The Lady Bornekova

by Sara R. Turnquist

  Chapter 15

  Preparations

  Was it possible? Could it be? Lenka’s breath caught and she forced herself to exhale. This was a day of celebration. For in a matter of hours her daughter would be married!

  Had it only been two evening prior she had found Pavel and Karin, intent on wedding plans, regardless of recent events and Karin's injury. But nothing could give Lenka reason to allow her katka to elope. Certainly not! Lenka shuddered at the thought.

  Since that time, the house had been a flurry of activity. Even if it were to be a small ceremony, Lenka would have a proper wedding.

  Nearing Karin’s chambers, Lenka took a deep breath and let it out. How was she ever to contain all of these emotions? How could such excitement and nervousness live inside one preson?

  She pulled at the latch and stepped into the room already bustling. Karin was only half visible as the seamstress and a maidservant helped her into the makings of a dress. Would this become her wedding clothes? It was little more than a patchwork of strips of cloth loosely held together.

  "I must have you stand, milady. There is no other way to make proper adjustments," the seamstress said as she smoothed hands down the fabric.

  "Of course.” Karin’s eyes were fixed on the mirror.

  Lenka opened her mouth to object, but paused. She cocked her head and raised a brow toward Karin. Had not the doctor insisted she stay off the foot?

  Karin’s eyes caught Lenka’s. Had she sensed her mother’s stare?

  "With assistance, I shall be able to stay upright and keep weight off my injured foot." Her tone did not invite debate.

  Lenka’s word would be final. Should she speak otherwise? What would that accomplish? With a quick nod, Lenka motioned for another maidservant to come alongside Sharka and assist Karin to her feet.

  As the seamstress moved about, making minor adjustments here and there, Lenka stepped closer to Karin. What could she make out from the state of the dress? Not much.

  A small sound escaped Karin. Lenka’s eyes cut to her.

  Karin had become slightly more pale and beads of sweat had formed on her forehead.

  "Ivana, I think the Lady Karin may need to sit."

  "I am almost finished..." the seamstress spoke, focused on her work.

  Lenka glared at the woman. Their family seamstress may have become too familiar. Drawing in a breath, Lenka fought to keep calm as she prepared to put Ivana back in her place.

  Then the seamstress proclaimed, "There!"

  The servants moved Karin toward her chair. She all but collapsed onto its frame.

  "Is there adequate time for the dress to be completed?" Lenka asked, an edge to her voice.

  Ivana's face became serious. "I will do my best. It will not be as grand as I would wish for you, Lady Karin. But, it will be finished."

  "It will be perfect." Karin’s breaths came in heaves.

  Lenka’s attention was on her once again. If she could not manage to stand for this short time, how would she make it through the ceremony? How would she get down the aisle? Through the standing required for the service?

  Ivana smiled at Karin. "Thank you, milady. I think it best we leave you to your rest."

  Karin did not argue and made no attempt to assist as the maidservants relieved her of the dress.

  "The wedding cookies and invitations are being delivered as we speak," Lenka offered as the women worked the dress off.

  "I didn't know you were..."

  Was Karin surprised? Had it not occurred to her that Lenka would see to every detail? Especially the ones she could not? The cookies, filled with nuts and fruit, were delivered with invitations the day of or the day before the wedding.

  Sharka maneuvered Karin’s nightdress on and settled her in the bed, propped in a seated position.

  "Who have you tasked to do this?” Karin’s eyes shone. Were there tears to come? It was, after all, a task normally levied on the bride and groom.

  Lenka sat on the edge of the bed and took Karin’s hand in hers. "Pavel and your father."

  The glistening in Karin’s eyes did, after all, produce tears. And Lenka understood. Petr had insisted he take Karin’s place. It had touched Lenka too. The thought of her husband, humbling himself to such a menial task. And Pavel, taking on what should be a shared task between them… Karin was blessed with two special men in her life.

