‘Our three beautiful bridesmaids are to be my new wife’s ladies in waiting. As such they will each be given quarters in the newly renovated wing of the Keep. I am pleased to say the renovations are a head of schedule and one of the suites is already completed. I am pleased to say that Lady Jasmine may move in this evening. I have already arranged for the ladies belongings to be bought to the keep and installed in the suite as we celebrate tonight’
‘But, Your Grace. I have debts that must be repaid. I have …. dependants.. people who rely on my presence’ Jaspar did not want to say she was a wet nurse in case it reminded the Duke where he had met her before.
‘The Countess did say something about your situation being complex. I told her to look after the details. Fear not, your debts will be erased and your servants may come with you. They are probably packing your belongings as we speak’
‘Your Grace, Your offer is most unexpected but I must decline’
The Duke developed an annoyed look on his face. ‘Lady Jasmine, this is not an offer you should decline. Truth be told my wife is in need of supervision. She is of royalist sentiment and I need her attendants to be loyal to our cause. Your spotting of the assassin this afternoon shows that you are such a woman that I can trust to inform me of any untoward behaviour of Lady Marie’
‘You want me to spy on your wife?’
‘That is perhaps not the words I would use myself but the sentiment is correct’
Jaspar’s mind was turning rapidly. Was Lady Marie in touch with the Royalist forces? Could Jaspar use this boon to her own advantage?
‘Very well your Grace. I will do as you bid’
The new Duke turned to Richard who was still at Jaspar’s side. ‘You have chosen a most fetching woman Sir Richard. And I dare say brighter than that girl I have married. She seems quite mindless. She is not the headstrong girl I was told to expect’
Jaspar couldn't help but depend her cousin ‘Lady Marie is not mindless your Grace. She is but under a spell of Lady Sascheme’s to make her compliant. I think when she wakes from her trance you will find you have a very intelligent but headstrong bride’ Jaspar informed him.
….
The Duke departed and Richard took Jaspar’s hand and led her to a corner of the room where they could not be overheard. ‘My love, How are you?’ He gave Jaspar a hug. Jaspar found her engorged breasts hurt as he held her body tightly against his own muscular chest. She worried that her teats would leak. Eventually he broke off just as Jaspar was going to ask him to desist.
‘You were so brave out there! I apologise that I took so long to get to your side when you asked for protection. I feel so ashamed that I did not spot the assassin myself’
‘It was pure chance that I spotted him. Have the guards caught the man? Who was he trying to shoot?’
‘Alas he seems to have made an escape’ Jaspar was relieved ‘We have closed the gates and are searching the town. I fear he is gone to ground. I doubt he was aiming for you. Most likely the new Duke or one of the committee was the target. All the same after your heroics I fear you will also now be on the Royalists radar. I am happy that you have decided to move into the Keep. You will be safer here’
‘But what of my babies? How can I feed Pyotr if I live here? What of Flossy and Dossy?’
‘A new wet nurse will be found to care for those babies. I am sure Bry and Lady Brook will remain with you. If the Countess is arranging your move she will ensure that her Grandchild is looked after. Truth be told I believe it was the Countess who nominated you to become the Duchess’s lady in waiting. I think it was a ploy to get Lady Brook into a noble household’
‘And what of Penelope and Molly?’
‘You heard the Duke. They can remain as your maids. Accomodation will be found for them in the servant’s quarters'
Just then a servant approached. ‘Sir Richard and Lady Jasmine. Your presence is desired by the Lady Sascheme’