Assignation, Privy Garden, Thursdsay between 1 and 2- Xmas 1677

[Davina Wellsley]

She gave a sigh at the mention of going there but knew it was unavoidable.

 

"I am giving the Duchess needlework - its a very 'fitting' theme and I think she will understand its meaning - and what you have choosen for the Duke is good. I hope he appreciates the effort it must have taken."

 

"Tell me have you not planned out a day and then, by some unknown thing, it falls apart? Tis exactly the same in this instance with Norfolk. What was discussed may or may not be viable after some time pases. This verbal exchange is just that and if He were intent upon your tieing with one of his daughters then don't you think he'd have already drawn up a contract?"

 

"Are you so willing then to hand over your Soul to him? So eager to take up all of his causes and beliefs - for once you take his hand that will be your fate. Everyone will see that you are his shadow and than what you do or think is not your own but His. You will be no better than a puppet."

 

"You 'agreeing' is not the same as your Word. That is Honor bound. Norfolk, by the sheer voice of his Lady, will abandon your tie just as he will mine to George. Besides which He knows that I am more valuable here at Court and my marriage advantageous whilst George is too tied to the strings of his Mother."

 

"Ease your mind and calm yourself brother. There are but a few days left of twelve and the New Year beckons swiftly. Let us make merry and enjoy it! We have committed no crime done no wrongs so let us both be resolute."

[Blackguard]

Somehow, Richard doubted that mere needlepoint would mollify the Duchess of Norfolk, yet he was not eager to authorize a grand expenditure otherwise. As such, he held his tongue.

 

More troubling was the continued attack upon the scion of their family. "Sister, why do you hate Norfolk so much? When you speak of me seeking another patron, you make it seem that I am gaining my independence thereby. When I speak of Norfolk, you tell me that I will lose my soul. You are trying to sway me against him. He is the only one to show me kindness. He knows what it is like to be a Catholic in England. He can help us overcome it. I want to know why you dislike him and promote anyone but him. Is it because you are at war with his wife?"

[Davina Wellsley]

"At War? Don't be foolish. Her Grace has swallowed unbridge because I am not malleable as she would want it to be for her precious son. And that is reason why You must allow her to do your work for you. She will ensure that the Duke comes round and will also make it clear that we are nothing more but kin. She will not want a tie any closer. Must I keep repeating this?"

 

"Tis because I hear and see things that ..." She broke off and did a quick glance about their area her voice lowering as she resumed. " That most do not. I suppose I do - fear him I mean. It would be foolish to imagine that there is true sentiment in him for anyone but his own immediate family. I do not have reasons more to give you than what I have already done."

 

"I understand Duty to Norfolk and that is as it should be but You are Head of this Household Richard not the Duke.Tis your actions - both in word and deed - that reflect on us and tis how All see it as well. Align yourself with Norfolk entirely means that you will be but a figurehead and have no free thoughts to persue what tis important to you. Norfolk will issue a decree and you will be its mouth and the fact that you do not agree or find it distasteful matters not at all."

 

"I speak of Politics brother and what ere your own stance for things now or yet to come they will be His. And at first sign of rebellion or disagreement you will be cast adrift and then what will we do?"

 

She gave a sign in some frustration.

 

"I say these things because I have Ambitions of mine own and I know tis the same for you. We are tied to Norfolk but why go further? I see clear how others' may be useful to me so how does that escape you - we are no different. Both desireous to better our Name and acquire reconigation. When you have a son there must be enough to pass on and as we know all too well one mistake or even two can lead to ruin."

 

A sudden thought came so abrupty that she drew a breath her eyes searching for his.

 

"Or am I wrong? Does the fire of Ambition burn so bright in you that the idea of joining hands with Norfolk surpasses all else? That you are so willing to sacrifice not just me and the boys but our Lady Mother - for all her faults - to bask in his Golden Light?"

 

She gave a small shake of her dark head as if the very idea of such a thing was impossible.

