The Appalling Strangeness of the Mercy of God [M - Hannelorian x DuchessLivilla]

[Hannelorian]

Arabella rose silently and nodded in acceptance of her husband's command. Taking several steps backward she came to a stop and spoke softly, but clearly and able to be heard. "The child is not a royal bastard. She was never pregnant. She's not that good. And your son. He loves the harlot too much to do that to her."

The wife, thoroughly humbled dropped to a deep and respectful curtsy. "Your Majesty." She spoke the words and back out of the room, her hand deftly reaching behind her to the handle to open it and stepping through, closing the doors behind her silently. The Queen looked down in disappointment, her face only for a moment showing how displeased she had been. She could never do anything right by that man. She followed the rules, he was unhappy. She rebelled, he was unhappy. Perhaps it would have been easier to simply summon the executioner and rest her head on the block.

By the time Graves had arrived at her side, Arabella had already composed herself, no signs of distress at all. "I think I shall play cards with my ladies tonight." Graves nodded his head, after all this time he had served her, even he a mere Guard was able to tell when something was wrong, but he said nothing and simply followed behind the Queen as he made her way to the parlor where her ladies were gathered.

--

"He doesn't believe you're pregnant my darling." Arthur reminded his wife quietly. Something that Arthur could hardly fathom, it seemed so unreasonable that the King of all people didn't know what a genuine pregnancy looked like. "When you actually produce a child, I am not even sure what will happen. He might shatter beyond all repair." Well, Arthur knew his father was already beyond repair, but this might be a whole other kind of unhinged.

"But you are right, you must consent to their wishes and birth at Windsor. I'll have as many of my men on the grounds as I can to make sure we have the ability to walk back out, child in hand." It was painful to think he might not be able to protect her there. That would be the worst fate of all, and he deeply suspected that his father or Arabella would be willing to sacrifice the child, or even Alex, or both to achieve their means.

It wouldn't be long before they had arrived home.

--

"I am beginning to agree Thomas." Alice detested the thought of leaving the Princess. But was this world truly safe for her and her husband? It didn't seem likely. "Arabella used to hint that war was coming..." Alice spoke softly but with grave concern. "I am inclined to believe she is correct. There is no peaceable outcome, not without much bloodshed." If it did come to that, Alice would feel truly awful, the worst of her kind in considering leaving her best friend behind, the woman she owed everything to.

"But first we must marry... And before that, I need a hot bath and a warm bed. Damn what everyone says." Alice was determined in her voice, and started to more personally understand how Alex felt most of the time. Arabella's games were wicked, the King's were worse.

[DuchessLivilla]

Alexandra looked out the window and sighed as the dark night flitted by, sometimes lit by the odd streetlamp or light from a window. "I do not think he knows what he will do from one moment to the next, never mind so far ahead. If he were a woman, he could be locked away and forgotten for even half of what he does...Because he is a man with a crown, the world tiptoes around him, encourages and rewards his behaviour. My poor sister," she added, closing her eyes. "What did he do to her?"

-

There was little they could do about Arabella though, and instead, the second they arrived home, both set about their plan; Arthur writing to his boyhood chaplain, a man he could trust and the one who had inspired in him a love of a God...not a fear, and Alexandra wrote to Alice and Thomas jointly, telling them of the plan.

"Dearest Friends,

I must beg your forgiveness for what you experienced tonight and I thank you both from the bottom of my heart for your actions. Things have, as you saw, gone too far now and both myself and Arthur believe you must marry, tomorrow at the latest. We beg of you, come here tomorrow, before dawn. Arthur has sent for a trusted priest.

I know it is not the wedding you would wish for, nor what you deserve, but I fear if we do not move fast, you might be robbed of the chance to wed at all. Alice, you, currently, have only myself and Arthur as allies, and you saw how we are thought of...Married, you will be a Duchess, and the Duke can and will, I am sure, protect you far more than we can. Married also, you cannot be put aside easily, even if the Duke is commanded, he has his vows on his side, and God.

You may have to leave England for a time, afterwards, I am not sure, but I would much rather know you are married to the man you love, and safe out of here, than mourn your loss as a trusted friend for me in England. You must, I beg of you, put yourselves first in this.

Please come as swiftly as you can in the morning. I am so sorry your wedding gown is not ready, but I shall make sure you look every inch the bride.

I hope you are well...I...I think my heart is breaking. I feel as if I witnessed my sister's death.

Your ever loving friend,
Alex.



She dispatched it at once. Chances are it would be waiting for Alice and Thomas when they arrived; the Wales's messenger would ride as swiftly as he could. Alexandra then retired to bed, standing numbly as her maids undressed her. She scarcely had the energy to lift am arm to help, but the young girls sensed her distress and did it all.

