𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐄.
chapter fifty- six; Love You So
" God nor the devil could take me from you. Let alone some lowly royals. "

  ELSPETH RECEIVED AN invitation from Mary Stuart the day after she and Demetre's courtship was officially blessed and recognized. She thought it over even as she was getting ready; whether or not to arrive where Mary had summoned Elspeth and her ladies.

  But, eventually, once she was clothed in her finest dress and jewels, decorated her cheeks with rouge and dotted floral perfume on her wrists, Elspeth departed.

  She had Hugo in tow today as Alex was attending to Francis while they prepared for the christening.

  "You look like you're holding your tongue, Hugo," Elspeth pointed out as they walked, "Speak freely, please."

  "I am just happy, Elspeth," Hugo admitted, "For you and Lord Langlois."

  The woman grinned, a bit of a bounce in her step.

  "It's wonderful, isn't it?" She questioned after a moment, "Imagine it now, Hugo. I'll be Lady Langlois."

  Elspeth giggled like a giddy child. She'd never had the same bubble of excitement before, never been too keen on taking a man's name in place of her own, but now it was something that made her feel like a girl dreaming of love.

  "You'll suit the title beautifully, my lady," Hugo said fondly.

  As they approached the doors, Hugo held it open, following after Elspeth.

  And as her thoughts drifted to Demetre, Elspeth recalled a very small part of his story. About a sole guard that survived the attack, the guard that brought him back to the castle.

  "How long did you say you've worked for House Langlois?"

  "Ten years, my lady."

  "Hm."

  Hugo looked at her, furrowing his brows.

  "Is there anyone who has worked for House Langlois for, perhaps, 15 years? Or longer?"

  Hugo suddenly looked very uncomfortable. Shifting his weight and avoiding her eyes as if this would excuse him from answering her.

  "Um-- I believe it is not my place to say, my lady."

  "He's told me about it," She said quietly, "The attack. The Estate. His family. . . I'm simply curious who the guard was. That brought Demetre here."

  Hugo walked quietly beside her for a moment. As they crested a small hill, Elspeth laid eyes on Mary, already with Greer, Kenna, and Lola.

  "It can't be you, unless the truth was hidden," Elspeth said, "To protect you, perhaps."

  Hugo looked at her, his expression softening just barely.

  She knew without his verbal confirmation that she'd landed on the correct conclusion. That a younger Hugo had been the one to save Demetre that night, and had fabricated his history with the House of Langlois to avoid the wrath of anyone connected with the radicals that destroyed the Estate.

  "I'll need your help with something soon enough," Elspeth whispered, "But for now. . . thank you. For saving him, and remaining at his side. I know you needn't be thanked; you're kind enough, and you would've done it regardless of who employed you. But still, I thank you."

  Elspeth gave him another small smile, before departing from his side and joining the ladies.

  "Ellie," Kenna greeted with a grin, quickly embracing the girl, "I heard your courtship with Demetre has been blessed; congratulations."

  "We are truly happy for you," Greer chimed in as Kenna tugged Elspeth over, "I told you; you would need your dowry soon enough."

  Elspeth laughed, "Yes, of course, you were right and I was wrong; I can admit these sorts of things."

  "You'll make such a lovely bride," Lola said with a small smile.

  "Thank you," Elspeth said honestly, her arm still locked with Kenna's.

  And then Elspeth's eyes drifted to Mary. She seemed a bit nervous, her hands clasped at her waist, but her fingers knitted together.

  "Francis has hardly stopped speaking of it," Mary admitted, "He claims to have been waiting for such news from Demetre."

  "I expected nothing less. He pushed the matter before they set out for Calais," Elspeth said, "If I hardly knew any better I'd say Francis was the one searching for a suitor for Demetre."

  The girls laughed at the idea, and for a moment Mary seemed to relax.

  "Now enough about me," Elspeth waved, "What is it you wanted to speak about, Mary?"

  "I'm pregnant."

  The mood rose once again, coos and words of congratulations were said quickly. Even Elspeth, despite their relationship, felt happiness for Mary.

  "That's wonderful," Elspeth said gently, reaching out to squeeze Mary's hand, "I'm so happy for you, Mary."

