Author's Note: A sap is a leather pouch filled with something heavy like shotgun pellets. It is used like a club to knockout an opponent. They were easily hidden usually up a sleeve. I hope that answers your question.
Sorry I'm late with this chapter. I've had it on paper for a while, but haven't had time to type. Hope I haven't lost my readers. Enjoy.
Chapter 17: The End of Paddy Doyle
Paddy Doyle knew his wound was most likely fatal. The tough old man was bleeding through the rag he had pressed against his stomach. Martine's blade was still embedded in the hard fighter's stomach. The veteran combatant knew removing the weapon would only cause more bleeding and damage.
The experienced warrior knew his chances weren't very good. Stomach wounds almost always got putrid making the wound very fatal. If he could get to a doctor quickly, maybe they could do something, but in most cases there was little they could do.
The former smuggler forced his legs to move forward. The savvy infiltrator knew if he was found bleeding with a knife in his gut while in a hallway with three bodies in a room down it, authorities would connect him to those very corpses. With what strength that remained in his body Paddy Doyle dragged himself up the stairway to the floor accessing his room.
Luckily there was no one on the stairway all the way to his floor. Nor was there anyone in the corridor that connected the stairs to his room. Staggering down the hall while using the walls for support, the wily former criminal collapsed into his room. Pulling himself out of the hallway and into his room, the cagy veteran closed the door with his foot and started yelling for help.
No one answered as he passed out from blood loss.
***SE***
Barney O'Toole was worried. Paddy Doyle was not a man who was ever late either he had failed in his mission or he had some problem that prevented him from using the preplanned escape route. Barney's job was to monitor the area and handle any surprises that might upset their delicate planning.
The veteran back-up had already intercepted two of Martine's bullyboys from the docks before they could enter the inn and make the odds even more uneven. The two large men were now fish food in the Thames. Their bloated bodies would wash-up somewhere else, but there would be no connecting them to the bodies that would appear at the inn.
When Paddy was a full ten minutes late, Barney decided to act. Entering the inn and bypassing Martine's men who were watching the doors from the comfort of the common area the season thug walked right in and up the stairs before anyone ever bother to check him. Thankfully they didn't try and stop him, because he would have been forced to act in the open. By ignoring him they not only saved their own lives and they paved the way for him to reach Paddy's room before it got too messy.
The savvy former seaman entered the room and found Patrick Doyle lying on his back with a knife wedged in his gut. The wary warrior scanned the room looking for intruders or other dangers before checking on his wounded leader. As the worried henchman leaned over the body to check to see if he was breathing a strong hand grabbed his throat. The startled back up exclaimed, "Paddy, me lad, it's me O'Toole."
The grasping hand released his throat with a sigh of relief. The wounded assassin said, "Martine is dead. I saw his eyes go dark. I need a bone-cutter bad."
The old former sea captain knew a serious wound when he saw one and replied, "Paddy, I'll go git the coppers to look in Martine's room. When theysees them coppers the ones downstairs will hightail it fer sure."
The bleeding fighter responded, "Hurry, Barney, I ain't got much left in me."
***SE***
Lady Isles was giving Jane lessons on court etiquette when addressing the Queen. Her previous lessons were all the wild Texan had needed for a short presentation. However this trip to court was going to be much more extensive and Jane was going to need full preparation.
Maura explained, "Jane, you need to get lower… The lower the better... Follow my movements and emulate them."
The younger teenager demonstrated the curtsy by nearly touching her nose to the floor before the agile youngster rose gracefully to a standing position. With her delicate arms extended the honey blonde noble stood erect and smiled at her accomplishment.
Then dexterous brunette proceeded to mimic her girlfriend's accomplishment. The savvy and athletic woman bent her knees and lowered herself until her nose was a fraction of an inch from the floor. Upon completing the task the agile Texan started rising from the floor. When the playful American stood erect with a smirk the nimble teenager performed a backwards summersault from a flatfooted position.
Maura laughed, "I would not do that last part when presented to Her Majesty. Her Royal Highness would not be amused. By the by; do you always have to escalate everything? Was not it enough to accomplish the curtsy? It took me several years to learn to do that. Yet, you did it hours."
Jane pulled the smaller woman into her arms and kissed her passionately. The tall brunette released her lovely girlfriend and winked at her. The wild American said with her wily grin, "Now how about we take a rest upstairs."
The agreeable honey blonde took her lover's hard callused hands and led her to the stairwell. What the happy couple didn't see was the shocked look on the new maid's face as they kissed and held hands as they climbed the stairs leading to their bedrooms.
The young girl didn't know how to react. The sheltered youngster had always been told such liaisons were abominations against God. The young maid ran to get advice from the one person she trusted most in the world, her mother, the Isle family's head housekeeper.
***SE***
Barney found the day watch almost immediately and told them a story about hearing fighting and gunfire on the second floor of the inn in which he was residing. It would take this group several minutes to find the bodies of Martine and his men. Then the worried seaman rushed to find a doctor for his injured friend. On the way he encountered one of his men.
The supervisor of the wharves stopped the muscular middle aged man and ordered, "Lucky, go to the Isles Manor house and tell a servant or one of the guards that Paddy Doyle is severely injured. We need a real good sawbones iffin we ere gonna save im."
The middle-aged thug nodded his acceptance of his instructions and rushed down the street toward the Manor house in Notting Hill. He was topped three times by the town watch for running through the streets, which they thought was suspicious. However when he explained that he was running an errand for Lady Isles they immediately let him pass. No one questioned runners of powerful and influential nobles.
Once the tough old salt arrived at the Isles residence he explained to the guard, "My name is Lucian Albertson, I work for Paddy Doyle. I needs to leave a message fer her Ladyship, iffin ye don't mind?"
