Gad, what was this mushiness filling his head? Tapping his fingers against the railing George tried to think of something to occupy his time. So he tapped away. And tapped. Lud, you'd think being the Prince he could find something!
He hadn't really had a chance to visit with Blakeney at the ball....perhaps he could pay the man a visit?
George stared blankly at the scenery going by from his carriage window.
After much deliberation on what form of entertainment he should indulge in
for the day, he had decided to go visit Percy Blakeney. As self-absorbed as
George was
Marguerite was exploring the massive house when she heard a carriage pull
up on the front path. Excitedly she rushed to the nearest window only to
see it was Percy's carriage. She let out a disappointed sigh as she
watched a visitor climb out of the coach. She did not recognize the person
from her view, but she only meet a few of Percy's friends at length at the
ball.
Marguerite continued exploring Percy's extensive library, full of wondrous
volumes of books, when one of the servants approached her saying that there
was a guest to see Sir Percy. Marguerite sighed, it seemed one of her
duties as lady of the house now was making excuses for Percy.
Marguerite grimly made her way to the grand foyer to see, much to her
surprise, the Prince of Wales standing there, still in the doorway.
Fiddling with his gloves, the Prince looked up to see the lady of the house
standing before him. Putting on a smile he bowed deeply. "Ah Marguerite! I
was in the area and thought I'd stop by to discuss a few things with Percy.
I figured you two would be home since it's almost time for tea. But Candice
has already informed me that Percy is away. Gad I don't understand! He was
always one to travel but why he doesn't have the sense to know better than
to leave a beautiful wife by herself in a new home while he goes traipsing
about the countryside....it boggles my mind!" George stared at her. Lady
Blakeney was a charming, witty, intelligent woman. Why on earth would he
ever leave again under such circumstances? He grinned. But that was just
Percy.
Marguerite was shocked to see the Prince standing there and wondered if
royals often made such spontaneous visits. She gave a slight bow to him as
she approach, "I am sorry your highness, but it is true, business has swept
my husband away from me about as swiftly as he swept me away from Paris to
be here. As for tea, I am also sorry, but, being that it is not a custom I
would often take in, I doubt there is one prepared."
George put a hand over his heart pretending to be utterly shocked. " You
don't take afternoon tea? Well I suppose that isn't a common occurrence
in France, to take an English tea." He chuckled." Well we shall have to
remedy this situation-you shall have to learn sometime Marguerite m'dear!"
The Prince waved Candice over and instructed her to set tea on the back
terrace. He was unconsciously taking charge-something he often attempted to
do around his father. He had planned on speaking with Percy not instructing
the man's wife on teas! But George had been to enough to know the basics and
having nothing better to do, he decided to teach the clueless young French
woman before him.
Marguerite smiled and gave a slight nod to Candice, who seemed to be
becoming more comfortable around her again since the time Marguerite lashed
out at the poor girl. Still slightly unnerved in the presence of royalty,
Marguerite folded her hands in front of her before speaking, "Shall we exit
to the terrace then?"
"I don't see why not!" George offered his arm. "So have you become more used
to my country since the ball? I'm sure you and Percy have been quite busy,
him showing you around and whatnot." He had no way of knowing how far from
the truth he really was.
Marguerite took his arm and smiled as he lead the way to the back terrence
until he mentioned Percy. "Oh no your highness, Percy left the morning
after the ball. After meeting me in Paris he kept postponing his trips
home and his business until I agreed to come with him. It had piled up and
could not wait anymore, and so he was forced to go. I have not become any
more knowledgeable of England beyond the grounds of Blakeney Manor."
George was not sure what to make of the whole situation. Each time Percy had
returned from France he had done nothing but smile and swoon about the
young actress he had left behind. So much so that it had bored the Prince to
tears. ...had he been one to cry which, of course he wasn't. Now that he had
brought her home it seemed he couldn't wait to leave her side. Had it not
been Percy he was thinking of, George would have said the man had only been
in it for the hunt and now that he had his prey he was no longer interested.
How very unlike his friend this was! "Why, I find that quite distressing!
