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At Peace
Topic Started: Dec 10 2010, 04:21 AM (154 Views)
Margaret de Burgh
Unregistered

Late January, 1512

Things were right in the world of Margaret de Burgh again. In fact, she was beginning to think that they were more right than ever before. Arthur Chamerlyn had been a ghost of her past and now he had reappeared and proved that he was not meant to be part of her future, in any way more than a friend. Her thoughts of anything more had been compounded by the great loss she felt during Elizabeth’s illness. Nothing else, she had concluded. The Baron was still ever the same, but it was a cruelness she had come to accept in her life. She could expect nothing else and doing anything but, would only leave her disappointed. But now Elizabeth was up and about, if not weak. It was a sight she had waited weeks to see. And it truly was a miracle that had happened right before her very eyes. She had asked for too much before and she’d never ask for such a thing ever again. Elizabeth would be content with her daughter, as she had been before, and allow her laughter to brighten her days.

The doctors had told the de Burgh’s not to take her from her current place yet and so they had to impose on the family’s good graces a bit longer. They were happy to oblige. Elizabeth had to be very thankful for the family’s kindness, as she had never expected such generosity from anyone related to her husband. She was most happily proven wrong. But Margaret was the sort of woman who could be happy anywhere, so long as it was not in the confines of court. Perhaps there were some women and men she could tolerate, but she left politics to her husband and like a good wife, showed only when it was to his benefit. She was happy to stay in the countryside manor and let Baron de Burgh, be Baron de Burgh.

Perhaps she was a baroness in title, but she had first and foremost been the daughter of a knight who had ‘retired’ in the English countryside. That would never go away. Her love for nature was seen all around the manor, with large bouquets of wildflowers that weren’t usually there and fresh berries picked for breads and jams. If her husband cared more, it would probably infuriate him, but as it was, he hardly noticed such things and that was well and fine with her. Their small family had one wing of the manor to themselves and for the most part, she stayed there. If they weren’t there, then she was taking Elizabeth out for some badly needed fresh air—and keeping an eye out that she did not overexert herself.

Today was one of those days. She looked so misplaced, what with her regal lavender gown and headpiece, but really she couldn’t have felt any more at home in the tall grass pondering over flowers for her next arrangement. Elizabeth was reclined and underneath a parasol, practicing Latin with a tutor. For Margaret, there was no day better than this. Arthur Chamberlyn was far from her mind and she was at ease.
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William Kingston
Unregistered

It had been a trying trip, but one that he had made nonetheless. William was no stranger to politics but that certainly didn't mean that he enjoyed delving into them and right into the thick of the vultures that clawed, screeched and, in some cases, preened at one another. In fact, there were several unpleasant things that William could think he could subject himself to that he would gladly participate in rather than deal with the politics of court. Unfortunately, his new station saw to it that he had little choice but to comply with formalities and proprieties of court.
Unless, of course, he wasn't at court.

He tended his duties as any good man would. He saw to his King and the demands of his country, going above and beyond what anyone would have expected from a man who had been nothing more but a shepherd in his youth. He had a direct and sensible code of honor that was usually fairly irritating to some of those around him and yet he seldom enjoyed applying his honor and morality to Court. The basic reason for that? Honor and morality had little place in Court.

And so William had ventured to the home that the de Burgh family was residing in, as far as William knew, for the time being. Politics were heating up and war was nearly on Britain's doorstep. Though it wasn't required, William could have used the council of a dear friend in arms.

William de Burgh was that dear friend and comrade in arms. They had done battle together numerous times and had come to know each other well enough on the field of battle. They, together, had been elevated to their current stations after a combined effort in one such instance. Rumor had it that the newly appointed Baron was spending time away from Court and with his family and daughter who was, apparently, gravely ill. At the very least, de Burgh likely could have used the companionship of another male at that point in time. A little reprieve, perhaps, through conversation from the troubles that were clearly plaguing him and his family. Beyond that, William direly wanted to show give his condolences to the family for their misfortune.

He and a lone man rode up to the de Burgh home. They were greeted by a servant. William quickly introduced himself and explained that he was looking for Baron William de Burgh and his family. The servant had been quick at letting William know that the Baron wasn't in, but that his wife and daughter certainly were. He was directed to the grassy area behind the manor. He quickly fetched something from his saddlebags and then strode towards the rear of the manor purposefully.

Even from afar he could see both Margaret and Elizabeth in the fields. A smile instantly adorned his features as he took in the sight of the child with her tutor. He cleared his throat as he came to a stop, unnoticed by mother, child or tutor, for that matter. "Nothing can keep our Elizabeth from her studies." He said. The child instantly looked up and despite the illness that had plagued her, her features lit almost instantly. The child was looking well that day, much to William's pleasure. "Uncle William!" She stood and William could tell that she wanted to greet him but was yet too weak to do much else than stand. He smiled and made his way to her, scooping her up in one arm. He hugged her for a moment before setting her down again. "It's good to see you up and about." He commented. "And for your efforts..." He produced the small cloth-wrapped parcel he had procured from his saddlebag moments ago and handed it to the child.

