Fortune at the Fair Tuesday afternoon

[Charles Whitehurst]

Having been roommates, it was easy enough for Charles and Sam to arrange a meeting at the Carnival this day.  The carnival had been setting up over the weekend and Monday, so Tuesday seemed a good day to take an initial look.  It was a time when Sam was not on duty and Charles could leave other lieutenants to look after the guarding of the royal quarters.

It was no surprise that he was in uniform, his hat decorated with the long plume associated with the Life Guard.  His sword hung at his side casually as he approached the carnival grounds.  The sun was high in the sky, but obscured by drab overcast skies at the moment.

Wandering among the wagons, Charles attempted to see what might be interesting on display.  He had heard that exotic animals might be present.  He knew a fortune teller would be present.  Typically there might be midgets and other odd persons wandering about.  Perhaps there was a vendor of interesting bits of lore.

He tried not to make a straight line for the fortune teller, preferring instead to be seen to approach it naturally and see if Sam and her sisters might be present.  It seemed a harmless exercise that might be entertaining.  Charles knew he might need to return to escort Susan to the carnival on the next day or two.  In fact, he had that very morning sent a formal letter to Countess Pembroke asking for permission to escort Susan, and her mother or brother, to visit the carnival one day this week.

[Aria]

The carnival was still under construction on Tuesday afternoon, though it was now nearing completion. It was not officially open but anyone was welcome to take a look around, inspiring enthusiasm and excitement. Local men had been hired to help set up the tents, stages, stalls, and the fences that surrounded the areas that would be off-limits to visitors. Others volunteered to work for free admission to the shows. There were no performers to be seen, as they tended to distract the workers and cause accidents.

 

A tall slender woman emerged from the black tent at the back of the field that served as the office of the carnival master. She was wearing a simple blue gown embroidered with pink and yellow flowers. Brilliant green eyes beneath fashionably thin eyebrows were set in a fairly pretty face enhanced with tasteful makeup. Her long, abundant, light brown ringlets bounced against her back.

 

Samantha Gillis was planning to meet Charles today, but she had come for another reason as well. That had now been settled, though she would need to return in a few days, something she could do while with her older sister and her nieces and nephew who lived nearby. As a construction site was no place for children, they weren’t with her, though two of her younger sisters had come along for moral support.  The entire family had traveled to Windsor for the carnival.

 

Said sisters were supposed to be waiting outside for her, but they were nowhere to be found. Teenagers were so easily distracted. Cecily and Alice had likely wandered off and could be on the other side of the field for all Sam knew. She wasn’t really worried about them. Like all the Gillis girls, they had been taught to defend themselves by their brothers.

 

Ignoring the appreciative gazes that the workers gave her, she kept an eye out for her sisters as she slowly walked toward the blue tent with the sparkling stars that must belong to the fortune teller. If the girls didn’t show up soon, she would be meeting Charles on her own.

 

Sam was more nervous now than on the day she had first posed as a boy to join the military. Part of her wanted to flee, but part of her wanted Charles to see her dressed as a woman. She was excited and yet she was scared. This meeting could ruin their friendship or make it stronger. It was possible that he would no longer be able to see her as a soldier and have her transferred or dismissed. Or perhaps he would not be able to see the woman behind the soldier. Or maybe, just maybe ....

 

A flash of red caught her eye and her heart pounded loudly in her chest. There he was, wandering toward the tent from the opposite direction. Had he seen her? Should she approach him? The latter was impossible at the moment because her feet seemed frozen in place.

 

[Charles Whitehurst]

The blue tent with stars seemed the right destination for Charles.  Surely the fortune teller would be found near there.  The carnival was nearly ready to open.  Perhaps they should have waited one day further.

As he approached the tent, he looked for a tall thin woman dressed in blue, likely accompanied by a sister or two.  Charles was less nervous about the encounter.  In his pacings around the castle he had convinced himself that this was like a theater.  Surely Darlene would have enjoyed a plan like this -- two intimate friends pretending to not know each other.  Darlene had a knack for drama. 

was sleeping in the same bed with Sam.  They saw each other every day.  So, he told himself to play the role.  Be friendly with Samantha and her family.  Smile and be reassuring.  He needed to make Sam comfortable and happy.  Maybe they would become lovers, or not.  Charles was not as much against it as he first was.  If he did not make love with her, nothing would be the same again.  They would lose their friendship and just become fellow officers, little more.  If they did become lovers, they could have all sorts of fun, get away with it easily, and Charles would not need to seek widows and whores to hold his attention.  He trusted Sam to be reasonable in her expectations.  They could never marry, but they could be great lovers and friends.  Charles did not want to lose Sam.  She was too important to him and he wanted her to be happy.

