It was one of those May days where everything is bright and beautiful. The flowers stood straighter opening to the sun. The fields, meadows, and gardens are humming and awash in color. Spring is the season of redemption. This season of change makes everything seem possible. Life is warmer.
With this in mind, the mood inside the manor mimics the one outside, joyful and enthusiastic. The manor is in full bloom. All the decorations and floral arrangements filled rooms with cheer. Mrs. Evans had been preparing for days, in advance, all sorts of treats and spreads of fine feasting foods. As she had a habit of saying lately "I was born to do this."
As for Lady Enid, she has been directing the housemaids. They have been cleaning from top to bottom. There's not a speck of dirt in sight, not that there was, to begin with. But now everything glimmers and shines a little bit more. Even Glyn has been refreshing all the servants on serving etiquette. The ball is the most alive the house has been in ages. None of it would have been possible without the two owners.
Mary and Charles greeted the day of the ball with eagerness. Usually, His Highness is slow to get up. He prefers lying in bed like a lazy dog lying by the fire, sort of like Duke with his paws in the air. Today, though, he got up with his wife. He's anxious to check all of the security measures. The guards have put new ones in place. Some he told his wife about, some he did not.
It started with a question, two weeks ago, which he posed to the head guard, Jeffery. "What are all the things that could go wrong?" That was a loaded question. Many things could go wrong. Between the two of them, a list was compiled almost two feet long. They began putting some of the ideas into place right away, the easier, less complex ones.
Jeffery has made it crystal clear that every guard is to be alert, aware, and at the ready. They've been keen on practicing harder too. In the mornings Charles has been training with them. It's always good to keep fit and knowledgeable of fighting techniques. Plus it's always a good thing when your wife enjoys seeing "your strong sweaty muscles" as she likes to say. From what he's seen all of the guards are prepared for the event.
The only question that really remains is still the matter of who the spy is in their midst. Who forwarded information along for the ambush? If only he and Jeffery could nail this down then he could rest easier. They both have ideas about it, but nothing definite. So the order of the day remains to protect his wife. This should not prove difficult, as he'll be by her side all evening (even when she leaves to go to the bathroom).
In fact, he's already told her about that. She cut her cobalt eyes at him and stated "The bathroom? Really? That's a little too much." He told her it was not and that she would just have to live with him protecting her, even in the bathroom. Eventually, she got over it, because it was non-negotiable.
So while Charles did checks on all the security measures, Mary continued to rest. When she finally did get out of bed, she dressed and broke her fast with Dot. Dot prattled on and on about what dress she should wear. It grated on her nerves, but then everything grates on her nerves lately. Even her husband's snoring bothers her. It hasn't before, but now it does. So much so she's taken to hitting him with a pillow, which he hates. But it's better than her yelling out "Just stop breathing!"
Then there was the time he asked if she could mend his shirt. Now, normally this would not be a big deal, as she enjoys mending. However, he caught her on the wrong pregnancy day. She hates to admit it but she felt a bit resentful to him about that. She wanted to say "No! Mend the shirt yourself. I'm busy growing your child's eyeballs and big toes over here." She wanted to say that but didn't. Instead, she gritted her teeth and took the shirt to repair, though she did not smile like she normally does.
After Dot said "I just can't decide if I should wear the blue or the green one" Mary sighed and shook her head in annoyance. Being pregnant comes with a lot of emotions she never realized she had. Doctor Pearce and Mrs. Nevitt tell her this is normal, as her moods are ever-changing due to pregnancy.
"Dot you can wear anything and look fine. Unlike me, who may have to take the curtains and drape myself in them," she told her friend. Then Dot had the nerve to laugh. Throwing her napkin onto her plate, she ran upstairs to the master bedroom, slammed the door, and cried on the bed.
It just so happened Charles returned with Jeffery from checking the security. He saw his wife flee upstairs, while Lady Dot looked bewildered. "What happened?" he asked. Once Dot explained, he ran a hand over his face. Oh, no! The mood monster has shown its face again.
On the way upstairs, he prayed for patience. He's been praying for that a lot lately, especially when he's awakened up by a pillow to the face. Upon opening the bed-chamber door, he saw his sweetheart lying down crying. He carefully walked to the bed, so as to not disturb the monster, and got onto it beside her.
His hands gently placed her head in his lap and began stroking her hair, as she likes. They cuddled like that for a long while, until the monster disappeared and his sweet wife was back again. He asked her what was wrong and she told him "I'm fat and will look ugly for the ball". She sniffled.
"That's impossible. You look beautiful every day, and even when you're upset you're still pretty. So, you see? It's impossible to be something you're not." His voice rang true.
