Chapter Four

Javier arrived promptly at 18:30 "Are you ready, Sir?" "As I'll ever be, Javier. Let's go.

Again, two troopers fell in behind them. This time Rick noticed them. "What's with the troopers, Javier?" "Security, Sir. We are taking no chances with your safety."

"That's ridiculous, I'm in no danger. No one knows me." "Be that as it may, His Majesty ordered it."

When they reached the doors to the dining hall, Javier handed their invitations to a chamberlain. In a stentorian voice he announced, "Captain Lord Richard Rodgers, Royal Guards and Chief Warrant Officer Javier Esposito. Royal Guards.

Rick and Javier went to where the Royal Family stood. They both bowed.

"Good evening Your Majesties, Your Highnesses." They said.

"A chorus of good evening Lord Richard, good evening Warrant Officer.

Came back. Princess Katherine took Rick's arm. "My, what a handsome escort I have tonight. All the other girls will turn green with envy."

"No greener than the men who don't have you on their arms you are stunning."

Katherine wore an ivory satin gown with crimson trim, rubies at throat and ear and a diamond and ruby tiara. "Richard, May I present Captain Lanie Parish of my staff. She is both my aide and my personal physician. You are to be her escort, Javier." Lanie Parish was a petite, very pretty dark skinned woman with mysterious brown eyes. Her uniform was the same as Javier's, with the exception of a floor length skirt and the maroon trim of the medical corps.

A minute later, Prince Alden walked in with a dark haired, blue-eyed woman on his arm.

"Deirdre, May I present Captain, Lord Richard Rodgers. Richard, My wife, Princess Deirdre. Rick bowed. "I'm honored, Princess." "And I am pleased to meet you, lord Richard."

"Have you told her ,Katherine, Richard?"

"Not yet, Your Highness."

"Why not?"

"We're in public."

"So? It concerns all of us. Not just you two."

"Told me what, Richard?"

"I am still finding it hard to believe, because it goes against all that I was taught and my experience but after my meeting with The Oracle, this morning, I have to believe it.

And when I walked into this room, just now, my heart confirmed it. You were right in all that you said, yesterday. I may not be able to do what is asked of me, but if not, I will die trying. I love you, Princess Katherine and I always will!"

Katherine, her eyes shining, said, "Princess Katherine, never again to you, Richard. I am your Katherine, My Darling, whatever you want but no formality, between us. I love you.

She pulled him into an alcove and kissed him, passionately, her mouth opening under his. "I couldn't wait to do that." She said, a little breathlessly.

She stepped back out. "Let's go tell my parents."

"I don't think you need to. Alden said, They could see you, you know, even if the rest of the room couldn't. Richard, we both know what this means. You will be my brother-in-law. So you might as well drop the formality with me, too.

"I damn sure won't call you darling." Rick quipped.

Alden burst into laughter. "I certainly hope not!"

"Come on, Richard. They are waiting."

In a mock serious tone, Queen Johanna said, "Are you seducing our daughter, you young rascal?"

Before he could answer, Katherine said, "No, Mother, I am seducing him."

"Johanna laughed. "Good answer, Daughter. You know that your father chased me until I caught him!"

Rick said, "Your Majesties, I guess it's very obvious that you all were right. I am in love with Katherine and with your permission I will marry her. I will do my best to carry out whatever it is, you need of me."

King James placed his hand on Rick's shoulder. "You have our blessing, Richard.

We had better wait before announcing your engagement. There may be repercussions when we do."

"I have no problem with that, Your Majesty. I am now sure of the situation but I still have a lot of adjusting to do. After all, my home is very different."

"That is the first adjustment that you have to make, Richard". Queen Johanna said. The world of your birth is no longer home. "This is your home. We are your family.

I know my daughter. We are much alike. She loves you, unequivocally. I will too, as will her sisters. Dinner is nearly ready to be served. Please take your places."

Rick escorted Katherine to her place and seated her. He then stood behind his seat until all the ladies were seated. " Gentlemen, Please be seated." King James said.

