Chapter Eleven
The nervous male servant who had been dispatched to get Ripley for the King walked into the grand, wood-panelled room, where Edward was waiting to start a splendid feast that was set out on the table he sat at.
"Where is my son?" Edward barked in annoyance.
The servant swallowed hard, wondering if he would be sent to the dungeon for passing on the news. "He...he...he is with his wife, Your Highness."
"Again!" Edward uttered in disbelief. "They have spent almost every day together, their evenings too, this past week!"
"Ye-...yes, Your Highness."
The King growled in displeasure. I know I told her to get to know her wife, but this is ridiculous! "Find me Chesney," he ordered the waiting man.
The servant bowed and quickly retreated.
Edward picked up his knife and fork and began cutting up his peacock, an idea forming in his head as he waited for his personal steward to turn up. Ripley and Kelsey have been spending a lot of their time together in their rooms and everyone around the castle knows it, he thought, lifting his fork to his mouth. All this private time together...it wouldn't be surprising if she were to be...with child.
Ever since finding out she would be going away for at least two months, whenever Ripley wasn't busy with her duties, she spent her free time in Kelsey's company. The young couple could often be seen strolling arm in arm around the castle gardens, or going out horse riding on the finely bred horses Edward had, or for picnics that kept them out all day. In the evenings, it was the same, the couple now frequently missing dinner with the King. The castle gossips were in overdrive, bets were being made on how soon the couple would announce Kelsey being pregnant and on what the child would be called.
"Your Highness," Chesney greeted as he walked into the room. He bowed as he stopped beside the King. "You needed me?"
Edward sat back in his chair and looked up at his steward. "It seems my son favours his young wife's company over mine these days. Won't you join me?" It wasn't a question.
Chesney blinked in surprise at the invitation. "Uhh...thank you, Your Highness." He moved to the nearest seat and sat down, trying not to react in surprise as someone appeared to place a silver plate in front of him. He looked up at the serving girl and smiled politely. "Thank you."
Edward put down his fork and picked up his wine goblet. "All this time they are spending together, it won't surprise me if we soon hear the pitter-patter of tiny feet," he said loudly, mindful of listening ears in the room.
"A day we all look forward to, Your Highness," Chesney replied, playing along. He reached out to take a couple of thick slices of venison.
"I have some business for you to take care of, Chesney," Edward said seriously. "I want you to have Berwyn Townsend summoned here. I have a job for him."
"I can do that now," he said, starting to get up.
"No, no. Let us eat first."
Getting a bad feeling about this potential job, Chesney looked at the King waiting for him to elaborate. "What...what sort of job, Your Highness?" he asked, swallowing his disgust as he thought about what the job may be.
"Later we will go to my office and...discuss business."
* * * * *
Ripley stiffened with a gasp as Kelsey arched beneath her and tightened her hold. Unable to hold herself up, Ripley collapsed on top of her wife, breathing heavily.
Kelsey stroked Ripley's shirt-covered back, trying to catch her breath and slow her pounding heart. He was still within her, hard and ready for more. She marvelled at his stamina and couldn't work out why she was still not with child.
Finding the energy to lift her head, Ripley lifted her head to be able to see Kelsey and kissed slightly parted lips. "Am I hurting you, my love?"
"No, husband. I rather like having your weight upon me." Kelsey smiled softly and lifted her head from her feather-filled pillow to return the soft kiss. "Ripley, is it wise to miss dinner with your father again?"
Ripley moved off her wife, being sure to quickly tuck away the phallus. "We can go and join him if you wish, my wife," she grinned. "I didn't realise you enjoyed his company so."
Kelsey rolled onto her side and snuggled against Ripley's side. "I believe I am needed here." She sighed in contentment as the prince wrapped his strong arms around her. He was a wonderful husband. Attentive, caring, kind and respectful. He never made her feel inadequate or stupid. Kelsey, in his eyes, was an equal. And he was a great lover. Despite all the warnings she had been given before her wedding, Kelsey found her husband to be gentle and loving when it came to their joining. He was attentive to her needs as well as his own.
With Ripley soon to be leaving, they had been spending all their free time together, fearing the separation that was quickly coming upon them. Despite the prince telling her he would be in no danger, that his mission was just a routine check around, Kelsey still worried. She welcomed his company, especially his night calls to her chambers.