Standing beside the tent, his gaze looked in the other direction.  In his field of view was a lone woman, dressed in blue with some pink decorations.  Seeing her with a full head of hair caused him to smile.   Acting in a cocky manner, he leaned against the tent post lightly and dared her to approach.  This was going to be entertaining.

 

[Aria]

He had seen her, and he knew that she had seen him. Sam watched as Charles demeanor completely changed. The way he casually leaned against one of the tent posts made him look like a cheeky young man instead of a serious and no-nonsense Life Guard. She felt heat rise in her cheeks when he smiled. For perhaps the first time in her life, she felt shy and unsure of herself.

 

Should she approach? Sam could tell that he was challenging her to do just that. Pretending not to see him, she wandered closer to the tent, unable to resist looking around for her sisters. Ahh, that was the opening she needed. Stopping a couple of workers, she asked if they had seen them. They hadn’t, so she asked a few more. Slowly and steadily, she made her way to the blue tent, continuing to inquire about the missing girls and giving Charles time to observe her.

 

She was so close that he must be able to hear her now. Her voice was higher and softer than it was when she was masquerading as a man and he had heard it before. Noticing him as if for the first time, Sam smiled a bit bashfully.  To her chagrin, she blushed again.  “I’m looking for my sisters, good sir. Have you seen two teenage girls who resemble me?”

[Charles Whitehurst]

For a moment he had forgotten that she was to play the role of a stranger, as opposed to Sam's sister.  So, his smirk disappeared, to be replaced by a serious express.

"I have not encountered any young ladies , Miss."  Her soft, feminine voice almost caused him to smile.  "Would you like assistance in locating them?  Should we move to where you last saw them?" he offered gallantly.  "Or would you prefer to stay here with me to gaze the fairground together to see if they come into view?"

[Aria]

Sam had never looked at Charles objectively before. It had been his personality rather than his appearance that had drawn her to him. He was smart, clever, dutiful, and fair, attributes she had always valued. Now she understood why so many women were attracted to him. He was quite handsome and his uniform added to his allure. Her heart skipped another beat as he spoke to her.

 

“I would appreciate your assistance, if you have the time to help me look for them. They’re probably off exploring.” She sighed. “I suppose staying here would be the best option, though I would much rather walk around and do some exploring of my own while I search for them.”

 

Sam smiled. “My name is Samantha, by the way. Do you work at the palace? I’ve never seen such a fancy uniform before.” How long, she wondered, would Charles be willing to keep up the pretense of pretending they didn't know each other?  If they ran into her sisters, she would have to warn him to play along.  Her parents wanted her to hide her double life from them in case they wanted to follow in her footsteps.  They thought she was a maid in a noble household.

[Charles Whitehurst]

As Sam saw his appearance in a new light, so too was it with Charles.  He found himself examining her hair and her dress, two new features to his experience.

"Samantha, what a lovely name.  I am Charles Whitehurst, Earl of Langdon, and Major in His Majesty's Life Guard, and only too happy to assist a lady in need.  It would be my honor to escort you until we locate your stray siblings."  He was very polite and gallant, as he might be with a new encounter.  It was a gentleman's task to be of assistance to any lady in need after all.

Sam continued in her role and he played along with practiced ease.  She spoke with a hint of awe about the palace and his uniform.  He gave a soft smile.  "The palace and castle are a special place," he began.  "This is the uniform of the King's personal service.  It is worn by men who would happily give their life to protect the royal family ... and would, without hesitation, give their life to save a fellow officer."  With the last clause, his soft look faded and he gave her a brief serious look in those green eyes, making a pledge that she herself had fulfilled for him in the past.  It was but a moment of seriousness in a few minutes of roleplaying fun.  His smile returned with ease and he looked about the tent with the stars.

"I hear there is a fortune teller.  Maybe we should pay her a visit and she can read the stars and tell us where your sisters are," he joked.  He looked about for the woman or man that was to tell their fortunes.

[Aria]

Sam’s body tingled pleasantly as Charles complemented her rather ordinary name and claimed he would be honored to escort her around the carnival grounds. How charming he was. This was a side of him that she had never seen before, and this encounter was more intriguing than the ones in her frequent dreams of him. She felt like pinching herself to make certain she was actually awake, but she resisted the impulse. He would certainly laugh at her if she had done it.

 

“I am delighted to meet you, my lord.” She curtsied gracefully. Her parents had taught their twelve children proper manners and had made them practice diligently. It was strange how easily she found acting like a woman after several years of living as a man. Maybe it had something to do with her feelings for her gallant companion.

