Medieval Courtship (closed for queenclaire)

[cantun1983]

William was the only son of Peter, Baron of Russex, and was therefore someone of small importance. Or in his mind, of no real importance in the political sense, at all.

His father was a baron, which made William next to be a baron. He had known of his father’s plan for him from the time he was born--his entire reason for existence was to acquire more land for his descendants. William had never met his betrothed, but he already knew that she would be of higher rank than he.

This betrothal was agreed to after a night of heavy drinking on the part of his father and the Lord of Coventry. William guessed he had come out ahead in the deal, but the thought of a woman having superiority over him, even if just in title, was fairly disgraceful to him.

He was dwelling on this tonight as he rode through the forest on the land entitled to his family. At 24, William was very overdue for the marriage to occur and knew his father would mention that soon.

“No need, Victor,” he said, as the stablehand rushed to take the horse. “I have her.” He removed his riding hat as he led the animal to her stable. His wiped his brow, pushing his straight, light brown hair off his forehead. At six feet, his muscular frame stood tall.

"Good night, Master William," the stablehand called after him as he walked from the stable towards the small estate house. Some fresh clothes…that was what he needed.

"Good night, Victor," he called back. "And she needs a brushing. I want her to be sleek tomorrow morning!"

 

[queenclaire]

Rebecca sat on her bed, staring into her fire as she let her long, wavy red hair dry. Or that is what she wanted her lady in waiting to think at least. Just a moment alone was all she needed. Saying she was just going to sit there until her hair was dry would get her that.

She sighed as she looked over at the gown that had been delivered that morning. It was specially made for her and quite lovely, if she was willing to admit it. And she could only hope that this dress was meant for a ball or some other special occasion. Her father was eager to close the deal he made so long ago with her future and her mother was willing to make it at least look like a happy occasion. Deep down, it made her stomach turn and she was rather happy that the arrangement had yet to be acted upon. She was only 19 and though she would have liked to have been married by that age, she was happy she wasn’t. God only knew what he looked like.

Rebecca stood up and walked over to the gown that was hanging on the wall. She ran her delicate hand over it. She was sure the gown would swallow her. Rebecca had a small frame, standing only 5 and a half feet tall. However, she was built like a goddess and she moved with the grace of royalty.

She sneered slightly at the dress and crawled into her bed. Her stomach was bugging her again as she thought about being betrothed to someone of a lower rank than herself. She closed her brilliant blue eyes as she tried to think of something else, but she knew the time would come soon when she would have to marry him…whomever he was.

 

[cantun1983]

He swung the door closed with a bang. The doorman called from around the corner, as a series of fast footsteps sounded in the foyer. "Beg pardon, Master William, I was checking on the progress of the dining room," he said, scrambling for an excuse.

William was confused by this statement. “Dining room? Whatever for?”

Before the doorman could answer, William heard his father call, "Will?" His voice came from the parlor. "Is that you, William?"

"Yes, Father," he practically groaned in response. Striding quickly, he reached the chandelier-lit room where his father was reclining.

"Ah, Will, glad you are here. I was wondering when you would arrive. I am sending the footman to arrange a meeting tomorrow. Supervised of course."

“Meeting, Father?” he sighed. His father was reaching an age where he loved to hear himself talk. Sometimes, William wished he would get to the point.

“Yes, meeting. Why must you act as if you are an imbecile? Tomorrow, you will be going to meet your betrothed.” He looked at him expectantly, surprised by William’s blank look.

“What?” William shouted. “You are really going to make me do this?”

“Why, of course,” his father almost laughed. “If the footman ever returns…” he sighed. His father had a habit of complaining about the help, even if they were doing their job adequately. “Yes, if he ever returns, he will be bringing news from her father, explaining when you are to arrive there tomorrow. At which point you will spend a day there, and then bring her back here the next.”

William maintained his blank look as his father went into great detail about his planned life. He was to woo her, impress her father, and bring her back to live at Russex.

“Wait,” William said, “Live here?”

His father started to explain in great detail the required waiting time for courtship and marriage. “You have to get to know her a little before you are married, William.”

He stomped up the stairs, yelling obscenities and threats, but there was no changing it. A man’s word was his word, even if it was his father’s word. William knew that there was no escaping.