Leaning her head in one hand, Kelsey watched her husband as he dozed next to her. The strawberry-blonde wondered at the smoothness of his cheeks, not for the first time. Ripley was six autumns older than her seventeen years and she wondered at what age men started to grow beards and such. His father had a full beard and a number of the soldiers around the castle had goatees or beards. She wondered at his gentle ways, his treating her like an equal, acknowledging that she had a brain and could use it. Her heart bursting with love for her fair-haired husband, Kelsey moved close and softly kissed him. "Dearest Ripley, stay with me tonight," she whispered close to his ear.
Aware enough to have understood Kelsey's words, Ripley's lips quirked into a loving smile and pulled her wife closer to her.
* * * * *
After weeks of preparation, the time had come for Ripley and her men to leave. Supplies had been gathered, the men kitted out in new armour and supplied with new weapons. The prince had decided on a route they would take and hoped it would bring them back home quickly; her father had given her his seal of approval.
With Ripley set to be gone, Edward knew this was the perfect time to set his plan in motion. He felt bad for what he was about to order, but then thought about his goal and knew it had to be done. For the good of the future. This would be his gift to his stubborn daughter. He just hoped she would forgive him and see it as a gift.
Edward was seated at a window in his office, his attention outside on the busy men in the courtyard below packing up the supplies onto carts, the soldiers and knights getting their war horses ready, young squires hurrying this way and that as they did their jobs. Sighing, the King rubbed his head, a dull ache tormenting him. This is for the best, he thought stubbornly. There needs to be an heir, and I know now that Ripley truly cares for the common girl and won't allow her to take on a lover, nor will she encourage such an act.
"Chesney," the King called out, before he could change his mind.
The busy steward hurried into Edward's office and bowed in respect. "Yes, Your Highness?"
"Send Berwyn to my office would you."
Chesney swallowed hard. "Right away, Your Highness."
* * * * *
Berwyn walked into the King's office as the door was opened for him by a doorman and spotted his father seated behind his desk, looking quite regal. Upon his head was his crown, rings on his fingers and a thick chain around his neck. "Your Highness," Berwyn greeted, bowing respectfully.
Edward looked at the big man who was a mirror image of himself in his younger days and wished again that his legitimate sons had lived. Berwyn would never be recognised as his, for he loved and respected his wife dearly and wouldn't tarnish that love by admitting he had strayed away. "I want you to do something for me, boy," Edward said, once the door had been closed and they were alone. "'Tis not a good deed and you can turn me down."
Though frowning, Berwyn nodded and reached out for the jewelled goblet Edward set in front of him.
"At tonight's masked ball...the princess...will be supplied drink after drink sprinkled with some herbs. When she comes over all out of sorts, you will help her back to her chambers and..." Edward paused, exhaling heavily. "Do as you please."
Berwyn quietly thought over what he had heard and wondered why the King would ask such a thing and why he was being asked. "May I ask why, father?" He saw the older man flinch and clenched his fists in anger. You can't stand it, can you old man! You hate being reminded of your unfaithfulness! Berwyn bit back an angry comment to Edward's reaction. Whether you recognise me or not, I will get everything due to me for having your blood in my veins!
"I need something I can hold against her in case of her stepping out of line, or in the event I need Ripley's mind swayed to my way of thinking," Edward replied, not liking the look on Berwyn's face. "She hasn't done anything to make me think she will step out of line, she has turned out to be a good choice in wife for my son," he eyed Berwyn carefully. "But, she is a commoner, and with Ripley going off on Royal duty, now is the right time to do it." Edward noticed Berwyn's jaw clench tightly every time he mentioned Ripley. You don't like it, do you, boy? Ripley is my one and only son and always will be!
Berwyn finished his wine and set the mug down on the desk in front of him. This can work both ways, he thought. He'll have something to use against me. But then...I shall have something to hold against him. I am sure he won't want his precious son knowing what he had ordered. "And what if I get the girl with child?"
Edward laughed and looked at the man opposite in amusement. "She is already with child," he lied smoothly. "You don't honestly think I would let Ripley go off without ensuring there was an heir to the throne!"
Berwyn frowned. "Nothing has been announced?"
"We are waiting for Ripley's return. Sort of a...double celebration."
