Love in 1661...

Posted on Wed Oct 13th, 2021 @ 2:47pm by Vice-Consul Josephine Carlyle-Cragen & Kyle Cragen [Reece]

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Earth, Old England, Various Locations
Timeline: 6 August, 1661
4712 words - 9.4 OF Standard Post Measure

Sir Cragen was moving quietly through the castle after speaking with the King. Having just returned from a clandestine mission to Spain, he had just advised His Majesty on how things seemed to be going down there. He had also reported that a certain noble, who had been bad-mouthing the King, had been silenced, permanently.

King Charles II had been very pleased to hear this news. So pleased, he had rewarded Cragen with a plot of land in northern Scotland. He was gifted three hundred acres of land near Shegra, to do with as he pleased. The King also made a declaration that the entire property would belong to the House Cragen, in perpetuity. The only two stipulations were that Sir Cragen would, and his heirs, would remain steadfast protectors of the Realm, and a modest tax would be paid every year.

So, thusly rewarded, Sir Cragen moved through the castle, relishing the feeling of such accomplishment. As he moved past the grand court hall though, he was stopped dead in his tracks. His eyes had locked on a vision of indescribable beauty.

There, in the middle of the hall, standing next to another man, surrounded by other members of the court, was the most beautiful woman he had yet laid eyes upon. Knowing that he couldn't just go up to her, he called over one of his pages. Pulling out a bit of paper and a charcoal pencil, Kyle wrote a quick message, requesting the honor of her company, out on the south lawn. He then folded the note and handed it to the young boy. Who, in turn, scurried off to deliver the message from his master.

Josephine was totally unwilling to engage in this stupidity. She did attend these things because James insisted. He wanted power at court and she, as his sister was apart of that. she sipped the champagne and avoided yet another grasping hand from a noble as she smiled politely and moved towards the wall.

A page came up to her and handed her a folded piece of parchment. Sighing she flipped it open and studied it. Ser Cregan. A man being feted like James wanted to be feted. Josephine considered her options and moved out the nearest door towards the east lawn. Maybe she could learn some times to convince James that this was a bad idea.

Kyle saw the woman exit the castle and begin to move slowly through the east garden. As he was the only man, standing alone, he felt that she would surmise that he was the one who sent the note. So he waited, by the pond, for her to approach.

Josephine moved silently, hating the gown she wore, even though, she admitted it was a pretty dress in hunter green. It was fashionable and showed her family 'rank' but she hated it. Hated the corsets and the shoes that pinched. Slowly she rounded a hedge and came to the otherside of the pond. She noted the man, her eyes watchful.

Smiling to himself, Kyle bowed respectfully. "My Lady. Ser Kyle Cragen, Kyle, at your pleasure. And you are?"

She dropped her own curtsey "Lady Josephine Humphreys" She replied, her accent softer than a normal londoner.

Kyle chuckled softly. He could tell by her inflections and accent, she wasn't from London. "That is your name in there, when you are in the cell that they force you to live in. What is your name out here, where you can be free?"

"Sir?" she asked curiously. "My name is what I have told you"

James had seen Josephine talking with a stranger who he later found out was Sir Kyle Cragen. Wandering over to the two, he spoke, " I see you find my sister interesting. You show good taste." He stuck out his right hand "James Humphreys, advisor to the King."

Something about this man made Kyle immediately dislike him. However, as he was Josaphine's brother, he had to, at least, be polite. Reaching out, he grasped James' forearm. "Ser Kyle Cragen, Defender of the Realm." He didn't need to know any more than that. Kyle had seen 'advisors' come and go like the spring and winter. This man was no different. "And were do you and your fair sister hail from, Mister Humphreys? That clan is unfamiliar to me...and I know them all."

"We come from and our home is Hever castle. Hever Castle is located in the village of Hever, Kent, near Edenbridge, 30 miles south-east of London, England. We inherited the castle after the civil war and Charles was restored to his rightful place as king." James replied smoothly.

Josephine stepped back from her 'brother' silently. She kept her eyes moving around the garden.

"And how is it the Hever Castle was inherited to you? The Humphries's died with no children, nor any family to speak of?" As he spoke, Kyle noticed Josephine's discomfort towards her brother. "So I ask again. Where is it that you hail from. Because, I warn you, your dialect does not ring true of Kent. I know, for I was born in Kent."

Josephine merely let her lips curve. "That is true Sir. We are distant relations of the late Lord Humphries's grandfather. His brother is our great grandfather. Our father raised us in France. Thus why our english is different."

