"Sir Guy's Atonement" (Book 3) by Gratiana Lovelace, 2015 (a Wattys2015 Nominee)

Ch. 7 (PG-13): Intrigues at the Feast

Sir Roderick:   “Sire.  May I be of assistance?”  Sir Roderick asks courteously.  With his arm in a sling for the coming week due to his now healing dislocated shoulder injury incurred during the Gisborne children’s rescue this afternoon, he will not be doing any heavy lifting, nor sword fighting.

Prince John:  “Nay!  It is I who will assist you.  Do you see the comely young lady standing over there next to my cousin by marriage, Seth Gisborne, whom you rescued earlier today?”  

Prince John is most discourteously pointing to Lady Caroline Havorford [(4) right], the younger sister of Lady Mary Havorford Middleton. Though Prince John was born and bred in a castle, but as the coddled son of his then doting mother Queen Eleanor--when they were in a happier relational state--his manners are often atrocious.  And Sir Roderick’s and several pairs of eyes in the large two story hall, turn to the sweet Lady Caroline Havorford set amidst the splendor of Gordon Castle’s Great Banquet Hall.

Sir Roderick:  “Ah! Yes, My Liege.  The lady is perhaps a little young, but time will diminish that current deficit.”

Prince John: “Precisely!  She is Lady Caroline Havorford, the young noble lady whom you should consider courting.”  Prince John is matchmaking again, hoping to earn a dowry tax payment of ten percent--or  1,000 pounds--in Lady Caroline’s case.

Sir Roderick: Not being able to help himself, Sir Roderick startles in shock.  “Nay my Prince, Lady Caroline is but a child--despite her tallness for a girl  at her age.  She must be given time to mature before thoughts of betrothal and courting would be entertained--by me or by anyone else, for that matter.”  Sir Roderick adds for emphasis.

Prince  John:  “Nay, Sir Roderick!  It is best to express your interest now, while the extended family is feeling grateful to you.  Your betrothal to her will then be more easily accomplished than I thought.”

Sir Roderick:  “But I am not interested in Lady Caroline, My Prince.”  Sir Roderick speaks sotto voce, so as not to have his voice carry over the din of other guests conversations, and risk offending Lady Caroline.  Then seeking to present a logical reason for his objection, Sir Roderick states lamely. “And I know not of her nor her family--nor she of me and mine.”

Prince John: “Then use this evening’s feast to rectify your ignorance!”  Prince John whines with annoyance--his well chosen words conveying a double meaning.

Sir Roderick:  “But my Prince, I ….”  Sir Roderick stammers.

Snapping his fingers at Sir Roderick--a very bad habit that Prince John began with servants, that now carries over to his courtiers--Prince John requests.

Prince John:  “Follow me to my family congregated near Lady Caroline.  I will facilitate your introduction to her.”

***

And with that, Prince John strides over to the Gisborne, Middletone, and Locksley family grouping standing at the children’s table before seating themselves at the head table with Prince John and Lady Leicester, Lady Rebecca. Sir Roderick follows his Prince, with Sir Roderick [(5) right] plastering a courteous smile upon his face, but dreading what will soon transpire at Prince John’s direction.

Upon Prince John’s and Sir Roderick’s approach to them, the Gisborne-Middleton-Locksley men and boys bow and the ladies and girls curtsey to each other.  Lady Caroline sneaks a glance at the tall, imposing looking, and handsome knight with Prince John as he is greeted warmly by Sir Guy and Lady Roseanna. She has, as of yet, not met the cordial looking Sir Roderick Merton,  though the tale of his bravery in saving Lady Helen and Seth from falling has been told to her.