Stacey heard Eric moan, started toward him, then turned and asked, “Willow, ask ye mistress may I have ye services while I am here.”
Willow smiled and said, “Oh, yes, thank ye ma’am. I will ask right away.”
Stacey was at his side when Eric moaned again and opened his eyes. Stacey took his hand and kissed his bearded jaw. “Hello my love, how do ye feel?”
Eric blinked his eyes and asked, “Are ye really here or am I dreaming.”
“Yes, my love, I’m really here and we are going to get ye strong and take ye home to Dun-Raven where ye belong. The children all send their love.”
Willow brought the broth and gave Stacey a smile and a nod of yes. “How may I serve ye, m’lady?”
“I need a large pitcher of water and a pot to boil water in by the fireplace.”
“Yes, m’lady, right away,” she said as she quickly left the room.
Stacey sat her food by the fireplace to stay warm while she fed Eric his broth and mushroom concoction. She added some willow bark to help with the pain. He was asleep before he finished his broth. Stacey sat by the fire, drank her cider and ate a bit of food.
Franklin and young Jaron came back looking refreshed and clean. Behind them came Willow. Stacey asked, “Willow, do ye think ye could find a place for Franklin and young Jaron to sleep?”
“Yes, m’lady, I believe I can,” she said as she smiled at Jaron with down cast eyes.
The next morn, Eric was awake and more lucid. After feeding him sweetened gruel and more concoction, she asked, “Eric, your daughters and Anne are frantic for news of their husbands. Do you know or have any idea where or how they are?”
“No, I’m sorry my love, I do not. The last I saw of them was in the midlands. I was trying to get to them when my horse was cut from under me. Where am I now and how did I get here?”
“You’re in Fotheringhay castle, in Northamptonshire. Franklin and young Jaron brought you here. You have two severe wounds, one on your chest and one deep one on your leg. When you are stronger we will hire a wagon and take you home.”
Franklin and Jaron asked everyone who come from the south, had they seen or heard any news of the Earl of Hampton or the family of the Earl of Dun-Raven. A fortnight passed and the earl was anxious to
go home. The weather was cold but dry. Franklin found a sturdy wagon and a willing driver to take them home to Dun-Raven. Lady Montrose of Fotheringhay loaned a feather bed for Eric to lie on to make
his trip to Dun-Raven more comfortable. Everyone Stacey talked with wanted this wretched war to end. When they rode from the castle, there was one more addition to their party. Stacey had spoken to Lady Montrose about taking Willow to Dun-Raven. She too had noticed the close relationship between young Jaron and Willow. Stacey assured Lady Montrose they would take good care of her at Dun-Raven.
On the road, they asked whomever they met how the war in the south was going. They heard many different stories, but none they could count on. It took almost a week to reach Dun-Raven. Home had never looked so good. There was a letter from Callie waiting when they arrived. Stacey’s hands shook as she opened it fearing the worst. She read the letter and then gave it to Eric as she sat down on the floor crying. Eric was bewildered by her actions and asked, “Why are ye crying my love, he is recovering well. And he said our sons were well the last he saw of them.”
When the girls heard the news they all three drove for the letter. Of course, Jessie reached it first. There was much joy in Dun-Raven this day. Eric was carried upstairs to recuperate in his own bed. The weeks went by slowly; there was no more news of their men. The news from the south was not in King Richard’s favor. Eric was disgusted, when he heard how cowardly Richard’s Cheshire archers in desperation slunk off ripping their white hart badges off as they went home. The lords had become so disillusioned with Richard that they welcomed Henry Bolingbroke. Stacey had no great interest in who was king; she just wanted her sons, sons-in-law and the rest of the Yorkshire men home.
In Wales, Richard found himself betrayed, deserted and a prisoner of Henry Bolingbroke. So successful was Bolingbroke’s enterprise that he decided to seize the crown. Richard proved to be difficult to coerce into abdicating, therefore, he became a prisoner in the tower. Stacey remembered reading a synopsis in her history class about the fall of King Richard II. She recited it to Eric as she remembered: Henry Bolingbroke, son of John of Gaunt, brought a force from France and Richard lost the crown. With the Lancastrians backing him, Henry was crowned King Henry IV in thirteen-ninety-nine. Henry kept Richard imprisoned in the tower of London then transferred him to Pontefract castle where he conveniently died in fourteen-hundred. He had no children.