  "When did you find out?" Lola asked.

  "I've known for a few weeks, but I wanted to be sure," Mary said, "I only told Francis today."

  "That explains the champagne," Greer said, noting the small stone table set with five glasses of the drink.

  "I wanted to share my good fortune," Mary said.

  "A toast," Kenna said as each girl grabbed a glass, "To Mary. May we all be as lucky and fortunate in love."

  The girls clinked their glasses together, taking small sips. Though Kenna's wide grin caused her to spill a bit, and over a fit of laughter Mary brought her over to pour some more.

  "Have you heard from Castleroy?" Lola questioned Greer.

  "Only the most formal and evasive responses to my letters," Greer admitted glumly, "I don't know where we stand with each other."

  Elspeth had been privy to the conflicts between the engaged couple. And that most of them formed in connection to a kitchen boy turned soldier turned landowner.

  She had also been aware that Leith Baynard was back at court, at Francis's request. Elspeth wondered if Francis even knew of his connection to Greer, though Elspeth herself would never be the one to tell him. Leith had been one of the men that fought alongside Francis and Demetre, and had been credited with saving Francis's life.

  He was repaying the man. And in Elspeth's eyes, that alone meant it was worth it.

  "You, however," Greer continued, "You're going to get through this. You will find love again, and now that your son has been publically claimed by the king, you're raised in station."

  "But no longer one of Mary's ladies," Lola reminded, "We keep trying to be our best selves, but it's difficult given the circumstances. The child, what I know people must think. . ."

  "That you're the king's mistress. . . Those who matter know you aren't."

  "Won't help my chances of marrying again. Men will be terrified of angering the king. Not that I'm in a rush to wed. Except. . ."

  "It's only through marriage that we have any standing. Our own homes, access to money."

  "And one hopes, some control over our own lives. . . I shouldn't complain. Especially when there are so many sad stories after the plague. . ."

  "Estelle's plea for help?"

  "Who is Estelle?"

  Lola explained quickly that Estelle was a woman from a nearby village who had helped deliver her child. Her entire family was taken by the plague, and as of yesterday, Lord Narcisse's new wife. Estelle had given Lola a gift, and inside held a small note with only the words 'help me' scrawled onto it.

  "Perhaps her story can have a happier ending," Lola said.

  "Well, we surely cannot stand by while a woman is in trouble," Elspeth said, "Especially at the hands of a man."

  Lola nodded.

  "If you need it, I will help," Elspeth urged, "I'm here."

  Lola thanked her, but their moods shifted as Kenna and Mary returned.

  They spent an hour chatting and drinking and smiling. They talked about Mary's unborn child and Elspeth's courtship with Demetre. They even talked about Scotland.

  And without saying anything, Elspeth could see Mary's grief when Hans was mentioned.

  She would not do Mary favors. She would not be a pawn in any royal or diplomatic games.

  But Elspeth thought, perhaps even if it was only for right now, that they might be able to be friends again.

↬

  Catherine was throwing a banquet the night before the christening, so of course, Elspeth Liens and Demetre Langlois were in attendance.

  "What do you think?"

  And she was asking him for his thoughts on her friendship reforming with Mary.

  "I think she betrayed you in the way only a friend can," Demetre admitted, a bit regretfully, "I think I am a person who does not give second chances."

  She frowned slightly.

  "But I think you have a kind heart. An open mind. . . I think you believe people are capable of change," He said slowly, "And that is why I love you, so."

  Elspeth held his hand tighter.

  "Not to mention she could never harm you in that way again," He said, his wolfish smile returning, "I am only ever yours, Elspeth Liens."

  "It was politics that threw them together. Mary's feelings came after."

  "God nor the devil could take me from you. Let alone some lowly royals."

  "Demetre," Elspeth scolded, though her smile grew.

  "I am simply telling the truth, you've made an honest man of me, Petal," He grinned, lifting their interlocked hands, "Now, I believe it is time for your favorite part of the evening. A dance."

  "You're only suggesting it because Catherine is glaring at you for standing on the sidelines," Elspeth teased as he guided her to the center of the room.

  "True," Demetre admitted, joining in the dance, "I figure if I keep her happy, then she will continue staying away from our union."

