Author's Note: I'm having trouble writing these days. I lost a dear friend and can't get over the loss. I see him in everything I do. He was the first toy lion and his death leaves a hole in the Earth. I know there is a Heaven and he is there waiting for his people to join him. Good bye dear friend and I still love you very much.
Chapter 24: There Are Three Kinds of Intrigue: Plots, Counter Plots and Romance
Lady Jane, Hugh and the Captain all were in the ship's boat with crewmen rowing to the Island Song, which was floating dormant in the water awaiting Her Ladyship's arrival. The small craft had barely tied itself to the large sailing ship, when Jane flung herself into the ship's netting which was inviting her aboard. The nimble Texan scaled the tied hemp easily and was soon on the Island Song's rocking deck.
The charismatic American shouted, "Who is the Captain of this vessel?"
An older gentleman walked forward and announced, "I am the captain of this vessel and whom do I have the pleasure of addressing?"
The tall brunette beamed authority as she responded, "I am Lady Jane Ravenhill. I believe you have standing orders about me from Her Grace the Countess Isles. I will have your mail for Her Grace and I will have it now!"
Hugh and Captain Prentiss had arrived on deck just behind the engaging noblewoman and gave credence to her claim. However the experienced Captain took nothing at plain sight and asked, "Captain Prentiss, my old friend, is this indeed the Lady Ravenhill?"
The older captain reinforced Jane's claim by replying, "Aye, this indeed's the Lady Ravenhill. I've known the lass since she be jest Jane Rizzoli and that be no small matter, let me tell ya."
The Island Song Captain smiled, "The only mail I've fur Her Grace be from your man Hugh. So I see no reason nay to give ye back ye own."
***SE***
The Captain returned with the object of this entire trip. Jane took the letter and tore it into several pieces. Hugh suggested, "Now, Milady, we can go back to Texas."
Captain Prentiss interjected, "We need to resupply and refit the ship afore we ere fit to recross the Atlantic this time of year."
The big Welshman was insistent as he retorted, "We can refit and resupply in the Canaries. I don't think it will do any good for the Lady to visit the Countess for a couple of days. I just don't think a couple of days together will help them at all. I have to look out for my Ladies even if it is to protect them from themselves."
The tall Texan thought about what Hugh was saying and knew in her head that he was correct, a couple of days and then separation will only make it harder to be apart. However her heart was screaming, 'We didn't cross the Atlantic Ocean and not see her.' The choice was clear.
So the lonely brunette responded, "Hugh, let's return to the Lady Jane. I need to get ready to go ashore."
The brooding bodyguard knew any further argument would be useless because when the American noblewoman made a decision it was final and no argument would change it. So the huge Welshman acquiesced and started down the netting to show his acceptance of her decision, but his silence voiced his protest.
***SE***
Minutes after all the villagers started working on clearing the blocked road twenty guards from the Manor arrived on horseback. Melody had sent the Countess an honor guard to protect her after the young baroness had found out the Her Grace had rushed off without any protection. The Martine Baroness had no idea what was happening, but it would not do for the Countess to be harmed in any way.
Countess Isles put them right to work clearing the blocked road, which allowed her to release the villagers to go back to their daily toils. In minutes the road was cleared enough to get the carriage moving. The soldiers left the cart owner to complete his task of removing his cart and cargo as they followed the anxious golden blonde noblewoman.
Countess Isle was switching positions and benches every few seconds in her nervousness to get to the docks. Her Grace's ten minute wait for them to make the roadway passible was excoriatingly painful. Jer vivid imagination had envisioned all sorts of gruesome fates for her dark lover. In her mind, the intelligent honey-blonde noblewoman foresaw Hugh's solemn face as he explained how her lovely brunette's final moments on Earth.
***SE***
Hugh didn't like his charge's decision to visit his young noblewoman but understood her tall Texan was a force of nature and commanded men with skill and ease, but her heart was empty and lonely with her young honey-blonde girlfriend. The results from her wound had changed the veteran warrior a bit. The wild American didn't seem to think she was invinsible any longer. That was both prudent and dangerous.
One of the main reasons Jane did so many things she did was because of her total belief in herself and her abilities. Now one of Hugh's greatest fears was his brunette charge would hesitate just the slightest bit because of that small see of doubt she had won battling for her wounds.
That was the real reason the big Welshman had been opposed to the two young woman meeting and exchanging tales of adventure. The reminder of how lonely their lives were apart would make their separation even more painful. It would be like giving a starving man a crumb of bread.
However Hugh understood one thing and that was Lady Jane Rizzoli Ravenhill was a woman of action and now that the action was set only the end of this action would satisfy the tender woman. All action on the Lady Jane stopped when Lady Ravenhill came on deck in her best buckskin outfit.
The rugged American wore a long deerskin tunic that draped to her knee and was decorated with an intrigit design of beads, semi-precious stones and long strips of buckskin fringe. Fringe hung from her shoulders and around her waste. The full length deerskin pants that flared at the bottom also had fringe running the length of the pants' seam. The outfit was also accented by thigh length moccasins also declored with beads, semi-precious stones and fringe. The thing that stopped every on the ship in their tracks was the full headdress of eagle feathers that ringed her head and rang down her back to touch the deck.
Hugh hadn't even seen this outfit. The only time the big Welshman had seen such an outfit was when Red Blanket worn one to the treaty signing between the Comanche and the Kiowa. Suddenly the strong bodyguard realized it was the formal attire of a Comanche warchief, which Lady Ravenhill was now one.
In defeating both the Comanche and the Kiowa the dynamic brunette had been made the warchief of the Comanche. It was an honor the dark protector had won on the battlefield. Red Blanket had forced the honor on the reluctant warrior because he said it was the only way to keep both tribes from trying to find a way around the peace treaty.
