Valeria’s Cross by Kathi Macias & Susan Wales Page B

from the godly hands that embroider it.”
    Valeria shrugged, as curiosity overtook her tears. “And what, pray tell, is galloon?”
    “Threads made from strands of gold stitched into lace for trims and borders. It surrounds the hem or the sleeves of some of your finest gowns.”
    “Ah, I know what you mean. It is ornate, yet delicate. But what makes French galloon so special that Mother wants to travel to France?”
    “This galloon is hand-stitched by a group of young women in an old castle, who have dedicated their lives to God,” Eugenia explained. “They live together in a community in the valley of Loire in France that was founded by Mary Magdalene, and they call themselves her disciples, spending their time in prayer and in God’s Word.”
    “Are they the female equivalent to the monks?”
    Eugenia nodded. “These women make the galloon for the church vestments, altar cloths, and also for fine clothing. They use the money they make to support themselves and the poor.”
    “How does Mother know about them?”
    “The Empress is their best customer. Her dressmaker in Milan buys galloon and lace from the women for your mother’s gowns. The dressmaker has made a special request to them to tat the lace for the wedding gown of the Christian daughter of the emperor. Last week they sent word to your mother that they are praying for your marriage, so she wants to visit them and select the trims herself—and to thank them, of course.”
    She lowered her voice. “And wait until you hear what the ladies are sewing, especially for you. They are secretly stitching crosses into the design of the galloon.” Eugenia laughed. “Your pagan husband-to-be will not even know the crosses are there … right in your wedding garments.”
    Valeria’s sarcasm was evident in her reply. “That is a blessing because if Galerius sees the crosses at the wedding he willexplode and rip my clothes right off me, and then I will stand naked in front of God and everyone.”
    “That is not funny, Valeria.”
    Valeria refused to stop her foolishness. “Oh, what a sight that will be! Everyone in the empire will gossip about me: ‘The naked girl was stripped of her clothes with only her auburn hair to cover herself.’ We must not cut my hair before the wedding, dear Eugenia, because it is all I will have to hide behind on my wedding day after my bridegroom tears my clothes from me.”
    “Stop that ridiculous chatter. It is beneath you.”
    “Even if he does not rip off my clothes at the ceremony, you and I both know he will tear them to shreds in the bedchamber.” Valeria was serious now.
    Eugenia shook her head. “Ah, Valeria, the general is a mere man, not a monster.”
    “I am not at all sure about that, but if I had to place a wager, I would put my gold on ‘monster.’ Besides, I have heard that all men are brutes in the bedroom.”
    Eugenia sighed. “Where do you get these outlandish notions?”
    “I have heard the whispers and giggles of the servant girls.”
    “It is not true—at least, not of all men.”
    “But everyone knows that Galerius is a monster—even you.”
    Although Eugenia did not respond, Valeria could see the apprehension in her friend’s eyes. Valeria was well acquainted with fear, as she battled with it daily. That she would have to endure a loveless marriage to the horrible pagan terrified her.
    “If the uprisings in the empire continue, General Galerius should be away at battle most of the time,” Eugenia said. “Now, stand up, please.” She tied the cord around Valeria’srobe at her waist, and then touched her young mistress’s face. “You will be fine. Your mother and I and other women in the court have all faced our wedding nights with some trepidation, but after a few days have passed, you may enjoy your marriage bed.”
    With tears once again brimming in her eyes, Valeria held up her hand. “Please, stop, Eugenia. I know you mean well, but nothing you say can help me get through this