Back at Bagshot (Saturday late morning)

[Charles Whitehurst]

Alternating between trots, canters and gallops, Langdon was free again on horseback for that 11 mile ride to Bagshot from the Castle.  There were no cares in the world when a true rider was atop his steed, racing along the lanes of grass along the road.  There was too much traffic on the roads to be carefree, so the young officer used the grassland beside the road to enjoy a sprint to Bagshot on horseback.

His new tenant, Maria Gonzaga, had wanted to ride with him in the woods, and he had assented.  Rather than wait for Monday or Tuesday, he had decided to dispense with the obligation while he was at wits end over the season so far.  A new spirit had appeared, possessed Sam.  Sam convinced him to become lovers.  Fiona was back, with a new kind of trouble.   He had been attacked by a tiger and ridden an elephant!  No one would believe his tales back in London.  Now the brooch had disappeared and there was a new mystery to solve.

Yet, all of these worries melted away in the saddle of his stallion Fireshot.  They understood each other completely, and his soul was free when the wind gushed in his face, racing phantom riders.

In due course, the Earl arrived at Bagshot, a property he held in trust for Frances and her mother. The flower seeds were in his pocket, a suitable gift acquired by his manservant.  Dismounting effortlessly as the groom came forward to collect his horse, Charles strode to the entrance of the lodge, expecting to escort Maria on a ride in the woods.  The fact that she knew so much about Arthur was intriguing.  She seemed pleasant company and a distraction before the masque. His costume was already hanging in his room at the castle, a smile teased his lips as he thought on it.

[Aria]

Before Charles could knock, the door was opened by a liveried servant. Maria was right behind him, looking quite lovely in a burgundy riding costume accented with blue and green. Her maidservant had seem him coming from her bedroom and had alerted her to his imminent arrival. Perhaps she should not have been so eager, but she was as excited about riding in the woods as she had been about viewing the stars last night. She had always had a thirst for adventure and learning new things.

 

“Good afternoon, Lord Langdon.” She didn’t notice the servant glare at her for doing his job for him.  He bowed and disappeared back into the house. “Are you ready to go or does your horse need to rest a bit first? It’s a long ride from Windsor.”

[Charles Whitehurst]

There was no doubt that he was seen approaching the lodge, so Charles was not surprised to be greeted at the door.  "My lady, what a pleasure to see you again so soon," he greeted the Baroness.  "You are looking especially grand today," he flattered as he examined her attire.  "I shall consider myself fortunate to admire what the forest will hide from others."

"I ran Fireshot hard as he was hungry for his freedom from the stables, so I shall give him a few minutes respite."  He signaled a groom to provide water and oats to his his mount for a few minutes.  In the interim, Charles pulled out two small packets wrapped in brown paper.  He handed them to Maria.  There could be no end to flattery when it came to important ladies.

"Bagshot rarely has such a charming and memorable tenant," he began. "I brought with me two packets of flower seeds, both of which can be planted in the autumn.  The royal library was consulted as to a flower that would represent or honor your home.  I was informed that white lillies are honored in many of the Italian States.   These are white lilly seeds to plant in the garden, so that each year they will bloom to remind me of your visit. The second pack are red poppy seeds. They are more common to England and I thought they might represent the uniform I wear proudly.  If we are to race together in the woods and I am victorious, then the red poppies will be planted the closest to the well, and the white behind.  If you win, then the white shall be planted closest, and the poppies behind.  If we finish neck and neck, then we have the lillies and poppies planted side by side at the well to commemorate the race of course."

Elam had fetched the seeds at his master's behest.  The idea had occurred to Charles as a way to flatter the Italian without giving her a gift that might be misconstrued as him wishing to court her.  The flowers were nothing she could wear, but would be seen as a host honoring a guest, and it would be great flattery to her as a lady.  Charles, of course, planned to tie with her, so that neither will feel second to the other.

"If you have studied English history," he added "a war was fought in England for generations over the white and red roses.  So, I could not choose roses, nor would I wish any conflict with you."  He smiled.  Roses would also be more representative of a courtship he imagined. Hopefully she would be touched by the flattery and honor, and not get the wrong idea.

