The knight's conquest (Open for 1 female, pm me if interrested)

[PredatorX]

(Open for one female, pm me if interrested. Quite long intro i'm afraid)

Derbyshire, Handes keep 1352

The announcement that she planned to marry caused more or less the reaction the beautiful young woman had expected from her elegant, white haired father, Sir Crispin de Molyns.

"Right." He said as he pinched the back of his nose. "Surely you can speak of making the best of the situation, Eloise, but this is ridicolous. A lady of your position do not need to marry her caretaker just to keep him. I have never needed to marry one of my servants."

His attempt to to joke passed unnoticed by Lady Eloise Gerrard. She had practiced her defence practically uninterrupted during the two day trip from the keep in Staffordshire to her fathers home in Derbyshire. Despite that her response wasn't as articulate and well put as she had imagined.

"I do not have to marry anyone father."

Sir Crispin immediately noticed her error and studied her under snow white eyebrows.

"Yes, you have to Eloise. Surely you understand."

"Yes... I must." Eloise wandered back and forth in the big, bright sun room at the Handes keep as if remember her point.

"I have been widow for a year... And the king have sent for me... We all know of the reason and i will tell him that i have allready decided for another man."

Her father wasn't impressed as he knew the king very well. "If you think that he will allow you to marry your caretaker, no matter you are a widow or not, you better need to reconsider. He will not. You are a land owner Eloise and the king will not permit widows under his rule to give themselves to common peaple. There are many knights that will pay him a lot for the privilege to marry a woman of the de Molyns family, especially one that have inherited Gerrards property. He will not allow that it will be wasted on a offspring of a lesser caretaker. No matter how good heritage he have."

"But there will be no offspring father." That was a well practiced response Eloice had practised on but it came to early.

"Now you are talking nonsense! You are to young to marry convenience, if that was your thinking."

He could also mention that she was to beautiful. As the oldest of his two daughters Eloise had a majestic beauty that rendered men speachless. They used to follow her with their eyes and then loose themself in daydreams. He had seen them himself.

Close to 23 in age she was tall and slender, but the maturity of womanhood had given her a full figure and a natural charm that separated her from other women. Her thick dark brown hair was loosely braided and reached long below her waist. During the last two days travelling she hadn't any mean to make more with her hair than keeping it out of the way from her eyes. Some thought her eyes was her most beautiful feature. They where bright green covered by dark eyelashes that made every blink enchanting. Others meant it was her mouth that stood out. Broad and soft over pearl white teeths. while some thought it was her skin. Cream white and flawless.

Eloise herself meant that whatever good qualities she had, haven't brought her much happiness, with a long line of unhappy circumstances and and being widowed after only three months marriage.

Eloise had hoped that of all in her family her father would understand why she decided to marry her caretaker instead of the man the king had choosen for her.

"Other widows have done it." She claimed in a vain hope to persuade him.

"Yes, old widows who long have been barren." Sir Crispin responded tiredly. "Of course they have done that but was before, not under our present kings rule. Edward III will not release his property without getting something for it. And you are his property, either you like it or not."

A marriage with her own loyal caretaker had seemed resonable only a week earlier, but now Eloise felt her point weakened because of her fathers refusal of seing things her way.

"If i only had known that i would be in this position so soon, i wouldn't had."

"you where in a hurry to marry Sir Piers" Sir Crispin reminded her. "You regret that?"

His daughters silence confirmed what he allready suspected.

"I understand. You had preferred the other man if your pride hadn't been in the way. And now you are intent on making the same misstake before you meet him again."

"I will not meet him father and you are wrong. I don't care about him. I will marry Stephen atte Welle because we both wan't the security a marriage bring and because we have what the other need."

"Except a desire for children." Sir Crispin looked sadly at his daughter.

"I don't need children." Eloise looked down.

"Don't expect me to believe that. And you will actually have to meet him."

"Who?" Worried, Eloise looked up at her father again.

"Sir Owain of Whitecliffe will live here while we celebrate your sisters engagement."

"Here? now? In the keep? You can't mean that father." Eloise stared terrified at her the white haired man whose calm message had her tremble with both anger and excitement. Even she could not tell what was what.

"Yes i mean that."

"And you didn't warn me because you and mother knew i would not come if i knew?"

"We had hoped that you had put your resentment behind you." Sir Crispin patiently said. "Jolita do not celebrate her engagement every day, right?"

"Not even every other month father."

"Eloise, being so cold don't fith you, neither is it like you to hold a grudge against someone so long time."

"It wasn't a small thing father. how can you think i will be polite to a man that offered me marriage and then just dissapeared. And by all signs had something to do with my husbands death? I wasn't cold until then, but no woman can look past these facts."

