Calling on Melville | Afternoon, Saturday 24th September 1678

[Douglas FitzJames]

The girls had mentioned that Melville seemed to have been given the room that Catriona had been assigned at Windsor, so Douglas had some idea of where to find him. It wasn't too long before the masque and the big man was being trailed by Aed who was carrying a bundle in a sack. He would find somewhere in the castle to change. For now though he wore a grey-blue ensemble with embroidery in black, grey and striking cobalt blue that matched his eyes, in an interlacing pattern reminiscent of Celtic knotwork. He'd actually spent most of the day in it, rather than his Life Guard's uniform; something of a record. 

Douglas himself carried a box from the pastry shop; along with sweets they did a wonderful pork pies and even a 'mini wellington' of tasty minced sausage meat wrapped in flakey pastry. He'd brought one of each for the men to snack on. "This shuid be't."* Douglas observed to his man as they reached the relevant door. Knowing his master Aed just watched as Douglas rapped on the wood with his own knuckled. The man was from the Outer Hebrides and spoke a northern Gaelic as a first language. His Scots accent was worse than his master's; it was part of why Dundarg liked him. 

Subtitles
* "This should be it."

[Duncan Melville]

After the rapping sound, muffled voices could be heard inside. Only two words could be understood, though: William and door. Moments later, an impassible William MacAulay, Duncan’s valet, opened the door just a crack. “Yes?” He immediately identified Douglas, though, so he turned around and announced: “Baron Dundarg calling, my lord”.

”Show him in, William”, the Lowlander instructed his manservant, “I am certain we can trust the discretion of a Captain of the Life Guard, especially an officer of the Fourth Troop”. The Fourth was, of course, the Scottish troop of the Life Guards. The servant assented with his head and, without a word, opened the door fully and let the guest and his servant in. The room was getting crowded with the four men inside.

Duncan had been caught in the process of dressing for the masque. He was half-dressed still, with white cotton shirt and trousers, and brown leather knee-high soft boots. As his friend entered he was affixing dirks of various sizes under his left armpit, inside his right boot, and the left side of his waist. On his bed was a bundled white woolen tunic with some sort of red symbol, a kite shield with a red cross painted on a white background, a spiked one-headed flail, a broad leather girdle, and a great helm.

”You caught me trying my costume on, Dundarg. You see before you Sir Duncanus de Maleulle, Noble Knight of the Order of the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon…“ The Viscount made a deep bow, perhaps appropriate at the time of the Crusades. “… at your service”, he finished with a glint in his eye.

”William!” Duncan called the attention of his valet. “Serve our guest some mulled wine, as well as some for myself. We can take a break from dressing up, I think”. After you have pouired for us, pour some for Baron Dundarg’s man and for yourself and the two of you can guard the door…” which meant giving the two Scottish officers some privacy so they could talk without being overheard.

Happy after making sure that his dirks were firmly in place, the Viscount turned to his guest. “It is good to see you, my friend. There is much to talk about. But first, how is that half-score of sisters of yours?” Although the number was said in jest, family was important. You always asked about family first. Then you talked business.

[Douglas FitzJames]

The familiar face of William MacAulay appeared at the door, so at least they had the right room. Furthermore the man recognised him and at his announcement Duncan's voice came from further inside, summoning him in. "Ye kin trust me tae keep yer secrets an' drink yer whiskey.* Dundarg quipped dryly as he and his man made their way inside, wondering what exactly it was that Duncan was trusting him with. Normally the expression was said the other way around. 

Once inside it became plain what he was being trusted with; Duncan was half dressed. Douglas assessed the preparations critically out of habit. "Weel, ye need a few more dirks tae be gie'en as my sister." He drawled as Duncan explained his outfit. "Weel met, Sir Duncanus. Rairdy tae deliver the Holy Land frae th'infidels I see."** He replied, sketching a slight bow in turn. All in good fun. He was pleased to see that Duncan was planning to attend. 

Duncan gave brisk orders to his man to serve the mulled wine and then the two valets could relax outside whilst the erstwhile comrades talked. "Aed, leave that sack here laddie." Douglas said to his own man. "Haps Sir Duncanus de Maleulle wuid be kind enou' tae alloo me tae use his chambers tae change as weel?" He suggested in Duncan's direction. Douglas hadn't wanted to ride through Winsdor in his costume and Duncan's room was a better place to change than somewhere like the Life Guard barracks. "An' William, d'ye happen tae hae a plate?"*** One did not order another's man around, but one might ask. Aed MacAlpin did as directed and soon the two men were alone. Douglas put the savoury pastries on the plate and drew a very fine and no doubt familiar dirk from his belt to cut them into portions.

Cleaning the dirk fastidiously before sliding it back into it's sheath, Douglas selected a piece of the pork pie and settled into a spare chair with that and his mulled wine, looking comfortable in that boneless way that cats had; odd in such a big man. "Tis guid tae see ye too, Major." Douglas replied, using the rank as a term of endearment. He was glad that Duncan immediately asked after the girls; they needed to talk about one girl in particular and that was one of the main reasons Douglas was here. Apart from checking on his brother, of course. "The wee-uns are weel." He began. "Ach, I need tae stop cawin' thaim that; they arenae sae wee onymore." Shona was rapidly turning into a young woman. "Shona an' Aileen are weel, if haps a wee bit bored, thou' Shona is happy tae stay home an' read. Aileen cammed in frae the garden wi' an injured bird yesterdae."+ Which Duncan would know was situation normal in the Alyth household.

"Cat's still under the weather unfortunately." Douglas wasn't sure whether she had an ague or if she'd come across a piece of onion in some food up at the castle. The seemingly innocuous vegetables were poor Catriona's bane. "Nessie's cute as allus but becomin' a real terror. I cannae gie onywhaur in th'hoose wi'oot her attached tae my leg, an' cacklin'." There was no such thing as an innocuous MacBain; the family specialised in big personalities. "An' Fiona's still restin' mostly." When she wasn't busy shaggin'. "The puir girl haed a shock." He acknowledged. "Tis her I wanted tae talk tae ye aboot."++ Douglas admitted, though at least some of it was good news. 