I like to show off my home as much as possible. You must look about when you
get the chance. And Marguerite, what did I tell you at the ball? Hmm? Stop
this "highness" nonsense! That title is reserved for strangers, members of
court, and those who I enjoy watching grovel at my feet." George grinned
wickedly, only half joking on the latter statement. "And I can't very well
imagine you groveling before anyone!"
The thought of peasant groveling before a king struck a harsh nerve in
Marguerite once again, bring her back to Paris and the revolution she left
behind. Though she reminded herself that this was England and not France
and continued. "I am sorry, George, you must forgive the formality. I am
so nervous of this whole high English society settling that it continues to
make me incredibly feverous. I want so much not keep myself from making
any type of error that would be looked down upon, not so much for my sake
but for Percy's you see."
"No need to be nervous Marguerite" he said, patting her hand reassuringly.
"Lud, I believe we've had this conversation before! What do you call that?
degu-vu? My dear we English might be a bit snooty at times, even I can
admit that, but not so much so that we aren't willing to forgive a mistake.
Even I, perfect though I may appear to be, am in need of forgiveness every
so often!" George laughed loudly at his own sense of humor. Walking with
Marguerite he pondered what she had said. She didn't want to do anything to
be looked down upon for the sake of Percy....but being French and being an
actress did not necessarily help in that area of high English society. She
was probably right about needing to pay attention to such details but the
Prince didn't want to worry her further by agreeing. Loosening his arm from
hers he held the door to the terrace open for her.
Marguerite smiled as the prince opened the door for her to the terrace.
She felt the warm spring breeze caress her face as he once again joined
her, "So tell me, George, what exactly was it that brought you all the way
out here to Richmond?"
"To discuss some business with Percy. I was hoping to-" he stopped in
mid-sentence, a guilty grin crossing his face. "Alright, boredom. I needed
something to do! I did have some things to talk over with your husband but
nothing of any importance. And Lud love me! Just look at this. What
everyone at court would say if they knew I was teaching tea etiquette to
young ladies!"
Marguerite laughed again at him. "Well kind sir, I am pleased and
privileged to had a man such as yourself teach me of your English customs."
Marguerite gave a slightly mocking bow to go with the light mood, "and
what exactly would those at court say to such an act?"
"Ah, going in for the kill I see Lady Blakeney! Well, hmm. They were
probably be shocked to the core and think me far too much a ninny to ever be
fit to rule as king! But even if they were to find out I would not admit to
how much I am going to enjoy it. " He allowed himself a lazy smile. King.
George loved to think that was in his future. It was a word and title that
carried a great deal of weight. The sight of Candice with a tray holding a
full tea service interrupted his train of thought though and he moved aside
so she would be able to relieve herself of it.
"Oh come now, they would not really be so harsh would they? To look down
on you for teaching a foreigner to your country's own customs, especially
if the foreigner is the wife of a dear friend. Such actions should be
applauded." Marguerite remarked as Candice entered. Instinctively she
moved to the table with Candice and began to take the cups and saucers off
the tray and onto the table.
"Who knows? Royals are such a fickle group." Winking at her, George stepped
back to observe the placement. Candice, being English herself, knew what she
was doing. Most likely she would prove helpful if he forgot anything
important. "When shall Percy get back? I don't want to intrude on you two.
I'm sure he would rather be the one to guide you in becoming familiar with
all this."
Marguerite again slightly winced at the mention of Royals, forgetting that
she was now one of them. "I'm honestly not sure when Percy will be back.
He left in such a hurry and I have not heard from him or Armand since
then."
"I shall have to talk to him about disappearing so." The Prince said. Not
wanting to step on Candice's toes being that he might need her help in the
"lesson" he gently pulled Marguerite aside. "M'dear naive Marguerite, you
have already made your first mistake. Nice gesture though it is, let the
servants do the work. That is what you pay them for. Candice should set the
tea service not you."
Marguerite frowned and looked away, "Well, George, I'm sorry, but I can not
allow myself to be waited on so. Having servants makes me incredibly
uncomfortable. I often wish I did not have any ladies in waiting, though I
know Percy would disapprove. I prefer to think of them as being here to
help me, not to serve me." Marguerite sunk into a chair at the table and
looked away. That was one aspect of her new life she did not appreciate
and had trouble just accepting for fact.
