Author's Notes: This was a difficult chapter. Between finding time to write with so many family matters whirring around and researching what it was like in the court of Victorian England, it was slow going. But here it is. Remember all comments are welcome and appreciated, even if they hurt.
Chapter 12: Mexican Standoff
The next morning while the young couple was about to enjoy a welcome breakfast after a night of frivolity, a message came from the Prime Minister's office. Lady Maura broke the seal and read:
My Dear Lady Isles:
I would appreciate the pleasure of your company and that of Miss Rizzoli at a luncheon today for a Special Ambassador of Trade and Commerce from the new French Republic and his wife. We will be dining at 1 p.m. If you and your houseguest could arrive by noon, it would be greatly appreciated.
Least you forget, the Queen is expecting you and your guest for a formal court presentation on the following day. Happily Her Royal Highness has chosen to grace you and your companion with private tea following the formal presentation promptly at 3 p.m. Court dress is required. On a private note, there will be other special guests at the tea to discuss recent events and to formulate a plan of action.
The Queen is quite impressed with you and your friend's handling of such a very delicate situation. As of the writing of this message, the press has no idea of Louise-Napoleon's involvement in these events. Her Royal Majesty would like to keep it that way, as the name Napoleon has an adverse effect on the public as you well know.
I would like to take the opportunity to again thank you and Miss Rizzoli for your assistance in this deplorable affair. We can only hope that the intrigue on our soil has ended and that we can force it away from our shores.
Respectfully yours,
Lord John Russell
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
The young noblewoman handed the letter to her companion and commented, "You will need to dress accordingly and without your other regalia beneath your garments. If you must have weapons, please place them in the coach and not have them on your person. They could be misconstrued."
The wily Texan agreed, "Alrighty, I'll put on all that trap, but I'll keep my own clothes in the carriage just as a pre-caution. You need to bring three of your own men. Not that I don't trust your Prime Minister, but because I don't trust anybody but Hugh with your safety."
The honey blonde heiress smiled and the felt the dynamic American's protective warmth. So the charismatic teenager answered, "I will have Hugh pick his two best people. Now, let us go to your room and decide on what you should wear. Heaven knows what you would select, if left to your own devices. By the way, did I mention the nineteen inch waist."
Jane snorted, but had to admit that Lady Maura was much more familiar with modern fashion than she was.
***SE***
Lady Maura Isles was dressed in a formal black gown with matching hat, veil and fan. The Lady was still in formal mourning for her father. It would only last a few more days and the year and one day would have passed. It was hard to believe that something so fresh in her mind happened so long ago.
Jane was dress all in white as was appropriate for a young maiden. The height of the sleek American gave her a very regal look in her elegant gown. The tough Indian fighter carried herself like a Grand Duchess and her beauty shown from beneath all the clothing. For the rough and tumble American all of the clothing, especially the corset, seemed too confining for real comfort.
The veteran warrior smiled brightly as she picked up her fan. It had been tailor made for the young Texan by skilled craftsmen in Maura's employee. Jane had watched Maura closely to understand the numerous uses and positions for a fan wielded by an expert. The wily American had found her fan in the attic of the Manor. It was very old and had been purchased with the estate.
The tight corset was something that the uneasy plainswoman wasn't used to. The uncomfortable thing was hindering her breathing. The slim frontier woman didn't have any trouble getting down to the nineteen inch waist. However, Maura had insisted on tightening the dang thing to seventeen inches, saying that the narrower the waist the more the favorable impression she would make. It seemed court etiquette dictated woman be made as uncomfortable as possible.
For their meeting with the Prime Minister, it was just a lot of petticoats and a small train, but the outfit for meeting the Queen was outrageous in the frugal American's eyes. So much waste for one outfit, but the outfit for the Queen was something else. Maura explained it, "Normally an audience with the Queen takes weeks to prepare. First you have to request an audience and then present yourself to the Lord Chamberlain and get your credentials. Finally two days, before the audience you go to the office of the Lord Chamberlain in full regalia and present him with a calling card. He, then, makes suggestions on how to improve your attire.
However, the Queen has requested our presence at a specific time on a specific day. Therefore, it is unnecessary and impossible time wise to go through the normal routine. Everything has to be perfect. We are going to have to work on your curtsy and have you practice retreating from the Queen's presence and we do not have enough time for you to get it right."
The tall Texan replied, "I know how to curtsy, we may not have all these formal balls and such, but we are not barbarians."
The honey blonde noblewoman shook her head in disbelief and replied, "The curtsy you must perform at Court is not an ordinary curtsy. The full court curtsy is one where you must bend your knee until it nearly but not quite touch the floor. Then you have to hold this position for an ample amount of time while making a low bow. Then you must rise again without losing your balance, falling over, or tripping on your gown and its extensive train.
Not only do you have to practice your curtsy, but you will have to practice the glide across the room. I have been training on the glide, since I was four. We will use one of the formal dining room's tablecloths as a simulated train in order to get the approximate feel for sweeping your dress appropriately as you approach the Queen without getting tangled in yards of fabric that is your train."
The tanned brunette laughed, "Seems an awful lot of fuss to make over palavering with somebody. I mean when I talked to President Taylor, I jest walked right up to him and said howdy and shook his hand. Twere none of that curtsying or gliding stuff."
The trained noblewoman responded, "You have to understand that these rules have been followed for centuries and there is a long tradition in them. For instance, attire is vital. The rules are rigidly enforced. A young lady must wear a formal court gown with a train and a tulle headdress with a veil long enough to float over but not beyond the train.
Since you are unmarried, white is the preferred color of your gown, though yellow, beige, really any soft color is acceptable, if it is over a white back drop. The gown must have short sleeves, unless you have an injury or short sleeves might endanger your health, of course you have to have a doctor certify the condition. Additionally all the gowns must be low-cut and show the proper cleavage."