[Aria]

“Thank you, my lord,” Maria replied with a smile. “And I shall consider myself fortunate to have such a charming escort.” Though it had only been two days since she had seen Lord Langdon, she was struck anew by his appeal. He looked quite fetching in his scarlet uniform and his flattery, unlike the compliments that some gentleman gave her, seemed sincere. She didn’t know much about his personality, other than he was amiable and intelligent, and she looked forward to finding out more about him during their excursion.

 

“I am in no hurry. Whenever he is ready, we can go. My horse is already saddled and the food and drink will be brought to the stables before we leave.” The Italian Principessa hoped that he had not forgotten that they had planned to have a picnic and exchange stories as well as riding through the forest.

 

Maria had not expected a gift, and her eyes lit up when Lord Langdon presented her with flower seeds. She was quite impressed that he had taken the time to research flowers that were favored in Italy and could be planted in the autumn. Poppies were common in her homeland as well. To a lady who loved gardens, seeds were much more appreciated than jewelry, particularly when the lady had a cousin in the diamond trade.

 

She loved the story he spun about what the flowers might mean to them. Did he have any faults at all? He seemed quite perfect in her eyes.

 

“What a wonderful idea!” she exclaimed. Her eyes narrowed playfully. “I think that the lilies will be planted closest to the well.” In truth, it would probably be the opposite. Maria rode well, but she remembered him telling her that he was an accomplished racer. If he let her win, she would never forgive him.

 

“Yes, I have read about that period in English history, though I don’t know that much about it. Roses are also very difficult to grow from seeds.” Summoning a maidservant, she handed over the two packets. “Would you like to come in while we wait?”

 

[Charles Whitehurst]

His gift was well-received and Charles felt he had done his job in seeing that she was sufficiently flattered.  As such, he wore a comfortable smile.

"My mount will be ready shortly," Charles replied, "let us stretch our legs on a slow walk to the stables."   He would offer his arm for the stroll.  It would take but five minutes or so to see his mount watered.

As they walked, Charles made small talk about how they were enjoying their stay at Bagshot.  He looked skyward and commented on the overcast clouds, offering that such was about as good weather as an English lady could expect in late September.  There was talk about his elephant riding training and, by then, his mount was ready.  He assisted Maria into the side saddle as any gentleman might, and off they went at a pleasant gait into the woods.  He knew a quiet place beside a brook where they could spread a blanket and sit.  It seemed odd that the Baroness did not bring an army of servants to serve the lunch, as he imagined that, with her bloodline and wealth, she was not likely well-versed at serving herself and others a picnic lunch.  He assisted her with the dismount and the unpacking of the basket, doing all of the manual labor unbidden.  As they set-up, he made clear that they would race back to the lodge for their competition.

Once settled, they could speak freely, and enjoy the meats and other dishes that were packed. He allowed her to choose the topic as he tasted the various foods.

[Aria]

Maria felt comfortable enough in Lord Landon’s company that she saw no need for an entourage. Nor did she want one.  Freedom was a rare and precious commodity and she took advantage of it whenever she could. A trail of servants hovering around them and watching their every move was an encumbrance she would rather avoid. She doubted they would face any danger greater than a rabbit running across their path, but if they did, she trusted him to protect her.

 

The young Principessa enjoyed their leisurely walk to the stables as well as their lighthearted banter. She assured Lord Langdon that they were so pleased with Bagshot that they would like to stay there again when court was next held at Windsor. Her dark eyes widened in amazement when he spoke of learning to ride an elephant. She and her family had hoped to go to the carnival, but the final performance was tonight and the Masque held more appeal.

 

As they rode, Maria told him about viewing the stars with Lord Grey and Mistress Bayning the previous evening and described some of the more interesting aspects of Mantua. They stopped in a picturesque clearing with a bubbling brook and bushes blooming with autumn wildflowers. It was a perfect place for a picnic.

 

Soon they were seated on the blanket she had brought, partaking in a repast consisting of a variety of Italian cheeses and dried sausages, focaccia that could be dipped in herbal olive oil, and cannoli and fresh fruit for dessert. She had also brought a bottle of rich red wine produced close to Mantua, which they drank from crystal goblets.

 

“You promised me some soldier stories,” she reminded him with a mischievous but attentive smile. “I’m curious about what it’s like to protect the King.”

[Charles Whitehurst]

The Baroness expressed interest in renting Bagshot for future Windsor seasons, causing Charles to think that it would be grand if she rented it year-round so he could gain some revenue from the property.  Perhaps that might become possible if he could sell her on how close it was to London, yet remote enough for privacy.

