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A new beginning
Topic Started: Dec 22 2011, 06:19 AM (331 Views)
Elizabeth Walden
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Early-February, 1512

Sitting in her carriage, Elizabeth gazed out of the window and admired the English countryside. The green hills, beautiful streams and large forests. It was all so new to her. This was the first time she really left home. She still felt the dry tears on her cheek from saying goodbye to her parents. It wasn't just because of the sorrow from leaving her home and family, it was because of the fear. The fear of unknown. She was leaving everything she knew and held dear. As her mother said her final goodbyes, she whispered a few words of wisdom to her daughter. Be smart my daughter. Know your worth and your beauty. I know our family will rise with you. You are our future shining star she said softly in her ear and kissed her on the cheek. Her father hugged her and told her to take care and never lose her head. Always to remember what is truly important.

Yes, that was Elizabeth's role in life, to bring wealth and honor to her parents. And failure was not an option. She bit her lip nervously and nodded to her mother. She was well aware that her life would change greatly. The old Elizabeth from a small countryside estate could not exist anymore. She had to become a new woman filled with grace, charm and elegance. A kind of woman any husband would want. She had to acquire the talents of seduction and desire. But how was she suppose to do that when she never even had a private conversation with a man? She did not know the little tricks that women play on men to spark their passion. She was still an innocent and inexperienced young girl and nothing more. Well, she had a lot to learn that was sure.

Elizabeth played with a single strand of her hair as the carriage bumped up and down the rutted road. She sighed deeply and fixed her hair from the millionth time. She wanted to look perfect for her meeting with her uncle. She knew that first impressions meant everything. And being the person Elizabeth's life and destiny was trusted with, her uncle was someone who's opinion mattered. She wondered for a second if he would be kind to her or distant and strict. Her mind went to that fantasy world as it always did when she was scared or uncertain about her future. She imagined him being tall and handsome with warm and soft features. She imagined him being kind and caring toward her. But she shook her head and quickly came back to reality. Her eyes caught a glimpse of what seemed to be a large estate in the distance. She realized that it was her uncle's estate. She admired it's beauty and size and couldn't believe that he lived there. After a long and exhausting journey, the carriage stopped in the courtyard and Elizabeth got out, quickly fixing her dress and putting a smile on her face.

She saw a man waiting for her at the front door. She took a deep breath and fixed a smile on her face. She walked steadily towards the man, trying not to show the fear in her eyes. When she finally arrived in front of him, her knees trembled lightly and she bit her lower lip. She feel into a deep curtsy, being very careful to be graceful and show of her long, white neck. She held her head up high and with a smile on her lips she greeted him warmly. Uncle, it is such a pleasure to finally meet you. I am very grateful that you agreed to this, truly. My parents send you their love of course.
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Robert Radcliffe
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10th Baron FitzWalter
The past few weeks had been some of the happiest of Robert’s life. With the boys taking to Rose in the way they had, and the prospect that he would soon be starting a family with the women he adored so completely, why, the Baron FitzWalter was so sure that not a single thing in the world could upset the perfect balance that his world had become. Of course, when he had considered the things that had the potential to do so, not once had he counted on the half-brother he was acquainted with only by name.

A letter had arrived three days prior from Sir Richard Walden himself, and it had been with a great hesitance that Robert had accepted it. Eighteen years his senior, Robert had not once been properly acquainted with his so called kin, and had never once contacted him thereafter once Richard had left home, which was why this letter was such a mystery. However, as the seal was broken and his eyes skimmed over the words, everything became clear.

After all these years, Richard had had the gall to pose him the request of taking on his daughter, Elizabeth, as a ward so that a suitable husband might be found for her. How dare he! How dare he disrupt the perfection of his time here with Rose and the boys! They had come here especially to be alone, and now it was to be shattered by some bright eyed child no less.

Although child it seemed, she was not.

When word had been sent to him that a carriage was approaching, the Baron had made his way to the manor’s courtyard and watched with limited interest as it came to a halt, and the door was opened. It was not until who Robert could only assume to be Elizabeth Walden stepped out of the carriage, however, did he raise an eyebrow. The figure before him was in no way a child. She was Rose’s age, quite easily, and was the sort of women that had the potential to spark quite a feeling of...good God. This was his niece. His elder brother’s daughter, and above all, she was a disturbance, and disturbances had to be treated in a businesslike manner.