"M'lord…” his page approached him, offering his assistance as he started to disrobe in his room.

"Out, you fool!" William shouted as he shoved the page through his door into the hall. With a puff he put out the candle and laid down to sleep.

 

[queenclaire]

“Live there? What?” Rebecca’s voice echoed throughout the room as her father relayed the information he received yesterday. She continued once she saw her father raise his eyebrows, giving her the floor to speak, “No. I won’t have it. This is my home and I will be not be shipped off to some run down
shack in the middle of the woods somewhere to up hold your bet from long ago. Did you not think of me when you made this deal?”

Henry let his daughter speak, he learned long ago it was better to give her her say than to try and silence her. She only got louder if he did that. “My dear,” he said calmly and softly, “this will be good for you. They do not live in a
shack in the middle of the woods and…”

“Good for me how?” Rebecca asked, cutting off her father in mid-sentence. She was angry and hurt. She did not want to marry this man just because she had to.

Henry stood up from his chair, “Good for you so you can get to know him before you wed.” He was starting to get impatient with his daughter now. “He should be here this afternoon and you will be civilized, understood?”

“This is absurd,” Rebecca snapped back at her father and turned to walk off.

Henry grabbed her arm gently, but held it firm. “Civilized Becca. You knew this day was coming.”

Rebecca yanked her arm free of her father’s grasp, “And I prayed I would be dead before it ever came.” She then turned and walked off as he father chuckled and told her to get ready for her betrotheds arrival. She did not say anything back to him. She knew there was not a way out of this and she would have to face the fact.

She walked into her room where her mother was waiting for her with a kind smile. She just sighed walked over to her, “What do you have to say?”

“You were born strong for a reason. Don’t lose sight of that. Now get ready for your meeting.”

 

[cantun1983]

"Don't shame the family!" His father's voice echoed in his head as he rode towards his fate. A long fight that morning had resulted in his father raising his voice, which he had not done since William was a child. His ride was more of a trot, since he was accompanied by his stablehand and two servants who would serve as both chaparones and attendants. It was at times like this that he noticed just how old his stablehand was becoming. But William was patient, he was in no hurry to arrive at his betrothed's.estate. He saw it rising against the horizon as they approached. A smirk came to his face as he saw its size--financially, at least, maybe this would not be as poor an idea as he had originally thought. She probably was hideous if the father had agreed to have her marry into William's house. At least this would make her meek, and more likely to follow his orders. He rode ahead of his fellow riders as they approached. Dismounting his horse, he let out a "Hellooo," looking for a servant to take the animal. The place was lavish, with lovely gardens. If his father in law to be had no sons, this would all be his soon enough. He straightened his coat and removed his riding cap and waited expectantly for someone to attend him.

 

[queenclaire]

William and his entourage were met and led into the Manor, while their horses were being cared for by others. They were shown the utmost respect the moment they arrived.

Henry walked out and greeted William with a smile, “Ah, you must be William. Welcome to Coventry. I hope your journey here was a safe one.” He motioned to a man standing to his right, “He will help you with anything you need. We have prepared a feast in your honor. If you would like to clean up first from your travels, you may. And then please join us, I am sure you are hungry. And then you can meet my family.”

Rebecca stayed hidden from sight, but listened to her father greet their guest. She felt ill again, wishing this was a nightmare and she would wake up any moment. She did not dare peer around the corner to see what this William looked like. She turned and walked in the opposite direction, taking a deep breath as she readied herself. Today was the day her life would change and she was pretty sure it would not be for the better.

She walked to her mother, who was directing some people on where to put things. “He is here,” she mumbled.

 

[cantun1983]

"Good sir," William said, striding toward his host as he greeted him. "Thank you for welcoming me to your estate. And might I say, an esteemable estate at that." He turned and surveyed the extent of the Manorhouse and looked back at the expanse of open land that spread out in all directions. "You are most kind." After his bitter disagreement with his father, he had sworn to be an exemplary guest, so he was abounding with graciousness and praise. "I should like to wash before dining this evening. Would not want to distress the women of the house with the dirt of the road and the toils of travels." Turning to the man who must have been a servant, he said, "Lead the way my good man!" William was lead to a washroom on the outside of the mansion, where the servant had placed a tub of warm water and the cleanest towels William had ever seen. He disrobed to his underclothes and began gently splashing himself with water, as he murmured under his breath. "Arrogant asses, she must be hideous if they keep her from meeting me at the door." Snatching a clean towel, he dried himself, and with an open hand, smoothed out his hair. A rapping at the door signaled the arrival of his servant with the new change of clothes. "Thank you, Victor." Quickly he dressed, and found his way to the dining room. He took a moment to breathe, and ensuring his frown was at a minimum, entered the great hall.