The guard called a servant who ran into the main house. After a few minutes a large dark man dressed rather elegantly came and said, "I am Hugh, Lady Isles's personal bodyguard. What does Paddy need?"
The suddenly anxious former smuggler and sometimes thief had not expected to speak with someone of such importance. He had thought he would be delivering the message to some servant or guard. The man had no idea that Paddy Doyle was Lady Maura Isles's biological father. The appearance of a person so intimate with the Lady made the nervous man suspicious.
However, he had clear instructions from his immediate superior, so he stammered a bit as he answered, "Well, sir, ye see. Paddy…uh…Mr. Doyle's been hurt something awful and needs a doctor at the wharf. Iffin ye know what I mean, sir?"
Hugh ordered, "Wait right here."
The large protector turned to the guard, "On second thought take this man into the house and have Bessie feed the poor man. Wait with him until I get back and don't forget to call your relief. This is important, I'm sure her Ladyship will want to question you directly."
After delivering his instructions the tall dark guardian dashed to the house to break the bad news to his favorite person in the world. Sometimes he hated his job.
***SE***
Lady Maura and Jane were laying in bed in each other arms without clothing and panting from their exertion when a discrete knock interrupted their tryst, when there was a discrete knock at the door. Lady Maura quickly donned a lounging gown and a over robe in order for the young noble to answer the door.
Upon answering the door the honey blonde teen noted that it was Hugh. Knowing her bodyguard as she did, something very serious had occurred. The sharp noblewoman asked, "What has occurred, Hugh?"
A shadow passed over his face and the lovely Lady's heart stopped as the tall bodyguard answered, "Milady, Patrick Doyle has been severely wounded and has sent for a physician."
Tears came to small shocked young woman's eyes as she responded, "I will be going to him. Bring my carriage about. Give me fifteen minutes to prepare for the journey. Find the Professor and have him send for his nephew. I like the young physician. He is modern and knowledgeable.
Hugh bowed and replied, "Yes, Milady."
The dark giant retreated from the room in order to follow his Ladyship's orders. Lady Isles backed further into the room, only to collide with a tall muscular American who gently wrapped her arms around her diminutive lover. Cradling the younger woman in her arms, the tall brunette asked gently, "What's wrong, beloved?"
The gentle young noblewoman sobbed, "Paddy has been wounded. It is very serious from my understanding. I must go to him. This may be the last time I see him and then I will have lost both my fathers."
Jane kissed her beautiful girlfriend on the back of her head and responded, "Then we must get dressed. I will be going with you."
***SE***
Barney returned with an elderly doctor who had been a ship's surgeon for forty years. He took one look at the wounded Patrick Doyle and turned to the man who had fetched him and pronounced, "This man needs a priest not a doctor. Run and fetch him the vestments. He will be dead before the morning."
Barney was shocked by the death sentence and looked to his pale wounded friend, who swallowed at the declaration. While hiding his pain, the once great smuggler nodded to his subordinate his acceptance of his fate and his permission to get the priest.
The underboss was about to run and retrieve a clergyman when Lady Maura Isles and her party of three others stormed into the small room. Jane, Hugh and a young physician accompanied the petite young nobleman into the space, whereupon Jane upon quick examination of the scene flipped the older doctor a golden guinea coin saying, "Thank you for your services. They will no longer be needed. You may go."
The young doctor rushed to his new patient and started examining the injured man. The elderly doctor scoffed and huffed at the younger man and with a gruff exhale he left the small room. However before he exited the doorway the old man proclaimed, "You mark my words and fetch that priest. He won't be lasting the night."
Lady Isles looked to Barney and eyed his anxious demeanor and asked, "Where were you headed before we entered?"
The veteran underboss thought for a moment and replied, "Milady, I was off to get a clergyman. The doctor said Paddy needed last rites."
The young physician looked up to his employer and explained, "I will do everything in my power to save him. However, I would be less than honest if I did not inform you his condition is grave. He may still die before morning. Yet, I think I can save him, if he is fit enough."
The young noblewoman looked at her father and then told his subordinate, "Find us a priest or at least a deacon. We can use some prays if nothing else."
With those words Barney dashed off to find a priest worthy of Paddy Doyle.
***SE***
The City Watch found three bloody bodies in the room of Henri Martine. It was quickly determined that Martine was indeed one of those bodies. Scotland Yard was called and a detective was sent to examine the scene. A policeman arrived first to insure no one entered the room until Chief Inspector Fields came to the small room.
At that moment the Chief Inspector was receiving instructions from the Prime Minister. Her Royal Highness wanted this matter handled promptly and without fuss. The police inspector was being told how Martine was a French spy and enemy of the Empire.
The veteran police officer didn't need any further information. If this man was a French spy then he had gotten what he deserved. In all likelihood a home office agent had disposed of the villain and there could no tying his demise to the Empire.
Twenty minutes later, Chief Inspector Fields appeared briefly to examine the crime area. After only a few moments the experience detective announced, "Robbery gone wrong! Release the scene and get the bodies to the morgue. I'll write up the report myself."
With that Henri Martine's ambition was ended.
***SE***
The young physician worked efficiently on the wounded assassin with a skill that was rare at this time. Many backwoods and country doctors still worked with leeches and bleeding bowls, but this doctor was of a new breed. These new doctors studied journals and talked with other physicians about treatment options as well as washing their hands and cleaning wounds.
The discoveries of Louis Pasteur was another ten years away, however what revelations started the famous chemist and physician on his studies were happening now. Pasteur had already made ground-breaking discoveries in the uses and properties of tartaric acid. The work of Balard and Löwig in organic chemistry was already influencing Pasteur and young physicians like Hilton Talbert.
Chemical pharmacology was non-existent, but herbalism was coming into its supremacy. Hilton Talbert was a self-styled apothecary. In his medical bag he carried many self-developed herbal remedies; one of them was a salve of black tea, sulfur, oregano, thyme and goldenseal. The young doctor had found it very effective in the prevention of septitis.