As she approached him, dipping into a curtsy, Robert nodded his acknowledgement before addressing her curtly, “Lady niece,” he said, “I welcome you to Radcliffe Manor, though you should know that the pleasure in our meeting is not of a mutual nature. We were not expecting you to arrive here. Your father’s letter said nothing that you were to come to my manor, only that you were to be delivered to my care.” With her next words, a dry chuckle escaped from his lips. “Oh, do they send their love indeed? No. I care not what your father told you, but the only reason you’ve been sent her is because I am in very high favour with His Majesty the King.”
[align=center]Robert is a grand total of 3 thread(s).
And could have 1 more.[/align]

[align=center]Bobby Rad, Baron FitzWhat[/align]
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Elizabeth Walden
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As Elizabeth approached this man, this so called uncle of hers, she could see his eyes examining her fully. Just as a thief would asses the prize he stole, trying to figure out the exact value of it. Elizabeth flinched a bit, not really used to people looking at her in that way. So she was the last hope of her family now. And according to her uncle's words, a rather annoying hope that is not even welcome in his home. Elizabeth thought that indeed she was disturbing the peace in his home, but she of all people had no choice. She would gladly turn away from this cold and strange man and go back to her safe and dull life back home. But she had to be here, so she was determined to make the best of it and not let Robert's words affect her at all.

She ignored the harsh words her uncle said to her and put on a soft, warm smile on her face. Well...I did not realize that my father said nothing about me coming. I apologize for that and I am sure that this must be quite a disturbance for you, my Lord. But I assure you that I shall not be in your way in any kind. On the contrary. I am here to assist your wife and I hope I prove myself of great help. For my talents surpass patience and demure behavior. My parents have raised me well she said with a soft nod, keeping her eyes low as she spoke to him, in hopes of creating an image of a soft spoken and shy girl.

But of course, in reality she was not. And she spoke of her talents as well, dear God. But she had none but the talent to deceive and charm, much as any woman would have. At this moment however, she would have said and done anything to make her uncle warm up to her at least a little. For she couldn't think of a worse thing than spending a month here while knowing that she is not welcome. No, she will make her uncle turn around. His harsh and cold behavior could not go on much further. For who could not warm up to Elizabeth smile and charm? Her demure and polite behavior could turn around everyone she met. Some were more a challenge than others of course, but in the end all turned to her favor. However, Elizabeth realized that she has never met a man quite like her uncle. High in his station and wealth, respected and liked. He has been given the things he wanted in life without fail. And with his high favor with the King, what else could he want? He had a wife, not one but four sons... What could Elizabeth's smiles and kindness mean to him when she stood in the way of his happiness and tranquility? But nevertheless, she had to try.

Elizabeth gulped silently at Robert's words. Good God, was it that obvious? That her family wanted nothing more than to use his connections to their advantage. Of course, she then thought. Her uncle was not an ignorant and and gullible man, she was sure of it. But again, she had to play her role. She faked a small gasp as he spoke his last words and she shook her head, as if the mere idea of her parents simply using her uncle is appalling to her. Nonsense, uncle. I beg you do not speak this way for it upsets me in so many ways that you would think of my family as such. For even though we were not as close as my family would have wanted, we still are kin. And of course I do not know what my parents had in mind sending me here for I was only told that I was to visit my uncle and his wife and to assist him in any way possible. But I was very pleased with the idea of finally meeting my dear uncle of whom I have heard nothing but the best. I know that my parents would not have trusted their daughter to you if you were not the great and kind man they say you are. she said as her lips turned upwards to a smile and her eyes sparkled slightly.

She crossed her hands on her dress in a gentle way and waited. That was all she could do. Wait to be assessed by this man who, so far at least, found no pleasure of her presence here. She waited for his reaction to what she said and hoped dearly that maybe a thought might come to his mind that would benefit Elizabeth. A thought that maybe, she might be useful to him after all. That she might have the qualities needed to push this family forward and gain him something as well. Her future was in his hands yet she could do nothing else but smile. She could do nothing else but hope.
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Rose Radcliffe
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Baroness Hastings, Baroness FitzWalter
Rose inhaled the thick scent of hay and polished leather, leaning against the wood of an empty stall. Tracing her fingers against the iron bolt, the Lady Hastings opened the small door and watched the vacant space; barren of the life that had one occupied it. Months before, when Rose had not a band of gold on her finger, and an experience to define her, she had stood in the same spot; emerald rises observing the stallion whom she had lost to several contorted limbs. Though the memory of home ended when Robert's knife had drifted across the expanse of Thane's neck, Rose felt guilty, and not in a sense that one might have expected. Though the Baroness would have given much in order to say one last goodbye to that stallion, if he had not passed, then Rose would have never released the memory of before, and would have denied the occurrence of greater things. Of her new life. Her new family. 

