The New Life
a novel by Mark Robert Whitten
Chapter 28
The three days of celebration in Ashura were the most memorable of his entire life. Everywhere he went there was something new to explore, to taste, to smell, to try, to touch and experience. The food was abundant, the music and fun plentiful. He expected nothing less of course; the midsummer festival was without a doubt the most important day of the year. But while the people of the crown city were in a jovial mood, Leslie slipped deeper and deeper into depression. It seemed the closer they came to the final day of the festival the more withdrawn she became. Jess tried to distract her by joining her side at the tournament contests. They were held in special sections of the city and were by far the most exciting part of the celebration. Tom was a favored competitor and Leslie managed to break from her glum mood long enough to cheer him when he took the field.
Tom had entered the swordsmanship, jousting and archery competitions and was doing quite well in all three. They watched his events with high expectations. Leslie remarked that he was sure to take the trophy this year and that it was Jess' chance to see the royal family, as the King himself would present the prizes to the winners.
Jess, Leslie and Miss Edmunds were at the sidelines to watch the jousting match when Jess caught a glimpse of the King. He was sitting tall in a high-backed chair watching the preparations of Tom and the final challenger. Jess held his breath as the King stood, his crimson cape billowing in the wind.
The entire crowd fell silent as he raised his regal hand.
The King looked magnificent, Jess thought, not old like he expected, but old enough to sport a full neatly trimmed black beard. His golden crown rested atop his noble head of jet black hair, which swept back at the sides as if caught in the wind. An elegant sword gleamed at his hip, beside black trousers and boots. He called out to the crowd that the final match was about to begin. Everyone cheered. Jess was spellbound by the sound of his loud voice, not harsh as he expected but strong and commanding nonetheless, the way a king should speak. He watched the King nod to a man with a trumpet and resume his place on his throne. As the trumpet blared announcing the start of the last round of the tournament, the King looked to the woman next to him and smiled. Jess knew the lady could only be his wife, the High Queen of Arkahna. She was a beautiful young woman; her long brown hair cascaded down her shoulders reminded Jess of his distant mother. He stood watching her a moment as she returned the Kings smile and said something he couldn't hear. Her violet dress shone in the summer sun like a beautiful flower. Jess reminded himself to purchase a violet dress for May belle while he had the chance.
His little sister loved purple. Jess remembered how she always seemed to be trying to grow her purple flowers. His family could never before afford the expense of violet clothing, a color favored by the nobility and royalty, but now Jess could buy a dress that would make her the envy of everyone back home, a dress that would make her seem a violet flower herself. He smiled at the thought of her joyous face and returned his attention to the joust.
At the waving of a flag, the rides spurred their horses, charging towards each other at blinding speed. The crash of their lances sent splinters flying as the crowd responded with their customary cheers of victory or groans of disappointment.
After a moment it became clear that Tom had won the championship.
The crowd roared their approval as Tom removed his helmet. His face shone with sweat as he smiled broadly. Leslie and Jess cheered him. He'd done it. He'd won.
As he stood in a line with the champions of other contests, the king stood and lauded their accomplishments. They received gilded statuettes for their victories and as the King handed them to the winners Leslie applauded. As they raised their trophies to the sky the crowd erupted into similar applause.
Jess watched Leslie cheer, her beaming smile shining bright. He knew she had forgotten all about the dark evening ahead. For a brief moment, she was happy again.
000
Leslie and Jess spent the final hours of the last day of the festival in their town house with Leslie's parents and Miss Edmunds and Tom. After a light meal, they all bathed before changing into their finest clothes for the royal ball. Jess wore his blue shirt under his black vest with matching trousers, his uniform kept clean by being in reserve.
As he slipped the buttons closed on his black wool vest, he looked up and smiled as Leslie entered the room. At the sight of her, his mouth fell open.
She wore her light blue dress; the one Jess' mother had helped her make for the festival.
She looked stunning. "Leslie, you're wearing… that?" Jess had always favored the dress, with its crisp collar of white and its smooth blue hue. With her long golden tresses shining like the sun on a bright summer's day around the light blue dress, it always seemed as if Leslie wore a patch of the sky.
But it was a peasant garment, made by a poor woman in a thatched hut. It hardly seemed worthy of the finery of nobles. Leslie would stand out more than if she were to attend the ball naked. "I can't believe you chose it for tonight." He shook his head. "It doesn't seem right."
Leslie frowned. "Why not? It's my favorite dress."
