I apologize for the dull chapter, I'm running slow right now. To Roses002, (thanks for your review, by the way!) This will definitely be a long story and I have quite the plot in mind, hopefully it takes shape the way I want it to, stories are such fickle creatures! Anyway, please hang on and bear with me, I promise it will get more exciting! Oh, and by the way, the reason the Dowager Queen is making so much sense right now is that this is quite a few years before she starts losing it. I named her Edith after the actress, Edith Evans. I hope to make her sort of a kindred spirit to Caroline, in a rough, prickly sort of way.
Having spent several hours poring over rather large and dull volumes of Greek and Latin, philosophy and mathematics, Edward was certainly in an ill humour when John returned. In fact, it must be confessed, I'm afraid he rather growled at his friend.
"And what have you been doing whilst I've been tortured here, suffering slowly with all these dreadful books?"
John shrugged and shoved his hands into his pockets.
"I've been just as hard at work as you," he grinned.
"Really?" Edward was feeling sarcastic, though he wasn't really as grumpy as he pretended to be. It just somehow was a relief after all that study to be disagreeable to someone. "Did you muck out the stables? Scrub the kitchen floor? Repair the roof?"
"Oh no, much more strenuous than all that." John was used to Edward's sarcastic moods and, unfortunately, sometimes took great delight in provoking him.
"What then?" Edward shoved the pile of books aside and pushed his chair back from the desk.
"Well, apparently the Lady Caroline took it into her head that she wanted to go riding outside of the palace grounds. And the Queen would not allow her to do that unless she had an escort. And so she forced that task upon me."
"So you've been out riding with my cousin and I've been stuck in here."
"Guess that's about it." John wandered over to the window, looking back out over the meadow where he had just ridden with Caroline. For the first time in his life, he was feeling rather discontent with his station. Why did he have to be born without position or title? Did it really matter?
oOo
Caroline returned to the royal company and her stitchery willingly. Her brief ride in the afternoon sunshine had brought color to her cheeks, a glow to her eyes, and a spring to her step. After that beautiful fresh air, she felt as if she could sit and wait on the queen for hours longer.
The elderly queen was rather relieved at Caroline's return for as the girl entered the room with a graceful curtsey, she smiled triumphantly and nodded to her daughter-in-law.
"Ah, now Elinor, we shall have some diverting conversation. You really must employ yourself to thinking of more interesting topics! One does not always wish to discuss such dull things as afternoon teas and silk gowns. Come here, Caroline, my dear. You must tell me of your ride now. How was it?"
"It was lovely, your Majesty," Caroline said earnestly as she took her seat and retrieved her sampler.
"I insist, Caroline, as I've told you many a time before. I want you, no I demand that you refer to me as Aunt Edith. After all, I am your great aunt and it has been far too long since anyone has called me by my proper name." So insisting, she glared rather ferociously at Queen Elinor and Lady Susan, though what fault it was of theirs was left to the imagination.
"Aunt Edith, then," Caroline smiled. She understood how it felt to forever be referred to by a title rather than your own name.
"And what did you think of your escort?" the old queen prompted. Caroline felt her face grow warm and wondered vaguely why the room should suddenly seem so stifling.
"Why-I-" she stammered and hated herself for her seeming inability to think of a proper reply. What was the matter with her today? "I-I mean he-he is a very good rider," she finished lamely.
"Indeed?" the old queen arched an aristocratic eyebrow.
"Yes. Yes. I-" Caroline fought for composure as she searched for something intelligent to say. "That is, I-" she stopped and fell silent. The old queen glared at her suspiciously.
"Hm. I thought so." she said rather forebodingly and Caroline wondered rather uncomfortably what on earth she could mean. "What is the matter with you, girl? I was certainly hoping for more diverting conversation than that." She paused and the room was quiet as her three companions stared rather nervously at each other.
"I suppose I shall have to just propose the topic myself, then." The elderly queen glared loftily at the others. Caroline bent her head to hide her smile. She really did love the dear old lady.
oOo
Time passed quickly. As Caroline's time at the palace lengthened into months, her kindness and sweet personality won her a place in the hearts of all who knew her. In time, the old Dowager Queen refused to be separated from her, for she was the most attentive and caring of her ladies in waiting.
In spite of the time she spent with the Dowager Queen, Caroline still had a few hours a day for herself. She delighted in her books and many a day found her in the library, surrounded by piles of her favorites. And many a sunny afternoon found her out with Edward and John, or sometimes just John, galloping through the meadow on Regina. Although sometimes, she did prefer aforementioned dignified canter. After all, one can't always fly like the wind. For these afternoon rides, John had become her accepted escort, although Queen Elinor didn't seem to approve and talked of finding someone else to take her. Why John would not meet anyone's approval, Caroline could not understand. She protested and the queen hesitantly dropped the argument.