The Runaway Royals - Part Six
"Where is Marc?" Hélène asked impatiently. She and Steven were anxiously awaiting the return of Captain Laurent so that they could set off on their quest to retrieve Henry and Danielle.
"He said that he had somebody to see before we left," Steven replied as he saddled his horse.
"I bet I can guess who that is. Tell me, did he happen to ride in a southerly direction?"
"As a matter of fact he did. What are you thinking milady?"
"I am thinking that he has gone to see Jacqueline de Ghent at the Manor de Barbarac."
"And what brings you to that conclusion?"
"Oh Steven. Surely you can't be so ignorant to the world around you that you cannot see what is going on between them. When we were all at the manor together did you not see the looks of affection that they directed at each other? Can you not detect a softening in the Captain's manner when Danielle mentions her sister in his presence? They are so obviously in love. You must be blind not to have noticed the signs."
"I must confess that I did miss them, but I am not blessed with your superior skills of observation. I have noticed that there is nothing that goes on in your presence that you do not see. Every word is pounced upon by you and you have it dissected, analysed and its meaning worked out before anyone else realises its having been said. A glance which goes unseen by the rest of us says as much to you as somebody screaming at the top of their voice."
"A lady in waiting should be seen and not heard milord. How else am I to amuse myself if I cannot study the mannerisms and follies of others?"
"I can quite honestly say Hélène that during our acquaintance, silent is not a word that I ever associated with you. Your opinions have been nothing if not forceful." Just then Laurent came galloping into the courtyard.
"Did you see who you needed to Captain?" Hélène asked, surreptitiously smiling at Steven.
"Not exactly. The person was not available for visitors." Hélène noticed the sad look on his face when he said this. She walked over to her old friend.
"I am sure that she will be feeling more up to visitors soon," she said, gently squeezing his hand. "She just needs a little more time to get over everything that has happened."
"Yes I know." He reciprocated her friendly gesture. It amazed him that she could have spent so much time with boys as a child and yet remain so ladylike. She alwayslooked perfect and gave such good advice that it could only come from an educated woman.
To break the sadness of the moment Hélène turned to mock Steven some more. "You know there are grooms to do that for you Steven. The saddling of horses is part of their job you know."
"I know that but I prefer to do it myself. I know then that it has been done properly."
"Oh don't speak such nonsense. I have never ridden a horse where it has not been saddled properly. What about you Marc? Have you ever had any problems with grooms?"
"I don't believe so."
"See Steven. You're being over cautious. That is something that you're going to have to get rid of. You have to learn to take risks." Just then Juliette came across the courtyard, holding something wrapped in cloth.
"I think this is the one you asked for milady," she said, handing the object to Hélène.
"I'm sure it will be fine. While we are gone you are to check all of the Princess's gowns and check for anything that needs mending or cleaning, and make sure that nobody else goes into her dressing room. Only you and the Queen are to have admittance."
"Yes ma'am. I wish you a speedy return Lady Hélène." She curtseyed, turned and left. Hélène then unwrapped the parcel she had just been given. Inside was a sword and dagger in a leather scabbard. Hélène put the belt around her slender waist. Originally it had been far too big for her so there were now extra holes.
The two men gawked at her, open mouthed. This vision of female perfection that stood before them looked as if she was preparing to go into battle. It amazed them that she even owned a sword let alone knew how to use one. Eventually she could stand their stares no longer. "What?" She said with mock irritation.
"Nothing milady. I am just unaccustomed to seeing a lady with a sword," Laurent said.
"I am simply making the proper efforts to ensure my safety. You said we faced possible danger and I prefer to take responsibility for my protection myself. You can't always trust men to save the damsel in distress and if I do it myself I know that it's being done properly."
"Well now who's being over cautious?" Steven said. He never gave up an opportunity to return the mockery, it so rarely came up. She simply laughed back at him and motioned for him to help her up onto her horse. He did this with pleasure. As she gathered up the reigns and prepared to ride on, Steven could not but help taking a moment just to look at her. She looked magnificent. Her green velvet gown emphasised her small waist and ample bosom and the fashionable hat and coat meant that she exuded style. Sitting upright, astride her barbary horse with the sword and dagger at her waist gave her a regal air that Steven had never seen before. Suddenly he felt an elbow in his ribs.
