Chapter Three
At no point in her life had she ever been so enthralled by God’s creatures.
For there had never been a time when she had seen so much of his creation in one place.
Marion listened to the queen as she described each and every animal in her possession.
Marion found herself drawn to one very colorful bird with a long, elegant neck, beautiful blue-green plumage, and tailfeathers that fanned out to form an elaborate pattern finer than any tapestry or fabric she’d ever seen.
The bird also possessed what looked like a crown of feathers that appeared to float above its head.
Clearly, God had a finer hand with a needle and thread than any seamstress.
“Are they not the most glorious birds you have ever seen?”
“Aye, my lady. I am truly in awe of your collection, but surely God took extra time on these—what are they called?”
“They are called peacocks. And interestingly enough, it is the male who is donned so. The unfortunate female possesses no such bold colors and markings. For it is he who draws the attention of her,” she said as she pointed to an all-white bird with the same shape, but looked like the artist had not yet set their palette to work.
Marion rather liked that concept and now had more admiration for the peahen. She approached the bird cautiously and crouched low, holding out her hand. The skittish peahen’s head shifted back and forth a few times before inching forward and then placing its beak onto Marion’s hand.
“She likes you, Lady Marion!”
The queen clapped her hands which spooked the bird who then opened her tail feathers for a moment, revealing a delightful spread of exquisite display before skittering off to hide behind a small bush. In her wake, she left a feather close to Marion who picked it up and stroked its soft shape.
“I have an idea, Lady Marion, if you will indulge me.”
Marion stood with the feather still in hand, pleased beyond all belief she had been blessed by this bird’s offering.
“Aye, my lady?”
“Ahh, there you are, my Queen,” a deep voice said from the menagerie’s entrance. “How fares your visit? And I see your new friend has a look of wonder about her that is quite pleasing. I take it you approve of my wife’s pets?”
Marion curtseyed to the king and smiled at the kind look that passed between him and the queen. They might have an age between them, and which resulted in obvious challenges, but it appeared there was genuine affection present as well.
“She certainly does, my king,” the queen said. “I believe I know how I shall dress her for this evening’s masque.”
Was she now becoming another of the queen’s pets? Maybe, but somehow, she didn’t mind for the day was turning out far more interesting than she could ever have imagined. And who could turn down a little pampering from a queen?
“Aye, Your Majesty. I am rather taken with all of these creatures. Truly, God’s creativity is present in each and every one of them.”
“God’s creativity indeed,” he said. “Well, I shall leave you both to it. I am taking Argyll for some sport. He is not the mingling sort, and I fear he may require a little saving from the eager mothers present this day.”
He then kissed his wife on the cheek and left.
“Now there’s a fine match, Lady Marion.”
“Who do you mean, my lady?”
“The very eligible Earl of Argyll, of course. Did your mother not educate you on the nobles to most look for and those to avoid?”
Marion wished her conversations with her mother had been so productive. “I do not wish to speak ill of my mother, my lady, but she has been more interested in a marriage proposal for me than specifically from whom.”
“Oh dear, well, that will not do. I shall tell you everything you need to know about all those present today. I have had a fascinating opportunity in this past year to observe the nobles and their families of this land, and I can tell you there is as much opportunistic intent here as there is in London.”
Marion was relatively sure she understood what the queen meant, and her mother was a part of that mindset as well.
“Let us begin with the earl, shall we, Lady Marion?” the queen said as she linked arms with her, and they drew away from the menagerie.
They walked along the loch to where a beautiful garden spread out across its side.
Finely ground stone crunched beneath their feet and the sweetest aroma filled the air as they drew closer to bushes of roses so full and so fragrant that Marion wondered if she had not just stepped into a living painting.
“His given name is Alexander Campbell, and he is one of the most sought after bachelors in the land. Are you certain you do not know of him already?”
“I confess, I do not, my lady. When my mother and father discuss such things, I usually try to be elsewhere or to not listen.”