 

[queenclaire]

Henry walked back to where his wife and daughter were. He held out his arms and smiled widely, “He is here and he is not bad. Not bad at all.” He looked to his daughter, “You will do well with him.”

Rebecca drew in a deep breath and held her tongue, she knew better than to argue with her father in such a good mood. “And where is this William now?” She looked around the room half expecting a drunken, hunch back to come stumbling in.

“He is cleaning up now. We should get ready for dinner.” Henry smiled at his daughter, “Be kind. You will learn that kindness will make this arrangement much easier on the both of you.”

“Aye father, I will live to make him happy,” she said sarcastically. She turned in her royal blue gown with gold fringe to face away from her father. The blue in the dress made her eyes sparkle and her red hair shimmer. A tic worked in her jaw as she crossed her arms and hoped he took his time.

Henry beamed as he noticed William walking in the room. “He is here,” he said to his wife and daughter, whose backs were to William. “William, please come and meet my family.” He motioned to his wife, who had moved to stand next to him. “This is my wife, Hannah.” The dark hair beauty curtsied to William. Henry continued, “And this is my daughter, Rebecca.”

Rebecca had turned to face the man she was to marry while he was meeting her mom and was a bit taken back. He was far from being hunch backed. She looked up at him and curtsied as her father introduced her. “It is nice to finally meet you,” she said. She was not sure what to say to him actually. Part of her was shocked by William and the other part wanted to run, but she hid it well.

 

[cantun1983]

As William entered, he could see Henry with two ladies standing with their backs to him. Henry called out to him warmly, introducing his daughter and his wife. When Rebecca turned around, he felt his breath catch in his throat. Her shining red hair fell gently over her shoulders while her crystal blue eyes flashed. She was far from hideous. The direct opposite of hideous in fact.

Perhaps her personality will match her appearance, he thought. Quiet, meek, and obedient would be beautiful too.

"Rebecca," he said as he bowed low, "The pleasure is mine." He felt a little taken aback by the surprise. Pleasant surprise, but it made question his preconceived notions.

With these dueling thoughts running through his mind, William turned to the wife of his host, and bowed again. "And I see that Rebecca is following a line of lovely women, my lady. No surprise she is as lovely as she is." He let the flattery flow from his words, remembering the threat of disgrace he received from his father.

As he rose from his low bow, he caught a glance of Rebecca. She was quiet and polite. Perhaps with a little bit of training, she would make an excellent wife. "May I request the your lovely presence for a stroll around the garden later this evening?" he said, trying to be charming. Quickly, he turned to face her mother. "With the your mother accompanying us of course."

 

[queenclaire]

Hannah smiled at the young William as he tried to flatter her. “You are too kind,” she said back to William and watched him as he spoke to Rebecca.

Rebecca furrowed her brow just slightly as he asked for a walk around the gardens. “Of course,” she said softly to please her parents, “Whatever you want. You are our guest after all.” She looked to her father and mother for their approval.

Hannah smiled, “Of course, William. You need to get to know our dear Rebecca and the gardens are her favorite place.” She smiled at Rebecca.

Rebecca looked at her mom for a moment with shock and then to William. She offered him a half smile. She was happy when her father stepped in and suggested they all go eat. Not that she was hungry. She was far from it. Her stomach was bugging her again.

She sat at the table and took a sip of wine, hoping it would appease her. She was sitting in the middle with her parents on either ends and William across from her. They had decided on a smaller table for a more intimate meal.

She looked at William. At least he was easy on the eyes. If she was honest with herself, he was rather handsome. He was the type most women would lay upon a sword for. And still she was not sure if she could bear this much longer.

Henry looked to William, “So tell us a bit about yourself.”

 

[cantun1983]

"That will be splendid, my lady. I shall enjoy your daughter's company a great deal," he heard his voice strong and confident as he spoke. He remained standing until the ladies at the smaller table were seated.

