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Visionaries--Part Two--Chapter Eight

Started by Evie, December 30, 2011, 12:16:34 PM

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Evie

   Chapter Eight

   Plasnewydd, The City of Pwyllheli, Llannedd
   August 30, 1136


   "Everything looks good from this side of things," Master Ednyved reassured his son as he and Helena examined the Healed eye closely in the sunlight of the courtyard.  "No one would ever guess you had a two-inch long splinter sticking out of your eye just a few days ago.  Can you see with it yet, though?"

   Hal shook his head, looking glum.  "Not any better than I could yesterday.  I can see light and some shadowy shapes—I can tell where you are, for instance—but it's like looking through a cloudy haze.  It's distracting."  He slipped a patch back over that eye.  "I prefer just to use the good one."

   Helena looked stricken.  She fought down tears, attempting to regain control over her emotions before saying, "I could take another look, see if there was something that I missed...."  There had to have been something she'd missed, though she didn't know what. Perhaps the clouded vision was caused by blood that had become trapped inside the lad's eye when she'd sealed the wound.  Could it be drained, or would that do more harm than good at this point?  Might the body simply absorb it in good time, as a sponge might soak up water, drawing it out of Hal's eye so that his vision would return more clearly once his body finished healing naturally on its own?

   "No, thank you."  Hal's voice was polite enough, but Helena could sense his distrust nonetheless.  No, not distrust exactly; perhaps a lack of confidence would be closer to his true feelings.  All the same, she knew she had failed him, and that knowledge weighed heavily on her heart.

   She drew her father aside.  "Master Janos, the Magister of Healer Studies, is one of the Torenthi Court Healers and quite well trained in the field.  As well trained as any Healer is in the Eleven Kingdoms these days, at any rate.  Perhaps he could be persuaded to take a look at Hal's eye?  I don't know that he'd have several days to spare from his Court duties for a journey to Llannedd, but if there were a Portal nearby that he could be allowed access to...."  She broke off as her father shook his head.

   "I don't know, cariad.  My son is Bremagne-born, remember.  I've kept quiet until quite recently about our family's Deryni connections, not knowing how he'd feel about that side of his heritage, and while I took his curiosity about young Cass's scholarship with the Servants of Saint Camber as an encouraging sign, I haven't been fully open with him yet about our bloodline.  He may well believe your powers come solely from your mother's side of the family, since he has none of his own, and mine are so weak I rarely even try to use them anymore.  If he hadn't been asleep at the time, I don't know how he'd have felt about Deryni Healing, or if he would have given his consent to it.  I believe you did the right thing—he'd definitely have lost the eye altogether if you'd not been here to intervene, and even if he hadn't, I'm not sure we could have kept the wound from becoming infected—but I can't speak for Hal's feelings on the matter, and until I've had a chance to have a serious talk with him about the whole business, I wonder if having some unknown Deryni drop in and trying to get his hand into this as well might not do him more harm than good at this point."  He gave his daughter a wry smile.  "Especially a Torenthi Deryni.  I'm sure your magister friend is an honorable man, but still...."  He glanced over his shoulder at his son and gave a resigned shrug.

   "If Hal should give his consent, though, is there a Portal handy that you know of?"

   Ednyved turned his palms up in a Who knows? gesture.  "I certainly haven't created one, and the only one I've ever known of here in Pwyllheli was destroyed in a fire nearly twenty years ago.  Or at least I assume it was destroyed.  At any rate, another building has gone up where it used to be since that time, so I'd have no way to get access to it now even if it's still functional.  Oh, there's probably one in the Cathedral somewhere, and possibly even one at the Royal Court, but I'd hate to have to explain to the King or the Archbishop why I'm snooping around trying to locate tingly flagstones in order to smuggle some Torenthi magical adept I've never even met into the Kingdom."  He shook his head with a reluctant grin.  "No, not even for Hal's sake.  If he were dying, maybe, but not for the loss of an eye when he's got another that will serve well enough."  

#

   Penardd Quay, Pwyllheli
   August 31, 1136

   
   "So, will we be seeing you again next summer, daughter?" Ednyved asked as one of his men saw to loading Helena's travel chest onto one of his ships.  

