XI. Ladies and Gentleman

The attacker released his grip and fell down. At this point, all the men who attacked us were dead.

We both had to catch our breath. "Not bad," my comrade complimented. "I'm obliged."

"I thought 'twas high time I saved your arse," I grinned. Then I wondered. "Who were they?"

"Probably poachers. They like to hunt warthogs for their ivory, and other animals for their fur." He answered. "We should head back to camp lest anything else happens."

We headed back to camp carrying our warthogs, with some scratches and bruises, but nothing we couldn't heal from. We met Arch and Kendall along the way.

"Did you lose your way, men?" Archer enquired. "Newport sent us to look for you."

"Looks like they went to war with each other...and brought food!" Kendall remarked.

"Actually, we went for a swim before hunting. Some poachers attacked us. John stopped the last one from choking me."

By the time we arrived at camp and told of the events, many of the men were congratulating me; either verbally, with or slaps on the back, including Newport, who slapped me on the rear. Sicklemore and Martin weren't around, as it was their turn to guard the ship along with a small portion of our crew.

We noted merchants taking several dark-skinned people aboard their ship. They were to be sold as slaves.

"Perhaps 'tis best I limit my time in the sun." Kendall remarked while we ate by a fire. "Lest I tan further, only to become mistaken for a slave." The men laughed, while I laughed along quietly.

"You should purchase one, Kenny," Bart suggested, as the surgeon tended to our bruises. "Perhaps you'll have one woman you'll actually have to keep."

"I don't particularly care for the savage kind, Gos."

"Savages, Savages." We all joined in, clanging tankards of ale amongst each other.

As much as I didn't think of them as civilized, there probably were times I questioned if the treatment was right... . Nevertheless, I somehow felt little remorse for those poachers—savages, they were.

In a couple more weeks, we finally reached London. When we pulled into the River Thames, we were met by a crowd full of loud cheers and happy faces. But at the moment, we only cared for one in particular.

"Her majesty, the Queen Elizabeth of England and Ireland... ."

I often had envisioned her as a striking, no nonsense, ruler. Despite being more slender than anticipated, and her hair a more faded auburn than a vivid one, she lived up to it in her elaborate, regal attire and ability to command attention. Suddenly, finding a strong woman in our presence, we found ourselves bowing, minding our manners, language and behaving like any gentlemen should. I had a chuckle at how civil we acted in public, knowing we wouldn't dare repeat what we did aboard. Had anyone seen us aboard a moment ago, one wouldn't consider our behavior "gentlemanly" at all.

"Well done, good faithful servants of England, and Ireland... ." Queen Elizabeth was utterly pleased with our endeavors, and had given Newport and his crew generous prize money, when we presented the treasure before her.

"God save the Queen, long to reign over us!" We cheered, as the Queen's soldiers transferred her share of the treasure to Nonsuch Palace on several carriages.

"Finally, fresh air, food, and clean clothing." Percy hailed a carriage. He packed in his bags one by one.

"Billy no-mates!" I called.

"I wish men wouldn't call me that. It gives men certain ideas... ."

"In all sincerity, Percy. I know most of the men weren't expecting you to stay, but I hope you and I can return after the season."

"You mean you'll actually miss my presence? How thoughtful. However, I do fully intend on enrolling at Middle Temple to study law."

"I see... . Godspeed, Percy."

He looked solemn for a moment. "Would you care for a lift? I'll pass through Lincolnshire on my way to Northumberland."

"Could I?"

He gestured I could. But before I could step in, the carriage trotted away. "Do forgive me. I wasn't aware the carriage has already reached its capacity," I heard him say, as it trailed off.

As much as I wanted to be angry, I noticed a hefty sack on the ground. Opening it, I found it was prize money. I had the last laugh. Surely he won't miss these.

I looked around and noticed most of the men had places to go and people to see—mothers, fathers, siblings, lovers or spouses. Martin went home to his wife and young son. Newport introduced me to his wife and daughters before heading home. Even Sicklemore seemingly vanished, to visit his mother.

"London always brings me back to certain days—attending parties and and actively socializing while Gabe and I were studying for the bar—well, supposedly." Bart, Arch and Kenny introduced me to old friends through the crowd.

I couldn't keep track of all the people, but I took note of the ladies that stopped them along the way, as there were quite a few—and all quite pretty. London women did seem more sophisticated than the girls in my village, especially in attire. The ladies who wore the simple dresses of the countryside were considered peasants or of a lower class. While they gave kisses on many hands and received more on either cheek, after some time, I could tell Bart was quite amused.