Archbishop Godfrey offered a blessing over the food.

Rick was surprised. He had expected one of the seven course interminable dinners.

It wasn't. A light salad was followed by soup, the entrée. Roast beef with new potatoes with apple tarts with cream for dessert. Rick just sipped at the wine. He wasn't fond of wine to begin with.

King James stood. "Ladies and Gentlemen, before the dancing begins, I would like to introduce a newly ennobled lord and newly appointed Captain in the Royal Guards.

Although Captain Rodgers is new to the Guards, he is an experienced fighting officer.

"Please rise, captain." Rick stood. "Ladies and Gentlemen, Captain, Lord Richard Rodgers, Baron South March." Rick bowed to the people. "You may be seated, Lord Richard. Katherine said, "Richard, please come with me. I want you to meet my sisters."

Three young women stood together All were beautiful, none as beautiful as Katherine.

"Lord Richard, I would like you to meet my sisters. This is Chelsea she is 22.

Chelsea had light brown hair, gray eyes and a voluptuous figure. She was as tall as Katherine, wearing a dove-gray gown. She curtsied in reply to Rick's bow, displaying quite a bit of cleavage, earning her a glare from Katherine. "Constance, is Chelsea's twin. 5 minutes younger." Constance wore light blue. "This is Victoria. The baby of the family, she is 15."

"I'm not a baby, Katherine and I don't like the term!" Victoria was a green-eyed blonde, dressed in yellow. "You certainly are not a baby, Princess Victoria.

"You are a lovely young lady." Rick said. Victoria blushed but her smile was dazzling."

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the music is about to start." The orchestra leader announced.

"May I have the pleasure of this dance, Sweet Lady?" Rick asked

. "Of course, Kind Sir, Katherine replied. And all of the rest of them too," she whispered Rick whisked her onto the floor as the first strains of a waltz filled the air. They danced the first three dances without leaving the floor."

During the break, one of four young women, sitting together said. "That Lord Rodgers looks like a combination of Ares and Adonis. I surely would like some of that!"

"Princess Katherine doesn't look like she's in a mood to share." Her friend said.

"I don't care. At Lady's choice I am going to ask him to dance!"

"I am going to freshen up. Will you please excuse me, Darling?"

"Of course, Katherine."

Lanie Parish said, "I will go with you, Your Highness."

"So will I." Deirdre joined the other two.

The music started again. "Good evening, Lord Richard. I am Lady Claire Collins May I…" that was as far as she got. Queen Johanna stood there.

"I am sorry Claire. I am claiming Royal Privilege." "May I have this dance, Lord Richard."

"Absolutely, Your Majesty. I am honored that you would ask me."

After a couple of minutes, the queen said, " You dance divinely, Richard."

"Thank you, Your Majesty but it is simply another skill. I try to do well at whatever the skill may be."

"I must admit, Richard that I have another reason beyond enjoying the dance, which I am, very much. Katherine and Claire Collins have been rivals since their debutant days. They intensely dislike each other. I would prefer to prevent a confrontation."

"Over a dance?"

"No, Richard over a man."

"What? That's ridiculous. Miss Collins Hasn't the chance of a snowball in Hell! Even if I weren't in love with Katherine, she is not even close to Katherine in physical beauty. Pretty, I suppose but just that!"

Queen Johanna laughed. "Not opinionated at all, are you Richard." Richard grinned back.

"Oh of course not, Your Majesty.

I'm completely objective." The queen laughed again."

"You dance superbly, too, Your Majesty. May I have another?"

"Yes, you may, Richard.

In fact, I'd be delighted. Poor James used to love to dance but his arthritis won't let him anymore. I do so miss it."

When that dance ended, Rick escorted Queen Johanna back to her table. "Thank You, Your Majesty."

"No, thank you Richard. That was fun."

In a mock plaintive tone, Katherine said, "May I please have him back, Mother?"

"Maybe, if you are very good."

"At what?" Alden quipped.