  Ivana had taken her leave of the room without a sound, and Sharka exchanged a look with Lenka before taking her leave as well.

  "That leaves you and I alone for another, most vital charge." Lenka leaned forward.

  Karin quirked a brow.

  Sharka returned with a tray of rosemary.

  Recognition struck Karin’s eyes and her mouth parted. Would she speak? Was she too overcome?

  “It comes to us to make your bridal wreath.” Lenka touched the back of her hand to Karin’s cheek.

  Karin embraced her mother. "You have thought of everything. Thank you."

  And Lenka knew. Karin had consigned herself, imagining that with a quick wedding she would have to give up many of these things. But she had not counted on her mother's determination and craftiness. Lenka was determined to make all her wedding dreams come true.

  * * *

  Pavel walked through the small village, distributing wedding cookies and invitations. It was not quite as arduous as he had first thought. Although much of their assigned task was completed in silence, he and Petr exchanged pleasantries along the way, but no real conversation of any merit. Is this all their relationship would be? What more did he want? And what of Petr and Karin? Would there always be tension between them? Or had they sorted through it?

  They turned in the direction the Bornekov's home. Their task now complete. Would their ride back be as their day thus far? Should he make some overture?

  "Pavel,” Petr’s voice shattered the silence and scattered Pavel’s thouhts. “I would have you know that I meant no offense upon your person.”

  Of what did Petr speak? Offense upon his person?

  He turned toward his soon to be father-in-law.

  Petr’s eyes searched his face.

  He must have seen the confusion in Pavel’s features as he continued. “My refusal to give you my permission for Karin’s hand." Petr shifted his attention forward.

  "Yes. I knew." And Pavel had known. He had known Petr's refusal was about his agreement with the Viscount. It had little to do with Pavel’s merit. Still this knowledge did not alleviate the injury.

  "You are a fine young man, and your concern for my daughter has assured me that your intentions are honorable. I know you will do everything in your power to care for Karin. To protect her." Petr's voice caught in his throat.

  Pavel glanced at Petr.

  Silence fell between them for several seconds.

  At last, Petr met Pavel's eyes.

  "On my life," Pavel said in a soft but certain voice.

  Nothing further was said as they arrived at the stables. They dismounted and handed off their reins to the stable hands before moving toward the entrance. Though naught was spoken between them throughout, the air between them was easier.

  As they reached the main structure, a manservant greeted them.

  "Dobry vecer," the servant spoke a wish of good evening to his master and Pavel.

  "Dobry vecer," Petr responded in kind.

  "There are two men who seek an audience with his lordship Pavel. They await you in the great hall"

  Pavel could not stop the look that passed over his features, his surprise plain for all to see. Who would come here to seek him?

  His parents would not dare brave the trip. It would be too dangerous. As much as he would wish it possible for them to be with him on his wedding day, they were safely inside Hussite territory and that was where they need remain, awaiting Pavel and Karin's arrival.

  Petr dismissed the servant, who bowed and took his leave. He then held an arm up for Pavel to procede him into the grand room.

&nbs
p; Though not spoken between them, Pavel was grateful Petr accompanied him. There was always the risk of another patrol come to question him further. After all, the commander had said they were being watched. Was the distribution of wedding cookies suspicious somehow?

  As he opened the door, Pavel was tackled by the two men waiting within.

  He fought against his attackers, but there were two of them, and they had him in a firm hold before he could do anything about it. Where was Petr? Would he come to Pavel’s aid?

  Then his capteurs started to sing of what a good fellow he was. He sought out the faces of his subduers—none other than Zdenek and Radek!

  Pavel freed his arms enough to clap his friends on their backs and reach to embrace them.

  "How? When?" his questions started to come.

  His friends released him and started to speak at the same time—a rarity, considering Radek's soft-spoken nature. After a few seconds of garbled talk, they slowed enough to take turns.

  "Stepan told us everything," Radek explained.

  "Everything?" Could Pavel trust this? What exactly had Stepan told them? The real truth? Or the truth he wanted them to know?

