by GinaRJ
Rachel fell into a sort of daze as she said, “And now I cannot help wonder…if people are so aware of Westerly’s conditions, why have they not offered to lend their support?”
“Is it unable to support itself?” It was not a rude remark, only a point that Westerly did, in fact, manage to survive without external provisions or charity. “It is well enough,” she also concluded, “that the emperor lets it alone to be as it is. A great many noble would gladly dissolve the community if only the emperor would give his approval.”
“Then where would the people go?”
“To be blunt, my dear, I do not think they care.”
Rachel thought on these things during a long space of silence, which they both peacefully allowed. “Tell me, darling, dear Sister,” the duchess began, eventually breaking the silence, “do you recall the plague?”
“I recall it well.”
“Members of the High Clerics claimed we were being punished. Do you think it is so?”
“No,” she quickly answered.
“Very few children lost their lives because of it. It was mostly men and women. Nobles.”
“My mother and father,” Rachel also recalled, “out of merely seven who died in Westerly because of it.”
“Then I see why you would reject such a belief that we were being punished, for you would then have to place that punishment upon your own mother and father.” There was a second space of silence before the duchess said, “I would not trouble you with it, but I wonder if you may keep me in your heart. I am not ill, not in body. But at times I feel very wretched and discontent. I do not know why. My husband is wealthy and very good to me. I have three children, two of them sons—healthy children who have and will yet bring forth healthy children of their own. There is nothing I have desired that I do not have. But happiness…this is something I have not known for a very long time.”
“I will certainly keep you in my heart. I am honored that you would ask it of me.”
As soon as she’d said it, Jacob and the duke reentered. The distinguished couple soon after parted for their private quarters.
“She’s very kind,” Rachel commented.
“And wise,” Jacob added.
“Having spoken with a few people the short time I’ve been here, I see that Westerly is somewhat popular, even if not in a good sense.”
“Although it may appear otherwise, Westerly has not been forgotten.”
“I was aware that the surrounding nobles have requested it from the emperor over the years, but he declines. The people have lived in fear since I can recall, fear of being placed under the charge of any one of these nobles.”
“The emperor will not likely grant it. Only in time, as it is sought after by these, it will be considered a privilege to have him grant it to whomever he chooses if, in fact, anyone at all.”
The thought of Jacob requesting it for himself crossed her mind. No matter how kind a noble as he was, or how ruthless as Duke Berlin, the people did not want to be ruled in such a way. Things were well as they were, and they imagined if any noble was ever granted Westerly, it would change and perhaps become nothing at all.
“None to fear,” he soothed. “The emperor has no intention upon granting it to any noble. Perhaps in the future when a man of low degree has proven himself worthy of the position as a noble, then he may distribute it as a sort of breeding ground for a new city. It would not be such a difficult task to transform it into something much grander.”
“If you were to ask...would he grant it to you?” She seriously asked, staring upon his profile.
“Is this an inclination that disturbs you?” He asked, and before she could say anything went on to say, “He has never withheld anything that I have requested of him. But I have requested very little, just as my father and those before him. The Great City is enough on its own, and parcels of land and places here and there associated with it. Yes, I imagine he would, but it is not something I have considered. Even in light of this proposal. No matter your answer tomorrow evening, I would not dare attempt to acquire it in order to acquire your hand. But I admit, now that you mention it, that may not be an altogether unprofitable solution.”
She was grateful for one thing…that Jacob Trent had a sense of humor.
The following morning they sat at the table with his guests, and after a couple of hours of dining and talking, they said farewell. Jacob then insisted upon taking her for a ride throughout the city in his private carriage. She gratefully accepted, thinking it a perfect idea. She got the impression it was not often he did this. While men and women stopped and gawked, children laughed and ran and waved. She could not resist waving back, although it was not certain she could be seen doing so within the shadows of the cozy compartment.
They later dined together on a balcony overlooking the gardens and the ocean beyond. She expressed a desire to walk along the sand, and they did so after having finished their meal. As always, they were followed by a group of guards from a distance. For one, to avoid rumor and gossip, she supposed, appreciating the fact that he would take her reputation into consideration. For two, simple precautions…for safety’s sake. One thing was quite obvious—Jacob Trent was hardly ever left alone. There were a lot of the time guards surrounding him, whether close by or from a distance. Such was the same with herself…even when alone. Even if she could not see them, she knew they were somewhere in hearing range, such as outside of her private quarters.
They later separated for a time. And that evening she was summoned to the table, not the private dinette, but in the Great Hall. There were two very long tables in this enormous room, each surrounded by some of the more prominent citizens of the Great City…and there were prominent citizens, such as Mr. Oakley whose business overall provided fine horses for the Guard, and Thomas Beazley, overseer of the city’s law enforcements.
There was also entertainment: musicians and dancers and poets.