The confused Welshman queried, "Milady, why are dressed like you are going to a Comanche war council?"
The smiling teenager replied, "Hugh, you should learn the difference in tribal attire. This is the formal outfit of a Kiowa warchief. My Comanche outfit is still in Texas. I just figured this was the perfect dress in which to meet Maura. Besides I think Her Grace will find it appealing."
The big bodyguard started laughing so hard, he found it hard to stand as he responded, "Milady, I am convinced you could be dressed in a burlap sack and Her Grace would find it appealing. I applaud your discretion. In this attire Her Grace could greet you any way she pleased and no one would know it was Lady Ravenhill."
The Lady Ravenhill winked at the sharp protector and made her way to the ship's boat which would bring her ashore.
***SE***
The Countess Maura Isles still couldn't see the harbor of Bordeaux but knew by instinct they were nearly there. Looking out the small window of the carriage the young teenager strained her eyes to see any sign of the harbor and/or the Lady Jane. Already the honey blonde noblewoman was convinced she was alone in the world and tears had been flowing freely for the last several minutes in deep mourning for her lost love.
As the carriage rounded a bend the anxious Countess saw the harbor layed out before her and in the distance she saw the familiar form of the Lady Jane. There was a small craft rowing out from the larger ship and sitting in its bow was an American Indian in full regalia. Why was an Indian chief coming to see her and what did he have to do with her Jane?
Now the young noblewoman's anxiety was screaming its fears and she was listening. The lonely Countess knew that Jane was very important to the Comanche and maybe they were sending a personal representative to give her the sad news. That was the only answer the wounded young Lady could conceive.
***SE***
Hugh was the first to disembark. The big Welshman nearly lifted the lovely Rose from the boat. While the giant body guard was insuring the safe disembarkment of the delicate Rose, Lady Ravenhill looking like a fierce American Indian War Chief was jumping onto the lower dock.
A hoist was being lowered to take the well dressed young American and her seamstress to the upper dock area, while Hugh and the Kiowa War Chief climbed the ladder to get there. Once on the upper dock boardwalk, Hugh was overseeing the retrieval of the Ladies' luggage.
Jane had sent one of the sailors to find a carriage for the group when one with the hallmark of Duke Isles on its doors pulled up to the end of the upper dock. Almost before it stopped a fashionably dress young woman jumped from its cabin. Jane knew instantly it was Maura.
Without a thought of luggage, protocol or discretion, the excited teenager ran to meet her Lady love. Several of the guards seeing a savage rushing their Countess tried to intervene. However before they knew what was happening two of them found themselves stunned and laying on the ground.
The fighting style told the distraught Countess who it was in the Indian attire and instantly relief streamed through her. More guards were about to intervene and Hugh had came rushing into the tussle, when the Countess in her must commanding voice shouted, "Stop this fighting. These are my friends and besides I don't want any of you to be harmed."
A panting war chief approach the well dressed Countess and bowed formally while taking her hand. No waiting for permission the formally dress savage kissed the Lady's preoffered hand and said, "It is so charming to meet you again, Countess Isles."
Tears of relief ran down her cheek as Maura responded, "You have frightened me out of ten years of youth. I have imagined so many things and none of them pleasant.
Jane pulled her into an embrace and whispered gently, "I am so sorry, but I promise I will make it up to you tonight, but first lets get into the carriage and I will explain everything."
The commanding presence of the formally attired war chief commanded, "Hugh, take the other carriage with Rose and bring the luggage. I'm going to the Manor with Her Grace. We have a lot to talk about."
Hugh chuckled, "Milady, Your Grace, please remember to use your words more than your hands."
***SE***
Hugh was loading his Lady's trunk onto the buckboard which had arrived for the purpose of carrying their ample luggage when Rose approached him. The shy young nurse asked, "What is the relationship between Lady Ravenhill and Countess Isles?"
The strong Welshman sighed as he responded, "Well, it's not my story to tell. You should ask Lady Ravenhill. She is a straight forward person and will tell you anything you want to know. Then if she takes offense she will let you know that as well. I only say do not judge them before you know them well. They are best people I have ever known.
I will tell you one story that concerns me and the Countess, who was just a little girl at the time. I was having difficulties because the girl I trusted and loved betrayed me by being with another whpm I thought of as my best friend. Anyway I ended up in jail and little Maura who was seven or eight at the time came and forced my used her authority as the future Baroness to force the constable to release me and more importantly she never told her father who would have sacked me.
I have been her man every since. That is the type of woman the Countess is. As for the Baroness, she was watching the Queen and her husband in a percession going to Buckingham Palace, when she noticed a suspicious man. She followed him and saw that he was going to attempt to assassinate the Queen and her husband. Without hesitation she subdued the man and handed him over to Her Majesty's Personal Guard, which is why the Queen knighted her and made her a Baroness.
To my way of thinking those actions define those two women more than anything else you may learn about them."
The young redhead asked, "They love each other and are together in some way, aren't they?"
Hugh replied simply, "Like I said, that's not my story to tell. Just ask Lady Ravenhill, she will tell you anything you would like to know. Her Ladyship is the most straightforward and honest person I have ever known. The Baronesss will even tell you the truth if it hurts herself. That's honesty."
***** SE *****
When they were safely in the cab of the carriage, Jane pulled the smaller woman into her arms and kissed her with the passion of lonelinesss and separation. Maura gave herself to the kiss and opened her mouth to receive her lover's tongue. The tall American didn't disappoint the shy English woman as she slowly guided her tongue into its waiting target.
Jane removed the cumbersome headdress and used her hands to wander at will over the younger noblewoman's anxious body. Victorian dresses didn't lend itself well to such activities so the wild Texan was left a bit frustrated by her efforts.
Maura laughed as she said, "Do not undress me in the carriage. How would I explain carrying my clothes into the Manor when I left it fully dressed? You must have patience and we will examine each other fully in my quarters."