With the knife removed the unconventional physician started repairing the damaged area. Jane heated the needles as she had been shown by Red Blanket many years earlier. The American Indian knew nothing of germs or infections, but they did know that heat stopped bleeding. They didn't call it cauterization, but they knew what it was.
The doctor sewed the wounded abdomen as best he could and treated it with the salve and a wash of the same ingredients. After nearly two hours of work on the floor of that small room in the shabby inn, Dr. Talbert announced, "I have done all I can do. We must get him to a cleaner environment and pray that the wound does not become septic."
Hugh was way ahead of the young doctor; he had already called for a flat bed wagon from the manor and enough manpower to move the large Irishman into it. Using a blanket from the manor and poles from the inn's stable, Jane made a stretcher in order to carry the wounded man more effectively.
Maura looked to Hugh and ordered, "Hurry to the Manor and have the servants make a place for him in my study."
Jane held a sobbing noblewoman in her arms as they carried the injured former smuggler from the cramped room and into the waiting wagon. Jane and Lady Isles climbed into the back of the wagon with the unconscious Irishman and sat holding his overly warm hands. A fever was not a good sign, but Jane didn't say a word to discourage her distraught girlfriend.
***SE***
Katlyn didn't know what to say to her mother. The innocent young woman had heard of such liaisons, but had never been witness to one before. Yet, the scandalize maid knew her mother would know exactly what to do.
Katlyn looked every bit the image of her mother. The sixteen year old was the younger less worn version of her mother. In her youth the head housekeeper had been the subject of many a male fantasy and had even attracted the attention of the Lord of the Manor on more than one occasion. Katlyn was the product of one such encounter.
Lady Maura didn't know that Katlyn was the daughter of her father and would never know as far as the older woman was concerned. Such bastards suffered hardship at the hands of nobility when discovered and in no instance did the worldly mother know of any circumstance when such a relationship to a Lord was beneficial to the bastard child.
The good Lord had provided well for his illegitimate child. He had sent her to school and provided for her comfort with a small but adequate pension for the rest of her life. The child would never know hunger with an endowment of twenty pounds a year. Many a family survived with less.
It had been a hard day with the wounding of Paddy Doyle. The housekeeper didn't know the extent of the Lady's relationship with the black Irishman. However, she did know that the man was a very vital member of the Isles's business empire.
However her day was brightened when she entered her room and found her pride and joy sitting anxiously awaiting her mother. The older woman smiled as she asked, "What do you need child? Is something amiss or have you need of some funds for a novelty of some kind?"
The tender young woman blushed at the thought of the incident that had brought her here to talk to her mother. The innocent child didn't want to discuss such things with her mother, but she knew of no other person to guide her in this matter. So the shy youngster exclaimed, "Mother, I saw something for which I need advice. I witness an act of debauchery and decadence and I don't know what to do about it."
Instantly the tired housekeeper knew what her daughter had encountered; she had seen her Ladyship involved with the beautiful American. The housekeeper had been witness to such liaisons for years. Lady Constance and Gina had been lovers for many years and none too secretive about it either. The kindly housekeeper was happy her young Ladyship had found so much happiness in the arms of another. The older woman knew that the child had spent years in quiet loneliness and that the young American was a woman and not a man did nothing to dampen her joy at seeing such a lovely creature truly happy.
However the wise matron knew that Her Majesty the Queen was not so forgiving and viewed such liaisons with contempt and condemnation. At the moment the Empire needed Her Ladyship, who was fighting to keep Louis-Napoleon in his place. The walls of the manor sang of the fight that the young noblewoman was putting up against the French upstart.
Therefore nothing could damage that prime enterprise, besides the formidable housekeeper liked the rash, but kind Texan. The wild American always had a fair greeting and kind word for all the staff. The tall brunette never took a single deed performed on her behave for granted. The young teenager always thanked the servants for the simplest of services as well as insuring no one suffered in this happy household.
When the cook's youngest son was ill with the fever, Jane Rizzoli personally found a doctor and paid for the treatment. When the dressmaker's daughter was being harassed by that third son of a minor noble, the tough Texan tracked down the popinjay and as she put it read to him from the good book, which in American as far as she could ascertain was to beat the offensive young man senseless.
Miss Jane had performed many such services for the staff and was well beloved because of it. Only the jealousy of Gina's daughters cast any shadows on the wild American's popularity. Now, her daughter was her to cast such a shadow.
Before her child could continue, the savvy mother pronounced, "You saw nothing child."
The innocent teenage was taken aback as she tried to expand her point, "But mother, I saw Lady Maura and Miss Jane…"
The mother interrupted, "You saw nothing. Katlyn are you happy here?"
The young woman was startled by the question and its implication as she answered, "Of course I am. There is much happiness and comfort here. The servants are not taken advantage of and treated with respect and as human beings."
The housekeeper elaborated, "Do you think that is common in England?"
The youngster shrugged and replied, "I don't know."
The kindly older woman took her daughter's hands and responded, "Well, I do and it is not common. In many households in England servants are treated as chattel and called upon for the pleasure of the masters. Lady Maura would have anyone who abused one of her servants whipped from the premises no matter his or her station. Don't you think that merits some tolerance?"
The confused teenager responded, "But, Mother, the Bible says that they are committing an abomination against God."
The tolerate mother took her daughter's hands and smiled indulgently as she asked, "Darling, you have known the Lady Maura all your life, have you ever seen an abomination in her or even a tiny bit of sin in the child? I don't know God's design, but I know love is more important than hate and kindness is better than bile."
For a moment the young woman thought about what her mother said then she responded, "I understand. I will watch and listen. Then I will want to talk again."