Sir Crispin couldn't agree, because he had hoped to praise Sir Owain to his daughter. "He are my neighbour, a wealthy and successful man. and..."

"And infamous." Eloise put in.

"Yes, to some part. But all jousters are. Either it is well deserved or not. It comes with the trade."

"I know. I was married to a jouster." Eloise said.

Sir Crispin resisted a dissapointing sigh. Her three month long marriage to Sir Piers Gerrard had shown every sign of neglectance and maybe this wasn't the right time to speak of his neighbour. Instead he would speak of things closer to his daughters heart. But he had misstaken. Sir Owain of Whitecliffe was closer to Eloise's heart than he thought.

"It will bring me much pleasure to come up with reasons to avoid him." Eloise promised. "It will be hard to act lovable on the memorial day of Sir Piers passing even without standing face to face with the person who was responsible for his death."

"How can you say that Eloise? Sir Owain had nothing to do with it. It was Sir Phillip Cotterell that by mistake delivered the killing blow and you know that."

"But they are friends. Sir Phillip and your cowardly neighbour." Eloise had no intention to change her mind on the subject.

"They take part in the same tournaments, but the jousts are man against man. Not with three or four men."

"He was involved either way." Eloise stubbornly said.

"The tragedy was investigated to the kings full satisfaction."

"Yes, but not to mine. I know very little of what happened that day at Windsor, only that Sir Phillip was devestated, as if he could be more devestated than me. Not even Phillips closest friend could bring himself to explain it to me personally."

"Maybe he didn't think you would accept him my child."

"I wouldn't!" Eloise shouted. "But at least he could have tried."

Sir Crispin had hoped that the situation had been a little less complicated this time. He was right between his lively daughter and his well respected neighbour, Sir Owain of Whitecliffe. Even if he was to honest to deny that situation to some part was his own fault.

It was true that the young couples first meeting had been brief. But both he and Lady Fransesca had agreed that the immediate attraction between Eloise and Sir Owain was one of the few opportunities in life it was worth witnessing. The chemistry between them had been so strong it had caused shivers among those close by. The appearant current of tension Sir Crispin would have called lust just as his wife would say an obvious warmth.

But the young couple hadn't got the opportunity to explore it further. Not many words had been spoken, except from the ordinary formal conversation under the watching eyes of Sir Crispin and his wife. Not exactly an environment to express your inner feelings. That Sir Crispin understood now. Maybe he should have let them to be alone to come to an agreement. But the time had been short until his departure. In some way it had felt more important that he and Lady Francesca spoke with Sir Owain than that Elois did it. Afterall, that was how it was done.

At that time Sir Crispin had been sure he did the right thing. Eloise had given him the view that her oppinion of Sir Owain was in line of his own. The problem rose when Sir Owain had received orders to follow the king on a mission. He hadn't given any warning to de Molyn family. Only sent a letter, scribbled in haste. Where he asked for Eloise's hand and expressed his hope that she would wait for his return.

Now Sir Crispin knew he should had handled the matter better, and given strict instructions to his son Rolph. Instead he had thought that Eloise finally had decided for a man that seemed to hold her heart.

Sir Crispin had left for Westminster as planned and hadn't worried when Lady Francescas letters had told him of one of Rolphs neighbours. Sir Piers Gerrard that often came to visit. She had written about the mans gifts to Eloise and his charming manners and Rolphs oppinion that he would be a more fitting match to Eloise as he was there and Sir Owain was not.

When he came home at the end of the summer Eloise's determination to marry Sir Piers was as strong as her discontent with Sir Owain. Sir Crispins hope of getting Sir Owain as son in law had been crushed. When Sir Owain returned from his mission Eloise's dissapointment about his mystical departure, reinforced by Sir Rolph's and Sir Piers teasing comments about the knights notorious women affairs at the court, had her feeling personally offended.

Sir Crispin had no answer to give Sir Owain about the events that led to this. "I am afraid i have little control over my daughters plans nowadays." was the best answer he could provide to the knight. "Eloise are leaning to decide her own marriage affairs, which i am sorry for." He had added apologisingly.

"Then it is about time she will hear what is best for her." Sir Owain had replied, far from happy. "Have she decided?" He asked.

Sir Crispin had nodded. "I hope we still are friends? Good neighbours?"

"Of course Sir Crispin. We may meet in London some time."

Sir Crispin sighed as he looked at his daughter.

"It is a shame that you don't get along, now as Sir Owain are looking to take a wife." Sir Crispin said thoughtfully.

"He are looking for a wife?" She frowned. "Men like him don't look for wives. Women lay at their feet all the time." She didn't hear the door open silently behind her.

"And don't let mother think she can marry me of with that big thickheaded man who make a living by strutting around and knock other men of their horses."

