Gordon Garrett, third son of the Baron of Pulvers Marsh, stood against the wall of the grand ballroom. He had been there for over an hour, and still had no idea why. While he was of the nobility, at least technically, he was at least two steps lower than the other guests at the ball, and probably had less than one tenth the income of the poorest of them. But when a page of the Royal Court delivered an invitation from the King, saying no was not really an option. Especially when you were reliant on the King, or at least the Kings Chancellor, for what income you did have.
He had used his time to observe the other guests. Most were engaged in one of four activities, or in some cases flitted between the four as the mood took them.
The most common activity for the young, was dancing. While some seemed to be merely enjoying the evening, others had a much more focused approach. It gave the young ladies an opportunity to flirt with, or at least try and attract the attention of, those young men they considered a desirable match. It also gave the young men an opportunity to, as his crass older brother had once put it, examine the merchandise.
The most common activity of the older ladies, especially the mothers of those dancing, was gossip. Much of the gossip was concerned with how fashionable the various gowns were. Or who’s daughter was was dancing with who’s son, and how happy, or otherwise, they appeared to be about it.
A third group focused there attention on the tables of food, or in some cases drink. Gordon found the amount of wine consumed truly astonishing, and the night had as yet hardly begun.
The final group was those who occupied themselves with politics. Some held quiet discussions in corners, while others sought to gain the attention of those with power or influence, especially the King. Some strutted about or made conversation with each other as an excuse to say where the king might notice them, and grant them an audience. While the King did grant many audiences, few were with those clustered in front if him. Rather he sent pages scurrying about the ballroom and attached dining hall to track down those he wished to see.
Gordon's musings were interrupted as a page appeared before him and summoned him to appear before the king. He only had to wait a few minutes before he was announced and stepped forward to bow.
The King examined him before speaking loud enough to be heard, but not beyond the guards that kept others at bay. The only ones within hearing were two guards and the kings daughter and heir, who sat to the kings right. “My Chancellor of the exchequer thinks highly of you, can you tell me why that is?”
Gordon was bemused but tried to reply as best he could. “No your Majesty, I don’t consider myself remarkable in any way. I fulfil my duties well enough. If I have any particular talent it would be that can reliably add up large sums of money without any of that money finding It’s way into my own pockets.
The princess smiled. “A rare and unusual talent indeed.”
The King just nodded and asked,”And is there any particular reason you are employed by my Chancellor rather than on your fathers estates.
“My father is extremely elderly and my brother now handles the affairs of the estates. We do not get along well.”
“And why I that?”
“I have an unfortunate tendency to tell him when he is being a fool. I fear it is as my father always said. We all need someone to tell us when we are being an idiot, but few people appreciate it.”
“And how would you tell a King he was being an idiot?”
Gordon considered the question for a moment before answering, “Very carefully.”
The Princess laughed, and even the Kings mouth turned up briefly at one corner.
“I noticed that you have not seen fit to dance?”
“I suspect that in the eyes of the young ladies present, nether my appearance nor my skill at dancing would be enough to make up for my shortcomings. They would be horrified to find themselves dancing with someone without ether wealth or position.”
The King nodded at this reply. “Thank you for your time.”
Gordon bowed once more and returned to his place against the wall. At least now he had an idea why he had been invited. If the king had wanted to meet him he must be being considered for a promotion. He had known a more senior position was becoming vacant, but not that he had a chance at it. As it was poor manners to leave a ball before the king, he returned to watching the other guests. He decided he would sample the food a little later.
The King turned to his daughter as Gordon walked away. “What do you think of him?”
“He seems intelligent and sensible. He recognises that he is out of place here tonight, but doesn’t seem uncomfortable or intimidated. If he is as competent as the chancellor suggests He would appear to be a good choice”
“ I concur. He is quite young for the position, but there are enough old men in the Chancellery. Better to have some young ones that you will be able to rely upon in the future. Now go and dance. The room is filled with eligible young men and you will have to marry one of them.”
The princess tried to keep a look of distaste from her face but was not entirely successful. “The room is full of men. Few are worth dancing with, let alone marrying.”
“Nonetheless, you have a duty to the kingdom, and duties must be fulfilled.”
When the Princess stepped down from the dais Gordon noticed a change in those clustered nearby. It appeared that not everyone had been seeking the Kings attention. Some had been waiting for the Princess, and a new type of dance began. Young men manoeuvred to place themselves where she might notice and acknowledge them, so they could ask her to dance. Some conducted this dance with skill and subtlety. Others were more clumsy and obvious.
The Princess threaded a course between those waiting until she reached her intended target, then nodded to them in recognition. They immediately took a step forward and asked if she would care to dance. When the music paused they stepped out onto the dance floor, and the other dancers moved aside to make room for them. As they danced some of the young men tried to guess where she would leave the dance floor and place themselves ready. Other men abandoned there previous activities, principally the drinking of wine, and made there way towards the dance floor.