Her voice sounded unsure by comparison. "But what will I wear?" She just doesn't know. Nothing is fitting right and the new gowns she ordered won't be here until next week.
He cannot let her go on like this. So, he cradled the bump where their babies are growing. His voice began talking to it and loving it and caressing it. In the process of doting on it, she calmed down again. Once her mind was quiet she could think straight again. Going to the wardrobe she took stock of all the dresses. Tonight she did not want the pregnancy on display, but sometimes in life, we don't get what we want.
In the late afternoon, both the Duke and Duchess got ready. Today Mary got ready in a different room, as it would take longer. Joan helped to curl her hair and set a diamond circlet in it. For the dress, which fit surprisingly well, Dot had assisted her earlier in choosing a royal navy blue one. The sleeves are of long sheer lace, in the same color as the body. The lace is carried over the neckline as well. When she saw how she looked she liked it. A huge beaming smile graced her face. Even though most women hide their pregnancies, those rules must go out the window when you're having two babes.
The minute Charles laid eyes on her, he forgot how to breathe. She's a vision in blue. His pulse galloped out of control like the time Henry's horse got spooked and started away (with him on it, yelling for help). Then like some green boy, he mumbled as he talked. "You, flowers," he said.
That sounded really stupid. What is he some cave dweller, some barbarian at the gate? Clearing his throat, he recovered himself. "I hope you like them. I had Lady Dot help me choose the arrangement. She wrote a list of what I needed to cut."
Smiling she brought the spring bouquet up to her nose again. It's full of some of her favorites: peach roses and carnations, pink gerbera daisies, along with pink Peruvian lilies and limonium and light pink mini carnations. Of course, no bouquet for her would be complete without peonies, also in peach. They're accented with peach hypericums, eucalyptus, and assorted greenery. The arrangement is gorgeous.
She kissed his cheek in thanks. Her eyes wandered over him, taking him in. Tonight he wore his black velvet doublet with the red and gold brocade sash. Even though he shaved there's a hint of new growth coming in. It's sexy! "You look handsome," she told him.
Taking her by the waist, or as much waist as he could get without the bump in the way, he pulled her to him. With his seductive voice, he stated "And you are gorgeous." Although he wasn't trying to be seductive, he was just telling the truth. Then he dropped to his knees and placed a sweet kiss on the bump. He loves the fact that his babies are growing inside there.
Before they went downstairs, Mary handed the flowers to Matilda (an upstairs maid). She took them and let Her Highness know they'd be in a vase waiting on her return. Her Highness thanked her and took her husband's arm to walk down the stairs. Though he stopped and bid her walk in front of him. This way she has better footing, plus his hand is on the back of her dress. He feels safer with her doing that.
Once downstairs, they had not very long until guests started to arrive. The ballroom was brightly lit with the Grand Duke's banners hanging and the decorations adorning the space to perfection. The sweet smell of roses wafted in the air, from the incense that had been burning in each room all day. The exquisite French doors, leading to the gardens, were opened for strolls. A gentle breeze floated through the room and eyes could see all of the torches lit in the gardens. It made them all aglow with the fireflies. The couple stood in awe of the room's transformation. It's as pleasant as the tune the musicians played to warm up with.
At the far end of the room, sat the musicians adjusting their instruments. When his wife started looking at the flower arrangements and the trays of food, on the serving tables, Charles talked to the minstrels. When they began to play a noticeable tune, he went over to Mary and bowed. "May I have the honor of this dance?"
She smiled, nodded, and told him "But I'm really huge." Her face seemed skeptical, but he didn't care. Taking her hand he led her onto the dance floor. He spun her around in a Carol dance, which is one of the most popular circle dances, and then they danced for themselves. A quiet dance, just the two of them, close together with their foreheads touching.
Mary laughed as Charles declared, "This would be considered scandalous, the two of us dancing this close." Since it's only the two of them, neither cared. They both laughed and smiled and enjoyed themselves. When the music stopped, clapping started. The happy pair's heads turned to the sound. It was Dot, Sir Anthony Knivert, and William Compton. His two friends had arrived for the ball. They were also staying over for a week, which makes Charles greatly pleased.
After placing a kiss on his lady's forehead, the Duke and Duchess went to greet them. Charles hugged his longtime friends, and they kissed the Duchess's hand. Both men couldn't help but notice their friend's pregnant wife. "Wow. You're REALLY going to be a father, aren't you?" asked Tony.
Knowing what his friend is thinking, His Highness pointed out, "Yes. And I don't care who knows." Both William and Anthony gave him a look that said we'll discuss it later.