Subtitles
* "You can trust me to keep your secrets and drink your whiskey."
** "Well, you need a few more dirks to be going as my sister. Well met Sir Duncanus. Ready to deliver the Holy Land from the infidels I see."
*** "Aed, leave that sack here man. Perhaps Sir Duncanus de Maleulle would be kind enough to allow me to use his chambers to change as well? And William, do you happen to have a plate?"
+ "It's good to see you too, Major. The little ones are well. Ah, I need to stop calling them that; they aren't so little any more. Shona and Aileen are well, if perhaps a little bit bored, though Shona is happy to stay home and read. Aileen came in from the garden with an injured bird yesterday."
++ "Cat's still under the weather unfortunately. Nessie's cute as always but becoming a real terror. I can't go anywhere in the house without her attached to my leg, and cackling. And Fiona's still resting, mostly. The poor girl had a shock. It's her I wanted to talk to you about."
 

[Duncan Melville]

"Of course you can change here. No way I will expose noble maidens to your nakedness as you change in the corridor outside", Duncan said with a mischievous grin. "Prince Rupert would never forgive me!" His mood seemed to be improving, and his gauntness was slowly receding. Time spent at court might be working some sort of magic.

As Douglas used his gifted dirk to cut the pork pie and the sausage pastries down to manageable-sized pieces, the Lowlander suddenly realized that he was hungry. "What kind of craft did the wise ones taught you in the Highlands? How would you otherwise know that I am famished? You were bred by a bane-sidhe, I say!" It was all said in jest, of course. He grabbed a chunk of whatever was the closest and bit into it with gusto, a little meat juice escaping his mouth and slowly dripping towards his chin. "These are good, my friend. Verra guyd", the Viscount said contentedly.

"I am happy that the wee ones are well. Not so about Cat being under the weather. As someone who has been unwell often, I know how powerless, and thus irked, one feels". He knew very well what he was talking about, and thus could empathize. "Fiona? Is she all right?" Duncan's mirth evaporated slightly.

[Douglas FitzJames]

"Aye, I wuidnae want tae be mobbed by yoong lassies," Douglas agreed airily on the subject of changing in the corridor, a total lie of course, "they micht damage my costume!"* Duncan's grin was good to see; his old friend seemed to be improving. Coming to court instead of moping around his pile seemed to have done him the world of good. 

The big Highlander chuckled as Duncan demanded to know how Douglas had known he was hungry. "Ach weel, ye ken my mither was Queen o' the Sidhe." He said with a grin. "Sae I mun be a wee bit fey."** He added with a wink. It was an old lie and one that Duncan must have heard a thousand times, particularly during their time in the Regiment. He'd also been told the truth - what little Douglas knew - about Mairi Whyte, but Douglas's automatic response to enquiries about his maternal parentage was to claim to be faerie-bred. He grinned as Duncan started stuffing his face, and with drinks and snacks in hand the two took their ease.

He didn't doubt that Cat was right pissed to be still under the weather, but there was nothing he could do about it other than to try to keep the girls occupied for her. And one girl in particular. "Fiona's fine." Douglas assured Duncan as the man asked after her, suddenly serious. "Better thain fine. I do believe I hae solved the problem o' her attacker; thair weel be nae repeats."*** There had best not be; he knew exactly where to make enquiries if there were. 

However the solving of that problem had raised others of a sort. "But as I'm sure ye kin imagine, that leaves thin's a wee bit complicated." Douglas began, not mentioned in what way things were complicated. "I cannae thank ye enou' fer yer kind offer tae tak Fiona tae Melville Castle, but I hae decided tae tak her wi' me tae Aberdeen, an thain on tae Lochend." Which was up near Inverness. "Tis time she learned hou tae manage her estate."+ He declared. And kept out of the public eye for a bit. 

Subtitles
* "Yes, I wouldn't want to be mobbed by young ladies. They might damage my costume!"
** "Ah well, you know my mother was Queen of the Faeries. So I must be a little bit fey."
*** "Fiona's fine. Better than fine. I do believe I have solved the problem of her attacker; there will be no repeats."
+ "But as I'm sure you can imagine, that leaves things a little bit complicated. I can't thank you enough for your kind offer to take Fiona to Melville Castle, but I have decided to take her with me to Aberdeen, and then on to Lochend. It's time she learned how to manage her estate."

[Duncan Melville]

It was good to chat with the fellow Scot. The sassenach just did not understand certain things, because they had not inherited the enormous historical baggage that Scots, and up to a point the Irish, had on their shoulders.

"You solved Fiona's problem? Good!" Not only for Fiona's sake, but also for  Douglas' self-respect. "As for her not staying at Melville Castle, no offense taken. You do whatever you think best for her". The Lowlander did not want to cast an unnecessary shadow over his friend. "And I agree, she needs to learn where the monies she spends comes from". If Fiona came to understand her income, she would hopefully learn not overspend. The idea had great merit.

After sipping of his mulled wine, Duncan grabbed a second piece of pie.

"I have good news for you about Sir Cedric. I had a good, long talk with him. But before we talk about that..." a pause to take a bite. "... before we talk about that, may I ask how you solved Fiona's problems?"

[Douglas FitzJames]

The honest truth about the food was that Douglas, with his long, lanky build and the Devil's own metabolism, was perpetually hungry. If he brought food then there was something for him to eat, and with any luck Melville would eat too. Which he was, with enthusiasm. It warmed Douglas's heart to see his brother on the mend. Duncan, a fellow Scot even if a Lowlander, was someone whom Douglas could relax around. They'd been through war together and there was a deep trust between them that Douglas valued more anything bar his sisters. 

He was pleased to be able to bring Duncan the good news about Fiona, and doubly so that Melville did not take offence. Fiona had mentioned that he knew she was pregnant, so no doubt Duncan understood why Douglas wanted to take her up to the Highlands of Scotland. If it were any random pregnancy then Melville castle and the Dowager Viscountess would probably have been a safer bet, but given the circumstances Douglas wanted to keep a closer eye on her. Depending on what her 'patron' did, she might need to come to court next season, when things would become more obvious. Or she might need to hide away. He wanted the flexibility to facilitate both. But the simple fact that Duncan would offer his own home to hide the family's shame meant a lot to Douglas. It was just that things were going in a different direction. 