“I hope you have overall enjoyed your visit,” Jacob commented as they sat together at the head of the table. By this time the people had adapted to her presence, although they wondered exactly who she was and what she was to their host. No proper introduction had been made. According to him, it was customary to simply wonder until a noble such as himself chose to make an introduction. For some reason, she was relieved by this.
“I truly have and I’m grateful for your generosity. I must say, whatever change this was, no matter the case, it suits you well.” She raised her glass, he raised his, and they both drank, he of his wine, she, her warm tea.
“This marks the end of the second day,” Jacob came to say.
“Yes,” she agreed, forcing herself to look him in the eye. “As I said, I am truly grateful for your generosity. My time here has been well spent.”
“I can see by this expression that your answer is not in my favor.”
“And one that a select few back home would scold me for were they made aware…my sisters above all. But they know me, and would likely agree that I am just not suitable for such a commitment.”
He looked away as if to avoid her seeing his eyes. “Will you tell them about my proposal…that you declined it?”
“No,” she had already decided. “But do not worry, Jacob Trent, I will not create a fib in order to cover it. There are plenty remnants of truth concerning this visit to ease any curiosity as to why it occurred at all to begin with.”
He inhaled a deep breath, exhaling slowly. “Having you here these past two days has been a pleasure,” he said. “Truly an honor. It is a memory I shall cherish the rest of my life, Rachel the Elder.”
“Thank you,” she said, then hesitated, but leaned forward and dropped a simple kiss on his cheek. “Thank you for understanding.” Had she ever kissed a man? Yes, but not under any casual circumstance—usually only the ill or those close to death; after saying a prayer for the soul or directly following the eternal closing of the eyes.
He set his goblet on the table before him and stood. “I dread to
say I must be off into the countryside to settle a matter.”
She frowned up at him a bit confused. “At this hour?”
“Consideration of the hour can rarely be noted with these matters that occupy my time. But this should not keep me long. Meantime, enjoy yourself.” He glanced at the troubadours with a grin. “The more they drink the merrier they become, and all the more entertaining. And you are in good hands.” He cast his eyes toward the guards. “You are safe I promise.”
“When will you return?”
“Later,” he told her. “But I will see you in the morning before you depart.”
And with that he was gone.
******
That night she couldn’t sleep. Her thoughts bounced back and forth between Jacob and home…furthermore her obligations there. In another two weeks she would resume those obligations, and see her friends and sisters which put a smile upon her face.
The next day she prepared her things. Tilly helped her. The clothing provided her was also packed. She hadn’t a clue what she would do with these things once she got home. Such garments and accessories would not apply to any situation she could think of. But it was insisted she take every single item along. So she had extra suitcases, seven altogether. With the closing of the final one a knock sounded at the door. It opened and Jacob entered, two guards following behind. Tilly would have scurried from the room.
“You may stay,” Jacob said to her, and neared Rachel with a grin that made her smile in return. She took his hands with her own as he offered them. He planted a kiss on one cheek and then the other. “I see you are prepared for your journey.”
“I am.”
He stepped back, holding her at arm’s length. “Even the beauty of nature could not compete with yours.”
“You are far too polite, milord. You shan’t be a single man for long. Not speaking such flattering words as these.”
“Unfortunately the hands of the available itch more for gold and silver than do their ears for such compliments.” He stepped back, raised a hand and snapped his fingers. Percival entered with a box supported by a midsized crimson pillow. “I have something for you,” Jacob said, and motioned for Percival to hold it out before her.
“I couldn’t dare accept a gift. You have been generous as it is.”
“Please,” he calmly pressed.
She raised hesitant hands to lift the lid, pulling it up and back. The box was filled with coins—coins of both gold and silver. She gave her head a light shake, glancing from the small fortune to his penetrating gaze. “I don’t understand.”
“The request you made of me two years ago. It is granted. Take it and give to your poor and your orphans and your widows. Do with it as you wish. I know in my heart that you will do just as you proposed. I could not say the same of anyone else. But this I know will go every bit to these causes you are so passionate about.”
She was so baffled she didn’t know what to do or say. A smile came and went until she could not contain it, and an urge to hug him could not be resisted. She put her arms around him and they embraced.
“Thank you so much,” she praised, her cheek pressed against his chest. “You are too gracious. The people will be so very grateful, more so even than I.” She pulled away to look at him. “You will receive many letters of appreciation. Please, I only ask that you accept each of them by your own hand, and that you read them with your own eyes. Under that condition only will I accept. And just as you trust that I will do as I say, I will trust you to do the same as well.”
Hearing her, he grinned deeply, and with eyes so soft and gentle, he raised her hands dropping a light kiss on each of them. He patted them between his and nodded. “Agreed.”
With that, he stepped back. “I know the time is now for you to go. It has been a pleasure. I hope to hear word of your safe return.”
“You will,” she promised. He slightly bowed. She bowed her head with a smile that faded as he turned and departed the room.