"Alden, behave yourself!" Queen Johanna snapped.

"Katherine, you may have the next dance with Richard, then you must let your sisters have a dance and you must dance with some of the other young men."

"But I don't want to dance with them, Mother."

"Yes, I know. But we still must preserve appearances for a time."

Despite the restrictions, Katherine and Rick managed three more dances together. Near the end of the evening a haughty young officer came towards Katherine. "Oh, no, here comes that annoying Charles Willoughby." "I do not want to dance with him. He will try to insist."

Alden said, "This ought to be good. I really want to see Richard in action."

"Princess Katherine, I claim the last dance!"

"Charles, I do not want to dance with you. Please go away."

"I insist. It is my right, by protocol!" Rick stepped between them.

"Princess Katherine said that she wants you to go away. I suggest that you do so."

"Just who do think you are? I am Count Charles Arthur Willoughby. I am shall make you regret interfering with me!"

" How will you do that, little man? Your social rank means nothing to me. As to who I am. I am Captain Richard Rodgers of The Royal Guards. I am the man enforcing Princess Katherine's wishes. Your collar flashes mark you as a rear echelon staff officer. What Are you some kind of bean counter? Can you use that cake cutter you are wearing? After this evening is over would you care to settle this honorably?" "If not, Charles, or is it Charlene? Go away. You are annoying the adults."

" You Barbarian!"

" Why yes, I am. As I said, go away or I may have to resort to barbarism."

Red faced, Willoughby slunk away. Alden said, "Charles or is it Charlene? That was rich.

That snobbish boor has had that coming for a long time. I think that he has been annoying

Katherine since she was 12 years old!"

"Richard, I am worried. He is a vindictive weasel, he may try to hurt you!" "Don't worry, Honey, I have had a lot of experience in covert operations. He can't think up anything I can't counter. He hasn't the courage or the skill to face me openly."

"My people and I guard Lord Richard's back, Your Highness." Javier said.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the last dance of the evening is upon us. Choose your partners."

"Shall we dance, My Princess?" "Yes, we shall, My Darling." They lost themselves in the music and each other.

"Damn, her." Claire Collins said. She had no right to keep him all to herself. He's not her fiancé, after all." "Claire, don't be stupid. She danced with several other men and he danced with other women."

"She was still behind it! All the others were her aide, the queen or her sisters. That one is a real man! Did you see all his medals? Daddy was a general. I know what the medals are. He needs a real woman. Not some ivory tower princess, who's never even had a lover!"

"As I said before, Claire, don't be stupid. You really don't want to be on the wrong side of Katherine's temper! Another thing. If I had a man like that, dancing with me, I wouldn't share him with you either!"

Rick and Katherine walked over to the king and queen. "Thank you, Your Majesties,

for a wonderful evening. More than that thank you for bringing me here, into your lives.

If I'd remained on my old earth, I could have searched my whole life through and never found a woman as beautiful or loving as Katherine."

"Richard, there is no thanks due us. This is where God meant you to be, where you were born to be. James and I are looking to the day when you can call us Mother, Father with no reservation in your heart."

Rick walked with Katherine to the door. Pulling her into another alcove, shielded from view by Javier and Lanie, Rick said, "My turn." He kissed her. "Good night Honey. Sleep well." "Good night My Darling. Sweet dreams. Dream of us."

As they walked back to the apartment Rick said, "Tomorrow is Saturday. Is it a duty day?" "Normally only half the day. You are not officially on duty until Monday, when you report to the General." "Good, I need to buy some civilian clothes and some athletic wear. I don't want to go in uniform. I have my clothes from my old home."

"That's fine, Sir. But let me run an errand first. Gentlemen do not go outdoors without a coat or jacket and a hat." "Are wide brimmed flat crowned hats in style?"

"Yes Sir. A planter's hat." "What about a short jacket, rather like our uniform jacket?"

"A rider's jacket." " I would appreciate it, Javier. Both in black."

Rick awoke, early, Saturday morning. He did some push-ups, sit-ups and ran in place.

