Of Lords and Commoners: Book 1 (Lords and Commoners Series)

by Lynne Hill-Clark

  “Well, at least no one from the village will recognize us,” I exclaimed. Soon we were both laughing. This worried the servants.

  “Stop that, girls; you will ruin all our hard work. You two must act like proper ladies.” With one last effort to repair any damage our laughing may have caused, we were off to the celebration.

  Apparently, everyone had already arrived. “We are fashionably late,” Mari whispered. Her large eyes shone brighter than I had ever seen them before.

  The Great Room was full. A lengthy table for the nobles ran along the far wall in front of the tall windows. Oddly, the curtains had been drawn shut, blocking out any evening sun that remained. Small round tables were placed along the outskirts of the room, most of them filled with people from the village. Another long table was full of food; two roasted pigs sat like bookends at either end of the table. Every type of food imaginable was on display: olives, chickens, apples, figs, pomegranates, dates, nuts, greens I had never seen before — enough food to feed our entire village for a week, maybe even a month.

  Mari and I emerged at the top balcony and descended the stairs. The audience, one by one, stopped talking or dancing to stare at us. Elijah ascended the stairs and gave me his arm, which I took awkwardly because the overly long sleeves of my dress were in the way. His brocade matched mine, in color anyway. It too had a thick gold base, only instead of checkered green and blue fabric draped across the front of his legs it was wrapped elegantly across each shoulder. This formed a thick X across his chest, which accentuated his broad shoulders. He also wore a full golden crown inlaid with diamonds and emeralds. He looked like an emperor, not a nobleman. He was regal in his full splendor.

  My stomach tightened at all the eyes on us. I did not like to be the center of attention.

  A handsome young suitor approached and offered Mari his arm. She looked at me with wide questioning eyes. I shrugged — indicating that I had no idea who he was. By the looks of him, he was a noble. He did not wear a crown but was dressed in a red and yellow brocade in the same fashion as Elijah’s, yet it was clearly a match to Mari’s gown. This was all carefully planned, every detail, this thought worried me all the more.

  Elijah appeared to be comfortable and confident. Perhaps he liked the attention. I suppose he was used to being the host of large gatherings with important people. It was all I could do to keep my hands from shaking. I was not used to all these layers of clothes. I missed a step and would have fallen down the stairs but Elijah easily kept me upright with his arm, which thankfully was hooked in mine.

  “All is well; there is no need to be scared,” Elijah whispered.

  Once we were at the bottom of the stairs, people started to mingle and join in a circle dance again.

  “There are many people to introduce you to,” Elijah said. “Let us start with Samuel. He is from Denmark and a lord in our Court. Samuel, let me introduce you to Lady Mari and Lady Vallachia.”

  Samuel gave me a bow. He took Mari’s hand, kissed it and said, “The pleasure is mine.”

  Mari’s cheeks turned crimson.

  “You came all the way from Denmark to attend this gala?” I was incredulous.

  “Yes, of course. I have known Elijah for … quite some time. When I received word that he had finally set his eyes upon a lady, I had to come and meet her. Now I see what all the fuss is about.” Samuel smiled and nodded as if in farewell to Elijah and me. He held a bent arm out to Mari. “Shall we dance, My Lady?”

  Before I knew it, Samuel had swept Mari away. So much for my protection, I thought.

  “There are many more people I would like you to meet,” Elijah exclaimed.

  When we turned around, I found myself face to face with Father. He looked at me in disbelief, kissed my cheek and said in my ear, “You look like an empress, my dear.” Then to everyone around, he added, “Look at my daughter, a true lady of nobility.”

  I gave him a curtsy. “Thank you, Father.”

  He wore his liturgical vestments, which consisted of a long white phelonion with a gold omophor wrapped carefully across his chest so that a red patriarchal cross rested at each shoulder as well as his knees. This was how he dressed every Sunday and for an occasion such as this, when he wished to make it known that he was a man of the Church.

