At least they didn’t laugh.
Yet.
“Well…?” she asked, reaching to pour herself more water. “Whatcha think?”
“Why, Margaret… your story is… incredible,” Elthea murmured. “I don’t quite know what else to say. What you have related is beyond my comprehension. Your verbiage at moments appears foreign, yet I do believe I have grasped that which you are relating.”
Swallowing the cool water, Maggie smiled. “And that would be?”
Elthea stood and again began pacing, wringing her hands together, as though trying to word her thoughts carefully. “May I ask a few questions, child, before responding to yours?”
“Certainly. I have nothing to hide. Everything I have told you is the truth. My truth.” She glanced at Nick and saw him staring into the fire across the room, as though he were lost in his own thoughts.
“This… this strange occurrence that took place in the maze, you said you were assisted by a child who was surrounded by light?”
“Well, I don’t know whether you can really say I was assisted by her, or not. Guess that depends on the perspective. But, yes. She kept telling me to follow my heart and dropping the rose petals for me to follow. I’m telling you, it was all very odd.”
“And then she led you to light, what you described as light, and the hedges, the maze began to disappear?”
“To fade,” Maggie answered, looking at the roasted meat and wondering if there was any cutlery with this meal. What did they think? She was going to kill herself with a fork?
“You keep saying that we are playing roles, performing in some festival, yet I ask if, since you ran out of the maze and into the woods, you have met anyone who can substantiate your claims?”
Maggie gave up thoughts of food and turned her attention to the woman who was now facing her with a serious expression. “Well, of course not. Everyone I’ve met has been part of this Renaissance Festival, or working with them.”
“You have seen nothing to confirm that you are not in the year fifteen ninety-eight?”
Maggie thought about it, and that scary feeling returned, those thoughts that she kept trying to ignore. “I’m not an authority on that time period, but I have seen nothing modern if that’s what you mean.”
“And by modern you mean something of your own time? The place where you claim you are from?”
“Yes.”
Elthea took a deep breath and glanced once to Nick before answering. “Then I would say to you, child, to consider that you are in the year fifteen ninety-eight.”
It was Maggie’s turn to stare.
“Elthea, with all due respect, that’s simply crazy. People don’t just… I don’t know, time travel… Jump from one time to another. I don’t belong here. I belong with my aunt, in the year 2000, where there are telephones, televisions, computers, cars, trains, planes… forks! Try and remember, indoor heating, stoves, bathrooms. You must know what I’m talking about!”
“The year 2000… ?” The words were spoken with awe by the woman, who looked as though she should be sitting down.
Maggie nodded just as Nick said, “I told you her claims, my lady. Please do not distress yourself now when your voice of reason is most needed.” He rose awkwardly and started to limp forward, using a long staff of twisted wood to assist him. “May I serve you while Lady Margaret rests?”
Her clear hazel eyes became glazed, and the rosy flush left her cheeks as Elthea sank to her chair. Maggie quickly leaned forward and poured more water into the goblet. “Here,” she offered. “Drink something.”
Nick reached the bedside and took the cup from her hand, but not before his expression registered his concern for the older woman. “Calm thinking, m’lady,” he urged Elthea.
The woman suddenly looked up to Nick, and her face appeared tortured. “Nicholas Layton, by all I hold true, this is not my cousin, the Lady Margaret.”
“What?”
The sound of Nick’s voice seemed to bounce off the walls. “Calm thinking, Nick,” Maggie whispered, as the man shot her a look of high impatience.
“I thought over it this afternoon, and now I am convinced. I will grant you, she could pass as Margaret to someone who has not seen her in many years, but I knew my cousin and this woman’s words and voice and mannerisms are too contrasting to be ignored. Lady Margaret is more… retiring, and would never be uttering what we have heard, nor are the eyes the same. It was what I first noticed, but dismissed, when you arrived. Under close scrutiny, the truth is revealed. This is not my cousin.”
