“I was planning to make a nice haddock dish. Should I put off the challenge until after he’s gone?”
“That’s what I wish to tell you. The prince is desperate for tasty food. The nature doesn’t matter. Prepare a dish of equal flavor to those of the last couple nights. He’s not overly fond of sweets. Don’t worry about the wine for the head table. He’ll bring a fine Bordeaux from his land in France.”
“Is he as handsome as they say?” Emily asked.
Richard shrugged. “I don’t consider him from that point of view. The ladies here seem to think so.”
“If you have no other questions, I’ll leave you to it.”
“I bet he is handsome,” Emily said after Richard left.
“I wouldn’t put much stock in the tales of how handsome he was,” Electra told Emily. “That’s all based on statements from friends and associates who knew him. If he looked like the dog’s breakfast, I doubt any of them would be so candid as to say that aloud. He’s the heir to the throne, I certainly wouldn’t blab something nasty about his looks. Lots of space in the Tower dungeon.”
“It’ll be interesting to see him in person. I can’t help being curious. I wonder if we’ll sit at the head table or get the boot to make room for his party.”
“I’d just as soon get the boot. I’d rather share a seat at a table with everyday folk and not be asked any questions about our background. All we’d need is for Richard or Simon to say we’re from Greenland and I can already hear the questions coming rapid fire.”
Emily, the more confident of them said, “No worries. I’m sure whatever is asked, it’s a question we’ve dealt with before.”
****
Richard had sent up the seamstress with an order for them to dress pretty—as if he needed to tell them that. What woman doesn’t want to look pretty for a prince? None Electra could think of. She imagined even Prince Vlad (the Impaler) probably had women dressing pretty for him.
She chose a scarlet silk gown with long sleeves with cuffs crusted in small seed pearls. A wide band similar to a Japanese kimono’s Obi embroidered in white and gold silk wrapped around her midsection. The seamstress brought an assistant who quickly let the dress out under the arms and bodice so it fit her chest. All her life she read fashion designers who said redheads shouldn’t wear red. She thought that hogwash. She loved the color.
Emily chose a sapphire silk gown with insets in iridescent blue-green silk brocade and long sleeves that buttoned from the wrist to mid-forearm. The seamstress shortened the hem while Emily stood on a chair wearing it.
“Does my hair look all right?” Electra asked. She’d made it into a braid tied with a bright red ribbon. She did her best to see as she worked but the mirrors were practically useless.
“You look great.” Emily found a gold net snood that caught the light when she moved her head. The seamstress helped her make a bun and secure the snood with tiny, flower-shaped clips. “What about me?”
“Gorgeous. The color of the dress makes your eyes an incredible shade of blue.”
“Ready?”
Emily nodded and they left for the kitchen.
****
Simon sat on a stool, hands behind his head, back propped against the frame of the kitchen door leading to the garden. He stood as soon as Electra and Emily entered. His eyes went straight to Emily.
“You’re staring. Am I dressed wrong? Is this not good enough for the Prince? she asked rapid fire.
“You are more than good enough. I was staring because you remind me of a butterfly that comes in summer. Its wings are blue-green and shine.”
“No one has ever compared me to a butterfly. Thank you.”
He broke off from staring at Emily and tipped his head toward Electra. “You look lovely as well.”
“Thank you. I’m surprised to see you here and not a squire,” Electra said. “Isn’t this beneath your station?” She quickly clarified her question, “I’m not being a smarty boots when I ask.”
“Under most conditions, a knight, like myself, wouldn’t handle a duty such as this. When I learned of the prince coming, and knowing of your challenge, I thought it best to keep watch myself.”
“I appreciate it. Again, thank you,” Electra said.
“Now that you’re here, I’m no longer needed. I’ll be off.” He gave Emily a brief smile and left.
Electra snapped her fingers. “Rats. I forgot to ask where we’d be sitting tonight.”
Two folded aprons lay on the end of a wooden counter. She shook them out and held them up for inspection. One looked fresh laundered. She handed Emily the second quasi-clean one and they covered their gowns. She went from pot to pot, tasting her dishes and adjusting the seasonings before she began final preparation.