"Surely the girl will be showing by the time Ripley returns?" Berwyn questioned. "Do you plan to hide her away until you make an announcement?"
"We are not sure how long His Royal Highness will be away," Edward said in annoyance. "He is going north and if things look well, he will return in no time at all, the announcement being made as soon as possible. If not...something will be decided."
Seeing he was annoying the short-fused King, Berwyn nodded and smiled. "That is good news, Your Highness. Congratulations on becoming a grandfather. Or soon to be grandfather."
Edward smiled brightly, liking the sound of that, and tipped his wine goblet in Berwyn's direction in salute.
"Very well," the sandy-haired blonde answered the question asked of him. "But you shall have to inform your son that I cannot go with him. If I go to him with news that I must do another job for you, I fear he will run me through with his sword."
"I shall see to it, don't worry."
"The guards that are usually posted outside of the girl's chambers will have to...disappear."
"There haven't been guards outside her chambers for many a night now," Edward chuckled. "My son doesn't like the thought of them out there, listening to him perform, or hearing his wife's enjoyment from their joining."
Berwyn grunted, his lip curling up in distaste for Ripley. "There is one other thing though, father," he said slowly, relishing the power he had at that moment. "I want you to make me a noble. I want a title and a plot of land. I think it is the least you can do for me."
Edward waved a hand at him in annoyance. "Very well, I shall see to it."
* * * * *
Kelsey made herself scarce as visiting allies began to arrive at the castle. Their arrival made Ripley's departure real and the young woman didn't like the thoughts or feelings that knowledge evoked. During this time, her duties doubled. On top of her usual duties, she had to supervise the activities in the kitchen, keep their visiting guests happy and make sure the castle was cleaned properly and decorated brightly. She didn't mind, it kept her busy and her thoughts off her worry for her husband.
Ripley spent her days in meetings, listening to the gathered information, complaints and grumbles, and possible plans and tactics if a war did break out. Her evenings were spent with her wife, the young couple attending the nightly banquets and playing host to the number of visitors, before retiring to either of their chambers to relish some time alone.
Now the young princess stood in the noisy, crowded courtyard, blue eyes warily glancing at all the people who had come to bid her husband and his men farewell. She didn't want to be there, knowing Ripley was going off for a number of weeks, perhaps months, and maybe not returning if they encountered trouble.
Ripley turned her attention to her scared young wife, smiling lovingly as she looked into troubled blue eyes. "Take good care of yourself, my love," she said softly.
Kelsey smiled, as she always did, at the endearment. "I will, Ripley." Blue eyes watered. "You take care of yourself, husband. I hope we might stroll the grounds together and enjoy picnics once again."
The prince smiled brightly and nodded her agreement. Hands on her wife's hips, Ripley kissed Kelsey softly. "You'll be in my thoughts daily and my dreams at night," she said softly, kissing the strawberry-blonde one last time before turning to leave.
"Ripley!"
The fair-haired prince stopped in her tracks and turned back to look at her wife, an eyebrow raised.
"I...I love you."
Overwhelmed with love for the young woman, Ripley strode back and lifted Kelsey off the ground, spinning the surprised woman around in her embrace. The soldiers, friends, family and the castle staff who stood around watched on, smiling at the public display of affection between the young couple. "I love you, my wife. Take care, okay?"
Kelsey nodded and as she was put back on her feet, she reluctantly released Ripley, watching sadly, as he walked to his large war horse. Both looked fearsome and impressive. Ripley in his figure-hugging armour and the horse in its own protective armour.
King Edward wrapped a strong arm around the young woman's shoulders. "No need to worry, my dear. Ripley is a very capable soldier. If he wasn't, I wouldn't let him go."
"I shall still worry, Your Highness."
"Then I shall just have to keep you occupied," Edward replied, smiling. "Starting tonight. You shall come to the ball as my companion and save me from all the bores that are sure to attend."
The last thing Kelsey wanted was to attend some big, fancy ball without Ripley present. To spend the evening remembering the proper court etiquette she had been hastily taught, listening to pompous men talking of this and that, pretending she was enjoying herself. Knowing she couldn't argue with the King though, she smiled weakly and nodded her acceptance.