The robust Texas chuckled, "You have no problem in that department as I can testify."
The young heiress blushed as she continued, "The head ware is equally important. You will have your hair done in an intricate weave of braids and curls interwoven with flowers. With that as a base, you have a silk tulle veil, which cascade down your back and along your gown train. If you were married, we could use a tiara to help hold everything in place, but since you are unwed, you must hold the two ostrich feathers in your hair with pins.
The Queen hates small feathers, so we use two long white ostrich feathers in your hair. They will be long and white. Your veil will also be white tulle. As I am still in mourning for my father, I will wear everything I just mentioned, but in black."
Jane asked quietly, "How am I gonna wear all that and curtsy like that? Hell, I can barely walk in all that trap."
Maura hugged her lover and whispered, "Do not concern yourself, I will teach you."
***SE***
The lessons for their presentation to the Queen would have to wait. The morning before the meeting with the Prime Minister at his offices at Number 10 Downing St., were spent with the dress making measuring and fitting both young Ladies for their dresses necessary for the presentation and the tea to follow. Jane fidgeted and stood for the fittings with difficulty. The dark Texan didn't like to be touched and the hands of the seamstress seemed to be a little too familiar for her tastes.
Maura took not of the rubs and accidental contacts of her dressmaker and didn't like it one bit. The young heiress made a mental note to chastise the older woman for her boldness. The intelligent noblewoman had known for several years of the seamstress's tastes in younger women, but this one was off limits to her. Her mother's long term liaison with Gina Deville had attracted many women with like tastes to their household. After all being a lesbian in Victorian England was difficult and dangerous. The Queen was not a tolerant woman when it came to morality as She saw it.
Divorced women were not even allowed at court. So, being a woman who enjoyed the company of other women over those of a husband was totally unacceptable. One of the reasons her mother had employed so many women with her tastes in bed-company was secrecy. Constance kept their secrets as they kept hers, because her sharp mother knew there were no secrets in a household filled with servants.
Maura was equally aware of this fact and knew that her staff knew of her new lover. The lovely noblewoman assumed the servants figured like mother like daughter. Everyone including her mother assumed that one day the energetic Lady would marry for appearances, but Maura knew that would never happen. With present laws as they were, the dynamic noblewoman would have to surrender all her power to a husband. That was never going to happen.
After the numerous fittings and measurements, the dressmaker was left with the charge of making three outfits for each woman; one for the presentation, one for the tea and one for the gala scheduled that evening. Maura had received her invitation for the event that morning. Normally, the socially different Lady of Swansea avoided such events, but with the presentation and the tea, the savvy businesswoman saw no way of avoiding it.
Galas were arduous at best and tedious at most. The dancing with men, who made their suit for courting her made her skin crawl. Fathers with larceny in their hearts would plead their sons cases for just a moment of her lovely company, all the way calculating a way to get their offspring married off to the Isles fortune. The other Ladies would be worse.
The single Ladies envious of all the attention taken from them garnered their wrath and jealousy, though they didn't know how misplaced that envy was. The married women tried to show their superiority of having attracted a husband, while she was still searching. When in reality the lovely and dynamic Lady Isles could care less about getting married and was only searching for a way to leave and spend time with her beautiful Texan. The following day was going to be long and frustrating.
The young couple rode in the closed curtain carriage with their hands firmly together. Jane longed for more contact, but the coach was too public a place for such intimacy. Hugh sat next to his Lady and his best man rode across from them. The driver and the footman were also former soldiers and were there for their Lady's protection rather than their regular duties.
As the ornate carriage approached the number 10 Downing St. and came to a stop, Hugh exited the coach to inspect the area for any threats. The residence of the First Lord of the Treasury was in minor disrepair. Though presented to Sir Robert Walpole, as a residence for the office, which is now held by the Prime Minister, it was seldom used as such. Thus through disuse it had fallen in disrepair. Presently, Lord Russell was using it as Government offices and resided in his own London home.
His other man exited the outer door and stood menacingly in the street scanning for possible threats. As Jane exited the carriage several street children tried to rush the young woman in an attempt to beg for a coin. They were rebuffed by the footman/soldier. The driver held the horses, while searching the area for hostiles. The statuesque Texan examined the scene before nodding her approval of Lady Maura exiting the safety of the coach.
The tender-hearted and wealthy young Lady stepped regally from the carriage with a hand full of copper coins, which she tossed to the desperate children. The rowdy youngsters jostled and fought for each precious coin. As the kind noblewoman passed her giant bodyguard, she whispered, "See to it each of those children get something to eat. I refuse to see a child go hungry."
Hugh bowed, knowing that this was an additional influence of his Lady's new romance. Before the arrival of Jane Rizzoli, the pampered noblewoman, who had always been tender-hearted, had been trained to ignore any suffering around her. After all, even with her wealth, she could feed all of Great Britain. However the dynamic and observant American awoke the honey blonde heiress to the hardship of those around them. It was pushing the great noblewoman to her full potential as a human being.
For that reason Hugh had decided to confide in his Lady his desire to marry. When the young Lady had him freed from prison, she did so by taking responsibility for him, which bound him to her. By law a bound needed permission to marry. The giant bodyguard had doubts his mistress would give him such permission, but would the gentlewoman take his intended into her service.
As Lady Isles's personal bodyguard he was honor and duty bound to be at her side at times, which meant he had quarters near her. His quarters were a five foot by eight foot room off of his Lady's bedroom. It was no place to have a wife. If Lady Maura could take his intended into her service, she would have quarters in the manor, which would allow the dark protector opportunities to be with his wife.