 

His smile sent a little thrill down her spine. Charles explained his position proudly and she understood the serious look he gave her and the meaning behind his words as he looked deeply into her eyes. They already shared a bond that went far beyond a lover’s connection, and Same knew that he was as willing to give his life for her as she was for him.

 

“I certainly hope it never comes to that,” she replied, still holding his gaze for a moment. Sam returned his smile as their game continued. “You have actually met the King? I have never seen him before. I wonder if he will visit the carnival.”

 

Charles suggested that they visit the fortune teller. “I think we have to wait for tomorrow for that.” The tent flap was open but no sound could be heard within. “Though I suppose we could take a peek inside, if you wish.” Sam was more interested in taking a walk with him. Maybe her sisters wouldn’t be found for awhile.

[Charles Whitehurst]

"I have met the King many times," Charles boasted in response.  Sam was clearly enjoying the game, so he was happy to continue.  He had played various games with his lady friends over time.  "I think he might attend," he replied, though likely surrounded by his gentlemen and guard.  I suppose," he added in a more quiet voice, "that he could arrive in disguise."  That seemed more likely for the Merry Monarch.

It seemed that she wanted to go in search of her sisters.  He had wondered whether the sisters were even present, or they were intended as an excuse to get them to walk away together to be alone.  As for the fortune teller, Charles had wanted to offer a bribe in advance of his visit with Susan on Thursday -- a spot of gold for a very glowing report about their happiness together.  Yet, he supposed he could return later.  After a peek inside the tent, his smile returned and he offered to join Sam in the search for her sisters.

"I have some experience in search for missing people," he offered lightly to keep the conversation flowing.  Together, they had searched for various villains.  He found himself looking at her face, enjoying the novelty of seeing cosmetics employed on a face more typically hardened and covered with dirt or sweat.  Her voice also was soft and gentle, far different than his typical experience with his fellow soldier.  The novelty of it had him watching her a bit too much as they made small talk, waiting for her to recognize her sisters. 

[Aria]

“He sneaks around in disguise? How exciting! I think I will spend time here every day and try to spot him, though I wouldn’t recognize him even if he was wearing fine clothes and a crown.” Sam knew exactly what the King looked like, even in disguise, but most commoners, including her own family, had never seen him, though one of her older brothers claimed he had.

 

“Will you be with him? If I see you, maybe you can point him out to me and then I can ‘accidentally’ run into him.” Her green eyes widened. “Maybe he will even speak to me. My sisters will be so envious.” Sam hoped she wasn’t overdoing it, but she wanted Charles to know that she was every bit as adventurous as a woman as she was when posing as a man.

 

The tent was dark but a rustling came from within. Two golden eyes with vertically slit pupils appeared through the shadows and solidified into a sleek black cat. It slinked out of the tent, wound around their ankles and disappeared back inside. “Speaking of disguises, maybe that was the fortune teller in the shape of a cat!” Commoners were also superstitious, though Sam herself was not.

 

She had worried that she wouldn’t be able to transition into thinking like a woman instead of a man, but it was surprisingly easy, especially when Charles kept glancing at her. Sam found herself blushing again, like any young woman would while being observed by a handsome man. She was truly enjoying this game of theirs and was glad he had agreed to it.

 

“Then we should be able to find them quickly,” she replied. She smiled, thinking of all the times she had helped him search for criminals, and how she had occasionally coaxed him into changing his mind when he wanted to rush headlong into danger. They were good for each other.

 

“I work as a maid in a noble family,” she told him, hoping Charles would understand that this was what her sisters believed. “My sisters always ask me about court life, but I’m not my mistress’ maidservant so she doesn’t take me with her when she goes to the palace. Don’t be surprised if they bombard you with questions when they find out you’re a lord ... unless you would rather them not know."

 

[Charles Whitehurst]

"The King is a grand monarch and likely to engage with anyone."  The tent was empty except for a black cat, never a lucky omen.

Sam continued to spin her story and seemed to get carried away with her story.  Charles smiled an nodded.  "We shall find them soon."  In a lower voice he said softly "I was thinking that you would be the sister to Sam Gillis, Captain of the Guard, so that I could explain why I was in your company, should anyone ask why I spend time with you."  It would be natural for him to escort a commoner that was the sister of his most trusted officer.  They would assume that things were proper and not that she was a whore.  Why else would he be in the company of a maid to a lady?  Perhaps she only wanted to do this charade once.

[Aria]

He probably thought she was daft, going on and on about working for a noble family, but it was important that Charles understand that her sisters didn’t know about her secret identity. Sam now wished that she had not brought them along with her. As long as they were gallivanting around the carnival grounds, they weren’t giving her any support. Not that she needed it. She still felt a bit awkward showing him this side of herself, but it was exciting as well.

