Chapter 11

Definitions: Fealty A promise of loyalty made by a Knight to his liege lord, often a King. A knight's vow of fealty overruled all other loyalties. In return, the liege would outfit and equip the knight. Vivat Latin for "long life". It is a cheer used by members of the SCA. Book of Hours A prayer book, containing the prayers for the monastic hours. The super rich would have copies hand made for them containing beautiful illustrations. Knighting chain A large, plain gold chain without anything hanging from it. It is a symbol of a Knight's vow of fealty to the Royalty. Once again, I recommend looking here for an explanation of the ranks and awards used in the story.

Saturday April 28, 2001

The SCA divides the world geographically into the 16 Kingdoms of the Known World. Each Kingdom has a different method of determining its king that reflects the personality of the individual kingdom, but they all are basically similar. In the SCA, the only way to be a King is through 'Right of Arms'. You must meet and best every challenger on a field of combat in a tournament for the crown.

The East Kingdom, where Elizabeth and William lived, is the second oldest of the SCA and its method of determining its Royalty is consistent and regular. Twice a year, in May and November, the Crown Tournament is held. To enter the Crown Tournament, a fighter and his lady must apply in advance and be approved by the current Royalty. It was rare that an application was refused. The Crown Tournament was then fought, and the winner and his lady would be crowned Prince and Princess on the list field. They would hold that rank for five months. During that time, they would assist the King & Queen and prepare for their reign. Then in the following April or October (depending on the reign) the Old King and Queen would step down and the Prince and Princess would ascend to the throne, to rule for six months. The new royalty would have their own Crown Tournament a month later to determine their heirs, and so the line has continued for over thirty years.

Coronation was a day of celebration and pageantry. The first part of the day would be taken up by the last court of the outgoing King & Queen. Court was a formal ceremony in which the Royalty would sit in front of the assembled crowd and conduct public business, mostly the presentation of awards to their subjects. During the last court of a reign, the King & Queen would also recognize the people that had particularly assisted them during their reign. They would then step down, and after a brief intermission, the new King and Queen would be crowned and hold their first court. Following court, the King and Queen would remain in state for the rest of the day, to receive the fealty of their officers and of the knights of the kingdom. The day would usually end with a great dinner and ball.

On the day of the coronation of Lucan and Yana, Elizabeth and Jane had left their home before 8 am. They made it to the site, a catholic high school in Hartford, Conn. around 11 am and went directly into the changing rooms to dress.

Jane looked spectacular that day, Elizabeth observed proudly, having made most of her sister's outfit. She was wearing a china blue silk gown that clung smoothly to her body. Over that she wore a sideless surcoat in black brocade shot with light and dark gold in a vine pattern The surcoat had deep arm wholes arm holes that extended to her waist, revealing the tightly fitted dress underneath. Her long, golden blonde hair was pulled back into a braid that reached the middle of her back. Around her face, she wore a linen wimple and a circlet around her brow. To get an idea of Jane's gown, click here

Elizabeth smiled warmly in the mirror at her sister, as Jane arranged Elizabeth's mane into a green snood covered with tiny golden beads. Pronouncing themselves ready, they entered the lobby outside the main hall, where court would be held. Elizabeth paused to admire the beautiful garb that surrounded her. The large crowd was dressed their best court attire. Looking around they quickly spotted William and Charles and made their way through the throng of people towards them.

"Sir Charles!" Jane called to get their attention. She need not have bothered. Charles turned to see Jane and locked all of his attention to her. The planet might have stopped in its orbit, for all he would have known. He was mesmerized by the vision before him. Jane looked just like an illustration from a medieval book of hours come to life. Her hair, her face, her gown, she was perfect in every way. No doubt she was 'Charity' or 'Grace' personified. A great certainty came over him as he stepped forward and took her hands in his own. Kissing her soft hand gently, he spoke words of complete honesty to her, "My Lady, I am your servant."

His act of devotion went entirely unobserved by his friend who was lost in his own vision. Elizabeth was wearing a cotehardie of dark green silk, which moved with a soft shimmer and irridences. Her curves were enhanced by her Coat of Arms being appliquéd across her breast, the gold diamond and sleeping cat worked in shimmering silk as well. William reached out and reverently touched the golden star on her right shoulder. "Elizabeth," he breathed, not fully aware he spoke.

"Do you like the gown?" she asked smiling.