Hugh decided that he must talk with his Lady right after the gala. With all the tension of Jane being presented to the Queen, it was not the right time to talk to the Lady about his personal needs. The big man knew that the independently minded American was in danger of making a fatal error. He had no doubt the young Texan could handle herself in any dangerous situation, other than that of a Royal Court, where the wrong word could have thousands of soldiers after your life.
***SE***
The pair of young women was escorted to the main office of the Prime Minister, while their bodyguards were allowed to wait at the outer door. The room was dominated by a large ornate desk with a large cushion chair behind it. In front of the desk were two well cushion high back chairs, not as plush as the one behind the desk, but of similar design.
At the other side of the room were two smaller desks were two young men were writing feverishly. Seated in the chair behind the desk was Lord Russell, who popped up from his seat when the two elegantly dressed teenagers entered the room. The sharply dressed middle aged man motioned to the two plush seats and said, "Please have a seat, Lady Isles, as well as your companion. Might I add that both of you look beautiful and in the prime of womanhood."
The two young ladies swished to the indicted seats and sat gracefully, though Jane had a bit of a problem with her five starched petticoats. Lady Isles held out her hand for the older gentleman to take and lightly peck with his lips. Jane took note of the action and mimicked it. The gallant nobleman repeated his gesture and said cordially, "It's such a pleasure to entertain two lovely young women. My office is such a dull place normally, but the presence of the two of you has brightened it beyond measure.
And might I say Miss Rizzoli you are a very lovely young woman. You are hardly what I expected. Your reputation as a warrior is in sharp contrast to your beauty as a woman."
The brash American answered frankly, "I might be a looker, bur I can shoot the eye out of a squirrel at 200 yards and run a hundred miles without stopping, Milord. I don't think I'll ever get that milord, milady stuff down proper cause back home most times I'll go all day without saying nary a word. I've probably said more words in the time I've been in England that I've said in five years back home…Milord."
The amused Lord Minister responded, "I think we can be less formal in private. I want to inform you ladies about our questioning of the prisoners. It seems an American is your missing man. They didn't know his name, other than people call him Washing Bowl, why anyone would be called Washing Bowl is beyond me."
Jane shook her head negatively and replied, "It's Kwasinaboo. It means snake and the Comanche only call one man by that name. He accepted the name and kept it to instill fear in those around him. His real name is Charles Hoyt and he is bad news. Hoyt is a notorious renegade, who is hated and feared by everyone in area. He raids farms, ranches and small towns. He russles anything with hair and sells Indian scalps to the Army. Why he would come here, I can only guess? ... Milord, damn I keep forgetting."
Lord Russell nearly laughed as he pressed on, "What is your guess?"
Jane replied quickly, "Guns is the short answer. Hoyt has big plans and I think he's made a deal with Napoleon to supply him with guns to do something. What that something is I don't rightly know… Milord"
The interested Prime Minister asked, "In your opinion what was he doing in England."
The wily Texan thought for a moment before she answered, "I only know him by reputation, he's from the Territories. He was run out of Texas and usually stays out of Texas, excepting for some border raiding on the Mex side mostly. So you was saying before how this Louis-Napoleon wants Mexico. My guess is this Napoleon fellow is using Hoyt to get his troops into Mexico.
Hoyt raids the Mexican border towns and the Mexican Government asks this Napoleon feller for help. Boom you get French soldiers in Mexico because of the raids. Hoyt stops raiding and the French look like heroes. The U.S. can't use the Monroe Doctrine because the foreigner s got asked in, Milord"
Lord Russell digested the information for several minutes before he announced to Lady Isles, "Lady Maura, you were right. This is a remarkable young woman. Her logic is flawless. So we have to find this Hoyt fellow and ask him a few questions."
The tall American shook her head from side to side and responded, "You can't take him alive; he's too dangerous. He was after something here that he couldn't get at home. He could get all the weapons at home. So he wants something else. He tried to snatch Maura; so my guess is she's the key to keeping you blind. As far as I can see, she's your eyes into France, so if they get her, then you're neutralized, Milord."
The Prime Minister jumped up from his desk and stormed to the door. There he commanded, "Captain I want the Lady's manor here and at Swansea guarded! See to it immediately!"
The intimidating Texan smirked evilly. So much so the Prime Minister shivered, as she said, "Not necessary! So long as I'm breathing, she's safe. Use your men to find Hoyt. Leave Lady Maura's safety to me. I'll kill anybody who looks at her too hard."
Lord Russell saw the determination and the willingness in the young woman's eyes and knew he was talking to a very deadly person. Jane Rizzoli was like a Bengal tiger, both beautiful and deadly. Like the tiger, the fearless fighter could stalk prey ten times her size without fear and win, because the tough American won't allow herself to fail. This young teenager sitting across from him in an overstuff chair was probably the most dangerous person he had ever met. So he did the only thing a self-respecting English nobleman could do in such a situation, he asked, " Might I offer you a spot of tea and some cake? My man, Jacob is bringing in a pot shortly. I ordered it the minute I received news of your arrival."
Lady Isles responded, "I would dearly love some tea and a crumb of cake would be wonderful. I missed breakfast this morning and am famished."
Jane shook her head up and down as she replied, "I, too, would relish some tea and cake, if it isn't too much of a bother."
***SE***
The tall American noticed that the two young writers had not missed a beat as they continued to scribble on their pieces of paper. Maura noticed her young lover's attention had been drawn to the young men, so she stated, "Jane, they are scribes. They copy all the necessary documents generated by the Prime Minister. When Lord Russell creates a document, there are copies made to be distributed to those who require the document."
Jane acknowledged her acceptance of the information and inquired, "Lord Russell, may I ask why this place has been allowed to get so run down?"
