Historical Setting: 610 C.E., Vosges Mountains
I’m trying to make sense of this, and at the same time, be the voice of wisdom for my son.
“Greg, I think the trouble the abbot finds with the king taking a concubine is the moral issue of a concubine. This dilemma is rooted in the notion that, with a concubine, a marriage becomes a love lie. When someone is added just for the sexual relationship the fullness of the relationship is incomplete or broken. So even if it were known that you were Gaillard’s only lover, the arrangement of adding a woman, simply purposed with having children, would mean you are sharing your intimacy, God’s physical metaphor for creative love, with someone who was selected to intrude for the sake of nobility’s power. Is that how you wish to continue throughout your life long?”
“Momma knows better. I will hear her approval of this.”
“Greg, your mother and I both want you to find a loving relationship to carry you on.”
Greg cleans his blade, and says nothing more. He goes into the house. Now, as I finish up here, I see Greg and Ana walking away from the cottage to have this conversation.
Nothing is spoken of any resolution. The feast with our family and guests is nearly silent — uncomfortably silent. Greg and Gaillard say nothing. There are longing glances between them, and even the four guardsmen and our children all know there is nothing to say. The wine is served with no toast.
Now, in the quiet darkness made for soaking worries with sleep, Ana and I talk.
I told Ana, “Greg wouldn’t listen to me because I wouldn’t give my approval to their idea that Greg could just be a third person in a marriage.”
“Yes, he told me you were dug in on this, making metaphors of kings and politics. But really, it seems the whole problem here is Gaillard’s family requirement.”
“So you think I should go have it out with his uncle, the castle builder, who is right now chopping down the hunter’s wood?”
“Laz, he’s a warring nobleman — you are a peaceful commoner. Of course, you can’t confront him over this – at least in the warring, noble way. But really it this between Gaillard and Greg and isn’t that what has to be considered? I suggested Greg and Gaillard either have a bond together, or they don’t. Neither of them can base this on a plan made by fathers and uncles.”
“Of course, Gaillard is obligated to produce heirs.”
(Continues Tuesday, October 17)
Lazarus Ink 