“Countess Elthea, what are you saying? Lord Robert is in the great hall now, drinking ale with his men and celebrating his forthcoming marriage! This has to be the Lady Margaret. I brought her here as such!”
“’Tis a mistake I, too, would have continued to entertain, had we not just heard this woman’s story. Nicholas, can you imagine Robert’s reaction if I were to even attempt to explain this to him?” She held out her hand to take his. “Dear friend, the blood between you and him is already bitter. I now fear for your life, and the life of this woman.” She looked at Maggie and smiled sadly. “I regret we have placed you in grave danger, child.”
“Wait a minute,” Maggie called out. “We’ll just tell your son Robert that Nick, here, made a mistake, and then I’ll be on my way, out of everyone’s business… okay?”
“If it were only that simple, child.” The countess sat forward in her chair, intently gazing at Maggie. “I must confess that upon your arrival, I dispatched a messenger to Lord Amesbury and his hunting party. He, and all present, were informed the Lady Margaret had indeed arrived earlier than expected. My actions, and your presence, have set myriad events into motion. For as well, presently there are other guests staying in the manor who are to attend the forthcoming betrothal feast… all of whom have been led to presume that the true Lady Margaret is with us this day. The news of your presence is no small matter.”
Maggie began shaking her head. “But I’m not this Lady Margaret. You’ve gotta tell everybody, so I can get out of here and go back to my home!”
Elthea closed her eyes sadly and drew in a deep breath. “Please indulge me, dear Maggie, for just a while to explain further. This error is woven more deeply than you may comprehend.”
The tone of dread in the woman’s voice was enough to allow Maggie’s permission for the story to continue. “Okay, I’ll listen to your story…” and finished under her breath as she flattened the fur cover on the bed around her, “but I just don’t understand what the big deal is here.”
“Thank you, Margaret, for your attention,” the Countess Elthea nodded. “Now, can you, for just a few moments, think of yourself as being alive at present, in this year 1598, and in this country?”
Her mind really didn’t want to go there, but she conceded to the request. “If it helps, I’ll try,” Maggie said, and lightly closed her eyes.
“Great subterfuge has been taking place for more than forty calendar years, as powers from every land abroad have been attempting to influence our beloved Queen’s throne… for absolute control, one religion and incredible monetary gains.”
“Your Ladyship, is this a subject we should be discussing?”
“We have no choice now,” the older woman answered Nick.
From beneath her lashes, Maggie saw Nicholas becoming antsy in his chair. She drew her attention more deeply to the Countess Elthea. Still, there was an almost vindictive thrill begging her to watch him squirm.
Elthea continued with a more serious inflection. “Our Queen has played an intricate, but winning, game of chess with powers in Rome and the English court, yet England remains vulnerable to many plots against Her Majesty’s will and rule.”
Through her squint, Maggie could see the countess turn away from her and stare into the fire.
“I am deeply saddened to admit, my son is parcel to at least one plot against the Queen’s rule. Robert is, not so secretly, aligning himself with the Spaniards and the Church of Rome
, while Nicholas and his camp are on the side supporting the monarchy, and Her Majesty’s restored Church of England.”
Maggie exhaled heavily. Religion and politics were subjects she had always avoided, yet the quiet tone of Elthea’s voice began to mesmerize her.
“My son’s marriage to my cousin would solidify our coffers; in addition, it will greatly improve Robert’s political ambitions and power at court. He wishes to accede his father’s title, Earl of Amesbury, for he cannot simply inherit this title through birth. Such a title is only vested by the Queen, and since the house of Norreys is in great favor with Her Majesty, Robert assumes this alliance with Lady Margaret will secure his title.”
“But I still don’t see what this all has to do with me,” Maggie interrupted with a whisper, her eyes now fully closed.
“Should it be discovered thou art an impostor, ’twould humiliate Robert no end, thereby endangering his interests at court, not to forget mentioning it would intensify his inherent dislike for my dear friend Nicholas. There is no telling what my son would do, but I warn you this… the wrath of Lord Robert of Amesbury is not one even his mother would risk.”