Once in her nightgown, her hair lose and let down, she sought out her husband in his room, the pair of them retreating to bed and sleeping in one another's arms, as if worried they would be parted in their sleep.

--

Thomas sighed and stroked her hand. "I know, Alice. I know. War is surely coming. If I were Arthur, and the only way to protect my wife and child, I would raise every banner I could and wage such a war. I would not even feel guilty for it." He smiled sadly at her. "If I was in his place, and you in Alexandra's, I would do the same. I would take up a sword myself and do the deed."

He leant over and kissed her cheek gently, "My home is your home, Alice. Treat it as such." He bit his lip and then said, in a nervous rush, "Alice, I do not want you to think I believe the nonsense the King said. I know you are a good and honourable woman, and you love the Princess too much to betray her with her husband. As for Arthur, the same. He would never betray her. I am sorry," he shook his head, "I just did not want you to worry about it. I shouldn't have even said anything."

[Hannelorian]

"I would have never thought that you believed it..." Alice confided in Thomas, still revealing no further clues or indications that she was aware of the child's true parentage. As it would turn out, even she would be wrong about the father whom she had assumed, for God only knew what reason, that it was Richard. "Arthur truly would never turn from Alexandra. He's madly in love with her, and she with him." Alice gazed out of the window into the night sky. "How did it come to this Thomas? How has everything gone so upside so quickly?" Alice's voice carried a tone of sadness and despair.

"And don't dare with this whole... I should have never said anything nonsense. Of course you should have." Alice had learned a great deal from Alexandra, and for that she was grateful. Alice had observed and learned to be an open mind and a kind soul. She held a great respect for her fiance.

As soon as the couple arrived at Thomas' estate, the courier of the Prince and Princess of Wales was just departing, riding off into the night. Alice thought it curious, she recognized him and knew immediately who he was. Alice pointed him out. "He belongs to the Wales'. We better hurry inside." Once they were inside the main entrance, a butler was standing there with a letter in hand, and unquestioning of Alice's presence, he handed her the letter which she tore open.

"Thomas..." She spoke, looking at her fiance. "Alexandra... and Arthur. They us to marry... tomorrow morning before dawn at Marlborough House."

[DuchessLivilla]

Thomas came over and read the letter over her shoulder. He could not help but give a little smile. "The Princess really is too good for this court...Any other country would welcome her ways." He placed a hand on Alice's shoulder, "She is right though, Alice, I fear." He turned her so she faced him and cupped her cheek. "It will not be, as she says, the wedding you deserve, but I would wed you in a tomb if it meant I was yours.

He smiled again then said, "For now, let us rest. Come with me, I shall show you to your rooms. They were my mothers when she was Duchess but you are free to think of them as yours." He blushed, "After all, they will be in a few hours." He led her up the stairs and along the gallery that had the grand, yet shabby look of most old houses.

Thomas smiled, "You are free too...if you wish, to change anything in the house. I have little attachment to it all. It's very much my father's style. There's a few bits that should be kept but just let me know."

He reached a dark wood door and opened it up. Inside was a ladies sitting room, white wood panelled, edged in gold. The furniture -Louis the XIV style of course- was all in shades of peach and gold, with paisley and flower motifs in abundance. The pink marble fireplace was adorned with two statues, Greek idealised-style of a man and a woman, presumably the former Duchess and her husband...done in days gone by when they liked one another.

Thomas sighed and looked about. The room was polished, clean and spotless, as if the Duchess had just left -kept so by the maids- but for Thomas it was full of rather awkward memories...Standing on the rug there, being told he had, once again, let his father down. "If you like the style, feel free to keep it," he said, "But I would not mind if you wished to change it all," he chuckled. "My mother was a fan of the styles of Marie Antoinette, and so it is all...rather over the top, French style. Though, ironically, it is now rather in fashion with the court once again!"

He walked across the room and opened a white door that lead to the bedroom, with a further two doors beyond that; one leading to the dressing room for the Duchess, with a bathroom off of it, and the other to a smaller room that...once, would have been where Alice, as Lady's maid, lived. Now she would have her own maid and these grand rooms were hers. It was quite the switch!

The bedroom was done in similar vein to the living room, with a matching fireplace, chaise at the foot of the bed and so on. The bed itself was a grand affair with lavish curtains and a canopy, held up by carved wooden poles. The baseboard and headboard were covered in matching fabric to the chaise and chairs, and curtains. At the top of each pole was a onion dome, supporting several feathers...Too much, was indeed an apt name for it all.

It was, or rather would have been, to anyone who had seen the paintings done of the former Queen of France's room, clear to the detail that the previous Duchess had modelled her room on the Queen's! Whereas it suited the Queen, and her surroundings...It felt far too much for this room.