"Either wa', she'll be oot o' Cat's hair, which I think weel do Cat guid."* Douglas opined. One less sister to worry about and Catriona could focus on Shona's debut without Fiona overshadowing the preparations. 

Choose a piece of the rolled sausage for his next snack, Douglas had his mouth full when Duncan spoke. Whether or not that was a good thing was hard to know, but it meant that Duncan only received a raised eyebrow and pastry-filled cough in response to his declaration that he had good news about Sir Cedric. Douglas had literally only spoken to Ellen hours before; surely there hadn't been enough time for her to speak to her father and Cedric to speak to Duncan. Had there? He must be barking up the wrong tree. Maybe Sir Cedric wanted to import Dundarg seal skins or something?

Before Douglas could swallow his mouthful and ask, Duncan enquired as to how he'd solved Fiona's stalker problem. That at least he could answer. Washing the suddenly dry mouthful down with some of the mulled wine, Douglas pondered exactly how much to tell Duncan. Well, he would have to feel his way through the conversation.

"Ye ken I trust ye wi' my life." Douglas began, heavy words. "I need yer word that nocht o' whit I say weel pass yer lips."** He said gravely. They did not need all of court knowing before Fiona's patron was ready to reveal herself. That Langdon knew as much as he did was bad enough. 

Subtitles
* "Either way, she'll be out of Cat's hair, which I think will do Cat good."
** "You know I trust you with my life. I need your word that nothing of what I say will pass your lips."

 

[Duncan Melville]

As Douglas’ tone changed, Duncan paused. Has he found the stalker and killed him? Was it a nobleman, and thus the need for secrecy? “You have my word, Dundarg. Is there need to dispose of a body?” The Viscount asked seriously.

His hunger forgotten for a moment, the Lowlander walked to a small chest, opened it, and got a bottle of uisgee and two more glasses. He moved back towards the table, placed the glasses on it, and poured a measure of the drink on each. Something told Duncan that there would be need of it.

[Douglas FitzJames]

Duncan didn't hesitate in giving his word, and the fact that his first question was whether Douglas needed assistance in disposing of a body spoke volumes about the bond between the two men. But Douglas shook his head. "Thank ye Melville, an' nae, the stalker ye lives," he replied, then added thoughtfully, "er at least, isnae deed by my hand."* Would he? It would suit his purpose...

Drawing a deep breath in through his nose, Dundarg opened his mouth to begin the tale, mentally surveyed the facts, and closed it again. How to being? This was going to be difficult however he approached it. The big man sighed. "Thairs nae guid place tae start." He muttered, half to himself. Perhaps best to start with the stalker. "Do ye remember hou I sayed nae tae rule oot a wuman?" He asked, thinking back to their conversation in the Hen's Toes where Duncan had told Douglas about the attack. "Weel I'm sad tae sae I was richt."** He revealed, taking a mouthful of wine to wet his throat. 

But that wasn't a criticism of Melville. "Th'ainly reason I figured it oot is because Fiona teltit me ocht she wuidnae tell onybody else." He explained. This was going to be the fun part. He leaned forward and laced his fingers together around his wine glass. "I haed thocht afore noo that Fiona wuid mak a better mistress thain a wife, but I cuidnae say ocht acause I kent Catriona wuid ne'er approve, an' neither wuid ye." Both of which were important to him, Melville perhaps even more than his sister. He was a proper fellow and, after doing what she had to do Cat seemed to be trying to be as well. "But t'seems Fiona haed the same thocht; she'd kept frae aw o' us that she's foond hersel' a poowerfu' man tae be mistress tae; the stalker was his wife."*** That fact, right there, had been the key to the puzzle lock. Without it they'd all been thrashing around blindly and she'd happened to hand it to Douglas. 

A key which also answered questions as to her baby's father, and why Douglas wanted her with him over the recess. 

Subtitles
* "Thank you Melville, and no, the stalker yet lives, or at least, isn't dead by my hand."
** "There's no good place to start. Do you remember how I said not to rule out a woman? Well I'm sad to say I was richt."
*** "The only reason I figured it out is because Fiona told me something she wouldn't tell anybody else. I had thought before now that Fiona would make a better mistress than a wife, but I couldn't say anything because I knew Catriona would never approve, and neither would you. But it seems Fiona had the same thought; she'd kept from all of us that she's found herself a powerful man to be mistress to; the stalker was his wife."

[Duncan Melville]

"I am glad the stalker could be dissuaded without having to be... dealt with finality". Non-violent means were preferable. The King did not like his court to be rocked by violent deaths. There had been far too many attempts at murder in the past, some on the King's life even.

"Oh..."

The Lowlander was a religious man, much more so than his contemporaries. He held himself to a far stricter measure than most others, a few Bishops of the Church of England included. He expected his household to strive for that same measure of self-control too. On one occasion he had hung his then steward for skimming on Lord Melville's tithes to the local church. After that, no one dared lighten the Church's purse.

Yet that did not mean that he was not a realist. Cat, one of his best friends, had become a mistress of the King, and had birthed him a daughter. So, Fiona doing the same was not that unexpected. And she will probably make a better mistress than wife, yes... "So Fi is pregnant with her lover's child, and the man's wife wanted her dead? I guess the man has made sure his wife does not try again?" The Viscount summarized. "Do I want to know who the man is? Or is it better that I do not?" The fewer persons that knew who it was, the better, the Viscount knew. "Do not tell me who it is unless you really think I ought to know. Better that way, I think".\

A pause. A sip of wine. A bit of food. How things can change in just a few minutes.

"In a sense, I am relieved. I would have preferred Fiona to behave herself and meet a proper heir she could marry, of course. But we both know that is not who our Fi is. At least she had the good sense to come under the protection of a powerful man". Duncan was sad. Mistresses not always had good endings, even mistresses of powerful men. But his sadness over the news could easily go unnoticed due to his general gloomy mood. "You will be watching over her, yes?"

The costume was temporarily forgotten.