"My Lady?" A rough voice interrupted the silence, and Rose turned to see one of the generously built men that had been employed to manage the horses. He was a little brute-looking, and at an age where some might seek to settle themselves for the last remaining years of their life; but Rose discovered that light existed in the darkest of places, and his hand was gentle on each equine's flank. "Yes, Charles?" Rose's voice was clear, void of any sadness or regret that lingered in this place. Thane was a horse, but he had already saved her in ways that the Baroness could hardly fathomed. "Would you like me to prepare a mount for you?" It was a question that he had been familiar with asking over the course of the past September, though Rose felt as if without preparation.  Beads of sweat forming above her brow, breathing growing labored, and temperature rising to heat at the concept of riding once more, the Baroness shook her head, averting her gaze to her feet. "No ... No, that won't-" Rose had turned on her heel and had taken her abrupt exit before doing the courtesy and providing the handler with an explanation. Rude, perhaps, but necessary. 

Walking into the manor, through the doors used by servants, Rose had hoped to have past unseen. Though it seemed improbable, the Baroness maneuvered herself through the empty halls of the servants quarters without sound. Locks of brown hair curling to her waist, without the hood that was considered appropriate for her new status. Passing the hall entrance, Rose ignored the softly spoken sound of a girl's voice, disregarding it as that of a servant's. That was, of course, until its response was that of the voice the Baroness knew so well. Brows furrowing in concentration, Rose faintly recalled the mentioning of a guest's arrival. Rounding a corner of the manor so that the visitor was in plain sight, the Baroness was glad to see that she was unaccompanied, and female. Perturbed by the fierce expression on Robert's face, the Lady FitWalter approached silently. Taking the arm of her husband calmly, Rose's lips curled into a gentle smile, directed to the woman who was of an age that could not be much younger than hersel;, before turning it to the Baron FitzWalter. "I wasn't aware that we were expecting anyone." She said calmly, accepting of this woman's arrival, as it seemed Robert was not. Returning her earthen gaze to the visitor, Rose offered, "Might I ask who you are?"
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B I O G R A P H Y , P L O T P A G E , T R A C K E R .

[size0]- - -[/align]
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Robert Radcliffe
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10th Baron FitzWalter
When the letter had arrived for him, Robert had not known what to expect. There had been a chance of course, that Elizabeth Walden would be pleasant guest, and someone whom he enjoyed spending time with, but being a man of an ever negative mind, the Baron FitzWalter had instead formed a hypothesis. As the conversation continued on, it became quite clear that the hypothesis of his so-called niece proving to be a nuisance had been an accurate one, and as she stood before him now, spewing an unrelentless amount if falsities, Robert regretted ever accepting her as a ward.

She was so adamant in playing the part of an innocent; a pleasant smile not once fading from her features. Robert knew this game, for he had seen it so many times in the past. It was practiced by a great many courtesans in both France and England alike, and often proved to be successful in the ways of seduction. However, seduction was in no way what Elizabeth wished to accomplish here. After months of learning how to read into Rose’s emotions simply by looking at her eyes, Robert realized that his niece was not much different. Her eyes, though they lacked the vibrant green that Rose’s did, still betrayed her underlying need to be accepted.

As she spoke of her worth, the Baron FitzWalter could not help but feel a nagging sense of pity. It was not her fault, after all, that her idiot of a father had not been able to find use for her at his own estate. Every women deserved to fulfill her duty as a wife, and Elizabeth was no exception. Perhaps he had originally been far too harsh in his judgement. Even if the time he had been granted with Rose and their boys had been tainted by this unexpected visit, he should not sour it further by treating her poorly. She did not deserve that.

At least, that had been his opinion.