"Excellent. I'll see you tonight then." With that, Edward turned and briskly walked back towards the castle, leaving Kelsey to wave goodbye to her departing husband.
* * * * *
Berwyn made his way through the castle, eyes taking in all those around him, ears listening for anything of interest. He had a destination in mind and strode purposefully towards the chambers of the Duke of Cornwall. With King Edward requesting him to entertain the princess, the soldier knew he would have something of great weight to hold against the monarch. He needed to convince his allies to hold off on any plans they had, without telling them what was going on. He had his own goals to see to, never mind theirs.
Reaching the Duke's door, Berwyn knocked and waited for Montgomery to call him in.
Montgomery watched the big, muscular, bastard son of the King enter his chambers and wondered why he was there. For them to be associated with each other was a great risk, and one he wasn't happy about. "What the hell are you doing?" he growled, once Berwyn had shut the door.
"I needed to speak urgently with you and couldn't wait for one of your little secret society meetings to be called," Berwyn said in amusement. He walked to the Duke's wine jug and poured himself a goblet.
"Well? Spit it out then disappear, Berwyn. This isn't a game!" Montgomery said icily.
Taking his sweet time, Berwyn sipped at his wine, and then moved to take a seat opposite the Duke. "All plans have to be put on hold," he said simply, raising a finger to hold off any protests. "This morn, King Edward gave me the job he had previously alluded to."
"What was it?"
"I can't say. Not yet, while 'tis still to do."
"If you won't tell, then why should we hold off on any of our plans?" Montgomery questioned. "How can we be sure we can trust you?"
Berwyn smirked and sipped at his wine, leaving the Duke to stew for a few moments. "The job is...interesting. Once I have completed it, I will have something to hold against the King. Something of great weight that will surely swing things in any direction we wish."
Curiosity piqued, a dark eyebrow lifted. "I see."
"And..." Berwyn drew out slowly. "Something to hold against the future Queen." He smiled, as Montgomery's other eyebrow lifted.
"How long will this...job take?"
"The job shall be completed soon. The King said it is of great importance that the job be done while Ripley is away. So, again, I ask that you men are patient."
The Duke of Cornwall nodded slowly. "You have my support. For now. The Earl of Wessex is getting impatient though, so I advise you to be swift in your duties, Berwyn."
"Trust me, Your Grace. Once this is over, we will be in a very strong position."
* * * * *
Kelsey stood in the great hall where that evening's ball was to be held, her hands on slim hips, as she watched two men hanging a banner of red and gold. "'Tis slightly crooked, Royce. Lift your end up a bit."
Ripley's steward, Barclay, approached Kelsey and bowed in respect. "Your Highness."
"Barclay, how am I doing for my first big do?" Kelsey asked, smiling brightly.
The raven-haired man smiled. "Very well, milady. The hall looks very pleasing on the eye."
"You taught me well, Barclay," Kelsey chuckled. "Now, what can I do for you?"
"Your sister has just arrived, milady."
"My sister?" Kelsey asked in confusion. "What is she doing here? Is she well?"
The steward blinked in surprise as the smaller woman hurried past him, leaving him talking to thin air. "She is..." Turning, he quickly caught up with the princess. "She looks well, Your Highness."
"Kelsey, please, call me Kelsey when we are alone like this, Barclay."
The man nodded. "As you wish, milady. I uhm...I believe your sister and her husband were invited to this evenings ball...Kelsey."
Kelsey stopped so suddenly, Barclay didn't realise and had to walk back to her. "My husband?" she asked softly, a loving smile curling her lips.
Barclay smiled and nodded. "Yes, milady. I believe the young prince wanted you to have some company for this evening, knowing that his going away would be hard on you."
"Thank you, Barclay," Kelsey said, knowing it was the steward who had sent out the invite. "Would you please go and oversee the decorating of the great hall, while I greet my sibling?"
"Right away, Your Highness." He bowed and took his leave.
Kelsey hurried towards the open doors that would take her out into the courtyard. Approaching, she could see her sister standing near the carriage that had brought her to the castle, watching in dismay as her husband argued with one of the servants. "Lindsey!" Kelsey cried out in delight, seeing her twin turn and smile brightly.
"Kelsey! My sister, 'tis good to see you!" Lindsey greeted, wrapping her arms around her twin and hugging her tightly.