Lady Enid informed them the first carriages have arrived. It seemed after the first ones, the carriages all began to arrive by the dozens. Each Lord and Lady greeted the other on the graveled path leading to the front door, where the footmen waited to welcome and announce each guest. The Grand Duke and Duchess greeted each and every visitor.
It became really tiresome accepting curtsies and hand kisses. The more Mary received them, the more she mentally critiqued them too. She could hear Harris's voice in her head saying "Back straight". It made her giggle and Charles give her the side-eye. But the hand kisses. Oh, the hand kisses. Those made her cringe. Some of them were sloppy, others were wet, and some she just didn't want. Lecherous old men and creepy younger men! They make her skin crawl. She stood closer to her husband.
They were greeting an older Earl and his wife, when some buxom female, with her hair piled on the top of her head, entered the room. Her husband followed behind her. The Marquess of Dorset. Her eyes studied the Grand Duke, but Mary studied her. She turned her eyes to Charles, whose face flushed. It's clear he knows this woman or knew her. It better be past tense!
Her feet inched even closer to His Highness. It was then she heard a voice she had longed to hear. "If you stand any closer we will have to call the clergymen to separate you."
Mary's eyes grew as large as her bump. "Lady Flora! It's SO good to see you! I didn't think you would make it," she declared. She hasn't seen the Dowager Countess in months.
Lady Flora's voice, wisdom, and wit have sorely been missed. "Yes well, thinking is overrated. Besides, it is a tragedy to miss out on a good pudding, so here I am. And here you are, round with child. We have much to talk about, you and I. Starting with your ward. I will send for you to visit me in my lonely manor house in Penarth. Coincidentally it is close to here, so that will not be a problem." Her eyes noted the Marquess in the line. "Pity, if only one had brains to go along with beauty." She looked back at Mary. "I will be around, enjoying the wine and the pudding." Both the Countess and the Duchess kissed cheeks.
As the Marquess entered their orbit, the Grand Duchess put on a fake smile. Charles could tell his wife seemed on edge. When the woman reached them she bowed as low as her boney legs would let her. The woman's horse face also wore a fake smile and glared daggers directed at Mary and the baby bump. Once the woman passed, Mary asked "Old flame?"
Charles choked a cough. "Sort of, but not a flame. A flicker." He will have to make sure the two of them aren't close to each other. There's no telling what the Marquess might do or say.
After more curtsies and hand kisses, the two of them mingled around the room. Overall, for hosting their first party of any kind, it was a successful turnout. The room is as packed as some of the King's royal parties. Feasting and dancing and mingling are all around. It's fantastic!
True to his word, His Highness stayed by his wife's side. Until the Earl of Hertford asked Her Highness for a dance. Why Edward Seymour thinks he can dance with his wife is beyond him! But he allowed it. To not do so would be a snub of a prominent Duke's heir.
So the Earl of Hertford danced a circle dance with the Grand Duchess. They made polite conversation with forced expressions. That is they were doing those things, but then Edward mentioned "It's so great how you and His Grace are content together. Who would have thought all of this could come from a game of cards?"
Her feet almost stopped and tripped. However, she did not and carried right on with the dance. All the while her heart pounded and her ears were in her throat. "What do you mean Sir by diminishing my husband?"
As they rounded a corner, he told her "Oh. So His Grace hasn't told you yet? Now that's low even for him. It would be in your best interest to ask how he came about being engaged to you. Word is it involves a card game." They finished their dance and his words rang over again in her head.
A card game? How did Charles come about obtaining her? Why does the Earl seem so sneaky about it? She willed her emotions down. Now would not be the best time to talk to His Highness. Even so, she's unhappy. Her spirits are crushed within her. That much is clear by her stand-offish body language and eyes that are less bright.
The Grand Duke wants to know what the Earl of Hertford said to his wife. Before the two of them danced she was boisterous and full of warmth. Now she's cold and closed off. As the night wore on, so too did his wondering. He and Mary almost had a mild argument before she left to go to the bathroom. Whatever happened cannot be good. Whatever the man said was about him, but why would she believe it?
Just after midnight, Charles had Anthony watch his wife while he went to retrieve a letter from his study. He needs to give it to Earl of Pontypridd, Lord Morgan. On his desk is a pile of mail, many fresh letters. He usually ignores it, but one envelope caught his attention. It's red and gold and begging to be opened. Upon its opening, his blood chilled. For inside is a drawing. A falcon crushing a large and small pomegranate simultaneously.
As he suspected there's no address, no signet seal, nothing but the picture. Whoever sent it is sick in the head and probably had something to do with the ambush. He can't look at the crude image anymore. His hand slammed it on top of his desk and he vowed to find the culprit and crush them. And just like that, the happiness of the ball was over.