 

"Say it True - you plan even after all of this now - to go to the Duke and on bended knee pledge yourself don't you. Then you have played me as well. I will speak no more of this subject and when that time comes and I see you wear a badge hidden from view that says you are His that will be answer enough. There is nothing I can do but to follow as must we all the path you then take. I pray to God it will not lead to more than you are capable of giving."

 

She looked away from him straightening herself in the chair bending her neck a little from side to side making it clear that she would take her leave.

[Blackguard]

It was a dark picture Davina painted for her brother, full of dangers and betrayal. It was completely foreign to his own experience with Norfolk, who seemed as friendly as any had been. There was little use debating with his sister about the Duke. Her feelings were strongly held and it was hard to change a woman's mind when emotion seeped into her judgment.

 

"I had thought an alliance with Norfolk was only natural and advantageous for the family. After your words of caution, I shall think further on it." It would purchase some time for him to try and see if Davina spoke true of the Duke, or whether some other high noble might offer something better.

 

"You say you see things and have your own ambitions. So, who do you think I should ally with, it not for Norfolk?" Had someone already done to her what she had accused had been done to him?

[Davina Wellsley]

"I have not said for you to Abandon Norfolk entirely - even I know that is foolish - yet there is nothing wrong in putting distance into play bewteen Him and You. He Heads the Howard's after all and we are kin so needs must skip to the tune but play your own piper Richard and set the tune for those that depend upon you."

 

"My 'position' allows for many things and so yes I am privy to much yet can not speak with freedoms on many. This Norfolk Duke is like the others' before him each scheming to feather the nest further and add gains and glory but what ere means necessary. It is true that Norfolk can and might aid your climb but the leash will be tight. I will not repeat but you must follow your own conscience."

 

"Now that is a good question - just who would be the best to seek out here at Court? I have no correct answer but we have to consider all the factions at play. Hawk or Dove? You will have to pick a side either way no matter the Sponsor."

 

She gave a sigh

 

"But this conversation on Politics can wait till after the New Year. Nothing will be done at least Pubically over the nest week or so and Parilement is to meet the end of January unless the King says otherwise. That gives Time. Do not rush head-long into holding a hand no matter how sweet the enticement might be."

 

"Now. Will you see me safe back to the Queen's Apartments? Let us part on terms of affection and look ahead to the Festivities of the night ahead. Please."

 

She stood and went to his side her hand going to his arm and offered up a small smile harking back to childhood hoping that would work and they would have calm between them.

[Blackguard]

Easier said than done. Just how was Richard to play his own pipes? He was uncertain, though nothing was communicated to his sister on that score.

 

Davina offered no specific insight, choosing to question him one minute and then defer to him in the next. "And, pray, which duke is not scheming to feather their nest? Would I want to ally with such pitiful creature if one existed?" It was as close to humor as Richard got with political speech.

 

His sister wished an escort back to the Queen's Chambers. Richard supposed he could accommodate that. "Very well. Let us talk of politics after the new year," he agreed, if nothing else to avoid the angst he was feeling.

 

His arm was offered and they began their walk back to the royal apartments. Richard did not wish to keep speaking about court politics, so he kept quiet as they walked. If there was a more enjoyable topic, he would engage in it, but otherwise was pondering the rest of the season in his mind as they walked.

 

~finis?

[Davina Wellsley]

"I do not have the answer to that Richard. There are not that many Duke's as you know and yet I am certain that another besides Norfolk might well be able to offer something."

 

She answered him as they slowly walked side by side her arm thru his.

 

"True enough! I think me that ALL here in this place are that way and even the two of us to some extent plot and scheme. Yet we do not seek to cause harm intentionally and I for one have no desire to see hurts made. Which is why I want you to think hard upon your wish to go to his side without question."

 

She sensed that he wanted to hear nothing more and so she did just that every now and then her shoe kicking out the hem of her hunts as she walked giving her brother a playful nudge then began to hum some unknown melody content that they were in companionable agreement.

 

 

~fins