Chapter Two

'Caroline? How do I look?'

Caroline turned to her cousin and watched her vainly toss her beautiful hair behind her. Even though, this visit could be to her advantage as well, she couldn't help but feel overshadowed. She'd heard a lot about the Plantagenets, one of the most powerful, controversial families in Europe and was intrigued to meet the youngest son, John. Who, it was said, at only seventeen, was a clever diplomat and virtually the only one keeping the country going. She sighed as she looked at Isabella, vain and capricious though she was, she was still the count's daughter, it was only right she got first pick.

'Now, remember…' Said her uncle, 'When we get there, I shall introduce myself formally to the queen, then I shall introduce yourselves.'

Caroline didn't reply, she stared out of the window, not being entitled to have an opinion.

…

'Jean! Jean! They're here! Oh where is my son!'

John sighed as he put down his book. Standing up, he went over to the window and looked out as he saw a carriage draw up.

His lieutenant, Gilbert of Griswald suddenly appeared, 'Your future sire?'

He sighed, 'That's not funny Gilbert! I can't be bothered with it all, but, as heir to the throne, what choice do I have?'

'With all due respect My lord, her royal majesty, your lady mother has only requested that your royal highness meets them!'

John suddenly looked at Gilbert, he didn't normally credit him with a lot of common sense but this time, he couldn't fault his logic and laughed, 'Yes! Yes you are quite right Gilbert! Although I must admit it is rather 'setting the wheels in motion,' He sighed, 'Oh well! Let us go and meet the ladies!'

…

Caroline descended from the carriage and looked around, she'd always found a different place somewhat daunting. Suddenly, she saw him, the prince of England and Heir to the throne. He was better looking than she had expected. He was medium height and very slim he smiled at her uncle,

'Count! Welcome!'

Her uncle smiled back, 'Thank you sire! It is indeed an honour to be here! Allow me to introduce my daughter Isabella?'

Caroline felt nervous as he introduce her, '…And my niece Caroline.'

The prince took her hand and kissed it, making her shiver, 'Welcome to England My Lady.'

…

The moment John took her hand, he felt a spark between them, Isabella was beautiful to be sure, but it was sort of an obvious beauty, one that was observed but went no further. With Caroline it was different, there seemed to be a certain depth there that he admired.

'Allow me to show you around?'

Caroline blushed, it seemed inconceivable that he should be talking to her! Yet her was, she blushed, 'Thank you my lord, I-I should like that very much!'

John offered her his arm and they walked away, with Isabella glaring daggers and Queen Eleanor and the Count, beaming.

…

'I am awfully sorry about all of this.' The prince said when they were alone, 'My mother will go to any lengths to achieve something.'

Caroline laughed, 'Do not worry, my family is exactly the same!'

'I believe you are in the care of your uncle?'

'Yes! My parents sent me there to finish my education,'

'Do you enjoy it?'

'Oh indeed! Angouleme is a lovely place and my parents visit often. And you?' She ventured to ask.

John smiled, 'I fear my brother's demise at war has woken my mother's fears about the crown of England, this morning I had nothing but a lecture on 'heirs!'

She laughed, 'Poor you! Yet there is no immediate hurry!'

'Indeed no, but that's mothers for you!'

'You know, you're nothing like I would expect.'

He frowned, 'What do you mean?'

'Well, I've heard stories of your… shall we say, immaturity!'

John laughed, 'No doubt you have, but I am greatly changed My lady.' He kissed her hand, 'Listen My mother has arranged a picnic affair in a few months' time, although I expect my mother has already invited you…'

Caroline blushed, 'I-I'd love to.'

He smiled, 'Good!' Kissing her hand, they went back inside.