Her statement rang joyfully through him. He reminded himself to tell his mother what she said about the dress. She came to a stop before him and smiled. "It was made for love, not money. I want to send a message to everyone at the ball that love is more important." She smiled somewhat bitterly. "In a way, it will say what I cannot."
Jess stood thunderstruck. He didn't know how to argue with such brazen defiance of something as important as tradition, especially at an event like the royal ball. Swallowing his trepidation, he broke her mischievous gaze to finish buttoning his vest but found that he couldn't get his fingers to work. She smiled a little at seeing his struggle and came forward, fastening it for him. Jess thanked her, his eyes roaming over her long golden hair. Even after seven months Jess had trouble accepting that her hair was so long. He missed how it looked at jaw-length, unkempt and ruffled with stray bits of straw, when he had first known her back on the farm. It seemed a lifetime ago.
"What's wrong?" She had noticed him staring.
He shrugged, blushing. "N-nothing, you just look… lovely, that's all."
Her smile filled him with joy and she took his hand then and led him out the door.
They joined Miss Edmunds and Tom, both looking fine in their dress clothes. Miss Edmunds wore the most stunning dark dress, a good match for her raven hair. Her bare, alabaster shoulders stood in stark contrast well above the neckline. Her raven black hair was curled, looking more elaborate than ever and as Jess took in the sight of her in her finery, he couldn't help but smile. She looked so much as she truly was: an enchantress. Tom was her match in his dark dress uniform and as they sauntered down the stairs arm in arm, Miss Edmunds laughed at something clever that Tom had whispered. The lilting sound made Jess spirits soar. He knew it would be a magical night.
As they stepped into the street, Jess looked about the darkening city. The sun was already setting, casting the cobblestones in long shadows. Other carriages from the other town houses were already making their way toward the palace island. Leslie sighed. She looked to him to be suddenly tired, as if the excitement of the last three days had finally caught up with her.
He wanted so much to help her, to somehow get her out of the marriage ceremony, but he knew it was useless. He was just a farm-boy-turned-servant. He couldn't save her.
With a withering sigh that he hoped she couldn't hear he led her toward the carriage.
000
The carriage ride was brief but by far the most exciting part of their entire visit. Jess knew they were approaching the palace and he wanted nothing more than to ride atop the carriage and see it for himself but that wouldn't be proper and as Leslie had warned him, he needed to mind the rules of etiquette and propriety. It wouldn't do to embarrass himself and the family that took care of him. He sat as still as he could the whole ride over, wanting to properly behave for Leslie and her family.
The carriage lurched back a bit as they ascended a rise and as Jess leaned back he knew they were going over a stone bridge to the island of Destiny. They came quietly down on the other side. No one spoke the entire ride over; instead of the light-hearted conversation they enjoyed while traveling to the city, a somber silence permeated the coach. It took a while longer to reach the palace but when the carriage rolled to a stop, Jess nearly jumped out of his seat. He could feel himself trembling with excitement.
They had arrived.
The carriage door swung open and Jess slipped out first, to give Leslie a hand down, as was his duty. As he gently gripped her slender fingers, he glanced around at their surroundings. They appeared to be in a garden of some kind, lit by fireflies that drifted about roses of red, yellow and white. Expansive lawns swept away in the darkness of the evening, dotted by grand trees carefully planted in rows. He couldn't see much of the courtyard, but as his eyes fell on their destination, he gasped.
The palace loomed over him in the darkness, a magnificent edifice of might and wonder. Living with the Burkes in their castle home, Jess had thought he knew the meaning of opulence. He was wrong. The towering spires, the turrets, the walkways and fluted columns lit by lanterns, lamps and candles fairly glowed in the night, looking as if a star had fallen from the heavens and been carved out to stand in the center of the island. Jess could hardly breathe at the sight of it. A sudden jab in his ribs made him gasp. Leslie glared at him in the near darkness. Her fair face, lit by the nearby glow emanating from the palace, was flaring red. Jess cringed. He had embarrassed her already. Lowering his gaze, he swallowed hard and apologized as she stalked towards the grand entrance.
He silently followed her as she followed her parents, joining the flow of finely dressed people ascending the grand steps up onto the fascia. There seemed to be enough room for everyone to walk alone, despite the vast numbers of arrivals and as they proceeded through the grand oak double doors standing open in greeting, Jess licked his lips and concentrated his gaze on the blue velvet ribbon that bound Leslie's hair. His eyes strayed occasionally as they moved through the elegant vestibule, and he found himself glancing up at the statues of heroes carved in marble on each side of the entry room.