[Douglas FitzJames]

Douglas was also glad that he hadn't had to kill anyone, though he'd been fully prepared to do it. In a way it felt as though to threat to Fiona hadn't been fully answered; that anyone would even dare felt like it should be met full force, but that was a very Scottish way of thinking. He was learning that one had to at least pretend, down south. 

The big Highlander nodded when Melville summed up the situation, confirming that he had the right idea. "I spoke wi' her... patron; he haes assured me that thair weel be no more attacks." He said gravely. Did Duncan want or need to know who it was? Probably not. Douglas shook his head. "Ye dinnae want tae ken." He said after a moment's thought. Which was difficult; Douglas was torn. He ought to keep it a tight secret, but he also very much wanted to discuss the matter with someone who might understand, and forewarn those close to both himself and Fiona. Perhaps the opportunity would present itself.  "Much as I wuid like tae tell ye. I micht need yer help whin Cat finds oot." He admitted. For now it was secret and should stay so; let the Duke decide when to make it known, if indeed he did. The man wanted a son, Douglas was certain. And his wife had been absent from court this season due to 'poor health'. 

Douglas had a deep suspicion that there might be a wedding in a couple of months. Better that no one else had cause to share his suspicions as to the expediency. 

Thank God Melville took the sudden news in good humour. Douglas had been dreading this particular conversation, though less so than that with Catriona. "I think we aw haed such hopes, but tisnae in her nature." He agreed. So, better that she be under the protection of a powerful man, than a loose canon around court.  "She's chosen weel." He assured the other man. "We jus' need tae let it happen."** He asked, watching Duncan's face. Neither Melville nor Catriona had any love for Lauderdale; it would be interesting indeed when they found out.

"I weel be keepin' a verra close ee on her." He assured Duncan, equally seriously, well aware that mistresses could fall in and out of favour. Now that Lauderdale knew he knew, minding his sister would hopefully prove easier. They just had to pray that the child was a boy. "Tis why I want her wi' me this recess."*** He explained. Also everything he'd said about teaching Fiona to manage her estate was his intention. She might be there for a while. 

Subtitles
* "I spoke with her... patron; he has assured me that there will be no more attacks. You don't want to know. Much as I would like to tell you. I might need your help when Cat find out."
** "I think we all had such hopes but it isn't in her nature. She's chosen well. We just need to let it happen."
*** "I will be keeping a very close eye on her. It's why I want her with me during recess.:

[Duncan Melville]

Duncan nodded. He trusted Douglas' instincts. The Highlander would tell him who it was if there was need for him to know. That was the way it was done in the army, so Duncan had no problem accepting it. "Aye, I may need to block Cat's strides as you run away. She might stab you otherwise", the Viscount said trying to lighten the mood. "I am sure she carries quite a few womanly decorations" he finished, referring to his friend's many hidden blades.

York? Not that Fiona seemed to be the Royal Duke's type, but it could just be. And Dundarg would be looking over her, so there was no need for Lord Melville to worry about things... or so he hoped. You never know when Fiona is involved.

Leaving Fiona aside, Duncan changed to what he hoped would be a happier topic. "I received your note. Thank you for letting me know about your meeting with Elen. You did not need to, but it is appreciated. But I did have a very interesting chat with Sir Cedric this morning at the Toes. To sum it up..." the Lowlander was a soldier, not a political orator, so he liked being as brief as he could. "To sum it up, you can approach him in case you would like to court Elen, and he wants to start trading runs between Scotland and England. I told him you were the man to talk to, as you had an in with Lauderdale. He will remain in Windsor about five days or so before returning to London/ Approach him if either interests you".

There was more to say, but that was what the Viscount considered the most important.

[Douglas FitzJames]

Duncan understood him completely. Catriona was unlikely to be happy when she learned of this turn of evens, and she was guaranteed to be right Royally pissed off when she learned the identify of the patron in question. "An' a few maly anes as weel. She haes been learnin' fencin' frae ane o' her likely lads."* He revealed, meaning her ex-soldiers whom she employed as guards. Her owning and learning to use a sword Douglas had no problem with, but being stabbed with said sword was something that he preferred to avoid. But there was no point in worrying about it too much until it happened. When the time was right Douglas would have that conversation with Catriona; he would do her the courtesy of not accosting her with it whilst she was under the weather, even if it would reduce the probable number of sharp things in range and the ease with which she might give chase. 

It might almost have been better if Fiona had attracted the attention of someone like York. But no, not really. Once that one conversation was had, things would hopefully be sorted. Please don't let it split the family. Dear God, let me talk Cat around. Douglas didn't pray often, but this one might be worth a prayer, in order that he have one. 

Happy to move away from the subject of Fiona for now, Douglas nodded when Duncan thanked him for the note. "I wanted tae be sure I was doin' the richt thin' by the lassie."** He said earnestly. True he possibly should have told her father, but Melville was also family. As it turned out, Melville himself had spoken with Sir Cedric. Douglas sat back as his friend cut straight to the core of the matter. As a fellow soldier Douglas preferred the blunt approach, though he hadn't quite been ready for the revelation in question. Especially so close on his conversation with Ellen. For a moment the big man looked a little stunned. 

"He's changed his mind?" Douglas asked at last, wanting to clarify. Perhaps he'd had no better offers, or perhaps something else had occurred to change it. "Ye ken I wrote tae him tae speir fer Ellen on yer recommendation." He had told Duncan, hadn't he? He must have, he was sure. "An' he refused but offered Natalie in her place." Which Douglas had in turn declined. "At the time I thocht that he didnae favour my request, thou' Ellen hersel' tells me that Natalie is the favourite dochter, sae haps I misinterpreted the offer." He hadn't gone to talk to Sir Cedric about it; probably a mistake. "Regardless, I'm sure she's a lovely lassie but frae whit I hear o' the youngest, we arenae weel suited."*** He said, giving Melville a searching look, silently asking if he agreed with Douglas's assessment. 

"On th'other hand, Ellen an' I seem tae un'erstand each o'er verra weel. I trusted yer recommendation but I'm glad noo I hae met her; she's a verra fine lassie an' we seem much alike." No doubt Melville had seen that. "She micht hae made her father a better son thain a dochter, but tis tae the advantage o' a man wha kin appreciate her expertise." He opined, his enthusiasm obvious. "I speirdit her tae meet wi' me yesterdae tae advise on opening further trade intae Scotland."+ Which he'd mentioned in his letter.