Looking over to Josephine, Kyle switched to flawless French, with a Parisienne accent. "I see. Well then, may I be the first to welcome you to Court, my lady. If you would forgive my forwardness, I wish to dine with you. Perhaps we could enjoy dinner at my home, on the morrow?"

She responded with perfect french, dialect and syntax showing she was raised in the Bordeaux Region. "Sir that is highly improper."

James listened as this Cragen propositioned Josephine. He was about to interrupt but she stopped him with her reply just as a proper lady would.

"Perhaps," Kyle replied, switching dialects to match hers. "I can have a chaperone present, should that help ease your discomfort?"

Josephine looked at him and then to James. She tilted her head and said "Brother?" In french.

"Perhaps Josephine. Perhaps I should be the chaperone that Sir Cragen is proposing." James replied in french.

"Monsieur," Kyle spoke up. "I was actually proposing my housekeeper, Missus O'Brady, to be said chaperone." He then turned his eyes to Josaphine. "If it pleases you, my lady."

"I see." James replied not pleased with that idea at all.

Josephine considered. "My own maid will attend as well" She said calmly, falling back into her english. "And here at the court of Saint James, we should remember to use English. One would not want to wind up in the kings dungeons."

Kyle nodded, smiled and bowed slightly. "As you wish, my lady. I shall send my driver and carriage for you on the morrow." He bowed again. "Until then. Good evening." He then turned and walked away, leaving Josaphine and James alone in the garden.

Josephine watched him go and kept her face neutral. Then she linked arms with James and said "Escort me in Brother?"

"Of course Sister." James replied pleasantly as he linked arms with Josephine a smile on his face, all while thinking on Sir Kyle Cragen defender of the realm. He would have to do some investigating on his own.


***The Next Evening***

True to his word, an elegantly appointed carriage pulled up in front of Josephine's home, and the doorman popped down and opened the door, lowering the steps, and then standing upright, at rigid attention, as the final strike of five in the evening.

Josephine exited the house, her maid in tow, a long cloak over her gown of teal blue. She had ummed and ahhed about this, but she wanted to know why this man was so intent on her. She was not about to get involved with anyone no matter how good looking.

As they approached, the doorman bowed smartly, then offered his right hand to aide Josephine and her maid up into the comfortable cabin.

She accepted the hand and stepped up into the carriage. Her maid followed her into it in silence.

Once both women were securely inside, the doorman folded up the steps and then closed and latched the door. He then hustled back up onto the rear station of the carriage as the driver snapped the reins, spurring the twin horses into motion.

Josephine kept her silence as the carriage was driven through the cobble streets of London. Her maid sat in the same silence however she was peeking out the windows. When the carriage stopped, she knew they were in a suitable part of London.

Even before the carriage stopped moving, the doorman was leaping down and reaching for the door, as the driver expertly stopped all forward motion with the carriage door directly facing the front door of a massive home.

As the doorman deftly opened the carriage door and folded down the steps, the front door to the mansion swung in and a distinguished looking older man matched smartly down the steps and extended his right hand to Josephine.

"M'Lady," he spoke with a thick Scottish brogue. "On behalf of his Lordship, please allow me to be the first to welcome you to Cragen Manor."

Josephine allowed him to help her down and she paused a step from the carriage as her maid stepped down. "Thank you sir." She said with her polite tone and a company smile.

Once both women were out if the carriage, the man said, "My name is Barnaby, M'Lady. I am the butler and personal aide to his Lordship. If you would please follow me, I will escort you to the formal sitting room. There, you may rest, have some drink, and relax until dinner is ready."

"Thank you Barnaby," Josephine said softly. "Will his Lordship be joining us?".

"Yes, Ma'am," he replied as he led the women deeper into the mansion. "He will be down presently."

The room he led them to was well appointed and very elegant. Josephine's maid waited until her Lady was sitting on a couch before taking up her post by the wall on a straight backed chair.

"Should either of you require anything, please do not hesitate to ring." Barnaby indicated the pull sash, mounted to the wall adjacent to the door they had entered through." He then bowed again and left the room, quietly closing the door behind him.

Josephine looked around in silence, wishing that she was not waiting, and that this was done with. She kept her hands clenched in her lap as her gaze took in the paintings and the sword on the mantle.

A few moments later, the door opened and Kyle strode in, wearing a tasteful, yet appropriate suit for the evening's activity. "My apologies, ladies," he said as he bowed respectfully. "I was detained by a message from the King, which I had to reply to immediately. I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long?"