Langdon did not recall meeting Lord Grey, but he certainly knew Eleanor.  Looking at the stars seemed like it might be fun if one knew what to look for.  If she had not gone to the carnival, then she likely did not hear of his fight with the tiger.

The food was grand and Charles did not expect to be drinking from crystal glasses during a picnic.  He ate a hearty amount, having been up early and being hungry as a result.  It would take some time to repack her basket and it made him wonder if it would be fair to have her race with a burdened horse.  Perhaps he should take the basket on his mount. "An excellent meal.  Thank you."

"I will spare you my stories as a young man in the Navy, and my time as aide to the King's son, the Duke of Monmouth.  Protecting the King and Queen have been the honor of my life.  My father held the same position prior to his death four years ago.  I should say that the King is primarily guarded by the gentlemen he keeps about him, but we are added when he is to travel publicly , in case of attack. The last time we had court here, some French assassins tried to kill the King, shooting at his yacht as he was standing on it openly.  He was spared and the assassins arrested.  It is why I increased security for the yacht race.  All went well."  It was a good example of how things could go wrong.

"I have arrested a good number of people on suspicion of treason or dangerous activities that threaten the King's peace.  Some have said I am too quick to arrest, but I prefer to take no chances."  He offered a small smile to lighten things before his real story.  "It is easy to arrest a commoner, but I have to be more cautious with nobles.  So, I would have to be careful about arresting you," he chuckled. "as you are a member of the English peerage.  One story ... a few years ago, I encountered the Baron of Chelsea who was affiliated with criminal gangs that were kidnapping English girls and selling them into slavery with the Turks.  I found the lair by cornering a gang leader and crashing through a pub window punching him with my fists."  He almost chuckled again.  "It bloodied my uniform somewhat, but it was satisfying to engage in a bit of fisticuffs with a blackguard.  I led a squad of my men to the lair along the Thames and we exchanged gunfire killing the Turks and arresting the Baron, as well as freeing the captive girls.  It did not involve the King's safety but he approves of me fighting villains, so much so that I formed my own company of soldiers to patrol the streets of London to keep them safe.  We need to protect the ladies and merchants that are accosted by thieves and undesirables.  However, my preference is to be in the company of charming and intriguing ladies such as yourself."  It allowed him to end on a more happy note.

"Now then, I think you owe me a story about your past, something intriguing that will solve a mystery about you."  It was a tall ask, but he wanted her to say something more than the mundane about her past.  Perhaps it was unfair because she was young and ladies rarely had interesting things happen.

[Aria]

Maria could sense Lord Langdon’s pride and commitment. It seemed to her that his position had not been handed to him on a silver platter, but that he’d had to work his way up in the hierarchy of the military, She admired him for his perseverance. So many noblemen of her acquaintance believed themselves to be entitled to anything they wanted simply by demanding it. And though he had been criticized for his propensity to arrest people quickly, he continued to do so in his quest to protect the King and his court.

 

The story he told was indeed thrilling. She pictured him crashing through the window of a tavern while fighting a dangerous criminal and then storming into their den and saving the girls that they planned to sell into slavery. Maria had heard that Turks prized fair-skinned women and kept them in their harems. The Baron must have been paid handsomely to assist them. Maria hoped that he was rotting in the Tower and regretting his corruption and greed. And now Lord Langdon was in charge of a troop of soldiers who protected nobles and commoners alike. There was likely a lot less crime on the streets of London thanks to him.

 

Her eyes narrowed teasingly. “We ladies are certainly a lot less perilous than thieves, kidnappers, and murderers. I consider myself honored that a true hero enjoys spending time with me. I will always feel safe with you.”

 

He requested a story from her in return, but as there weren’t any mysteries surrounding her at the present time, it would be impossible to solve something that didn’t exist. Oh, she had plenty of secrets, but those were better kept to herself for now.

 

“When I was nine, I found a bird with an injured wing lying on the ground. I picked her up and took her home. With the help of a servant who had healing experience, I patched her up and nursed her back to health. I kept her in a beautiful cage in my bedchamber and even helped the servants dig up worms and catch insects for her to eat. She sang for me so sweetly, and I always took her with me when I went to the parlor for my harpsichord lessons. At night, I fell asleep listening to her croon. I fancied that she was singing me a lullaby.”