They were ten times life-sized and appeared to be a King and Queen, each dressed in marble clothes that looked so real they might flutter in the cool breeze that flowed into the palace, alleviating the warmth of the summer night. Jess had never seen statues so grand or expertly carved. He wanted so much to touch one, to feel the cold smoothness of the marble as he glided his hands over it but he dared not even attempt such a thing.
A long moment passed before he realized he had stopped moving. He looked ahead for Leslie's hair ribbon but found to his horror that she had disappeared. He looked about the colorful river of people, finely dressed ladies and lords with their servants and the palace guards all moving through the entry hall towards some destination. It seemed to Jess that his family's entire house and yard could fit within the simple vestibule in which he found himself lost, with room to spare. He didn't know how he would find his mistress in all the confusion. Desperately trying to control his panic, Jess whispered her name into the hushed murmur of the crowd. There was no answer. He didn't dare shout or even allow himself to cry; he simply started walking with everyone else, hoping to find her.
He couldn't bear the thought of humiliating Leslie by having her come back for him.
Just then a voice called out, soft and soothing. He turned to see Miss Edmunds coming towards him, her lavender gown flowing about. As she approached, Jess sagged with the relief of seeing someone he knew. She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Are you alright?" He nodded. ""Leslie is looking for you," she whispered. "Did you get lost?" He nodded again, afraid to test his voice, lest it break. "Alright," she whispered, "Just come with me. I'll get you back to her." Miss Edmunds gently wrapped an arm around his shoulder and led him towards the great hall. He wanted so much to thank her for saving him, but he couldn't bring himself to look at her then.
As they moved into the hallways of the palace, Jess held her delicate hand and allowed himself the privilege of gazing about at the fine furniture, the ruby and gold carpets under his scuffling black boots. Everything was lit by the glow of cut glass lamps before silver reflectors casting shimmering light everywhere and making the place seem that much more magical. His unworthy peasant eyes beheld the grand paintings hanging on the richly paneled walls, depicting people he didn't know and a few he actually recognized from stories in his history books. He wanted so much for Miss Edmunds to stop in front of one of them and lecture him about the nature of the particular hero, but they moved swiftly though the quiet hush of the hall, rushing to catch up with his adopted family.
As they entered a new hall, they rounded the corner and he actually caught sight of Leslie, standing in the center of the crowded area with her parents. Jess sighed in relief at the sight of them as they looked about, searching for something.
Jess felt his face burn.
He knew whom they were hunting.
Leslie turned toward them. Her eyes slid closed and she appeared to relax. Jess kept his own eyes on the rich ruby carpets. He didn't meet her gaze as Miss Edmunds released his hand, patting his back. "Found him," she said in a friendly voice, as if she had just returned a lost puppy. Jess struggled mightily to hold back tears as Leslie came forward.
Her brow furrowed, she gripped his shoulder. "Are you alright?" Leslie didn't seem angry, just concerned. He nodded that he was fine.
Her father came forward as well. "Jess… what happened?"
Jess knew he had to answer so he cleared his throat and spoke up. "I-I got lost…" He didn't try for a more elaborate explanation, just stood in silent shame as the crowd continued to whisper and scuffle along as they made their way around the small company of Burke nobility. Lord Burke didn't yell, like Jess expected, just spoke loud enough to be heard above the hushed murmur. "Well, stay close, okay?" Jess nodded, relieved Lord Burke wasn't furious. Jess knew he had a right to be and in spite of his lord's patience, he still felt like crying, having been lost and alone in such a grand and mysterious place.
As they proceeded farther down the long hall, Jess kept his eyes on Leslie's long hair and contented himself with how beautifully her golden tresses shimmered in the lamplight. Everyone stopped suddenly and he came up short of bumping into her.
Leslie turned back to him and leaned close. "Go announce us to the chamberlain." When he frowned, she pointed to a well-dressed man standing near the other end of the archway. Jess nodded, knowing now what was expected of him. He moved on swiftly, determined to make amends for his earlier failure. As he approached, he saw a servant a few years older than himself approach the chamberlain. "The Des-Tines have arrived," Jess heard him whisper. The chamberlain nodded and turned to the hall. "Announcing the Des-Tine family!"
A family swept past Jess and into the room to the sound of applause. Jess swallowed his terror. He was near the end of the archway and could already see the ballroom.