Josephine stood as he entered the room, "no, of course you didn't. The king must be the priority."

Looking back up, Kyle smiled warmly when he saw Josephine. "My lady," he said as he bowed again, a little slower this time, as he locked eyes with her. "You look absolutely resplendent in that dress! I am truly honored to have you in my home."

She gave the proper curtsey. "Thank you sir," she said softly. "You have a lovely home Sir." She was not fully confident that this was a good idea, chaperone or not.

Kyle took the compliment gentlemanly. He tilted his head forward slightly. "Thank you. I've owned it for quite a few number of years, one home of many, actually. I use this one whenever I am in London. Though, I prefer my home up north, away from the hustle and bustle of city life." He paused briefly, before asking, "If I may be so bold as to ask, which do you prefer, city or countryside?"

"I prefer the country, but my brother requires a hostess until he weds, thus my duty is with him in London." Josephine replied.

Kyle nodded understandingly. "Then, I take it, there are no current suiters for your affections?" He silently hoped that there weren't. From the moment he saw her face, he knew that she was the one for him. However, he would not rush into anything. He wanted to do this correctly.

"Oh there are always offers" She said vaguely. "But my brother has refused them all."

Kyle grinned slightly and dipped his head again. "Then it seems that I need to gain his favor, for Lady Josephine, I do wish to court you. I only hope that, should I indeed gain your brother's favor, that you will deem me worthy of your attention."

Knowing James, she doubted it would be that easy but she gave a small smile at that. At least it would be entertaining to watch. She chose then to ask a question. "Do you like animals Sir?"

Kyle nodded and smiled as he replied. "I do, indeed. I have several stables. I have a dozen horses, one being my prize stallion, Hermes. I also have several dogs, some for hunting and some for my homes. In fact, if you'd like, I could call in the two house dogs now? They're quite friendly."

Josephine nodded "I have a couple of dogs myself. I like animals."

Kyle smiled softly. "Then, please excuse me." He stepped over to the door and opened it. He then whistled a peculiar warbling whistle, not too shrill and a little melodic.

In seconds, the sounds of barking and running, well, galloping would be more accurate, was heard out in the hall. Kyle made a face and hand gesture and the ruckus stopped almost immediately. "Friends," he said in a commanding tone. He then opened the door more.

In walked two huge Irish Wolfhounds, both fully grown. One was slate grey, they other more black, with a few tiny points of white. "Atlas and Minerva," Kyle introduced proudly. They travel everywhere in the kingdom with me." He looked at the two, who were by his side. "Go on, greet."

With happy wagging tails, they both made a beeline for Josephine, licking her hands and nuzzling up under them to get a petting.

The smile that wreathed her face for a moment was a true smile but it was quickly replaced with the polite company smile. She patted the two dogs readily and called them gorgeous easily.

Her maid stayed back, wary of larger dogs.

Kyle saw Josephine's true smile in that instant. To say it warmed his heart would be an understatement. To him, it was as if an angel has smiled. She was so beautiful. She also seemed quite intelligent, even for a human woman of the time. He knew that she just might be the woman he's been looking for to marry and bare his children. He would have to tread carefully and see how things go.

Before he could say anything, his butler quietly entered the room and politely cleared his through. "Begging your pardon, m'Lord. Dinner is ready."

Turning Kyle smiled. "Thank you, Barnaby. On our way." He then turned back and gave another warbling whistle. The dogs stopped there hunt for affection and sat on their haunches, looking at their master. "Kennels." He said sharply.

Both dogs moved smartly out of the room, heading their room to eat and rest until called upon again.

Once they were gone, Kyle moved over to Lady Josaphine and extended his left elbow to her. "Shall we?"

She took his elbow placing her fingers lightly on his sleeve. "Lead on Sir."

A soft grin on his face, Kyle escorted Lady Josaphine and her maid through his home, giving them a brief tour of what was displayed as they went. His tone and manner wasn't that of an obnoxious lord who thought he was above others. It was, instead, honest and open.

Finally, they reached the dining room. The furnishings inside were quite refined, yet tasteful. The large dining table was immaculately set and decorated. There were four place settings made. "As I initially offered, I have asked my maid to sit in as a chaperone as well," he said to Josephine as he led her to her seat, pulling it out for her. "I hope that does not offend in any way?"

"No of course not," She said taking the seat he offered. Her maid moved to sit opposite the other maid.