He then bathed and ate breakfast. The telephone rang. The maid answered it. "It is Her Royal Highness, My Lord." "Good morning, Sweetheart." "Good morning, My Darling. Do you have plans for the day?" "I'm planning to buy some civilian clothes and a few other things, nothing much." "May I come with you?" "Of course but why do you want to? I'm just buying clothes. Rather boring." "Not to me. I want to do all the little things with you. Not just the big ones. The ordinary things a girlfriend would do."

"Isn't it a little dangerous for you?" " Not with a hat and veil. I'm not the only tall girl in town. Besides, next to you, no one's going to notice. Lanie and I will be at your apartment in half an hour. It will attract less notice than if you come here. We can just be two ordinary couples out shopping."

Javier arrived a few minutes later. "We have a problem, Javier. Princess Katherine insisted on accompanying us. She will be incognito. Miss Parish will be with her."

"Not too much of a problem, Sir. Kevin and two troopers will be a few feet behind us.

In civilian clothes, armed. I'm armed too."

"In that case, Javier, let me get something from my study." Rick came back, a couple of minutes later. "It's a good thing that everything I was carrying came with me."

"What's that, Sir?" "Rick took a short barreled revolver out of a shoulder holster. "This is a Model 66 .357 revolver. It holds 6 rounds. He also took out a short, black knife. "A Gerber Guardian." Rick shrugged the shoulder holster in place and clipped the knife into the top of his boot.

The styles and standards of dress in Caledonia and most of the west were similar to those of our own world in the early 1900's. Middle and upper class women generally wore dresses with fitted bodices and ankle-length skirt or a skirt with a long sleeved blouse and a shawl or light jacket. Hats, often with veils and gloves were prevalent. Pants were not worn. Divided skirts were used for riding.

Gentlemen never went outside without a hat and coat or jacket. Ties or ascots were the standard. Javier had also brought a crimson ascot and matching handkerchief. "You needed a spot of color in your wardrobe, Sir."

A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door. Kevin answered it. "Good morning, Your Highness, Miss Parish. Please come in." Katherine and Lanie were wearing very similar outfits. Waist length open jackets over ruffled blouses, long skirts,

gloves and veiled hats. Katherine wore a cream- colored jacket and skirt, white blouse, gloves and hat.

Lanie wore a dark yellow outfit, pale yellow blouse, gloves and hat. Both women carried draw string reticules.

Katherine walked over to Richard, lifted her veil and raised her face for a kiss. Richard kissed her, slowly and thoroughly. "If you keep that up, My Darling, I won't want to waste time shopping" She said. "Then I'd better stop, I do need to get those things."

"Spoilsport" She whispered in his ear.

Javier had already called for an unmarked carriage, which met them behind the palace.

After they boarded, Kevin and two of Javier's men, on horseback, followed at a discreet distance.

"Somebody will have to direct me." Rick said. "Aldo is Alden's tailor. Let's go there for your suits. He carries some readymade as well." "As you wish, Sweetheart."

They entered a clothiers shop, that was every bit as elegant, in its' way, as Angelina's jewelry shop. A salesman came to meet them. "May I help you, ladies and Gentlemen?"

"Is Aldo in?" "Yes, he is." "Ask him to come out, please. It will be worth his time."

A slim, middle-aged gentleman came out of an office. Despite a pronounced limp, he carried himself with the erect bearing of a veteran. "How May I be of service?"

Katherine said, "Please ask your assistant to attend to other matters."

"Of course." "Johnson, please go check on the new shipment of wool. I will call you if I need you." The salesman went off on his mission. Katherine said, " Lord South March needs some civilian clothes, Aldo." " I will be pleased to help Princess." "I'm sure that you are mistaken, Aldo. I am Lady South March."

Aldo grinned. "Of course you are. You just sound like someone else whose name starts with a K. Let me get a measure, My Lord, if you will please take a seat."

He went and got a tape measure. "May I speak to you a moment, in private, Lady South March?" "Of Course Aldo."