On a bright sunny day, and envoy brought an edict from Henry: Henry’s emissary informed the Earl and Countess of Dun-Raven that their son and two sons-in-law, as well as the earl of Hampton’s son, were being held for ransom or could die a traitor’s death. What Henry didn’t know, was that Brandon had fought right along beside his brother, but as luck would have it, he avoided capture. He did lay- low and kept an eye on his family while they were in the tower. Disguise as a servant, he brought food and blankets to his brother, his cousin and two brothers-in-law, as well as welcome information to keep their spirits up until such time, they gained their freedom.
Eric and Rodric had both gone to battle, but ironically, they both received serious wounds and eventually found their way home. Stacey had warned Eric of what was coming, but he felt obligated, even in his advanced years, to fight for Richard even though he knew the general consequences. When Eric and the men in her family went to fight for King Richard, Stacey wanted to scream bloody murder from the rooftops of Dun-Raven, but knew she had to keep it together for her girls and grandchildren.
When they received the edict, the Earl and Countess of Dun-Raven hurried to Hampton keep, then to London. It took weeks to bargain with Henry. Neither Eric nor Rodric had fully recovered from their battle wounds. And there was no way the countess was going to let them go to London without her. Not only did they still need medical assistance, but also she wanted to see her sons and sons-in-law as well as her nephew. Because of who she was, she was allowed to visit twice a week where as Brandon dressed as a servant saw them daily. Weeks passed slowly and the countess was scared for her family being in the tower. She knew from history how many innocent people had lost their heads on tower green. Although she was worried about her men folk, she also knew from history that Henry was not stupid; he knew Yorkshire vassals had the best run fifes. He was more interested in money than heads rolling. Money was what Henry needed to hold the crown, therefore with the signatures of the Earl of Dun-Raven and the Earl of Hampton; the four young men regained their freedom.
Because of the prosperity of the earl’s domain, many came to his aid. The ransom was paid in a reasonable time. Stacey had been ready to sell everything, but because of the generosity of family, friends and neighbors, it was not necessary. Stacey worried for her family. Even after this narrow escape, the men folk of her family and the people of Yorkshire were still loyal to the house of York. Thank god, in England there would be reasonable peace for the next fifteen years. In the countess’s opinion, Henry IV was not a bad king. Of course, there were scrimmages and plots to put Richard back on the throne, but those came to a halt when Richard died in Pontefract castle.
Over the years, Stacey had tried to turn the cold interior of the castle into a warm inviting home. She had carpets on the floors, furniture in the great hall, cloth on the tables, dishes to eat out of and glasses from which to drink. She had carpenters to make doors in walls so each family would have a private apartment, more or less. The carpenter constructed cribs and highchairs for the babies. By now, there was a castle full of grandchildren.
Many of the castle folk were retired, but still lived within the castle walls. The elderly were deeply respected and cherished. This was their home too. Life, as a whole was made as easy as possible for everyone. There were cisterns on
the roof of the castle to catch rainwater to help flush the garderobes or help with washdays. There was now a garderobe on each floor. It seemed every week or so, they lost some old friend who had been there in the beginning of Stacey’s arrival. Most of the retainer’s children or grandchildren took over when the relative retired or passed away. So really, it was like a large family. Sir Robin and Nicole had moved to the manor house at Foxwoods.
The raids on the borderlands were much less now. Peace prevailed over much of the north. The earl and his people stayed out of the political circles as much as possible. The earl and countess now had six additional grandchildren. Shane and Anne had a daughter, Elizabeth. Jessie and James had a daughter, Renni and Jackie and Colin had another son, Roland. Eric and Stacey’s younger daughter, Cassandra, married Robert Maxwell in thirteen-ninety-seven. Robert’s father was a wealthy merchant. Cassandra and Robert met at a birthday party given for Robert’s younger sister, Joan. Robert was a tall handsome blond young man of twenty- three years. He had known Cassie but had not seen her since she was very young. When he and Cassandra first met their eyes locked onto each other. Robert had toured Europe, spent a year in Venice and was now home to help his father run the business. Robert courted Cassandra ardently and when he proposed, Cassandra happily accepted. Six months later, they were married and their first child was a daughter, Eleanor Leigh. Stacey was there to help deliver Cassandra’s first child. Maxwell manor was near Falcon Crest on the moors.
