This time the wedding was held inside, in a large dining room, no doubt set up for the wedding/investiture reception. This time it went without a hitch. Poor mind controlled, Lady Marie was married to Lord Marcus Beckhom. The priest did not seem concerned that the Lady did not say her proper vows. Instead of saying “I do” she just repeated ‘I love Lord Marcus. I am going to marry Lord Marcus’
This marriage was immediately followed by the investiture of Lord Beckom. The three members of the committee ceremoniously signed documents to make Lord Marcus become Duke Marcus of Vignery. Whilst Lady Marie assumed her late mother’s title of the Duchess of Vignery.
The new Duke and Duchess went back out on the balcony to acknowledge the crowds who must have reassembled. Neither the committee members nor Lady Sascheme joined them.
Jaspar found herself invited to the table where the committee and the witch waited for the Bride and groom to return.
Baron Beckhom began speaking once Jaspar took the seat she had been invited to ‘Lady Jasmine, you are new to us all. As the hero of the day we wish to find out more about you’
‘Where are you from girl?’ asked Joachim ‘Who is your family?’
‘Lady Jasmine is Sir Richards betrothed’ declared the Countess who had been hovering around Jaspar like a bad smell. No doubt she was hoping to claim credit for discovering Jasmine
‘Sir Richard Townshend? He is the finest of our soldiers. It is good to know that he is to marry such a beautiful and brave woman. I’m sure you will breed a new generation of heroes for our commonwealth’ said Duke Henry. Jaspar actually felt her skin crawl as Henry not so covertly gazed at her chest.
‘Where do you hail from Lady Jasmine? Who are your family?’
‘Lady Jasmine is a displaced widow I found working for a wine merchant. I recognised her nobility and introduced her to Sir Richard. The rest they say is history’
‘Leave us Countess. We wish to speak with the lady alone’ When Lady Sascheme spoke you obeyed. The Countess meekly backed away from the table.
‘That woman is such a bore. A schemer all her life. Her son is missing, presumed turned royalist. She cannot be trusted. We should do something about her’ The witch continued in a voice that would not carry.
‘What do you have in mind?’ asked Joachin
‘I am in need of rejuvenation. This body ails me too much. I will take some of her years. That will put her in her place’ Once more Jaspar’s skin crawled. Lady Sascheme was creepy.
‘Not too much. She is still useful’ observed Duke Henry
‘Your story in you own words Lady Jasmine’
Jaspar had to repeat her made up story she had told Marcus Beckhom many months ago, of being a widow fleeing the city who had taken a job as a wet nurse with the wine merchant Simon Muscat. On questioning she declared that her fictitious late husband had been a wine merchant himself. She at least now knew a little bit about the wine business.
Jaspar went on to explain that she had been subsequently hired by the Countess to feed her granddaughter and hence come to know the Countess, who had indeed introduced her to Sir Richard.
‘So that redheaded baby you were with is not your own?’ asked Lady Sascheme.
‘That is the Countess’s granddaughter Lady Brook’ Jaspar wondered how to witch knew of Brook. ‘Mine own child is being cared for back at the house of Master Simon. Now that the ceremonies are complete I should return and feed her’
‘Nonsense! You are the hero of the day. You must stay for the reception. We will have your child bought here’ said Duke Henry
‘Your Grace, I must also feed master Simon’s son Pyotr. He will be hungry as well as the twins….’
‘Hush Lady. Attendant!’ When an attendant approached the Duke told him ‘Have Lady Jasmine’s infants bought to the Keep. She is to be installed in a private room. Get the details off that Countess simmering in the corner’
Lady Sascheme then asked. ‘I am intrigued how you spotted that assassin. Are you of witch stock? Who were your parents?’
Before Jaspar could answer the new Duke and Duchess returned inside. With them were the three groomsmen and the two other bridesmaids. Should Jasper have been on the balcony as well?
Sir Richard approached the dignitaries table. ‘Your excellencies, May I borrow my fiancé for a moment?’
‘Sir Richard. We are delighted with your choice of bride. You may borrow her but when she is finished we would have her back’ said Lady Sascheme. The witch was clearly not yet finished with her interrogation.