Happily Ever After

Part Three

In part two, we learned that a fearsome spell was cast upon Beatrix by her Aunt Aletta. The spell is intended to encourage our heroine not to be so curious. Now, we leave the Belden cottage, and travel to Ten Acres Castle, whereto our valiant hero approaches upon his noble steed, Jupiter.

Chapter Five

The sun began its descent in the western sky, and a chill filled the air. James gathered his cloak about him and urged Jupiter thither to Ten Acres. His mind wandered back repeatedly to the maiden he had rescued earlier that day. He hoped she made it home safely. His honorable nature greatly regretted that he had not accompanied her safely to her doorstep.

According to the rumors James’ stepfather had heard, many scoundrels trudged these paths in search of easy treasure. If the gossip could be believed, a far more sinister plan existed than mere thievery. The ruffians labored under the authority of a higher power. This force sought to impart a spirit of fear upon the citizens of this land, thereby making an insurrection effortless.

Lord Kobus Jones, James’ stepfather, had heard these rumors from a distant traveler, and he urged James to investigate. James of Rochester was the only living relative of the Lord of Sleepyside, James the First, and thereby stood to succeed his throne. Lord Jones insisted it was James most honorable duty to watch-guard his uncle’s crown and prohibit any rebellious activity. James valued the counsel of his stepfather, and, at once, set out to fulfill his request.

James’ father, Wynthrop, Lord of Rochester, had died in a fearsome battle when James was but a small child. His mother, Katryne, planned to reign in her husband’s stead until their son came of age and could assume the throne.

Lord Jones, ruler of the Albany province, sought the hand of the fair Katryne. James’ mother, out of great affection to her deceased husband, hesitated to form such a union. She insisted upon ruling until her son could assume the throne. However, after an attempt was made upon her life, Katryne conceded to Lord Jones’ pleas to become his wife. Her only condition being that her son would reign in the Rochester province upon his eighteenth birthday, as well as rule in the Sleepyside province upon notice of James the First’s death.

Lord Jones eagerly complied, and the two were wed. Lord Jones was both a solicitous husband and father. His affection for Lady Katryne and James appeared quite genuine. He deemed it his most humble duty to supply their every want and need.

Katryne and James lost contact with Wynthrop’s uncle. Oft-times, they sent out emissaries to relay messages of the utmost importance to James of Sleepyside. However, each time, the messengers strangely vanished. Katryne and James’ only information regarding their uncle’s well-being was provided by an occasional sojourner.

Time passed, and Katryne and James adjusted to life in the Albany province. Lord Jones adored his bride and tried his best to please her in every way. Though she was an obedient wife, Katryne did not return her new husband’s affection. Her heart belonged to a handsome, russet-haired man who existed only in her fondest memories.

Sadly, a mysterious illness overtook Katryne, and she died. James desperately wept for his beloved mother and bitterly mourned her passing. None seemed able to console the lad. Rumors that Katryne was assassinated surfaced. Lord Jones offered a reward of great price to any citizen who could find cause of Katryne’s death. Hitherto, none had been able to solve this mystery.

Lord Jones greatly lamented his wife’s passing. Upon her death, he dealt kindly with James and raised him as his own son. He provided only the finest tutors for the lad. James had a high aptitude, and marveled his instructors with his vast knowledge. Lord Jones watched his stepson with pleasure and took great pride that James had the makings of a fine leader.

Upon hearing rumors of a future rebellion, Lord Jones immediately sent James out to discern his uncle’s welfare and claim the throne, if needs be. He warned James of the insurrection plot of which he had heard and admonished him be heedful strangers, no matter how salutary they appeared.

Now, as he approached the path leading to Ten Acres, James’ heart beat furiously at the thought of meeting his great-uncle. As benevolent as Lord Jones had always been, he could never replace the man James fondly called Father. Will Uncle James be like my father? he wondered.

According to the stories told by his father, all men of the Frayne lineage resembled one another in appearance, as well as in temperament. Each man had the same fiery russet hair to match his equally fiery temper.

Of course, James had heard that in recent years, his uncle’s health and mind had begun to fail considerably. After the passing of his beloved wife, Neeltje, James the First had become somewhat of a reclusive eccentric.

James hoped to build a relationship with this uncle whom he had never met. Wynthrop spoke of James the First and Neeltje quite fondly, but because of the wars fought along their countries’ borders, he did not feel it well-advised to travel to Sleepyside with his family. Now, all alone, James the Second rode to meet his only living relative.

After traveling several miles, James looked up and saw a most amazing sight as he approached the borders of Ten Acres. The large gray limestone castle gleamed in all its glory, creating a most intimidating obstacle to any potential attacker.