   "I hope so, Da," his daughter assured him.  "I should be able to come earlier in the summer next time, and that will allow for a longer visit."  Hopefully any lingering awkwardness caused by Hal's injury and her inability to fully Heal it would have dissipated during that time, but she added, "I'll check with Master Janos about what might be done for Hal once he returns to Rhemuth for the autumn term classes."

   "Don't fret over it so, bach," her father consoled.  "If your Master Janos comes up with a remedy, then we'll be right glad for it, but if not, we'll accept God's will.  At least Hal's got an eye left and his health, and those are both things to be grateful for, aren't they?"

   "The lad sees it otherwise, I think," Helena said.

   "Aye, well, he's young yet.  Young men his age think they're indestructible, and when they learn they're not, it's a bitter tonic to swallow.  Give him time, cariad.  He'll soon come around to seeing how fortunate it was for him that you were there to help him as you did."  Ednyved glanced back to where his son was making a great show of gallantry, insisting on carrying Cass's small bag on board the ship for her, even though she argued she was perfectly capable of carrying it the short distance herself.  The two seemed engaged in an amicable quarrel over the matter.  The merchant smiled.

   "Hal appears to be quite taken by your pretty Cass.  I don't suppose the feeling might be mutual?"

   Helena shook her head.  "It's hard to say—Cass tends to play her feelings quite close to her chest—but she's not said anything to me to indicate any particular interest in Hal or any other lad I'm aware of."  She pondered the question.  "She and one of the other pupils at the Schola, a former kitchen boy named Jemmy, have become close friends, though I don't believe there's any romantic interest there either.  Plenty of time for that sort of thing once she's older, though, Da; she's barely into womanhood yet, and still has another year left to her studies at the very least."

   Ednyved nodded.  "And at that age, feelings change like the direction of the wind.  Hal's are certainly no exception.  Still, I've his future to consider, and a steady-minded young lass like that would be an asset to him, there's no doubt of that."

   "True, though I'm sure steady-minded lasses are not so rare in Llannedd yet that Hal needs to look so far afield for one.  Unless, of course, Cass is agreeable to the notion as well.  And there'd be her mother's plans for her to consider also, if Kate Draper has anyone in particular in mind for her daughter as yet."  Helena chuckled.  "Though Mistress Draper strikes me as a shrewd enough businesswoman to immediately recognize the advantages to herself of such a match."  She gazed at her student and her half-brother, now on board the ship and retreating towards the cabin.  "I suppose it would do no harm to allow him to write to her, if he's so minded.  Cass isn't exactly shy about speaking her mind, though, if she's asked for her thoughts on the matter, so if it should turn out that she's not as interested in him as he appears to be in her, she'll doubtless make her mind known readily enough.  You may well end up finding yourself needing to nurse a wounded heart."  

   Ednyved snorted.  "If so, the lad will mend in time.  Any man who hasn't had his heart broken at least half a dozen times by the time he reaches his twenty-fifth year hasn't truly lived yet."  He winked at his daughter, who laughed and gave her father a tight hug.

   "I love you, Da."

#

   Eddington Manor, a short distance from Concaradine
   September 3, 1136


   "Oh please, Magistra Helena, might I accompany you and Cass back to Rhemuth?"  Ædwige's eyes implored her teacher to consider the matter.  "That would save Martin the bother of having to put together a suitable escort for me; I'm sure he'd be ever so grateful."  The young widow glanced around as if to make sure no one else was close enough to hear, then added in a low voice, "I'm really eager to get back to the Schola and my old life and put all of this behind me.  It's so awkward, staying here and having everyone cluck over me, especially now that I've arranged matters here to where I'm not really needed any longer.  Martin's well capable of handling most matters without me, and he's said he can get a message to me quickly enough if something should come up that requires my input."

   "Well...."  Helena thought the request over.  "I don't see why you couldn't return to the Schola with us, if you're certain your household has things well in hand here now.  How soon would you be ready to travel, though?"