Eric and Stacey had always tried to be close and available to their children. They rode and hunted together, picnicked by the river or lake and taught their children how to swim. Stacey had made swimsuits for her children so now she would do the same for her grandchildren. Stacey thought, about her other life many times, but knew she was happy here with Eric and her family. She would not change it even if she could.
In the cold winter of fourteen-ought-six, Sir Giles died. Young Giles had died fighting for King Richard during his second campaign to Ireland. Lady Katharine wanted to go live with her daughter, Callie and Rodric at Hampton keep. She knew someone else would be taking over Finwick. Most likely, the earl’s son or one of his sons-in-law would take over the barony. From the time, the family had toured the Mediterranean and its connecting seas Brandon had wanted to sail with Captain Ahab. Finally, when Brandon was nineteen years of age he convinced his parents to permit him to sail a season with Captain Ahab. One season turned into a year and a year into many years. Brandon returned to Dun-Raven when news reached him of the war between King Richard and Henry Bolingbroke. Brandon followed his family into battle, but by avoiding capture, he was able to assist them while they were imprisoned.
After the war, Brandon spent five more years at sea and then returned to Dun-Raven after Captain Ahab lost his life at sea. Brandon never talked about it, but Eric knew Ahab’s death preyed on his son’s mind. When Giles died, Eric asked Brandon how he would feel about taking over the barony of Finwick. Eric knew how much Stacey had worried about their youngest son and how relieved she was when he returned home to stay. Eric slapped his son on his knee and grinned, “Ye think about it son and let me know,” he said. “Oh, yes, if ye decide to take it, keep in mind, ye will still be close enough for ye mother to make a pest of herself.”
Brandon, who loved his mother dearly, laughed at his father and said, “Well, since ye put it that way Papa, how could I refuse?”
In fourteen-ought-eight, Brandon married Joan Maxwell, Robert Maxwell’s youngest sister. Eric worried when he heard that Joan had been bound for the convent. He wanted to talk to Brandon about it, but did not know how. Stacey had no such problem. When she talked with her son, he assured her they both understood about such things.
“After all,” Brandon said, “we’ve had the best of teachers.”
His mother patted his cheek and said, “I know you’re trying to embarrass me, but it won’t work.”
Brandon laughed heartily at his mother and said, “What I wouldn’t give to know what goes on inside ye head, Mother.”
Stacey hugged her son and said, “You would be terribly disappointed darling; it’s a rather empty space.”
“I doubt that, Mother. We children have always known that ye and Papa have secrets.”
Stacey kissed her son and said, “You’re a good son Brandon and I love you. There is an old saying, ‘A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.”
Chapter 29
The Final Days
In fourteen-thirteen, King Henry IV died. His son, Henry V was crowned: He was twenty-seven and anxious to make war on France. Stacey told her children, “I don’t want any of you mixed up with these Henrys. First they’ll want your money and then they’ll get you killed.”
Eric and Stacey spent much of their time together. They still rode out together and often visited their children and grandchildren. Cassandra was so much like her mother that Stacey felt a special bond with her youngest daughter. Slowly she let bits and pieces of her life slip. Cassie promised her mother, she would never betray her.
Stacey told her, “I’m old now; it’s not I it would put in jeopardy, but you children and your children. That’s why the less said the better.”
In the year fourteen-fourteen, Cassandra’s daughter, Eleanor, met a young knight at the county fair. His family was of Gloucester. He was the fifth son of the Earl of Gloucester. It was a known fact that there was not an adequate amount of titles or land to distribute to a fifth son. Therefore, his family wanted him to wed for a title. Even though Eleanor’s father was wealthy, he held no title. For that reason, Thomas’s family did not approve of the marriage.