  "He felt terrible…he confessed it all," Zdenek said. "Including what happened with Karin."

  What else had Stepan told them? That he was a Hussite? A traitor to the crown? What did they think? He had to know. "Did he tell you Karin and I are... ?"

  "Getting married?" Radek finished for him.

  "Of course! Why do you think we came?" Zdenek took off from there. "You did not think we would let you get married without us, did you?"

  Pavel offered them a smile. Should he push further? Was it so important? Yes. "Of course not... But did he tell you we are...Hussites?"

  The two became quiet.

  "Yes," Radek said, breaking the thick silence that had fallen over the room. "And we respect that you have your reasons, friend. You will not have any problems from us."

  Pavel nodded, grateful that at least they were willing to understand.

  "So, about the wedding..." Zdenek started.

  * * *

  The next morning, the sun streamed into Karin's window, waking her as it had every morning for as long as she could remember. Though the day started the same as so many before it, the day would close quite differently. For that day, she would become Pavel's wife. It was difficult to imagine, but it was true. Her wedding day was here.

  A knock sounded on the door, breaking her solitude. Karin did not speak. But she listened as a maidservant came in regardless of her allowance. Of course they would come. Still, Karin did not look in that direction, resisting the close of her time to welcome this most different and special day.

  "Milady?" came the maidservant’s tentative question.

  Karin’s eyes widened. She knew that voice. Yet she had not expected to hear it…perhaps ever. Whipping her head around, her eyes confirmed what her ears had told her. "Mary?"

  The maidservant smiled at her lady, folding her hands in front of herself.

  “How?” Karin struggled for words as she sat up. “When did you arrive?”

  “Late yesterday evening.” Mary stepped toward Karin, coming around the bed.

  “It is so good to see you.” Much to her surprise, Karin truly meant it.

  “And you,” Mary said before she cleared her throat. "Are you ready for your morning tea?"

  "Yes," Karin said, smiling. Was Mary so uncomfortable with the rather familiar interchange?

  Mary nodded again before taking leave of her mistress.

  Karin sighed. Being reunited with Mary was rather bittersweet. And it would be brief. There would be no servants traveling with she and Pavel.

  Now sitting, Karin swung her legs over the side of the bed so she could face the windows. Mother would make her appearance soon enough. And then the day would officially begin. Would there be another chance to just breathe? To take hold of what this day would bring and relish it? Or would it all be the hustling about that she feared?

  The door opened once more. Mary entered with her tea. Mother was fast on her heels.

  "Ivana will be here any minute. We must get you ready!"

  Servants seemed to pour into the room then. Bringing the tub and buckets of hot water. Yes, today would be filled with much activity.

  Lenka and Mary were by Karin’s side in a moment, urging her to her feet.

  Resistance would no longer be allowed. That was apparent in her mother’s firm grasp, already drawing her to her feet. Though still a reluctant participant, Karin was up and moving toward the bath with much effort.

  Once in the tub, she was scrubbed and cleaned thoroughly, while Mother directed breakfast items be brought.

  Karin’s knotted stomach did not seem the least bit receptive to the idea of food today.

  Commotion in the hall drew Karin’s attention away from her stomach. A rather shrill voice yelled, demanded, and shrieked just beyond her door. Who could it be? More servants? What task had been levied upon them?

  Mother stepped to the door and opened it but a crack. Was she preparing to silence the breakout of hysteria? Moments later, her voice joined the others, which drew ever nearer until Mother’s form appeared again at the door, leading two maidservants in, bearing a cream dress, followed by Ivana.

  It was Ivana who screeched at the slightest bounce or droop wrought upon the fine fabric. She directed the maidservants to the far corner of the room where she instructed the dress be laid out.

  Karin could not see it as Ivana and Mother, hunched over, blocked her view.

  “Milady, I think you must come or else you will wrinkle.”