The proud mother smiled warm in the knowledge of what her daughter would learn.
***SE***
The wagon pulled into the gate of the Manor with the two young women doing their best to make their recovering cargo more comfortable. During the ride from the inn Paddy awoke with a slight but worrisome fever. The doctor had warned the couple that a fever could mean that the wound was becoming septic and that would mean the patient would more than likely die.
As they moved toward the Manor house, Paddy spoke to Jane, "I need to speak with you alone when we get into the house. There is more to do and I need to make sure it gets done. I love my daughter and she has many strengths; but for what needs to be done now will require your special strengths."
Maura was worried about her last father, but was more concerned for her lover and girlfriend. So the concerned honey blonde asked, "What needs to be done? I do not want to place Jane in any danger on my behalf."
Jane smirked as she took the smaller more delicate hands into her own and responded, "Dearest, I will be in danger all my life. It is my lot in life to charge danger with a smile and a loaded gun. Nothing you can do will save me from myself. The only thing you could do is make me overly cautious and therefore more vulnerable. I will speak with Mr. Doyle and put an end to this once and for all."
Melody was waiting for the arrival of her friend and mentor. Professor Talbert had just informed the young lady that she would be going to a finishing school to learn the intricacies of being a lady and the young American wanted to confirm this pronouncement. The brash Texan had no intention of going to any school and was going to tell Jane just that.
The young woman was about to confront Jane when she noticed that Mr. Doyle was injured and being helped from the wagon. The kind teenager rushed forward and asked, "Is there anything I can do to help?"
Jane smiled as she replied, "You can steady his legs. We are trying not to jostle the wound and the steadier we can move him the better."
The Lady Maura ordered, "Hugh make sure you and your men are approximately the same height as to limit the sway in handling the stretcher. I will insure the accommodations in the library are sufficient."
The concerned honey blonde dashed off to investigate the arrangements made for her seriously injured father, while Jane addressed her ward as the young teenager tried to keep the injured man's legs from moving, "Did you want to talk to me?"
The young woman was suddenly very intimidated by the formidable brunette. The nervous teenager had seen this woman kill without hesitation and knock men down half again her size. So the youngster timidly answered, "I needed to speak with you, but I can see you're busy. I'll see you later."
Jane glanced at the servants removing the stretcher and felt a bit guilty. With everything happening and her preoccupation with Lady Isles, the wily Texan had neglected her young charge. Though they were not much different in age Jane felt year older because of her life-experience. Taking time she needed to talk to her young ward, the canny American responded, "No! Let's talk over by the garden. I'm sorry I've been neglectful of you. Please, let's go talk."
The anxious teenager was now very unsettled. The youngster had not expected to get this response and was unprepared for the conversation. However taking advantage of the opportunity, Melody followed her dark benefactor to the splendid garden.
When the pair reached the seclusion of the front garden, Jane asked, "Now, what did you want to talk to me about?"
The anxious teenager was beginning to regret her request for a talk. The youngster had neither expected an immediate response nor such a private audience at such an inopportune time. However taking advantage of unexpected opportunity the nervous young woman swallowed hard and started to state her objections to going to a finishing school, but no words passed her lips.
Melody was frightened her protector and provider would be angry with her for daring to defy the tough Texan's will. However the young American had asked to speak with her idol and as Jane always lectured her, 'Once you start out, don't turn back.'
So the reluctant teen stammered shyly, "I don't want to go to finishing school I ain't no English noble. I'm an American born and bred. Americans ain't Lords or Ladies."
Jane sighed, she knew she would have to face this problem when the dark Texan had approached the Professor with her decision to send her ward to finishing school. The tall American and her girlfriend talked about Maura's dilemma of two titles and no heirs.
Hence the young couple decided Maura must adopt Melody and Tina and make Melody the heir to the Martine title and Tina the heir to Isles title. The rationale being the French title needed an heir sooner and Melody was the closest to being of age to inherit. However for this idea to work the girls must be schooled in the art of being a lady.
It was all so logical and straightforward, but how do you explain logic to a teenager. Yet, Jane tried to explain it nonetheless, "Melody, Maura and I have discussed a problem she has. She is heiress to two competing titles… one French and one English. She already has the English title and must fill it. Yet, she had no heirs, no children, siblings or cousins however distant. Her thought and I agree with it is that she adopt you and train you to take the title."
Melody was about to object, when her guardian interrupted her, "Before you go off half cocked let me point out a couple of things. First off, when I met you your father was going to whore you out to strangers. This opportunity will make you rich and independent.
Secondly, what I am about to tell you is a secret and its my intention in this not the Lady Isles. The present head of France wants to conquer Mexico and put a European Prince in charge. That would cause a lot of trouble in Texas, especially along the border. My intention is for you to gather information at parties and such from the wives and girlfriends of French officials. I had an advisor for you in mind, but he's in that stretcher over there. However, the plan's the same.
The school is just to teach you how to blend in and to teach you how to speak French well enough not to label you as an American. I know Professor Talbert has been teaching you and you're doing real well. From what the Professor tells me, you can be fluent in not time and speaking like a native in about a year. I know you what to go back to Texas and get even with your Paw, but believe me this is a much better option."
The young woman replied, "Let think about it."
Jane smile broadly, "Fair enough."
***SE***
Paddy Doyle was lying in a bed from one of the spare bedrooms. The large poster bed seemed out of place in the library full of books and library-like furnishings. After the servants made sure the wounded Irishman was comfortable, they left the room leaving the man in the hands of Jane and Lady Isles.
The weakened Irishman murmured, "Milady, could you let me speak with Miss Rizzoli for a moment alone…Please?"