A slow nod was her only answer. Elizabeth felt warmed by his gaze lingering on her and sought to find more comfortable ground. "What do you think of Jane's 'Gates'?"

William frowned, her words meaningless to him. His struggle to comprehend her brought him out of his daze, but he was still lost to her meaning. "Excuse me?"

"Jane's gown," Elizabeth explained. "That style was called 'the Gates of Hell' by period priests who warned that its reveling quality would lead men into sin." She smiled prettily.

William took a moment to realize Jane was there. He saw her, next to him with Charles and briefly observed her dress. Then he returned his attention to Elizabeth. "It's very nice. Did you make it?"

"I did!" she said proudly.

William eyes feasted on the vision of Elizabeth. She was lovelier than he could imagine. Then he noticed her expression was changing and it occurred to him that he was staring and hadn't said anything for a distressingly long time. "I, uh, we reserved a table for the feast for the four of us," he struggled. "Would you do me the honor of dining with me tonight, my lady?"

Elizabeth blushed prettily, "It would be my pleasure, my lord."

A herald appeared at Darcy's side and whispered in his ear. Darcy nodded and turned to Elizabeth. "We have to go. Could you please save us seats for the second court."

"Where will you be?" she asked puzzled.

"On the dais," he explained. "We're in the entourage." He called to Charles (twice) and the two men disappeared through the crowd.

"Jane," Elizabeth asked as they entered the main hall. "Did you know Charles and William are part of the Royal Entourage?"

They found four unclaimed seats on the left, near the front and sat down. "Yes, they're member of the Queen's Guard. Didn't you know that Lizzy?"

"No," Elizabeth frowned. Once again, she was reminded of exactly how little she knew of Sir Fitzwilliam. She thought about this, but her mental wandering was soon interrupted by the royal herald, Baron Morgan calling out "Oyez's, Oyez's, Please rise for their Majesties, Balfar and Luna, King and Queen of the East."

The procession slowly marched in, first the herald, then a pair of pages, bearing banners of the royal arms, then their Majesties. Jane and Elizabeth curtsied as they passed by, along with everyone else. Elizabeth quickly lifted her head to watch the remainder of the procession. Four ladies followed the royal pair, followed by eight men, lead by Fitzwilliam and Charles, all carrying real swords and wearing sashes that identified them as members of the Queen's guard. The grouped moved smoothly to the dais, where the King and Queen took their places in front of their thrones. The entourage arranged themselves behind the thrones, except for Fitzwilliam and Charles, who took the first turn as guard, standing on either side and a little before the thrones.

Behind this procession came another. It was lead by Sir Kendrick, who announced loudly, "Please do honor to Lucan and Yana, Prince and Princess of the East." This smaller procession moved with practiced ease to the pair of smaller thrones to their Majesties right and waited. When everyone was in place, Baron Morgan called out, "You may be seated."

Though she was looking forward, Elizabeth's eyes were not on the business of the court. Instead she was taking a long and careful look at Sir Fitzwilliam. He was wearing the woolen cotehardie she had repaired, black leggings and long, leather boots that reached to his thigh. "Oh, why do men have to look sooooo good in boots like that?' she thought. 'Do they have any idea what it does to me?' She unsuccessfully tried to not think about his bare back and chest under his garb, and her face flushed slightly as her insides churned with yearning.

Pulling herself away from her lustful thoughts, she instead watched his face. He was watching the crowd blankly, his face a perfect mask of non-emotion. Elizabeth recognized that face, she had seen it so many times. But for the first time, she rethought what it meant. She had always assumed it was an expression of arrogance and superiority. But now, she wondered if that was correct. 'Maybe it was just a . . . '

"Their Majesties call forth Elizabeth Bennet," the herald announced. Elizabeth heard the words but her wandering mind didn't comprehend their meaning. It was only when Jane elbowed her firmly that Elizabeth gathered herself and moved forward down the aisle.

William met her at the base of the dais, and helped her up the steps to the pillow before the thrones, on which she knelt. She knew he was just performing his duties, yet she thought she saw a hint of warmth in his eyes.

Completely baffled, Elizabeth looked up at her sovereigns. Balfar and Luna were remarkably similar people. Both were fair skinned, blond haired, blue-eyed people of obvious nordic decent. Both stood over six feet tall and they both had similar heavy builds. This was their fourth reign, and Balfar had made it clear he was having fun this time around.