The Lord flushed a bit, but answered, "Because many of my predecessors had their own residences and saw no need to live in this one. Therefore with no one living in this building, it was allowed to deteriorate. I am hoping to change all that. Though I do not live here, I keep my offices here. As a result, Parliament has agreed to extend some money for the building's upkeep."
At that moment a soldier dress in red livery swiftly entered the room and handed the Prime Minister an envelope. He read it and announced, "Lady Isles, I just received reliable information that Charles Hoyt has fled England and is on his way to the Continent as we speak. From there I expect he will seek passage back to America."
It was Jane who asked, "Can he get arms there to take back to America?"
The Prime Minister replied, "Unfortunately, he can. I wish I could prove it, but it is my opinion he was added out of England by Lord Palmerston, who has a relationship with Louis-Napoleon. He is constantly touted the virtues of the President of France. You father told me that you predicted that Napoleon would seize power by the end of this year. Do you still hold with that prediction?"
The honey blonde noblewoman nodded briskly, "Not only that I have information that he has arranged recognition by your government the moment Napoleon has seized the dictatorship."
The Prime Minister reassured the brilliant noblewoman, "The only one in this government who so favors the President of France is the Foreign Secretary, Lord Palmerston, and doesn't have the power or the votes to do such a thing. Your information might be faulty."
Lady Isles replied, "I do not think so. I have it on good authority that someone in your government is going to officially recognize the coup of Louis-Napoleon as legitimate."
Lord Russell thought about it for a moment then responded, "Then you must send for your source, so we can ascertain if he mightn't know who was going to make this bold move and if that person is going have a legitimate reason for doing so."
The honey blonde teenager answered, "I would if I could, but I sent my agent to Ireland after those missing arms. I also charged him with finding the individuals involved and eliminating the weapons. I felt since the recent troubles in Ireland, that was the most prudent course of action."
The knowledgeable Prime Minister could only nod his agreement as he said, "Lady Isles, you were most insightful. There is little we can do in France, but we cannot allow the hotheads in Ireland to gain another foothold or we will never have a lasting peace."
Jane thought about the conversation for a moment before she said, "I'm not convinced Charlie Hoyt has left England. I think he is here for another reason other than weapons and he won't leave until he gets what he wants."
Maura asked, "Whatever do you think he wants?"
Jane replied, "I wish I knew."
***SE***
When the tea arrived, Jacob asked, "How do you like you tea, Milady?"
The honey blonde teen answered, "Cream and one lump, please."
After the older servant had handed the lovely Lady her tea, he asked her companion, "And you Miss?"
The dark Texan replied, "Cream and three lumps, if you don't mind."
He handed the brash American her tea and then handed his Lordship a cup with lemon and honey. The efficient servant then slice the cake he had brought into eight neat slices and placed three of those slices in delicate saucers. Then, the elder staffer handed each of the ladies and his Lord a slice of cake with a napkin and a fork. After which he asked, "Will that be all Milord?"
The Prime Minister waved the man away as he said, "That will be all Jacob. Would you retrieve Lord Palmerston for me? I must speak with him at once."
After nibbling a bit of cake the aging Lord asked, "Would you be so kind as to await Lord Palmerston's arrival. I think you should give his Lordship your news personally. I would exclude any details as to how you ascertain your information. I hope I'm wrong, but I think the Foreign Secretary is feeding President Napoleon some information.
So the group finished their cake and three cups of tea, before the tray was removed by a housekeeper. The two young clerks rose from their desks and announced, "It is time for our tea sir. We will be back in twenty minutes, Milord."
After the two young men closed the door behind them the Lord Prime Minister announced, "Now that they have gone, I can speak freely. I know Lord Palmerston is passing information to Louis-Napoleon. I also know that the Foreign Secretary is going to try and persuade the Queen to recognize the dictatorship of Louis-Napoleon. I need you to dissuade her from such a course."
Lady Maura sat with her mouth open for a moment before she remembered her manners and inquired, "Do pray tell how I may accomplish such a task?"
Jane interjected, "By telling the truth."
***SE***
The luncheon with the French Trade Ambassador was being held in the freshly renovated main dining room at number 10 Downing St. The table sat twelve to a side and one at each end. The twenty-six chair were arranged neatly with a place setting at each position. Jane asked innocently, "There's gonna be twenty-six people eating lunch … Milord."
The Prime Minister chuckled, "Actually, there are twenty-four guests, as I am the host, the seats at the either end are for the host and hostess. As my wife is at home, I was planning with her permission of course to seat Lady Isles at the hostess place. Miss Rizzoli, you would sit to your Lady's right. The French Ambassador will sit to my right with his legal advisor seated to his right. The other ten members of his party will sit in the other ten seats. I am not privy to their names or their titles. I won't know who they are until he introduces them to me.
On my side will be Lord Palmerston to his right his charming wife the Lady Emily Cowper and her son Earl George Cowper. Then there will be the Home Secretary Sir George Grey and his wife Anna Sophia. Then the Secretary of State for War, Earl Henry Grey and his wife Marie will be seated next to the First Lord of the Admiralty, Sir Francis Baring and his wife, Lady Arabella Georgina, who will be seated next to the Secretary of War Fox Maule and his wife Montague will be seated next to you, Miss Rizzoli."
Lady Maura noticed that all the powers within the Whig cabinet were going to be at a luncheon for a trade ambassador, which could only mean that Lord Russell assume that this ambassador was here for other purposes. Therefore, she was prompted to ask, "Who is this trade ambassador?"
The Prime Minister replied, "Jean Gilbert Victor Fialin, do you know of him?"Now, the honey blonde Lady understood why this meeting had taken on such importance. Lady Maura nodded politely as she answered, "Yes, an outspoken Bonapartist, who has written heavily on the subject. If he is the ambassador, then this is no trade negotiation. He is one of Louis-Napoleon inner circle. What do you think he is up to?"