"I cannot believe you are here! My rascal of a husband left me completely in the dark!"
Lindsey laughed. "I hope it is a nice surprise?"
"Very nice! You are very welcome here, you know that, sister." Kelsey released her hold on Lindsey and looked her over, noting there didn't seem to be any obvious bruises on her. "Come, I have duties to see to in the great hall, you can lend me a hand." She started leading her sister away. "You don't mind, do you, Ackerley?" she called back over her shoulder, not stopping to hear his response.
The sisters giggled as they made their way through the castle, happy to be in each other's company after a long time apart. They hadn't seen each other since Kelsey's wedding to Ripley.
"So, sister, you seem to be in good health," Kelsey said lightly. "I trust Hudson is taking good care of your interests?"
Lindsey blushed hotly as images of just how well Hudson had been taking care of her entered her head. "I...he...Mr. Darnley is doing a fine job, thank you, Kelsey." she stuttered. "You must remind me to thank Ripley for sending him to me."
Kelsey looked at her sister closely, suddenly tugging her from their path and into a room on their right. Shutting the door behind her, Kelsey looked at her twin as Lindsey wandered around the beautifully decorated room. "Lindsey?"
"Yes, Kelsey?"
Kelsey smiled, though an eyebrow was lifted in question. "Tell me."
Lindsey walked back to her sister and took her hand, tugging Kelsey over to the feather-stuffed chairs that sat in front of the burning fireplace. "Oh, Kelsey! I have done something dreadful, but find that I just don't care!" Lindsey gushed. "Hudson and I...well, you see, Ackerley is a brute."
"That I know, sister," Kelsey said, rolling her eyes.
"Well, Hudson is...a gentleman. He is so kind...and caring...and..." Lindsey smiled dreamily. "Hudson came to my rescue more than once, and as he cleans my cuts, he has the softest of touches." Blue eyes looked into identical blue. "Ackerley went away for the cattle sale and...Hudson and I became lovers."
Kelsey gasped, her eyes wide in shock at the news. "Lindsey!" she barely breathed out. "Are you mad?"
"I don't know," Lindsey chuckled. "I don't care. Hudson is everything I ever wanted, 'tis just a shame I am married!"
Truly worried for her sister now more than ever, Kelsey took a hand and gently squeezed. "Oh, sister! I pray you be careful. Ackerley...he will surely kill you if he found out."
Lindsey sobered, her smile gone, her heart heavy again. "I know, but Hudson and I were only together while Ackerley was away. Since he returned home we've barely spoken, for he is banned from the house."
"Banned from the house?"
"For stepping in when Ackerley was hitting me. But don't worry, sister, he still keeps an eye on me and will come running if I scream loud enough for him to hear."
Fear in her heart for her only sibling, Kelsey smiled weakly. "I shall have to trust your judgement, Lindsey. But know that I worry for you. Now," she stood up, knowing she had to get back to the great hall. "We must get to the hall so we can overlook the decorating."
Lindsey smiled brightly, glad her sister hadn't judged her or called her a harlot. She stood and hugged her twin. "I love you, Kelsey. Thank you for understanding."
"Yes, well, I never did like Ackerley, did I?"
Looping her arm through her sister's, Lindsey led them over to the closed door. "So, tell me, sister, how is married life with the prince? Is he good in bed?"
"Lindsey!"
* * * * *
Despite her sister's arrival, Kelsey really hadn't wanted to go to the masked ball. Having to paste on a forced smile for the visiting nobles and their families, having to pretend she cared about what they were talking of, whilst not expressing her opinion, having to remember the ways of the Royal court and not embarrassing the King or her husband in his absence. She had wanted to lock herself away in Ripley's chambers and pray that he return safely to her and swiftly. But the King of England had requested her company and she could hardly refuse.
Finishing her duties as Lady of the castle, Kelsey had gone up to her chambers and requested that a bath be prepared for her. Once the bath was ready, the stressed princess sank into the scented hot water and closed her eyes, going over everything she had to remember for that evening. The names of Dukes, Earls and Marquesses. Who to avoid long conversations with, who to seek out. She groaned and wished that Ripley were present to aid her.