"I take it by your expression, you weren't expecting this, my lady," he asked playfully.

He laughed as Elizabeth shook her head in embarrassed confusion. "Would you like to know what you've done?"

"If you please, your Majesty," she replied softly.

"All right," He nodded to his herald, who stood in his usual place behind and between the thrones.

"Their Majesties call before them the Companions of the Order of the Maunch," the herald yelled.

Elizabeth gasped in complete surprise. One hand covered her gapping mouth and the other her wildly beating heart. This could only mean she was getting a major award.

The herald read from a scroll he held:

"Every ear, bear witness today, that we, Balfar and Luna, King and Queen of the East, have been greatly impressed by the works of our fair subject, Lady Elizabeth Bennet. Lady Elizabeth has shown herself to be exceptionally talented in the arts of cooking and sewing, creating delicious feasts for the betterment of the kingdom, and beautiful garments for its subjects. But beyond that, Lady Elizabeth has freely and joyfully shared her vast knowledge with all who have asked, by offering classes and lessons to all. By these good works has Elizabeth shown herself to be worthy of honor and praise, and so, with the acclaim of the Order of the Maunch, do we confirm her to be a Companion there of. Done this day, April 28, Anno Sociataies 34, at the last court of Balfar and Luna."

The herald held up a beautifully illuminated scroll, it's gold leaf shining for the crowd to see. Elizabeth was frozen, shaking slightly, her eyes squeezed shut to keep her tears from leaking out.

"My lady, are you all right?" Balfar asked kindly.

Elizabeth nodded, and with an embarrassed, watery smile she opened her eyes to the King. He stood up and helped her rise, then escorted her to the edge of the dais, where a group of over 60 members of the order waited on their knees.

"Is there a Medallion?" Balfar asked.

"There is, your majesty," Contessa Isabella said, rising from her knees. She took a golden chain from around her neck and handed it to the King. "This Medallion was given to me by Master Adamantius, and it is with his blessing that I pass it on to you, Lady Elizabeth," the tall, regal woman said.

The King put the medallion around Elizabeth neck and held her hand, while the Herald cried out, "For Lady Elizabeth, Companion of the Order of the Maunch!"

"Vivat! Vivat! Vivat!" the crowed roared.

Balfar released her and handed her scroll to Fitzwilliam. "Give this to the lady when she is done being greeting by her companions," he ordered. William took the scroll with a nod.

Elizabeth stepped off the dais and into the arms of Contessa Isabella, who hugged her fiercely and then released her to the next person. Quicker than you would have expected, every one of her new companions hugged, shook hands or patted her on the back, and departed. Soon Elizabeth was all alone. She turned to Fitzwilliam and collected her scroll. He gave her a warm smile as he handed it to her, and she walked back down the aisle to Jane as the Court continued its business.

Jane was waiting for her and embraced her tightly. Elizabeth released the tears she had been holding back. "Did you know about this?" she asked in wonder.

Jane nodded and smiled brightly. "Congratulations, Lizzy, you deserve it!"

Elizabeth heard her name, and looked up to see the Baron and Baroness Lucas waving proudly to her, along with Charlotte, Mary & Scott and Lydia. Elizabeth waved back and sat down with Jane. "Did everyone know?"

"Everyone except Lydia." Jane laughed, "You know how she is with secrets."

Elizabeth laughed and looked at her scroll for the first time. It was large, maybe 20 inches by 12 inches. The calligraphy ran in two columns down the length of the work, boarded by vines of ivy. Outside of the boarder, tiny black cats frolicked in the margin. The first letter, an E, was enlarged and covered in gold leaf. It was framed in a square, on which a bright painting showed a tiny Elizabeth wearing an apron standing at a fire with a pot beside the letter. The calligraphy was smooth and elegant, with Elizabeth's name in green ink when ever it appeared in the text. At the bottom of it was the signatures of the Royalty and another tiny painting maybe 2 inches high, going across the width of the work. This one, showed a tiny Elizabeth standing at a podium, teaching to a row of students, all in garb.

Elizabeth was amazed and delighted. She pointed out with wonder all the elements to Jane, who was equally impressed. "Who did it?" Jane asked.