Lord Russell responded, "That my dear Lady is what we need to find out. I was hoping you might deduce something from the luncheon conversation as your dealings in France gives you more insight into the players than I have at my disposal. I was hoping that gentlemen might underestimate the perceptiveness of Ladies."
Lady Maura smiled at the guile of the Prime Minister. After the luncheon, when the men and women broke up into groups to have desert, she was to interrogate, politely of course, the ladies of the ambassador's party. However, this idea was burst, when the ambassador's party arrived without a single woman in it.
***SE***
The luncheon conversation was restricted mostly to the weather, the wines of France and English tea. One of the ambassador's party was Charles Avery, a merchant from Bordeaux and a formal associate of Patrick Doyle. He politely inquired about a private meeting later in the week, which the astute Lady accepted.
They would meet in two days at her offices in London. The cunning noblewoman thought it might be a good opportunity to ascertain the intentions of this trading party. The honey blonde heiress turned to her friend and lover and whispered, "I want you there."
Jane replied, "I don't plan on leaving your side for a minute while I'm here."
There it was, rearing its ugly head again. The fact that one day in the future, Jane would have leave her to go home. The very thought of the day left her body rigid with cold. What would the young noblewoman do when her lover left for America. Lady Maura shook her head slightly in an effort to purge the thought, so she could return to the conversation at hand.
The luncheon failed to answer any of their questions. Doyle was in Ireland; otherwise the Lady would have him trying to find out what was happening. When the group broke up into men and women for desert, Lady Maura sighed her resignation to a boring evening. Her only hope was the Prime Minister might discover something from the men's conversation.
***SE***
The Ladies sat in a freshly renovated parlor sipping tea and eating cake. Jane was beside herself in boredom. The wild Texan was totally out her environment. The young woman had no idea of what to say or do with these other four women.
Mostly, the older women talked about their children and grandchildren, until Lady Cowper asked the dark American quietly, "How long have you and the Lady Isles been lovers, Child?"
Both young women were taken aback, Maura flushed with embarrassment, but Jane answered with her typical directness, "Since I came here. I guess I've been in love with her since we met in Washington, but I didn't know it until I was coming here from American. I heard her paw had died and knew I had to come and comfort her. I didn't understand it until I had time on the trip across the Atlantic to think about it. How did you know?"
The other Ladies laughed as Lady Grey answered for all of them, "Child, you have it written all over you for any woman to see. The way the two of you look at each other. Especially, the way you move protectively around the Lady Isles, like you are ready to attack anyone out to hurt her. You move when she moves. You constantly place your body between her and anyone entering the room. I have never seen anything like it."
Lady Anna said, "You will have to be more careful around the Queen. She is quite perceptive in her own way and would not approve of such a liaison, though there are many in her court with such tastes. The Queen would ban you from court and would probably demand the Lady Isles be married to some suitable young man at the earliest convenience."
The Lady Isles countered, "I would go in exile first. I will never marry. Should I marry, all my property and my title would go to my husband. I have no intention of surrendering my authority or my property. Therefore, I may entertain marriage, one will never happen."
The Lady Grey, who was known to be a very astute politician in her own right, replied, "I applaud your intentions, but you never can tell about the future. You may fall in love with some dashing young man, who will change your opinions."
The very thought of Maura marrying filled the emotional Texan with rage and jealousy, while the thought of bedding a man sent shivers up the young teen's spine. Lady Grey noticed the reaction and said, "Men are not all that bad, Child. All I am saying is that you cannot tell what will happen in the future, because it hasn't happened yet. Therefore you cannot assume you will never marry, because you cannot see that far into what is coming."
Montague Maule moved to the tall American and took her hand and looked deeply into her chocolate eyes and announced, "This one is totally in love and will never stray from it. She is one of deep purpose and conviction. I doubt if the good Lord Himself could dissuade this young woman from anything she ever wanted to do."
Giving Jane a look of pure sympathy, the older woman said, "Miss Rizzoli, you are young and beautiful, but there is no future in your relationship. The Lady Isles is part of a very old and staunch society that brooks no individualism. I wish it were not true, but we live in an age of intolerance for individualism. I can only see pain in your future, if this liaison continues."
Jane looked back frankly and replied, "I love her. I will have no other in my life and if pain is the reward for that love, then I will accept it with open arms. I have had nothing but pain my whole life. Either I give it or I receive it. Maura had been the only comfort I have had in my life and I will not give that up for any reason whatsoever."
Maura rushed to her lover and pulled her into her arms. The young noblewoman hugged her tightly and then kissed her passionately, before releasing her and facing the other woman and saying, "We appreciate your advice, but our hearts have made our decision simple. Do you choose love or do you choose convenience? For my part, I chose love. There is so little of it out there. I am already different in that I choose to keep my title and my independence from any husband. So why should I not choose to love whomever I wish to love."
Lady Grey moved forward and took the young Lady's hands and smiled, "I wish you all the luck and happiness in the world. You have chosen a difficult and lonely life, but you have done it freely and with forethought. I can speak for everyone here and promise your secret is safe with us. We will not betray your confidences. Now, tell us of what is transpiring. We have only heard part of the story.
So, Lady Maura and Jane spent the next two hours telling the four wives about their adventures and their results, as well as speculating on what it all meant. Finally, Jane told them, "I ain't never told nobody this story. I was about four or five years and I had wondered off trapping rabbits, squirrels and such for pelts to trade. There was this bowie knife I wanted, but the peddler wanted a dear price fer it.