Shouts and the sound of men running were followed by the sound of several horses entering the bailey. Had to be the arrival of the Prince and his party. A serving girl dashed into the kitchen and over to where Electra was demonstrating how the main course was to be presented.
“Richard said for me to tell you the Prince is here. You’re to be ready to join them at the head table at half past the hour. The Prince wishes to wash the road dust from his face and hands and to change his clothing first.”
Electra tasted and tasted the food as it simmered. She was proud to serve her dishes to the Royal. Royals today might be a little persnickety, as it wasn’t a meal that people would describe as a party in one’s mouth. But the creamy sauce injected with Middle Eastern spices gave the mild fish a burst of flavor. The savory side dishes were nicer than those she’d had when she first arrived. She alternated between tasting and pacing with renewed nervousness.
Time passed and when no one came for her or Emily, she hoped they’d forgotten about them. Her revelry at the possibility was short-lived. Simon appeared in the doorway. He’d changed from the simple white tunic he wore during the day into a red one with a grey swan embroidered on the front. The swan on a scarlet field was the Baron Guiscard’s heraldic badge.
“Come along,” he ordered. “The Prince is already seated. Remove your aprons. Edward knows you’re the cook.”
The sisters removed their aprons and tossed them on a nearby work table. Emily did a quick check of her hair, patting the sides to make sure nothing had escaped her snood. Electra checked her cuffs and sleeves, making sure she hadn’t accidentally spotted them with sauce.
Prince Edward was the only member of his party who sat at the head table. To Electra’s dismay, his presence still left seats for her and Emily.
He and Richard stood while Simon introduced them. Edward was an easy 6’2, taller than both Richard and Simon. No surprise. The Plantagenet kings, his father, grandfather, and great grandfather were known for their height.
Electra curtsied. She didn’t know the proper protocol for the Middle Ages, but she’d seen news stories showing people bowing and curtsying to the current queen.
“Honored to meet you, Your Highness,” Electra said, unsure if that was the correct form of address. If it wasn’t, he didn’t correct her. Emily mimicked Electra and Edward gestured for them to take the two seats to his right.
Emily moved faster and grabbed the one farthest away and next to Simon, forcing Electra to be on the Prince’s immediate right.
Edward of Woodstock was everything English historians claimed: handsome, charming, charismatic, and a clever conversationalist. Historians spoke of his analytical personality and shrewd ability to speak easily with someone while evaluating the person behind a genial smile. He had bright blue eyes. Unlike Emily’s bluer ones that Electra would describe as warm, the Prince’s, at first glance, seemed merry with a sexy glint. But looking deeper, there was a cool, dispassionate quality, a sense of him taking your measure and filing the finding away. Electra had only seen drawings or effigies of Edward the Third, but from those it appeared the Prince had his father’s long nose and strong jaw. His hair was a soft brown and hung loose to his chin. It was a strange thing to notice, but Elect
ra couldn’t help thinking he had great skin for a man, smooth with a hint of masculine ruddiness. He’d definitely set hearts aflutter.
Dinner went better than Electra imagined. Everyone at the table loved her dishes.
“I understand you are responsible for the delicious meal,” the Prince said.
“I am.”
“I’ve never heard of Greenland, but if all your food is as wonderful as this, I must go one day.” Edward smiled.
Electra, thrilled and proud, gave him a huge smile in return. What he said next was the last thing and worst thing he could. In a thousand years, she’d never had considered the possibility.
“Richard, I regret incurring your peevishness for what I’m about to do but I must do it.”
Richard held his arms out and tipped his head in a sign of compliance.
Edward turned to her and smiled, looking as confident as a Prince who always gets his way can look. “You will be my personal cook. I want you with me in my travels and in my other residences. I will be leaving tomorrow at midday. I assume you can be ready.”