Elizabeth turned the scroll over, and at that moment, it was a good thing she was sitting, otherwise, she certainly would've been on the floor. Written on the back in a careful, neat hand she read 'Calligraphy and Illumination by Sir Fitzwilliam Darcy'.

Jane giggled at her surprise, for it was not news to her. "Jane," she squeaked, tearing up again. Jane carefully took the scroll out of her hands and hugged her tightly until Elizabeth could collect herself. "Ohmygod!, Jane, I've never . . . had anything made for me that was so beautiful." Jane smiled at her warmly. "I never knew he was so talented!"

Jane soothed her and handed her a handkerchief. Elizabeth looked up to the dais to see William now standing behind the throne, watching her intently. His eyes were a bit cautious, waiting for her reaction. "Thank you!" she mouthed to him, and smiled through her tears.

His eyes relaxed and warmed as he gave her a nod, and then awkwardly returned his attention to the court. Elizabeth grinned privately, 'he's embarrassed,' she realized. She couldn't believe that this strong, successful, talented, rich man could be embarrassed. It dawned on her that she had been misreading William for some time. It was easy for her to resolve to get to know him better.

After the last of the awards had been passed out, and the entourage had been thoroughly thanked, Lucan, the crown prince was called before the throne.

If you were to met Lucan on the street, you probably wouldn't think twice of him. He was six feet tall, and of medium build, with curly brown hair and an easy smile. If you were asked what he did, you might guess "Electrical Engineer" or "Architect". You would probably be very surprised to know that this was the man who had reigned more than any other in the East. This would be the seventh time Lucan donned the crown.

Lucan was wearing elegant purple Byzantine robes as he knelt before Balfar. The king spoke briefly, thanking Lucan for his help and support during the reign, then he called for witnesses to Lucan claim to the throne.

As tradition dictated, four peers, one from the Chivalry, one from the Pelicans, one from the Laurels and one from the Royalty stepped forward, and bore witness that they had seen Lucan win the crown tournament fairly and that he was the rightful heir.

Balfar and Luna removed their crowns. The queen's was placed on her throne, waiting, and she placed her hands on Balfar's. Together, they crowned Lucan, and pronounced him King of the East. Then after exchanging long and heartfelt hugs, the procession left the room, exiting in the order they had entered. There was to be a thirty minute break, before the new court would begin.

Jane took Elizabeth's scroll and told her she was going to place it in the safety of the car, then she slipped out the side door. Elizabeth joined the great mass of people exiting the hall, careful to avoid walking on the trains of the ladies before her. She couldn't get more than 5 steps in before she would be stopped by a well-wisher. She graciously received all of the congratulations, but she really wanted to escape the crowd and have a moment to herself.

As soon as she was able, she darted up a stairwell to the next floor. A long hallway, empty except for rows of lockers on either side, greeted her. Elizabeth took a long, deep breath, letting out all the tension she felt. Her emotions were still jangled, but at least she could breathe. She stretched her hands over her head and pulled her body as long as she could, getting her blood flowing again after sitting for so long. Rolling her neck, she laughed out loud at the happiness she felt.

With an impish smiled, she gathered up her skirts and ran as fast as she could down the long hallway, relaxing in the physical release.

Until she saw she wasn't alone. At the end of the hallway a figure had appeared and Elizabeth suddenly discovered that the soft soled slippers she was wearing did not have enough traction for the highly polished floor. She windmilled her arms, trying desperately to stop before she collided with the figure, without success.

Luckily, the figure recognized the situation and had just enough time to brace himself before the impact. Elizabeth slid into him with a thud and an "Oof!" Strong hands caught her arms, preventing her from falling. Elizabeth looked up into the face of Sir Fitzwilliam Darcy as a wave of embarrassment washed over her.

"I'm so sorry!" she apologized, "I was running and I couldn't stop in these shoes."

William's eyes smiled at her as he carefully released her. "It's okay." His voice was warm and private. "I'm just glad I was able to be of service, my lady."

Elizabeth ducked her head and grinned. "Me too. You're much more comfortable to crash into than a row of lockers."

William smiled slightly at the compliment. He offered he his arm, which she took, and they began walking together. "Did you like the scroll?" he asked shyly.

"Yes!" She stopped and put her arms around him. "Thank you! I've never received anything so beautiful in my life."

William hugged her back. His mind caught her scent and a hundred thoughts and impulses flowed into him. She pulled back slightly, but didn't release him and he looked at her face carefully, then kissed her. The kiss started slowly, but before either of them were aware, it had escalated into something very hot and very intense.