Maggie opened her eyes widely. “You mean, Nick’s head might be on the block?”
Okay, so maybe she accepted the minute possibility she was in an age of chivalry, and she figured that’s how they dealt with people in those days.
“More than his own, I fear. Mine and very possibly yours.” The countess sighed.
“I don’t think so,” Maggie interjected quickly, “not my head, I’m just a visitor in this whole scenario you’re playing out.”
“Thou must have faith in my words, Maggie. I jest not. Revealing your truth would make a mockery of his noble position. His plans would be ruined, and you would be held responsible. Verily, I tell you, this is quite serious,” she ended, finally raising the vessel of water and drinking deeply.
Maggie didn’t know what to say. She watched the woman’s hands tremble slightly as Elthea brought the empty cup down and placed it on the tray.
“You guys are definitely wrapped up in this whole thing, aren’t you?” She looked back and forth between Nick and the countess, who appeared to be lost in their own worry, for neither answered her question.
Suddenly, Nick banged his fist on the bedpost, shaking Maggie and the tray on the mattress. Quickly steadying the decanter, she looked up as he began ranting.
“Heavens above, what have I done? How could something so simple become so difficult? All I had to do was answer thy request, m’lady, and return to my studies. Now I am embroiled in a madness of my own making! I should contact Francis. Surely his mind could resolve this dilemma.”
Maggie could only watch in hypnotic wonder as the two argued between themselves.
“We’re not involving Francis in this. At least not yet. Somehow we have to keep Robert away from this woman. We can’t simply say she isn’t recovered. He would still pay his respects, and after spending moments with her he would know something was afoot. We must delay… somehow.”
Nicholas turned to the bed once more. “Who are you?”
She broke her silent trance. “Maggie Whitaker. I told you.”
“Maggie… ?” Nick looked to Elthea and sighed while shaking his head. “Not even a Margaret. Maggie. Sounds like a serving wench.”
“Hey, watch it, buster!” she retorted, anger starting to replace bewilderment. “My people may have been peasants, but they certainly didn’t kidnap anyone, drug them, and then plan to thwart a coup! You’re on thin ice now, Nickie, so I’d just shut up and let Elthea speak.”
The older woman reached out to take Nick’s hand in a pleading gesture. He groaned his displeasure and walked to the fireplace.
Looking back at Maggie, Elthea said quietly, somberly, “A disservice has been performed today, Mistress Maggie, and for that I and my young gallant extend our sincerest regrets.”
Smiling, Maggie said, “I accept your apology, Elthea. But please, just call me Maggie. Mistress Maggie sounds like a dominatrix, or something.”
“I’m sorry… ?” Elthea appeared confused again.
“Nothing,” Maggie said. “I was just trying to lighten the mood here. I mean, if I could do anything to help, I would, but since this is—”
“You could assist us,” Elthea interrupted, “… for just a few days.”
“Assist you?” Maggie was already regretting her last statement, meant only as a courtesy to this woman, who had finally accepted her story.
Elthea nodded as Nick pulled his gaze from the fire and turned back to them.
“Could you play a role, as you put it earlier?” Elthea asked. “Could you pretend to be Lady Margaret until I determine the whereabouts of my true cousin? The resemblance between you is uncanny, and you appear to be about the same age. It would be most helpful, and I’m sure I could explain the necessity for such extreme measures to my cousin when she arrives.”
“Countess Elthea! I must protest!”
“Restrain your protest, sir!” Elthea’s voice rose an octave, and her expression became unyielding. “What is our alternative? I am speaking about not only your life and the life of this woman, but the lives of those you represent, who may be also endangered by this misfortune.”
She turned her attention back to Maggie. “Will you assist us?”
She hated to be placed in this position since she was starting to really like Elthea and the way she took care of business, but… “Elthea, my aunt must be very worried about me and no doubt has the police looking for me at this moment. I won’t be able to help because I won’t be here. I have to go home to my relative, where everything is normal and safe. I’m sorry I’ll have to leave your relatives to you.”