   Ædwige's brilliant smile flashed, brightening the features beneath the dark veil.  "Oh, thank you, magistra!  I can be ready to set forth with you at morning's light.  I have a few things packed in my travel chest already, and if I should find I have need for aught else once I arrive in Rhemuth, I can always send for it later."  She paused as a sudden thought struck her.  "I suppose you're returning the same way you came, going upriver on a barge rather than traveling by coach?  Hm."  She frowned slightly, then brightened.  "Never mind, I can just have Martin send Celestia on to Rhemuth later.  I'll want to make proper arrangements first for her to be kept in the castle stables, after all, and that's probably something best done ahead of time if it's to be done at all fittingly."

   Yes, the King's grooms will need time to arrange for a gilded stall and the finest grains in the Kingdom to be on hand for the Queen of Palfreys' arrival,
Cass Mind-Spoke to Helena, barely managing to refrain from rolling her eyes.

   Helena didn't dignify the barb with so much as a glance back at the sarcastic scholar.  "I'm sure there's time enough to consider any such arrangements after you get settled back in, dear, and you might find you don't really need Celestia on hand after all.  You'll not be back indefinitely, after all; as I recall, you only had another year of studies to complete.  So you might well decide moving her simply isn't worth the bother, if you'll be returning here to Eddington Manor after you've finished your training."

   Ædwige pondered the matter, looking less than certain of her magistra's assertion.  "But what if I decide to stay in Rhemuth longer?" she asked.

   "Well, you'll have to return home occasionally," Cass reminded her.  "You are the lady of the manor, after all, and your heir will need to become familiar with his inheritance."

   The  young widow looked momentarily startled, then annoyed.  "Well, yes, eventually he shall need to be here, but I hardly think he'll need to start in his cradle years!" She glanced around at her late husband's manor.  "Well, if I must make regular visits to this mouldering old heap, at least I'll have lots of time to make it a bit less of an eyesore."

   "You seem to have got rid of your rats, at least," Helena observed.  "I've not seen any signs of vermin on either of our visits; I take it the mortweed was helpful?"

   Ædwige turned back to her with a quizzical frown for a moment, then her expression cleared.  "Oh, yes, the mortweed!  Yes, magistra, it was very effective. Thank you."

   Helena smiled.  "You're quite welcome.  So, does that mean little Boots will be traveling back to Rhemuth with us also, and not relegated to keeping watch over the kitchen or stables?"

   "Indeed he shall."  Ædwige picked up the kitten, who began to purr as she buried her face in his soft fur.  "I wouldn't dream of leaving behind my precious Bootsy!"

#

   Rector's study, St. Hilary's Basilica, Rhemuth
   September 5, 1136—late afternoon


   "Well, would you look who's back!"  Sister Therese enfolded Ædwige in a warm embrace.

   Bishop Duncan looked up from the text of an ancient manuscript that Brother Everard had newly copied for him.  "Lady Ædwige!"  He rose to greet the returning scholar.  

   "Bishop McLain!"  She fell to one knee before him, beaming up at him.  He smiled back, extending his hand to her.  She bent to kiss the bishop's ring reverently.  "I'm so glad to be back!"

   "We're glad to have you back," he told her, turning his hand palm-upwards to offer his assistance in rising.  His gaze moved past her to the two women standing in the doorway behind her.  "And both of you as well."  His eyes lingered briefly on Helena with a smile before the turned his attention to Cass.  "How did you enjoy your first journey outside of Rhemuth, Cass?"

   The draper's daughter smiled back at him.  "I could have done without the sea travel, but other than that, it was mostly enjoyable."

   "Oh dear," Sister Therese fretted, "I should have thought to send some of my ginger syrup along with you!"

   Cass laughed.  "That's what Sister Helena said too.  That she should have thought to make some beforehand, that is, not that she said you ought to have supplied it."  She grinned at the magistra.  "Don't worry, I managed to keep my breakfast in me on the trip to Llannedd...barely.  And Sister Helena showed me how to make your syrup while we were there, so we had an ample supply of it for the trip back.  It did help quite a bit."