 

She sighed. “I loved that bird and wanted to keep her forever. But after her wing was fully healed, she stopped singing and rarely touched her food. All she did was stare out the window close to her cage. I thought she might be sick and feared she might die. Then one day while I watched her gaze mournfully at the world outside, I wondered if she wanted to be free. So I opened the window and the door of the cage. Immediately she chirped happily, spread her wings, and flew away without a backward glance. I never saw her again and I cried for days, though deep inside I knew I had done the right thing.”

 

An embarrassed blush stole across Maria’s cheeks. “I’ve never told that story to anybody else,” she confessed. “It’s certainly not as exciting as yours, but maybe it tells you a little bit more about me.”

 

She smiled. “Your turn. Tell me something that few people know about you.”

 

[Charles Whitehurst]

It was a cute story to be sure.  He nodded his approval.  "It is a privilege that you told me first ... and I did not even need to interrogate you," he chuckled. "I lock creatures up and you let them go free."  He was playing into his reputation.

"Something little known about me?" he clarified. It was his turn.  "Not many know that I am an orphan," he revealed quietly.  I lost my parents and have no living uncle or aunt, no cousins that I know."

"I was 20 but not yet an adult when my father was lost at sea.  I was placed in the Court of Wards, supervised by a corrupt man named Silas Moorehead.  He was charged with looking after orphans of the aristocracy.  He solicited bribes to marry his orphans with titles to merchants.  He betrothed me to a daughter of a tobacco merchant," he revealed with a hint of disgust.  "I was a viscount in waiting then.  I eluded that one and he tried to match me with an MP's daughter.  To get in his good graces until I turned 21, I offered to help him in his duties. In one case, he asked for my help in getting a distraught widow to sign papers that put her 9 year old daughter into the court.  To do this, he claimed the mother was mad.  I declined to help him and I turned 21, and was free of him."  That was not the end of the somber tale.

"A year later, the daughter shows up at my door begging food.  She had run away from Moorehead, living on the streets.  I took her in to protect her.  She told me that the blackguard had committed her mother to Bedlam, a bad place for the insane.  I promised the girl I would save her mother.  Wearing the King's uniform, I marched to the prison and demanded the warden free the woman at once.  I gained her freedom and brought her to live with me.  They had tortured her and she had wounds to her head and could not speak.  I went to the King and revealed the crime.  He dissolved the Court of Wards and granted me the wardship of little Frances and her mother Abigail.  They live with me still as my wards.  I used some of their wealth to purchase Bagshot, where we are.  So, I do not own it, but care for it on behalf of Frances and her mother.  I hope to turn it into a valuable asset for them."  It was a grand story of helping another bird escape and it even suggested that Bagshot needed to turn a profit.  It had the beauty of being true.

"But I am speaking too much," Charles declared.  While he did live for the admiration of ladies, he would like to coax more tales from his companion. "So tell me a pirate story.  Tell me how the mere Baron of Windmere sailed to Italy and captured a prize beyond compare -- a Protestant princess with the blood of Catholic Kings as a wife.  Did he hold you at gunpoint by chance?" he laughed. 

[Aria]

After she finished her story, Maria realized how childish it was. Lord Langdon would probably think that she was silly and immature and this would be the last time she saw him. She wouldn’t be a bit surprised if he made up an excuse to leave. Maybe he ‘had duties to attend to’ or he ‘needed to prepare for the Masque.’

 

Instead, he seemed to approve and she let out the breath that she had not realized she was holding. “The creatures you lock up are harmful and deserve to be behind bars.” She wondered if any female criminals had tried to seduce him into letting them go. He seemed far too honorable to fall for such ploys, though she was sure that many soldiers were not. Some probably demanded sex for the woman’s freedom and then didn’t keep their promise.

 

His second story, like his first, proved how corrupt people could be. Maria admired Lord Langdon for taking in the girl and her mother and investing their money in valuable properties so that he could make certain that they weren’t taken advantage of by unscrupulous individuals who would try to trick them out of their wealth.

 

“They are lucky to have you,” she said. Left unsaid was that they would most likely be dead if he had not rescued them, especially the mother, who was scarred for life. Maria knew well what that felt like.