James proudly noted the Frayne family’s crest embroidered upon forest green banners. They hung from several high corbels at the corners of the castle and waved merrily in the breeze.

Ten Acres Castle was a monstrosity of a fortress. The structure had two curtain walls; the outer one lower than the inner one. Each wall had a variety of rounded towers, with several turrets rising above and resting upon the main tower. When the watchmen stood upon these turrets, they were provided a most superior vantage point.

Several soldiers manned these turrets, as well as along the wall- walk which covered the length of the castle. They arrived at their posts upon the allure by a passage behind the parapet of the castle wall. A battlement lined the outer edge of the wall-walk to protect the garrison against attack. Intricately carved finials graced the tops of the merlons on the battlement, more for adornment than anything else. To make attack even more perilous, a moat surrounded the perimeter of the grounds.

James approached the bank across from the outer wall and called out a salutation to the porter who manned the entrance.

“Halt!” the porter called from across the moat. “What business have you at Ten Acres, stranger?”

“I am James the Second, son of Lord Wynthrop Frayne, nephew of Lord James the First, and heir to the throne of Ten Acres. I have come to inquire of my uncle’s well-being.”

“These are perilous times, stranger. Not just any bloke is permitted access into the castle. If you speak the truth, and you are indeed the heir of Ten Acres, then you should know the secret phrase. What is the password?” the porter questioned.

James stroked his chin thoughtfully. Suddenly, he recalled his father’s insistence that he learn the term for castle in their native Dutch tongue. “Waterburchten,” he replied.

“Lower the drawbridge!” the porter called to the guard stationed in the forebuilding, who raised or lowered the drawbridge with the windlass.

James whispered a thank you to his father’s foresight and urged Jupiter across the drawbridge. Once he passed over the moat, the large double doors of the outer gate opened and James passed through. Once inside the outer gates, two men-at-arms left the guardhouse and approached either side of James.

“Several pardons, my lord, but we have orders to remove all weapons before allowing admittance through the inner gate,” one of the soldiers said.

“And will my weapons be returned to me?” James asked skeptically.

“Aye,” the other answered. “Your weapons will be awaiting you upon your return.”

James handed the men his crossbow as well as the sword hanging by his side. However, the small penknife in his boot remained hidden from prying eyes. Once James was satisfactorily searched, one of the guards whistled shrilly and the portcullis raised allowing entrance into the keep.

Chapter Six

James made his way into the inner stronghold of the castle and searched for someone who could provide assistance in his query. Spying an elderly gentleman, James called out a greeting. “You there! May I have some assistance?”

The elderly gentleman looked up at James and dropped the bundle of kindling he carried. “My lord!” he cried, clambering to bow before James. “You have returned! We thought you were dead, but you have come to assist us!”

“Please rise,” James commanded. “I do not know for whom you mistake me, but we have never met.”

“Are you not Lord Wynthrop of Rochester?” the old man questioned, disappointment evident on his wrinkled face.

“Nay,” James replied, “however, I am Wynthrop’s son, James the Second. I have heard rumors of a rebellion, and I have come to Sleepyside to inquire as to the well-being of my uncle.”

“James the Second!” the man exclaimed. He obediently rose and took James hand in his and kissed it. “Praise be to God! I knew He would send help to Lord James!”

“May I have your name, sir?” James asked.

“Master Brom Vanderheidenbeck, humble servant of Lord James the First,” the gentleman told him with a bow. “And now I am your humble servant, as well. I serve as chamberlain of the great hall. How may I be of assistance, my lord?”

“’Tis truly a pleasure to meet you, Master Brom. I need to speak with my uncle. Can you take me to him?”

Brom lowered his head and wiped a tear away. “Lord James is in poor health, my lord. We anxiously await news of his condition.”

“May I see him?” James questioned earnestly.

“Stay here, my lord,” Brom beseeched him. “I shall find Lord James’ nursemaid. She will take you to your uncle’s private quarters.” He hurried off through the keep and went across the inner ward to a door leading to the great hall. Several minutes he returned with a pleasantly plump elderly lady in tow.

“Lord James the Second!” the woman exclaimed. “Your face is quite familiar, my lord. You are the image of your father, who was the image of Lord James the First.”

“You knew my father?”

“Aye,” the lady nodded sadly. “Many years ago before the constant warmongering, Lord Wynthrop resorted to our countryside. He and his uncle were quite fond of one another. We were all saddened by his passing.”

“And may I ask who you are?” James queried.

“Mistress Geertruyd Vanderpoel,” she answered with a curtsey. “I have served as chambermaid for your family for many years. I ministered to Lady Neeltje upon her marriage to Lord James. Since her death, I have waited upon Lord James. He has not been well since her passing, but recently a mysterious illness plagues him, worsening his condition. I fear for his recovery.”