Thomas Woodstock was a young man of passion and in love with Eleanor. He broke from his family and came to Maxwell manor to ask for Eleanor’s hand in marriage. They married without the consent
of Thomas’s grandfather, the Duke of Gloucester. Eric had never liked the old duke and now knew he could make trouble. Eric’s third cousin had held the Barony of Falcon Crest, until his death a month ago with no heirs. For a wedding gift to his granddaughter, the Earl of Dun-Raven arranged to gave the barony title to Thomas and Eleanor. Eric, very well satisfied with himself said, “Now I would like to see ye old grandfather try to do something about that.” Eric was seventy-seven years old and enjoyed out witting the old duke.
Rodric and Callie came to visit for a few weeks. The four of them laughed and talked about how they were getting old. It seemed like only yesterday that they were young and celebrating Rodric’s eighteenth birthday. They were reminiscing about Stacey’s unorthodox arrival and how she and Eric rubbed each other the wrong way and how that had turned into a great love affair. These four people could talk and laugh freely with one another. There were no secrets between them, but many between them and the rest of the family. The children had asked so many questions over the years, however, they knew it would be dangerous for any of them to know. These four had become experts at avoiding well-aimed questions.
Geoffrey Thomas spent three years, fighting with Henry V in France. He came home in the early spring, not long before his grandfather died. Stacey hated Henry V and his wars. She alone knew how futile the whole thing was. England would lose their land in France in the end. Stacey hated war and the loss of young men’s lives. Eric had been having chest pains for some months. He did not tell Stacey because he knew she would worry too much. Stacey had known something wasn’t right with him for sometime. When she saw him holding his left arm she was sure it was his heart. Stacey’s father was a doctor and she had heard medical talk at the table for twenty-one years. Stacey knew her medical skills were limited to diet and willow bark potion. Stacey watched as Eric became weaker and weaker. He held her hand and said, “I am so very tired, my love.”
Stacey kissed him tenderly and said, “Why don’t you close your eyes and rest my love? I’ll be right here when you wake.”
Geoffrey Eric FitzMorgan, the Seventh Earl of Dun-Raven passed over on April fourteenth, fourteen-seventeen, three days after hi
s eightieth birthday. Shane was now the Eighth Earl of Dun-Raven. His wife, Anne became the new Countess of Dun-Raven, but most of the people still referred to Stacey as the old countess. Rodric, the Earl of Hampton joined his older brother four years later. Callie came and spent more and more time with Stacey. Callie said she felt lost without Rodric and Stacey agreed. She understood how it felt to lose your life partner.
As the old countess had predicted, King Henry V wanted money and men to help him wage war in France. Slowly, but surely Stacey lost grandsons and loved ones as well as other children and castle folk to war and illness. Henry V wore the crown for nine years. His interest was in France not England. The lords and the people kept the country together. Henry won Calais, but the best thing he ever did was to legitimize the English language through government documents to vernacular English. English was the language of the peasants. The hierarchy and ruling class had always spoken Latin and French, but now he decreed that English would be the language of England. Henry V was thought well of by many and would leave a legacy of good government when he died in fourteen-twenty-two. His nine-months-old son, became Henry VI and the Duke of York became his protector.
Heartache upon heartache, Jackie and Jessie both lost their husbands, Colin Ashworth and James Howard to Henry’s war and Stacey lost two more of her grandsons in France, Jackie’s son Roland and Cassandra’s son Robbie. In fourteen-twenty-five, Geoffrey Thomas married Katherine Sinclair, the daughter of a Scottish nobleman. Her family was not happy about her marrying an Englishman, but she was past twenty-five. They had not forced her to marry because she was very strong minded and they loved her strength, beauty and intelligence. When she and Geoffrey Thomas met at her cousin’s party, they both knew they had found their long awaited love. Their one and only child was Geoffrey Edward born July fourth, fourteen-thirty, in Dun-Raven castle.
Stacey thought, it was time to make a family tree. She gathered her three daughters and granddaughters around her. She tried to explain what she was doing. She said, “I know you’ll have questions, but I’ll tell you now that I can’t answer them. You must do what I ask on faith alone. I have put this sign beside each of your names and also beside Margaret’s, Renni’s, Eleanor’s and her daughter, Cassandra.”
A Fall Through Time (Stacey and Shane Mcleod, #1) Page 17