Kyle gently pushed her chair in, then moved to the opposite side of the table. As he sat, he signalled for the service to begin. "So, Lady Josephine, please tell me why Ive never seen you in court?"

"As I said earlier, my brother requires a hostess. It was not so urgent in the months after the Kings coronation, but now as his profile grows.. thus does his need for a hostess."

Nodding slowly, he then asked, "If I may be so bold, why has your brother turned away the suiters who have sought your hand?"

"He has never explained his reasons to me Sir. And I am not that eager to ask."

"Oh?" This intrigued Kyle. "And why is that, if I may ask?"

"I enjoy my life as it is. Yes, if My brother marries I will need to leave our home, but I have my own inheritances and a home in south of france to retreat to. And to be honest Sir, the gentlemen of England do not.. intrigue me."

This surprised Kyle. "I see. Well, I hope that I am able to change your mind, at least as far as one English gentleman is concerned." He took a sip of his wine as the servants brought out the appetizers. "Please, tell me of your interests. What do you do that makes you happy?"

"I enjoy reading, and collecting books. I have restored the library in our home, it was badly damaged during the wars. I enjoy spending time there." She said as she sipped her own wine.

This caused Kyle to light up. "Ah! A fellow scholar! Well, perhaps, after dinner is over, you will allow me to show you my library. It is quite extensive in its inventory. Some of my volumes date back to the 1400s."

She nodded, interest clear in her eyes. "I have been collecting books since I was a little girl, I had to leave some in our house in the south of France. Too heavy to bring with us."

Nodding, Kyle responded. "If only there were a way to make the books smaller and lighter. Of course then, the Church might lose it's monopoly on being educated. The masses might be more able to learn to read, if the books themselves were made more inexpensively."

She sipped her wine. "Do not say that too loudly, some of the Lords will have you in chains."

Chuckling softly, Kyle raised his wine glass and saluted her. "I thank you for your words of concern, my good Lady. I shall do as you request, if only to keep you from worrying unnecessarily."

She merely nodded gracefully. "Do you attend services My Lord?"

Kyle chagrinned slightly. "Not as much as I should, I fear. However, I have a special dispensation from the King. Besides, When I am unable to attend formal services, I do pray in my private chapel."

"Ah a pity, we have our own pew in Westminster, James is often too busy to attend but I always do."

His features brightening, Kyle moved closer to Josephine. "If you would allow me to do so, I would be honored to join you?"

"I attend the morning service on Sundays, would you be available then?" She queried. James would be pissed but she knew they had to maintain the facade.

Kyle dipped his head in thanks. "I will be there, My Lady. You have my word."

The footmen moved about collecting the used dishes and replacing them with the next course.

"If there is one book, which you don't already possess, that you would desire most, which would it be?"

She lowered her lashes for a moment in thought then said "I have heard from an antique dealer in the center of London about an illuminated text dating from King Henry the 8th's reign, it concerns the division of lands after the War of the Roses which his majesty's father won. My family has a lot of history and I seek to preserve it. Not really a role for women I know, but my Brother is so busy assisting King Charles that I must, until he weds, make sure the family history is kept. And our family fought on the side of the Tudors."

Kyle thought for a moment, then signaled the closest footman to approach. "Go to my study. As you enter, third bookshelf on the right, fourth shelf from the bottom, second book from the left. Bring it quick."

The footman bowed, and replied. "At once, M'Lord!" He then scurried out of the room, in search of what his master required.

"Give him a few moments, My Lady."

Josephine raised an eyebrow. "You have a copy?" she asked softly.

Kyle tried to keep the smile from his face. "Well..." he began, but was interrupted when the footman returned, carrying a large tome, which was wrapped in a cloth.

"Ah!" Kyle rose from his place and moved over to take the book from his footman. Holding it to his chest, he turned to face Josaphine, a chesire grin on his face. "A copy?" He asked as he placed the book on the table by her place, carefully unwrapping the protective cloth. "No, not a copy. The original." He then stepped aside, to allow her to see it better.

She stared but clasped her fingers together so not to touch it. The book had no value as it was priceless. "You are extremely lucky." she said softly.

Kyle smiled softly as he watched Josaphine admire the classic tome. She was truly a special woman. Though she had wealth and position, she didn't seem all that interested in either. Her interests seemed fly entrenched in real things, and real people. There was a part of him that wanted to tell her who he really was. However, he held his tongue. Instead, he simply said, "It's yours."