Then Elizabeth remembered the last time she had kissed him, and pulled back just enough to alert William. The kiss ended quickly and they shared a meaningful look. Elizabeth waited silently while William gathered his courage. "Elizabeth, I'm sorry, I didn't stay at the fighter practice. I . . . had to leave."

"Was it George?"

William's head reared up in a flash and Elizabeth saw anger in his eyes. "Did you talk to him?" he asked tightly.

"Yes," Elizabeth answered in a matter-of-fact tone. She didn't know what was going on, but she wasn't going to back down either.

"What did he say?"

"Well, he said many things, but about you," William looked at her darkly, "he was very polite."

"Be careful around him, Elizabeth, he isn't what he appears."

Elizabeth closed her eyes in frustration. 'Great! more mystery.' "Look," she said, placing her hand on William's steely arm. "I don't want to think about him right now."

His eyes warmed as he took her into his arms and held her there, gently rubbing the small of her back while she gazed into his eyes. "What did you want to talk about that night?" she asked her face curious.

William studied her face intently, her eyes, her finely arched eyebrows, her tiny button nose. He distracted himself with cataloging her features enough so that he could speak. "I wanted to talk about . . . our date." Elizabeth was careful to keep her features neutral. It was clear this was hard for him, and she really wanted to hear his thoughts on it.

"I know I left very abruptly. And I'm sorry." His voice was very soft now.

"Was it me?" Elizabeth asked gently. "Did I do something?" Anxiety she wasn't aware she felt came through her voice.

William looked her her and his expression melted into one of deep tenderness. "No, Elizabeth, no," he shook his head slowly. He reached up and slowly traced her cheek and jaw with his finger. "It was me. I . . . things were going too fast for me. I felt like I was out of control, and I . . . had to stop before I went . . . too far." He looked down. "Do you understand?"

Elizabeth nodded, slowly. She did understand. Things had gone very quickly that afternoon, and she didn't know where they would have ended. Would she had slept with him that day? Yes, she would have, but then where would she be?

Elizabeth stepped closer and held him tightly around the waist. "Thank you for telling me, Will. I didn't understand why . . . I thought I had done something."

William nodded against her head, breathing in her sweet scent. She felt him take a deep breath, "You are very special to me, Elizabeth. I'm sorry if I'm not very good at showing that sometimes."

Elizabeth looked up into his face. "I kinda noticed that," she said kindly with a smile. She wanted to ask exactly what she meant to him, but she didn't. Truthfully, she was afraid, afraid that he would say the right thing, and then Elizabeth would have to deal with the fact that she had very strong, very intense feelings for this man, of whom she knew very little about.

His fingers gently stroked her face, she forgot about her worries for a moment and enjoyed his touch. "What are you thinking?" she asked the question she always wondered when he stared at her like that.

William blushed slightly and said, "I'm wishing you had your hair down."

Elizabeth's face split into a wide grin. She couldn't help it. He had touched her heart and she looked at him in open affection. "That wouldn't be appropriate for an important lady such as myself, now would it?" she asked playfully.

William contented himself with stroking her tiny, shell like ear. "No. I guess not," his hand slipped down to her new mediation. "I'm very proud of you," he said simply.

Elizabeth smiled. "Thank you." She nuzzled her face against his hand, enjoying the feel of his warmth. "Later on, will you tell me about my scroll?" she asked.

He smiled brightly at her and she saw the adorable dimples that she loved. Her heart stopped for a moment seeing them. "I'd like that," he said. Elizabeth nodded, still held in the thrall of the dimples. "In fact, the piece I based it on is at the Fitzwilliam Museum, in Cambridge, England."*

"No way," she laughed. "A museum just for you!"

He nodded, grinning like a manic. They had reached the end of the corridor and stood before the stairwell. William looked up and down the length of the hall. "So, what exactly were you doing, zooming around the halls up here?"

"I just needed to move and be alone for a moment," she shrugged. "Sometimes the crowd gets to be too much for me, you know?"

William looked at her, giving her that intense look she still could not understand. She didn't know it meant his heart was being deeply touched. "I understand," he said at last.

"What were you doing up here?"

"Oh, the Royalty room is back there," he pointed with her hand in his, towards the way they had came.