 

At first, she thought that he wanted her to tell a real pirate story, but he was interested in how she had met her husband. She considered spinning a romantic tale that had no basis in reality, but he had been honest with her and she owed him honesty in return, even if it alienated him forever.

 

She looked down at the blanket in shame. “Don’t hate me for this, but I’ve actually been married three times. The first time I was foolish and had an affair with a Protestant merchant. He was a righteous man and married me when he found out I was pregnant. Unfortunately, he died a few months later and I lost the child.”

 

“My father then forced me to marry a Catholic lord who was involved in the diamond trade.” Picking up a napkin, she fiddled with it nervously. Her voice lowered. “He was cruel to me and blamed me for not giving him an heir. I think he was infertile. He was in his sixties when we wed and had been married several times before, but had no children.  I knew that I was able to conceive.  Cesare became his apprentice and traveled to England with him, where he met their primary investor, a soldier called David Augustine, who was also the Baron of Willowmere.

 

“Eventually the Baron visited Italy and stayed with us. We were drawn to each other immediately. It turned out we had a lot in common and I was happier in his company than I had ever been. When he went back to England I was heartbroken. I knew we could never be together but still I loved him.

 

“Then my husband passed away. David wasted no time in coming to England and asking my father if he could court me. I was certain the Duke would turn him down.  He had no love for Protestants, but I think David made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. He also made sure that the diamond business was left to me with Cesare as its administrator.

 

“And so we were married, but our happiness didn’t last long.” Maria took a deep shuddering breath. “My father died of an illness and I decided to stay in Mantua for awhile while David went back to his homeland to prepare for my arrival. After a few months, I sailed to England to be with him, only to discover that he had recently succumbed to a heart attack.”

 

Finally she looked up. A single tear slid down her cheek and she made no move to wipe it away. “I am sorry, my lord. I shouldn’t have told you all that. I won’t blame you if you think I’m cursed and want nothing more to do with me.”

 

[Charles Whitehurst]

Maria looked to be a teenager.  How could she have been married three times?  He could not believe his ears that she admitted to having pre-marital sex.  No lady admitted to such a thing, let alone someone viewing themselves as a princess.  He humored her with such a reference, but she was, in actuality, a mere baroness.

She seemed motivated to apologize profusely.  They were just two people passing the time.  They were not betrothed, let alone courting, so why was this so troubling to her?  Charles supposed that losing three husbands could give rise to talk that she was cursed somehow, as she noted.  As for loving her English baron, she was just probably grateful to find someone not abusive.  It made him think of Fiona forced to feign interest in a terrible old man, while preferring a young man that was nice.

"Why are you apologizing?" Charles asked softly.  "We are merely getting to know each other.  You owe me nothing, other than a pirate's tale," he added to break the serious mood a bit. 

"Who am I to judge?  I married a French former whore who could not even speak English on a whim while intoxicated at a Christmastide party in Turin.  I am not proud of that, even though the Duchess of Savoy thought it grand."  He offered a wry smile.  "Next time I marry, I intend to be sober," he added to lighten the mood.  "You have warned me that people may whisper that you are cursed," Charles acknowledged.  "There are some here that will whisper I am a ladies man, who cavorted with a mistress that once lay with the King's brother.  She bore him a child that he rejected, claiming it was mine.  I am not proud of that either.  I arrived at court an innocent orphan, only to develop a taste for intriguing ladies."  He did not look particularly ashamed.  "I need not apologize to you for it, unless I offend you with the liberty I take to tell you of the scandals of a young man captivated by the female mystique that was nowhere to be found in a young soldier's life previously. I hope to make up for that foolishness by battling blackguards and criminals in the King's name."

"And you need not apologize to me. I am not easily offended by a lady."  He offered a smile to encourage her.  "Though I might not tell proper gentlemen and ladies at court about your relationship with your first husband.  The court loves to spread gossip and scandal to alleviate the boredom of it." 

"Your Baron, was he a young man then?  A stark contrast to your Catholic old cruel husband?"  He was just curious in comparing her with Fiona.  "Are you here to just enjoy the moment or are you here in search for a fourth husband yet?"  He could imagine that she was done with marriage and sought the libertine life, but she was still young and of the proper family.  "It may well be that you are still in mourning, so I mean no offense."  If she was here to marry, he was trying to think who he knew that might be a good match for her.  His brothers would not measure up.