Gordon admired the Princesses ability to avoid those she particularly did not wish to dance with. She appeared to leave the floor in a random direction but it always took her towards a suitable partner. This pattern continued for several dances until the princess made an error and found she was approaching Percival Patterson, eldest son of the duke of East March.
At the last moment the Princess saw him and changed her course to avoid him, and happened to walk directly towards Gordon, but Percival was determined, and moved to intercept her.
Gordon suddenly found himself stepping forward and bowing to the princess. “Your highness, would you do me the Honor of granting me this dance.”
The Princess nodded in reply. “I would be pleased to.” but over her shoulder Gordon could see that Percival was anything but pleased.
As the dance began the princess spoke quietly so she would not be overheard. ”I truly must thank you for providing a timely means of escape. My father Insists that it is my duty to dance with all the eligible young men of the kingdom. There are some that I just cannot abide.
“Every soldier is resigned to his duty, but some duties are so onerous that they are usually reserved for those who have committed some terrible offence.
“Duties like dancing with undesirable partners?”
“I was thinking more of duties like shovelling out the cesspit.”
The princess laughed before replying,”So you would compare dancing with the duke of East Marches eldest son with shovelling out the cesspit.”
“Thankfully, I have never been required to do either, so I could not say with any certainty which would be more terrible.”
After the dance the princess returned to her place beside her father, and Gordon went to sample the tables of food.
The King turned to speak to his daughter as she took her seat beside him. “I see you managed to avoid Percival Patterson again.”
“I would rather dance with a pig.”
“I don’t believe pigs can dance.”
“Nether can Percival Patterson when he has been drinking, but a pig is more intelligent and has better manners.”
“I know I promised I would not force your hand, but you must Choose a husband, and soon. The only restrictions I have placed on your choice is that they be a Noble who is unmarried, with no offspring, and no scandal attached to there name, yet you refuse to chose and refuse any suggestion made to you. The room is full of Young men eager to seek your hand. It will be the same lot of men whether you chose today, of next month, or next year. The royal line must continue, so make your choice.
“They don't want me, they want power and money. Should I just look out over the ballroom and pick someone out? Perhaps I should use a children's rhyme to pick. Eenie meenie miney mo”
The king was becoming angry now. This discussion was not new and never resulted in a choice being made. “If that is what it takes then use any rhyme you want, but make your choice. You know that this was the purpose of holding the ball. It was not on the invitations, but everyone here Knows that this was the purpose of holding the ball. So choose.
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The princess was also becoming angry but didn’t speak. Instead she stood and stepped forward to the front of the dais. She turned to the musicians and made cutting gesture with her hand. Bringing the music to a halt mid dance. Confusion reigned for a few moments until everyone noticed the princess and quiet overtook the room. The King whispered “What are you up to?” but the Princess ignored him and continued. “The King has Insisted that it is time for me to chose a husband, therefore I will declare my choice. I will have Gordon Garrett, third son of the Baron of Pulvers Marsh, to be my husband.
The silence held for about three seconds before it was overwhelmed by voices, most of them asking who Gordon Garrett was, or if there was really a place in the kingdom called Pulvers Marsh. But one person soon distracted them from there questions. Percival Patterson stormed across the room and started yelling . “ How Dare you aspire to gain the Princesses hand. You Have taken advantage of her weak womanly will, telling her nonsense about how beautiful and clever she is, and how in love you are, all to gain power and position. What makes you think you are worthy of such a position.
Gordon didn’t speak loudly. But could be clearly heard, as silence had again engulfed the room. “I have no idea what would make me worthy of such a position. So far no one has asked my opinion, not even the princess.”
You expect us to believe you don’t want her hand in marriage. How long have you been working your wiles upon her?”
“I must be extremely persuasive, as I met her for the first time less than an hour ago. As to wanting to marry her, I find the princess both charming and quite attractive, and she seems quite intelligent. I would be quite enthusiastic about the idea of marrying her, if it was not for my concerns about marrying the heir to the throne. You on the other hand, seem to think she should want marry you instead, even though you have just claimed that she is gullible and unattractive.
“I said no such thing”
“I believe your words were “Nonsense about how how clever and beautiful she is. I may not be qualified to marry the Princess, but I believe I meet the most important qualification. I’m not you.
Percival Patterson drew his sword and swung wildly at Gordon, who stepped back, then quickly stepped in behind the swing and grabbed the guard of the sword, twisting it from Percival’s hand. Percival drew a dagger so Gordon quickly withdrew and drought the sword up between them to fend him off, but Percival stepped straight into the sword, driving it in just below his ribs and up towards his lungs. Gordon was so shocked that he let go of the sword and stepped back again. Percival, even more shocked looked down in horror at the blood soaking his clothes. He coughed, bringing a spatter of blood to his lips, then collapsed to the floor.
When the screams subsided the king called, “Fetch the surgeon.” then turned to Gordon.”You deliberately provoked him. I do not appreciate blood being spilt on the floor of my ballroom.”
Gordon turned to the king and bowed. “Your Majesty, that was not my intention. I was apparent to me that he intended to see me dead, ether in a duel or by some other means. I chose to give him cause so the challenge could be issued and the matter gotten over with. I never dreamed He would attack an unarmed man in the middle of the ballroom.