"You'll have plenty of time for admiration later," Laurent said quietly. Steven quickly composed himself, a little embarrassed at his indiscretion. Hélène was a beautiful woman, but he had taught himself not to be drawn in by the trappings of beauty. Could Hélène be wearing down his resolve that had once been so strong?
The two men then mounted their steeds and the trio set off on their journey. They realised that there was no time to lose and so quickly decided which road to take and set off, galloping down it. The men were astounded at what an accomplished rider Hélène was. On the powerful barb, she was able to lead the three with no danger of the others taking over. Eventually, after riding for over two hours, they came to a fork in the road.
"Which way?" Laurent said. He wasn't really sure what to do now. Henry rarely ever made it this far before he was caught.
"I think we should carry on that way," Steven said, pointing to the firmer, more travelled path.
"Actually, I think that they're more likely to have gone this way," Hélène said, pointing to the more weathered stretch of land. "If I remember correctly Monsieur Dupont's farm lies in this direction. It is possible that they have rested there, which would mean that they are not as far ahead of us as we feared."
"Do you know this Monsieur Dupont?" Steven asked.
"Yes I met him a few times."
"So if we were to talk to him he would tell us if they were there last night."
"I think so. He is an honest man and the last thing he would want would be to think of Henry in any sort of danger."
"Why don't I take the main road?" Laurent said. "Just in case they did happen to go that way. I could head straight to La Rochelle and if they are not there I can ride up the coast until you arrive after having taken the longer route."
"I think that an excellent idea Marc." Hélène said. She looked to Steven. He was not so enthusiastic about splitting up, but he could see the benefits. It also gave him the chance to spend a whole day at least just talking to Hélène. He nodded in agreement.
"So it is agreed," Hélène said. "It should take us a day or so longer than you to arrive but we will meet you there. When you meet up with the carriage later tell it to go straight to the inn at La Rochelle. if you find them before we arrive, make sure that the Princess has an attendant." Laurent just nodded. he dare not do anything else. Hélène really was formidable. He bowed to his companions and then galloped off, leaving Hélène and Steven to walk the road less travelled.
For some miles they went in silence. It was odd as never before had they spent so long together and yet not talked. Maybe it was because they knew they had so long together. Or maybe it was because they simply couldn't think of anything to say. Occasionally they would glance over at each other, but for quite along time that was all. Eventually though Steven could stand it no longer.
"I hope you don't think me patronising, but where on earth did a lady such as yourself acquire such a fine sword?"
Hélène gave a fond laugh. "It was left to me with a large collection of such weapons, in my grandfather's will. He had only one child, my mother, and he had hoped to leave them to his grandson, but he died seven years ago with only four granddaughters. I was always his favourite so they became mine."
"And you can actually use it?"
"Oh yes. Henry and I were tutored in the use of a sword together. I was a very adept pupil. You are not the only person accomplished in the ways of the opposite sex milord."
"I am beginning to realise that." They rode on without talking for a little while longer before Steven's curiosity to know more about her life got the better of him. "So you have no brothers."
"Oh yes I do." Steven looked puzzled. "My little brother was born two years ago. You can't imagine the joy of my parents that they actually have an heir to the dukedom."
"I hope for his sake that he isn't too young when he inherits."
"Me too. He really is a lovely child. So much like his father."
"You and your father are close then?"
"Yes, I suppose we are. I must say though that there are none in my family that I cherish so much as that little fellow. He feels like my own son."
"What is his name?"
"Henry."
"In honour of the Prince?"
"Yes, I suppose it is. My parents are great friends with the King and Queen and so I suppose they wanted to honour them too."
"I hope that he is able to enjoy his youth before the pressure of an estate is placed on him. You know I was only nine when I became the duke of Winchester. I learned that if you aren't careful, a young boy in such a position is easy prey for unscrupulous advisors. He can be driven to things that he does not want to be involved with."
Steven then went quiet. He realised that he was revealing more than he wanted to. Hélène could tell that he did not want to go on so she did not push him. They simply rode on in silence until they reached Dupont's farm.