"Lady South March? Does that mean what I think it means, Princess?" "Yes it does, Aldo. But you must keep it secret, until we announce." "Angelina will be thrilled, Princess. We have waited a long time for this."

Aldo and Angelina were husband and wife. Angelina had been one of Queen Johanna's ladies-in -waiting and Aldo, the King's aide until badly wounded in a border skirmish.

Both were old friends of the family and treated much like a favorite aunt and uncle.

"Lord South March, what is it that you will need?" "I really don't know, Aldo. I just became a lord. Before that, I was and still am a career officer. I haven't owned a large number of civilian clothes. Uniforms usually sufficed. I really don't need a large number.

I am comfortable in uniform."

"None the less, My Lord, There are some casual affairs and parties that are best attended in civilian clothes. You need not purchase an entire wardrobe all at once. Please allow me to guide you. I promise not to overdo it or over charge you."

"That is true, Richard." Katherine said. " I have known Aldo all my life. Aldo, can you send your assistant on an errand and close the shop while we are here?"

" Absolutely." Aldo raised his voice. "Johnson, come here, please." "Yes Aldo?"

"Johnson, I want you to make three deliveries for me, then take your lunch."

Aldo walked over to the counter and handed three delivery tickets to Johnson.

The suits are hanging on the first rack." Johnson left and Aldo closed the shop.

"Now I can relax and take this silly hat off." Katherine said. "Aldo, May I introduce Captain Richard Rodgers, Baron South March of the Royal guards. Treat him as you would Alden or Father. He will be my fiancé as soon as it is safe to announce it.

He already is, in my heart. The family regards him so, as well."

"My Lord, you have no idea how happy this news makes me. My wife and I are childless.

The princes and princesses have felt like our nephews and nieces. The king and queen have allowed us that privilege. Please let your formal suit be my gift to you."

"As long as I pay for the rest, I'll accept it with thanks." "Of course, My Lord. I am generous, not stupid." Rick laughed. "Well, Aldo, since you are a close friend of the family, why don't you call me Richard. All this My Lord business gets tiresome."

"Thank you, Richard. Now, what color ranges would you prefer?" "Why not let Katherine choose? I tend to be too conservative out of uniform, I will be dressing to please her, as long as it's neither flashy nor ostentatious."

After looking at a number of cloth samples, Katherine said, " I think that we shall start with just five ensembles. Two suits, three coats, three pair of trousers and ten shirts.

A dark blue suit, a light gray suit, a forest green coat, a dark gray coat, and a tan coat.

Black trousers, Gray pinstripe trousers, and chocolate brown trousers.

Two white shirts, a light green, a dark green, a light blue, a dark blue, two light grays,

A light brown and a dark yellow. We will pick ties to match when the coats are ready."

"Do you have any ready to wear trousers, in my size in stock, Aldo?"

"All but hemmed, Richard." "Please get me a blue pair and hem them to these boots that I'm wearing. Except for formal wear, I never wear shoes. Always boots. Can you tell me of a good boot maker, close?"

"I can do better than that, Richard. I will have the man who does work for me, come here." "Today?" "Easily." "Very well, right after lunch. Say 13:00."

Aldo took Rick's measurements. "We will return at 13:00, Aldo. Can you guide me to an athletic shop?" I need some exercise and boxing clothing and shoes."

"I can do better than that, Richard. I know your sizes. Tell me what you need. I have a business associate who owns such a shop. I will have those items sent here and you can pick them up, this afternoon." "Thank you, Aldo." "You're welcome, Richard."

Katherine put her hat back on. "Richard, do you mind if we stop at Angelina's?"

"Not at all, Sweetheart. My time is yours."

Angelina greeted them as they entered the shop. A slow day, she was by herself.

"Good morning Lord South March. May I help you?" " Good morning, Angelina. That is up to Lady South March."

"Good morning Angelina. Can you close the shop for a little while?" "At once, My Lady." Angelina closed the shop. "Lady South March, Princess?" Angelina smiled.