 

Charles brought up the practicalities of him being seen with a commoner. Her heart leapt in her chest when he said he might be asked why he spent time with her in the present tense instead of the past. Did he want to see her again as a woman? Oh, how she hoped that was true!

 

“I was thinking the same thing. Captain Gillis doesn’t talk about himself much, though I think I mentioned that I had a big family. I can be my own twin, as that would explain the similarity of our names. I don’t have to pretend I'm a maid either.”

 

Sam sighed. “My parents didn’t approve of me joining the military as a boy, but I didn’t tell them until after I had done it. They insisted that I make up a plausible story to explain my absence to my siblings. I think they were afraid that one of my sisters might decide to follow in my footsteps and they also wanted to protect me, since one of them might accidentally let something slip.   So I said that I worked as a maid, which is what the younger ones still believe.

 

“Unfortunately, one of my older brothers met a soldier in a tavern who asked if he was related to Sam Gillis,  and it didn’t take long for him to figure it out. He claimed we weren’t related and confronted me the next time I went home. I was quite surprised when he said he admired me for daring to live my life the way I wanted to, despite my gender.

 

“All of my older siblings know now, and so does one of my younger brothers. My youngest brother and four of my sisters still believe I’m a maid. I’ll be glad when they all find out, but that’s going to be a while. Sometimes I worry that one of my unmarried sisters will become interested in a soldier who knows me. I’ll be glad when they go back to the farm when the carnival’s over.”

 

Sam smiled up at Charles. “With you, I can be anything. What would you suggest for my occupation? A seamstress perhaps? An apothecary? An artist? A young widow?”

[Charles Whitehurst]

Charles nodded his understanding as Sam explained who knew what in her family.  "A twin sister," he approved.  "Sounds grand."

As for her younger siblings, he added "I am happy to play along with whatever story you have told them."  There was no reason to reinvent anything.   She asked what profession she should feign.  "I suppose dragon hunter is out," he laughed as he tried to keep things light.  They were there for fun after all.  "You know what the King said," he reminded her.  "I should keep company only with whores or widows.  So, given the two choices ... ."  He found himself laughing again.  "How shall your husband have died?  I think he might have been a soldier, maybe fighting the French?"  He would leave it to her.

"As for your sisters, I shall be delighted to meet them, but I am here to spend time with Sam's twin sister and not his younger sisters."  Time was too short to play nursemaid to teenage girls.  "What is your plan for seeing them safely home?"

[Aria]

Sam was glad she had been able to tell Charles what her siblings believed about her before they ran into two of them. It was also more natural to speak to him as a friend rather than a stranger. There was really no reason to resume their game until her sisters showed up.

 

She chuckled at his first suggestion. “Some of the criminals I’ve hunted could be considered as dangerous as dragons, so it isn’t too far from the truth.”

 

A livelier laugh accompanied his reminder of his conversation with the King. Sam’s heart fluttered again, for the King had told Charles that his lovers should be whores or widows. Was he actually considering becoming romantically involved with her? The thought so thrilled her that she didn’t speak for a couple of seconds.

 

“Poor Gillis would never live it down if the men learned that his twin sister was a whore. I shall be a widow and I like your idea. A former soldier’s wife would be more likely to spend time with a soldier than, say, a merchant’s wife. Perhaps you even knew my husband and my twin asked you to cheer me up by sharing your memories of him.” She grinned up at him. “Perhaps we can invent my history together.”

 

Whenever she was with her family, which was usually the only time she dressed as a woman, she felt more like Samantha than Sam. But as soon as she put her uniform back on, she was a man again. It sometimes seemed odd to her how easily she could transition between genders.

 

Once more her heart leapt when Charles claimed he wanted to spend time with her and not her sisters. “I was going to go with them, unless you would rather me stay. The older sister I told you about doesn’t live far from here and that’s where they’re staying. They will be perfectly fine on their own.” Her voice took on a note of pride. “Gillis girls can take care of themselves.”

 

Sam glanced around her. “In fact, I’m starting to wonder if they left already.” She had been in the carnival master’s tent for quite some time, and they could have become bored and went home. In fact, she hoped they had.

[Charles Whitehurst]

Charles and Sam may have had different expectations for the day.  Sam may have thought to give Charles a look at her in a dress and then retreat with her sisters.  Charles had been thinking that Sam planned to use her sisters as an excuse to meet Charles as a woman and then spend time walking with him like a female friend, trying to seduce him.  He thought she might want to walk with him into the castle and that he would need a ready explanation of who this girl was and why she was acompanying him. It would be interesting to see how things turned out.