"Some of these women are more fond of me now than before I was married. Even when I tell them I'm spoken for, they don't seem to give a d—! The troubling times we live in!"

"Perhaps you shouldn't toy with them so much." Arch commented.

"I've always been the friendly sort, but not one to trifle," he defended.

"Well men, whatever shall we do now?" Kenny mused. I could tell he had an idea in mind. "I say we refresh ourselves at my place, and enjoy a well deserved evening. If we're fortunate, we might even meet a few birds. I invited a few friends over for supper."

Kendall had inherited a relatively nice town house in nearby Westminster. This is how higher society lives, I thought, as I was given a tour. Bart didn't stay for long as he decided to head towards home.

"Is this what you have to wear?" Arch asked me.

"The best I have."

"Perhaps to a trip to the country fair. In London, these won't suffice."

Arch and Kenny had me fitted for new clothes, as they jokingly remarked they couldn't be seen in public with my yeoman attire. The quality of the materials and fit were outstanding (...as was the price). Nevertheless this was the first time I could consider myself distinguished. I examined my reflection in a polished pan. I appreciated the gesture, and came to like the dignified look, although one thing bothered me. "The tights, are...rather... ."

"You'll stretch them; in time, they'll become more comfortable," Arch assured.

Meanwhile, Arch schooled me on etiquette and the expectations for London women. According to Arch, they were quite particular. What you wore, position in life, and any wealth or property increased your chances of success with them.

"Do you own any property?"

"The farm I grew up in, with several acres."

"Simply tell them you inherited property with several acres in the countryside, or you own land with a private estate. They'll be more impressed without referencing the farm itself."

"Come now, Arch." Kenny butted in. "He's not looking for a wife. 'Tis quite a bit to expect for a roll in the hay."

"Of course you'd say so. The women you entertain are far easier."

"You know as well as I, the supposedly proper ladies are merely more secretive about their affairs... ."

While they bickered back and forth, I could only imagine what Kenny's friends were like. But I was surprised to note many were reputable military men, gentry, and several lady friends he met between London and other places he was stationed.

"Pardon the intrusion," as a familiar face entered.

"Gos—what a pleasant surprise!" Kenny answered. "I anticipated you were headed home."

"I was...but I ran into an old friend along the way, and thought she would've liked to meet other friends of mine." Bart had his arm around a comely blonde, roughly five years my elder. "Gabe, you remember Cate—Catherine Barrington... ."

"Catherine?!" His mouth gaped open as if in shock, then he seemingly composed himself again. "Forgive me—yes, I do remember... ." Arch glowered and was about to speak, but Kenny cut him off.

"Welcome." Kendall extended his hand, which she accepted. Then he whispered something in Bart's ear that the latter shrugged off.

I was able to hear Arch finally whisper to Kenny. "You're allowing her stay?"

"'Tis his business, not ours. I already told him I washed my hands of any repercussions. In any matter, she's a guest in my house and will be treated as such—particularly since I'm fond of blonde or auburn-haired ladies."

I didn't know what to think, whether this was typical of him and his comrades were accustomed to this, but I decided it was best to keep any opinion I had to myself. I was somewhat curious why this woman had such an effect on him, despite having a wife at home (and whose name I still didn't know)?

In any case, I found her very much like Bart, who was outgoing and amicable. In other ways her golden hair and bluish eyes reminded me of another person... .

"He's rather charming Barry." She commented. "Is he a distant cousin of yours?"

"No, no relation."

"Where are you from?" She asked.

I expected her to ask about lineage, as the other women had. "Well, I come from Willoughby."

"I wasn't far off then. I thought you had Lincolnshire accent."

I felt embarrassed that she already knew I was a country man and not a true gentleman.

After, supper, many of the other attendees were dancing, including my comrades. I wasn't certain if I were comfortable among such a crowd. None of the dances were the familiar Jig, Hornpipe or Roundel. I later discovered it was a Galliard, a rather sophisticated dance reserved for higher classes. Surprisingly, she approached me after one of the dances ended. "You aren't going to continue standing there as a night watchman, are you?"

"But don't you think 'twould be more customary to ask you to dance?"

"It appears you already are."

That settles it then. Conceding, I decided to enjoy the moment, as I realized many of the people were already enjoying themselves, or had far too much wine to care about anyone else around them.