The anxious Texan sighed in exasperation as she said, "I'm anxious a bit. I've been waiting for this moment for weeks."
The honey blonde noble laughed as she asked, "Who is the young redhead? Do I need to worry about some competition?"
The rowdy American answered frankly, "You know better than that, besides she has her eye on Hugh and he is sweet on her."
The surprised noblewoman responded with a wide grin, "Really, I thought Hugh had been burned too badly to ever try again. I must meet this young woman. Who is she?"
Reluctantly the concerned teenager opened the big can of worms and replied, "She's my nurse."
The suddenly worried lover queried in quietly even tones with all her worst fears confirmed, "Why do you need a nurse?"
Jane saw the look of disaster in her young girlfriend's eyes and answered quickly, "I don't need a nurse any more. I'm healthy as a horse, now. However, when I started this trip I was recovering from the effects of a wound I didn't tend correctly."
The shocked Countess only heard part of the story and asked, "You were wounded?"
The fearless Ranger was worried about the reaction and took her time to tell her lover the entire story, "I wasn't seriously wounded, but I was took some shot gun pellets in my rear. I didn't want the other Rangers to know where I had been shot so I had Hugh take out the pellets. I kept on leading the Rangers on horseback. Well the wound didn't heal right and I let it get really bad before I went and saw a doctor.
The doctor fixed up the injury really well and I was good as new, but I couldn't ride or stand for a while because of the stitches. I found out that Hugh had sent you a note telling you how bad sick I was and I didn't want you sailing to America when I was perfectly well.
So I went to Galveston by wagon, only the doctor didn't want me to go because I was still recovering, but I got him to let me go when I said I would take a nurse along. Rose, his daughter, volunteered and I had to promise to take care of his daughter and find her a good husband, who had a title or money."
The stunned noblewoman questioned her girlfriend, "You were shot?"
Jane was very concerned by Her Grace's reaction to all the news as she replied, "Yes, but I'm better now. It wasn't a bad wound. I just didn't take care of it right away."
Unexpectedly Countess Isles straightened up in her seat and exclaimed loudly, "You were shot and did not tend to it promptly and properly? You put yourself at risk of something very serious because of pride? You risked your life because you did not want others to know you had been shot in the posterior? You could have died and I would not have known about it for months.
I will never let you out of my sight again. You cannot be trusted to take care of yourself and Hugh is obviously not up to the task. I should have him sacked!"
This was getting out of hand. Hugh had been nothing if not loyal and reliable. Her Grace had to understand that Jane did not lead a safe and easy life. Her life had been and will be in danger many more times and there was nothing the Countess's wealth could do to change that. So the calm Texas came to her bodyguard's defense, "No one tells me what to do or how to do it. I am a free woman and a Texas Ranger by God and no one, not even you, is going to tame me and put me in a cage like some canary bird, Your Grace."
The angry outburst made the worried noblewoman remember to whom she was talking. Jane Rizzoli was not a woman to order about like a common maid. The dark Texan's free spirit was one of things that made the honey blonde teenager lover her so much. So the dynamic noblewoman amended her statement by saying, "I am sorry, My Love. I was so worried about your safety I spoke out of turn. What I should have said is that you need to be more careful and not put yourself at risk. Others can take the risks while you just direct their activities."
Jane knew what her young lover wanted. Her Grace wanted some guarantee, some assurance that the love of her life would survive and come back to her. Unfortunately life didn't work that way. On the American frontier in the 1850's there was only one guarantee and that was that life was precious and very fragile.
The tall Texan explained, "Life on the plains is not easy or safe. I could never ask another to do what I couldn't or wouldn't do. Honey, I love you, but you have to understand me and accept me for who I am and I am a Texas Ranger and Comanche warrior. That means I am tough, strong and deadly. Do you understand what I am trying to tell you?"
The honey blonde noblewoman did understand. The young noble didn't like it, but she understood. Her heart belonged to someone who would risk her life for an ideal or a principle and nothing the powerful Countess could say or do would change that. Jane Rizzoli was a force of nature and Maura Isles had to accept that as an irrevocable fact.
So Countess Isles replied, "I understand, but could you do me a favor and try to keep out of danger you can avoid. I would appreciate the gesture."
That request made the young frontierswoman smile as she responded, "I promise I will do my best to stay alive long enough for us to build the life we plan. Is that good enough?"
The third most powerful woman in the Western world took her lover's hands and answered simply, "Yes."
***SE***
Hugh was not good at quiet polite conversation particularly with a eligible young woman like the one riding with him in a carriage going to the Martine Manor. At one time Hugh's main ambition was to find a nice young woman like the one before him and wed her in order to settle down to a life as an innkeeper or a store owner.
However after seeing Texas, the big bodyguard knew there was more opportunity for him in America. The frugal servant had saved over three hundred pounds which translated into 640 acres and 250 head of breeding stock and three good bulls. The intelligent protector knew Lady Ravenhill would sell him all the cattle he needed and at a good price.
Rose was equally as nervous as she was now alone in a carriage with a man who could be old enough to be her father. After all she knew the giant of a bodyguard had been employed as a bodyguard with the Isles family for fourteen years, which meant he was in middle to late thirties, which wasn't as important as his prospects.
The sunshine blonde was a practical girl and knew that her looks would attract many men, so the sharp young woman was on the look out for a man who could provide a good home for her and her future children. The bright teenager was not superficial and wanted a man she could love, but the intuitive Texan was not going to won by a pretty face and empty pockets either.
Rose had learned a lot about Hugh over past few weeks and knew he has saved a good bit of money. The sharp young woman also knew Lady Ravenhill thought a lot of Hugh and would do a lot to support any endeavor her persued. The golden blonde also knew the tough protector was well respected among the Texas Rangers and was treated with respect and as a leader.