The anxious daughter started to protest, but nodded her acceptance of the request and followed the servants from the room. As the honey blonde noble cleared the room, the injured slightly fevered man said, "I don't know if I'm going to make it. Even if I do I know I will never be the same man I was. Before you protest my conclusions let me say, long ago Lord Isles arranged a small squirehood for me with landholding in Southern Ireland. If I survive this I'm retiring to my holdings where my biggest problem will be collecting m tenant's rents.
That being said, Martini's death does not finish this. He was a dog on a long leash, someone was holding that leash and that man is still a danger to Milady. I don't really know who he is. However I suspect it was Maximilian. He's a dangerous man, because he's a zealot and ideologue, who will stop at nothing to advance his vision.
I can tell you there is another weapons shipment and it was loaded without my knowledge onto the Orion IV bound for Ireland. I hadn't time to stop it and I'm afraid I will have to leave such matters in your hands from this point forward. However, I can offer you some help.
Before you ask your questions I need you to do something for me as well as for your Lady. I need you to go to the Black Swan Inn in Swansea and tell the innkeeper, 'The Irish are black of heart and the Scots hate good whiskey.'
He will give you everything you need to activate my replacement."
Jane looked at him questionably as she responded, "Why me and not Maura?"
Paddy replied, "You can handle yourself in a rough environment. Lady Isles has other talents. Make sure you see my son Martin. Tell him you need Christopher. Christopher is about eighteen, but great with accounts and numbers.
The tall American stared at the older man with a look that betrayed her comprehension of the necessity of the second son. The savvy former smuggler explained, "You're going to need someone to take the Martine title. Anyone you get will need someone to handle the finances of the estate until they are trained. I assume Maura is planning on adopting that American curmudgeon you brought with you and naming her Baroness, but you're going to need someone to manage things until the young woman is ready to handle the estate herself."
Jane smiled, "Maura and I were hoping you would be regent for Melody."
Doyle moaned as he shook his head, "No! If I make it through this, I'm retiring to Ireland."
The brunette Texan shook her head in agreement and responded, "Okay, but go after the Queen's levy. I'm not comfortable with it and want someone to help Maura out should things go awry."
The amused patient asked, "How's that going? Has Lady Isles smoothed out your rough edges, yet?"
The wily American laughed as she replied, "Let's just say I don't have as many."
***SE***
Melody walked into her room and plopped on her bed. The perplexed teenager was confused and worried. The golden haired ward was only thirteen and was now being told she could be ruling a barony. The young woman had no idea how big a barony was, but she was sure it was pretty big.
However Jane Rizzoli was running a ranch when she was younger and that was a pretty big ranch and Lady Isles is running a shipping company and the Lady is younger than her. In few months, the golden haired Texan was going to be fourteen and what future did she have? They were offering her a secure future. So, why was she scared?
All the young American had to do was learn to speak French, which she was already doing pretty well and learn how to rule a barony. How hard can it be running a barony? I mean you can hire people to help you, so the young woman figured. Melody decided it was worth a shot.
***SE***
Paddy Doyle was running a bit of a fever, while Maura sat by his bed placing cold damp towels on his forehead. There wasn't much else that could be done for a fever in 1851. The family did have an ice house for which some was sent.
A servant entered the room with a tray with a pitcher of water and a bowl of ice, which she placed on the table by the bed. Another servant entered with a tray of tea with several slices of trail toast, the delicacy introduced to her by her lover and friend. Jane followed this servant saying, "You need to eat something. Your getting sick won't help him much. I'll cool him down while you eat."
Maura obediently went to the other table with the tea and food, while Jane sat by the patient and administered icy towel to his forehead, arms and chest. The observant huntress couldn't help but notice the many scars on the man's hard muscular torso. The experienced teen knew that life was hard, learning that lesson at very early age and the scars were similar to one's won by her father, Mustang and the other men at the ranch. One cowhand had only three fingers on his right hand, because he tried to get an extra turn on a rope while lassoing a bull.
Doyle began to stir from the cold compresses and Jane ordered the girl attending Maura to go and get a bowl of chicken broth. The experienced healer had ordered the concoction of chicken stock, fine bits of chicken, onions, sage, rosemary, thyme, basil and oregano. Her mother had given her the recipe many years before, because the brew had shown its worth as a healing potion.
Paddy awoke to the light touch of the hard Texan and smiled saying, "An angel's touch and face with a lion's heart and mind. People always underestimate you don't they. They look at that face and think, 'How can someone who looks like her be dangerous?'
Then the next thing they know is they are knee deep in shit with Jane holding the shovel.
You have to go to Swansea as soon as possible. I would say today, but you can't miss the Queen's Levy. Her Majesty is many things, but patient and forgiving are not two of them. As a matter of fact, if it were not for her husband, I think Her Highness would be a poor Queen. He has taught her something her father could not…Love."
***SE***
Jane wished she could hold her young lover's hand as they waited in the Anteroom awaiting the Queen's summons. The posh furnishings and fabulous paintings did nothing to relax the nervous teenager. Her youthful girlfriend had been in this situation many times and was more than comfortable in it.
The younger teen could read the anxiety in older girlfriend and smiled at her in hopes of encouraging sobriety and to alleviate any fear in her heart. Lady Isles silently wished she could hold the young woman's hand in order to calm her, but knew that such intimacy was impossible.
Queen Victoria was very strict in her thinking on sexual matters and sapphism was not an acceptable alternative. Not only was it not acceptable it social suicide. The Lady's power was too established and abundant to lose her wealth and position, but in social circles she would find no one willing to be in her presence.
The young noblewoman wanted to show the world how much she loved this wild Texan, but it wasn't a possibility. Many times the couple had discussed going to America and living a more open existence, but Jane informed her many people wouldn't care as long as they didn't flaunt it. However, in the major cities society is just as rigid as anywhere else.
The dynamic American did have a wonderful solution. At her ranch in West Texas, they could live as they wished. No one would question their relationship in the wilderness where people were measured by what they lived and did their work and not by any social morass.