Ellen had wanted to be there to discuss the matter with Melville but Douglas wanted to sound him - and potentially Sir Cedric - out first. "Ellen favoured startin' a new tradin' comp'ny, o'er bein' reliant on her father." He said a little more cautiously. "I think unfortunately she feels a wee bit hard dane by, after all the work she has put into her father's company and household."++ Normally one wouldn't discuss a family's dirty laundry unless one wished to be branded a gossip, but Duncan was part of that family and, if things went well, Douglas might soon be too. He was trying to sound out exactly where things stood, and trusted his friend to be frank with him, if he needed to know. 

Subtitles
* "And a few manly ones as well. She has been learning fencing from one of her likely lads."
** "I wanted to be sure I was doing the right thing by the lady."
*** "He's changed his mind? You know I wrote to him to ask for Ellen on your recommendation. And he refused but offered Natalie in her place. At the time I thought that he didn't favour my request, though Ellen herself tells me that Natalie is the favourite daughter, so perhaps I misinterpreted the offer. Regardless, I'm sure she's a lovely girl but from what I hear of the youngest, we aren't well suited."
+ "On the other hand, Ellen and I seem to understand each other very well. I trusted your recommendation but I'm glad now I have met her; she's a very fine lady and we seem much alike. She might have made her father a better son than a daughter, but that's to the advantage of a man who can appreciate her expertise. I asked her to meet with me yesterday to advise on opening further trade into Scotland."
++ "Ellen favoured starting a new trading company, over being reliant on her father. I think unfortunately she feels a little bit hard done by, after aw the work she has put into both her father's company and household."

[Duncan Melville]

“When he countered offering Natalie, he was offering you the daughter he holds most dear. It was not an insult. He was offering you his heiress”. Duncan left unsaid what Sir Cedric had offered him. The Baronet was a very rich man, greatly respected in the Exchange and merchant circles. As a member of the Exchange himself, Duncan had overheard others talk about Sir Cedric. The one sticking point was the painful “if he had just had a son”. Perhaps Douglas would become what Duncan could not, for the benefit of both?

“I needed to tell him face to face that I will need to marry again. He has treated me like a son, and he deserved to hear it from me. I guess I also needed to voice it”. A pause pregnant with pain. “But we also talked about other things. I vouched for you as a possible suitor for Ellen. He agreed to meet you if you were open to it. And from the tone of your voice, we soon might have a new Baroness Dundarg!” The tone was light. “If it comes to that, no one will be happier than I. You both deserve to be happy and have a dozen wee bairns”. They did. “I am sure the dowry will be more than fair”.

“A new company, you say?” Duncan’s brow furrowed. “On the one hand, a new company might offer greater profit. On the other, Sir Cedric might feel slighted if he finds out. A quandary…” For a moment, the Lowlander fell silent. “If I may make a suggestion, keep Ellen’s participation in the company secret for now. If and when you marry her, it will not matter anymore, but it might right now. Also…” This was a complicated point. “Also, if His Grace Lauderdale wanted a share of your profits, it would be easier to limit his influence to your company”. Horizon Ventures would not have that monster as a partner, even if Duncan had to finance murder to keep it so.

”Ellen is the equal, if not the better, of many men. It is sad that society cannot and will not accept that, but the right man could…” It could never be, of course, that she was accepted as an equal in a man’s world. But if her husband listened to her advice, that husband was bound to prosper.

The Viscount finally remembered his costume. “We better start getting ready. Arriving after the Royal family would a be a slight not easily forgiven”. He started unbundling his faux Templar tunic. It was made of white wool with a red fabric Templar Cross sewn in the front and the back. “I hope this will do”.

[Douglas FitzJames]

Douglas muttered something unprintable in Gaelic when Duncan confirmed that Sir Cedric's offer of Natalie had been no slight, but rather quite the opposite. "Weel, I fucked that up." He muttered, then frowned thoughtfully. "Nae, I didnae. Caw me a fool but I wuid rather hae the smaller doowry an' the wiser wuman."* Many would call him a fool, but Douglas had already shown that achievements could be made, and one did not have to rely entirely on inheritance. He held no doubt that he and Ellen could achieve much together. 

That Duncan had sought out his father-in-law to speak about his need to remarry was only common courtesy, but it left an obvious question in Douglas's mind. "Surely he offered ye tae wed Natalie?" The Highlander asked bluntly. "Ye wuid be verra rich, an' control the comp'ny. Ye cuid fund ony cause ye fancied. Plus ye alrairdy ken the lassie, an' she yer dochter." He pointed out. "Speir me aboot whit happens whin a stepmither doesnae care fer her predecessor's child."** Except Duncan didn't need to, he had heard Douglas complain about Siobhan MacBain all too often in their youth. 

The subject of a new company was received cautiously by Duncan, who warned that Sir Cedric might see it as a slight. "Aye, I hear whit yer sayin'." Douglas acknowledged thoughtfully, rubbing his chin with the faint scratch of his three o'clock shadow. "Thairs twa problems thair. First is that if I work in Scotland fer Horizon Ventures, Ellen weel be stuck in the same position she is noo, an' she really wants tae stretch her wings in tradin'. I'd like tae see her do't." He added. He'd seen how frustrated Ellen was with her current situation, and it was a frustration that Douglas understood all too well. Even if he married into the company, whilst her father lived she would still be fettered. "Second is that I believe Laird Kingston is alsae a sharehaulder in the comp'ny. He an' I dinnae allus see ee tae ee; t'wuid likely be better if we werenae business partners."*** He said carefully. True time seemed to be scabbing over old wounds, they'd had a civil conversation recently, but he wouldn't take that for granted. Kingston had previously shown himself able to hold a grudge as well as any Scotsman. 

"I weel approach Sir Cedric wi' an open mind." He declared at last. "I like Ellen richt weel, I think we're a guid match. I hae other thin's tae discuss wi' him as weel, an' I weel see whit he says aboot tradin' intae Scotland."+ There was no point in making assumptions about Cedric's preferences, he might as well see the man's own thoughts.