"You never told me you were part of the entourage," she said curiously.

"I didn't think it would impress you," he said slowly.

"It doesn't impress me, but," she stopped to look into his eyes, "I would like to learn more about you."

William thought for a moment, his eyes distant, as Elizabeth tried to read the meaning there. After a long moment, he blinked, then focused on her, and biting his lips, he nodded.

Elizabeth accepted that this was all the response she was going to get. He was a puzzle: William Marshall Darcy, six feet, two inches of puzzle. Could he really be that shy? After all, he was a successful business man, head of an important company. Surely he couldn't run something like that and be paralyzed by shyness. Yet, she did know people who, while being open about their work life, were very private about their personal life. Not that William had been forthcoming about his business or personal life to her.

Wickham's warning repeated in her ears: 'he's not what he seems'. She was willing to agree with that, she hoped William wasn't an arrogant, pompous big-head. Somehow she didn't think that was what George had meant. But if William was trying to take advantage of her, he could have back on their date. Elizabeth freely admitted (to herself) that if William had pushed her, heck, if he hadn't run away, she would have willingly ended up on her back. If he just wanted sex from her, he must know he could have gotten it, so what other evil design could he possibly have?

No, she believed that William was honorable, he was just . . . what? That she didn't know.

He carefully held her arm as they walked down the staircase, making sure she didn't trip on her train. "Did I tell you that's a beautiful gown?" he asked.

"No," she smiled as accepted the compliment. Neither of them observed how well their garb complimented the others. When they reached the main hall, they saw they were late. Lucan was already inside and Yana and her entourage were waiting just outside the doors. William and Elizabeth tried to stand quietly on the side, waiting for a chance to enter unobserved when the Princess looked their way.

"Elizabeth!" she hissed in a loud whisper.

Caught, Elizabeth quickly and silently walked to Yana's side and accepted a warm hug from her. "I'm so proud of you!" Yana told her.

"Thanks!" Elizabeth smiled at her friend. Then they heard Kenrick's voice ring out "His Majesty calls forth Yana, Princess of the East." Elizabeth quickly backed away, giving her a tiny wave as the procession moved forward. William reclaimed Elizabeth's hand and put it on his arm. When the procession had passed by they quietly followed it back to their seats.

"Where were you?" Jane asked in a whisper.

"We were talking upstairs," Elizabeth shrugged. Jane gave her a look, but said nothing. Elizabeth looked past her sister, "Hello Charles."

Charles turned to her and smiled and touched her hand in greeting. Only then did Liz notice something, Charles wasn't wearing his knighting chain, and Jane was. She quickly looked back at William, who was sitting as close as he could be without touching her and noticed his was missing too.

She leaned over and breathed into his ear, "Where is your chain?"

He whispered back to her, his breath tickling her ear, "I took it off until I swear fealty to the new King and Queen." Elizabeth nodded and turned back to towards the dais. She had heard of Knights who did that, be she couldn't stamp out the tiny flicker of jealously that Jane was wearing Charles' chain and Elizabeth had not been offered William's. 'He made you a scroll, stupid!' she scolded herself. She knew that, but she couldn't help but feel she was stuck at the same place, not knowing were she stood with him.

Elizabeth watched as Lucan crowned Yana, and then helped her stand, saying in a voice rough with emotion, "Rise, and stand beside me, my Queen." As she was biting her lip to keep from tearing up, she noticed Charles taking Jane's hand and holding on to it tightly.

The rest of the court went quickly. William and Charles went to the front of the room twice, once to welcome a new member of the Order of the Tyger's Combatant and once for a new knight. When the companions of the Maunch were called forth, William had to prompt Elizabeth to go. She had completely forgotten and a huge, embarrassed smiled covered her face as she rose and walked towards the dais.

When the business of the court was finished, the audience was released to leave, but their Majesties and the entourage stayed on the thrones, to receive the fealty of any of the peers who wished to offer it. The room emptied out, except for the peers and their companions.

An older man, with black hair shot with gray, came up behind where they sat and touched William and Charles on the shoulder. "Let's go, boys," he said in a voice that was soft, yet commanding. Elizabeth realized that this could only be the knight they had studied under as squires. Then she recognized him.