"No Gillis girl could ever be a whore," he agreed quietly.  So, she was game to concoct an alternative life.  "What was your husband's name I wonder?  Might Gillis tried to get him into the Life Guard or the the Royal Foot before he died in some gallant storming of a French castle?"  He was merely making suggestions.

When the sisters failed to appear, it was Charles that became worried.  Was it is protective nature?  "We should find your sisters," he said more seriously.  "Just to make sure they are safe."  He waited to see if Sam would dismiss the concern, or share it.  "Then I would be at your disposal Miss, for whatever service you should command me."

[Aria]

Sam would rather this new dynamic between her and Charles evolve naturally than to force it in any way. She wondered if he was enjoying himself as much as she was. It still felt a bit odd to let him see her like this, but she hoped that revealing the other side of herself would strengthen their friendship even if it didn’t lead to an affair. She could hardly believe that she was actually walking beside him as a woman, discussing the details of a new identity that would allow them to spend more time together.

 

“Perhaps, but my dear departed husband wasn’t interested, preferring to fight abroad for England’s interests. He must not be too well-known or other soldiers might wander why they haven’t heard of him. As for names, I will have to think on it. Whatever surname I choose will be my last name as well.” Between the two of them, she was certain that they could come up with a believable story.

 

Charles was adamant that they find her sisters. Sam thought it sweet that he wanted to make sure they were okay and was elated that he put himself at her disposal. “I’ve been looking around for them while we’ve been talking, but I haven’t seen any trace of them. If they went home, we might have to …”

 

A loud masculine ‘Ooof!’ and a roar of pain interrupted her sentence. A very handsome young man came into view from behind a tent, limping and holding a bloody hand to his nose. As he passed them, he muttered under his breath about an ungrateful wench who didn't know what she was missing.

 

Once he was out of earshot, Sam laughed. “I think we found them. All we have to do is follow the trail of blood and we’re quite good at that already. Come on.” She almost reached for his hand. It seemed natural to do so, but she stopped herself just in time. Even if he didn’t mind, it wouldn’t do for her sisters to see her holding hands with a nobleman.

 

There wasn’t much blood to follow but two young female voices coming from behind the same tent told Sam where they were.

 

“He has a really hard nose,” one voice said.

 

“I told you not to trust him,” the other replied, “but you never listen to me.”

 

“What do you know about men? You’re just thirteen.”

 

“More than you, obviously.”

 

Sam chuckled again as she and Charles rounded the corner and came upon them. Alice, the eldest of the two, was absently rubbing one hand with the other. Cecily had a smug look on her face. They both bore a strong resemblance to their older sister and were a bit tall for their ages. Though they had the same long curly light-brown hair, their eyes were not green but hazel, which Charles might notice since they were staring wide-eyed at him.

 

“Who’s your friend, Samantha? Cecily asked.

 

Sam chuckled again. “This kind gentleman offered to help me search for you. His name is Lord Langdon.”

 

Alice curtsied, but Cecily just stared at him until Alice kicked her ankle, provoking a clumsy obeisance accompanied by a muffled ‘ouch.’

 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, my lord,” Alice said, blushing prettily. It was clear that the girls’ parents had taught them good manners. Though they were both bursting with questions, they knew to remain silent until the handsome nobleman in the fancy uniform spoke to them first.

 

[Charles Whitehurst]

"What if your husband went to the Italian States to serve as a mercenary for one of the ..." he was searching for the word.  "Condotierri," he recalled.  Those companies were famous in the Thirty Years War and after.  "That is why no one would know him.  Maybe a common last name, so no one could place him?" he offered.  That was an exotic story that might be of interest.

Sam did not seem to share his concern for her sisters.  Charles could imagine a scenario were one or more were kidnapped by brigands and Sam would never forgive herself for ignoring the to flirt with him.  His concern soon vanished as the pair went in search of the girls that had punched the bloodied man.

Cicely and Alice came into view.  As they curtsied, Charles took off his cap and offered a bow with a flourish.  "Ladies," he addressed them as if they were of much higher station.  "The honor is mine."  He hoped this day might create a memory that they would carry with them the rest of their lives.  It was not every day that a commoner was flattered by a powerful noble.  "Your sister and I came to protect you from the local ruffians, but I now see that you are quite the fighters." he indulged them with a smile.  "That is the sort of fighting spirit we look for in the King's Guard."  He hoped Sam would enjoy the attempt to suggest strong girls might be just right for the Life Guard.  Maybe they would share a chuckle over it.