After he had expressed his suspicions of Richard’s true intent in sending her to Radcliffe Manor, Elizabeth had taken on the role of someone who was surprisingly defensive, standing up to him in a way the Baron had not expected. Close? Close? She thought that Richard had wished for the two of them to be close? And he spoke great things about him. Robert snorted. A great and kind man? Oh, yes, indeed. “You truly think that your father wished to formed a closer relationship with his younger half-brother of eighteen years, lady niece? Of course not; do not be daft. Your father is jealous of all that I have fought tooth and nail to achieve. He is jealous that I am in the king’s favour, and that I have four sons. He is jealous of my estates, and my barony and of my wife, and I…”

“I wasn’t aware that we were expecting anyone.”

No sooner had the words escaped him, Rose had appeared out of nowhere, her arm creeping slowly into his. It was strange but...but Robert almost felt as though the entire situation had defused with her presence. “Rose,” he said, placing a hand gently over her arm. “This is Elizabeth Walden, my – our – niece. She is the only daughter of my elder half-brother, Richard, and he has sent her to be my ward so that a husband might be found for her. In the time being, she expects to serve you. Elizabeth," he said, turning back to her, "this is my wife, The Lady FitzWalter."
[align=center]Robert is a grand total of 3 thread(s).
And could have 1 more.[/align]

[align=center]Bobby Rad, Baron FitzWhat[/align]
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Elizabeth Walden
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For the first time in her conversation with her uncle, Elizabeth let a smile slowly fade away from her face. Before coming here, she was sure that at least her ability to keep that smile and courtly mask on her face would never fail her. She could always be polite and charming no matter what, sometimes even too much. However, her uncle could clearly care less of her fake smiles and words. He could see right through her act without a problem. Probably because he has met a thousands ladies like Elizabeth before. But compared to those other girls who were born in rich families and spent their youth at court, Elizabeth was nothing more than a poor girl and a bad liar, who according to her family was in a desperate need of a well off husband. In reality, she was just a puppet on a foreign stage, while her father was pulling all the strings.

Her lips opened slightly in shock as she stared at Robert's cold glare. She knew from the very beginning that her uncle wouldn't welcome her with open arms but his harsh words affected her more than she would like to admit. Naive and kind-hearted at nature, Elizabeth could not understand how could anyone say such cruel words about their own family. Even if Robert did not know his half brother that well, they were still family. Not knowing how to answer him, Elizabeth quickly turned her gaze away from Robert's eyes to the ground. She bit her lip nervously and her eyes examined the ground as if she was desperately hoping that it would save her from confronting her uncle. She wished for a second that the earth beneath her feet would just open up and swallow her whole. That way at least she wouldn't need to figure out a way to survive the next month with this...person who hated her already for no apparent reason! And he was suppose to be her family!

I....I....my Lord uncle I meant.... she mumbled as her cheeks turned red from shame.

As the thoughts that were racing through her mind slowly calmed down, she thought that maybe her uncle isn't this person he shows himself to be. She knew that often a first impression of someone could easily mean nothing. Everyone hides behind masks. She herself did it all the time. So her naive and always optimistic mind somehow managed to convince herself yet again that her uncle was in fact a kind person who was being nothing else but cautious. Besides, why would anyone ever say such cruel and cold words and actually mean them?

With her gaze still fixed on her feet and her cheeks flushed from embarrassment, she heard footsteps approaching her. As she shyly lifted her head up, she saw a clear image of a lady approaching them. This figure before her could even bring a smile on Elizabeth's face. Young, graceful and beautiful, she was the kind of woman Elizabeth always aspired to be. Dressed in fine and colorful fabrics and with a charming smile on her face, the young lady fitted the role of a Baron's wife quite easily. Unlike her husband, she seemed more welcoming to Elizabeth and acceptful of her stay here. That or she was a very good actress. Either way, her presence seemed to calm Elizabeth down and bring a feeling of peace around her. She was jealous of her obviously. She had everything Elizabeth ever wanted. But she wasn't going to let that show. No, she was determined to make herself useful to this woman in front of her and prove herself as a loyal and worthy lady in waiting.

As Robert introduced her, she quickly fell into a deep curtsy. Lifting her head up to look at her, she made her lips twist upwards in an awkward and shy smile. My Lady, it is a pleasure to meet you she said in a soft tone.
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Rose Radcliffe
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Baroness Hastings, Baroness FitzWalter
Rose’s brows furrowed if only slightly, not because she was angry, but her concentration shifted onto the features of this woman’s face. There were similarities of George there, and though she had not yet introduced herself, the Baroness deducted that she was family. Turning her wide emerald irises to watch Robert as he introduced his ward and niece, Rose indentified some harsh feelings from her husband. The Lady FitzWalter knew that this would be a conversation for a later hour. A long, grueling conversation. There was no time for the Baroness to express her disapproval of marrying her off, but Rose was plainly taken aback as the Baron notified her that she was to be served by … by this Elizabeth.