It was Duke Siegfried. He had been King three times in the early 80's and still had quite the reputation. He was known as a man of great strength, and even greater passions. Passions that made his household the strongest in the kingdom, possibly in the whole society in its day. Passions that had also torn his marriage and his house apart. Having crashed and burned, he had left the society for a while, and when he had returned, it was as a changed man.

"Sir," Charles said, "I'd like to introduce my lady to you. Duke Siegfried, this is Lady Vivienne."

Jane curtsied and offered her hand, "Your Grace".

The Duke kissed her hand politely and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you, my lady." His voice had a faint Brooklyn accent.

Then the Duke looked expectantly at Fitzwilliam. He indicated Elizabeth and said, "My lord, this is the Lady Elizabeth."

Elizabeth curtsied and offered her hand. "Lady Elizabeth," said the older man warmly, "congratulations on your award today."

Elizabeth smiled, "Thank you, your Grace."

"Excuse us, please, ladies." the older man said politely, as the three men got in the line that was forming before the thrones. Elizabeth and Jane moved so they could watch what was going on, while Elizabeth considered what she had seen. The warm, sweet, huggable, kissable, touchable man she had walked with upstairs had disappeared, and in his place was this cold, hard stranger. Even his voice had changed, and Elizabeth could not miss the way she was introduced. Not as my lady but as the Lady. Perhaps she was wrong about him and his feelings for her.

Jane and Elizabeth drew closer when it was the men's turn. The old Duke was greeted warmly by the King, then he slowly knelt before the thrones, Charles and William kneeling behind him. The King and Queen rose, and each took one of his hands. Quietly and simply, Siegfried swore before God and on his honor to be the King's man and to serve the Queen loyally. Then the Duke rose and Charles took his place, making the same vow. Elizabeth watched Jane as she hung on Charles' every word. Finally Charles rose and William took his turn. Elizabeth listened to his soft, yet firm voice, as he spoke an ancient promise.

"My liege, I swear on my honor, and by all that I hold sacred, that I will be your man, and defend you against all enemies, both on and off the field. I swear that I will protect the Kingdom, I will act honorably in all my dealings, and protect all ladies and those weaker than myself."

Their majesties accepted the knight's oaths, saying, "It is with the greatest pleasure, that we accept your fealty and swear to protect and defend your houses in any way that is needed."

The men rose and quietly made their way to where Elizabeth and Jane waited.

"Fitzwilliam, come here," Siegfried said. William followed and together the men departed for a quiet corner where they couldn't be overheard. "I believe you owe that lady an apology, my son."

"Sir?" William's face was blank, and he stared directly ahead. It had been years since William became a peer, but Duke Siegfried could reduce him back to a lowly squire with one look.

"Lady Elizabeth is your lady, is she not?"

William said nothing.

"I see," said the old knight nodding. "But you would like her to be, would you not?"

"Very much sir." His words were soft, but thick with emotion. William wanted Elizabeth to be his lady very much indeed, but it was hard for him to admit it.

"Then I would suggest that you treat her as such. How do you think she felt when her sister was introduced as Charles' lady, and she was not?"

William stared.

"Fitzwilliam, look at your brother, and tell me what you see?"

William looked at Bingley. "The Lady Vivienne is putting his knighting chain on him, sir."

"Indeed, and where is your chain?"

William's hand reached up to touch the chain hanging already hanging around his neck. "I never thought, sir," he murmured. "I didn't know if the lady . . ."

"Did you ask the lady, Fitzwilliam?"

"No sir,"

"Then how do you know if she would or not?" The Duke sighed. "Someone who doesn't know you as well as I do, might not see that you have feelings for the lady. It would be a pity, if the lady herself were not aware of it, wouldn't it?"

"Yes, sir."

The knight's face softened, "I know this is hard for you, son," he touched William affectionately on the shoulder, "and for what it's worth, I think she is fond of you, but you must reach out to her."

"I will try, sir."

"Good," he said firmly. "Now I think it is time for you to have dinner, and for me to take my leave." William and Siegfried returned to the little group. The Duke said his farewell, and received the good wishes of the party.

"Elizabeth," William asked, "may I speak with you, a moment?" he led her away, asking Charles to set the table as he left. When they reached a quiet hallway, William turned to Elizabeth and hesitantly said, "I need to apologize to you, my lady."

Elizabeth frowned, "What for?"

His eyes were on the ground, as he quietly answered. "For slighting you when I introduced you to my Lord. I did not . . . refer to you, in a manner appropriate for . . . my lady." He looked up to watch her face for her reaction.

