The black spot
The very next morning, Marie had not been awaken by the rising sun, but silence. How strange it was. Sitting up stretched her arms as she yawned a toothy yawn only to plop back onto her pillow. The air was chilly, but the weight on her finger seemed to make it up with the warmth of her racing heart. She was engaged…then again she never really said yes-but to the eyes of her witnesses, it was a very clear cut 'Yes'.
For once she had gotten out of bed on her own accord, it was Monday and usually she'd be literally dragged out of bed by six am. The silence was unnerving but for once she was relieved to be left alone. After refreshing herself and putting on her riding clothes which consisted of skin tight cream pants, long black riding boots, a cream shirt under a musky blue-grey dress coat with bell sleeves.
Sliding down the rail was greeted by the scent of poached eggs and casually walked into the dining hall. For once her mother hadn't greeted her with any complaints-come to think of it-her mother wasn't there at all! Thinking Elizabeth might still be in bed decided to go check her mother's room to find it empty. Drawing a frown decided to take a seat at the table lost in thought.
"G'morning Miss Xavier" came a sweet playful note.
"Miss Xavier?" frowning looked up at Silvia puzzled. It then occurred to her that in the eyes of her beholders she was going to be the bride of Michael, youngest half brother to the crown prince. "Oh" was all she could muster.
After about half an hour of pondering her thoughts were interrupted by Silvia who commented, "Child are you ill? You haven't touched your breakfast!" the concern rang in Marie's ears making her look up.
"Huh ? Oh, am just thinking."
"You look troubled, what's wrong?"
Meeting Silvia's eyes searched them, "Where's mother?"
Silvia prompted naturally, " She's out making some arrangements for your wedding."
"Pfft yea right, honestly Silvia what's she really doing?"
Silvia gave out a sarcastic laugh, " She's gone out to the market, and had arranged for you to have afternoon tea with Michael and Lady Agnes at three.
"Why didn't you wake me up like you usually do?"
"Madame Elizabeth decided to let you sleep in today-with all the excitement from last night I don't blame her. She was really worried about you."
"Then why was she teasing me? It was almost as if she knew I'd kick that man's a-"
"No profanity at the table." cut in Silvia with a playful wink before placing a big bowl of ice cream in front of her, "I won't tell if you won't," with a wink.
Eyes glistened as Marie nodded and scooped a large spoon of ice cream, thus sending a shock into her brain, "ahh!" she laughed.
"Too cold?" Silvia laughed.
"Nooo too hot," Marie retorted sarcastically in a sing song voice.
The house was quiet, but it was pleasant. The sun was bright and the sky was clear, a perfect day to go out for a long ride. A distant light jingle sent Marie to the door, "I'll get it Silvy!" The moment she'd opened the door, the mail carrier had presented a few envelopes wrapped up in a sash to keep them from spilling over and being lost. "Please sign here."
Nodding took the routine of signing for the mail as she always did on this time of the week.
"Oh I almost forgot, this is for you." The young man then handed her a formal looking envelope and tipped his hat before walking away.
"Anything interesting love?" Silvia called from the kitchen.
Most of the letters were directed to Elizabeth her mother, and one was to Silvia from her brother Joshua. "Well there's three for mom, one for you" she then handed the stamped piece to her nanny before placing the rest of the collection on the table.
"What's that you got there?" Silvia asked curiously-Marie never really received any mail so this was a first.
"I dunno," eyes read the inscription, "To Miss Turner." Flipping the top open frowned, "Is this some joke?"
"What is it lass?" Silvia then took a stand behind her only to gasp at the sight of the Black Spot.
Hearing the rush of air looked to her nanny, "What's wrong?"
"Uh-nothing-might I have a look at that?" before Marie had handed the small parchment over she'd swiped it from her hand. "Who did you say this was from?"
Marie frowned with suspicion- scrutinizing Silvia who seemed to understand something she'd actually missed. Sweeping over the envelope, just spotted an X at the back right hand corner. " X"
"Pardon?" Silvia then searched Marie's eyes as she repeated her answer.
"It just has a big fat X in the back," Flipping the envelope onto the other side revealed the X.
"This must be some joke, don't think anything about it." Silvia then crumpled both the note and the envelope and tossed it in the fire place. The clock soon struck three and she flipped back to the old cheery Silvia once again. "Oh my, you're running late! You better be off-you know how fussy Lady Agnes can be." Her words were carried lightly as she issued Marie out the door handing her a hand woven basket of goodies once the stallion was mounted. "Take these, peace offerings" she joked. "Oh and one more thing, just in case you return and I'm not back, I'll be at the post office so feel free to meet me there." she smiled casually. "My baby brother just had a son! Oh how exciting!"
Waving back at her best friend and nanny took off at a casual trot, arriving at the meeting place a little past the hour.
"You're late." Michael greeted in a low mono-formal tone, contradicting the mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
"Here, these are for you!" she then shoved the basket into his hands, which resulted in Michael widening his eyes at the weight.
"What did you put in here! Rocks!"
Chuckling, Marie stepped in as he offered his arm, " Silvia made your mother's favorite One-Ton cake."
"Now I see why it's called One-Ton" he chuckled as he lead her out into the garden.
"Ah Lady Marie, how wonderful of you to join us!" Lady Agnes greeted.
After being greeted by a warm embrace and two kisses, one on each cheek, before she had taken a seat beside Michael.
"How lovely! This One-Ton cake is just as delectable as ever! Please send Miss Lovegood my warmest regards and compliments!"
"Of course! She would be really glad-" Marie was cut off.
"Mother please excuse us." And with that twinkling, charming look of his, Michael managed to sway his mother into giving him and his bride-to-be some 'alone time'. "My lady," he stood up and offered Marie his arm.
Quite awkward at the moment, slowly stood up and took it-allowing him to lead her away from the middle aged folk. Yes, Lady Agnes had invited a few maids of Court- no way would she pass an opportunity like this! She was always very proud of Michael, even if his standing was lower than the crown prince, he still was a prince in everyone's eyes. To top it off she was very proud of how Marie turned out to be-specially without her father. Elizabeth did do a great job with her. Lady Agnes beamed as she watched the two walk off. Her son and Elizabeth's daughter really did look like a perfect couple, and she would show it off to the world!
"Ah… sorry about that." Michael cut in sheepishly. "Mother gets quite fanatical about the One-Ton, didn't want her to bore you with asking how it was created."
Laughing " It wouldn't be much of a problem, I'd just give her the same answer as I always do."
"Trust me, I had my own selfish interests when I called you away."
Grinning Marie countered in a sly manner, "Oh really? And your highness, what kind of interests do you harbor?" she then unhooked her arm and stood in front of him- looking squarely into his eyes.
"I really didn't want to hear the whole cake story for the hundredth time," he whispered with a child like aura. Reading her sarcastic fake disappointment took both hands in his and added, "Besides I wanted to spend more time with my 'beloved'," he teased.
Chuckling sheepishly and nervously, "Ah, about that.." she began with uncertainty. " I know my mother put you up to this, you really don't have to-" she paused the moment he'd placed a few fingers upon her lips.
"Not here." he whispered pointing with his eyes as he turned and waved to the ladies behind them.
"Right."