Part of her wanted to think she’d heard wrong. That fleeting wish led to a moment of denial and a sort of mental free-fall. “I can’t go with you.” She and Emily had to remain near the outcropping. It was the only way home. They couldn’t leave. They couldn’t. “We have to stay here,” she blurted.
“Don’t be silly,” Richard said, leaning forward. “What difference if you’re lost here at Elysian Fields or in Wales. Wales is your destination, is it not?” he asked the Prince.
“It is.” Edward turned back to Electra. “I must correct you. I’m afraid you misunderstood. I’m only taking you. Lovely as your sister is, I’ve no reason to bring her along.”
No way could they be separated. Electra’s heart beat so fast, she thought she might have apoplexy.
“Are you all right, milady?” Edward asked. “You’re breathing like a hound at the chase.”
“I know. I’m...I’m....just terribly upset that you don’t plan to take Emily. This isn’t our homeland, as you know. We’ve gotten lost. You heard Richard. We must find our way together.”
“If one or the other of you manages to do so, word will be sent. After all, we are quite civilized and have sufficient means of communication.”
“I need her. She’s my sous chef.”
“Sous chef?”
“My trained and trusted assistant. I must have her.”
“Not to worry. I will provide you with a dozen assistants.” He looked past Electra to Emily. “You’ll be fine here.”
Electra tried to force calm into her voice. “Please, Your Highness, please, my sister and I are best friends. Leaving her is like leaving a piece of myself behind.”
Edward gave her a sympathetic look and patted her hand. “We’ll be back for visits.”
Chapter Ten
Gloucester
Date: 1357
When the meal ended, Electra waited what she considered a polite amount of time before asking to be excused. She explained she needed to pack and wanted to spend time with Emily before they’d part in the morning. The Prince graciously agreed and the sisters left the hall.
As they entered the corridor adjacent to the kitchen and hall, Emily grabbed Electra’s hands and tugged her into a shadowed corner. “We have to get out of here, tonight.”
“Shh, lower your voice. I know, and we will, but it has to be later when everyone’s asleep. You go on up to the chamber. I’ll be there in a minute.”
“What are you going to do?”
Electra pulled her hands from Emily’s. “On the pretext of wanting to nibble in our chamber, I’m taking some food. I’m trying to gather enough to keep us going for a couple of days on the road.”
“Good idea.”
Drusilla came out of the kitchen with two flagons of wine. “Are you finished with the meal?” she asked Electra. “The Prince is still at the table. Don’t you wish to chat with him more? He’s as sweet on the eyes as custard is on the tongue. You’re daft to leave. I heard him tell Richard he’s never had such a lovely cook.” Drusilla imparted the last with a conspiratorial wink.
Electra forced a smile but longed for a way to bang her head into the wall without causing brain damage. Besides hearing the Prince say he wanted her to travel with him as his personal cook, hearing he thought her lovely was an equally unwelcome declaration. Heaven only knew what could come of that. She didn’t like the possibilities. History portrayed him as chivalrous, but a determined lady’s man.
“I’m flattered. I appreciate you letting me know.”
Drusilla leaned in. “Since Beulah wasn’t here, the servants all squirreled away a plate of your dishes. Normally Beulah makes us eat the leavings from the midday meal.” She turned to Emily. “I don’t suppose you’re a fancy cook like Electra?”
“Sorry, but no. I am just a helper to Electra,” Emily said.
A frown came and went. Drusilla said, “Too bad. I best get these flagons to the table. If I don’t see you again, Electra, I wish you a pleasant journey.”
“Thank you.”
As soon as she left, Electra told Emily, “Go. Change back into your riding gear. I’ll be up soon as I finish.”
Emily nodded and hurried down the corridor to the staircase.
****
To her relief, no one, not even a maid, passed Electra as she went from the kitchen to their chamber. She’d gathered several apples, two loaves of bread, and a large chunk of cheese and tied the booty up hobo fashion in the apron she’d worn.
“Your bundle doesn’t look all that full,” Emily lamented, seeing Electra. “Maybe I should change back and see if I can get more.”