Well, I never let anythin stop me from wat I wonted so I up and set to trapping. I came across the tracks of a limping deer that musta busted up a leg. I saw an opportunity to get a big pelt and maybe some other things. So I tracked it best I could. I was no top hand in those days at tracking, but I managed to run it down.
A pack of coyotes had cornered it and it was making a stand the best it could. So I up takes out my slingshot, my pa didn't let me touch a rifle until I were six and start shooting stones at them coyotes. I caught rait in the head and he fell like he war the stone.
Anyway, the others were taking bad hits along their ribs and hindquarters. I hurt one so bad I think I broke his leg. Those coyotes didn't wont to leave without that meat, but two of their pack war already hurt bad, so they loped off looking for easier prey. They war gonna find it too and that wounded coyote knowed it. The pack couldn't have no weaklings, so they war gonna turn on him and he was gonna be on menu that night.
Anyhow, I used another stone to conk out the deer that war doin' poorly anywho. I walks over and club the unconscious coyote and deer with a handy branch and make a far. You see you don't want to bash their heads too hard cause you lose the brains."
The Lady Grey tentatively interrupted the story, not really wanting to spoil the spell that had fallen over the group, but she was curious, "Why do you want the brains and why do you build fires before you skin the animals?"
The brash American answered with a smile and lectured, Brains are used for two things; eating and softening hides, since I was looking for trading hides I was gonna use the brains for that and a couple a fars around the kills keeps the scavengers away
Now, I ain't ever skinned nutten so big afore, but I knew the basics. I took a clay pot with a lid and cut the deer's throat and let the blood run into the pot. Wall, I were sealing the pot with bee's wax. Seven Comanche ride up and start watchin'. Me I don't know no better than to be scared, so I keep adoin'.
One of them Comanche walks over and asks if I speak French. Now back then I only spoke French, Italian, English and a little Spanish. So I tells him I speak French. So…"
This time Maura interrupted, "Tell them what languages you speak now."
The tall Texan shrugged her shoulders and replied, "I speak French, Italian, English, Spanish, Comanche, Kiowa, Cherokee, Apache and some Arapaho, German and Latin.
Maura chuckled at the looks of amazement at this obviously very knowledgeable and skilled woman, as the normally quiet teenager continued her tale, "So I start dressing out the deer. I was new at it and the old Indian noticed and asked iffin he could show me a better way. I tell okay and starts giving a lesson skinning deer, so as to save the guts and stuff of the deer. With the coyote, I took only take the skin, the teeth and the pelvis bones. I give the Comanche the coyote meat and two nice cuts of the venison for helpin'."
Again, Lady Grey had a question, "Why the pelvic bones and not the rest of it like the deer?"
Jane chuckled like the answer was very obvious, "Wall for one thing I don't like coyote meat, too gamey. As fer the rest, the Indians did help me so they should get something. As it were I had over two pounds of meat and stuff to carry. As fer the pelvic bones, they make good trail plates for eating. I could use them in trading with the Indians for other thins."
Lady Anna couldn't contain her questions any longer, "Why did you keep the deer's blood and why do you keep the hooves and bones?"
The experience hunter couldn't believe the ignorance in the room as she shook her head from side to side and answered, "We use deer's blood to make boudin, it's a Cajun dish made from peppers, rice and blood stuffed in deer intestines. Some call it blood sausage. The hooves, we boil down to make glue and such. The marrow is taken from the bones to thicken soup and then the hollowed bone burn extry hot for the forge when making steel and iron thins."
The women couldn't believe how every little thing was used until it didn't exist anymore. They were awed with the story as the tough Texan continued, "Like I said the pack were over two hundred pounds and I warnt more than forty pounds. So I walked over to a nice stand of scrub trees and cut two long poles and five or six strong pieces of wood. Then I use some leather lashins from my pack to make a travois. A travois kinda looks like a ladder. It's used to transport thins. So loaded everythin on that travois and lash it down with the rest of my spare lashins and start pulling the travois out of thar.
The old Injun said good-bye and called me Little Hunter and told me his name was Red Blanket. That old man became like a second father to me. Anyway the name kinda stuck and most of the local Injuns call me that."
Montague asked shyly, "Why didn't the savages help you?"
Jane frowned, clearly displeased, as she responded, "They ain't savages. They've saved my life and I theirs. So please don't call them 'savages'. As to why Red Blanket didn't offer to help take me home, cause it'd damage my pride. I war a youngen then and would've taken the offer wrong and he knew it. Mustang Korsak told me later that he found tracks that told him that two of the Injuns trailed me until he found me and took me home.
Now, let me tell ya. My paw was none too happy to see me free and goin' about on my own. He scolded me for not tellin' anybody war I were agoin'. He inspected my ketch and nodded his approval and walked away. My maw ran to me and hugged me until I lost my breath. Then she followed paw and let me to unpacking and hanging the meat in the smoke house. I dressed and tanned the hides and put the guts and stuff in the ice house before I cleaned up for dinner."
Lady Anne exclaimed, "Why were your parents so lenient you could have been killed?"
The veteran warrior and Indian fighter said calmly, "Warnt no need. I learned wat I needed to learn and y'all kin get kilt use staying at home in your rockin' chair. My paw war proud of me and my maw knowed I'd done wat war needed to be done. It war then my folks figgered I'd growed some. Ya see, y'all either kill or be kill in the frontier."
Lady Grey, who noticed that her folksy English was mixed with very good grammar, finally commented, "Miss Rizzoli, I have never heard of such exploits from a woman, especially one so young and lovely. It must be a hard country that raises young women to fight like you do."
Jane smirked, "Ma'am, I don't know about that, but I can tell you that it is a hard country, but it is a beautiful land that lets you be all you can be and more. I don't have to worry about a husband taking my property. I only have to worry about some Comanche trying to take my hair. It is much more straightforward…Milady."