Folded carefully within the wrapping was a small cloth doll of exceptional craftsmanship. While the child took a moment to look the doll over, William turned his attention to the lovely Margaret de Burgh. He hadn't had much contact with the woman herself, but he respected her a great deal. He inclined his head. "Baroness." He acknowledged her graciously. "I hope I'm not imposing. I was expecting to find your husband here."
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Margaret de Burgh
Unregistered

Admittedly, Margaret's task was not an easy one what with spring being the ideal time to find wildflowers. Winter always dulled England's beauty, but today was an anomaly. The sun was out, the sky was blue and it seemed the perfect day to at least try-- not to mention have Elizabeth out enjoying the nice warmth and weather. What there was plenty of however, was the beautiful bending bushes of lavender. She had begun to lean over to pull a few of it's delicate stems when a servant came out to tell her that Sir William Kingston had arrived. Her husband hadn't told her that he was expected, but he was a good friend of the Baron's and what seemed to be a decent man. Knight or not, he would still be welcome as a friend of the Baron.

"Oh?" Margaret looked back at Elizabeth, judging her ability to see guests and then nodded. "Yes, show him back here please." Then she went back to picking several of the lavender stems and a few tall dried pieces of tall grass. They made lovely accents to her bouquets and arrangements. It wasn't too much longer when the knight himself came through the back door of the manor. Margaret shifted her attention towards him, pleased that they finally had a guest to attend to. And this guest was quite perfect as she was sure he would bring some much needed cheer and happiness to her little girl. She adored the man and had taken to calling him Uncle. One day she'd have to get on her for not calling him by his proper title, but she couldn't be bothered. It brought a smile to her face.

The Baroness looked on happily as she watched William interact with Elizabeth. They were quite the pair and on more than one occasion their antics together had made Margaret burst into laughter. Times like this, she had to be thankful for what she did have, despite everything. Her heart had been broken yet again, by circumstances she could not control. Had she fully loved Arthur Chamerlyn again? Perhaps not, but a part of her had never stopped loving him. Now, she could give up all false hope on the day dream and focus on the future. Right now, her future was now in the hands of Sir William Kingston, literally. It pleased her very much to see Elizabeth in such good spirits. And the doll? Well, the little girl seemed to love it instantly.

"Mama, look what Uncle William has brought me!" The little girl held up the beautiful doll. "I see that. Sir William is your white knight for the day, isn't he?" Margaret smiled warmly at the man. "Sir William, do not every think to impose on the de Burghs. The Baron likes you well enough and our dear Elizabeth likes you even more I think." She added with a chuckle. "Do you have business in London? I hope you did not inconvenience yourself just to say hello." The warmth in her words was unmistakable, but that was simply just Margaret. "Baron de Burgh is at Hampton Court right now, but I hope that our company does not disappoint."
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William Kingston
Unregistered

William knew well enough that the Baron doted on his daughter. He knew well enough that the little girl was his pride and joy and she had captured his heart long ago as well. Elizabeth de Burgh was a sweet child and, regardless of her illness, she did her best to show her nature and that she was full of life and promise. William could easily understand why the Baron was so proud of his daughter, even given current circumstances. Truthfully, William enjoyed the company of the Baroness as well. She was charming and gentle in nature and genuinely looked after the guests who were housed under her roof.
It was nearly impossible to not like the de Burgh family.

Even the Baron himself had fought at arms with William on more than one occasion, even when he had been little more than a shepherd's son, elevated amongst the ranks. Before he'd even had a title. de Burgh had recognized him as a good soldier and quite the tactician and William didn't doubt that, if it weren't for de Burgh, he very well might not have had the chance to prove his worth on the battlefield enough to even garner his superior's attention, let alone the King himself. He had a lot to be thankful for because of his friend and he knew it well.

"Mama, look what Uncle William has brought me!" The child held the doll up to show to her mother. There was a smile on the Baroness' face that was all warmth. "I see that. Sir William is your white knight for the day, isn't he?" William bowed his head a moment, chuckling to himself at the statement alone. But then she addressed him solely. "Sir William, do not every think to impose on the de Burghs. The Baron likes you well enough and our dear Elizabeth likes you even more I think." William bowed his head once more, but this time in thanks. "Well, I happen to think that Elizabeth will make a lovely sight once she is grown. A vision of beauty just as her mother is, Baroness, and thank you for your hospitality." He said genuinely.

Truthfully, William had never felt a twinge of jealousy over the very things that William de Burgh had, but in the moment, he actually felt a pang of regret. He knew that he enjoyed being at arms for his King just as much as de Burgh did, but he knew, for a fact, that he would also be spending every moment he could with his family afterward. Especially given how much de Burgh seemed to praise his daughter. But William couldn't help but wonder where the praise was for such a notable wife. The woman managed to keep everything together in the face of her own child's illness. He marveled at that strength in her alone.

"Do you have business in London? I hope you did not inconvenience yourself just to say hello." William gave a wry smile. "Of course I didn't inconvenience myself. Visiting the Baroness de Burgh and her charming daughter could never be considered an inconvenience of any kind." He said naturally. It was truth and not mere formality. "There have been thoughts and troubles on my mind as of late and from what I had been hearing, your husband was planning on coming to the manor in recent days. I must be ahead of schedule," he admitted with a sigh.

"Baron de Burgh is at Hampton Court right now, but I hope that our company does not disappoint." Hampton Court. The one place that he would have preferred to avoid if he could manage it. He was tired of the constant game of women's affections that seemed to run wild in Court. He understood that he was a man who should have been married off long ago, but it didn't make him anymore comfortable with the women who would attempt winning his favor with little more than coy smiles and elaborate speech. That wasn't what William desired in a wife in the least. He focused himself on the Baroness for a moment, regaining hold of his rampant thoughts. "Your company is never a disappointment, Baroness. If you'll have me, I'd be more than honored to share it until I receive word on whether or not I will have to wait out the Baron's arrival or return to Court to meet up with him."
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