With the water cooling, Kelsey reluctantly got out of the luxurious tub and dressed in a robe, as her ladies-in-waiting held up a number of fine dresses for her to choose from. Deciding on an emerald silk full-length dress, cut low in the front, Kelsey sat down to have her hair brushed and styled. She decided on a chignon, her hair to be held up by a silver clip embedded with fine cut rubies. A ruby necklace, a gift from Ripley, adorned her neck. The finishing touch was a dab of French perfume from a silver perfume flask, another gift from her husband. Ready to go and meet her people, Kelsey left her chambers with compliments from her ladies ringing in her ears and a gold-leaf mask across her eyes.
In the great hall, she sat next to the King at the main table that was set on a platform at the head of the room, which looked down on all the others around the edges of the room. Kelsey tried valiantly to try to join in with the conversation going on around her while the food was served, but quickly grew weary of the gossiping, the back-stabbing, and the politics. Once the food was cleared away, the minstrels started playing lively music the guests could dance to, and Kelsey excused herself from the King's table to go and mingle. She smiled at her sister, who looked beautiful in the elegant, sapphire dress their mother had purchased just before her wedding to Ackerley. She listened politely to the Duke of Lancashire as he praised Ripley for coming to his rescue, though the prince hadn't yet, but surely would if trouble flared. She danced with the Earl of Northumbria, though the man was clumsy and continually stepped on her toes. They laughed and joked about him being thrown in the dungeons.
Kelsey happily drank each goblet of wine that was brought her way, thinking that if she was to get slightly tipsy, she could make her escape.
"My dear," the Marchioness of Nottingham said, coming to a stop next to Kelsey and removing her mask. "You have done a wonderful job in decorating this room."
"Thank you, Lady Nottingham. I am glad you at least have noticed," Kelsey chuckled. "I am sure many of the men here have not!"
The Marchioness laughed. "Do they ever? It must have been stressful for you," she continued. "This being your first big do and your husband being away. You should be proud of yourself, Your Highness. You have shown the doubters just what you are made of."
Touched by the woman's comment, Kelsey placed a gentle hand on the woman's arm. "Thank you, Lady Nottingham. Your words mean a great deal to me."
"Worry not, Your Highness, you have a friend in me. My husband, the Marquess of Nottingham, is a great friend of the King." Bowing, the older woman took her leave.
Talking, laughing, dancing and drinking, Kelsey soon forgot her despair at Ripley's leaving. Not a heavy drinker though, she quickly found herself light-headed and politely excused herself from the King's company. She bid her sister a good night and promised to meet her in the morn for breakfast before she left to return home.
Making her way along the corridor towards her chambers, Kelsey noticed the passages were mostly deserted. She suspected most of the castle staff were busy dealing with the many visiting guests, or watching the ball from dark corners. Lost in her wondering of how long the nobles and their entourages would be staying at the castle, and when she would see Ripley again, Kelsey didn't notice the rapidly approaching footsteps behind her.
Opening the door to her chambers, a big rough hand clamped around her mouth, another around her waist, a solid body behind her forcing her into her receiving room. She guessed her attacker to be a man, for she knew no woman to be so strong. The man kicked shut the heavy door behind them with a loud thud and dragged the helpless woman towards the bedchamber, throwing her onto the bed once they were close enough.
Thrown onto her stomach, Kelsey felt the air rush from her lungs, her head spinning from the wine she drank at the ball. She scrambled to get up though, knowing she had to get away from whoever this fool was. She whimpered as he pinned her back down on the bed, his knee in the middle of her back. "I am the wife of..."
"I know who you are," a deep voice rumbled.
"Then you must know that whatever it is you have in mind to do, my husband will have your head!" Kelsey hated the fact she sounded so desperate. She wanted to appear strong and unafraid.
The man chuckled. "I doubt it. Do you know who I am? Have you seen my face?" He laughed again as he shoved up her dress and slip. "You and I are going to have some fun," he said calmly, his hands on her thighs, forcing them apart as she fought to kick him off her. "Don't bother fighting, girl, you'll only hurt yourself. It's going to happen no matter what."
Kelsey squeezed her eyes shut as she heard him wrestling his trousers down while holding her in place. She was resigned to her fate, knowing there was no one who could come to her rescue. Her husband was away and she had given her ladies-in-waiting the night off so they could enjoy the ball. Grasping the bedcovers tightly in her fists, she filled her head with thoughts of her loving husband.