   Sister Therese looked at her roommate, a twinkle in her brown eyes.  "I'm glad to hear you paid close attention to your studies in my class, Helena," she joked.

   "Yes; I just wish I'd had more tutorials with Master Janos as well," Helena responded, her smile back at Therese slightly strained.

   "Oh?  Why, did something happen?" Duncan asked, noting Helena's shadowed expression with concern.

   "An accident in Llannedd," Helena answered.  She heard someone approach from behind her and glanced back, then stepped further into the room to let the newcomer in.  "I'll tell you later."  

   Brother Everard entered, smiling at Ædwige.  "I've had your things brought up to your new chamber in Abbot's Tower; that should give you a bit more privacy than you used to have in the maidens' dormitorium.  Your kitten is busily exploring the chamber, and I've left a bowl of food and some water for him as well."

   "Oh, that reminds me, I suppose I shall need some sort of sandbox for him...."

   "That's taken care of as well.  You'll be sharing a room with Princess Rothana, and she's already adopted one of Boots's littermates."

   The returning scholar looked startled.  "With Princess Rothana?"  

   Sister Therese nodded, explaining on Brother Everard's behalf.  "We felt since you're a little bit older than most of the maidens still living in the dormitorium, not to mention you're recently widowed and, according to Sister Helena's message apprising us of your desire to return here, also expecting an heir in due course, it would be best for you to have separate quarters for your remaining year at the Schola so you can get adequate rest, not to mention more privacy.  Sister Rothana had some extra room in her chamber now that Albin has grown old enough to prefer sharing quarters with other boys his age, so she offered to share her chamber with you until you've finished your studies."

   "Oh."  Ædwige looked a little nonplussed, although once she'd had a moment to absorb the idea, she began to smile.  "That was most gracious of her.  I shall have to thank her for her thoughtfulness.  And all of you also, for thinking of it.  I confess I hadn't looked that far ahead yet, but yes, I should prefer more privacy."

   "Sister Therese, would you show Ædwige to her new chamber?" the rector asked.

   "Right gladly, Father," the infirmarian assured him.  She moved towards the door, pausing briefly to envelop Helena in a brief hug as she passed.  "I've missed you too," she told her roommate, smiling.

   Duncan glanced at Helena's traveling companion.  "Cass, I imagine you probably wish to see your friends again and tell them about your trip.   I need a few more minutes of Sister Helena's time, but you needn't wait on us to finish if you'd rather go on and find them."

   Cass smiled gratefully.  "Thank you, Father."

#

   After the others had left the study, Duncan cast his senses beyond the open door, beyond the study's walls to the corridor beyond, assuring himself that they had moved beyond earshot before he turned his attention back to Helena.   He motioned her towards a nearby chair, taking another one facing it.  "What's wrong?" he asked quietly.

   She shrugged, feeling self-conscious.  "Am I that transparent?"

   "Not really.  Perhaps a little quieter than usual, which could simply mean you're tired and I ought to let you go up and rest, but I suspect there's a bit more to it than that."  He studied her face, taking note of her strained expression and the faint shadows under her eyes.  "You mentioned something about an accident earlier?"

   Tears sprang up quickly in Helena's eyes for a brief moment before she hastily blinked them away.  Duncan did another quick sensory check beyond the study walls before reaching for her hand, clasping it gently.  "What happened?"

   The story came tumbling out of her then, the words pouring out so swiftly that Duncan could barely keep up.  Wordlessly he encouraged her to supplement spoken words with memories, the better to understand the cause for her distress, and through the light link between them the images began to flow.  The urgent summons, her dash to her father's storeroom to go to her brother's aid, Hal's gruesome accident, her attempt to help, and her inability to restore his vision.  A quiet sound permeated his consciousness with this last memory, and after a brief moment he realized it was a sob, so soft he might not have heard it, had it not been right next to his ear.