Electra dropped her hobo bundle on the bed. “I’m afraid you’ll be caught and questioned. I saw the Prince, Richard and Simon, leaving the table. I don’t know where they were headed. If you run into Simon, he might guess what you’re up to. He’s nobody’s fool.”
“True.”
“I managed to get these too.” Electra pulled two kitchen knives from under her skirt and handed one to Emily. “Put this in your boot. It’s not much defense but they’re sharp and it’s all I could lay my hands on.” In spite of her panic, Electra laughed at the silliness of the last comment. Even if she’d found a pile of medieval weaponry, swords and axes and the like, neither of them had a clue how to wield them in any effective way.
Emily slid the knife into her boot, careful to turn the double-edged blade sideways, away from her calf. “I hope we find fruit enough to keep us going. I don’t think I could kill a rabbit or any other wee beastie.”
Electra turned around and Emily unhooked the row of frog clasps. “The odds of getting the opportunity are slim. You’d have to catch the bunny first. Neither of us is that fast. Nor do either of us know how to set a snare trap.”
“Might catch a fish. You’d know how to gut a fish,” Emily said, perking up.
“Oh, I could gut the bugger but catching one with my bare hands is highly unlikely.”
Emily sank down on the foot of the bed in visible defeat. “We don’t stand much of a chance of survival do we?”
She deserved the truth. Deep down, she’d recognize a kind lie. “No, we don’t,” Electra admitted. “I will be grateful if we can scrounge enough food to keep us alive and stay hidden while we return as often as possible to the outcropping. The key to returning home is there. If we can continue to stay physically close to it without being discovered...”
Electra fell silent, unable to pretend short of a miracle they stood any hope of finding their way home. She’d insisted Emily buck up and stay strong. She could do no less.
“Don’t wear your watch,” Electra told Emily with an air of false bravado. Pockets on jodhpurs were small and tight and she split what salable jewelry was there with Emily. She dug through the chest to see if there was anything else of use to them. There wasn’t.
“What now?” Emily asked.
“We wait until the castl
e and bailey are silent then we slip out the back through the kitchen and make our way to the river. We’ll try to find a cove with a cave or something similar to stay in while we go back and forth to the outcropping.”
“All I wanted to do was pick some wild flowers.”
Emily referred to the day the time passage opened. Electra had though the same a hundred times. If only....
Electra sat in the window embrasure watching the activity in the bailey finally end. The lights in the barracks went out, the dogs in the kennels grew quiet. The only movement came from the men on the parapets keeping watch, their lanterns moving back and forth with the patrol path.
“It’s time,” she told Emily who’d kept an eye on the corridor. “Have you seen anyone in the last hour?”
“No. I think we’re safe.”
“Let’s do it.”
The sisters blew out the candles in their chamber and tiptoed from the room. They crept slowly, keeping close to the wall. They reached the point where the hall met the staircase to the kitchen. From the dark a familiar voice asked, “Going somewhere ladies?”
The miniscule morsel of hope Electra had for escape vanished with those words. If tears would do any good, she’d cry a river and beg him to let them pass. She’d been on the brink of tearful pleading with the Prince but held back. He didn’t strike her as a man who capitulated much, if ever.
Simon stepped from the shadows the torchlight didn’t reach. He gave them a fast once over with his eyes. Unlike the spot he came from, they were lit very well. Torches on either side of the corridor bathed the three in light.
“Hoping to enjoy a moonlight ride?” he asked. “The stable boy is asleep at this hour. The knight’s warhorses are stabled with the everyday mounts. They are quite a handful for those untrained on them.”
“We weren’t going to take any horses,” Electra said. Emily stared at the floor and said nothing.
Simon took the apron that served as a makeshift knapsack from Electra’s hand, peered inside, then set it on the floor and untied it. “No horses, but a repast of apples and bread and cheese, a rather large repast judging from what is here. You’ve chosen an interesting hour to wander about the forest. Not many folk are out but those who are would enjoy discovering two unescorted women. Nothing good can happen to you at night outside the castle walls.”
In Time for You Page 11