“I do understand. However, you do realize that with the right information, you can help them make a decision that is suitable for you.”
Marion had not thought about it that way. Maybe there was something to be said for knowing more about the possibilities of who she may be forced to marry rather than going into it blind.
“Very well, my lady, you have convinced me to listen as you tell me all about the eligible lords of whom I should and should not consider.”
The queen laughed. “Now you’re getting the idea. Right, back to Argyll. He is handsome, young, tall, has great means, and is one of the king’s favorites.”
“If he is all that, my lady, may I ask why he is not already married, or at least betrothed?” Marion could not help but ask the question. Was he a demon? Did he possess sores? If he was that perfect, surely, he would have been secured by now.
“You are too clever for your own good, Lady Marion. It is true, he is most eligible and would be quite the catch, but as the king said, he does not enjoy the engagement in society required to secure an equitable match. He claims he will marry on his own terms in his own time.”
Marion rather admired him, for that was what she intended for herself as well. The difference, of course, being he was an earl and could do as he pleased.
“Very well, my lady, the earl is stubbornly single. Is there anyone else I should know about?”
“As far as who to consider, there are a couple in our presence including Lord John Stewart, the future Earl of Buchan. A fine young man who will grow into his attributes in time, but appears a bit of a shy one. Still better a man you can shape than one who will rule you.”
Marion wasn’t sure she wanted to shape or rule anyone. That was certainly not how she envisioned a marriage.
“Which brings me to my last note for you. Whatever you do, do not engage with Lord Ross. He is from the north, and though he plays the game well in our society, it is widely rumored he has orchestrated a group spin from the most recent Highland resistance still loyal to the former king and bent on unseating my husband. He is charming to a fault and will do everything to align himself with the king. I have singled you out this day for very genuine reasons and I am glad of them, but I fear that may also draw some additional attention to you.”
“And what does this Lord Ross look like so that I may steer clear of him?”
“I believe you will know him as soon as you see him. There is something a little too polished, a little too smooth, and a little too flattering to believe anything he says.”
Could that have been the black rider? Nay, ’twas not possible. The feelings instilled in her from their brief glances did not give her the impression of a false man. She had to know, but again needed to hold her interests close to her heart lest she find herself on the wrong side of the altar.
“I must ask, my lady. Did Lord Ross take part in the joust this morn?” She could kick herself now for not paying attention to the names when the riders were first announced.
She would not make that mistake again and could see the benefit of arming herself with as much knowledge as she could about those gathered and their intentions.
“He was not in attendance this morning, Lady Marion. However, I did spy him at our repast.”
Marion did not know if she should be pleased or concerned.
*
Alexander was grateful for the escape offered by the king; however, now the man was bent on probing his impression of the ladies present. Would he get no peace this day?
“They are all lovely young ladies, Your Majesty, I am sure.”
“I see through you, Argyll. Do not think I was not aware of your tight expression when I found you surrounded by the most eligible ladies in all of Scotland.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to meet them, Your Majesty, but I would rather get to know a lady rather than have her paraded before me, which I might add, is most uncomfortable for them as well.”
“Well then, you shall enjoy this evening much more as no one will know your identity.” The king paused and sized up Alexander. “I trust you have brought something to wear for the masquerade?”
“Aye, Your Majesty. I have brought something to conceal my identity for the masque this eve.”
They rode the remainder of the way back to the palace in relative silence.
They had intended to hunt longer, but the black clouds looming over the rolling hills signaled the time to cut the trip short.
They returned empty handed and parted ways.
Alexander was more than relieved when Alain met him at the stables and directed him to an empty passageway toward his chamber.
The palace was quite large and for this occasion, the royal couple made a portion of their apartments available to those who did not reside in the immediate proximity.
It would take Alexander the better part of two days to return to Inverary Castle on Loch Fyne but that wouldn’t be for another day.
And he had to make it through this evening first.