   He opened his eyes to realize he'd at some point left his chair, was now kneeling at Helena's feet, her arms encircling his neck as she wept quietly on his shoulder, his wrapped around her in a comforting embrace.  She seemed to realize this in the same instant, lifting her head suddenly, her eyes dazed, before meeting his gaze with a startled look and straightening in her chair, folding shaking hands in her lap and dropping her gaze down to them, her cheeks scarlet.  Duncan reached up a finger to wipe a trailing tear off one rosy cheek then stood, returning to his own seat, taking a few seconds to gather up his composure.

   "You did well," he told her once he could speak again.  "Exceptionally well, actually.  I suspect Master Janos will be quite delighted."

   "But...." Helena looked shocked.  "I failed him, Father!  Hal can barely see now."

   Duncan nodded.  "Yes, but from you've shown me, you handled the task as well as any Healer could do, even one with more experience.  As for the continued impairment, unless I miss my guess, that will clear up in due time.  Granted, I haven't had much experience in the actual treatment of eye injuries either, but I have read a few more of Janos's texts on the subject than you have, and I suspect what is causing the clouded vision in Hal's eye is the blood remaining inside it.  That will eventually drain out—I'm not sure exactly how that works, but it's part of the body's natural healing process—and once it does, Hal's vision should return to normal.  Or at least it should so long as the eye itself has been restored to normal, but from what I saw of your Healing technique, you seem to have had no trouble with that.  At least I didn't spot anything that you missed.  Master Janos could tell us for sure.  Or Hal himself, perhaps in a few weeks."

   Despite herself, Helena found herself glancing at the place on Duncan's neck where he had borne the faint, telltale scar that had been evidence of his brief confrontation with Gaspard.  The scar was completely gone now, not a trace remaining to show that it had ever existed.  She brought her gaze back up to meet his face and found him smiling faintly at her, as if he'd divined her thoughts.

   A faint noise from beyond the study walls caused him to glance away, his gaze growing unfocused as he turned his attention towards the source of the sound.  After a moment's pause he turned his attention back to her, reaching inside his sleeve for a crisply folded handkerchief and handing it to her.  "There seems to be something about my study that keeps reducing you to tears.  I suppose we'd better find some more cheerful venue for these private conversations," he joked.  "Surely the decor in here isn't that bad?"

   She managed a weak smile in return, gathering up her tattered composure.  "I told you that you should have bought that Torenthi carpet for yourself, didn't I?"  She dabbed at her eyes, wiped her nose on the cloth, and neatly refolded it, almost handing it back to him before she caught herself and tucked it into her pouch instead to wash later before returning it.  A quick glance up at him revealed silent laughter in his eyes.

   "Yes, you can keep that.  If I'm ever in need of a keepsake from you, I'd prefer a lock of hair rather than a freshly soiled handkerchief."

   She burst out laughing.  He grinned.  "I was just finishing up here," he told her.  "Shall I walk you back to the Tower?"

   "If you're sure you wouldn't be going out of your way," she answered, averting her eyes and carefully keeping her thoughts shielded in hopes that her eagerness to spend those few extra minutes in his company wouldn't be too transparent.  The bishop carefully returned the manuscript copy he'd been reading to an enclosed cabinet and locked it up securely, then ushered Helena to the door.  He stopped there almost as an afterthought and gave a low whistle.  A sleek gray feline bounded out from beneath his desk and shot through the door.  Duncan stepped through afterwards, locking the study door behind him.

   "I accidentally locked Liath in here a few nights ago.  She's learned her lesson, I think."

   "Oh dear!  Do you still keep a sandbox in there, or did she end up leaving you a present or two?"

   He chuckled.  "Neither, but she made a mad dash for freedom as soon as Brother Everard arrived the next morning.  He nearly tripped over her when she ran out, and Sir William nearly skewered her when she tore past him until he realized she was a kitten and not a rat.  He said she made for the open door and up the path towards the parklands as if twelve devils were chasing her."

   She giggled at the mental image he sent her way.  They turned towards the nave of the Basilica, walking through to the other side of the building, pausing briefly halfway through to pay proper reverence to the holy Presence.  Exiting the building into the cloistered courtyard, Duncan stopped briefly to enjoy the warm summer evening and the sight of the stars above.  