"My dear when it finally occurs to you just how large this estate is and how
much it takes to run it, trust me, you shall kiss the ground in appreciation
of the fact that you have hired help. Think back to the ball: could you have
gotten ready, attended to the guests, and accomplished all that on your own?
Highly unlikely. You have to accept the fact that social classes exist
Marguerite-and be appreciative of the fact that you are in the higher one.
And it's not as if you mistreat them! But you pay them dear girl. And you
need them. If you continue to help them so often eventually they will be
lounging in the study and you'll be paying them so YOU can work! They will
be glad for a kind word and a smile and that should suffice." George did not
realize there was so much for her to learn. Why wasn't Percy here doing this
demmit? Coaching Marguerite -this wasn't his job nor his right. But he
wasn't one to dwell on the reasons he would end up spending the afternoon
with an attractive woman, whatever the circumstances.
Marguerite drew in a deep breath before she continued. Although she had
set in her mind that she would do what was needed to make a good impression
for Percy's sake, but this is one line she dare not cross. Marguerite
waved Candice over to the table. "Candice dear, why don't you take the
rest off the afternoon for yourself, and tell the other ladies that they
may do the same, I will not be needing them tonight." She waited for
Candice to leave before turning back to the Prince, whom was looking at her
with an odd expression on his face.
George raised his eyebrows at her dismissal of the servants. She had
expressed a desire in learning of English culture and as soon as he done
what she asked she completely disregarded what he'd said. He was the Prince
of Wales and did not take such outright defiance lightly. Marguerite having
given her staff leave right in front of him, moments after he'd stressed the
importance of their presence was a blow to his pride. George had admired her
spunk and independence at the ball but here he was not finding it enjoyable
at all. His eyes narrowed as she continued.
"In such cases, I do appreciate the help, sir, however, being a grown
woman, and I am perfectly capable of dressing myself, making my own bed,
pouring my own bath, and preparing my own meals. As for social classes, I
do not have to appreciate their worth and not proud to say I am a member of
the higher one. Now, I pray you'll excuse me, your highness, I fear I feel
a headache coming on."
He hadn't doubted her competence. He knew perfectly well she could dress
herself! But that was not the only requirement of a lady in waiting.
Damnation what was this sudden rebellion and where had it sprung from?
Marguerite had asked for help and she'd gotten it. Obviously she didn't
agree but she should know her place! She was a woman and while he could
handle opinions, questioning him, CHALLENGING him, was not acceptable. And
she was not proud to be in the upper class? Well! She could certainly change
that if she wanted to! Trying to keep in mind that he was the Prince and she
a lady
"I fell in love with Percy, and agreed to be his wife. This lifestyle,
though it makes me uncomfortable, is something I willingly accepted because
it came with Percy. And to be perfectly honest, I do mind living it. I do
mind, idling most of the day, I do mind having people I do not know that
constantly fill my home for the purpose of waiting on me, and I do mind
when others look down on me because I do not feel it is right to look down
on a person because they lack money or some fancy title." Marguerite
replied, suppressing every desire in her veins to outright snap at the man.
She was no royalty's subject.
George clenched his jaw. She was acting like a bratty child. "I never said I
looked down on you Lady Blakeney." he said, unable to address her in the
friendly manner using her first name. " I do not see what good it does to be
angry with me for the disposition of an entire country whom I currently hold
no control over. And if you are unhappy with your current financial status
then perhaps you should change it. It does not help an argument to complain
but never act." By now the Prince was stuck to the spot like a stone statue.
He was appalled that this French woman would stand there and insult him as
she was, but he was not about to leave so she could feel she had gotten the
victory. And He was not about to be outdone on his own soil by an actress
whose only claim to fame was to marry a rich man.
"You may not have said outright that you looked down on me, but it was
implied that because you have a title or money that you are somehow better
then those who don't. Make no mistake, this house is Percy's, the money is
Percy's and everything here save for the few things I brought over from
France, most of which I acquired of my own wits is Percy's. I did not marry
Percy for the title, or the land, or the money - I had done without those
things for 20 years and could do with out for another 20 - I married Percy
because I love him." Thoughts of her absent husband nearly brought tears
to her eyes. She wished for this episode to end and for Percy to return to
her.