Rose also knew she was in love with the big man so much in love that the sunny haired youth was having trouble being logical and pragmatic about the tall Welshman. Lady Ravenhill had promised her father that she would arrange a marriage with a titled nobleman for the lovely Texan. Now the beautiful nurse knew she didn't want an arranged marriage, but wanted to marry Hugh. So now how was the native Texan going to go about getting the shy Englishman to ask her?
So when Hugh was about to talk and couldn't find the words, Rose volunteered, "Hugh, are trying to get up the courage to ask me something?"
Hugh responded shyly, "Yes, ma'am I am. I know you came with her Ladyship to marry a nobleman and I don't have a title, but I do have a good bit of money saved. There's enough money to get a ranch with 250 head of breeding stock and three good bulls. Why I figure I could running a thousand head in five years. It won't be a noblewoman's life, but it will be a comfortable one. That I can promise.
I really think I can make a good go of it and with the right woman next to me I can go on to be a wealthy man. I know I don't have the right to ask this, because of her Ladyship's promise to your father and all, but I can't think of anything else.
You are all I can think about, morning, noon or night…"
Rose interrupted his ramblings by saying, "I'll marry you Hugh Jamieson. We have to get her Ladyship's permission, but you are the man I want."
Hugh jumped across the coach and pulled the smaller woman into his arms and kissed her with the all the passion years of loneliness could muster.
***SE***
The noblewomen's carriage rolled up to the manor and the two young women rearramge their clothing for the best affect, After all being a noble was about the theather of it all and less about the substance of the office. The Baroness of Ravenhill emerged first arrayed in her Kiowa formal attire with its long train of eagle feathers. The Baroness helped the Countess emerge resplendent in her bright green receiving dress, which she had been wearing for her morning receiving when the news of the Lady Jane reached her.
Several servants stunned by the appearance of an American Indian Warchief rushed to aid their mistress. One of the guards came menacing forward with his rifle. Before the inexperienced warrior could react, Jane leaped forward and pushed the barrel of the gun away from her and the powerful Countess. His shot went astray and nearly hit the carriage driver.
The Countess shouted as more of her guard started to react, "This is the Lady Ravenhill and my honored guest. If any harm should come to the Lady while she is here, I will personally execute the offender, though as you can see she is quite capable of taking care of herself. Had she not been in a generous mode you sir would be dead. Show him one of your hide out weapons."
The dangerous brunette whipped a throwing knife from one of its hidden locations and wrist tossed it at the feet of the startled guard. The slender blade wedged firmly between his booted feet. The lethal American smirked arrogantly at the stunned soldier. Jane didn't like these displays nor was she fond of arrogant smirks, but the sharp Texan knew she had to reestablish her superiority in these guardsmen eyes.
Countess Isles looked coldly at the men around her and demanded, "You will respect the Lady Ravenhill or I will have your hide. Do we understand one another?"
The surprised soldiers all mumbled their understanding as Hugh came forward from his carriage and challenged, "I don't think the Countess heard you. DO YOU UNDERSTAND!?"
To a men they all shouted, "Yes, Your Grace."
While the servants struggled with the luggage, the two couples swept into the massive home of Lady Martine. Melody stood in the vestibule waiting to greet her new guests, all but one of very familiar to the French noblewoman. The young blonde wondered who was accompanying the tall Texan. So the sharp young woman asked, "Lady Ravenhill, it is so good to see you and may I say your attire is most striking. Your Grace, the preparations are ready for Bastille Day and the guest will start arriving shortly."
Maura thought for a moment before she responded, "The unimportant guest will start arriving first. I must discover the purpose behind the Ladyship's unexpected visit before I can greet the guest. See to rooms for her Ladyship's nurse and for Hugh. See that they have the proper attire for this evening. Her Ladyship and I are going to my library to discuss her visit and this evening's festivities."
Her Grace had already heard the reason Jane had made her unexpected visit, but the rest of the world didn't and that was a good excuse to get some alone time with her tardy lover. Melody responded, "Yes, Your Grace, mightened I know what is happening or is this one more time you are leaving me uninformed."
Despite the excitement of the surprise appearance of her original benefactor, the outer façade of friction between the last of the Martines must be maintain. Melody had remembered, while Maura had forgotten it due to her excitement. This was very unusual and the honey blonde aristocrat was upset by her lapse. Hugh feeling and not understanding the tension between the two young women hoped to ease it with some news, "Your Grace and your Ladyship, I need to ask your permission and your blessing to marry Rose. I know your Ladyship has her father's blessing to bestow and I am still Your Grace's formal liege. Therefore I formally ask your Ladyship to bestow my Rose's father's blessing. Your Grace, could you foresee yourself giving us your permission."
The Countess Isles responded happily, "Of course, you have my permission. I am so happy for you. Hugh, you have been my most loyal servant and my dearest friend. Why would I not give you my whole hearted permission?"
The Lady Ravenhill was a lot more reserved and guarded with her answer, "Hugh, Rose, I love you both and want to give you her father's blessing, but I have a problem. I gave Rose's father my word she would marry a noble and Hugh, you are not titled. I'm sorry, but if you marry you will be breaking my word."
Hugh was stunned. The big Welshman had come to think of the dark Texan as his friend. However, the professial bodyguard understood the Italian warrior's personal code and he knew there was no swaying her from what she thought was right. So the giant protector's shoulder's slump as he felt everything was over.
Until Rose spoke up, "I don't really know how to address the two of you properly, but I will not let this silliness prevent me from marrying the man I love. Hugh, we are getting married no matter what these two women say."
Lady Martine interrupted the exchange by saying, "You will address this Lady" as she presented Countess Isles, "as Your Grace or Your Highness. She is also addressed by her peers as Lady Isles."