  "Why would you want that?"

  "Because Catherine loves you, and she mostly raised me," Demetre said, "We'd have a wedding that rivaled royals, and meddling in our marriage. I prefer us to make our own choices."

  "I do, as well."

  Elspeth smiled, though it turned into a laugh as Demetre scowled, realizing this dance included changing partners.

  She was lucky with whom she found herself with.

  "Louis!" Elspeth said brightly, still laughing at Demetre's sulking expression as he danced with an unfamiliar noblewoman.

  "Elspeth," Louis greeted, his smile forming, "I heard the news of you and Lord Langlois."

  "Yes, I must introduce the two of you," Elspeth said quickly, "How long are you to remain at Court?"

  "Well, I am investigating a matter with the King's Deputy now. . ."

  "Ah, he's quite the man for the job, isn't he?" Elspeth grinned.

  "You know him?"

  "We're close friends," She nodded, "Sebastian is a seeker out of wrongdoings. When I heard of his new title, I nearly laughed at how fitting it is."

  "He has been devoted to the matter," Louis agreed, "I have to admit, I was unsure at first. . . I had heard about his broken-off engagements. Two with the same noblewoman. I have to say, I feel pity for the woman. . . they must have been engaged for love-- marrying an illegitimate son won't provide much."

Elspeth tightened her lips, and only then did Louis put it together.

"You're--"

"The fool in love," Elspeth supplied, swallowing the lump in her throat, "I haven't talked about it much, so I don't wish to dwell, I just--"

  "I'm so terribly sorry, Elspeth."

  And perhaps for the first time, she didn't feel the striking grasp of heartache or embarrassment. Because Louis wasn't looking at her the way Lord Landon had when he'd brought up the same matter.

  He hadn't meant to bring it up, knowing it would strike a cord within her. Louis had simply stumbled into the realization and meant not to offend a new friend.

  "You're already forgiven," She assured gently, "Sebastian was wed to my dearest friend, Lady Kenna. . . I am to wed his dearest friend, Lord Langlois. . . Somehow, I believe this was all part of a grander plan. Because now, the four of us, are friends in a way very few people understand. An unconditional sort of way. . . Kenna likes to say that she and I are an 'Immoveable Force'. I believe that is how all of us are now."

  Louis seemed to relax more with every word she said until he was left with a smile at the end of her speech.

  "You are an optimist in all aspects, then?"

  "I have discovered it is the best way to live," Elspeth admitted, smiling, "Come now, meet Lord Langlois."

  Louis did not argue, their dance slowing until they departed. Demetre quickly let go of his dance partner, approaching the duo instantly.

  "Demetre," Elspeth smiled, holding out a hand that Demetre quickly took, "Meet Louis, Prince of Condé."

  "I've heard many things, but never had the pleasure," Louis said, extending a hand.

  "The feeling is mutual," Demetre said, shaking the man's hand, but his stony expression had fallen into place.

  "Louis was just congratulating me on our courtship," Elspeth said, her smile growing tight.

  Demetre understood rather instantly that this was a threat from Elspeth Liens.

  "That is very kind of you, Louis," Demetre smiled, "Come, let us drink and chat."

  Louis nodded, departing from Elspeth only to follow Demetre.

  And the woman smiled, pleased with Demetre's acceptance of the friendship.

  "Darling, I've been taken with business, but do not fear, once everything has calmed, you will have my sole attention."

Elspeth jumped at Catherine's voice, only to relax into a smile when the woman grabbed her hands, grinning.

  "You've been awaiting it, too, then?"

  "I've been awaiting a match for Demetre since he was fifteen years of age," Catherine admitted, "Though, I am glad he waited until you."

  Elspeth smiled fondly, allowing Catherine to link their arms.

  "Now, I'm seeing it already. Your dress will be. . ."

  And Elspeth let Catherine describe things far too grandiose for her taste, while Demetre chatted with Louis and formed a real friendship of his own. Because things were happy. Peaceful and happy, and Elspeth figured she could live life like this forever.

( AUTHOR'S NOTE. )
Demetre pouting is my new favorite
thing if I'm completely honest