The Queen's Master of Ceremony broke the young Lady's revelry by saying, "Ladies, the Queen requests your presence."
The two young women rose gracefully from their seats and followed Mr. Edward Cust into the Throne Room. Edward Cust had been promoted from Assistant Master of Ceremonies to Master of Ceremonies in 1847. The observant American could tell the man was in his early fifties and was clearly wearing a uniform that fit a much larger man. The harried man probably inherited the robes with the office.
The women were dressed in ornate silk dresses decorated with feathers, fur, velvet, silver and semi-precious stones. Lady Isles was in a formal green silk dress with velvet trim with amber buttons and discretely place adornments. The dress supported a long twenty foot silk train with twenty peacock feathers adorning it. The noblewoman's headdress was green velvet with amber studs and another five peacock feathers. The graceful teenager strode down the aisle with an air of confidence that only enhanced her beauty. Had it not been for Jane, every man in the room would be lusting after her.
However, all eyes were on Jane, who was bedazzling the assemble court with her midnight blue silk dress trim in silver supporting a twenty foot train adorned with twenty-five ostrich feathers Her headdress was a contrasting baby blue velvet supporting another twenty ostrich feathers. Attached to the front of the headdress was a pin in gold depicting a drawn bow and arrow.
Every male and several females were lusting over the pair and the women not lusting were stewing in a rage of jealousy. Husbands and escort throughout the chamber were receiving discrete elbows and stomped toes. Everyone was dressed in their most splendid gowns, but this couple had made their elegance look plain and lackluster.
As Her Royal Majesty observed the approaching couple, whe thought of what a fine pair of young women to add to her family. She had sons and nephews to marry and these two women would supply much needed superior breeding to her lineage.
Her Highness was calculating who she would dangle before each young woman and how to manipulate them into joining her family when her husband disturbed her train of thought with a gentle nudge to remind her the young women were bowing before her.
Their bows were the lowest the Queen had ever seen and more impressed than ever. Noting their discomfort, Her Majesty commanded, "Rise and state your purpose."
Lady Maura being of higher station left Jane to answer as they had rehearsed, "My name is Jane Rizzoli of West Texas in the United States of American. My companion is her Ladyship Maura Isles and my friend. We have come here this day to petition the court at the behest of Her Royal Highness, Queen Alexandrina Victoria, Queen of Great Britain and Ireland."
The tall Texan breathed a sigh of relief at the completion of the formal greeting. The experienced huntress and warrior was never one to make speeches or over verbose statements. They veteran killer had left talking up to others. Not knowing whether she had committed some gross edicate violation or not. Jane waited with mock confidence for Her Majesty's response.
The trembling young woman did not have to wait long as Her Royal Highness exclaimed, "Let it be known that this young woman at the peril of her own life did stop an assassin from doing me and my family any harm. Being an American did not prevent her from coming to my aid and for that we are eternally grateful.
Where this young woman a British citizen she would be now a Lady in my court. However, her country's laws do not permit titles. So with the help of Ambassador Ingersoll we have arrived at a solution to this dilemma. If you would be so kind as to explain your solution, Mr. Ingersoll."
The elderly man with a full head of salt and pepper hair stepped forward and explained, "Miss Rizzoli, I am the United States Minister for the Court of St. James and as Her Majesty has pointed out, American citizens cannot hold titles. However Her Majesty has requested a means by which she can reward you for services… a loophole so to speak.
I think I have thought of such a loophole. In America we will consider the title honorary. In other words, you can receive the title, but in the United States it will hold no value other than you were honored by Queen Victoria for services rendered.
However in Great Britain and all her territories you will hold any title with which she rewards you. In other words, here you will have a title, but not in the United States or any of its territories. Do you understand?"
Jane was a little insulted. Did the man think she was a child or a moron? The tall teenager knew she was young, but this man came from the United States. Surely he knows in West Texas, age doesn't matter, it's what you can accomplish. Every boy or girl on the frontier was considered an adult by the age of twelve. Hell by the age of ten most were hunting for meat for the table, because their pa was too busy working the land or cattle and the mother talking care of the house and grounds. The children had to contribute as soon as possible or the family went hungry.
So for an American to treat her like the experienced warrior was a child was insulting and he should know better. However, Jane had promised her lover that she would behave herself, so she replied, "Thank you, Minister. I completely understand you."
The older man stepped back and let the Queen complete the ceremony. The regally attired Queen stepped forward and commanded, "This person despite being an American did see the person of the Queen and her family in jeopardy and did at the risk of her own life subdue the assassin. Such service demands the highest of rewards. Jane Rizzoli, kneel!"
Graceful the veteran hunter and warrior dropped to both knees, which was quite a feat considering the weight and stiffness of the gown and headdress she was wearing. The headdress would be too much for almost any other woman, but years of hard work had given the wild Texan a massive amount of lean muscle.
Her Royal Highness Victoria, Queen of Great Britain and Ireland stepped forward with a large ornate sword. A moment of reaction had to be quelled by the veteran warrior. Someone approaching with a weapon was normally considered a danger and required a response, but this was an exception to that rule.
The older noblewoman announced, "We the Queen of Great Britain and Ireland do hereby dub thee Knight of the Bath and Champion of the Queen."
After tapping the kneeing teenager on each shoulder the Queen continued, "Arise, Lady Jane Rizzoli."
The tall American gracefully rose to her feet, managing not to step on any of her elegant attire. After a small ovation, the Queen made a further pronouncement, "It has also come to our attention that Lady Jane almost singlehandedly stopped the export of weapons to Ireland, which would have been used to start a rebellion.
Again such acts of heroism must be rewarded. So therefore we name you Baroness of Ravenhill. My Chancellor has the documents of peerage and heraldry. Lady Ravenhill, may you continue to serve us well."