   "This would be a nice evening for a wall walk.  Have you ever looked down on Rhemuth at night from the top of one of the towers or from the city wall?" The rector arched a quizzical eyebrow at her.

   She was surprised by the question.  "I...no, I haven't, actually.   I've been up there during the day a time or two, but I don't think I've ever gone up after sunset."

   He glanced at the last lingering vestiges of sunlight in the sky.  "Well, it's not completely after sunset just yet, but I daresay it will be in just a few minutes.  Shall we see if we can catch a glimpse before the sun completely disappears beneath the horizon?"  A glint of mischief lit up his eyes, giving her an unexpected hint of what he must have looked like as a young lad contemplating mayhem with his favorite cousin.  "I'll race you to the top of Abbot's Tower."

   Helena laughed.  "And break both our necks if you slip on the stairs and knock me over tumbling back down them?  No, we'll go up at a safe pace, so you can pretend you're a responsible role model for our scholars, and if we get there too late, you'll just have to show me some other evening."

   "Act responsibly?  What fun is that?" he pretended to grumble as they crossed the courtyard together, although he kept to a sedate pace.  A giggle echoed from one of the cloistered walks, and he paused.  "Briony, is that you?" he asked, peering into the shadows beyond the pillared arches.

   "Yes, Uncle Duncan."  Alaric's daughter stepped out into the less shadowed courtyard.  "Good evening, Uncle.  And Magistra Helena," she added as she recognized the other person walking with Duncan.

   Duncan glanced pointedly up at the darkening sky.  "Shouldn't you be back in the Queen's Tower by now?"

   "Yes, my lord, except that she's given me leave to stay over a little longer because of Ædwige's return home.  Brendan is here tonight, though, and he's offered to walk me back to the Queen's solar once I'm done visiting."  Beside her, a taller figure emerged from the cloistered walk, giving Duncan a sketchy salute of greeting.

   "Ah.  All right, as long as Brendan's with you."  He smiled at them both.  "If you were planning to look for Ædwige in the girls' dormitorium, you might not find her there.  She's sharing quarters with Princess Rothana now."

   Another giggle, then another figure stepped forward from the shadows.  "They know, Bishop Duncan.  I told them."

   Duncan laughed.  "Good evening, Ædwige.  Is there anyone else hiding in the shadows?"  He cast his senses in that direction but detected no one else.

   "All present and accounted for, sir," Brendan joked.  "And it is about time for me to get you back to the Castle, Briony."

   The younger girl made a little moue of annoyance, but didn't argue.  She made her goodbyes to her friend as Duncan and Helena walked past, Duncan moving a few steps ahead to open the door at the base of Abbot's Tower.  Helena entered, moving towards the staircase that led up past the magistri's quarters and out at the top of the tower, the rector following close behind her.


Chapter Nine:  http://www.rhemuthcastle.com/index.php?topic=811.0
"In necessariis unitas, in non-necessariis libertas, in utrisque caritas."

--WARNING!!!--
I have a vocabulary in excess of 75,000 words, and I'm not afraid to use it!

AnnieUK

Strikes me Briony's getting to the age when Alaric and Duncan will be a lot more concerned about whom she's giggling in the shadows with. ;)

And I just bet Rothana is really looking forward to sharing a room with the little bundle of joy that is Ædwige!

Evie

LOL!  Well, remember, the teachers haven't really seen the same side of AEdwige that Cass knows.   Yet.  :D
"In necessariis unitas, in non-necessariis libertas, in utrisque caritas."

--WARNING!!!--
I have a vocabulary in excess of 75,000 words, and I'm not afraid to use it!

Jerusha

Interesting how Ædwige seems to have forgotten about the mortweed and the rats.  Hmmm.

I don't think it will take Princess Rothana long to see through to Ædwige's true nature.  Nor is she apt to put up with it for long.

An evening under the stars for Helena and Duncan?  Oh my!   ;)   
From ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggity beasties and things that go bump in the night...good Lord deliver us!