* * * * *
"He wants us to wait!" Earl of Wessex, Goodwyn, hissed in frustration. "Why is it he claims to want what we want, yet keeps putting our plans on hold?"
Marquess of Dublin, Brandon Ortceard, nodded. "I agree. It strikes me as very odd. How can we be sure he isn't setting us up for a grand downfall?"
Montgomery sipped at his wine, listening to all their concerns. "I thought the same myself, but..." he checked to see he had their attention, "he told me earlier the King had given him the job he had alluded to."
Eyebrows rose in interest.
"Well?" Lord Green asked. "What is this job?"
"He wouldn't say, but once he has completed it we shall have something of great importance to hold against the King and...the girl."
"The girl?" Brandon questioned, looking around to make sure their conversation was still private.
"The common girl married to the prince," Montgomery replied, smiling in satisfaction, as their eyes grew wide.
"What good will this do us?" Goodwyn growled. "Something to hold against the King, so what? We want him out, you fools."
"Think about it, man," Earl of East Anglia, Winston Pond, said. "Instead of coming up with some elaborate plot, with this...information or secret, we could talk the King into stepping down without any bloodshed."
Brandon nodded thoughtfully. "That would be good for all of us. Do we really want to lose our men on the battlefields when they could be put to better use?"
Not convinced, Goodwyn snorted in annoyance. "And what if this fool can't pull off this job? Then what?"
"Then we shall go through with an attack on the Duke of Lancashire and start a civil war," Montgomery said simply. "We shall stop informing Berwyn of our plans and do as we first wanted. You are right, Brandon, we can't be sure he isn't playing both sides and setting us all up. So we shall proceed with caution."
"When will this job be completed?" Winston asked, finishing his wine.
"Before His Royal Highness returns home," Montgomery said. "That was all he told me."
"So," Brandon said, unimpressed. "We are back to waiting!"
"Good things come to those who wait, dear man," Winston smiled. "Soon, our patience will pay off and we shall all be living the good life." He looked around the grand hall, waving at a Lord across the room. "What are the people saying? Are they happy with what's going on?"
"It seems the protests over the marriage have died down," Goodwyn said in disapproval. "Even the church has backed down."
"The girl is well liked by the people," Montgomery said thoughtfully. "On Sundays as she makes her way to church, she hands out some coins to the poor she passes, and she sees that those who need to see a doctor do so on her request."
"Then killing her is out of the question," Goodwyn said. "Perhaps we can use her to our advantage without her knowing it."
Brandon smiled. "Set up a charity and ask for money from her, then reveal the money is going into a private account of hers?"
Goodwyn chuckled. "Devious, Lord Dublin. I like it."
"Nothing will be done," Montgomery snapped. "The girl is innocent. Our fight is with the King. Everything will fall into place eventually; I will not be the downfall of a common girl who means nothing." He briskly walked away.
With the man who outranked them gone, Brandon looked at the three remaining men. "I am tired of all this. I say we set into motion our plans for attack, with the King distracted by war, his son at war, the castle will be ours for the taking."
The men smiled and nodded in agreement, raising the goblets in toast to their future before separating to go and mingle with the ball's guests.
* * * * *
Left alone in bed finally, Kelsey lay on her back watching the shadows flicker and shimmy along the walls and the ceiling as night turned slowly into a new day. What do I tell Ripley? Should I tell Ripley? What if he thinks I encouraged that...beast to...do what he did? Ripley will have me hung, surely! I am...a peasant, why would he believe me! She lifted a hand to wipe away tears that dribbled from the corners of her eyes. I am just a peasant girl and that...that beast must be....Blue eyes widened in realisation. He must be a noble! A visiting noble who is staying here at the castle! Feeling sick to the stomach, Kelsey raced to get up and over to the chamber pot.
Emptying her stomach and knowing she wouldn't be able to sleep if she returned to bed, Kelsey walked across to her window, looking out at the lightening sky. She wondered if any damage had been done to her. She felt so sore. The man had been nothing like Ripley, forcing himself upon her, in her, taking her roughly. The man had been what her mother had warned her about. Oh, Ripley! How I love you even more!
Feeling disgusted and dirty, Kelsey turned from the window and crossed to her water jug and bowl, intent on getting clean.