Black and white marble tiles swept away underfoot, expanding across a room large enough to hold a city the size of his hometown. The sides of the great hall held windows of immense scale hidden by drapes of violet and gold standing between pillars of white- veined brown marble supporting the vaulted ceiling that soared overhead. From the secluded safety of the alcove, he could hear the sound of music, slow and sweet floating to him from the bright room. Where the rest of the palace was muted in hushed tones, the sounds from the great hall were enough to make him shake. Boisterous people laughed and conversed about things he couldn't hear while others asked questions about people he didn't know. The gowns of the ladies and coats of the men outshined any of the finery he had glimpsed in the streets. Jess felt his mouth water at the thought of being amongst so many important people.
A voice startled him. "Boy?" He looked up to see the chamberlain looking at him. "Who are you here to announce?"
"The-the Burkes, sir."
The chamberlain nodded and Jess fled back the safety of their company. He took his place behind Leslie and fixed his gaze on the back of her hair just as the chamberlain's voice rang out announcing their arrival. As one, the group moved forward and Jess stepped lively to keep up. As they glided through the archway into the vast ballroom, Jess gaped at the immensity of it all. As large as it had seemed from the archway, it was even bigger inside. The walls stretched up to a dizzying height, supporting a ribbed, vaulted ceiling so high overhead it might as well have been the open sky. Jess felt as tiny as a bug. The dull murmur of conversation echoed around the room, reminding Jess of the crowds in the streets but unlike the masses outside the palace, the people in the banquet hall wore the finest of clothes, reds and blues and pinks mixed with whites and browns and tans and gold making it seem as if a sunset had descended. It made him feel as if his clothes, the finest he had ever worn, were nothing more than rags. He fidgeted endlessly, staying close to Leslie and her parents. He felt as if he were an imposter hiding amongst the gods themselves, as if at any minute they would realize there was a filthy peasant among them and chase him away like a rat from a granary.
The Lords and Ladies of Arkahna, all swathed in their finely tailored coats and shimmering gowns, filled the room from end to end and still had enough space to move about without stepping on each other's toes. Squires in simple black and white uniforms scurried about placing trays of food on the tables as everyone mingled and laughed, shaking hands in merry greeting as they moved slowly across the room. The white-clothed tables to the sides held an unparalleled variety of food and drink, enough it seemed, to feed an army of supplicants. Every plate was gold-rimmed and every goblet was the finest crystal. There were platters with meat of every kind he could name and many he couldn't begin to identify.
He kept his eyes forward as they approached the end of the hall. When the crowd parted, Jess was terrified to see they were making their way steadily toward the King. He sat waiting upon a golden throne, his noble gaze locked onto the approaching family.
Another family of nobles departed just as the one ahead of them arrived. The family bowed before their King, the women curtsying, the men kneeling and all swearing allegiance to his Majesty. Jess couldn't hear all the words, but he knew the family's servants weren't required to say them. He felt relieved at not having to say anything before the King.
When the company before them rose and departed, the Burkes shuffled forward, Leslie at their lead. Jess watched her curtsy and felt Tom's strong hands force him down into a deep bow. Jess kept his eyes locked on the intricately patterned marble floor as the Burke's recited the oath.
"Fidelity to the crown, on our hearts, on our souls, on our lives."
The rustling of cloth informed Jess it was time to leave. He was tempted to meet the gaze of the King but he dared not raise his head to look, instead following Leslie's hair ribbon away from the throne as she led him to an open spot near the tables at the side of the room. Jess heaved a sigh and stole a glance at the distant throne. He had never been so close to royalty. The supplicants continued to arrive, bowing before the King and kissing his ring before departing to take what seemed pre-arranged places at the sides of the room. The most important people, Jess guessed, were nearest the King, and for the first time, he noticed the multitude of people surrounding the royal family. Several men stood about, some in robes, others in long coats, some clean-shaven others with full beards. They appeared to be watching everyone in the room.
As his curiosity overcame his sense of caution, Jess leaned close and whispered his questions to Leslie. "Who are all those people up there?"
Leslie leaned over without meeting his gaze. "Advisors to the crown," she said. "Some are from the Wizards Guild, others the Warlock Union. There are star guides and seers among them. A few are just administrators but most of the people around his majesty have some magic.
"They can hear everything we're saying, so mind what you say, if you want to keep your head."
Jess couldn't tell if she was joking.
He returned his gaze to the people on the raised area and was startled to see that Mrs. Myers stood among them. As her stern visage swept the room, her dark hair and conservative dress reminded Jess of nothing so much as a crow hunting for food.
Jess swallowed hard as her dark eyes came to rest on him. He felt as tiny as a mouse under her glower. At last her dark eyes swept onward, but not before settling a look on Leslie that made Jess unconsciously reach for his knife.