"His Grace weel nae doobt be int'rested in such developments." Especially given that Douglas was getting further into the Duke's favour. He didn't doubt that Duncan had seen them speaking during the Yacht Races. "An' as ye say, a separate comp'ny micht mak things easier thair." Something that Sir Cedric might appreciate. Douglas took a deep breath. "I ken ye dinnae favour the Duke - e'en as Catriona doesnae," small understatement there, "but ane thin' I hae learned frae my time at coort is that ye cannae change a system frae th'ootside. My love is fer Scotland, as much as yern. My methods er jus' a bit diff'rent."++ And he hoped that Duncan would trust him, even as Douglas trusted Duncan by saying such things in front of him. 

Taking the Viscount's cue, Douglas upended the sack Aed had been carrying onto the man's bed. "I'm sure yer'll luik grand laddie."+++ He said as he did so. There was a flump of fabric and there were... ribbons, lots of them. In red, white and black. Of the kind of quantities that the highest of nobles might have looped and tied onto their outfits. The main body of the outfit was cream silk brocade - a recycled suit from a previous masque - and out of the pile rolled a brass crown with large hearts enamelled in red on the points, which Douglas caught before it could roll off the bed. 

Subtitles
* "Well, I fucked that up. No, I didn't. Call me a fool but I would rather have the smaller dowry and the wiser woman."
** "Surely he offered you to wed Natalie? You would be very rich, and control the company. You could fund any cause you fancied. Plus you already know the girl, and she your daughter. Ask me about what happens when a stepmother doesn't care for her predecessor's child." 
*** "Yes, I hear what you're saying. There's two problems there. First is that if I work in Scotland for Horizon Ventures, Ellen will be stuck in the same position she is now, and she really wants to stretch her wings in trading. I'd like to see her do it. Second is that I believe Lord Kingston is also a shareholder in the company. He and I don't always see eye to eye; it would likely be better if we weren't business partners."
+ "I will approach Sir Cedric with and open mind. I like Ellen very much, I think we're a good match. I have other things to discuss with him as well, and I will see what he says about trading into Scotland."
++ "His Grace will no doubt be interested in such developments. And as you say, a separate company might make things easier there. I know you don't favour the Duke - even as Catriona doesn't, but one thing I have learned from my time at court is that you can't change a system from the outside. My love is for Scotland, as much as yours. My methods are just a bit different."
+++ "I'm sure you will look grand man."

[Duncan Melville]

"A wise and industrious woman is a treasure according to the Good Book. Ellen is both". Nothing else needed to be said. To Duncan that was the highest of praises.

"Aye, Sir Cedric offered to make me rich beyond the dreams of avarice. It is tempting, I have to admit. But I am wealthy enough already, my friend. Besides, I do not want to control the company. Being a full partner is enough for me. It would take too much of my time to be at the helm. Also, I have met a young lady that has piqued my interest. I do not know yet if something will develop, but I am willing to explore the possibility". He was interested, yes, but a Duke's daughter was not a certainty for a mere Viscount, and a Scottish one at that. "If things advance, the way she treats baby Ellen will be the last test. I will not have a wife that mistreats her in any way". He'd rather face the wrath of the Cavendish clan than see his dear daughter abused. "Any final decision on my part will probably wait for one or two seasons". It was the prudent thing to do.

"Lord Kingston a partner?" Duncan's face drew a surprised look. "Are you sure of that? I have no knowledge of it being so..." Sir Cedric had never mentioned it. "A silent partner perhaps? I think they have done business together in the past, but I do not think they are partners". It could be, though. "If you think a new company is the way to go, may Providence bless the enterprise. Just make sure that everything is written on paper and witnessed. Not because of Sir Cedric, but rather because of a possible third son-in-law". Duncan would not act against Douglas or Ellen, but someone else might. "I guess you would ask for a dowry in sterling then, instead of a share of Horizon Ventures?" Either way, the Viscount would stand by his friend. It was the Scottish way.

Duncan nodded. That Baron Dundarg wanted to negotiate directly with the Baronet was a good sign. He feels like he can accomplish things. Good!

"One cannot change the system from the outside. Truth. I tried in a way, and failed. If we want bonny old Scotland to gain importance, we have to play by Sassenach rules". To Duncan, Lauderdale was no Scot. The man was like any previous English oppressor, perhaps even worse. "Just make sure His Grace does not make you fall in his stead. Adam MacGregor wanted to kill him. I do not. I do not like him, and I do not trust him. On the other hand, I trust you. I just do not want to see you hurt".

Lord Melville looked at the Highlander's costume in bewilderment. "What is that, if I may ask?" As he started putting his Templar tunic on, it caught on one of his heels, and almost made him fall. Douglas would then be able to notice that his friend seemed to be about two inches taller than usual. If he was truly observant, he would see that Duncan's boots had had unusually high heels installed, perhaps as a measure to hide his identity.

"How is Cat, if I may ask? Will she attend the masque?"

[Douglas FitzJames]

Douglas couldn't agree more. Ellen was both wise and industrious and he wanted to see her able to explore her full potential. 

Duncan had at least considered Natalie - no surprise that Sir Cedric had offered her - but Douglas gave a slow, somewhat amused smile when Duncan said that there was a young lady who had already caught his interest. The Highlander knew that song all too well. It was easy to say that one should be logical in such things, but by logic Douglas should seek out Natalie and her large inheritance. To his mind however the appeal of the lady was also important. He had learned the hard way to try not to be swayed entirely by them, but he couldn't ignore whether or not he found a lady personally compatible. In some ways it was heartening to know that Melville thought similarly. "Thain I hope she is aw ye cuid wish fer, an' her family approve." He said instead. Duncan would have to work his own way through that process. Still... "May I ken th'identity o' the lairdy in question?"* He asked diffidently, quite prepared to accept 'no' as an answer. 

