London 1563
Lena walked the halls of the palace quietly. She needed time to be by herself and the best place for that to happen was out in the royal gardens. Her favorite place to go was a spot most people didn’t bother to take the time to walk to, it was an older part of the garden that was tucked away, forgotten. Lena felt like it was part of another world. It was gorgeous out there. There was a marble bench and a tall oak tree that provided shade. She enjoyed sitting out there and listening to the birds songs. Walking in the palace was always taxing, especially when she wanted to be by herself. There were always courtiers which meant gossiping. It was one of the reasons she dreaded the palace. No privacy. No time for yourself.
Finally Lena made it to the gardens. When she got to her special spot she sat on the bench and pondered how she had gotten here, in the palace, as an attendant to Queen Elizabeth herself. It was a grand opportunity; she came here six months ago. The Queen herself requested her.
Although she had no idea why, Lena was not of noble blood, true her parents were. Well the ones who took her in when her parents died of the plague.
As Lena sat quietly, she thought about how she had come to be a part of this world, she of course didn’t remember any of it, and she was only 3 when it happened. But she had heard stories and rumors as well about her heritage.
She had no idea if any of these things were true. Her father Duke Josias, the one who adopted her into his family told Lena nothing. She had even given up asking. At this point Lena thought it was better just to let it be. But that didn’t stop her from thinking about it.
The rumor spread that Lena was the daughter of a love affair. That Lena was illegitimate, most agreed she had no right to belong to this part of the world.
She gradually realized that someone was quietly standing behind her. She turned around startled. It was Queen Elizabeth.
Lena scrambled to get up. When she did, Lena gave an elaborate full curtsy putting one knee all the way to the ground as she was taught. Not looking up until the Queen told her to.
“Lena, how many times have I told you? If you must come out here bring one of the other Ladies.”
“I beg forgiveness Majesty. I did not wish to bother the others.”
“Why is that?”
“Lattice was working on needle point, Marie was studying music, Isabel was learning a new dance for the masque, and Margaret was working on lessons, your Grace. Forgive me Majesty it shall not happen again.”
“No it shall not. I shall see to that. ”
“I will accept my punishment with humility my Queen.”
“No, no you will not.”
“Forgive me majesty, for I do not understand.”
“I shall talk to the others, since you are the youngest in the group they should be watching out for you. Not ignoring you. Now hurry inside.”
“Yes my queen.” Lena curtsied again and then backed up and left.
Lena quickly made her way to the sitting area where the other Ladies in Waiting were. Lettice still working on her needle point looked up at Lena.
“Queen Elizabeth found you then?” Lettice said with a quick smile.
“Yes, Lady Lettice, she did.”
Lena wasn’t sure what to think about Lettice. She knew not to give out to much information though. Lettice was one of those people that as much as you would like to trust her. You just don’t know if you should. As the conversation dwindled,
The other ladies entered the room. Margaret and Isobel were quietly giggling, Did you see Duchess Grace? Margaret was laughing hysterically. And her hair?
Isobel joined in, “And her rouge? Way too much if you ask me!
Marie who had taken a break from music lesson’s stepped in finally.
“Ladies, that’s enough, True women of the court do not gossip about trivial things such as hair and rouge, especially Queen Elizabeth’s Maids of Honour and Ladies in Waiting, we are held to a higher standard than that.”
“Goodness” Lettice said quietly. “That was quite an outburst. Ladies of the court should not have outburst like that either. We are better than that.” With that Lettice left the room.
Later that day Lena was summoned to the Queen’s chambers. Lena didn’t know what to expect. She feared punishment for sneaking out to the garden alone. Lena walked slowly to the Queens chambers buying time. But when she got there Lena was greeted by a hug from Queen Elizabeth herself.
“Lena welcome my dear, Have a seat.”
Lena quickly curtsied and sat across from the queen in the sitting room.
“You are probably wondering why I have asked you here Lena, am I right?
“No my queen, you are not wrong.”
The queen continued. “You are here because I have some wonderful news. Duke Edmond has asked for your hand in marriage. And I have told him you will accept. Do you understand Lena? You will accept his offer of marriage. There will be consequences if you do not.”
Lena was in horror, but she responded calmly and respectfully “Yes my queen, I will of course accept, It is an honor to be held that high that a Duke should offer his hand in marriage to me.”
Nonsense, you are a beautiful woman who will bear many fine children.” Now, the Duke will be in the Garden at your favorite spot at 6 tonight. You will meet him out there and accept his offer. Are we clear?”
Lena replied, “Yes your highness, I will do what you wish with gladness in my heart.” But inside her heart was crying for freedom to make her own choice.
Walking out to the garden, Lena was fighting back tears. She felt trapped; Lena knew she must accept the Duke’s offer with grace, happiness, and humility. She wanted, needed to please Queen Elizabeth. Lena knew what would happen if she refused Duke Edmond. It would be considered Treason. Lena would end up in The Tower of London, sentenced to death. Lena knew what she must do, but she wanted to flee the palace, never to return. However she knew the Queen would send out guard to search high and low for her. She knew how officials of the Queens army were. When they were sent out to do a job, they didn’t care how many people, innocent people were hurt or killed in the process. Lena wanted to run, instead, she kept calm and refined. Lena felt she was being sold, or worse, walking to the guillotine, to her death.
Lena finally made it to the garden, to her favorite spot. Lena knew she would no longer think of this spot as a calm escape. She would think of it forever as the place where she lost all of her freedom.