Arching a brow at her husband, Rose echoed the words he had just spoken, “She expects to serve me?” The Baroness, in the least, was perturbed. The Lady FitzWalter was a woman accustomed to privacy, and almost dependant on it. Rose watched Robert for a moment longer, before exhaling a heavy sigh, and turning a friendly smile to their guest. To family. When Rose had come to the Earl of Derby, unmarried and determined to never be so, the Baroness would have hardly appreciated a sour welcome. Her father had just died, after all, and the Lady Hastings hadn’t at all been glad to be ‘sent’ –much to her disagreement- to court, upon order by her guardian. But Rose had been fortunate. Edward Stanley was a kind man, and the Baroness had felt a great sense of loyalty to his daughters. Rose would, of course, do the best she could in order to receive this woman in the same nature.

“Of course. No, no, the pleasure is all mine- ours.” Flickering her gaze back to the Baron, Rose squeezed his arm gently, before returning her attention to the woman before her. She was a beautiful girl, surely if marriage was what she wanted, then helping Robert find a suitable match would not be at all difficult. It had been mere moments of arrival, but Elizabeth hardly seemed anything more than a girl whom had been sent away from home and intro strange waters of unknown possibilities. “You must be tired from your journey.” Rose stated, unaware of how long it had taken for her to arrive. Regardless, Radcliffe Manor was a fair way from many places. Tracing her fingers against the sleeve of Robert’s doublet, Rose turned her emerald gaze to him once more, expectantly. “Robert, shall we have someone show her to her chambers?” Pausing momentarily, Rose added, “We should let her rest before the evening meal.”
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B I O G R A P H Y , P L O T P A G E , T R A C K E R .

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Robert Radcliffe
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10th Baron FitzWalter
“She expects to serve me?”

As the words escaped Rose’s lips, Robert found himself mentally cringing. The idea of Elizabeth serving his wife had been something the Baron had been unsure of from the beginning. Rose was a woman fond of her space and of her independency. Having her maids could not be something Rose always welcomed with open arms. There had to be times when she wished more than anything to be alone, and so, surely, the idea of having another noblewoman constantly around, offering her thoughts when Rose did not want them, or trying to be witty was not something she would look forward to.

Looking to her now, tentatively, Robert tried to read the expression her face had taken on when it had been announced that Elizabeth was here to serve her. At first, he sensed she was confused. There was nothing abnormal about that, considering what it was that had just been announced, but what was truly a thing strange to Robert was what was said next. The pleasure was all hers? No. No, those had not even been her words. The pleasure was all theirs.

Obviously, Rose was not aware of the relationship he held with his elder half brother. Granted, Robert knew had never mentioned Richard to his wife until now, but surely she was not so blind as to think that he wished to welcome Elizabeth here with little to no rejection. The very idea of it was quite impossible, and yet, as Rose squeezed his arm, the Baron FitzWalter found that his opinion had quite possibly been changed for him.

“Yes, of course,” Robert heard himself saying in a voice that was in no way his own. Phony in its entirety, and far too bright in its tone, Robert recalled once when he had observed his father in the midst of a political exchanged, and realized that he had just mimicked the very same verbal quality. How wretchedly ironic. “I would be more than happy to call someone to show you to your chambers, Elizabeth,” he said. “I will have some of the maids prepare a place for you immediately. They were not able to do so in preparation for your arrival, for I did not realize you were to be arriving here. Would you like that then? To go to your chambers? Or would you rather become acquainted with my sons? They’ll be asking soon enough, I’m sure, who has come to stay with us.”
[align=center]Robert is a grand total of 3 thread(s).
And could have 1 more.[/align]

[align=center]Bobby Rad, Baron FitzWhat[/align]
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Isabel Leigh
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Virtue alone is invincible.
This thread has been archived either due to forwarding of board timeline or because of a month of inactivity. If you would like to continue, please PM an Admin!
[align=center]Mistress Leigh

Isabel is in 8 threads and can has more!
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