***SE***
After leaving the very disappointing luncheon the pair of young women left Number 10 Downing St. and entered their waiting carriage. Lady Maura said, "You did so well, I am very proud of you."
Jane felt a jolt of pain as the sensitive Texan thought, 'Hadn't she given her young lover every reason to trust her? Had she given the honey blonde noble any reason not to think she was an uncivilized yahoo looking to scalp every English person she encountered? Was she going to pull down on the Prime Minister or whip out her toothpick and slice the Lady's chamber party?'
Though the barely tolerated American would make an exception for Montague, who intolerance and jealousy over her lack of a title in a room of titles was obvious and needed to be taken down a few notches, the veteran fighter had been well versed in manners by her parents and could hold her temper when the situation was called for. All the young lover could fret about was what her beautiful beaux thought of her.
Lady Isles could see that her Jane was upset and that caused a wave of terror to cascade through the young noblewoman as she asked dreading the answer, "What did I say? I did not mean to upset you. Darling, I do not like seeing you so pained."
Jane responded in her normally honest manner, "Do you see me as a wild untamed animal. You said you were proud I did well like I was a dog that just held point or something. Is that what I am to you, a pet to be praised and fed a biscuit for doing a trick or making your friends smile over its antics?"
The honey blonde thirteen year old pleaded, "Please forgive me. I did not mean anything derogatory. Did you not hear what I told those matrons of propriety? I meant every word, every syllable. I will renounce my title and go to America and live in a mud hut, it you are there with me. I am inexperienced in these matters and sometimes I make an error."
The tender teenager looked into her young lover's eyes and saw the sincere tears in them and rushed to comfort her. While pulling the smaller woman into her arms, she whispered, "I can make adobe and thatch a roof."
***SE***
The pair of young lovers arrived at the Manor only to go right to work. Lady Maura ordered a meal that could be eaten as they worked. Jane had to learn court etiquette in only a hours, what it took young noblewoman a lifetime to learn.
Normally a young woman being presented at court would take at least two weeks to prepare, the brash rough frontierswoman had six hours before they would be forced to retire for the evening. After all, one could hardly have an audience with the Queen with dark circles and bags under their eyes, now could one.
For six hours, the worked on the curtsy of the agile American, which by tradition was almost to the floor and arise again without looking like a lioness readying herself to pounce. The lifelong hunter's walk and gait was that of a predator, which was apparent in every single movement. The best they could do was disguise it; the wild Texan's movements were too engrained in her psyche.
On balance, the skilled huntress's movements were honed so the silent killer could track her prey through virgin forest without making a sound or leaving any trace she was there. One could never be too careful in the wilds of West Texas.
They practiced Jane's speech very carefully and worked into the night on proper court etiquette and vernacular. The couple munched briefly on cool fruit, sharp cheese and fresh bread, while drinking pot after pot of East Indian tea. It was half past ten when the exhausted couple could practice no more. Therefore they retired for the night.
***SE***
On their way to Buckingham Palace, Lady Isles said evenly, "Jane, you need to be more respectful to the Queen. Lord Russell was very tolerant, but you really need to say Your Highness and Your Majesty to the Queen as we practiced. Her Majesty is not nearly as tolerant."
Jane was exasperated. The tough Texan loved this young noblewoman more than life itself, but the honey blonde treated the older teenager like she was two and hadn't left the suckle. As to cause an argument before their important presentation, the wily American said sarcastically, "I'll do my best."
As the carriage rolled down the street, Lady Maura continued to give unwanted instructions, "I do not think you understand. Her Majesty is very conscious of her title and will not tolerate you being too familiar. Additionally, you are going to have to relinquish all your weapons. No one is allowed a weapon in her presence."
The frustrated American grabbed her young lover's hands and replied, "I understand, Milady. I will curtsy and fawn all over the woman, but you have to understand two things. One: If I were stripped naked and tied to a chair, I would still not be unarmed. Secondly, I only worship one woman in this life and I'm holding HER hands."
Lady Maura Isles, Baroness of Swansea and wealthy beyond avarice, was taken aback by the simple statement of love and could only say, "I love you. Please be careful. I am concern with your safety."
The dark teenager blushed and squeezed the lovely noblewoman's hands tighter as she said, "I'll be careful as long as Her Majesty is polite."
***SE***
The dazzling pair was announced by the Master of Ceremonies, "The Lady Maura Isles, Baroness of Swansea and her companion, Miss Jane Clementine Rizzoli of West Texas, United States of America."
Jane rolled her eyes. The West Texan hated her middle name. It was a concession from her mother to her father, because Big Frank Rizzoli wanted an American daughter and Clementine was a truly American name. Jane only knew she hated the name.
With well rehearsed steps the couple glided toward the Throne of St. James. Queen Victoria sat regally on Her Throne with a well practiced arrogance. Seated next to her was her husband, Prince Albert, who was a handsome man though slightly balding. The bright older man was the main advisor to Her Royal Highness and a reformer and innovator.
At the moment his main interest, other than his family, was as President of the Royal Commission for the Great Exposition of 1851. The Exposition had opened on May Day at the Crystal Palace and was one of things the Lady Maura planned on showing her girlfriend.
The Royal Pair sat regally while awaiting the petitioner's curtsey. Both young women executed their bows perfectly. The two women easily eclipsed the other ladies in the Throne room with their natural beauty and obvious charm. The pair were perfectly contrasting with Lady Isles wearing traditional mourning black in memory of her father and Jane wearing the traditional white of an unmarried maiden. As far as the dark Texan was concerned she would always qualify for wearing the color.