Leslie pulled his hand away before he could touch it.
Jess glanced back towards the tables watching intently as steam rose off the roasted pigs, ducks, and geese. Large steaming platters held an array of sausages and ribs, nestled amongst bowls of boiled potatoes, plates of fish both dried and grilled, and platters of ham and numerous bowls of nuts, grapes and sauces as well as several platters of raw vegetables. He licked his lips at the savory sight of such a variety of samples. They were all placed carefully amongst massive platters of strawberries, bowls of spiced apples, tiered stands of pastries and covered tureens of polished silver holding what Jess guessed, from the aroma of onions and spices, was a delicious variety of soups.
As his gaze roamed over the small portion of the single table, it appeared to Jess to be the most opulent feast ever held.
It looked to Jess as if no one had touched any of the offerings.
He could feel his stomach starting to grumble and without much thought, reached for a steaming platter of delicious-looking roasted ribs. Before he could touch even one of them Leslie's hand clamped down tightly onto his wrist. Her grip was so strong, it hurt. Wincing, he turned to her warning glare. "No one eats before the King," she whispered. The look in her bluish-green eyes was so frightening, he could only nod.
Slowly, she removed his arm from the table. Jess let out an unsteady breath and glanced about to see if anyone had seen his indiscretion. No one paid him the slightest attention.
Leslie led him away from the temptation of the banquet tables, toward the center of the room. As he followed Leslie's lead, Jess stood in awe of everything he never imagined could exist, of statues in the corners of the room, of furniture finer than any he ever thought could be made by men. Even the pillars stood as massive supports of a ceiling he couldn't dream in his wildest fantasies.
The people they passed were even more impressive.
As the crowd talked and more guests arrived, Jess felt his stomach protesting. He wanted so much to eat, but the ball had not yet begun. As Leslie led him around the room, Jess heard many people complain that the final guests hadn't yet arrived.
Jess could only wonder at who the inconsiderate guests could be.
Knowing it was a breach of protocol, Jess nevertheless reached out his hand to tap Leslie's shoulder. He wanted to ask who was not yet here. Before his fingers could graze her shoulder, the announcer called out to the crowd the arrival of the late-comers.
"Announcing the Lord and Lady Owens and their daughter Madison Owens."
The room filled with the sounds of ruffling clothes as everyone turned toward the door. Jess could see a man and woman at the doorway, casting disdainful glances at everyone in the room. They strode forward with an arrogant step, looking as if they owned the whole kingdom. Where other guests wore smiles to hide their true feelings, the Owens glared openly at everyone. They seemed like nothing so much as wolves stalking their prey and their daughter was no exception. She wore her scowl as well as either of her parents. Jess stared openly at the trio as they marched across the room, noting that their daughter wore the exact same dress as her mother, a white gown, cinched at the waist with a pink satin belt and while her face bore the freckles and softness of youth, the seriousness of her expression, so devoid of the joy of life, matched her mother's perfectly. It was a look so much unlike that which Leslie wore, Jess blanched at the sight.
As they made their way straight through the center of the room, the only sound was the clack of their boots on the hard marble floor. They kept their eyes straight ahead. A gaggle of servant girls followed at a respectable distance. Every noble family had a few servants with them but none brought as many as the Owens. Jess guessed they wanted to look more important by bringing an excess of help. As he stared, the crowd parted for them like a river around a stone. Everyone glared at their backs as they stopped before the King.
The Duke Owens knelt as his wife and daughter dipped curtsies before the King.
"Fidelity to the crown, on our hearts, on our souls, on our lives," they said in unison.
As they rose from the floor, the King stood. He clapped his hands and instantly an army of squires in simple uniforms flowed into the room, each bearing a silver tray aloft. Every tray carried a silver chalice and as they moved amongst the crowd, every adult in the room took hold of a goblet. Jess frowned, confused by the ritual as a passing servant glided by delivering her chalices to the Burke family. Leslie didn't receive a chalice, but she didn't appear to want one either. Miss Edmunds and Tom took theirs reverently. Jess gazed about, expecting everyone to be gulping whatever was in them, but no one had raised theirs to their lips.
As the quiet shuffling of departing squires faded, the King raised his chalice, a jewel encrusted golden cup. His family did the same. All eyes were on him as everyone else in the room raised their silver goblets in silent answer.
It was so quiet in the grand room, Jess was sure he could hear the heartbeats of everyone nearby as they waited in the tense silence for the King to speak.