Was Kingston a partner? "I thocht sae, but perhaps tis ainly that they hae haed business." He acknowledged. It wasn't as though Douglas was privy to the inner workings of Horizon Ventures and if Duncan didn't think that Kingston was... well, that was one less reason not to ask for a share of the company if his suit for Ellen was accepted. "I wuid hae t'aw dane legally." Douglas assured Duncan. "I hae alrairdy written tae a lawyer fer advice." Which demonstrated how seriously he was taking the situation. "But I weel discuss it wi' Sir Cedric. He weel ken th'options an' micht haps hae ano'er idea. I wuid be open tae his advice."** Douglas wasn't so cocky as to imagine that he would know better than someone who'd been in the business all his life. 

"As fer the doowry," the Highlander shrugged, "that wuid depend first on my suit bein' accepted, an' thain on hou we decide tae structure tradin' north." So it wasn't a simple decision. "I haena fergitit ye advised me tae speir fer a share afore." And he would bare that in mind. The sense of becoming a partner in an established company was obvious, but the freedom of his own was appealing. He would consider Duncan's council as well; there didn't have to be a hasty decision. If Sir Cedric even agreed, then he wanted time to court Ellen properly. He was aware that he had a great resource in Melville, not only because the Viscount was kind enough to speak for him. "Whit daes Sir Cedric value most fer his dochters?"*** He asked, wanting an insight into the man's motivations.

Douglas nodded grimly at Duncan's warning. "I dinnae trust His Grace sae far as I kin kick him," he acknowledged bluntly, "but if he cams tae trust me, thain haps I kin do ocht tae mak' Scotland great agin." That was Douglas's aim. And benefit himself in the process of course. Duncan's revelation piqued his curiosity. "Whit did ye do?"+ He asked, curious as to what had happened.

The Highlander was already stripping down to his braes when Duncan asked what the pile of fabric, ribbons and the was noticeable prop were supposed to be. He rummaged through the pile before pulling out his best shirt, the one with the heavy lace on the cuffs that he usually wore with his velvet Life Guard's uniform. The movements caused the various silvered scars that crossed his pale hide to gleam slightly in the light of the window. A longer scar, still pink, showed along his left flank where his ribs were all that had stopped a gutting, and another pink slice or possibly stab wound his right forearm. "Tis a bit o' fun." He replied, pulling the shirt on over his head before turning to look at Duncan. Suddenly, with Douglas bare foot and Duncan in his fancy boots, they were much closer to being eye to eye than usual. Douglas took a step back and looked his brother in arms up and down, before deducing the nature of the boots. "Braw!"++ He enthused with a grin. That was clever!

 A little more riffling through the pile and Douglas offered Duncan a garment which turned out to be the justacorps of his outfit. "Here ye gie."+++ He said, clearly expecting that to explain everything, whilst he pulled a pair of white stockings up his looooong legs. The garment was made of cream silk brocade and up close there was a small mark on one breast where it looked as though a food or wine mark had been cleaned. Ribbons in white, red and black adorned the sleeves and, on the right breast, red and black fabric had been appliquéd; the red in the shape of a heart, the black in the shape of a letter 'K'. The same was applied, upside down, on the left front pocket. If Duncan turned the garment over he would find the same on the back of the left shoulder and the lower right pleat. There was also something in one of the pockets. 

Douglas meanwhile pulled on the matching breeches, with their be-ribboned knees, and the waistcoat which was of the same fabric but relatively unadorned. "T'haed green an' gauld ribbons on, last time."~ The big man explained. The core outfit was re-used, only the accoutrements were new. That had been... it must be at least a year ago. No, more than that. Before the King's wedding. Definitely time to air it out again.

Subtitles
* "Then I hope that she is all you could wish for, and her family approve. May I know the identity of the lady in question?"
** "I thought so, but perhaps it is only that they had business. I would have it all done legally. I have already written to a lawyer for advice. But I will discuss it with Sir Cedric. He will know the options and might perhaps have another idea. I would be open to his advice."
*** "As for the dowry, that would depend on my suit being accepted, and then on how we decide to structure trading north. I haven't forgotten you advised me to ask for a share before. What does Sir Cedric value most for his daughters?"
+ "I don't trust His Grace so far as I can kick him, but if he comes to trust me, then perhaps I can do something to make Scotland great again. What did you do?"
++ "It's a bit of fun. Great!"
++ "Here you go."
~ "It had green and gold ribbons on, last time."

[Duncan Melville]

"The lady in question is Lady Frances Cavendish, daughter of His Grace Newcastle". With the Cavendishes being very prominent in the north of England, Duncan was certain Douglas would know who the Lowlander was talking about. "You may have seen me walking with her at the yacht race..." he was about to say he had seen the Baron talking with Ellen, but decided against it. They were good friends who enjoyed ribbing each other, but marriage prospects were something not to be jested about... you could attract the attentions of the Sidhe if you did.

"Your suit being accepted? Let me see... you are a Captain in the Life Guard, and you are a Scottish Baron and the Tighearna Leifteanant Obar Dheathain*. The Sassenach may consider a Baronetcy as superior in the order of precedence, but Sir Cedric will know your worth". Besides, I have spoken in your favour; that will help. "As for what he wants for his daughters, he wants men who will treat them kindly, who will not squander their dowries but use them wisely, and who will make the children they have their heirs. The one who does that best will probably inherit the Baronetcy too..."

One of them, not Duncan now, would also inherit the Baronetcy.

"... As for me, I thought money would be enough to worm my way in, so I spent it liberally. I was mistaken, it was not enough. My actions have done more for me far more than spending money liberally did. Thankfully, I soon realized that my father's service to the crown was remembered, and that helped too, but it emphasized the fact: it is their rules, and if we do not follow them, it will be very hard going for us, my friend". Was this one of the reasons he found Lady Frances of interest? Was influence through the Duke of Newcastle a factor? Perhaps...

"Hmm... a jester?" Duncan's brow furrowed. "A 'K'... you are not going to make a fool of King Charles, are you? Hmm..." A pause. "Ah! A playing card. Your costume is that of a playing card! Ingenious, I must say!" Card games were very popular at court.

The Viscount grumbled, puzzled. Why had the tunic caught on his heel? The length had been tailored to fit just right. Then he remembered. First, he removed the tunic, making sure he did not trip again. Then, he pulled a mail byrnie from under the bed. "I had forgotten this", he said as he put it on. "It helps the tunic not fall all the way to the floor... and it will provide some defense if violence is attempted at the masque. In Windsor, you never know..."