Katherine removed her hat, again. "Yes, Angel, as a temporary disguise. We cannot announce it yet but Richard will become Prince Richard. I'm finally to be a bride!"

Angelina hugged Katherine. "Oh Dear Heart, I finally get to dance at your wedding. Aldo and I have wanted this, almost as much as your parents. I guessed as much when Alden was here with Lord Richard, yesterday. Now it is confirmed."

"Angelina, I can't give her an engagement ring, yet. But I want to give her something."

"I have a lovely, heart shaped gold and diamond pendant, would you like to see it?"

"Yes, I would." Angelina took a small box from a display case. The pendant was small but exquisite. "Do you like it, Sweetheart?" "It's perfect, Darling. I love it."

"I'll take it. Rick fastened the pendant around Katherine's neck, then kissed her."

"I want to give Richard a promise ring. Angelina." We have those, too. Let me show you." Katherine selected a ring. "Wear it on your right hand, Darling." She slipped the ring on his finger. They paid and left the shop.

"Any one hungry? It's almost time for lunch." Rick said. "I am, Darling. Lanie?"

"Yes, Your Highness." "Someone will have to choose. I still don't know the area." Javier spoke up. "I know of a nice, discreet little place. They serve the best Shepard's pies I've ever tasted. Perhaps not what you are used to, Your Highness but affordable. I would like to pay for Miss Parish's lunch as well as my own."

"I'm not a picky eater, Javier. Nor, I think, is Richard. If you say that it is good, lead on."

They stopped at a small restaurant. The sign read McMillan's Inn. Javier led the way.

"Hello, Daniel. Can we get your private booth?" "Hello Javier, of course. You are just beating the lunch crowd.

He showed them to a screened table. "Would you like to see a menu?" "Sir, Ladies?"

"Why don't you order for us, Javier." Rick said. "Four individual Shepard's pies, please,

Daniel. Two dark ales for the Captain and I, two of your best reds for the ladies."

The food came quickly. "You were right, Javier." Katherine said. These pies are delicious.

We really should have them at the palace." "I don't think that Daniel will give out his recipe but I think that I can arrange for him to send some to the palace whenever you like." "I would like that. Please arrange it."

After lunch they returned to Aldo's. "Lord South March, May I introduce Calvin Hodges,

the finest cobbler in Caledonia." "Can you make boots in this style, Mr. Hodges?"

"I have never seen boots like that, My Lord, but someone obviously made them, therefore, I can also. Let me measure your feet and make a sketch of the boot.

When he had done that, Rick said. " I would like to order four pairs of boots.

One each in black, brown, cordovan and tan."

"That should take about a month." "That's acceptable."

"Thank you, Aldo, for your help. I deeply appreciate it." "You're welcome, Richard."

Rick paid Aldo for the athletic gear and they returned to the palace.

Rick and Javier walked the ladies to the royal apartments. "Richard, will you please come to church with us, tomorrow?" "Church? Don't you have a private chapel?"

"Yes we do but Father and Mother don't like to use it. They want to worship with our people not apart from them." "Yes, I will. What time?" "Be outside at 09:30 we will ride with Alden and Deirdre. Good afternoon, My Darling. I will see you in the morning."

She lifted her veil for a kiss and got it. Good afternoon, Sweetheart." Lanie looked at Javier, speculatively then held out her hand. "Good afternoon, Javier. Shall we see you at church, as well?" "Javier gently shook her hand. "Of course, Lanie, Good afternoon."

As they walked back to Rick's apartment, Rick said, "Katherine already has me, for good.

You, I think are very firmly centered in Miss Parish's sights." "You must be mistaken, Sir. While I like the ladies just fine, I like running in single harness. Miss Parish knows

That." "Does she? Javier. I doubt it. Just because I never got caught until now, doesn't mean that I don't know what a hunting female looks like. I had combat deployments to help me escape and evade. You won't have that advantage, especially if Katherine and the queen decide to help her!"