"Welcome to the midsummer festival," he said, his voice booming through the great hall. "Drink the wine of welcome and know that you are welcome in my home."
Jess stood in awe as everyone raised their drinks and downed the wine. He remembered Leslie telling him of this tradition. Every adult partook of the wine of welcome at the beginning of the feast and the wine of departure that followed the completion of the festivities. It was a symbolic welcome that bound everyone to the King's hospitality for the evening before releasing them at the end of the night. Jess thought it an amazing sight but as he turned to Leslie, he saw her cover a yawn with the back of her hand. He guessed seeing it for the tenth time in her life wasn't as impressive as the first.
As they finished the drink, everyone returned the goblets to the passing servants and began applauding. Then, as the applause died down, the King raised his hands.
"Enjoy the feast!"
The crowd instantly broke, some people heading for the tables, others for people they knew. All started talking, eating, laughing, and shaking hands of lords and kissing the backs of lady's fingers as servants rushed about tending to the needs of all. Music of a light and beautiful nature filled the great hall, resounding off the walls and lifting the somber mood to one of merriment. Jess followed Leslie straight to the tables. He supposed she was as hungry as he felt. She immediately selected a small plate and piled on ribs, a few fruits and a bit of buttered bread. Jess licked his lips at the sight. He watched for her nod of approval before he grabbed a bowl and immediately ladled himself some soup. As he held the warm bowl in both hands, he inhaled the spicy aroma. Leslie nudged his elbow and he leaned close to hear her over the buzz of the crowd. "It's still hot. Set it down to let it cool." She held up a rib for him. "Eat some of these while you wait."
He took her rib and nibbled gingerly, surprised to find it still warm. He retrieved a plate for himself and set about loading up on meats and fruits. He wanted to try some of the new dishes he had seen. Leslie advised him towards the better ones and warned him away from the others that she said weren't worth his time. He trusted her and found she knew what she was talking about; everything she selected was delicious. After a while he returned to his soup and put it to his lips. It had cooled sufficiently and he quickly drank down the warm brown liquid. Jess sighed with satisfaction. The soup had warmed him and after a second glass of spiced cider, Jess felt the anxiety that had held him start to melt away. Leslie warned him not to make himself sick, but the food was so good he couldn't help himself from taking more. Every time he turned around he saw something else he wanted to try. The bread he sampled was warm and soft, melting in his mouth, leaving behind the sweet taste of molasses on his tongue. He drank another cup of cider and laughed a little as he watched the shifting crowds. Everything seemed right.
Miss Edmunds spoke with Mrs. Myers about important things and laughed with Tom about stories they shared. They both seemed popular with the people of the palace, waving to people who called out to them and shaking hands with dukes and ambassadors alike. Jess watched them both talk with the most important people, the officers and nobles and men in strange robes and long dark coats. Jugglers and musicians and even a few fire-breathers entertained people as they ate. Upon seeing the gout of flames burst forth to jubilant applause, Jess heard someone in golden robes—undoubtedly a wizard, Leslie whispered—remark that breathing the fire was easy, while swallowing it was the real trick. People laughed. Jess laughed. Everyone seemed happy. Except Leslie. She smiled when people greeted her and made witticisms when appropriate but she didn't seem to shine like she always had back on the farm.
Many a noble family they passed stopped them to shake Duke William's hand and kiss the backs of Duchess Judy's fingers. Leslie received many compliments about how much she had grown the past year, how beautiful she was becoming and wishes for a long and happy marriage. Jess stood a little back and to her side, his eyes on his boots as they talked but he could see when Leslie turned away to greet others that the smile she held was forced. She wasn't enjoying herself and Jess suspected many reasons for her displeasure. First amongst them was the tedium of greeting people she hardly knew. Jess hoped he at least wasn't one of the reasons for her unhappiness.
They were next confronted by a rather round woman with a painted face. The woman's dress was a garish shade of red and her dark hair was done up with pins that, to Jess' mind, together with her dress, made her seem rather silly looking.
The woman smiled at Leslie—a smile of indulgence, Jess noted—as she dipped her dark head in greeting. "How nice it is to see you again, my dear."
Leslie curtsied. "And you as well, Ma'am." Leslie's smile seemed as insincere as the lady's.
Jess knew the woman had called Leslie "my dear" because she had never bothered to learn her name. Jess tried not to let that bother him. He supposed it was difficult for someone in her position to keep track of all the names of people she met, especially the daughters and sons of those important people. It occurred to him that she might not think Leslie important enough to remember and he felt his ire rising at the pompous woman and her haughty, insincere smile.