"Do not claim to know my thoughts madam" George said steely. "And thank you
but I am not in need of a history lesson. I am fully aware that Percy owns
this land and made no dispute otherwise. I am sure you supported yourself
quite well in the theatre." His words were not all too harsh but his tone
would have frozen a roaring fire. Was Marguerite aware of the power he
yielded and what he could concerning her provoking him so? Obviously not or
else she would not be arguing.
I do not claim to know your thoughts other then those thoughts you have
already plainly expressed to me. After all, did you not say just moments
ago that I had to accept the fact that social classes exist and be
appreciative of the fact that I am in the higher one?" Marguerite drew in
a deep breath, beginning to try and shake the feeling that she must act
with such restrained decorum, "And as for my career, yes, I was able to
more then adequately support both myself and my brother while he pursued
his education, and without resorting to other less desirable means of
income."
Geogre closed his eyes to calm himself down. He opened them slowly. "You take
what I say far too deep madam. Just because I am appreciative of my class
doesn't mean I look down on those outside it. I am the Prince of Wales Lady
Blakeney" he said hoping that would remind her of who she was sharing such
harsh words with. "I hold allegiance to everyone in this country, not just
those that share my social rank. But I treat people as what they are. I
allow a servant to do the work they are paid to do, the same as I would a
tailor, or a doctor. There is no difference." He sighed inwardly. This was
getting tiresome.
Marguerite knew why he reminded her of his post, though she refused to
yield to it. Marguerite was never one to back down from what she believes
or a challenge from anyone, prince or pauper. "Well, your highness, the
ladies are paid to assist me as needed, which is what they do. I do not
anticipate needed any sort of help for the remainder of the evening, and so
I allowed them to take the afternoon for themselves."
In that case I hope they enjoy their afternoon." George responded slowly.
He was boiling as hot as the tea water but on the surface his tone was the
only thing that gave him away. If she wasn't Percy's wife......
"I'm sure they will. No doubt they have better things to do then sit
around in case I need help with something." Marguerite said, letting the
tone in his voice slip.
”And as for making a good impression on English society..... discounting the
advice and opinions of another once you've asked for them might not be the
best course of action." He paused and stared at her, a blank expression on
his face. "Feel better Lady Blakeney." He said without feeling.
Advice and opinions are merely advice and opinions, set to guide ones
thoughts, not direct them absolutely." Marguerite turned her head in a
sulking manor, "I thank you for your concern for my health."
"Well. If you were already so set in your ways then it might not have been
wise to ask for advice you would not use." George's voice was monotone. He
hated this, and hated it even more that he could do nothing about it. This
was Percy's wife. Percy! Damn if he had been home this would never have
happened in the first place. "I would suggest that Candice mix you up
something to ease your headache but being that it was my suggestion it
probably wouldn't be heeded and it seems she is no longer present."
"In this case then I suppose it is a good thing that I am also able to
create my own remedies when such a case arrives." Marguerite slumped back
into her chair and began to prepare her own cup of tea.
"Indeed. How fortunate." He said sarcastically. George was just about to
leave when he noticed she was going about her tea-making all wrong. She had
poured a cup of boiling water but had hap-hazard tossed a pinch of herbs in
the water instead of first wrapping them in cheesecloth to allow the flavor
to come through. As opposed to having a cupful of floating herbs, which is
what she had at the moment. Clearing his throat loudly George marched over,
grabbed a pinch of herbs and wrapped them in cheesecloth. Pouring some of
the boiling water into a clean cup he plopped the herb-filled cheesecloth in
to steep. "That is how you make tea Marguerite" he said slyly. It was
laughable. She thought she had the upper hand and to prove her independence
she sat down flustered and mad as a mother hen, to make tea-something she
knew absolutely nothing about. A cocky grin was pulling at the corners of
his mouth as he brushed the stray chamomile off his hands and prepared to
leave.
Marguerite watched in discontent as he made the tea. As he stepped away
she lifted the cup in which he made the tea and took a sip. "It's too
weak." She simply stated as she went back to preparing her own tea.