  “Ah. Deacon, please join us. There is someone I would like you to meet as well.” Elijah led us to an older gentleman dressed in elaborate religious vestments like the ones I had seen in the art gallery, complete with a tall rounded white hat. The man stood as we approached.

  “Bishop Constantain, allow me to introduce you to our local Deacon Adam and his lovely daughter, Vallachia.” Elijah said. To us he added, “Bishop Constantain is a member of the Holy Synod.”

  Father’s mouth fell open. “All the way from Constantinople. What an honor!”

  We each bowed deeply in respect.

  “At last, a man I can converse with. Please have a seat.” Constantain gestured to the vacant chair beside him.

  Father quickly sat.

  When Elijah pulled me away, I could hear Father talking excitedly. “I have many questions for our church leaders. For one, what do you make of the Gnostic Gospels? Why are there different accounts of the Savior’s Resurrection?”

  “You have made Father’s night,” I said to Elijah.

  “Yes, I imagine he has found his companion for the evening.” Elijah appeared to be pleased with himself. Next, he introduced me to Lord Alexandru. “He is the head of our British Court.”

  I did not know what this Court was he kept referring to. The fact that it was important was about all I could gather.

  “Lord Alexandru?” I said. “That sounds like a local name.”

  “Yes, I was originally from this area but that was many years ago. England is my home now.” Alexandru had a kind smile.

  I returned his smile. For some reason unknown to me I liked him. Elijah continued to introduce me to so many ladies and gentlemen of nobility that I could not possibly remember their names. My head was swimming by the time we finally made it to our seats at the nobles’ table.

  “Some of the ladies did not look pleased to meet me,” I observed.

  “Don’t worry about them. Many are pompous and would not make suitable friends. They most likely think they are better than you, or they are jealous of any youthful beauty. They worry you might be after their wealthy husbands.”

  I laughed at the ridiculous notion but my laugh was cut short because across the Great Hall I spotted Teller. He was wearing his best attire, which was a dark green tunic and a dark brown chlamys fastened on the right shoulder. Both the tunic and the cloak came to just above his knees and he wore sandals that laced up his large calf muscles. He looked wonderfully familiar. I was overcome with longing for him.

  Once Teller made eye contact with me, he seemed to make a decision and started marching straight for our table. “Pardon me, may I have a word with my old friend?”

  Elijah did not look pleased but politely nodded his agreement.

  This was a brazen thing to do. I thought something must be terribly wrong. As I stood to go so did Elijah. I followed Teller to the other side of the Great Hall.

  “What is the matter?” I asked.

  “You seem to be enjoying yourself.” Teller wore a stern expression and his eyes were dark.

  “Oh.” I was relieved that everything seemed to be well. “Not particularly. This gown is uncomfortable. The only good thing about it will be getting out of it.”

  Now he was the one who looked relieved. “I’m glad to hear that you are still you. I do not want you to get used to this … way of life.”

  “Why is that?” I asked, feeling hopeful. My heart started pounding.

  “Because you belong with us. You know, in the village.” Once again I did not get the answer I wanted from him. Who was us? Did he mean him?

  “Well, if that is all, I suppose I should be getting back,” I sighed.

  Teller frowned and looked as if he wan
ted to say something else but Elijah appeared. He hooked his arm in mine and proceeded to lead me away, making it clear that that was enough. Soon we were back at the noble’s table where Teller clearly did not belong.

  Chapter 14 Ludus 1260 A.D

  I could not stop myself from looking back toward Teller. I would have given anything to be with him this evening. It would have been enjoyable and normal. Instead I was miserable in this bulky gown. It was difficult to reach my chalice on the table, as the sleeves kept getting in the way. I longed for my simple linen dress.

  Having to sit at the nobles’ table was uncomfortable enough all by itself, even without the odd gown. The people were stiff and pretentious. Not knowing how to act caused me to yearn for my familiar friends and family. I skimmed the crowd for them. Father was fully absorbed in listening to the Bishop from the Queen of Cities. Father’s eyes were bright — he looked truly happy.