As she sauntered away to greet others, a thought came to his mind. He remembered the first time Leslie and he had met. Leslie was dirty, sweating and wearing simple peasant clothes. Jess wondered how the noble lady would react if she saw her as he had back then, all covered in dirt and smelling like a barn in the middle of summer. Smiling to himself, he mused that the woman would scream outrage if she saw Leslie jumping stark naked into the pond to bathe or digging roots, or butchering fish for supper. The image of Leslie, up to her elbows in fish guts and the fat noble woman shrieking in fright was almost enough to make him laugh. He reminded himself that he would have to tell Leslie about that when they were alone again.
As the guests mingled and spoke in hushed whispers, a clear voice called out to them.
"Well, well, as I live and breathe, if it isn't Leslie Burke!"
Leslie turned to the condescending sound of the voice, her best polite smile plastered across her face. Jess turned with her just in time to see the Owens' daughter stalking towards them, a gaggle of servants following at a respectful distance. A swarm of other noble girls about Leslie's age moved around Madison like a flock of chicks following a mother hen. As the group of finely dressed girls came to a sudden stop before them, Leslie dipped her head in greeting. "Madison."
No one returned the nod. Madison tossed back her fall of dull black hair. It was as long as Leslie's, pinned at the back of her scalp to fountain down the back of her sparkling white dress. She flashed a smug smile. "How have you been, Leslie?"
It was a snide question asked out of necessary etiquette, with a distinct inflection of distaste on her name. One would have missed it if one were not listening for it. Jess had been listening. While he was certain Leslie heard it, she gave no outward sign. "I'm fine, Madison, thank you." Leslie seemed to be playing the part of a gracious guest. Jess wanted nothing to do with this Madison girl. He could tell right way that she was trouble.
As if in answer to his silent assessment, Madison came forward and spoke in a confidential tone. "I was quite worried about you, actually." She looked about with wide brown eyes as if to see anyone else who might be listening to their gossip. Ignoring Jess, Madison brought her freckled face closer to Leslie. "I heard you were lost on a family trip and abducted by peasants!"
Leslie's face crinkled in confusion; she obviously had no idea what Madison meant.
Jess thought he did but made no move to comment. The noble girls behind Madison giggled at what they thought was a private joke. Jess could feel his face heating. He tried to remain calm as Madison continued to explain to Leslie's confounded expression the nature of what she meant. "Oh, it's all right, Leslie, we understand. It must have been awful for you to be a captive of those lowly creatures." She pulled back to the safety of the flock. "I hear tell they were so poor that they couldn't afford labor animals and they made you wear a yoke and work their fields instead!"
All the girls around Madison laughed. Jess felt his blood boil. He didn't understand everything about this world but the things Leslie had taught him about trading insults in so-called "polite society" allowed him to understand the derogatory meaning in Madison's words. By spreading ugly rumors about Leslie's captivity—her time with Jess' family—Madison not only shamed Leslie, but referred to her as nothing more than an ox, a filthy beast of burden. Madison wasn't sympathetic to Leslie's imagined plight—if anything, it sounded as if she wished it was true—but anyone listening to their conversation would hear only the sweet words of a concerned friend. Jess hated the idea of Madison lying about what his family did to Leslie but he dared say nothing to disgrace her.
If Jess felt his face to be the expression of rage barely contained, Leslie's was the opposite. She looked devoid of any emotion at all. As she caught on to Madison's reasoning she nodded her head in quiet understanding. "Ah, you refer to my recent excursion." Her voice was as calm as her features. "Well, let me assure you that as awful as it was, it was not as bad as you might think." She gestured offhandedly. "They at least fed me well enough and let me sleep at night. And I found the labor of working the fields slightly more enjoyable than attending endless committees and celebrations to trade words with the social elite." As Madison's superior smile fell away to be replaced by a dark scowl, her freckled face began to redden. Leslie smiled a genuine grin as she continued. "To tell you the truth, the most I had to contend with in the wheat fields was the occasional raven stealing seeds." She leaned in close, returning Madison's glare in kind. Jess smiled as the other noble girls retreated a half-step. "Thankfully, I never encountered any vipers out in the fields."
Jess stood as still as stone. Inwardly, he cheered his friend. Leslie had just delivered a cutting message: she would rather be a beast of burden working for peasants than put up with these vipers. He knew the way she had delivered the message—with subtly and authority—was the proper way to trade blows in the court of the King. Simple brawling was meant for "lesser people," like farmers and soldiers and was expressly forbidden in cultured events such as this.