"Eloise!" Her father warned.

"Yes, i know that he are your neighbour. But he aren't mine. I rather take my dry caretaker to husband than your rough fighter. No matter how famous he are."

"Please Eloise." Sir Crispin urged.

"I am sorry father but you can't have these thoughts. Tell mother i am to expensive to keep, even for him."

Sir Crispin sighed and nodded towards the door. "You can tell them that yourself my child."

Suddenly aware that her fathers attention was elsewhere Eloise turned around and understood why he had tried to stop her outbreak. Only a few meters away three peaple stood. Her mother, her sister Jolita and their guest. Sir Owain of Whitecliffe. Her breathing frose and her mouth suddenly became dry. They must have heard every word. Every insult she threw out.

 

[PredatorX]

(Still looking for a female to take the part of Eloise. pm me if interrested)

Sir Owain of Whitecliffe had not mourned the death of Sir Piers Gerrard. He had not liked the man and it had nothing to do with the mans marriage to Eloise de Molyn. There was plenty of reasons to dislike Sir Piers in Owains oppinion. One thing he hadn't expected was that Eloise would marry the man. When he had heard of the planned wedding he had silently cursed King Edward who had removed him from the competition.

The mission had taken him to France and he had not been able to return in time to make Eloise reconsider. From what he had heard she might had gone through with it either way. After the marriage he stayed away. He couldn't stand the way Sir Piers would gloat that he had taken Eloise as bride. It was well known that Sir Owain of Whitecliffe had planned to marry her. When he spoke to her father, Sir Crispin he had felt sorry for the older man. He saw the embaressment and shame he felt over not being able to control the situation.

Now, one year after Sir Piers death Owain was at Handen keep once more. This time he would not accept failure. Many men may have taken another wife after such a dissapointment. But not Owain. When he have decided for something he stay the course. His eyes was set on Eloise and this time he would not let anything get in the way of what he desired.

In company of Lady Francisca and Jolina he walked up the stairs towards the sun room. He was calm in mind as they opened the door. The only reaction that was seen on Owains part when they heard Eloises insults was how his jaw muscle tensed. When she turned around and saw them he had managed to keep his expressions under control. He almost smiled when he saw her cheeks turn red and then almost white.

"Good to see you to milady." He said with a mocking bow.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Lady Eloise Gerrard

Eloise had expected as much. She had expected her father to oppose her marriage, but she was resolute. Even though she denied the necessity to marry, she knew that her place would be … vulnerable … should she choose to attempt to retain her widowhood whilst such a King reigned on the throne. Her decision was not a moment too soon. A marriage of convenience seemed very … favourable … for the union would be at HER convenience and not just the convenience of her husband, the King or even her father!

"If you think that he will allow you to marry your caretaker, no matter you are a widow or not, you better need to reconsider. He will not. You are a land owner Eloise and the king will not permit widows under his rule to give themselves to common people.
There are many knights that will pay him a lot for the privilege to marry a woman of the de Molyns family, especially one that have inherited Gerrard’s property.
He will not allow that it will be wasted on a offspring of a lesser caretaker.
No matter how good heritage he have."

Eloise chose not to wrangle about the disparaging term of “caretaker” that her father chose to describe her future husband, instead she calmly reassured him that their marriage would bare no children.
This she knew would draw a response and as expected his response was all she expected and more.
Yet still Eloise paid no heed.

She looked at her ranting parent and bit back a sigh.
Yes she knew he wanted the best for her and that he knew better than she just what that was and just WHO that would be.

Resolutely she closed her mind off from a time all but 2 years ago when her father had seen fit to agree to a marriage, one that never took place. At the time the desertion of her supposed fiancé had irked her, yet his subsequent behaviour and his actions since had reassured Eloise Gerrard that she had indeed had a lucky escape.


"Sir Owain of Whitecliffe”

It seemed she was never to be rid of him!
It was enough that her father insisted on reviving old memories, enough that he had conspired to kill her husband and now …. !

Eloise listened in horror as she was informed that he was to reside with them during her sister’s engagement preparations.

"And you didn't warn me because you and mother knew I would not come if I knew?"

Though aging Eloise realised that her father was still indeed perceptive and for once had out-manouvred her!

"We had hoped that you had put your resentment behind you …
Eloise, being so cold don't fit you, neither is it like you to hold a grudge against someone so long time."

Wily her father might be, and so she led him to believe as Eloise reminded her father of Owain’s desertion and her suspicions of his involvement of her husband’s “accident”. Yet when it came to Owain Eloise would hardly admit to even herself that the man left her far from indifferent.