  Karin turned toward the maidservant attending her. What had she said? Oh, yes. It was time to exit the comfort of the warm water. Grasping the young woman’s arm and Sharka’s, she rose. The movement was somewhat unsteady, not at all graceful, but effective. She was on her feet.

  The maidservants had her dried and searted in short order. And Sharka brought her tea and her foods to break her fast. Karin offered a smile before turning back toward the wedding dress.

  Mother and Ivana were deep in conversation; Mother’s hands hovered over the fabric as if she were afraid to touch it.

  Ivana made a slight move to the left, and Karin got her first glimpse of the dress.

  It was far beyond anything Karin could have imagined when it was but scraps of fabric the day before. The gold-colored dress's structure was simple enough. A scoop neckline and fitted bodice set the stage for sleeves, which had a puff at the shoulder, but were otherwise fitted. And the skirt fell from the fitted waist to sweep the floor, with a modest train flowing behind.

  But the uniqueness of the dress was in the details and the fabrics. Lace bordered the scoop neckline, and there were also embroidered flowers and pearls covering the dress in an elegant display.

  How Ivana could imagine, much less construct, something of such intricate design was beyond Karin. How was she to wear something so amazing?

  Karin found it difficult, but she finished her breakfast in short order. It was not long before she was maneuvered into the gown.

  "You have outdone yourself," Lenka said as Mary braided Karin's hair in an elaborate design, sticking pearls in her hair.

  "Thank you, milady. It was a labor of love."

  Karin caught Ivana's eyes. She knew the woman spoke the truth. Ivana had been making her clothes for many years and was almost like a member of the household.

  "All done, milady," Mary said to Lenka.

  Lenka brought forth the wreath she and Karin had put together the night before and set it on Karin's head.

  Karin stared in the mirror. She was, by all appearances, a bride.

  "And now, for a few finishing details," Lenka said, excitedment evident in her voice. She walked to a chest at the other end of the room and opened it.

  "Finishing details?" Karin asked, confused. Was she not the picture of what every bride should be?

  "You need this—your grand
mother's veil." Holding it out to Karin, she tenderly placed it in Karin’s waiting hands. "And I had this made for your special day." She held out a handkerchief with Karin's new initials embroidered on it. Lenka then clasped a pearl necklace around Karin's neck. "This is mine. I would be honored to have you wear it today."

  Karin touched it and tears welled at the thoughtful gifts her mother bestowed upon her.

  "There, now," Lenka said, sighing. "You are ready."

  Karin was overwhelmed. All of the preparations had been made. Every last one.

  But everything was happening so fast. There had been no time to take it all in.

  "What is the matter?" Mother asked, touching Karin’s hair with light fingertips. Had her thoughts been so evident on her face?

  "It is passing me by, Mother. This day. It is happening too fast. I think I need a few minutes."

  "Of course." Mother motioned to the servants cleaning up this and that to step out.

  "Are you comfortable where you are?" Mother asked, stepping toward the door herself.

  Karin sat in a chair across the room from the bed, caddy-corner to a large window. It was a fine place to bask in the sunlight as she sat with her thoughts. She nodded. "Yes, thank you."

  It was only a matter of moments before everyone exited. And she was alone. The servants had done fine work cleaning much of the morning’s mayhem, but there were still random remnants of breakfast and of getting Karin ready. Her grandmother's veil still lay across the vanity, and the bed had been hastily made.

  She removed the rosemary wreath to lean her head back and allowed herself to linger over the things that had happened that morning, letting the anxiety wash over her. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and released any remaining uneasiness.

  This was a happy day, a day which should be filled with pleasant emotions. So far, her emotions had been uneasy. Was it everything that had occurred this morning? Was it as she said to Mother…that things were happening too fast? Or was it something else?

  "Truly you take my breath away," a voice from the doorway said.

  She knew that voice. Still, it caused her to jerk her head up, eyes wide all the same.

  "Pavel," she admonished him. "You are not to see me yet!"