Madison restored her smile with effortless grace. "Well, I hope those filthy peasants didn't whip you too much and that your father gave them all what they deserved."
Jess felt something inside him snap. He knew the protocol for proper behavior but as Madison's words cut through him, he didn't care. She was mocking his family and Leslie's by suggesting they were as cruel as her. Nothing Scott Hoager ever said to him cut him so deeply. He decided he would teach her a lesson in manners—the peasant way.
As he took a step forward, Leslie moved swiftly to Madison's side, blocking his path. Leaning close to her rival, she whispered, "As a matter of fact, they all got exactly what they deserved."
Jess held his place behind her and relaxed. He felt a swell of pride for Leslie. To anyone watching it would seem as if whispering to Madison was all Leslie had done. Jess knew better. In one graceful movement, Leslie had stopped him from making a great mistake and had taken the edge off his anger by reminding him of how much he owed her family. She also answered Madison's statement in a way that was ambiguous enough to be taken a number of ways and still be considered the truth. Jess released a deep breath and felt himself cool down. He was still too close to be properly stationed but Leslie saved him from any embarrassment of retreating. Turning to him, she smiled with sudden delight. "Oh, Jess, there you are," she said, as if noticing him for the first time. "Fetch me some cider, please."
He bowed his head gratefully. "Yes, my lady." Without another thought, he turned from the meeting and retreated to the table. Madison had not noticed his presence, as according to Leslie, she considered servants unworthy of notice and wouldn't pay them any attention. Jess was grateful. He didn't want Leslie angry with him, especially now.
Jess breathed a sigh of relief as he scanned the tables. The trays he had worked to empty of their food had been refilled as if by magic. Jess smiled at the sight. The effect was meant to give the impression of endless bounty, as if the food replaced itself. As he fetched Leslie's drink he kept an ear out for what she was saying. Madison asked if she were prepared for the marriage ceremony. Leslie assured her she was more than ready. Everyone knew it would be taking place within the next hour, before the big dance.
As Jess poured cider into a chalice, he heard Madison mention how much Leslie's betrothed was looking forward to their marriage. Jess paused at this, realizing that he had never actually seen the boy Leslie was to marry. He quickly finished pouring the drink and turned around. No one paid him any attention, so he waited a moment as they continued their conversation.
"Just look at him, Leslie." Sighing wistfully, Madison pointed across the room. "He's your future, the man with whom you'll spend your entire life."
Jess followed her subtle gesture to a table at which stood Leslie's future husband. At the sight of him, Jess nearly dropped the cup. The boy was fat. Very fat. He was about Leslie's age, but he was plumper than Gary Fulcher. His fat hands were filled with pastries and as he chewed, he alternated between hands, biting first one pastry, and then the other, squishing cream all over his round face as a rotund woman—presumably his mother—lovingly wiped his double chin with a linen napkin. Jess thought he might be sick. That was the boy Leslie would marry, the boy with whom she would share a bed.
Jess was thankful as never before not to be old enough to understand what adults did together in bed, but whatever it was, he couldn't stand the thought of it happening to Leslie. Someday she would have his fat children and live in his fat house and probably never get enough to eat because of their fat pets and children taking all the food for themselves. She would be a slave to the fat pig that Jess saw standing near the food table, grabbing more food and eating it all like he was on his way to be executed. Jess swayed on his feet. He had not known the nature of Leslie's future husband, but for her sake he had prayed that he would at least be somewhat handsome.
The look on her face told him she was anything but pleased with her future.
It seemed that in reminding Leslie of what she faced, Madison had won. The final match was hers. The way she grinned in triumph made Jess furious. The way Leslie grimaced broke his heart. Stiffly, he returned to her side and handed her the drink. Leslie thanked him and sipped her cider, her bluish-green eyes never leaving the sight of her awful destiny.
Jess wished he had the courage to spill the cider—all over Madison's sparkling white dress. But he hadn't the heart to humiliate Leslie by misbehaving.
As Madison laughed, Leslie trembled. Jess could tell by the way she held the cider cup that she was doing more than quenching her thirst; she was trying to hide her tears. Jess could only stand awkwardly as Madison bade Leslie a good evening and sauntered away, leading the gaggle of grinning nobles and attending servants towards the center of the crowd.
As Leslie downed the rest of the cider, she turned toward him, not wanting to face the mingling crowd. "Thank you, Jess." she whispered. "Please, let's get some more."
Jess took her arm and led her to the tables to the soft sounds of music.
He wanted to tell her how sorry he was, but he couldn't seem to find the words.