"Well," he said, looking down at his plate, “My home is my father and I, along with our servants of course. My mother passed away at my birth, and I have no siblings. My father’s family is quite large, so that leaves me with plenty of uncles who helped raise me.” He smiled, trying to appear pleasant. His smile slowly disappeared from his lips as he turned to face Rebecca, when he saw she was looking away from him.

“I enjoy riding horses. The bond developed between a man and his horse is like no other.” He was rambling at this point. He was trying not to eat like an animal, so his conversation turned to them instead. “Do you enjoy horses, Rebecca?”

"Talk, you mute!" he shouted in his head. "Save me from this awkwardness." He took his wine glass and drank it halfway down in one gulp.

 

[queenclaire]

Rebecca was off in her own thoughts as William spoke. She was wishing it was still yesterday and she was not here. Or maybe a year from now and she would just be stuck. Anything had to be better than sitting here pretending to care or be meek for that matter.

She was caught off guard when William spoke to her, but quickly recovered. She looked as him as she spoke. “I do. I have my own horse and I do take him out to ride quite often, though I have been told that I spend too much time riding and not enough on other more important things.” She spoke with more confidence now.

“Becca,” her father said with a warning tone.

She briefly looked over at him and back at William and picked up her wine and took a sip. As she set it down she continued to talk, but changed the subject to keep her father happy. “The country out here is good for hunting. Do you partake in the hunt at all?”

“Rebecca,” Henry added, “has taken up archery and has proved to be a keen shot with it. Though, I am sure if you did not approve, she would stop. Her mother would be happy with that.”

She quickly looked from her father to William with an unreadable look, but she kept her eyes locked on his.

Hannah chuckled, “Rebecca is our only child that has survived and Henry has a hard time telling her no.”

"I am sure William does not want to get between you two," Rebecca interjected, keeping William from having to choose a side between her parents. She broke her eye contact with him to look to her mom and smile lovingly.

 

[cantun1983]

William felt a little lost in the conversation, obviously stuck in a subject that had some family history of repeated discussion. "I have tried my hand at bow and arrow, but I prefer the crossbow to archery. My weapon of choice is a spear--much more versatile." He took another bite of his meal, trying to think of a way to defuse the tension of the situation.

He felt Rebecca looking at him from time to time as they conversed, and attempted to catch her eyes. Their flash was nearly intoxicating, and he could not help but smile when he caught it.

"Perhaps Rebecca would show me how to improve my archery skills, since she is such an expert," he quipped with a hearty laugh. Women with weapons and teaching a man something...both genders should find that amusing.

Feeling he helped create a compromise, he quickly deserting the topic. Turning to Henry, he continued, "But in all seriousness, riding is one activity that can truly be delightful for man and women. I relish the hunt, of course. My father has an expert hunting trainer that has instructed six generations of dogs for our family."

He turned back to Rebecca, he asked, "And when you are not out on the hunt, what do you do to keep your mind occupied? Perhaps you sketch? Or perhaps you play an instrument? Something more suited to a lady?"

 

[queenclaire]

A tic worked in Rebecca’s jaw as William spoke. If she was not mistaken, he found humor in the fact she did archery. It was even worse that her father thought it was a great idea for her to show William. She could only hope he would venture down range and she could show him what a good shot she was.

She looked down at her plate to hide her anger as William continued to speak to her father of riding. He may be good looking, but he seemed arrogant. She looked back up at him as he addressed her again. She stared at him for a moment in silence. She chose her neck words carefully, she did not want to
upset her father. “Pardon me, but what do you mean more suited to a lady?”

“Rebecca sings,” Hannah quickly answered with a smile. “And she sings quite well, doesn’t she dear?”

“Best voice I have heard,” Henry jumped in to keep Rebecca quiet, “Like a siren. You should have her sing for you.”

Rebecca kept her eyes on William as she parents diffused the situation. She did not hide the fury in her eyes though her face held on to a look of confusion. She wanted to ask is singing was lady like enough for him or if she needed to learn to needle point as well, but she held her tongue. She picked up her glass of wine and looked at William. She could feel her parent’s eyes on her, waiting see if she would ruin everything by saying something foolish. “Perhaps you can enlighten me on what you prefer a lady to do since we are to be married,” she said with a smile before she finished off her wine.

