“Um.. about that man, well.. Should you not go and see him? I think he must have wanted to see you.. I think.. I think.. “ her voice trailed off as she felt his other hand firmly take hold of her shoulder and draw her closer to him.
“Rosemary..” His voice, once cold and icy, was now warm and gentle and becoming much like the snow that was melting in the sun outside. He guided her into the study “come by the fireplace… sit here..” he said whilst holding her hand.
He poured her some brandy in a crystal glass..”drink this” he said bringing the glass to her pale lips.
She shook her head and looked up “I've never had alcohol before… its wrong to drink”
He chuckled and pressed his lips to her forehead… “just do it… it will warm you”
She took small sips and then coughed a bit “yuck I don't like it!” she sputtered …
The earl of York rose still laughing “just stay by the fire and don't go anywhere….That man… I will see what he's about”.
But he didn't go immediately; he held her in his arms as the fire danced and roared… until she fell fast asleep.
He left the sleeping rosemary and went to the main hall room in large strides. As he made his way to the main parlour, suddenly he happened to see a man dressed in a strange fashion…sitting upon a wooden armchair. The man, upon seeing the earl of York's imposing figure, evidently stood up…
“You are the earl of York,?” said the man in a loud voice
The earl nodded looking down at the guest with curious eyes. The messenger was dressed in a tunica… a roman attire it seemed. He had broad shoulders and stood very proudly… a black cloak was draped around him … all of this seemed interesting to say the least…
“Yeah sure.. I am he… “ the earl said in a calm tone.. Choosing not to let his voice show his curiosity .
“And you are?” he asked the visitor
The visitor stood proudly and saw this as his invitation to evidently give a more traditional greeting… “ I am here on orders from The great and imperious ruler Caesar… the ruler and most reverend leader of Caesar's Legion … By orders of the great and most revered leader I have been given the gift of accomplishing this expedition for my country. I am but a loyal messenger of the great and most powerful kingly Caesar…
The earl of York scratched his chin… “oh i see…” he said indifferently
“Yes,... I have been ordered by the grand and....” the messenger began speaking but was rudely interrupted
“so .. you have a name, I presume ?” The earl was in no mood for pleasantries. He had already made a good mental note of the man. From the way he was dressed the earl was sure that he was some sort of soldier and military commander. The leader Caesar was famous and … he had already known from the look of the uniform that that was where this man had come from. but it seemed strange why Caesar had sent a messenger to the isle of Lewis and Harris…. lord Meriwether had no time for Caesar or any other leader for that matter. What could this guy possibly want from him.
In thinking these things… the earl spoke hurriedly
“What do you want?” he said whilst bringing an unlit cigar to his lips… and gesturing to the footman… “coffee or tea….?” he said in a muffled voice whilst lighting his cigar. Even though he was not in the mood to tarry, it was always traditional to offer stray guests, royal of not, coffee and tea.. Rosemary used to do this often.
The messenger clearly seemed unsure. The strange lack of formality and even politeness that was necessary for conversations between royal and noble men, had made him feel out of place in this rather gothic setting. The earl of York seemed to him, a rather rude and abrupt man.
“Well?” the earl said, puffing his cigar…
The messenger attempted to answer the question “tea would be satisfactory…” he said slowly
“Get tea” the earl ordered to the footman who then bowed and left. He then sat down without gesturing for the messenger to do the same.
“Well… what do you want… What does your man want?” he said again
“My man?” the messenger sounded confused
“Yeah. your guy Caesar… “
“Oh of course…” the messenger cleared his voice with more certainty “ The Great and Magnanimous Caesar requests the hand of the Lady Hildegard of the isle of York… He has given orders for this message to be sent to your lordship as soon as possible. I have been ordered to ask for her hand at her brother's court.”
The messenger then bowed and rose again evidently waiting for a response.
Lord Meriwether just sat staring with his brow furrowed .. Upon hearing the mention of his sister, He was indeed shocked. That girl was not meant to have her name spoken in high society. His father had kept her away in a dungeon tower so that foreign powers did not know about her…. So how.? How did the leader Caesar know of her…?
He sighed … there was no good in stopping things that had already happened.. Whatever the reasons for this momentary slip… he had no choice but to face the matter head on. Caesar was asking for his sister's hand in marriage… this was the real problem at hand…. There could be no question. This was never to be allowed.
But then again… was this a blessing in disguise? Could it be that father and he could finally be rid of her… for good? There was no telling what could happen if she remained in york… what things could happen. She had already killed the duchess…
He looked up at the messenger who was calmly standing before him…but before the earl could speak the footman entered with the tea…..
As he stirred the cup… still not answering… he thought of the woman sleeping by the fireside. He could not let rosemary ever know of his sister's ugly and twisted crimes. By letting some other ruler have her… things would be safer on this side of the ocean.
He looked up at the messenger who had been standing waiting for a reply.
Meriwether smiled…a cynical, almost cruel smile. Love made him cruel.… he didn't care anymore.
“Yes.. tell him he can marry her… whenever he wants her..”
The messenger seemed rather startled… his eyes slightly widening. The messenger had green eyes.
Green,...Just like my older sister… .. The earl thought to himself… the wicked smile never left his face.
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thanks