Rich and successful he might be, but Eloise knew well of his reputation with women, a fact that added fuel to her anger and resentment at being cast aside so readily.
Owain was a “King’s man”. If his sovereign said jump, then no petty allegiance to a wife would stand in the say of what Owain saw as his “duty”.
Far better to wed conveniently and live simply beyond the reaches of the Royal decree and out of the circle of the King’s whims and fancies.

"It is a shame that you don't get along, now as Sir Owain are looking to take a wife."

Eloise was incredulous! She knew well where this conversation was going.

"He’s looking for a wife?!"

The news that he was still single was as unexpected as the revelation that he wished to marry.

”Men like him don't look for wives. Women lay at their feet all the time."

For some reason the idea of him searching for a bride incensed her!
She did not stop to question the reason for this reaction and instead ploughed on allowing her anger to pour forth.

"And don't let mother think she can marry me of with that big thickheaded man who make a living by strutting around and knock other men of their horses."

In her contempt for what she saw as her weak-willed parents she took no heed of her father’s warning.

"Yes, I know that he’s your neighbour. But that is nothing to me!
I’d rather take my “convenient” caretaker to husband than your rough fighter.
No matter how famous … or “infamous” he be…."

She met her father’s eyes with her own blazing orbs.
Still defiant, she refused to respond to his pleas.

"I am sorry father but you can't have these thoughts.”

Her voice was quieter now, yet heavily laced with irony.

”Tell mother I am to expensive to keep, even for him…"

The barb did not bring the retort she expected.
Instead her father nodded dejectedly towards the door.

"You can tell them that yourself my child."
It took seconds for the words to sink in, yet it seemed to take an age for realisation to dawn.

Slowly Eloise turned to the doorway and froze as her eyes took in the sight of her mother, her sister and the dreaded Sir Owain of Whitecliffe! Her eyes widened in shock as she took in the expressionless mask upon her mother’s face that clearly indicated her anger and embarrassment which finally put Eloise to blush.

Beside her mother Jolita’s eyes danced as they met her Eloise’s horrified gaze.
It was clear that engagement was agreeing with her sister, Eloise considered, yet it did not oblige her to take pleasure from what had suddenly become a most … awkward situation!

Knowing she could avoid it no longer, Eloise lifted her gaze to Owain.
The initial flush of being caught out receded rapidly as she met his impassive expression.
As their gaze locked Eloise silently cursed him over and over, yet remained mute.

"Good to see you to milady."

His courtesy was a marked contrast to her own torrent of angry words and yet she was sure the bow was contrived to mock her.

”Sir Owain …”

The racing of her pulses made her voice sound strained and staccato.
The greeting was the merest acknowledgement as was the slight inclination of her head.

Anger at being caught out; Anger at upsetting her parents and anger at tinting the joy of her sister’s engagement filled her with renewed resentment for the man who stood before her.
Without a further word she turned on her heel dismissing him and moving in the direction of her younger sister after all it was for her that Eloise had been persuaded home in the first place!

”Jolita! It has been too long … “

She dared not hazard a comment about her sister’s obviously hale and hearty appearance as she feared it would give Owain or her parents an opportunity to extol the pleasures of marriage …
... instead she decided she would excuse herself as soon as possible and retreat to her own room where she could collect herself and formulate a strategy whereby she could ignore and actively dissuade Sir Owain from renewing his pursuit of her ….

 

[PredatorX]

Eloise had acknowledged his existence barely before she turned to her sister. Owain kept his calm demeanor as he approached her father.

"Good to see you in good health Sir Crispin." Owain said with a bow that wasn't mocking this time. "I am glad that your daughter finally get a man she deserve." He say quite loudly, obviously meaning Jolita. Owain keep one eye on Eloise and smile slightly in her direction before his attention are fully at Sir Crispins disposal.

"Thank you Sir Owain. I believe Sir Harry is a good match." Crispin say with a nod.

"He's a good man." Owain agreed. "And Eloise? She have many suitors?" He look in her direction again. Her beauty was enough to take his breath away. He was reinforced in his decision to make her his. She had been snatched away once when he was unable to intervene. It would not happen again.

Crispin smile sadly. "She have suitors yes. But none that have catched her interest. She are intent on marrying her caretaker."

Owain raised his eyebrows. "And that is fine with you?"

"Of course not." Crispin say with determination. "Even if i was fine with it i am sure the king would object.

Owain nods. He knew King Edward personally. The king was a charming man but also a very practical one.

He look the older man straight in his eyes.

"My intention is to make her my bride. That is my sole purpose of being here. You object to that?"

Crispin smile widely. "You have my blessing but you must consider the will of my daughter. She are a stubborn one, but i love her and won't marry her of without her consent."

"When i make her my bride she will be a willing one." Owain watches Eloise speaking with her sister and was thrilled by the challenge that lay in front of him.