“Oh, nonsense, mistress! You believe you are safe? Listen to me, you are not in the year 2000. You are right now, in this moment, living and breathing in the year 1598 and surrounded by servants who are instructed to report to Lord Amesbury any suspect behavior. It cannot be said anymore clearly. Either you are mad and able to envision a fantastic future, or… when you ran from the maze you ran into this time, into this year, and into the path of Nicholas. There is only one answer. Not both.”
Maggie could only stare at the woman for a few prolonged moments of tension. Finally, she said, “How can you even believe that for a moment? Time travel is the fantasy. Living in the past is the fantasy. I just want to go home.”
“Child, do you believe in the unexplainable? You must, for what you have related to us is most certainly unexplainable, is it not?”
She would make a great lawyer, Maggie thought while shrugging. “Okay, you’ve got me there. I can’t explain what happened to me.”
“So you honestly, with your heart, believe?”
“Yes. I know what I experienced. I can’t deny that.” Where was Elthea going with this next?
The woman drew up her tunic slightly and sat on the bed, at Maggie’s side. “What I am about to reveal to you must remain in your heart also. It must never be spoken of again, for to do so would endanger not only your life, but the lives of many. Myself, included.”
“M’lady… !” Nick’s voice sounded alarmed.
“Hush, Nicholas. Critical times call for critical measures. None of us counted on this woman appearing or your assumption that she was my cousin. Now the die has been cast, and we shall have to see which way it falls, but we can use our heads and perhaps even gain an advantage while waiting.”
Elthea turned her attention back to Maggie. “May I secure thy word, Maggie Whitaker, never again to speak of what I am about to reveal?”
Maggie found herself nodding. Something inside of her was opening up, wanting to help this woman. “You have my word.”
Elthea nodded. “I, too, believe in the unbelievable.”
Maggie couldn’t help it. She chuckled. “Well, I’m glad we agree on something, I guess.”
“I don’t know how much more you will agree with, though. I also believe that certain people
, for whatever reason, or by whatever means, can be reported to be in two places at one time. This I have heard, though I cannot say I have done so myself.”
“Two places?” Maggie asked, seeing Nick shake his head as though regretting Elthea’s words.
“Yes. There have been… scripts, ancient scripts handed down from the wisest of souls and copies were brought to England after the Crusades explaining this miracle. Have you ever heard of the Knights Templar?”
Maggie shook her head. “I don’t think so. I’m not really up on the history of Britain.”
“This would be the history of the holy land, where such things were magical and respected. Here, in this country, the shadow of the Inquisition still hangs over the land and all are most hesitant even to speak of magic… which of course there’s no such thing. What one perceives as magic, is merely God revealing itself. Do you have a concept of God, child?”
“Well, yeah,” Maggie said, very uncomfortable at finding herself neck deep in discussions of religion and politics. “God is…” She chewed the inside of her cheek while wondering how to proceed. What did she really think?
“Exactly,” Elthea said in an excited voice. “God just is.”
“Okay.” Sounded harmless enough to Maggie, and she was glad to be off the hook on that subject.
“How can we possibly try to paint a picture of God? God is the life force inside each human being and each blade of grass. All of creation. So if I use herbs to heal the sick, I might be using God, but there are those that would say such a practice was evil.”
“You mean like a… like a witch? You’re a witch, Elthea? That’s why you drugged me… with a potion!”
The woman laughed and broke the tension. Maggie was glad, because she was beginning to get a little more than scared. This woman and her aunt sounded too much alike. In a show of support, Nicholas came to Elthea’s side and placed his hand tenderly upon the woman’s shoulder.
“Oh, child… how quick-witted you are!” She actually winked at Maggie before becoming serious again. “I am the Countess Elthea, widowed by the Earl of Amesbury, and mother to his son, Lord Robert.
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