  Mari was harder to find. I spied her holding Samuel’s hand as they took part in a circle dance. She looked beautiful with her long brown braid sparkling with pearls. She appeared to be having the time of her life.

  When I found my brother in the crowd, my mouth fell open. He was dancing with a girl from the village, Sarah — at least I thought that was her name. She was one of the shoemaker’s daughters. Sarah was quite a bit younger than I. Josiah appeared to be teaching her how to do the circle dance and they laughed when she would miss a step. A smile crept across my face as I watched them. They made an attractive young couple.

  I scanned the multitude for Teller when a clanking of flagons slowly got people’s attention and the musicians stopped playing. It was time for Lord Chastellain to address his guests. He too was wearing a crown suited for a great ruler. It was grander than Elijah’s. The lord’s brocade was almost solid gold. It had red trim and red diamond-patterned sleeve bands. It became apparent to me that the lord was not simply a wealthy noble who had worked his way up from the merchant class. He must be an emperor, or perhaps a king, as they were called in the west. That would make Elijah a prince. The question was, the rulers of what? Surely not Denmark? I had never heard of them before.

  “It appears that all are enjoying themselves. I do hope that is the case.” Lord Chastellain interrupted my thoughts.

  I nervously took a gulp of the drink that had been placed in front of me. I almost spat it out. Instead I choked on the substance.

  “What is the matter?” Elijah whispered.

  “What is this?” I asked.

  “We are serving our finest and oldest wine from our cellar tonight.” Elijah wore an amused smirk.

  “It’s vile.” It was nothing like the sweet wine and meads I was used to.

  He laughed and we received disapproving glares from the nearby nobles.

  When I looked up I spotted Teller in the masses. He looked as miserable as I felt. Perhaps we were the only two not enjoying ourselves despite what Chastellain had hoped.

  I had stopped listening to the lord’s speech. What snapped me out of my own miserable thoughts was Elijah standing as his father said, “My son has a big announcement to make.” He stepped aside for Elijah.

  My heart began to race as Elijah took my hand to raise me out of my seat. He lowered himself to one knee and my stomach went into knots. As quickly as if he was a magician, he presented a gold ring. The ring was enormous and had been inlaid with an elaborate diamond C. The ring itself was in the shape of the Chastellain coat of arms.

  “Lady Vallachia, will you marry me?” Elijah asked.

  No, no, no, was my first thought. Not here! Not in front of all these people! He knows I cannot refuse. Of course, I should have suspected this was his plan all along — to leave me with no way to deny him. I glanced nervously at the crowd, who appeared to be anxiously awaiting a resounding yes in response to the proposal.

  Father’s words echoed through my head. You always have a choice. I looked directly at Teller, who was standing with his arms crossed and a deep frown on his face. I must do something! My knees felt weak, so I went with that and let myself fall. Elijah caught me with impossible ease and speed. He lifted me as if I weighed no more than a small child. There were gasps and murmurs from the onlookers. I closed my eyes to avoid everyone.

  Elijah laid me down gently on the library divan.

  I opened my eyes when I heard Father. He nudged Elijah away. “Give her some room. She will recover soon.”

  “What is wrong? Has she done this before?” Elijah’s voice was full of concern. “Should I call for a doctor?”

  “No, no. She will be fine,” Father said.

  Mari and Teller came running in; Father stopped Teller and let Mari by.

  Mari ran to my side, asking if I was well.

  I nodded yes.

  “She will soon feel herself. Please give her some time,” Father was saying to the two worried young men.

  Teller and Elijah reluctantly left the library.

  Father looked over his shoulder at the door to make sure we were alone before he said, “Well, I did not know we had an actress in the family. Hopefully, you will not be joining the theater?” Father was astute and he knew me well.

  “Oh, my,” I said playfully. “The deacon’s daughter becoming an actress. What a scandal.”

  Father laughed.