The honey blonde noblewoman wore a black velvet gown, cut lower than was normally seen and at thirteen the young teenager was already a well developed woman. Her train was fifteen feet of Chinese silk, black as night with a veil of black English netting. Her honey blonde hair was braided and interwoven with two dark stained ostrich feathers. Her slippers were black leather studded with black opals and sapphires.
Jane's dress was white satin overlaid with her fifteen foot train of silk. Her white veil of silk tulle lay gently over the train bordered by white lace. Her hair was woven in an identical pattern to her counterpart, but with two white ostrich feathers Her dark raven hair with compared favorably with her friend's honey blonde teasels. The wily Texan also carried her antique fan. Though Maura was curious as to why her dear friend had become so attached to the fan, she was too concerned about the present to think of anything else. The younger teenage promised herself, she would pursue the matter when time permitted.
Her Royal Highness nodded her permission for the two petitioners to arise, which the couple did precisely, as Her Majesty stated, "Ladies you have brightened a dull court. We are delighted to finally meet you, Miss Rizzoli. You are a beautiful young woman. It is our understanding that you are some kind of woman warrior where you reside.
It is our opinion a woman of your beauty and charm is wasted on such manly things. Would not live serve you better if you were to find a suitable husband? We are convinced many single men in this Court and for that matter many married men would be interested in some arrangement."
Jane was tempted to tell 'Her Majesty' she was not interested in some man. The competent Texan was more than able to handle her finances and protect herself. However, the frustrated American had made many promises to her young lover and was determined to keep to her script, "Your Most Royal Majesty, it is my honor to have meet such an esteemed body. I am in awe of this palace and your Royal Presence. We have nothing in America, to rival….."
Jane stopped her speech and Maura froze in horror. Here it was, Jane was going to get herself beheaded or deported or both. The honest Texan had had enough, she was going to speak her mind and be honest to herself and principals. So the tall American squared her shoulders and said, "Your Highness, I had this speech all prepared and I know that Maura is terrified I am going to say something that is going to get you angry, which is going to get me in trouble, but I have to be true to myself and DAMN the consequences.
Your Majesty, where I come from you either do what's necessary or you die. I'm really a simple girl. I do what I have to do to survive and I'm good at it. I can hunt just about anything with hair. I can track and trap. I can skin an animal and not waste a drop of blood. I can fight off an Injun attack and I can shoot the eye out of squirrel at 500 yards. In the plains, I can do jest about anything, but here I'm a babe in the woods.
I don't know how I'm supposed to act. I got no idea what to say or do that ain't gonna make you hate me or want to cut my head off. All I do know is how to be honest. If that gets me in trouble then so be it …ahhh … Your Royalness."
After speaking her mind, the court fell silent as every held their breath in anticipation of Queen's temper. After a moment, Prince Albert rose to his feet and inched his way down to the nervous American. The dashing Prince took the young Texan hand and kissed it, as he said, "Never fear speaking the truth is always welcome here. We hear so infrequently."
Maura released the breath she had been holding without realizing it. The Queen signaled the Master of Ceremony, who said, "That is the end of petitions for this day. The Queen and her husband are retiring to chambers. Thank you for your attendance,"
***SE***
After the Royal couple had left the throne room, the Prime Minister walked over to the two confused teenagers and said, "You need to change into something more comfortable. Temporary quarters have been arranged for you in the Palace. Your things will be awaiting you there. You must hurry. Her Majesty hates to be kept waiting. You have fifteen minutes to change into something less formal, but remember though this is a private audience with the Queen she is still the Queen and is quite aware of her station."
Maura had come prepared for this and knew that everything they needed was in their large steamer. Servants led the couple through several corridors to the temporary quarters. Along the way, a man dressed as a butler jumped out from concealment with a knife.
He slashed at the group and cut a long gash along the forearm of the younger maid, who had been leading the way. The second servant dove to the floor to avoid any further knife blows. Jane pulled Maura behind her and grabbed her fan.
The knifeman turned to attack and dove for the pair. Jane thumbed a latch on her fan and pulled, revealing a long thin blade. The stunned attacker was shocked and hesitated. It was all the room the dark Italian needed. The agile brunette plunged her long thin knife into the man's throat. Still wary and looking for another attack, the tall Italian pushed Maura backwards, while keeping her body between the bleeding man and her young love.
The man gurgled out his final breathe as the unwounded servant regained her wits and rushed to get help. Maura looked at the thin blade and smiled, as she said, "Now I know what is so special about that fan. Leave it to you to find a way to smuggle a weapon into Buckingham Palace."
***SE***
When the guards arrived at the scene of the battle, they found Lady Maura tearing bandages from her petticoat, while Jane was cleaning and treating the forearm of the wounded servant. Spatter blood had ruined the young women's gowns, much to Jane's disappointment. The thrifty Texan had had wanted to keep her gown in case she needed it on another occasion. The guard blustered, "Milady, will you not explain to me what just occurred?"
Maura explained what had happened, while Jane cleaned the wound with hot water she had commandeered from a passing maid, who had been forced to go back to the kitchen for more hot water for her Lady, and scraps of petticoat. The Royal Guardsman tried to take the fan from the tough Texan, but was rebuffed by the wary American. Lady Isles intervened and reminded the young man that had her companion not had the fan, they would have died at the hands of the assassin.
The stiff guardsman was forced to admit to the validity of the statement, but admonished the Lady that the weapon could not be in Her Majesty's presence ever again. Maura agreed, confident Jane would find another way to smuggle in a weapon. When the guard was satisfied, he left with the wounded woman and instructions for the two young women to be escorted to their room by the remaining servant.
When the pair arrived at the room and the door was closed Maura asked, "Who do you think ordered that attempt: the French or the Irish?"
Jane had her suspicions, but no proof, so she answered simply, "I wish I knew."