"Now that you have dispatched that blackguard, is there a service I might perform for you ladies?"  He was looking at the younger ones wondering what they might say, or whether Sam might interupt with her own narrative.

[Aria]

Sam considered Charles’ idea. “Then he would have to be Italian. That could explain why Gillis’ twin sister has never been seen. I would have lived in Italy with my husband. But then it would be unlikely for you to have met him. I suppose that doesn’t matter, really. Gillis could have asked you to help me adjust to life in England again, since you have more freedom than he does.” She frowned. “No, that story won’t work. If anyone speaks Italian to me or asks me where I lived, they will know that I’m lying. My dear departed husband will have to be English.”

 

They could speak no more about the subject when they encountered her sisters. Charles treated them as if they were fine ladies instead of farm girls, and she noticed that they both stood up a bit straighter. He had definitely impressed them, though she wanted to kick him when he suggested that they might have a future in the Life Guard. That was the very notion that her parents wanted to keep out of their heads. If her mother found out about it, she would seek him out and smack him on the head with her rolling pin.

 

“They take girls?” Cecily asked. “Really?”

 

“Don’t be silly,” Alice replied, cocking her head at Charles. “You were kidding, weren’t you, my lord?”

 

When he asked if he could perform a service for them, Cecily practically jumped up and down. “Can you take us to the palace?”

 

“No, Cecily,” Sam admonished her. “I work for a noblewoman and I’m not even allowed to go there.”

 

“Actually, we were planning to go home,” Alice said.  The carnival had lost its magic for her when the owner's son had propositioned her.  She hoped his nose never healed properly.

 

“Will you come with us?” Cecily asked. “To protect us from ruffians?”

 

Sam wished she had not asked that, knowing that Charles would probably want to make certain that nothing happened to them on the way. He was such a gentleman. It was one of the things she loved about him.

 

[Charles Whitehurst]

I was thinking your husband was English and, in the war, went off to fight France and then became a mercenary once the war ended, sending you a bit of coin when he could, until he died in some heroic assault perhaps?" he offered, to try and explain why Sam would speak no Italian.

The girls were suitably impressed and Charles maintained his charming demeanor.  "No, only men can serve in the military," he confirmed to Cecily.  "But some women can exhibit bravery and a fighting spirit that can be admired," Charles clarified.

Sam was quick to end the girls' hope for a tour of the castle.  That was just as well.  That would be awkward.  Then Cecily asked if he might walk them home.  That little sister seemed charmed by him and Sam would need to be careful with that one in the future.  He glanced at Sam briefly to see if she would object, but she was silent in that moment. 

"It would be my honor to escort you home, though I note you ladies seem gifted when it comes to ruffians.  I shall put it to your sister Samatha." It was a way to duck this request but still appear chivalrous.  "Your sister seems like the type that is quite strong and brave, as well as a natural leader," he flattered with a knowing smile.  "If she thinks my escort would be a needed to frighten off ruffians, I would be honored to comply.  If she would prefer to escort you herself, I know you would be in safe hands."  He then turned to Sam and said softly "and then once her duty was complete ... perhaps we might see each other ... later."  He expected that she might blush, but it was good fun.  Indeed, he planned to meet with her to discuss intimate things back in their room.  This would give her an excuse to leave without causing more of a scene and he could visit the fortune teller on his way back to the castle.

[Aria]

Sam nodded. “That makes sense. He was more fond of adventure than he was of married life. And it also explains why I'm childless.” Most women she knew around her age had several children already.

 

Charles seemed to be enjoying the attention of her sisters and they seemed to be completely fascinated by him. Cecily pouted when he told her that girls couldn't serve in the military but brightened up when he implied that she was brave. “I kicked that stupid man in the leg when he tried to kiss Alice. I would  have punched him if he hadn't run off like a sissy little coward.”

 

Alice was uncharacteristically quiet. In Sam’s opinion, she was the one Charles needed to watch out for. She believed that she was the prettiest of the Gillis girls and was so set on marrying a nobleman that she had turned down several perfectly good suitors. Alice thought she was meant for better things than becoming a farmer’s wife.  Sam had tried to tell her that it was an impossible dream, but she wouldn't listen. She was certain if she became a maid (like she believed Samantha was), a nobleman would notice her and fall madly in love with her.

 

Sam was glad that Charles wasn't adamant about taking them home. Her older sister Margaret would be shocked if a noble showed up at her door and might go into premature labor. Sam really didn’t want to leave him, but his whispered words promised her that he would seek her out later, most likely in the privacy of the room they shared. She did blush, but turned her head so that her sisters couldn’t see the effect he had on her.

