The Artistic Pursuit

Chapter 25 - A meeting with the Queen

THE COWPER HOME

Cressida was in a state of panic and uncertainty when she arrived home.

Her mother frowned at her arrival "Daughter, what is bothering you"

"There has been incident"

Her voice grew stern "What kind of incident, Cressida?"

Cressida relayed the events that had occurred at the Featherington home.

"Cressida, how could you be so stupid!" Her mother started to pace around her, her voice rising with every step.

"What do you expect mother. She didn't deserve that money that she earned at the expense of others" 

"And you think you do? Foolish girl. Just prey your father does not hear of this"

"She needed to be dropped down a peg, mama. You should have seen her trying to threaten me with lies in her gossip pamphlet. Ridiculous really"

"We will not hear the end of this, mark my words" her mother stormed away from her. Unable to look her daughter no longer in the eye.

Two days later. Cressida received the Queens guards at the door. To escort her to her Majesty, the Queen. It was not a request and they made that quite clear.

THE QUEEN'S THRONE ROOM

Lady Cowper stood back while Cressida was instructed to step forward.

"Miss Cressida Cowper"

Cressida curtsies "Your Majesty" Cressida kept her face tilted up so the Queen would think she had nothing to hide. But she did. It was written all over her face.

The Queen looked at her disgusted "I have heard of the incident that had occurred outside the Featherington home days ago"

"I can assure you, your majesty, nothing untoward has occurred"

The Queen knew otherwise. There was lot of witnesses, each corroborate the opposite of Miss Cowper's description "Do you think your Majesty, a fool"

"I do not"

"Then do not lie to your Queen, child" her tone had bite, Cressida's eyes widened with remorse.

"From this day forth, Your family will be stripped of your title"

"You cannot do that" Cressida protests. Even her mother stepped forward to hold Cressida's arm. To hope to hold back the Queen's icy glare.

"I am the Queen of England, my dear"

She pointed her finger at Cressida "You. Have no power girl"

"I apologise, your majesty. I have had a hard life you see"

Her mother looked as though she may be sick. Her daughter should keep quiet, but Cressida Cowper did not like to remain silent.

The Queen nodded. If she only knew what true hardship meant.

"Blackmail, Miss Cowper. I would have thought you capable of but violence. That will not be tolerated. Now leave my sight and pray Miss Featherington awakes or the punishment will be far worse"

Cressida rose her voice "She is Lady Whistledown! I am to claim my reward" she swallowed hard "for unmasking her" Brimsley shook his head at the pathetic excuse for the young miss.