James’ green eyes grew almost black as he pondered this somber news. “May I see him, Mistress Geertruyd?” he asked solemnly.

“Follow me, my lord. I shall take you to his side anon. Your presence may brighten his countenance.” James dismounted Jupiter, and Brom led him away to the stables.

“Please see that my horse is well-taken care of,” James called.

“Certainly, my lord,” Brom answered. After a humble bow, he led the great steed to the livery.

Geertruyd led James across the keep to the door leading to the great hall. “How is your mother, my lord?” Geertruyd asked as they walked.

“My mother died several years ago,” James replied sadly.

“A thousand apologies, my lord,” Geertruyd cried. “I had not heard. Her death saddens me greatly. I met the Lady Katryne shortly after she married your father. She was truly a most lovely and kind soul.”

“Thank you,” James said. “Her death has created a great void in my heart. I miss both my mother and my father profusely.”

“May I be so bold as to inquire how she passed?”

James bit his lip. Even after all these years, it still pained him to speak of his mother’s death. “We never discovered the cause of her passing. A year before her death, she suffered from exhaustion, lack of appetite, and faintness. My stepfather summoned the finest apothecaries, but they could find no cause, and therefore, no cure. In spite of their varied treatments, Mother grew worse and finally died.”

Geertruyde’s eyes widened and her hands trembled. “Those symptoms sound all-too familiar. They plague your uncle. If this is truly the same sickness, he shall surely die in the near future.”

“How did Aunt Neeltje die?” A thought entered James’ mind, but he supposed it to be preposterous.

“A most dreadful thing, my lord!” Geertruyde exclaimed as she pulled a lace hanky out of her bodice. “Lady Neeltje oft-times reposed in the solar room. One evening, while Lord James conferred with his counselors, Lady Neeltje lounged on a chaise in that room. Unbeknownst to her, a poisonous asp lay under her seat, and when she lowered her feet, the viper bit her ankle. She cried out, and Lord James and the others ran into the bower from the great hall. Your uncle summoned the finest apothecary, but alas, ‘twas too late. The asp’s venom was too fearsome, and Lady Neeltje died an hour later, in Lord James’ arms. ‘Twas quite a tragedy.”

James stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Are you oft fraught with unwanted creatures in the castle?”

“Nay, my lord,” Geertruyde replied. “That was the first occurrence. And it has not happened thereafter.”

“I have heard rumors that Aunt Neeltje’s death has driven my uncle mad,” James commented. “Is that true?”

“Lord James’ certainly has his share of idiosyncrasies, but he has not been any more insane than usual,” Geertruyde answered with a slight smile. “After Lady Neeltje’s death, Lord James became quite despondent; however, he continued to rule. The rumors of his insanity were exaggerated. In fact, the ridiculous gossip amused your uncle.

“However, since Lord James’ grievous ailment, he is most dependant upon his faithful steward, Master Lyttle. Master Lyttle was once a mercer, but after a chance meeting with the court, he was appointed to the position of seneschal. For several years, he has been Lord James’ most trusted advisor.”

James narrowed his green eyes suspiciously at the mention of Master Lyttle. For some reason, mention of this wight unnerved him. “Will I have the pleasure of meeting this steward while I am here?”

“Most assuredly,” Geertruyde said. They reached the door leading to the great hall. After a curt nod to the soldiers who guarded the door, Geertruyde and James were admitted.

The great hall of Ten Acres was indeed a grand room. It was much more ornate than the hall keep of the Albany castle where James lived. He looked in awe at the beauty surrounding him. His uncle was quite wealthy, indeed.

The great hall of this castle had been constructed of the finest lumber available. Two large fireplaces were located at opposite ends of the hall keep. They were painted and faced with carvings, providing beauty as well as warmth.

The great hall’s walls were painted, and fine tapestries hung from the walls. The high ceiling had corbels elaborately carved therein. Several large windows allowed the sun to brighten the room with its rays. The floor, to James’ surprise, was solid. The floor of Albany’s hall was earthen, with hay mingled with sweet-smelling herbs scattered thereupon.

Five long, wooden tables lined the floor. James noted there was a raised platform whereupon a special table sat for his uncle. Lord James had an ornately carved throne on which he sat during mealtime or for court proceedings. There were other chairs there for guests of some significance who may be asked to join the lord.

Sitting upon one of those chairs was an elderly gentleman. The man appeared to be clothed in goodly apparel, and was studying some sort of parchment. As Geertruyde and James approached, he nervously rolled the parchment and laid it aside.

“Mistress Geertruyde!” the man protested angrily. “Have you gone mad bringing a virtual stranger in the great hall? Have the rumors of an insurrection plot escaped your ears? This vagrant could be part of a diabolical plan to capture the throne!”