Elizabeth felt her heart rate shoot up. "Am I your lady, Sir Fitzwilliam?" she asked very quietly.

"I . . . very much hope so, Elizabeth."

Elizabeth looked down, completely undone by his words. She tried to gather her thoughts, then she felt his large hand take hers.

"Elizabeth?" He always said her name so slowly, caressing every syllable.

Elizabeth looked up and then stepped into his arms. So some reason, it was easier to talk there, she felt safe encased in his strong embrace. "William, I would very much like to be your lady, but, truthfully, I'm not sure of your feelings for me."

"What do you mean?" he asked, confused.

Elizabeth took a deep breath and let it all out, "Well, it's just that, one minute you're so reserved, and cold, and distant, and then the next you are warm and funny, and easy to talk too."

"And I have a nice car," he added helpfully.

Elizabeth laughed, "and you have a great car, which you let me drive, and you have excellent taste in books, and then you flip-flop again and are cold and silent, and I don't know which is the real you." She paused, then continued, "the warm, nice William seems to like me very much, but I don't think the cold, reserved William likes me at all. It's very confusing."

William stood silently, thinking. Then he said, "I'm sorry I'm such a horrible person."

"No!" she objected. "No! You're wonderful, except when you're not, then you're not." She sighed. "Now I sound like Dr. Seuss."

"One of my favorite authors," he said softly.

"Oh, the Places You will Go?"

"The Cat in the Hat" actually."

She laughed against his solid presence, feeling the tension drain out of her.

"Elizabeth," he said, "Look at me."

She looked into his beautiful intense eyes, that were open to her, revealing everything. "I am a horrible man. I don't deserve you. You are so special to me, and I have given you nothing but grief."

"And the car ride."

He smiled at her impertinence, "And the car ride. The point is that I do like you, very much, and I want to be with you." He kissed her lightly. "Will you be my Lady?"

Elizabeth looked into his hopeful eyes. "Yes, if you will be my Lord."

"I would be honored," he breathed as his lips returned to hers. They kissed in a long, easy fashion. Letting their arms support each other, exploring the others mouth with careful, yet thorough determination. When they finally stopped, before either one was overwhelmed by desire, she smiled warmly at him. William held out his right arm, and gently took her left and placed her elbow against his, her forearm resting on his, and her hand clasping his fist. "Dinner, my lady?"

Elizabeth nodded and walked with him down the hall toward the dining room, the sound of the crowd growing as they came closer. The were passing through the lobby when a deep voice called out, "Sir Fitzwilliam Darcy."

They turned to see Contessa Isabella. She was a tall woman in her late forties, over six feet in height and an African-American. That in itself would be enough to draw attention, but Isabella wore full Elizabethan costumes that put Hollywood to shame. Her dresses were of museum quality and were as wide as they were tall, due to their elaborate hoops and underpinnings. Isabella was so talented, she had received a peerage in dressmaking before her reign with Count Andreas a few years ago. She smiled and warmly embraced Fitzwilliam, kissing him on the cheek. "It's good to see you, sir."

"And you, Excellency"

"And Lady Elizabeth!" she hugged Liz tightly again. Elizabeth could feel the many layers of foundation garments the woman wore through her gown. Isabella pulled back and studied them, "So, are you two together?"

Elizabeth looked at William and lifted an eyebrow.

William's froze for a moment. "Um," he struggled.

"I see," said Isabella knowingly.

Elizabeth was careful not to show the hurt she was feeling, then she heard William finally speak. "I'm sorry, your Excellency. I've given you the wrong impression." He looked to Elizabeth and took her arm again, "This is my lady, but we traveled here today in separate vehicles."

She studied him a moment, her head inclined, then the Contessa laughed loudly. "Well said, Sir Fitzwilliam, well said."

William flushed slightly and Elizabeth grinned at him.

"What table are you sitting at, my dear," Isabella asked Elizabeth.

"Number seven, I think," she looked to William, who nodded.

"Excellent! I will have a bottle of my mead sent to you, to celebrate your," she looked pointedly at William, "achievement."

Elizabeth laughed and thanked the Contessa. William blushed more, then lead her into the dining room and to their table, were they found Charles and Jane waiting for them.

*The work can be found here. It's the Gray-Fitzpayn Book of Hours.