Consort.’
    ‘He has been magnificent. Beatriz, I do not believe there has ever been a soldier in Spain to compare with Ferdinand.’
    Beatriz laughed aloud; then her servants appeared with refreshments and her manner changed. Now the utmost respect must be paid to the Queen, and Beatriz dropped the easy familiar manner.
    But when they were alone again Beatriz said: ‘Isabella, you are looking a little tired. I hope you are going to stay here for some time that I may look after you, as I used to in the old days when we were together.’
    ‘Ah, those old days,’ sighed Isabella. ‘I was not a queen then.’
    ‘But we had some anxious times, nevertheless.’ Beatriz smiled reminiscently. ‘At least we do not have to worry that you will be snatched from Ferdinand and given to some husband who would be unacceptable to you!’
    ‘Thank God for that. Oh, Beatriz, I am a little worried about this battle that must soon take place.’
    ‘But you put your trust in Ferdinand.’
    ‘I do, indeed I do. But there are mighty forces against us.’
    ‘Ferdinand will succeed,’ said Beatriz. ‘He is a good soldier.’
    Beatriz was thoughtful for a few seconds. A better soldier than a husband, she was thinking; and he will be determined to succeed. He will not allow himself to be driven from Castile.
    ‘I was very sad,’ went on Beatriz, ‘when I heard that you had lost your child.’
    ‘It seems long ago.’
    ‘But a bitter blow.’
    ‘As the loss of a child must be. But there was no time to brood. It was all-important that we should get an army together; and we did it, Beatriz, even though it may well be due to that that the child was lost.’
    ‘It might have killed you,’ said Beatriz gruffly.
    ‘But I am strong, Beatriz; have you not yet learned that? Moreover, I am destined to be Queen of Castile.’
    ‘You are Queen of Castile.’
    ‘I have never really reigned yet. Since my accession there has been this trouble. Once it is settled I shall be able to do for Castile what I always longed to do.’
    ‘Castile will prosper when you are firmly on the throne, Isabella.’
    Isabella’s eyes were shining with purpose. She looked full of vitality at such times, thought Beatriz; it was rarely that those outside her intimate circle saw her so unreserved.
    ‘First,’ she was saying, ‘I shall abolish this disastrous anarchy. I shall bring law and order back to Castile. Then, when I have a law-abiding country, I shall do all in my power to make good Christians of my subjects. You remember Tomas de Torquemada, Beatriz?’
    Beatriz grimaced. ‘Who could forget him?’
    ‘You were harsh with him, Beatriz.’
    ‘He was too harsh with us all, including himself.’
    ‘He is a good man, Beatriz.’
    ‘I doubt it not. But I cannot forgive him for trying to suppress our laughter. He thought laughter was sinful.’
    ‘It was because he realised how necessary it was for me to avoid frivolous ways. I remember that one day, after confession, he made me promise that if ever it were in my power I would convert my kingdom to the true faith.’
    ‘Let us hope that in converting them you will not make them as lean and wretched looking as friend Tomas.’
    ‘Well, Beatriz, there is another task of mine when all is at peace. I will endeavour to free every inch of Spanish soil from Moslem rule; I will raise the flag of Christ over every Alcazar, over every town in Spain.’
    ‘I am sure you will do it,’ said Beatriz, ‘but only if you have some little regard for your health. Stay with me a while, dear Isabella. Give me the pleasure of looking