He stopped in mid-stride and turned around. "You have to let it sit
Marguerite!" Looking at her in this frustrating situation slumped in the
chair, a chuckle escaped his lips.
That takes time, stirring them in gives it a stronger flavor then letting
them sit wrapped in a cloth in the water for an infinite amount of time."
Marguerite stated as she put her spoon down, seeing her own tea well mixed.
She picked up her own cup and took a small sip off the top. She closed
her eyes and smiled to have a nice warm cup of strong, robust tea as
opposed to the wimpy English tea the prince had offered.
"Well then who am I to argue with someone who likes lumps of herbs in their
tea?" This conversation was making him sick. But he wasn't about to back
down from a woman. What ever happened to that headache she supposedly had?
"Leave and go lay down Margot" he yelled in his mind eager to end this.
"If prepared correctly, the herbs will sink to the bottom and not create
the so called lumpy tea." Marguerite took another sip of her tea and gave a
contented sigh, "It's strong and robust now. I don't see how anyone can
stand that wimpy flavor of English tea, although being that it is English,
it does not surprise me."
George's angry eyes glowed like hot coals. "Wimpy? So now not only are we
too class oriented but we are wimpy. How observant of you Lady Blakeney" he
spat. "And how kind of you to point that out. But might I suggest you hold
your tongue. Out of line though you already are, I can look the other way
when you attack me personally. But when you attack my homeland and imply
that it and it's rulers , who happen to be my family, are weak and "wimpy"
as you put it-you cross the line. Besides, if my father's so called "wimpy
rule" breeds the polite, peace loving citizens that fill the land now,
versus your bloodthirsty French revolutionaries....I think I'd prefer the
"wimpy" British any day.
That struck a deep nerve in Marguerite's soul. "What do you know if it?"
she snapped, "What in God's name do you know of life in France for those of
the lower and unworthy classes? You don't know what it's like to be spat
on by children riding in carriages because you have to walk from place to
place. You don't know what it's like to starve in the darkness."
"Dammit Marguerite!!!!! I never claimed to!!!!!!!!" he yelled ignoring how
inappropriate such language was around a lady. Not that what they were doing
wasn't already inappropriate. He had been insulted in the worst possible way
and had responded with what was common knowledge-that France was in an
uproar caused by the people. But either she hadn't heard or chose not to
listen, for she continued her rampage.
As her voice grew louder and more intense, she stood, upsetting the table
causing all the expensive china to shake. "You don't know what it's like
to be thrashed and beaten because someone of the so called privileged class
didn't like the way they thought they saw you look at them." Tears came to
her eyes as she thought of Armand's beating, "You don't know what it's like
to have men assume you'll take part in intimate acts for money and for the
*honor* of sharing their bed." Marguerite, unable to take anymore let out a
shrill, gut-wrenching scream as she stalked off. Yet, when she reached the
door she turned and in a hard, deadpan voice state, "And wimpy referred to
English edibles."
Good God-beatings? "Favours"? How she actually been through this? He was
shocked and sadden to hear of her experience but was clueless as to why she
was yelling at HIM for it. George watched her start to leave, tears
streaming down her face. "Damnation...of all the.." he thought. He walked
quickly over to where she was and roughly grabbed her by the arm before she
could leave. "Marguerite" he hissed trying to get his point across. "I-this
isn't." He stopped. exasperated. "Marguerite I am truly sorry about the
things you had to endure but I am not responsible for them, nor the one to
blame!"
Marguerite stopped and caught her breath, wiping the tears from her eyes.
"But don't you see, it's too much the same, treating others as if they are
below myself, being thought of in a certain way, and I can not hide who I
am and what I believe in for the sake of formalities and decorum."
Marguerite held back even more tears. "In the past two weeks my life has
turned completely upside down, I went from a peasant to an aristocrat, from
living in France to being in England, from being unattached to a being
wife. It's almost too much to fast and I can't let go of what I was to
become what everyone else thinks I should be."