Her Royal Highness added, "Lady Isles, step forward. It has come to our attention that you intend never to marry because you do not wish to give others control of your title. We see wisdom in this. You have served us well. You have served your title well.
Through your actions many intrigues have been averted. We cannot name them without dire consequences. That in itself shows the dire nature of the intrigues. Such actions deserve reward as well. To that end we have decided to give you and your descendants the right of caste in perpetuity. You and any female descendants shall retain the control of Earl of Isles.
The documents of your right of caste and Earldom can be obtained from my Chancellor. You and Lady Ravenhill may withdraw, but should hear what we have to say further.
The stunned couple backed away from the throne area to a place within the hall. "It has come to our attention enemies are trying to undermine our control of our commonwealth. Therefore we are formally warning anyone 'Interfering in our commonwealths is interfering in our affairs and as are performing acts of war against Great Britain.'
Such acts will result in retaliation by our armed forces, both by land and sea. So let our enemies be warned our patience is at an end."
With that the Queen's Levy was at an end.
***SE***
After the throne room was cleared, Her Majesty asked the United States Minister, "Is everything ready?"
The Ambassador responded, "Yes, we have everything in place. I have the warship coming to Dover and the special train from Baltimore is ready to reserve her. Are you sure about your information about the French barony?"
The Prince-consort responded for his wife, "Countess Isles filed the adoption papers for the three children yesterday. She is adopting the two girls and Lady Ravenhill is adopting the boy. We can only assume that one will be heir to the Martine barony and one will be heir to Countess Isles. Now the boy will probably be heir to Ravenhill."
The American representative asked out of curiosity, "How big is Ravenhill?"
The Prince replied, "A small village, a manor house with about 180 acres of land."
The older gentleman sighed as he said, "Well we've feed them the molasses, now let's give them the tonic."
***SE***
The Countess Isles sent Hugh to get her and Jane's documents as they were intercepted by the Queen's guard as her Highness had required a private audience of the pair in her private chambers. The already bewildered couple had no other choice than to accept her gracious invitation.
The pair young women followed the dashing young Captain through the small maze of corridors to a large double doors guarded by four of the Queen's guard dressed in their formal redcoats with tall bearskin hats. As the Captain approached, two of the guards opened the doors allowing the trio to enter the chambers.
As the Queen sat regally in a high-backed plush chair of purple and English oak, her Consort greeted their guest with kisses of their hands and hearty congratulations on their new offices. Jane noticed the American Minister standing tall looking out a large bay window at the west wall of the room.
The older man approached the pair and kissed their hands, adding his congratulations to the young couple. Her Royal Highness waved her hand indicting everyone should sit. Less ornate chairs had been arranged in a circle for the others to take a seat.
Prince Albert asked politely, "Lady Jane, how long will you be gracing us with your presence?"
The nature and tone of the question put the young woman on the defensive. Her hunter's instincts told her that this question was more than a polite inquiry. So the bright brunette tempered her answer with, "I was planning on staying a few more months. I can't be gone more than two years. Our ranch and businesses demand much of my attention."
The American Ambassador said politely, "You are well spoken for a frontierswoman, Lady Ravenhill."
The tall Texan smiled as she responded in her best Texas twang, "I should smile. I speaks to those I as to speak to in a way they be expectin' like. Y'all should know I ain't dumb."
The Queen laughed as she reacted to the minor speech by saying, "In no way do we you are dumb. Otherwise we would not be speaking with you right now."
The United States Minister interjected, "We have a situation we need you to look into. It seems Louis-Napoleon has designs in Central America which interfere with the interest of the United States and those of Great Britain. France's intrigue in both Mexico and Ireland has forced our nations to react.
Lady Ravenhill, as you have probably guessed, the Prince's inquiry as to when you plan on returning to Texas was not altogether a polite inquiry. We would like for you to return to Texas and use your influence with the Comanche and the Kiowa to avert war, so we may concentrate on the French.
Additionally we know your father has a lot of power in Texas politics. We would like him to try and get Governor Bell to refinance the Rangers. Since the end of the Mexican War against Santa Ana, the Rangers have been mostly let go. They have only a handful of the old Rangers left in service. President-Elect Pierce would like to see the Rangers regain their full strength.
The President-Elect doesn't want to have to expend troops on the border and in West Texas. In four weeks the USS Potomac will be in Dover for resupply on its way home to Baltimore Harbor. We would like for you to be on that ship. We would then have a special train take you to New Orleans. You can be in West Texas in four months.
Four weeks would mean you could spend Christmas and the New Year with your friend and be at home by the middle of May. It's a little later than optimal, because our information is this Spring the Kiowa and Comanche will be at war."
Jane was not anxious to return home. The lovely Texan had not realized how lonely her life had been. The young woman was not anxious to return to that life, though she knew she would… just not this soon.
Additionally the tall American was sure the Minister didn't understand the situation. So the veteran Indian fighter explained, "You don't understand Indians. I could get the leaders to agree to a peace, but the chiefs don't control all the braves. See, a young warrior needs horses, blankets and other things in order to impress the young women and their parents. Then they need those things to trade for her and the only way they can get those things is by raiding and taking them. So even with a peace between the tribes you would have small bands of young braves attacking isolated spots. So I'm not sure what I can do?"
The minister smiled knowingly as he asked, "What if I gave you enough resources to keep that peace? I don't mean troops. Congress would never approve that. However, what if I were to give you enough coin to gather your own force to keep the peace? Maybe, you could use former Texas Rangers? Could you do that?"
Jane didn't like where this was headed. The experienced politician had laid his trap perfectly. The frustrated Texan wanted to stay, but her strong sense of responsibility and obligation were screaming in her mind. All her life, her parents and those who had helped raise her had hammered into her that strong sense of responsibility and obligation.