“Although I do not hear nearly as much as you, Master Lyttle, I have indeed heard the rumors of insurrection, and I assure you that this is no ‘virtual stranger,’ ” Geertruyde indignantly replied. “Do you not recognize the son of Lord Wynthrop? And this ‘vagrant’ has no need to capture the throne! He is the lawful heir to the throne of Rochester, as well as Sleepyside.”

Master Lyttle squinted his eyes suspiciously and straightened his stooped-shoulders. “James the Second?” he repeated in surprise.

“Aye,” Geertruyde nodded furiously. “It would greatly benefit you to show proper respect to the man who will one day be your lord. Take heed, lest he return you to your mercer’s shop.”

James laid a soothing hand upon Geertruyde’s arm. “Mistress Geertruyde, no need for such hostility. I am sure Master Lyttle’s intentions were noble. As the royal steward, one can never be too cautious.”

“Thank you, my lord,” Master Lyttle replied, bowing ever so slightly. “I assure you that I had your uncle’s best intentions at heart. Many scoundrels roam these hills, searching for easy prey. With Lord James’ health being so… precarious, and with rumors of a rebellious faction, one must be leery of strangers.”

“What is the state of my uncle this evening?” James questioned.

“The same, my lord,” Master Lyttle told him.

“Perchance, seeing the face of his great-nephew will cheer him,” Geertruyde suggested as she stepped closer to the door leading to Lord James’ private quarters.

Suddenly, Master Lyttle stepped in front of her and James. “M’lady, I must insist that you allow Lord James to have his rest. I do not think it wise to interrupt his slumber.”

Geertruyde narrowed her eyes and cast a steely glance at the elderly man. “James the Second has traveled a vast distance to meet his uncle. I think it would behoove you to allow James passage to see him post haste. Lord James would not be pleased if he heard you kept his nephew from him. After all, we would not appreciate a double-helping of that fearsome Frayne temper, would we, Master Lyttle?”

“Certainly not,” Master Lyttle answered curtly. “I shall announce you at once to Lord James.” He motioned the guards to allow him entrance, then hastily entered Lord James’ private quarters.

“What sweet relief!” Geertruyde exclaimed. “Why Lord James employs that meddlesome wag-tongue, I will never know. I have never trusted the wight.”

James raised a ginger brow in speculation. “Has Master Lyttle done something to incur your wrath, Mistress Geertruyde?”

“Aside from his constant gossiping, no,” Geertruyde answered honestly. “Please forgive the ramblings of a suspicious old lady and dismiss my careless accusations from your memory.”

James patted Geertruyde’s shoulder, but committed her opinions to his mind. Verily, he found the seneschal a most curious character, indeed. He decided to watch his uncle’s steward quite closely while he sojourned in Sleepyside.

Continue to Part Four…

Author’s notes…

A heartfelt thank you to my tireless editors, Kaye and Kathy. Thank you so much for all your encouragement and assistance! You are not only fellow Trixie fans, you are cherished friends! Hugs to you both!

Notice here that Jonesy’s medieval name is ‘Kobus’. Why did I choose that particular name? In my story, “Keeping up with the Joneses,” Jonesy’s first name is Jacobson, and Kobus is the Dutch medieval equivalent to Jacob. Actually, the more I use that name, the more I actually like it! *sheepish grin*

Winthrop had no such equivalent, so I decided to change the “I” to a “Y”. I had many to choose from for “Katie.” Katryne was one of my favorites. “Neeltje” is also the Dutch form of “Nell.”

The internet is a wonderful place to glean information from. I studied several sites about castles, and tried to adequately paint a picture of Ten Acres. I hope my audience found it satisfactory!

I am truly hoping that “Waterburchten” is the word for castle in the Dutch tongue. Of course, I don’t know Dutch, and that website was kind of hard to understand… Hopefully, if it doesn’t mean castle, it doesn’t mean anything vulgar. J

Did you recognize Mrs. Vanderpoel and Brom? Geertruyde seemed like a nice name for Mrs. V. I used “Gertrude” for her in my Here and Now universe, as well. Trying to keep them consistent. Makes it a little less confusing, that way! Also, I looked and looked for a Dutch name similar to “Lytell.” The closest I could find was “Lyttle.” OY! Whose idea was it to include all these Dutch equivalents? J

“Neeltje’s” death parodies her passing in The Secret of the Mansion. Of course, I have a feeling there are further details for us to gather regarding her death here… *wink*

I had so much fun making James be intimidating! Whoo-hoo! Nothing like a man in control! I adored writing his scathing banter with Lyttle! Lots of fun, indeed!

The plot is thickening, so you’d better continue to Part Four…

Home | Other stories | E-mail me…