 

Alice had seen him speak softly to Samantha and suspected why she had looked away. They did seem a bit too familiar with each other to be strangers. Something was going on, and she was determined to find out what it was.

 

“I am certain that Lord Langdon has more important things to do than protect girls who can look after themselves,” Sam remarked after the flush had faded from her cheeks. “I think we have imposed on him long enough.”

 

She curtsied. “Thank you for helping me search for my sisters, my lord. We will keep you no longer.”

 

[Charles Whitehurst]

As expected, the girls seemed disappointed that he would not be accompanying them home.  He was oblivious to the thought of the quiet pretty one; but then, Charles had a long history of being oblivious to the machinations of females.  As such, he merely smiled upon the girls as if bestowing upon them some welcome attention.

"Now that all will be safe and sound, I shall wish you ladies a good day." He ignored Sam's blushing as it had been the effect of his own bit of fun.  He stood still awaiting for the girls to move away, not knowing whether Sam would come back in female attire or return to the castle to be ready for her duties later that afternoon.  He assumed the latter.

After the departure, Charles moved back to try and find the fortune teller again, to offer him or her a coin in advance of a visit with Susan on the morrow, hopefully.

[Aria]

Cecily’s face fell when Samantha ruined her plans to take the nobleman home with her. Though not yet interested in boys, she wanted to prove that she had met a member of the nobility. All her friends would be so envious of her. Nobody she knew had even seen one. But her sisters could vouch for her if anybody questioned her boast, if Alice could get her head out of the clouds.

 

The sister in question tried not to show her disappointment and bid Lord Langdon a polite farewell. It was just as well that he did not accompany them to Margaret’s humble home and realize that the Gillis family was not rich. Perhaps they would meet again someday. Or, if her suspicions were true and he and Samantha were not strangers, maybe he would not be able to forget her and ask Samantha if he could see her again.

 

Sam, too, said her goodbyes, looking forward to dropping her sisters off and going back to the room she and Charles shared.  She led her sisters toward the gates, resisting the urge to smile at him over her shoulder. Soon, the three young women were out of sight.

 

The fortune teller’s tent was not hard to find. A tall chubby middle-aged woman was directing the workers who were moving furniture into it.  “Hey! Don’t drop that!” she yelled when one of two men carrying a large table stumbled to avoid one of the myriad felines that played in front of the tent. “It already has one dent in it from last time.”

 

“If you call off your stupid cats, we wouldn’t have any trouble,” the man retorted.

 

"They have more of a right to be here than you do."

 

A silver tabby kitten saw Charles and scampered toward him, rubbing against his legs. The woman, still arguing with the workmen, did not notice that she was about to have a visitor.

 

[Charles Whitehurst]

If Alice Gillis thought that Charles would ask to see her again, she might need to wait a lifetime.  Sam was his closest friend.  One did not fool around with sisters of close friends; wives maybe, but not sisters.  After all, Charles had fooled around with Maureen while Martin was away.  Martin was a friend, though not a close one.  He was ignoring Maureen, so Charles felt vindicated in cheering her up.

It was with satisfaction that he saw the three women depart.  It allowed him to find the fortune teller, in advance of his date with Susan.  It was not as if he needed to sway Susan to his side, but it was the fun of playing up their destiny together.

"Good day," Langdon greeted the cat and fortune teller.  "I shall look forward to visiting this tent tomorrow when I am in the company of a young lady," he offered as an observation and explanation of the intrusion.  Yet the opportunity for bribery was placed on the table without having to ask.  If the woman passed on it, perhaps she was more legitimate, but he did not mind if she was not.

[Aria]

The Romani woman turned toward the sound of the cultured voice that addressed her. Another one, she thought as she studied his handsome face and fine uniform. There had been nobles and commoners seeking her out all day hoping that they could bribe her into telling false fortunes. Some, like this young gentleman, wished to impress a sweetheart, but there had been a few whose motives were darker, such as asking her to predict a slow painful death for their enemies. A couple of childless women wanted her to tell their husbands that they would have a child within a year. Some of the requests were quite odd, but she was willing to say whatever they wanted if the price was right.

 

“And what would you like me to tell her?” she asked in a lilting accent that was difficult to place. Both of them knew why he was here and Madame Soraya had never been one to beat around the bush.

[Charles Whitehurst]

Either she was an actual fortune teller or others had similar ideas to his own. It is not uncommon for the young to think their ideas original.

"Ah, I suppose that I am transparent about my thinking," Langdon admitted.  "I will be in the company of a lady tomorrow.  We are already great admirers of each other and a betrothal is in our future. I thought it might please her to hear something grand about her future and ours together.  I suppose no one really seeks to learn something bad in their future.  I thought it would make her happy to hear something extra nice to look forward to."  It was not that he needed this to win Susan's heart, but he thought it icing on the cake.