 

[cantun1983]

"Singing is delightful, Rebecca!" William said cheerfully. He was not quite sure why she was moving her jaw the way she was, or why she appeared confused. Surely her parents had instructed her in the duties of a wife.

He turned back to face Hannah and Henry, and said, "And she already possesses many traits that are essential in being a wife. Her figure, her appearance, and her natural beauty are all there. I have nothing to worry about in that regard."

He took the last bite of his meal, and, after finishing a newly filled glass of wine an attending servant provided him, started to think that this arrangement was not so bad. "And does she know how to manage children?" he asked, before quickly turning to Rebecca, "With the help of a nanny, of course! Since I am sure she will bear me lots of children..." To think of leaving her completely alone with children would be foolish. But she looked healthy and strong enough to handle the responsibility of carrying and delivering, adding a long list of sons to his family name.

His mind was becoming a little clouded as the wine was setting in. He looked at Rebecca again, thinking of how simple it would be to sow his seed with a beautiful woman like her. He tried to imagine what she looked like beneath that evening gown, but shook his head, reminding himself not to stare.

 

[queenclaire]

“Oh yes,” Hannah answered William, “She has spent some time with children. She is quite good with them as well.”

Rebecca had barely touched her food, but it did not stop her from drinking the wine. She sipped on her newly filled glass of wine. She looked at her plate of food as she spoke to William, “I helped my mother with my siblings until they passed. I will be able to handle children.” She took another sip of her wine. She knew the duty of a wife was to insure the legacy of the family name.

She looked up to see him look at her. She wondered what was on his mind at the moment. She should count herself lucky for a betrothal to such a handsome looking man. She could imagine there were quite a few ladies back where he was from that would be devastated to hear of him getting married.

Still he was a stranger to her and she was certain that he would not like her to be herself. She was very strong willed and opinionated. She looked away from him, wondering how long to could keep up the meek act. From what she could tell, not very long.

“I assume then, from the way you are talking,” Henry said, looking to William, “You are pleased with our dear Rebecca? I know betrothal is not something most look upon with an open heart.”

 

[cantun1983]

"Most definitely," he responded, a smile coming to his face. "She is beautiful, talented, submissive," he looked into her eyes, and continued. "Or mostly...she definitely will be easy to guide, and will be a devoted wife and mother, as she ought to be." His pride was still intact, and she had not even attempted to express any superiority of status to him. Rebecca seemed to understand her place and where she would stand in his house. "I am very pleased with this betrothal," he said, smiling at Henry and Hannah.

 

[queenclaire]

Henry and Hannah looked a bit uneasy as William spoke of Rebecca while looking at her. He had yet to see her truly. They knew her to be fiery and strong. And though they did not doubt she could be devoted to him and children, it may take a while to get here.

Rebecca looked at William as he spoke about her. A sly half smile spread across her beautiful lips. He may think what he wants to think for now. She was told to be good and sweet. The fact was she was above him class wise and she was not the type to be told what to do. She had a good life here and was not going to give it up to please some man that thought he was better than he was.

Henry nodded, “Good. I am glad to see there are no bitter feelings about this. And now that dinner if over, you and Becca should talk some more and get to know each other even better. I am sure that you two would be much more talkative if left alone.” He motioned to his wife to join him, “Come my dear, we have things to do.”

Rebecca watched her parents leave and then stood up from the table and looked at William, “I am going for a walk. You may join me if you like.” She then turned and walked away.

 

[cantun1983]

He was a little taken aback by the fact that she had requested that he walk with her in the garden, rather than the other way around. She was not really requesting either, he thought. He followed her, and, in a corrective tone, asked, "Would you accompany me to the garden for a stroll, Rebecca? The sunset will be beautiful and your company would be just delightful." He hoped she noticed the florished emphasis he added to the last two words.

 

[queenclaire]

Rebecca looked at William as he changed the invitation. She laughed softly, “I am sorry, was my invitation not good enough for you?” She walked out of the manor and out into the garden. She did not bother answering his request. She paused and faced him like she wanted to say something. She thought better of it and turned to face the fountain. She needed to at least keep her opinions to herself for a while. The fact that he was not comfortable with her invitation and how he referred to her did not set well with her. She understood a wife’s place, but she also did not want to just be someone to make babies and that was it. She looked over at William with a thoughtful look. She wonder how much he was willing to bend to make this easier on them both. With her luck, not at all.