Thomas smiled coyly and shrugged. "I do not like it myself, but really, if you do, you may keep it. And if not, I hope it will suit for tonight." He gestured to the dressing room door. "Through there is a dressing room and beyond that a bathroom. I'll have the maids fill a bath for you...Um..."

It was clear, rather sweetly, that the young Duke had no idea what was expected of him in this situation and that, beyond his mother and maids, he had never been in a bedroom, alone, with a woman. It was making him blush rather scarlet. "Umm...do you...Um...Are you hungry?" he settled on, almost desperately. "I could get cook to make up a tray?"

[Hannelorian]

Entering the private world of the former Duchess of Kent was an eye opening experience. Alice had never really seen such splendor. The decor, which apparently was like Versailles in micro, was a kind of glamour not even seen in the Queen's chambers at the assorted palaces. Arabella's tastes paled in comparison really, it seemed so dark and tame. This was extraordinarily vivid, ornate, not a single detail was ever missed. It was overwhelming. "It's like a fantasy world." Alice let slide as she moved along the enfilade, room after room each one more grand than the last.

"Did anyone ever tell your mother what happened to Marie Antoinette in the end?" Alice's eyes darted from one object to the next. This didn't really feel like her life. Not at all. It was a far cry from where she had come from, but seemed to be exactly where she was going. "She is right. Alexandra is right we have to marry before the King has a chance to act against us, against them." Everything felt so dire, like the world could come to an end at any moment and this happiness Alice had finally found would be ripped from her. So cruelly and violently ripped away, and then death would be a mercy more than anything else.

"The decoration matters little..." Alice found her thoughts were something of a complete jumble. Some things were clear as crystal and others as clear as mud. "I'm not sure I'd want to wipe your mother from the map." Alice looked around some more and sighed before moving to wrap her arms around Thomas. "Let us be married, and then forget this awful place. At least until it has ended. And I need no food, all I wish is to rest... we don't have long now."

[DuchessLivilla]

Thomas smiled as she looked around. He wanted to give her the best, of anything and everything. She could have the room coated in diamonds, if she wished. She deserved it. "I shall leave it up to you, sweetheart," he blushed as the pet-name slipped out. "You may keep it as it is, change it, knock down walls, do whatever you wish...If it makes you happy, I am happy."

He embraced her and closed his eyes, taking comfort in her closeness, the scent of her hair, her very being. He understood now, fully, what the Prince of Wales had and why, if he had ever doubted it, the man was willing to do anything to safeguard it. "I shall make arrangements...We shall take a long honeymoon." He did not wish to stop the embrace but knew time was limited and so, with regret, pulled back a little and cupped her cheek.

"Let me call your maids," he said, smiling, before he parted from her and walked to the cord by the fireplace and pulled it. Unheard by them, a bell rang down in the servants corridor, alerting them that a cord had been pulled in 'The Duchess's Parlour' for the first time in many a year.

Within minutes three maids appeared at the door and curtsied to the couple. Thomas turned and smiled. "Ah, thank you...Could you see to it that a bath is run for Lady Alice? And the fire lit in her bedroom. She wishes to retire."

"Yes, your Grace," one maid said, nodding. The three disappeared next door to get everything ready.

Thomas chuckled softly. "I am still not used to that. Your Grace...it was always my father. I received a letter a few days ago address to 'the Duke of Kent' and for a second I was baffled as to why the footman was handing it to me." He smiled at her. "Though, I hope and trust, husband shall be an easier title to grow used to. I confess, for all I am grieved you shall not have the wedding you deserve and I wished to give you, I am..." he blushed, "Rather pleased that this time tomorrow I shall have the great honour of belonging to you."

[Hannelorian]

"I have... maids?" As the three women entered Alice almost seemed to be in disbelief. This was the part of her life, or rather her life to come that had not quite sunk in just yet. She was now one of those society ladies who had everything provided to her, done for her, and like clockwork the three women had disappeared to journey forth and follow orders from their master, the Duke of Kent. It was entirely surreal and didn't completely make sense yet to Alice. But perhaps it would in time. "I should think wife shall be an easier title to adjust to than Duchess." Despite living and working for a Duchess, later Queen and a noble woman later the Princess of Wales, Alice wasn't even sure what she was supposed to do with such a title other than keep house.

"Thomas." Alice said rather softly, quietly. "My only dream for my wedding is to stand beside you and become one with you. I don't need the elaborate celebrations and the pageantry and guests. I have you. That's all I've ever wanted. It will be perfect because we're there." Alice was something of a romantic at heart, and all that mattered to her was love, not the show of it. This was a moment for them and no one else. Even if it happened sooner than either party had planned.

"Get some rest my love. I shall as well, and come the morning we'll be off and on our way." Alice was smitten and full of smiles. Even if a part of her feared for the worst, what if the King's men stopped their carriage while they were on the road? What if one of them was harmed? It was too ghastly. "I would rather need your assistance in finding something to wear. I'd hate to burden the Princess by having to use one of her gowns."

