Narrator:
Richard fixes Gallilei in his gaze and studies for a moment, then nods. He turns, looking for something to occupy himself, and catches Blackbird's eye. He tries to smile at her, but somehow the expression reminds her more of a death's head. His attention turns briefly to Friedrich, at whom he glares, before he moves to stand by the door to stand near Tabytha, moving with the swift stride of a predator.
Friedrich: [unspoken]
Well, that was clear enough. A bit touchy, aren't we?
Narrator:
As he arrives at the door, Tabytha speaks to him with a quiet authority that demands his attention.
Tabytha:
Richard.
Narrator:
It's not the Taby that Richard is used to. This is the Duchess of Devonshire, and the voice used accepts no argument. The closest Richard can come to describing the voice is that it is sharp, subtle, and can not be ignored. Not unlike a dagger in the back at your cousin's wedding. She steps well into his personal space and drops her voice to the lowest possible whisper.
Tabytha: [whispered, Richard nearly has to lip read]
[the barest hint of friendliness creeps over her. Any more, and her grip would slip.]
Richard, don't make trouble for your brother Andrew. Don't make trouble for me. I am my father's daughter and my husband's faithful wife. Freidrich and I were *talking* with guards present who can vouch for us. When I realized that we had been away longer than propriety dictates, we returned.
He *is* Duke Tudor's son and I *am* the Duchess of Devonshire and neither of us are ever allowed to forget those facts. If I were a - *man*
[the inflection is that one uses to spit out an accidentally inhaled insect]
- - no one would have batted an eyelash. Is Chesterton so rich that it can cast strife among two other duchies just because I'm not a man? Are you so rich in friends that you would create problems for Reg and I?
[her grip nearly slips as she asks the last, but she keeps her composure]
Narrator:
Richard's expression changes not in the slightest, but color returns to his cheeks. Quite a bit of color, in fact. He also speaks quietly, but, despite his words, there is little to no emotion in his voice.
Sir Richard:
Sister, cousin, I have not accused you of anything. Nor is this the time for us to discuss this. But remember, he *is* the Duke of Tudor's son, married to James McKitrick's daughter, and yet his conquests are legendary. To be friendly with such a man invites comment; to leave a gathering with him, even with chaperone, risks scandal. You know me too well to think I will bear tales to anyone. I haven't....
Narrator:
Richard's voice catches, his control straining. Tabytha looks to see his face thawing.
Sir Richard:
No, you know I don't mean to cause trouble. I'm sorry if I have. I... I'll come to your tent in a little while, Taby, I need to think.
Blackbird: [carying lute, approaching Tabytha as Richard leaves. consciously risks using the familiar nickname, though she knows she is in danger of rebuke while Tabytha is in this mood]
[puts a hand on Tabytha's shoulder]
He means well, Taby. He always means well.
[unspoken]
And this time he is right -- it would be so simple for Rojo or I to spread a tale that would cause a lot of trouble. I won't, and I don't think Rojo will, but I really don't know him well.
[aloud]
I have something that used to belong to you. I've kept it in case you needed it again. May I give it to you now?
[Tabytha simply nods, not willing to predict what Evaine might do.]
Narrator:
Richard leaves the tent, walking outwards towards the edge of the camp. Climbing a small ridgeline, he sits and gazes up at the sky. His father dead, his uncle dead. Titus dead, one of the few people living with whom Richard could be totally at ease. Here he is, sitting in the midst of an entire duchy filled with people angry with him, angry over a misunderstanding, weeks away from Ariana and his mute daughter who may grow up to be insane. Even if she avoids insanity, it will be hard for her to marry, and anyone she did marry might be doomed to an early grave. How will he explain that to Ariana? How will he explain as well that it is now his duty to step down as Baron, ceding Arundel to his young nephew, the next Duke of Chesterton? His favorite sister tried to sneak away because she couldn't face him. Reg behaving like a religious fanatic, Taby's life a hell on earth. And Evaine... no, Blackbird now, disavowing her name. Another fight, more harsh words piled onto a relationship already burdened by too much. His cousin, Harold, now Grand Duke, married to a woman with the power to change thoughts, a woman who may be the only hope for his beautiful little girl. Almost idly, he wonders if moat monsters are immune to curses.
Below, Blackbird begins a tune. The music carries on the still night air, the simple melody delivered in a crystal-clear soprano voice.
Blackbird:
Poor little dreamer Stand inside the door You can't find the easy rhymes Of times you had before
It hurts my heart so badly Seeing you sigh and shake Broken down so low -- so sad I can't let you break
Cry to me -- cry to me You better not hide it Let it come -- let it bleed I ain't laughing -- reach in and get it And set it free Cry to me -- cry to me
The glass is empty and the wine Is bitter on your tongue People don't seem wild and fine Like when you were young
You're lonesome over a stormy ocean Lost in the rain and wind We can clear these clouds away And feel the sun again
Cry to me -- cry to me You better not hide it Let it come -- let it bleed I ain't laughing -- reach in and get it And set it free Cry to me -- cry to me
Narrator:
Alone on the hill, Baron Sir Richard Henry Edward Stanley, Paladin of the Realm, Knight Commander of the Order of the Helm, lowers his head, concealing his face from the sky in shadows.
The song triggers memories for Tabytha. Her and Blackbird -- Evaine then -- sitting together in a little farmyard in Theonomy. She was still a new bride then, and it was the first time she had fled that life, chasing a fantasy -- that she could bring Allison back and make Regginal happy.
Tabytha had been lost in thought when Evaine came upon her and played her that song. They had talked -- the only moment of quiet friendship Angus had allowed Tabytha to steal during the whole nightmarish episode. She still remembers parts of the conversation:
Evaine: "... there is a great sadness about you ... as if a heavy burden rests on your shoulder... you can talk to me about it..."
Taby: "... I'll be fine. It's just part of growing up ... that's what Daddy used to say.... So who wants to grow up anyway?"
But she hadn't been fine. Blackbird had nearly allowed herself to be sacrificed to save her from Angus. And Regginal rescued her. Some rescue. Years have passed and she's still not "fine." And here she is again, still fleeing the man who looks at her and sees nothing but Allison. If only Angus really could have brought Allison back....
Tabytha: [quietly]
Thank you. Especially for remembering. You will always be made welcome in Devonshire. I think Gloriana is ready to go now.
Blackbird: [curtsying]
Goodnight, Duchess. If you ever need anything ... someone to talk to...
[the rest does not need to be said]
[unspoken. watching Gloriana]
Goodnight, little dreamer. My song was for you and your sister, too.
Narrator:
And so it seems. After being helped to stand, Gloriana waved off any further help. She will walk on her own.
Brandon: [to Glori]
You have my sympathy. Goodnight, and keep yourself well.