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

Ch. 18: Sir Guy's Baronial Investiture

Seth: “Mama?  Will Lady Caroline think that I look older in my  fine new tunic of rusty red and gold?”  The ten year old preens like a young  man on the cusp of adulthood [(2) right]. 

Lady Roseanna:  “She will most certainly admire the fine young man before her, Seth Dear.  My how you have grown!  But you are still my little boy.”  She caresses his face and then kisses his cheek.

Seth: “Oh Mama.”  Seth whines as he wrinkles his nose and shyly pulls away from her.  “I am nearly eleven--too old for such motherly attentions.”  That age is significant to him because Lady Caroline is already eleven years--her being 6 months older than Seth.

Sir Guy:  “Mind your manners, Seth.  Your Mama only wishes to see you cared for.”  Sir Guy admonishes gently to his son.

Lady Roseanna: “Thank you, Guy, My Love.” Lady Roseanna smiles sweetly.  They are always in accord and supportive of one another in front of the children.

Seth nods agreeably in obeisance to his parents, then Seth takes Louis’ hand to take him to his nurse to tend to Louis’ personal need before the long ceremony, whilst Lady Helen and little Lady Sarah are holding hands and dancing in circles.  The girls’ heads are adorned with diamond studded pink velvet head bands rather than tiaras--which might topple off their rambunctious heads and be damaged.

Lady Roseanna:  “Girls, please don’t over do  your play whilst in your pretty dresses.  You have to stay nice for another hour before we leave for the cathedral. And then be certain to wear your linen bibs at the feast to prevent your clothes from getting food on them.”

Lady Helen: “Yes Mama.”  Lady Helen smiles in contrition as she curtsies to her mother.  Then Lady Helen demures to just swinging her little sister Lady Sarah’s arm as they smile adoringly at each other.  Theirs is a loving family and a loving home.

Sir Guy: “I wish you luck with that, My Love.”  Sir Guy smiles impishly, him knowing full well the mischief that their children can get up to.  Then Sir Guy leans down and chastely kisses his Lady Rose as they look deeply into each others’ eyes.

Standing at the suite doorway with a bemused expression, Lord George makes his presence known.

Lord George:  “Oh Guy.”  Lord George waves to get his brother-in-law’s attention amidst the childhood chaos.  “We must check the fit for the coronet you will be crowned with today.  I have brought the Middleton-Oxbridge coronet for you to borrow for the ceremony until your own is made.”

Lady Roseanna:  “How lovely!  Thank you, George.”

Lord George lifts the small gold crown coronet out of its box, it has 6 silver balls adorning its perimeter, with a bright  red velvet cap, and ermine serving as a cushion around the perimeter of the crown’s base for comfort in wearing it [(3) right]. Sir Guy looks at what his brother-in-law presents to him and blanches, before sneering.

Sir Guy: His countenance taking on a horrified pout as he looks away in disgust [(4) right],  Sir Guy hisses.  “I am not wearing that!”  At forty five years old, Sir Guy knows what he likes and does not like. And he does not like the coronet.

For although Sir Guy will wear an ermin edged navy velvet cape and he has his father’s gold and silver ceremonial sword that his son Seth will carry in front of him in the processional--and that Prince John will ceremonially affix to his person--Sir Guy had completely forgotten about the baronial headgear.

Lord George: “Guy!  You have to wear it!  It is a sign of your new office as Baron of Gisborne, when Prince John places it upon your head.  We will all be wearing them--each design according to our rank of Marquess, Earl, or Prince.”  Lord George makes a wincing face, as if to convey, we will all look silly, so you will be in good company.