After the byrnie came the tunic, then a leather girdle, a cavalry flail, and a dagger. Then it was time to put a cape on, and finally a pair of leather gloves. The ensemble was then complete... well, almost. The Viscount got a full mask resembling a helm from a chest, and tied it on. Then he grabbed a horned great helm the colour of the chain mail from the bed.

"Sir Duncanus is ready to follow you into battle... your Highness? your Majesty? What should I call you?", the Lowlander asked. "Also, please let the guards at the door know who I am. They will not let me enter with a flail on my belt otherwise".

* Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeen

[Douglas FitzJames]

Ah. So that long conversation during the Yacht Race had sparked interest. "Aye, I did." Douglas confirmed when Duncan suggested he might have seen him together with Frances. "T'was why I didnae greet ye." He said gravely. He hadn't wanted to intrude. "Ye micht hae noticed my ain comp'ny."* He added. That was, if Duncan could bear to tear his attention away from Lady Frances. Like Duncan he wouldn't joke about such things, but that didn't mean he might not want to rib his friend. Had they both found their matches that day?

"My suit was rejected afore." Douglas pointed out, not one to let go of a slight until he'd cut himself on it enough. Old habits. "But yer richt, I hae moved up in coort sin thain."** And that was something he could point out to Sir Cedric if it came down to it. Despite his illegitimacy, he held a Scottish Barony, a Captaincy in the Life Guard and a Lord Lieutenantship, something normally associated with Earls and greater.

He listened with interest to Duncan's advice. "Nae fear thair." Douglas replied on the subject of treating a Doolittle lady kindly, and not squandering her dowry. He'd worked hard for what he had, he wanted to invest well to build it up further. And with Ellen's knowledge of trading, we can open up a whole new avenue of income. He'd be quite happy to manage their estates whilst she managed their company, but suspected that they would both do some of each. If it came to that. Douglas's ears perked up on the subject of the Baronetcy; his personal opinion was that it was a worthless title, having no source of income, but he knew that it was how it was viewed in the eyes of others that mattered. And it was an English Baronetcy, which meant it supposedly ranked above his own Barony. Give me land over titles, it will give me money, Douglas grumbled internally to himself, but he knew that the Baronetcy was not to be sniffed at. "Haps he micht be weel pleased wi' the man whit gies him a grandson."*** The big man mused. If he married Ellen he'd certainly give it a red hot go; she got him fired up. 

The Highlander nodded. "They dinnae care fer Scots, but yer richt that tis actions whit speak louder thain words er coin." He agreed, not that he'd ever had enough of the latter to splash around. It was interesting to hear that doing so hadn't availed his friend, much to Duncan's frustration he was sure. "Thou' I suspect that coin in the richt place micht be effective. His Majesty particularly haes projects tae fund." Hence the betting at the Yacht Race. Douglas had even made his own 'donation' to speed along his title, though he certainly hadn't bought it. He still believed he'd earned it. Duncan's family service had been to the King, perhaps a few pounds to a Royal project might grease some wheels. "Yer richt aboot thair rules." He agreed ruefully. "Tis why I hae focused my efforts in Scotland. Thair at least we er on a more e'en field." And some of the rules worked in their favour. The Highlander bore no illusions about ever making much impact in England, but up north he could strive to be worthy of his old nickname; the Bastard King of Scotland. "But if ye want tae play wi' the sassenachs thain Lairdy Frances cuid be a verra smart move."+ He observed. Duncan had wealth, with Frances he would gain some political leverage. 

"Ha!" Douglas snorted when Duncan guessed he was a jester. He was about to protest the second guess when his friend hit the mark on the third try. "Aye, King o' Heerts!" He declared proudly. "An' ye ken I wuid ne'er seek tae mak a fool o' His Majesty, but I micht serve as a decoy."++ He'd done that before, on the fateful night of the King's wedding. Taking the coat from Duncan he slipped it on, then pulled a tiny jar from one pocket. It proved to contain some sort of black grease. Dipping a finger in delicately, Douglas ran it above his top lip, leaving a dark smear, before cleaning his hands off thoroughly on a kerchief and putting on his mask, which was a white half-face with a red, heart shaped beauty spot on one cheekbone. To someone who wasn't in immediate proximity, it might look as though he had a dark moustache under the edge of that mask.

Meanwhile Duncan realised he'd forgotten the armour part of his costume and hurriedly set about putting it on. Douglas help him; burnies were awkward things, and at last they were both dressed and settled. Douglas grinned and clapped Duncan on the shoulder. "Luck tae both o' us eh? Thairs twa bonnie lassies tae find, an' a King tae defend. Ye tae guard him, an' me tae draw thair fire." It was the type of brave idiocy that Douglas was good at. "Lets hope t'isnae needed."+++ He said fervently. 

"I quite like Yer Majesty." He admitted. "Thou' haps nae in the King's hearin'." Douglas added with a chuckle, nodding to Duncan's request to introduce him. "Lets gie wi' Yer Heeness." It was less likely to offend. Hopefully there would be castle staff screening the entrants; beyond that they should be anonymous. "Rairdy, Sir Duncanus?"~

Subtitles
* "Yes, I did. It was why I didn't greet you. You might have noticed my own company."
** "My suit was rejected before. But you're right, I have moved up in court since then."
*** "No feat there. Perhaps he might we well pleased with the man who gives him a grandson."
+ "The don't care for Scots, but you're right that it's actions that speak louder than words or coin. Though I suspect that coin in the right place might be effective. His Majesty particularly has projects to fund. You're right about their rules. It's why I have focused my efforts in Scotland. There at least we are on a more even field. But if you want to play with the English then Lady Frances could be a very smart move."
++ "Ha! Yes, King of Hearts! And you know I would never seek to make a fool of His Majesty, but I might serve as a decoy."
+++ "Luck to the both of us hey? There's two pretty ladies to find, and a King to defend. You to guard him, and me to draw their fire. Lets hope it's not needed."
~ "I quite like Your Majesty. Though perhaps not in the King's hearing. Lets go with Your Highness. Ready, Sir Duncanus?"