[DuchessLivilla]

"Wife..." Thomas smiled shyly, looking younger than he was -though he looked young anyway- before he nodded. "Indeed. All we need is each other. I thank God daily for sending you to me. I have no idea what I did to deserve it but I am so thankful."

He kissed her hand then laughed. "Oh, sweetheart, I am utterly convinced her Highness shall be awake long before we arrive, going through every gown she owns to find one that will suit. You need not worry about it being a burden. Princess Alexandra, I think, is a force of nature. I am mildly convinced she could, if she wished, order the very weather to her will. But if you wish, you may have the pick of any of the gowns in my collection downstairs? They are not in fashion, of course, but some are very beautiful. It is your choice."

The Duke smiled again and, clearly not wishing to be, yet knowing he must, he kissed her hand once more and took his leave.

-

One of the maids was next-door, lighting the fire in the bedroom and the other two were preparing the bath. When Alice drifted into the room, the girl smiled and rose from her task. "Do you need help with your gown, my Lady?" She asked, brushing her hands on her apron. "The bath shant be long I'm sure..."

[Hannelorian]

"Thank you..." Alice spoke softly as she was now left alone with her maids. Alice raised her arms as she had seen the Princess and Queen do on a great many occasions. Gently the maids worked to withdraw the gown from her body. "Might I ask what your names are?" Alice swallowed hard, feeling suddenly uncomfortable, even though at Marlborough House, Alice had enjoyed the service of a few maids. But that all seemed temporary, like a guest accommodation for a friend but this was now the real thing. These were the women who were going to be her very own maids for the foreseeable future.

"Marianne, my Lady." The first maid responded with something of a smile. She was not nervous, and was a bit older than Alice, but younger than Alexandra. Alice nodded her head.

"Siobhan and Helen are the others." Marianne continued completing the introduction as was asked by their new Lady.

"Did you all serve the previous Duchess?" Alice was at a loss of what to ask really. The bath had been made ready and Alice was lead to it, her slip removed before she sank beneath the water.

"No my Lady, she had passed before we came to serve. His Grace's father, the late Duke employed us in anticipation of His Grace's eventual marriage."

Alice nodded, as she relaxed and eventually moved to sleep for the evening, resolving to wear something of Alexandra's choosing for her own wedding. The next morning before even the sun could break through the clouds, the doors to her room were opened and Marianne had returned to wake Alice who had not really slept at all that night. So consumed with worries for her beloved, for her friends, for her own future.

"Is His Grace ready?" Alice asked as she was now redressed, but this time only in a simple gown.

"He is downstairs." Marianne replied, offering Alice tea as she prepared to descend.

[DuchessLivilla]

Thomas had not slept well himself, either, and around 3 in the morning he had given up spent the next few hours before dawn going through all the gowns he had in his collection. He did not have many, but he had a few...The Red Russian Court dress he had shown Alice at their supper included. He came across another, still packed away, that might suit.

It was beautiful; a silken underskirt in white, almost shining, overlaid with a deep green bodice that shaped the waist and bust. The skirt was open, to show off the white underskirt, and a long, circular train in matching green. The details picked out all over with silver threads.

The gown was not a wedding gown...But it was beautiful, and had white upon it. He had a set of emeralds too, and a diadem to match. Thomas was sure the Princess had a veil; together they could do Alice proud. Of course, he would leave it up to her though. He carried the box into the entrance hall and left it on the sideboard to await her coming down. If it was not to her tastes, they would go without it and see what the Princess had in mind.

He picked his own suit and waistcoat, with his pocket watch -handed from father to son, down the generations- and signet ring. This he weighed in his hand a time. He had not yet worn it...Not since it came to him, as Duke. He swallowed. He remembered his father and this ring, looking so large to him as a child. It carried the weight of the Dukedom to him; of duty and honour and...

Thomas gave a smile. Family. Yes. Family. His father and mother had had a terrible match and only tolerate each other. He would do better. He would bring honour back to his family. He put the ring on his left little finger. He glanced at the finger next to it and smiled. Soon enough, another ring would join it next door. He would be a husband. He only hoped he did the title justice.

Finally, not long before they were due to leave, he dressed in a travelling suit -having his wedding suit stowed in the waiting carriage so he would not arrive crumpled- and sent word to Alice's maids he was downstairs when she was ready, though she need not rush. He did not want her more nervous than she likely already was.

He had to admit, he was nervous himself, and yet a little excited. It was much like a story...The young couple running away to marry in secret. Though this time it was not from a judging parent but from the King. That made him shiver and paced back and forth, sometimes glancing at the box that contained the gown and sometimes at the door, beyond which waited their carriage.