"And you will address this Lady, "as the irate blonde pointed at the tall Texan, "as Your Ladyship or Milady. I hope that clears up that confusion. As to the permission part, The Countess has total control over her servant's life. He had sworn fealty to Her Grace and as a Baroness Lady Ravenhill can arrest a commoner at her discretion.
You are not in America young woman and nobility has its powers. I myself as Baroness of these lands and am in control of its legal system. I could order both of you into the stocks without any provocation. So, young woman you must contain yourself and keep your decorum."
Lady Ravenhill wanted to ease the young American's mind as she said, "Rose, you are my friend as is Hugh. You will be married. It just is going to take some time and some proper use of influence to solve our dilemma."
Countess Isles smiled as she interjected, "Rose, I believe that is your name?"
The terrified young woman only nodded her head to agree, fearing to do anything else and getting the two lovers thrown into the dungeons. The honey blonde Countess brightened her smile as attempted to ease everyone's mind, "Rose, there is no need to fuss. I will write the Queen for a knighthood. We will sail to London to have the ceremony. I have a lot of influence with Her Majesty at the moment, so there should be no problem."
The anxious Texan interrupted, "Maura, we can't wait that long. We have to get back to Texas quickly."
The Countess shook her head in acknowledgement of this information and replied, "How about we sail to London and not have the exchange of correspondence. We can return our guests as well."
Lady Ravenhill responded, "I wasn't planning on staying that long. I left some things unresolved in Texas and the longer I stay here the more things can go wrong there."
Jane didn't have to finish that statement. If things got out of hand in Texas then there overall plan was going to setback years delaying when the two young lovers could be together. However optimistic their plan was the gifted English noblewoman knew things were going badly in America. The slavery issue was bringing States' Right of Choice to the forefront which could only lead to Civil War.
A Civil War in America meant an end to their plans until it ended one way or the other and using her significant analytical skills, the Countess knew it could end in only one way: the Northern States defeating the Southern States in a long and bloody Civil War.
All these things were screaming in the honey blonde noble's head, but she continued to have faith in her Jane to find a solution and obtain their dream in spite of the horror of such a war. So Countess Isles countered, "We owe it to them."
The hardened warror knew when to fight and when to admit defeat, so she responded, "Then we have it to do."
***SE***
The ship arrived in Dover and several carriages awaited the party to carry them and their luggage to the Manor in Notting Hill. Jane watched the countryside dash by, while her mind raced to events in West Texas. Heaven knew what was happening with the delicate peace her reputation had developed without her presence, but there was no helping it. The Lady Ravenhill had to find a way to marry Hugh and Rose without repudiating her word.
Though Maura was confident she could squeeze a knighthood out of the Queen, the wary Italian was not so sure and was formulating counter plans involving Louis Napoleon and Melody. A crowd was forming on the path to the carriages as it was a rare treat to see so many fine and famous Ladies in one entourage. The women admired and coveted the outfits. The men admired and coveted what was in them.
Lady Martine, Lady Ravenhill and Countess Isles arrived at their carriage and were assisted into it by the gallant Hugh. Lady Martine was the first on board followed by Lady Ravenhill and Countess Isles in that order. It was customary for nobles to embark on a carriage in order of rank. Lady Martine was of equal rank to Lady Ravenhill, however Lady Martine was a foreign title and considered lower ranking than the English title.
Once inside their coach, the noblewomen started to discuss their strategies. Countess Isles started, "Melody, we need to show a division between us. You and I are going to have a very public and serious quarrel by which we have a schism. I want it to be at court in front of the French Ambassador. He will report it to Louis-Napoleon, who will want to meet with the French young noblewoman, who bearded the Isles Demon in fornt of her Demon Queen."
Melody responded, "Do you think I am ready to meet with the Emperior without you to advise me? What if I make a mistake? What if he sees through me?"
The honey-blonde noblewoman responded, "My Dear, you are more than ready. Beside we have been setting this up for months and the time to strike is now. We need more infprmation on what Maximilian is doing. He has been appointed Admiral of the Austrian Navy and is developing more power every year. He is young and ambitious and no friend to Texas. I have developed a real fondness for Texas as you know."
The uncharacteristic wink from the normally sober Countess disarmed the sunshine blonde and made her smile, while her Texas patron blushed at the innuendo. The honey blonde noblewoman continued, "This is the perfect time and the perfect venue to bait our trap. The newly crowned Emperior needs to get an informant in Her Majesty's court and we have groomed you to be that informant. Then we get to control the timing and the content of that information given to the upstart. Then at the correct moment we feed him enough false information for His Grace to make a mistake…a fatal mistake."
As the carriage started its journey to the Manor, Jane added, "This is one of the reasons I need to get back to Texas. Things are progressing here faster than we originally planned and I am no where near establishing us a comfortable and safe place to ranch. From what you were telling me when I arrived, they are up to something and it looks like it's involving that sidewider Hoyt.
He was behind that run in I had in which I got wounded. Hoyt convinced a rancher to make a stand against my Rangers. Hoyt lost a lot of his manpower and was forced to high tail it back to New Mexico or Arizona…we don't really know where his headquarters are, but we do know he will be back with more men. I really need to get back."
The tender Countess smiled warmly at her girlfriend and reminded her, "You cannot go back until Rose and Hugh are married. So relax and enjoy your stay. I know I will."
***SE***
The dressmaker was beside herself in worry. The older designer was charged with making three completely different yet complementary Court worthy dresses in four days. The harried woman had already hired four more seamstresses to help in the sewing, but they were going to need designs and directions. After all they were only common seamstresses.
The dressmaker was putting the second dress to paper and readying the pattern for the seamstresses when Her Grace entered her pattern room accompanied by Her Ladyship Ravenhill. The honey blonde noblewoman announced, "I regret to inform you that we will require a fourth dress. I do not believe you have the measurements for Rose, so please have one of your people attend to that immediately. Her Royal Highness has commanded her presence four days hence.