******
A short time later she was on her way, travelling from the palace toward home. She twisted in her seat, searching every inch of the place she was leaving behind, hoping to spot him somewhere in the distance; perhaps standing on a balcony or atop a tower…in a window someplace. She held a hand in the air, ready to wave.
She didn’t see him anywhere.
The carriage jostled along. She felt as if she was smothering. Holding on to her seat, she gazed back and then forward again and again until she could no longer stand it. She opened her mouth and called out, “driver!” and then a second time when she perceived she had not been heard.
The carriage came to a halt. The driver’s expression was one of concern when he swung open the door. “Milady?” He anxiously answered. “Is something wrong?”
“No. Yes. I mean…no. Nothing.” She twisted in her seat, looking back. “Nothing terribly wrong.” She swung her attention back to him. “We must go back.”
“Go back?”
“Yes, I…we must turn around. Take me back.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he agreed. “Yes.” And the door closed again.
CHAPTER FOUR
Dearest Agatha
I write this message as I remain in the Great City. In the nearest future you may expect a second letter explaining the goings-on here and the cause of my delay. All is well. I have come upon a most unusual encounter which I will later explain. Do be at peace for I am well and certain that my life is being led toward a direction that will benefit us all. I will write again soon. Until then tell my dear friends and my sisters how I miss them and that I love them dearly always as myself.
Truly, Rachel.
She sealed the letter and handed it to Aaron, a page who’d been assigned to her to attend such duties as this—the delivering of letters. He would in turn pass the message on to Jacob’s secretary, Darius, who was in charge of overseeing all letters distributed from the palace grounds. She afterward proceeded to dress herself for the evening.
Two weeks had passed since she’d ordered the driver to turn around, since she’d returned to the palace and to Jacob, agreeing to become his wife and making him what appeared to be the happiest man in all the world. Since then they’d spent nearly every waking hour together: dining and being entertained, with rides about the city and the country-side, strolling about the gardens from time to time and along the sandy shore. They were never completely alone, but always watched over by guards in the distance, an occasional page and squire. Perhaps they stood in as witnesses to the innocence of the relationship. Not that the palace staff would talk or spread rumors. They treated her with the utmost respect. She was, after all, their soon-to-be mistress…the future Lady Trent.
They’d spent a great deal of hours effortlessly getting to know one another—dining alone or with guests chosen from citizens of the city, playing card games or those with boards and pieces. She sat with him during court, which was held the third day of each week, and listened in while he judged disputes amongst both the commoners and of the noblest in his realm; giving verdicts pertaining to any and all prisoners when it became time to do so. He was a wise man, she came to realize, not that she’d doubted, but hearing him resolve the various matters so, well, wisely, she found herself charmed by him all the more.
Preparations for an official wedding announcement had been so quickly arranged. Invitations were immediately dispersed, mostly to what was referred to as the class of Higher Nobles. Now, two weeks later, she examined both the outer and inner yards which were decorated and prepared for whatever guests would attend. She imagined there would be many. While the outer yard would be occupied by the citizens of the immediate realm, the inner yard was prepared for the more noble citizens: nobles in general—specifically the class of Higher Nobles such as the duke and duchess of Tarot. While some members of nobility who could travel the distance in the short time allotted agreed to the invitation, others sent their kind regards. Message after message poured in including one from the emperor w
ho congratulated and wished him well saying, “The news was ever refreshing” and “I look forward to meeting this lady whom fate must have persuaded you to pursue”.
The announcement of their engagement would be made tonight thus sealing it in stone; making it inevitable. She’d had no idea the emphasis that would be placed upon it. Jacob’s noble friends and peers were very happy for him, more than happy to be a part of the announcement get-together.
Despite the sudden change of events, Rachel was very content. The past two weeks had proven quite satisfying. She and Jacob got along so well, and she found herself liking him very much.
Since her return from that very brief departure, two guards had specifically been assigned to her—one by the name of Nicholas the other, Caleb. They took their job of guarding her very seriously. Her door was never left unattended, and if she dared venture about the premises, one or the other or both would follow from a distance. This would certainly take some time adjusting to.
Three chambermaids had also been assigned to her: Tilly, Roselyn, and Zaria,
Tilly was the most zealous of the three, hopping from task to task, be it cleaning the room, delivering meals and messages, arranging the wardrobe, preparing the bath. She saw to it these tasks were accomplished in a timely, precise fashion. Her small but speedy frame was always moving about, which made it understandable that she was so tiny to begin with. She rarely stood idle or sat for that matter.
Roselyn was just the opposite, and usually volunteered for the more trivial errands. She was less energetic, more withdrawn, and quite the peculiar one all around. Rachel occasionally caught her spying from the corners of her eyes as if suspicious or uncertain, or as if to target some sort of shortcoming. She didn’t seem particularly pleased to tend to anything at all—quite the contrary. She often hesitated when any deed was required as if awaiting it be done by one of the other two. But she didn’t say anything out of the way; rather hardly ever spoke at all.