In the spring of 1168 a girl was born to the Baron of Westfold; a small village near Whales. When the midwife announced that Lady Cathrine's newborn was a girl not only Lord Willem but herself as well. For it was non other than she who had promised the Baron a fourth son. Though, once more to the surprise of the midwife, the Baron let out a laugh and declared that his daughter was to be names Winifred in honour of his own mother. To which his hardly lucid wife slurred that her child would be named Maria and most certainly not Winifred. This statement resulted in a very heated debate between Lord Willem and the midwife, who argued on the behalf of the now snoring Lady. In the end it was Lord Willem who caved and and agreed -if a bit grudgingly- agreed to name his new daughter Maria.
Maria's birth was a happy occasion. For just a few months prior the Cadogan's second eldest son, John, had left for the Holy Land. Following in his brother Henry's footsteps John left at age seventeen. Unfortunately, the happiness brought by Maria's birth was broken, just a few weeks after her baptism, by the news of John's death at sea.
The news was received on what seemed like such an ordinary day. It started normal; the high screams of a hungry Maria announcing the start of a new day. The morning would progress as always with the entire household trying to appease a squalling baby and Lord Willem desperately trying to organize a hunt. It was only later in the morning that a messenger arrived with the grim news. The news of John's death quickly destroyed all the joy that had been brought by Maria. Sending both the Cadogan family and villagers of Westfold into a period of sorrow. A sorrow that would never truly leave, but instead settle over the Cadogans like a black veil.
After the news of John Cadogan's death Maria was primarily cared for by the family servants and a wet nurse. With her only source of constant enjoyment as her eight year old brother, Edward. Dear, sweet brother Edward, who would quickly become Maria's dearest friend and unwilling partner in would constantly be at her side, always taking care of his baby sister until a sad day in the winter of 1174. After which a six year old maria would take care of a unstable Edward.
It was during a fierce winter storm that the Lady Cathrine went into an early labor. A labor that once over both the lady and newborn son would die just minuets apart. The roads where unfit for travel, so the midwife could not be called upon and the child wasn't able to be quickly baptised before he died. The roads also forced the servants of Westfold Manor to store the dead mother and child in the cellar. Keeping them from rotting before the roads could become passable and a funeral could be arranged.
Lord Willem Cadogan had always been a stern father. But with the sad passing of his beloved Lady, Willem fell into drink. No longer giving a damn about what Maria was doing and if she was behaving herself. He preferred to let the servants handle and nurse handle the rambunctious child's upbringing. While the Baron would shut himself away and drink or travel to one of the family's other estates for hunting.
Poor Edward was perhaps worse of then his father. With the death of his mother, Edward became emotionally unstable. Unable to cope with the thought of loosing the people he loved. Causing him to become very withdrawn and emotional. The only one that would manage to keep him from himself would be Maria. Leading Edward to idolize and depend on Maria for everything. Letting his little sister to make every decision for him and he would follow without question.
Maria was never close to her mother. Maybe it was because when Maria preferred to play outside in the dirt and mud, Cathrine would scream and have the servants drag Maria inside for a bath. During which Cathrine would scold Maria's nurse, Hannah, for her negligence. The Lady would then try, unsuccessfully to teach Maria how to behave like a good girl. But, as soon as Cathrine turned her back Maria would take off and would later be found eating with the dogs. Though despite their differences and somewhat rocky relationship Maria morned for her mother all the same.
As for her unnamed brother Maria would pray for his little soul everyday. So that one day he might be let into heaven and be with Lady Cathrine and John. Six year old Maria would console herself with these thoughts. Also, with the thought that perhaps, just maybe that the Lord himself would name her brother. These imaginings were a great source of comfort for not only Maria but Edward as well.
Maria would never share these thoughts with her father, Lord Willem. For she would rarely ever speak to him. As her would be either locked away somewhere within the manor, or at another of the Cadogan's estates. In fact the only real time that Maria would even talk to her father would be when the servants managed to capture her and bring her to Lord Willem for a scolding. A scolding that Maria would promptly ignore and dash outside to play with the village boys with Edward following dutifully behind.
By the time Maria was eight years old the servants of Westfold Manor would give up on trying to turn Maria into a lady. And by age eleven they had given up on sending her to Lord Willem for punishment. Instead preferring to leave Maria to her own devices. That is, as long as she didn't get into to much trouble. Which was most certainly never often.
A/N
This is the first chapter featuring Maria. Mostly about her past up until age eleven. Sorry about there being no dialog. I promise it'll get more intersting the next chapter. All reviews are welcome!
I'm in need of a beta for this fanfic, so if you are at all intersted just give me a shout!