He sighed yet again. This was far too complicated. What had happened to the
enjoyable afternoon he imagined? He originally came to be entertained not be
part of the entertainment. "Marguerite you misunderstood what I said. I
simply allow people to perform the jobs they hold. I do not talk down to my
servants, mistreat them , do not condone mistreatment and for the most part
I try not to think of people as below myself-just holding a different
occupation. Yes there are social classes and yes sometimes people get the
low end of every deal but if everyone was in the same class then there would
be no need for a leader and where would I be? Ranking cannot be gotten rid
of so I merely accept that fact and continue. Otherwise I would be as
unhappy as you now are. I understand this is all new to you and must be
difficult to handle all at once. But I have had a very rough day madam so
please do not continue to take it out on me." He sighed, strode back to the
table in disarray and collapsed into the chair Marguerite had so recently
vacated.
Marguerite watched in disgust as he spoke to her. "And yet you can't move
beyond talk of servants and social classes." She was near paralyzed and
could not move but to drop onto a couch just inside the door and cry,
mourning her dearly missed home and life.
"I can't? I can't believe this, you are absolutely incorrigible!" he said
incredulous that she would still wish to continue on.
"Then why couldn't you just change the subject." She muffled back at the
Prince.
Upon collapsing into the chair he had been willing to end this senseless
argument. She just would not stop! He wanted very badly to run , to get in
his carriage and forget he had ever heard of a Lady Blakeney, other than
Percy's mother. "Dear woman I am merely responding to the accusations you
have thrown at me." he called, knowing she could hear him from just inside
the doorway. " And I think I have been more than gracious in trying in vain
to understand your situation in spite of the fact that you continue to
harass me. I meant no harm in the first place but told you what you wished
to hear-the way things were in England."
Many words other then gracious came to Marguerite's mind, most notable were
insensitive, self-indulgent, and brute. She covered her ears as he
continued on. So people in England were treated in different manners
depending on their status. Well as an actress that placed her very low on
the social scale. It's a wonder he even looks her in the eye she thought,
unless he wonders about how true the rumors were, or did he have experience
with such actresses. Marguerite wanted to scream and fiercely bit her lip
to avoid doing so.
Not hearing an answer, he sighed in frustration, got up and wandered over to
the doorway. It was there he viewed Marguerite, hands over her ears.
Bewildered by her childishness and refusal to follow through with what she
had started he walked over near the front door and scooped up his coat and
cane. Turning angrily towards Marguerite, he spoke. " If you do not wish to
face the reality of the world Lady Blakeney then do not inquire about it.
Things are the same here as they are in France, save the situation of that
little Revolution of yours! If you do not like to face such truths I am
sorry but DAMMIT MARGUERITE- I am NOT responsible for the world!" Spinning
on his heals he left, slamming the door behind him.
God, George could not be more happy to leave that house. He eagerly took the
front steps two at a time, not caring how improper it was. If it got him
home a few seconds quicker, so be it. It boggled his mind to think that THAT
was the woman he had found so charming just a week prior. What had become of
her? And how could she speak to him like that?! It was almost too much to
comprehend. It would be inevitable that they would cross paths again but the
Prince was unsure he could force himself to be around her again and be
polite. He wanted to forget such a conversation ever occurred. Upon
reaching the bottom of the steps he glanced around looking for his carriage.
Where was it? Groaning he realized that it would be in the stable along with
his driver. Walking quickly across the immaculate grounds he reached it, the
smell of horse manure and leather wafting up to his nose. Scanning the room
he saw his driver and a servant of Percy's discussing current events. "John,
prepare the horses please. It is high time we left." George said
impatiently. He wanted to be out of this place NOW. "And please inform Sir
Percy on his return that he must speak to me as soon as is convenient" he
said to Percy’s servant. Taking a deep breath to clam himself down, George
left the stables to wait for the carriage out front.
Marguerite nearly bounced out of her seat when the door all the way on the
other side of the foyer slammed. She hastily wiped her tears from her eyes
and sniffled in a vain attempt to regain control of her emotions. Taking
in several deep breaths she stood and then without warning darted towards
the door. She fled to the front porch and could see the royal coach
leaving the stable of in the distance. Marguerite watched as it began to
head towards the manor before leaving for London. Marguerite took in
several deep breaths as she walked to the bottom of the steps hoping the
carriage would instead of just passing her by.
