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

Ch. 20: Long Live the King

Messenger:  "Sire, I bring news from Queen Eleanor."[(2)] 

Prince John: "Well rise and give it here, man!" Prince John impatiently stretches out his hand.

Messenger: "Apologies, My Prince.  But I am commanded by her majesty to give this message directly to the Baroness Gisborne." 

Prince John:  "Baroness Gisborne?" Prince John's mind is still not quite awake at this ungodly early hour of 9 o'clock in the morning. Then he remembers. "Oh right! Carry on!"  Prince John rolls his hand.  Leave it to Prince John's mother, Queen Eleanor to send a letter by Royal Messenger, and her failing to send it to him. 

The Messenger looks at Lady Rebecca, Lady Saline, and Lady Roseanna standing near Prince John--him not knowing which is Lady Gisborne.  Lady Mary is still confined to bed and Lord George and their children are breaking their fast in their guest suite with her and the new baby.  Brothers Sir Guy Baron of Gisborne and Lord Archer Earl of Huntington exchange worried looks about the Royal Messenger--and what he could portend.  The children's eyes go wide, wondering at the excitement of a Royal Messenger.

Lady Roseanna Baroness of Gisborne:   Lady Roseanna [(3) right]  steps forward with a note of concern upon her face. "I am Lady Roseanna Baroness of Gisborne."

The Messenger takes two strides to her, then he bows and kneels down before her, extending his arm with a rolled sealed parchment in a sealed leather tube. There was no manner in which anyone would breach the privacy of this communication without its recipient being made aware of the deed.  Lady Roseanna Baroness of Gisborne takes the round leather tube and looks quizzically at her husband.

Lady Rebecca: Motioning to one of her footman, Rebecca Lady Leicester intones graciously.  "Messenger. I am Lady Leicester.  Please let my footman guide you to a room where you may refresh yourself and have some nourishment.  Your guards will also  be attended to." 

Messenger: He stands and bows to Lady Leicester.  "I thank you for your graciousness, My Lady.  But my apologies, I am instructed to watch Baroness Gisborne read the  message and then to wait for ... a reply."  Curiously, he does not say wait for her reply.  His countenance remains fixed with a solemn expression on it.

All eyes turn to Lady Roseanna Baroness of Gisborne--especially the eyes of her husband Sir Guy Baron of Gisborne.  Their elevated rank is not yet 24 hours old and she is receiving royal messages addressed to her new title. Obviously, thinks, Sir Guy, Queen Eleanor knew of his Baronial investiture.

Lady Roseanna Baroness of Gisborne:  She smiles and says lightly, masking her own concerns for what is contained within the leather tube.  "Dear Aunt Queen Eleanor.  Surely she wishes to convey her congratulations to my husband Sir Guy Baron of Gisborne."

Prince John:  "Of course.  Well, if you will excuse me, I will go hawking this morning--since I must do something now that I am awake. Come everyone!" 

As Prince John starts to walk away toward the doorway to the corridor, The Royal Messenger bows and holds out his hand, staying Prince John from leaving.

Royal Messenger: "My apologies again, My Prince.  Queen Eleanor also instructs ..." Chastened by the look of thunder upon Prince John's face, he rephrases. "Queen Eleanor asks that you also be present to witness Baroness Gisborne read the message.  And I am to answer any questions that you or Baroness Gisborne might have." He states cryptically.

Prince John: "Hhhhhh!"  Prince John sighs heavily in annoyance.  "Well get to it, Rosie. I cannot wait all day to go hawking." 

Prince John taps his foot in annoyance, thus drawing his young cousin by marriage Seth Gisborne's attention to his feet. Seth smiles and thinks, Prince John still has pretty shoes.