  “What?” Mari said. “That was a deception? I was worried.”

  “Thank you for your concern,” I said. “You are a true friend. And yes, I am quite well.” I sat up awkwardly because of all the layers I wore.

  Mari punched me in the arm. “Don’t do that again.”

  “Hopefully, she won’t have to,” Father said. “What are we going to do about this situation?”

  “What situation? What are you talking about?” Mari looked exasperated.

  “Oh, come now, Mari. You know my daughter. She simply does not want to marry the young lord,” Father said.

  “You do realize that any girl in the village would give her right hand to be in your place tonight —” The expression on my face caused Mari to pause. She grew thoughtful and silent.

  “Aye.” Father’s brow furrowed. “It is interesting how that works. Elijah has chosen one of the only women who would not want him in return. People tend to want what they cannot have. For Elijah, I imagine there has not been much that he could not possess. This will make him all the more determined. I am afraid we cannot put them off much longer, as I had hoped, my dear.”

  I nodded in agreement and felt a new strength come over me. I’m going to have to be as determined as Elijah. Father had filled my head with strange ideas about having the freedom to choose my own path in life. Perhaps I had been born with this independent spirit and Father had simply fostered it. Either way, I felt myself changing into the person I was meant to become. I must leave behind that timid girl and become a strong woman.

  Mari seemed to have an epiphany as well. “I know what it is! It is because you love someone else.” Her large sparkling eyes widened even farther. “It is because of Teller, isn’t it?”

  Chapter 15 Ludus 1260 A.D

  Thankfully, the tournament started the very next morning. This gave the villagers plenty to do besides talk about the gala and how it ended with a disastrous proposal. The tournament was a two-day extravaganza with not only sporting competitions for the men but separate competitions for the women as well. There were cooking contests for the best roast pig, pies, preserves and more. I would be entering my jam tarts. The women also had sewing competitions for the best clothes and blankets. For this I had nothing to offer. I could manage only the most basic mending.

  Josiah was excited because this was the first year he decided to compete and he had been practicing hard for the different events. Though he was still dreamy-eyed from dancing with Sarah, he went out to practice his archery after breakfast.

  “Josiah seems happy,” I said to Father as we went out to watch him practice.

  “Yes, I only wish that for you as well. You do know we will have to deal with th
e Chastellains after this whole midsummer festival is over,” Father replied.

  “I have been thinking about it and I am prepared to refuse Elijah.”

  Father looked thoughtful and concerned but nodded in understanding and agreement.

  Elijah had disappeared last night after my fainting act and I was not looking forward to seeing him at the tournament. I had two days at the most before I must end this charade. This thought made my stomach flutter but I was as determined as ever.

  My family and I headed to the usually vacant field where the tournament was held. The field was bustling with energy and people. Tables displayed all sorts of goods for sale.

  “The archery contest is about to start. I must line up,” Josiah said as he ran off with his bow and quiver.

  Lord Chastellain beckoned for Father and me to join him in the elevated stands, which were shaded by fabric that had been fastened to wooden poles. Father gave me a knowing look as we headed toward him. My heart quickened.

  “Please join me here in the refreshing shade, my friend,” the lord said to Father. To me he added, “It is good to see you out and about. I presume you are well?”

  “Yes, My Lord. I’m feeling much better, thank you,” I said.

  “For that I am grateful.”

  The lord had an odd way of saying pleasant things with his mouth while his face told a completely different story. He looked at me with doubt and something else — anger, disgust, maybe hunger? Whatever it was, it made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. He is … evil, I thought.

  Samuel was seated to the right of Lord Chastellain. He stood and took my hand, kissing it. “It is good to see you again, My Lady.” His words seemed more genuine than the lord’s.

  Lord Chastellain gave Samuel a disapproving look and gestured for him to sit down. Samuel flashed me a blithe smile and took his seat, as his lord demanded. He seemed like the type of person who was always content, without a care in the world, as if nothing ever bothered him. That must be delightful, I thought.