It dawned on him that the fortune teller might be insulted that someone would attempt to manipulate her readings.  "I do not mean to suggest that you should not tell her or myself what the future truly holds, but I was hoping that you might consider a bit of spice to something so important." he explained.

[Aria]

As Charles explained his situation, the silver tabby started climbing up Madame Soraya’s skirt, which already had quite a few tears in it from sharp little claws. She picked it up and held it in her arms, petting it while it purred in contentment.

 

This young nobleman appeared quite eager to please the young lady he planned to marry. She knew little about marriage customs among the nobility, but she had heard that ladies were not allowed to choose their own husbands. Perhaps his fiancee didn’t feel the same way about him, despite what he had said, and he wanted to impress her.

 

“I always reveal what I see in my cards.” The kitten continued to purr. “If I lie, I will lose my ability to see into the future and that is something I will never risk. However, I can embellish my readings as long as it doesn’t contradict the truth.”

[Charles Whitehurst]

Charles was a man who believed in the supernatural.  As such, he did not question the validity of her "gift."  A more jaded person would wonder why someone who could see the future did not have immense wealth in their own right.  "I understand," he replied.  "A bit of sugar then would be appreciated."

"I was thinking of getting a reading tomorrow with the lady, but if it is dark, I would not want you compelled to say something bad about my future.  I am a soldier after all, and I may fall in battle," he went on to explain.  "I know you do not open until tomorrow, but perhaps you could take a peek today?" he hoped.  "Just in case it is bad.  Maybe I can pay you triple today and then I do not need to reward you tomorrow when you read her cards?"  

[Aria]

This young gentleman was a true believer. When she had first began practicing her craft, most people were but it seemed as if more and more thought that Madame Soraya was a fraud. Like her grandmother and mother before her, she was certain that she could read the future in her cards, and many of her predictions had come true. Others had not. One’s destiny was constantly being changed by one’s own actions and the world around one. What the Romani woman saw tomorrow might be different from what she saw today.

 

“Is there anything in particular you would like your young lady to know? It is best to give me something to work with. My cards cannot tell me specific details about a person’s personality or what they like or dislike.”

 

As for telling his fortune now: “My tent is just being set up. I carry my cards with me, of course, so it is possible, but I would need a private and quiet place to give you a proper reading. The carnival’s owner will probably let me use his tent, but he will charge me for it. It will cost you quadruple for your fortune today and double for your fiancee's tomorrow.”

 

Noblemen had deep pockets. The price she had named would most likely be nothing to him.

[Charles Whitehurst]

The Earl of Langdon was not like most nobles.  He had begun his majority impoverished.  His salary in the Life Guard was enough to keep a thrifty gentleman comfortable and his rents in Cornwall gave him enough money to keep a nice home well-staffed.  His marriage to Jeanne had brought him sufficient wealth to afford his regiment, which attempted to fund itself with protection contributions.  Still, at heart, Charles was a frugal man.  He needed the honor that would come from marrying into a good family, but also needed the money.

The idea of paying quadruple caused him to pause.  "I will pay for the lady today.  You can say that there is no charge tomorrow because I am the King's soldier, or whatever you wish."  He did not want Susan and her mother to suspect that he had planted the predictions in advance.  It would be more fun to make it seem natural.

As for what to tell Susan, "we already expect to be a happy couple, so I should think any cards that show a strong family with many strong children would be the greatest emphasis,"  The Whitehurst family had but one generation of nobility, and the renown was limited to soldiering and horse racing.  The Herbert line, in contrast, went far back.  "I shall wait then for my own fortune at a later date, perhaps with the lady."  He did not wish to make it an issue of money.

[Aria]

Lower class commoners tended to believe that all nobles were obscenely rich. This was the view held by Madame Soraya, who had often been paid handsomely even by wealthy merchants. She had not expected that this young gentleman would decline her offer. Maybe he was a tightwad. If so, his young lady would be disappointed no matter what was predicted for her future. It never occurred to the Romani woman that nobles struggled with money problems like everyone else.

 

Still, double her usual fee was nothing to sneeze at and she would rather not do a reading until her tent was ready. She nodded when Charles told her what he wanted her to tell his fiancee. “That is easy enough as long as it does not conflict with what my cards reveal.”

 

She frowned at the way he wished to pay her. “If I don’t charge you tomorrow, your lady may become suspicious. I suggest that you pay me half today and give the regular fee to my assistant before you enter, as well as your own if you want your fortune told with hers.”