Thread: A Mother's Trials (Tesora & Greeneyed23)

Had it only been eight years. So long it had been since a man had held her close and told her of his love for her, since she'd woke to the sounds of a man crooning and holding a newborn. Sometimes it seemed like only yesterday she was kissing her beloved goodbye and seeing him off as he traveled to the Holy Land to fight the Turks and other days it felt like it had been decades. Here she was, only twenty-six years old with a nearly nine year old daughter and nearly eight year old son, both of whom gave her trouble one way or another. Especially her son. Lord knew that the boy needed a firm hand but she couldn't in good conscience marry a man and have him become lord of herself and of her son and daughter. Not when the land belonged to the boy in the death of his father. She'd done her best as a ruler to the people of Salisbury. Given that her son was but seven years old, she was allowed to do things in his name until he came of age at fourteen. Men and women alike were trying to befriend the lad and manipulate him and her daughter was constantly in awe of men who came in all their knightly splendor to call upon her. She was only eight for heaven's sake, and by far some seven years away at least from actually getting married. Lady Elizabeth knew hers was a full plate. One would think her hands were full enough running the land and raising her two children but she also had to deal with the King coming to visit on a regular basis and her son's utter disdain for the man he had to call King. Aside from the king, neighboring lords were wanting to woo her as well but she was not one to be moved. Once long ago she'd been a lovestruck young lady with dreams of having a good husband to look after and love until the end of her days but after little more than a year of wedded bliss, he had taken up arms, and her life had become more complicated than she could of ever imagined. She was certainly a lovely woman, still young in appearance with dark honey blonde hair and bright green eyes. Her skin was pale though her cheeks always seemed red and her body was slender, though not lacking the womanly curves of buttocks and breasts. For the moment her hair was drawn up off her neck rather than veiled as was proper for a lady of her standing and she was in the great hall, overseeing some documents from the steward while her brother continued his ramblings. You have to remarry Elizabeth. By God the lad's turning into a devil and you can't approve a betrothal of your daughter to anyone, George was saying and she sighed and thanked the steward quietly before looking at her elder brother. A lord in his own right with a wife and four sons, his own standing in the world was strong. He didn't have to worry about any sort of political upheaval with a good line of succession behind him. He'd been on her to remarry since she'd been told of Jerusalem's falling and Roland's death. You keep saying that my dear brother but you would be wrong. I do not have to remarry. I'm quite content in my widowhood, she said simply and then shook her head, walking to the nearest table. And I do wish you would stop calling my son a devil. From what I hear your boys do worse than my son...Marry you say. The King is offering, take his offer you say. Well I say no. And what good would remarrying do me hmm? You know well how vehemently my son is toward His Majesty. It is by good luck that he's only seven for the way he speaks. And what happens if I were to marry His Majesty. Nay. It is best I stay as I am... Her brother looked at her with a frown before stepping toward her. If you will not remarry, allow me to foster the lad. He's reached the age to be fostered and some good manly order might help curb him and his attitude. I'm your brother, do you not trust me to look after the boy, and teach him to be a good Lord... Elizabeth looked at him. And what good would you do being his mentor when he doesn't mind you. He only ever minds me and even that is becoming rare. You taking him far from me will only make him worse, she said simply then waved her hand dismissively before returning to look at her papers. And what of Catherine....she'll be having her menses soon enough I reckon and you unable to make a match for her. You need a husband woman and being stubborn about it will get you nowhere, he said, resolute in his opinion. Elizabeth glanced at him and then looked away before watching as her daughter entered the great hall, walking with a lightness to her step and wearing her dark hair in a braid and one of her dresses better suited for play. Mother, she greeted and Elizabeth smiled at her, ignoring her brother as she closed up the ledger and walked toward her daughter. What is it darling? she asked, smoothing the wild curls that had escaped the braid. Are we to be going to court soon? Nurse says that the King's invited us all to London. If you go will I be able to go too? I'm nearly old enough, she argued primly and Elizabeth smirked. Not nearly old enough as you think. And no we shall not be going to court until the Spring. After Christmastime and when the snow melts...Court is not so fun as you think it is my love...Have you finished your lessons for today? she asked her curiously and her daughter nodded and then bit her bottom lip. Is the King going to come for Christmastime? she asked quietly and Elizabeth shook her head. No my darling. The King is much to busy running the country and funding the war to give much time to us and our house. Where's your brother? she asked, rising and walking back to the ledger as Catherine wrinkled her nose at the thought of her brother. Out hunting...again...I don't think he will be back until supper... As if recognizing her Uncle's presence, she blush. Oh...hallo Uncle, she greeted then grabbed a bannock from a nearby tray before making her way up to her room. George frowned and then looked to his sister, grabbing her arm. You'll have to remarry. Were it not the fact that Roland's name was still attached to you, I'd marry you off myself. The king's offer is a fine one. You'll be queen...Have you no political ambition? When father made this match to Roland, he thought you'd be getting the best there was to be had and the King offers more... Elizabeth looked at him. I've no desire to be a Queen. I desire only to give my son his inheritance and not be controlled by the likes of men like his Majesty... she said simply. I will not be some man's ornament. I am content with my life here and with my children. I'm not a woman who desires a husband and perhaps when my son is old enough and my daughter wed I shall retire to a convent...now if you'll excuse me, I've got to find my son and I've got to finish up work on these accounts. If you are saying for supper, it is served at nightfall. Good day to you brother, she said, giving a curtsey before walking upstairs to her study if only for a bit of peace and quiet before the evening meal.