I know this is an inconvenience, but it cannot be helped. Please feel free to hire as much staff as you deem necessary to complete the task in the allotted time."
A frown briefly passed across the harried woman's face, which the skilled dressmaker eliminated quickly. Without any further word, the aristocratic teenager swept from the room. However, the tall Texas noble lingered a moment to inquire, "You seem to have a problem with these instructions. Would you care to elaborate on those difficulties?"
The red-haired needle pusher was at a loss, she knew that the Lady Ravenhill was a barbaric American and she spoke with an educated refinement. The Countess having noticed the absence of her girlfriend and protector had stopped and turned around to find the minor confrontation. The thirty something dress designer was a former aristocrat. Her father had lost everything when he sided with the Irish patriots a few years earlier.
Lillian Carmichael is the oldest child of Sir William Carmichael, son of an English knight and an Irish mother. Sir Carmichael had been heavily influenced by his mother to be sympathetic to the Irish Cause. When the older knight had been approached by Irish Rebels, he assisted in getting them weapons from France. However, the plot was discovered and the knight was stripped of his title and lands.
After the disgrace of the half Irishman's debasement, he went to his only remaining friend Patrick Doyle for help finding a place in the world for his three children. His oldest child was Lillian, who was given into the care of Lord Isles as a dressmaker for his young daughter.
The eldest Carmichael was very good at making exquisite dresses and designing unique attire. Soon the scarlet haired former aristocrat was a permanent member of the young Lady's personal staff. However, the former Lady never lost her aristocratic bearing or snobbish attitude.
In reality, the dishonored noblewoman still felt in her warped mind the injustice of her father's debasement. The purchase of a title and arise in station for the common born Isles family only served to further humiliate the wounded dressmaker. The promotion to Countess of the young Isles upstart for stopping another righteous rebellion in Ireland only made the wounds fester.
Now the young whelp wanted the older dress designer to do the impossible so another upstart can gain knighthood, while her father languished in poverty. Additionally the American nobody was daring to call her to task for nothing more than a facial expression.
Sure the eldest of the Carmichael children was about to dissent, but she hadn't said a word. Was this young American braggart trying to cause her more pain? There was something wrong with the relationship between the young Texan and her mistress.
Lillian had heard many rumors about the couple as being more than friends and was plotting a way to use this information to her family's advantage. The calculating redhead thought quickly of what to say to defuse the suspicion of the distrustful brunette. So, the displace noblewoman responded, "I'm sorry, Milady, but I was suddenly overwhelmed by the task given me. However, I recovered when I realized the task is only overwhelming if I allow it to be so. Once I understood that I knew I could perform admirably."
For extra emphasis, the sly woman gave her best disarming smile. Jane, however, was not put off so easily. The experienced hunter's instincts told her this conniving woman could not be trusted. Every fiber of the skeptical Texan's being warned her that this woman was deceitful. Therefore the protective American replied, "I don't believe you. I think you are better than us and resent our success. I believe that you plot to undermine us in some way and that you will use your position to harm us in some small and mean way. For instance were you to omit the proper plumage, we would be disgraced in the eyes of Her Majesty. Let me warn you should you do anything to harm either myself of her Grace, I will take revenge on you and those you are hoping to assist by your treachery."
The deceitful woman was taken aback by the direct threat and swallowed hard before answering. In that moment the intelligent Countess saw the truth of her girlfriend's accusation in the cornered dressmaker's eyes and knew this woman was conspiring against them. So Countess Isles intervened and commanded her guards waiting discretely outside the doorway, "Guards, take this woman to my study and make sure she stays there until I can have a chance to question her. Additionally, please have Mr. Doyle met us there. I believe his father recommended this woman and I would like his interpretation of her actions."
Then the angry teenager turned to one of the seamstresses and asked, "Do you know of someone I employ immediately to perform this task?"
The startle young commoner was frightened to answer someone so powerful and menacing. Though the plump seamstress had never like her employer, she was frightened that someone's fortunes could be changed so instantly by the power of this young aristocrat. However, this was the opportunity to help someone she knew who could perform the task and who needed to opportunity to prove herself, so the chubby needleworker rresponded, "Your Grace, Gwendolyn ere a fair hand wit the pattern and an eye fer design."
Seeing the direction in which the heavy clothier was looking, the bright noblewoman knew the woman was indicating a blushing teenager in the corner. The girl was no more than her age, however there was an intelligence in her eyes that screamed she was capable and wanted the opportunity. Nonetheless, this task was too important to all her plots and plans to give to someone, the sharp Countess wasn't totally convinced could do the job. So, Maura instructed the young woman, "Come here, child, no one is going to harm you. I just want to ask you a few questions?"
The frightened teenager came forward while giving her plump sister a quizzical look. The Countess smiled at the glance and knew there was a message given between the two that showed an intimacy between them so on a whim Maura queried, "Can you perform the task I need as your sister recommends?"
The scared commoner stumbled in her stride at the mention of her relationship as no one had been told they were half-sisters. Her older sibling's father had died at sea and her mother had remarried. The two women looked nothing alike and to avoid any issue of favoritism when her older sister had recommended her for this job to Mistress Carmichael, the two kept their relationship secret. Yet, somehow this powerful woman knew they had not been completely forthcoming.
Seeing the terror in the young seamstress's eyes caused the kind aristocrat to say, "You need not worry, this is just an inquiry as to your abilities. If you are not satisfactory, then I will merely send you back to work as a simple seamstress. Now, your sister tells me you could do this task. Can you demonstrate your abilities for me?"
The shy teenager reached into her apron pockets and removed a group of folded pieces of paper. They were drawings of dress she had hoped to show Mistress Carmichael in hopes of getting an apprenticeship with her. Still folded, the nervous dressmake handed the authoritative teenager the papers, which she took with a disarming smile.