George could see the carriage coming round the corner and his heart leapt.
Only a few more moments to waste in this dreadful place with that awful
woman back in the house. Suddenly hearing a noise George stepped out from
behind the shrubbery that blocked his view. " Speak of the devil.." he
muttered under his breath. It was Marguerite-she had followed him out. To
either ensure that he left her property or to continue lashing into him as
she had no doubt. But he did not move, nor did he speak. The next move would
have to be hers.
Marguerite was startled when the Prince had moved out from behind the
shrubbery, she thought she had seen him enter the stable, but missed him
coming out. Catching her breath and swallowing a bit of her pride,
Marguerite swiftly moved towards the prince, hoping he would wait until she
approached.
Good Lord, was she expecting HIM to speak first? Hadn't she already put him
through enough? If Marguerite was out here searching for an apology she
would be waiting quite a long time, George decided. Watching her as she
descended he nodded in her general direction. "Lady Blakeney." he said
absently, turning his gaze back to the oncoming coach.
Marguerite looked down as she rubbed her hands together. "Your highness,
before you leave, I wanted to say I am sorry for my outburst before. These
past two weeks have been such a strain of emotion, everything just causes
me to want to burst whether I am happy or excited or angry or challenged.
My comments were meant solely to defend my own beliefs and not meant to
cause any offense."
The Prince sighed-relieved that it was over and happy that she had not come
out to argue. Allowing a small smile to form he bowed from the waist. " It
is alright Marguerite. I have to admit I was....surprised to say the least.
It's not everyday that occurs at court. Everyone creeps about making sure
not to step on my toes. It's refreshing to her a real opinion every so
often. Although I think that was enough for me to live on for quite a while.
But I am at fault as well." Now that she had started it was easier to
follow suit. " I should have been more suggestive and less pushy. Let's just
hail this as a large misunderstanding shall we?" It was then the carriage
pulled up in front of them. George strode over and opened the door. Turning,
he spoke. "And you do not have to call me your Highness my dear." George
smiled, having said it as a gentle reminder. He was treading on thin ice-he
hoped that would be enough to appease them both for he hadn't left the
grounds yet.
Marguerite smiled in relief and nodded. "Of course, George, and you must
come again so that perhaps we can have a more cordial tea." Marguerite
gave a slight laugh, feeling once again at easy with the prince.
"Sounds marvelous my dear" George replied nodding. "And I hope your headache
improves-I fear we've added to it more so than caused it to disappear."
Bowing low he turned and stepped up into the carriage. As it began to bounce
slightly along the path the Prince allowed himself a deep soothing breath.
That had certainly been an experience. Could either of them actually forget
that afternoon so easily? He wasn't sure. Whatever occurred between them
from now on, the latest impression Marguerite had given him would be there
in the back of his mind.
Marguerite gave a slight curtsey to the king's bow. She had forgotten the
remark about the headache, which was really only a polite ploy to leave his
company. "Oh, your - George, I believe you said you had something to
discuss with Percy, is there any sort of message you would like me to give
him?"
George paused. He left a message for Percy to meet with him when he returned
with the stable hand. At that moment the only purpose in talking with his
friend had been to discuss the appalling behavior of his wife. But that
situation had since been taken care of. What to say?
"Well madam, most likely the business with which I desired Percy's
assistance will be taken care of by the time of his return. But if he wishes
to regale me with tales of his travels I am more than a willing listener."
It made the Prince feel better to know he wasn't lying entirely. He HAD
originally come to discuss the guard's uniforms with Percy but since it was
a fashion concern George was more than able to deal with that himself.
"I'll let him know you offered to lend him your ears. Knowing Percy he'll
gladly accept too." Marguerite laughed as she watched the prince prepare
to leave. "I do hope you join us again here soon for a more cordial
occasion of course."
"Sounds marvelous my dear" George replied nodding. Bowing low he turned and
stepped up into the carriage. As it began to bounce slightly along the path
the Prince allowed himself a deep soothing breath. That had certainly been
an experience. Could either of them actually forget that afternoon so
easily? He wasn't sure. Whatever occurred between them from now on, the
latest impression Marguerite had given him would be there in the back of his
mind.