The Countess seemed very pleased with herself as she formerly introduced the newly betrothed couple. 'Sir Richard. May I introduce you to Jasmine, Jasmine has agreed to your proposal' Jasper's eyes shot wide open. She had agreed to no such thing.
'Jasmine, meet Sir Richard Townshend, A Captain of the United Guard. And a fine example of manhood if I do say so myself'
Jasper didn't know what to say. Eventually she stammered out. 'This is rather unexpected' It was, she was a man inside her feminine body. She did not want to wed.
She observed the Countess to clap her hands and gather the attention of the room. All eyes turned to the Countess. 'As you are aware we are gathered here today to celebrate the entry of three infants into the house of our lord. I would like also to announce two further causes of celebration. Firstly I would like to formerly claim the child Brook as my Grandaughter. I acknowledge that she was sired by my son and heir Lord Lake. The room burst into clapping.
Once the clapping toned down which took a good minute the Countess continued 'And secondly I would also like to announce the betrothal of Sir Richard Townshend of the United Guard to Lady Jasmine' Again the room burst into applause. To make matters worse Richard went down on one knee and proffered a ring to Jasper. The room hushed in anticipation.
When the room was silent, Richard in a booming voice declared 'Lady Jasmine. The second I saw you I knew you were the woman I would wed. The woman who will bear me many fine strong sons. I ask that you take this ring as a symbol of my undying devotion to you'
The room stayed silent waiting for Jasmine to answer.
The Countess whispered 'Say yes!'
'I can't' a breathless Jasmine replied, whispering back to the Countess. Was she having a panic attack? The sound was barely audible.
The Countess took matters into her own hands and declared in a strong voice "She says Yes!' The Countess took the proffered ring and shoved it onto Jasmine's ring finger. The room once more burst into applause.
While the cheering was still going on the Countess whispered into Jasper's ear once more 'Do not embarrass me or you will learn the consequences of losing my favor'
Richard took Jasmine's hand and led her around the room, introducing her to so many people that she remembered none. After introctions to the fifth group she finally managed to get his attention and whispered. 'I am not called Lady Jasmine. Just simple Jasmine and I am but a wet nurse and I don't want to wed you'
'That is of no concern. Under our new rulers it is possible to be raised from peasantry to nobility. When we wed you will become Lady Jasmine Townshend of Featherstone, an estate near Wind's Grove. That is where we will raise our sons. I will teach them hunting and swordsmanship. You shall teach our daughters needlework and the fine arts'
'Did you say Wind's Grove? Isn't that in the Eastern Hills?'
'Yes it is. I believe you have a sister who lives there. When we are on our estate she could come and visit?' The Countess had clearly been talking to Richard.
'But isn't the Eastern Hill's still held by forces loyal to the King?'
'It is merely a matter of time before all the Kingdom comes under the rule of the Committee. Then we will ascend to our estate'
'Is not your accent from the Capitol' Jasper well knew that Richard came from the Capitol.
'It is. I grew up in the Capitol. Indeed I lived at the palace and was even friends with the Crown Prince'
'But you wear the uniform of the Rebels!'
'Hush that is what the royalists call us. We are called the United Guard. Speaking of accents though, do I detect you are also from the Capitol'
'Yes.... But I have lived in Vingery since the war broke out. It has not been safe to return'
'And alas it is not yet safe. You must remain with your Master until we have defeated the enemy. Then I will send for you and we shall be wed at Featherstone'
'Have you ever actually been to this estate?'
'Ah! I see you are not just a fair maiden but have wisdom between your ears. The estate was awarded to me as a reward for heroism. It formerly belonged the Duke of Vignery. As he died without male heir and in rebellion his estates were forfiet to the state. Featherstone is awarded to me'
'Duke Gareth was murdered after he surrended. As were his wife and sons'
'The Duke refused to cede his lands to the Committee and was in sedition. He was declared guilty after a fair trial'
'Do you really believe that Richard?'
'You speak frankly sweet Jasmine. There are no doubt eyes and ears in this room watching us. Somethimes we must hold our tongues. Some things are best unsaid'
There were indeed ears in the room who heard Jasper's outburst. Two of them belonged to......