 -- Old English Litany

Alkari

QuoteStrikes me Briony's getting to the age when Alaric and Duncan will be a lot more concerned about whom she's giggling in the shadows with.
Hmmm - Briony was properly chaperoned.  Strikes me that Alaric probably needs to be a little more concerned about his romantically inclined cousin at this stage   ;)    Escorting the very attractive Magistra Helena across the Schola grounds is one thing, but taking an evening stroll with her to the top of one of the towers or the walls ...   One can only hope there are not too many curiously prying eyes around or the wagging tongues at court will soon have another scandal :D

Evie

Alaric's reaction...hm...yes....  *cryptic smile*

"In necessariis unitas, in non-necessariis libertas, in utrisque caritas."

--WARNING!!!--
I have a vocabulary in excess of 75,000 words, and I'm not afraid to use it!

derynifanatic64

If only Gwynedd had its own version of "The National Enquirer" or "Gossip Girl".  XOXO
We will never forget the events of 9-11!!  USA!! USA!!

Elkhound

Quote from: Jerusha on December 30, 2011, 02:43:19 PM
Interesting how Ædwige seems to have forgotten about the mortweed and the rats.  Hmmm.

I don't think it will take Princess Rothana long to see through to Ædwige's true nature.  Nor is she apt to put up with it for long.

I suspect, as I've said before, that the "rat" in question was two-legged.  I'm waiting for Aedwige's comeuppance.

bronwynevaine

I also suspect that Aedwidge's "rat" looked a lot like the late lord of the manor. Sisters Therese and Helena will be horrified to learn to what use their well-meant remedy was put. Briony will be even more shocked.

Is anyone else concerned that Brendan, not Briony, may need chaperoning. Aedwidge is no longer a maiden and may find her friend's handsome stepbrother well worth pursuing...
I don't just march to the beat of a different drummer...I dance to a beat no one else can hear :)

Elkhound

Quote from: bronwynevaine on January 02, 2012, 02:45:35 PM
Is anyone else concerned that Brendan, not Briony, may need chaperoning. Aedwidge is no longer a maiden and may find her friend's handsome stepbrother well worth pursuing...

She's already a Dowager Baroness--why not try for a Countess?  And stepdaughter-in-law (if that is a word!) to a Duke will only sweeten the pot.  That is just the sort of thing that the scheming little minx might think of. 

Alkari

#10
LOL - I am sure her devious little mind is probably working along those lines.  

However, as Brendan only turned nineteen in June, I am sure he is not ready to settle down and get married just yet.   Even Bran was 21 before he married Richenda!  And of course, his dear stepdad waited a lot longer.  ;)

But a handsome young Earl might not be averse to a little casual flirting ...:D

Evie

Oh, yes, becoming a Countess would definitely be a step up for her.  Two, in fact, since she's merely Lady Ædwige now, not Baroness Ædwige.  Her late husband Sir Gilrae was only a landed knight, not a baron.  So she'd definitely see the advantages of catching the eye of some eligible young bachelor like Brendan.

Of course, Brendan might not be the only suitable man at Court, so she might not want to be too hasty in picking out her next husband....   :D
"In necessariis unitas, in non-necessariis libertas, in utrisque caritas."

--WARNING!!!--
I have a vocabulary in excess of 75,000 words, and I'm not afraid to use it!

Alkari

QuoteOf course, Brendan might not be the only suitable man at Court, so she might not want to be too hasty in picking out her next husband.... 
LOL.  Well, you do need to take your time over such an important matter, don't you - I mean, you need to check out the field very thoroughly :D


Jerusha

Perhaps she should be introduced to Baron Gaspard.  Wouldn't that be a match made in...well, never mind....... ::) 
From ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggity beasties and things that go bump in the night...good Lord deliver us!

 -- Old English Litany

Alkari

ROFL @ Baron Gaspard suggestion.  Alas, I'd say he is much too old and uninteresting for our little darling to consider, plus he is 'only' a baron - why not aim much higher?  ;)   Brendan wouldn't be the only earl or son of an earl at court, not to mention that Queen Araxie has two younger half brothers, Sivney (who's about Brendan's age) and Sorley (age 14 or so).  If they're not already betrothed because of politics, why not aim for an almost-royal?!