“Yet you were not so surprised that it prevented you taking his sword from him and giving him what appears to be a fatal wound.”
“No your Majesty. Most of my experience with a sword is not on the fencing floor, but against thieves or raiders that trouble my fathers lands occasionally. They are not known to wait until you are ready to defend yourself.”
“And do you consider yourself worthy of marrying the princess.
I have always felt it is unwise to marry so far above ones station. On the other hand, The princesses opinion seems to differ. And I have always felt it ill mannered to argue with the opinion of a lady. Especially one so far above ones station.
This brought a burst of laughter, mostly the nervous kind, from the guests, who had drawn back to leave Gordon standing on his own before the king and Princess.
The princess stood looked down from the dais for a few moments, before saying, “You said that you find me quite attractive, You don’t consider me beautiful.
Gordon turned to the princess. “I did not describe you that way because many people confuse beauty with fashion.” The princess seemed dissatisfied with this answer so he continued. Turning to a young man in the front row of guests he bowed and asked,” Sir, might Inquirer as to your name.”
The young man bowed back. “William. Second son of Earl Robert of Dunshire.”
“I would like to congratulate you on your jacket. It is an truly spectacular, and I believe it to be one of the most fashionable here tonight. You look most fine in it. Might I also enquire as to the man standing to your left? He is a relative?”
“ William looked quite pleased, and a little confused, but responded, “My Father.”
Gordon turned to the lord of Dunshire. “My lord I would also like to congratulate you also on a fine jacked. although some would consider it less fashionable than your sons jacket, it suites you admirably. But might I ask what you would do if the king insisted everyone at the ball wore a jacket like you sons.
The Earl of Dunshire snorted before replying. “I would be on a horse halfway to my families lands by now. I wouldn’t dress up like a peacock even for the King”
The Princess seemed unsure of this explanation, but asked, “so you say my appearance is not fashionable?”
“For some reason fashion this year has decreed that ladies should be petite. I am not sure why. But even if it is fashionable it does not suit everyone. Gordon turned to look at the guests, then stepped up to a young woman and bowed. My lady, might I enquire as to your name.”
“Lady Samantha Williams of Fellstown”
My Lady, I am sure I would get no argument from the young men present if I was to declare that you are a beautiful young woman. You also have the advantage of being Petite, which at least this season, is most fashionable. Would you Honor me by steeping forward to stand beside me for a moment, so that I might demonstrate something for the Princess.”
As Gordon turned to face the Princess again, Lady Samantha stepped forward as asked. It always amazed Gordon that if you could keep people interested in what you were saying, but slightly confused about your intentions, you could ask them to do the most absurd things, and they would go along with it just to find out what was going on.
“As you can see I am somewhat taller than most of the men present.” He paused and looked down at lady Samantha, who's height was considerably below his shoulder.” While it would be an Honor to dance with her, our relative heights would make it rather awkward, and if I were ever bold enough to steal a kiss, either I would need to kneel, of lady Samantha would require a ladder.”
Lady Samantha hit him on the shoulder with her fan, a look of mock outrage on her face. “And how often do you attempt to steal kisses from young ladies?”
“To this point in my life, never, but I live in hope.”
Lady Samantha blushed slightly, and stepped back to her place in the crowd.
The king motioned the princess to take her seat before turning to Gordon. “Do you wish to use a marriage to my daughter to pursue power, or to seek the throne?
“No your Majesty. While I have never even considered the possibility of marrying your daughter, I will admit that the only thing I do not find appealing about such a marriage is that she is a princess, and heir to the throne. If however it meant taking charge of the rule of the Kingdom, I would be on a horse half way to my families lands by now.
“Most men seek power at every opportunity. Why is it that you do not?”
“Most men seek power because they see the advantages, but not the limitations it imposes, or the work needed to exercise it well. A few seek it because they have the talents needed to exercise it well, and are willing to do the work. I fit nether category. I see the difficulties and limitations and also know I would not be good at it. There is a saying I believe is applicable. “There is more Honor in being a good servant than a poor master.”
“You must have guessed by now that I am considering promoting you to a position of greater power within the Chancellery. Do you object to being given this power.”
“No your Majesty, it is a position for which I actually have the skills needed to do it well.”
The King turned to his daughter. “Well, now that you have turned the whole kingdom on its head, I hope you will be happy with the outcome. This is not the kind of declaration which you can unmake. If this man is to be your husband you had best go and dance with him.”
The Princess stepped down from the dais and Gordon took her by the hand and escorted her to the dance floor, as the musicians hurriedly organised themselves to resume playing.
Once the dance had commenced the Princess said “I see the Chancellor was correct when he claimed you were Impeccably honest. For all your evasions you never said I was beautiful. I suppose it is to be expected. Even my father will only say that I look well enough.”
“There are many ways in which a woman can be beautiful. Her appearance is the one to which everyone pays attention, but in the end, it is the least important.