Lille, Flanders, 1051-52 AD“Earl Godwine,” Count Baldwin gave me an insupportable smile of compassion, which, had I been in a stronger position, I would have found a way to remove, “why should I give my half-sister to your son in wedlock, now?”
now“Because if you yield to the wiles of our enemies, they will achieve their purpose.”
“Explain yourself.”
“Can you not see? By driving a wedge between us, they weaken us to their advantage.”
The Count shook his head and his pinched face further tightened as he compressed his lips. “It pains me to say this, Godwine, but what use is your family to us in Flanders?”
My mind coursed as fast as a hare in flight but I had to be brave.
“My dear Count, you do not know Edward well. He is a weak man and, as such, his moments of supremacy do not last. T