Josephine shook her head "Oh No Sir, I could not, such an item is not to be just given away. " She put her hands in her lap. "You should keep it safe it is priceless."

Kyle gave her a reassuring smile. "I know that you are someone who would properly care for and respect the book for what it is."

"I would but it is too expensive a gift for me to accept, Sir." she gave him a true smile.

"Nonsense," Kyle replied. "It is your recognition of its worth which makes you the perfect owner of it."

She shook her head. "I would love it, but I cannot accept it." She was honest.

Sighing softly, Kyle seemed a little disappointed. However, he quickly put the emotion away, as he did not want to ruin the young evening. "Very well. However, I will simply hold it for now, in case you change your mind later." He left the book open and moved back to his seat. However, his appetite was gone now. He waved for the dishes to be removed. "Would you care for a brandy?"

Josephine considered it and shook her head "Thank you no, I am afraid I am not one for Brandy."

Dipping his head, Kyle asked, "Is there something you are craving? If there is, please name it."

Josephine considered it. "Do you have gardens here?" she asked.

He smiled softly and nodded. "I do. Nowhere near as ipulant as the palace, but, nice enough for my desires." He offered his left elbow. "May I?"

She placed her fingers on his sleeve and allowed him to lead her from the room, their chaperones falling into step behind them.

As they headed up the stairs, Kyle stated, "Don't be alamed. I have placed my garden in an unsual location, better to gain the privacy I require when I partake of its requvinating properties." He then continued to lead the group up to a small door, which he open, out onto his large roof. However, instead of simply brick, mortar and chimneys, it was a beautiful hideaway, expertly hiding the numetous chimneys with blooms of various hues and aromas, sculpted bushes, ornately shaped little treesin a collection of low pots, displayed on a shelf, which was inside a small fifteen foot by twenty foot greenhouse. Inside there was also various vegetables and fruits growing. Many alien to the British Isles.

"Welcome, to my small paradise in the middle of the metropolis. Please, have a look around." He then moved off to speak to one of his footmen, who then nodded and scurried off.

Josephine looked around. It was indeed beautiful up here. She smiled and a flit of memory showed her what the skyline would look like in centuries ahead. But she focused and walked around the garden.

Kyle could sence a sudden unease in Josaphine. Almost like she had seen something. "Is everything alright, My Lady?"

"I was just thinking of how nice the city is at night. You cannot see the ... darker side of it."

Moving over to the edge of the roof, zkyle looked over and replied thoughtfully. "Yes...Humans certainly have a very dark side to them. Some more darker than others."

Josephine nodded "Yes, I have seen that side." she mused. But then she gave a smile. "If you were to show the ladies of the court this garden it would start a movement amongst them. Everyone will want a rooftop garden."

Kyle smiled softly. "Perhaps, My Lady. However, you are the only woman I have ever brought here. And, " he sighed softly, "I think you are the only woman that I will ever want to bring here. You are not like those other courtesans. You are special, I can see that. And it's more than just your education. There's a fire in you...that's burns like a supernovae. If it isn't too impertinent of me to say...I find it quite attractive."

She blushed. "Ah thank you." she said softly.

He bowed respectfully. "I am but speaking the truth, dear Lady Josaphine." There was a certain look in his eyes as he spoke to her. It was clear that he was attracted to this woman. But was the feeling reciprocated?

She was about to speak when the bells of Westminster rang out, toning the hour. Josephine gave him a small smile. "Ah, the time, I should head for home Sir."

Kyle dipped his head again. "Of course. Time certainly flies when you're having fun." He grinned warmly at her. He then turned and offered his left elbow again. As he did so, he discreetly signalled his servants for her coach to be readied. "May I have the honor of escorting you to your carriage?"

"Of course" She replied with a smile. "That would be pleasant."

Together, they made their way back into Kyle's home and downstairs, talking happily with one another. Finally, they reached her carriage. Ever the gentleman, Kyle held both Lady Josephine's and her maid's hands, helping them both inside. He then closed the door and moved to the window closest to Lady Josephine. "Thank you for accepting my invitation, Dear Lady. I hope you enjoyed your visit."

"I did Ser Kyle. Thank you for a lovely evening." She said then her driver whipped up the horses and she vanished into the night.

Kyle watched her carriage until it turned a corner, several blocks west. "What a remarkable woman," he said to himself. "I must see her again." He then headed inside. Though it was late, the evening had hom feeling much to energized to sleep.

Not that he really slept as it was.

Tomorrow, however, held new promise. And a new goal.

To woo and win Lady Josephine.