 

[cantun1983]

"I take issue with the manner in which this walk is taking place," he called after her with a loud voice. "I am courting you, and you have been very aggressive and assertive in ways that cannot," he shook his head correcting himself, "Nay, shall not occur when we are joined!" He followed her into the garden, quickening his pace to be able to match her stride. "If you wish to be happy in our life together then you will need to learn to change a little. Remember your place." William felt a strange feeling forming inside of him. He realized how proud his father would be if he was here, watching him take control. This did not please William in the way it should, not at all. He stood alongside her looking into the fountain. "It is quite beautiful here," he said. "We shall visit from time to time, do not fret."

 

[queenclaire]

Biting her tongue, Rebecca kept from snapping back at William. She was not surprised by his words, in fact, she had come to expect them. He definitely had the attitude to be a Lord. She found many of them to be haughty and ill-tempered. For a while she had been happy she was betrothed and did not have to deal with many of them. Not that it stopped all of them. She was asked many times to run away with them, but she knew her life would not be any better with them.

She looked at the fountain as William commented on it. She nodded slightly and added, “I am not fretting. I know I will be back to visit my family.” She looked over at him, “Furthermore, you should remember your place, as we are not married yet. I am the daughter of the Lord of Coventry. You are a Baron’s son. If I wish to go for a walk, I will.” She turned to face him and spoke sweetly, but sternly as if she was scolding a child, “I know this is not the ideal situation for either of us and not what you wanted. You are very handsome and probably sought after by many women, but please remember I did not seek you out nor will I fall at your feet, worshipping your every step.” She then turned and started to walk off. She felt better letting him know this and knew it was not what he wanted to hear, but it was better to be honest with him.

 

[cantun1983]

"Nor did I seek you," he responded sharply as he followed after her. "And no, I was not one to play with females like toys." William almost added a statement reminding her that, despite whatever title she held, she was still a woman. But another comment that reminded her of this irremediable condition of inferiority would be counterproductive, he decided. Instead he responded, sarcastically, "You, I am sure, with all your beauty, never made men chase you. Your abounding warmth and kindness was likely just as present then as it is now!" He caught up with her and started walking beside her. "You mustn't believe I expect you to worship me, Rebecca," he said, the sarcasm in his voice now replaced with honesty. "But civility, respect..." he paused, before continuing with a dangerous word, "obedience, that I do expect. As would any husband. Now please," he said facing her as they walked, "I am here so we can come to understand one another, before we are married." He hoped that he had yeilded enough to allow for the anger whelling inside both of them to subside slightly.

 

[queenclaire]

Rebecca stopped walking suddenly and glared at William, “Obedience? Respect, is earned not to be expected, sir. I am not your horse to be broken and I will not be treated as one. If that is what you wish for in a wife, then perhaps you should take that up with your father.”

She would not let him break her for anything. She was always told she was strong for a reason, and nothing would wipe that notion from her memory. As she turned to walk off, she paused and looked to William, “I have never sought out the attention of a man before.” She did not want him thinking she used her beauty for attention. “And out of respect for you,” she said sourly, “if the conversation turned to that which was not appropriate, I excused myself. I am a lady and I knew I was meant for you." She let on an exhausted breath and turned away.

 

[cantun1983]

William swore under his breath. "A horse? Of course not, please do not stray from the topic at hand!" he called after her. He wanted to explain to her how ridiculous she was being, but, sighing, realized there was no purpose to that. "I might as well talk to my horse--he is mostly mute, and will listen to anything I have to say!" He followed her, beginning to feel as though this was a mistake. "Rebecca," he called after her, trying to maintain some sort of peace, "I should not have said what I did about you and other suitors. I was, I am angry that you suggest I am one to have mistresses. I spoke ill of you." He stopped walking and waited for her to respond, then picked up his walk once more. "Very well, you take your walk through the garden, and I will take mine. Which will just hapoen to be on the same path as yours." He tried not to sound as smug as he felt with his last statement, but knew she probably would be upset about that too.