Countess Isles unfolded the papers and started examining with a critical eye and was astonished by their creativity and uniqueness. Maura handed one of them to Jane, who was not the best judge of these things, but was a great judge of people. The Lady Ravenhill smiled at the beauty of the gown on the paper and asked, "Can you pattern this for the seamstresses in time?"
The gifted teenager smiled at the acceptance of her designs and answered, "Your Grace, I kin. I've got six designs on them papers and kin half them all ready in the four days wit two mo sowers."
The delighted Countess asked, "How many designs has Miss Carmichael patterned?"
The suddenly empowered teenager replied, "Two, but they need to be fixed. There be some flaws in the design dat've embarrassed ye at court, Your Grace."
Jane shook her head as said, "I knew it. I could see it in her eyes."
Maura smiled and patted the angry brunette's hand as she commanded, "Fix them and get the other six done. Hire six more seamstresses. I want all eight dresses ready in four days. It does no harm to have extra dress with trains in reserve. One never knows when one might need them. Gwendolyn, get this done for me in time and I will pay you twenty pounds in gold as a bonus. I believe I paid Miss Carmichael, two pounds a week. I will pay you the same. Give me your best and I will reward you."
With that the pair left the women to their daunting task.
***SE***
Countess Isles entered the library with four guards. Jane refused to be in the same room with the traitor. The tough American's solution would not be to Lillian's benefit. The veteran Indian fighter's answer was to just eliminate the problem totally. The idea of staking the older dressmaker out in the sun over an ant bed seemed a bit extreme.
When the honey blonde teenager entered the room, the imprisoned former aristocrat exploded, "You have no right to keep me here against my will. You overstep your rights. Release me now you evil harlot."
The even tempered Countess smiled as she replied, "Your Grace…"
The smiling young noblewoman waited for the angry designer realized she had said and stuttered, "I apologize, Your Grace. I let my temper cloud my words. You deserve more respect than that."
Maura kept smiling as she responded, "Even though I'm an evil harlot? Why did you call me that? Since I am a virgin and have never had a man to my bed."
The now cautious older woman answered, "Your Grace, I didn't mean anything by what I said. I apologize for misspeaking."
The smile vanished from the powerful aristocrat's face as she replied, "I do not believe you when you say you meant nothing and I certainly do not think your apology is sincere. Maybe I should let Jane discuss this with you. Her idea of tying you to the ground in the sun over an anthill is looking better ever time you open your mouth."
Terror entered Lillian's eyes as her mind searched for answer that would please this powerful young woman. Even if the rich upstart didn't deserve her power, she had it and now the frightened former aristocrat was in her power. All the terrified dressmaker could say was, "I'm sorry, Your Grace. Please don't let that American tart hurt me."
The scared older woman realized what she had said and clamped her mouth shut. Countess Isles had connected the frightened woman's statements and concluded she knew their secret and couldn't be trusted with it. The younger woman's expression hardened as she said, "I cannot allow you to leave with that information."
The trapped former dressmaker saw a deep dark dungeon in her future as she stammered, "Your Grace, I won't say a word to anyone. Please don't hurt me. I'm so sorry for anything I have said. I don't want to die and I certainly don't want to die in some dank dark hole."
Maura's mind raced for a solution with which she could live, because the tender hearted noblewoman didn't want to throw anyone in a dungeon. However, the vindictive woman couldn't be trusted with the knowledge she now possessed. In the back of her mind the Countess began to wonder if any other of her staff was harboring this dangerous knowledge with evil intent.
The honey-blonde teenager decided to have Bridgette investigate this new dangerous line of thinking, but what to do with Lillian Carmichael. Then it came to her, the obvious solution to their dilemma. The clever aristocrat smirked, "The Lady Ravenhill is going to need a new dressmaker when she returns to Texas. I am assigning you to her entourage. You will be going to Texas or you will go to prison…your chose."
The older designer was now frantic. In no way did she want to be in the power of that dark and dangerous American, who had only recently wanted to tie her to an anthill. The frantic dressmaker nearly screamed, "Your Grace, you cannot possibly place me in her clutches. She'll dump me overboard the minute we get to sea."
The Countess's smirk widened as she responded, "Only if you give her any trouble. So I would suggest you not give her any trouble. I can assure you if you don't give her any trouble, you will arrive safely to Texas. There you will make a new life for yourself or you will die."
The terrified needle pusher dropped to her knees and pleaded, "Your Grace, I'm begging you don't send me to America. Keep me here. I will never leave the Manor. Please, I will die in that backwards place."
The Countess's guards leaped forward and pulled the woman's grasping hands from Her Grace's skirts. Countess Isles looked daggers at the woman and exclaimed, "You will go to America or to the gallows… your choice."
With that pronouncement the angry Countess swept from the room, leaving a sobbing, frightened dress designer sprawled on the floor.
***SE***
Jane didn't receive the information any better than the forlorn dressmaker, "Why am I getting saddled with her? Don't I have enough problems with outlaws and renegade Indians without a tender footed dressmaker with a bad attitude and dangerous knowledge? Wouldn't it be simpler if you just let me put a bullet through her left eye?"
The Countess leaned forward and kissed her lover on the lips to calm her and replied, "Honey, you have to stop finding your solutions in a gun or sharp objects. She knows too much to stay in England and I don't like killing people for being a nuisance. If I did that there would be many fewer people in England and France."
The dark Italian-American responded, "Would that be so bad? I think the world would be better off with fewer people. Point them out and I will take care of the problem, besides I'm not saying everyone who is irritating you, just this particular one. What I am supposed to do with her anyway? Sell her to the Comanche or maybe drop her off in the middle of the frontier with a horse, a canteen and can of peaches?"