Though the reluctant teenager was searching for a reasonable argument, the dynamic brunette knew she was returning to West Texas. Maura saw the change in her lover's demeanor and knew she had lost her lover to her own sense of right and wrong.
Prince Albert interrupted, "Countess, I know this is hard, but necessary. We all love our wild American visitor, but we all understand honor, responsibility and duty. Do we not? Besides, we need your help as well. We understand your father's network in France is still active?"
The young noblewoman nodded up and down as the Prince-consort continued, "We also understand, you are inheriting your grandfather's estate in France?"
Again the young honey blonde nodded agreement, as the dapper Royal pressed on, "It is also our understanding you are adopting an American girl to take that title, as you have obligations here?"
The nervous teenager was stunned at the direction this conversation was headed. The inner workings of her household were being discussed. The young Countess was worried about what else was known to Her Highness and her husband. Which is when the Prince got to his point, "We want the new Baroness to mingle in French society and report the gossip she overhears."
The frightened noblewoman sensing the Prince had finished his request volunteered, "Melody is not ready. Maybe in two or three years, she will be prepared, but not today."
Her Royal Highness finally interjected, "Then, you must accompany her to France and train her until such time she is ready, Countess Isles."
***SE***
When the couple left the Queen asked her husband, "Are the rumors true?"
Prince Albert replied, "It doesn't really matter does it, my Queen. After all, the American is returning home and our young Countess is going to France. It was no more than a youthful in discretion. They will both outgrow such dalliances. Besides we need them. We cannot afford another Napoleon."
Her Highness could only agree.
***SE***
Upon arriving at the manor the new Countess told Hugh, "Someone is leaking secrets from this household. Find out whom and dismiss them. I do not care who it is. They are gone the moment you discover their identity."
The desperate noblewoman took her lover's hand and led her upstairs. The honey blonde knew her young lover and they had little time remaining.
***SE***
The couple's gowns, slips and underwear were scattered about the bedroom. Countess Isles ran her hand down the tall brunette's firm thigh. The honey blonde noblewoman was frantic to store every touch and feel of her tall brunette.
Lady Ravenhill was just as desperate to feel her young lover's touch and give her pleasure in return. Her right hand drifted onto the honey blonde's left breast. The inflamed brunette gently massaged the swollen nipple Their heads moved toward each other and their mouths locked together as their tongues warred in a game of desire.
Hearts raced as the pair exchanged caresses and kisses. Tongues sought routes to hidden creases of heated passion. Sweat began to bead and collect on their skin. The dance of desire had begun.
***SE***
Lady Ravenhill and Countess Isles laid naked in each other embrace as sweat glistened off their taunt youthful bodies after the young couple had made desperate and passionate love to one another. Jane gasped, "I don't want to wait four weeks. It will be too hard to leave if I wait that long. I must go before Christmas or I will lose my courage.
Maura, I have one final task then I must leave. I want a ship. I'm going straight to Galveston and then to Austin. I want the ship always at my disposal so when this is over I can come back for you. I love you and want you by my side always, but I have to fix everything at home before I can be happy here."
Countess Isles had anticipated her young lover's reaction. The honey blonde knew her well and knew that her wild Texan was a woman of action and not one to wait for anything. These months had been preciously short and her heart ached with loss already. Before Jane the young Countess had never known real happiness. However, the English noblewoman had been raised from a young age to understand duty, responsibility and obligation.
But the honey blonde noble didn't want her dark lover to leave and had to try to get her to stay a little longer, by asking, "Why can you not wait? You have to make arrangement for Ravenhill."
Jane pulled her girlfriend closer and kissed her passionately then replied, "I have one more thing to do for you. Then I must return home before the snow clears the mountains. Train Jeremy to take over Ravenhill. You make the arrangements. I'm naming you executor. I'll kept the title unto death, which for me may be sooner than later."
Maura said with anxiety, "Do not say such things in my presence. I want you to promise to take good care of yourself. I want you back in one piece and soon."
The wild American laughed, "No worries there. I always take good care of myself. I have for years."
***SE***
The next afternoon Jane entered the Black Swan Inn. It had been a difficult parting. With time moving against them, the Countess had wanted to accompany her on her journey. However, the tall Texan had been resolute in her stance.
On the carriage ride to the Isles estate in Swansea the couple held each other and wrapped their bodies in each other's embrace. Though the dark American had relented in allowing her young lover to accompany her to Swansea, she refused to allow the honey blonde noble to escort her to the wharf and the seedy Inn.
Furthermore many arrangements needed to be made before Lady Ravenhill's ship was ready for departure and it was Countess Isles's job to make them. Truth be told Jane regretted not having her young love at her side, but there was no wisdom in endangering her tender girlfriend to such dangers.
Lady Ravenhill was dressed in a blue satin gown with gold trim. To her understanding the dress cost more than the value of the inn. The wily Texan had wanted the occupants of the tavern underestimating her and looking at her attire and not what was concealed in them.
She wore a mink wrap with matching hand muff. In her muff were two fully loaded pistol… one for each hand and concealed in the wrap were four thin, but strong throwing knives. In her blue satin handbag was another pistol and under the gown she was dressed in her hunting clothes fully armed.
The elegantly dress noblewoman approach the bar and said, "The Irish have black hearts and the Scots hate good whiskey."
Before the innkeeper could respond a young man who had been seated at a table with three 'friends' rose from her chair and interjected, "You must be the tough American we have been hearing so much about. What's to keep us from coming over there and stripping you of you fine clothes and having our way with you?"
Jane pulled her hands from the muff letting it fall to the floor. She pointed one pistol at the innkeeper and one at the table of young men. The Irish lad laughed and announced, "Good answer. I am Martin. What message do you have from my father."