Maura laughed as she replied, "I was thinking of you dropping her off with your mother as a servant. After all she is a good dressmaker. Maybe you could start her in business selling dresses. You supply the money; she makes and sells the dresses."
With a decided pout the annoyed Texan agrees, "Okay, I'll take her with me, but no further than Galveston. She can open a dress shop there. I'll put the word out; if anyone gives her passage out of Galveston then they will have to explain their reasoning to me…personally."
The giggling honey blonde slyly asked as she began to circle her girlfriend's breast with her finger, "What can I do to make it up to you?"
Jane pushed the younger woman onto the bed and pinned her, while bending over and passionately kissing her. The excited couple exchanged tongues for a long moment. When Jane arose, she answered with a wry smirk, "I can think of something."
***SE***
Hugh stood in the anteroom of the Throne Room awaiting the pleasure of Her Majesty the Queen in his new tailor made tuxedo with its long tail and new beaver hat. The white gloves irritated his hands as he desperately wanted to take them off and scratch them.
However, that would not be in good form as his protocol teacher had been pounding into his head for four days. At least the large Welshman had less to remember than Rose. How Jane Rizzoli managed to do this without going insane and shooting up the place he didn't know.
Countess Isles assured him that everything was arranged and he would be knighted before the end of the day. Within a few hours, he would be Sir Hugh. His father would be vexed. His mother would be proud, if either of them had survived the pox in '25.
The nervous bodyguard was just a lad when they died. Now at 36, the experienced warrior was going to knighted and married to a beautiful and vibrant young American. Again his father would be vexed and his mother would be proud.
The Master of Ceremonies entered the room and signaled Hugh to enter the Throne Room. The nervous little man whispered, "Walk proudly up to the dais and go to one knee. Just repeat what Her Majesty tells you to repeat and you should be fine. Now go!"
Beside the dais stood four familiar women all dressed in feathers and silk, one of whom was going to be his bride in few days. Baroness Martine had been arranging the wedding for a week and had set the date two days after the ceremony making him Sir Hugh.
The dark warrior had no idea the trouble, the favors not to mention the money it had taken to arrange this knighthood. Her Royal Highness was very indebted to the Countess, but a knighthood was not a prize to be given lightly. However Her Majesty was a romantic by nature and knighting a man, who had served her well so he could marry the woman he loved was touching at Victoria's very nature. Add to that, it was keeping the Lady Ravenhill, who she owed her life and that of her beloved husband, from being foresworn and how could Her Royal Highness refuse?
Hugh marched sharply up to the podium on which the Queen's throne resided and dropped to one knee while bowing his head. Her Royal Highness taps each shoulder with a large jeweled broadsword and announced, "Arise, Sir Hugh."
With those simple words and motions, bodyguard Hugh arose Sir Hugh.
***SE***
Gwendolyn was busy putting the final touches to Lady Rose's wedding dress, when Lady Ravenhill entered the sewing room. The new dress designer rose quickly while the other sewers kept sewing. The young commoners curtsied and greeted the tall dark noblewoman, "Welcome, Milady, wat kin I do fer ye?"
The brash American replied, "Gwendolyn, I need you to come up with a way I can conceal these weapons in my gown for the wedding."
The veteran fighter placed six long thin throwing knives in the table and continued, "I don't just want them hidden. I want them concealed in such a manner as to be totally invisible to the casual observer. I will be with the Countess and I am concerned that I don't have a weapon with which to protect her. Not long ago she and I were attacked in the Palace itself. So as you can understand, I never think anywhere is totally safe. Therefore I need something with which to fight. Can you do it and not mention it to anyone, even Her Grace? She doesn't see the need and I hate arguing with her."
The fact that a lonely baroness could argue with a countess without repercussions showed the depth of their friendship. The young woman hated hiding things from her employer, but understood the Baroness's reasoning, so she replied, "Of course, Milady, I kin do it and I want tell Her Grace. Iffin she don't axe me. I want lie to her."
The intimidating brunette smiled brightly as she said, "Thank you. I'll leave you to your work."
With that the impressive baroness left the room.
***SE***
Countess Isles sat behind the desk in her library, while Sir Hugh sat in a plush chair on the opposite side. Lillian Carmichael was enjoying the luxury of lying about her quarters behind a locked door with two guards to insure her privacy.
Sir Hugh ventured, "You wished to see me, Your Grace?"
The honey blonde noblewoman queried politely, "I understand you are returning to America with Lady Ravenhill?"
The tall dark Welshman replied, "Yes, Your Grace, Rose wants me to meet her father and the Lady Ravenhill has offered to get me started with some land and cattle. After all from what I understand we are all going to end up in America eventually."
The Countess acknowledged this truth with a nod, as she continued, "I am sending Lillian Carmichael with you as well. She had knowledge with which she cannot be trusted. So I am putting her out of harm's way. I need you to make sure she gets to America and Jane does not push her over board.
Additionally two maids are being assigned to your future wife so as to insure their future silence. Bridgette has identified them as being security risks. I need you to make sure they stay with your wife for at least two more years.
Should any of them try to escape you are instructed to eliminate them as a threat. Do not let Jane do it. She will do it, but I am trying to civilize her a bit and killing these women might hurt that effort."
Sir Hugh responded, "Of course, Your Grace, I understand. However, I don't think you will be able to civilize Lady Ravenhill too much as she is force of nature, like a channel storm. How do you civilize a storm?"
Countess Isles smiled, "That is all I can ask of you."
***SE***
As the preparations for the afternoon wedding were taking place, two men were trying to make their way into the Manor disquised as delivery men. The pair of Carmichaels talk to the servants in order to find out where their sister is being held.
The two brothers haven't heard from their sister in several days and when they asked after her at her sewing they found a new dressmaker was working there. Therefore the two brothers were attempting to rescue their older sister.