Introduction
Felicity Marie was born one spring day into the household of the privileged Lord Harold and his lovely wife Pamela. Though she was an only child, little Felicity was certainly not spoilt. Her mother was a very passionate woman, and expected everyone to act as her servants, including her husband and her daughter. Lord Harold, out of love for his wife, granted her every wish, though it often may have been everyone’s best interest if she was not given everything she so desired.
The little girl watched both of her parents carefully as she was being brought up, and came to love her father very dearly for his benevolence, generosity and mercy. She watched her father carefully, and through him learned to love her mother also very much, despite the fits of anger and selfishness which she would show from time to time. In time Felicity learned that some people just naturally have a harder time controlling their passions without a loving hand to guide them, and she determined that she would be such for everyone whom she should ever meet.
Such was her motto in life: “Show love and kindness to everyone that they may be encouraged to fight against their passions and not give up in their battle against the devil.” However, she had no idea of just how much sorrow and anguish this goal of hers would cost to accomplish…
CHAPTER I - VIVIAN, THE PROUD PAGE
Training in her father’s castle were many men who hoped one day to win honors in battle and become knights. Out of the many there was one page in particular for whom Felicity felt a great dislike. His name was Vivian Maurice. He was a most lively show-off, and did not mind shoving others into the dirt in order to raise himself higher. She was sorely tempted to be very cruel to him, and realizing her abhorrence for his very presence, she determined to try her best to overcome her disgust for him and try instead to be as charitable and kind to him as possible…
“Oh, Felicity! There you are! I have been looking all over for you! I want you to join me in picking some bouquets for the banquet tonight being held in honor of Saint Albert Magnus!” exclaimed Matilda, as she ran up to her friend out of breath. She was the daughter of the Master Horse-Trainer of the Castle, and Felicity’s closest friend at that time, them both being then ten years of age.
“Oh! I would love to help you, Matilda!” she answered excitedly. “I finished my chores just half an hour ago, and I am free, so your timing is perfect!”
As the two walked out towards the flower-garden, to gather their sweet smelling collections of bliss, Vivian Maurice walked by – strutting like a peacock. He tipped his hat to the two young girls, made a bow and hopped off again like a bunny-rabbit looking for a carrot.
Matilda sighed and said, “Isn’t he such a wonderful sight, Felicity!”
Felicity, who had walked over to a bush to admire a lovely mourning dove, previously to Vivian’s passing answered, “Oh, yes! He certainly is! How I wish that I had wings, and that I could fly away with him to see the world!”
Matilda giggled and said, “And what would your father say if you suddenly left him for another man with no warning?”
“Oh, Matilda! A dove is not a man, and I would be home in time for dinner! She exclaimed in a jolly voice, laughing over her friend’s remark.
“Felicity! Are you really so very blind and stupid?! I was speaking of Vivian Maurice! He just walked by us, and I suppose that you mean to say that you did not notice him?!” uttered the horse-man’s daughter in disbelief.
“Oh, I am sorry, Matilda! I did not see him. I guess that I was distracted by the cute little bird and the new home that it has made here!” she answered smiling.
“You silly girl!” scolded Matilda. “Don’t you realize that by being so distracted by insignificant things, which do not have any importance in life, that you will end up throwing away Vivian’s affections for you?!”
“What do you mean “throw away Vivian’s affections”, Matilda?” she asked in bewilderment. “I have certainly never sought them, and much less ever meant to encourage him to think that I was even slightly fond of him! In fact I despise him!”
“What! Do you mean that all of this time you have been pretending to love him, Felicity! That is very cruel!”
“Pretending to love him!...I do love him by bearing with his cruelty to others, but I certainly do not like him! Whatever have I done to make you think that I liked him or sought his affections!?”
“For one, you never admonish him like you do the others. You never interrupt him when he is speaking. And very often tears come into your eyes when you gaze at him. Do not think that I have not noticed!”
“But Matilda!” Felicity cried out, “The only reason that I do not admonish him or interrupt him is because I am afraid that I will say something very cruel or unpleasant to him by mistake because I do despise him so much! And as to having tears come to my eyes when I behold him, it is because I can hardly bear his pride and the way that he treats others!”
“So, you have never meant to gain his affections, and you do not care for him at all?” asked the Matilda.
“Most certainly I never have!” replied Felicity most resolutely.
“Well, then you are a weird one, and I do not want to have anything to do with you ever again! I do not want you to be my friends or pick bouquets with me ever again! You are so blind and foolish to what love really is, Felicity!”
Upon completing these words Matilda turned and left her former friend behind her, shocked and wounded as if she had just wounded by a dagger to the depths of the innermost being.
CHAPTER 2 – NOT EVEN ONE…
Felicity had only been trying to be nice and pleasant to everyone, yet by doing so she had lost her best friend! She wondered what it could be that she was doing wrong, for she certainly must have done something terrible for Matilda to become so angry with her. However, she could not think of having done anything that she regretted, or that her conscience reprimanded her for.
Finally, to set her mind at ease she spoke with her confessor about this matter. His reply to her was, “My poor girl! It is Matilda who is in the wrong, not thee! She is very worldly and your un-attachment to such things pricks her conscience. Thus, to make an excuse for herself, she tries to blame you for the disquiet which she feels in her soul.”
Felicity wept many tears that week for her lost friend, and implored God to forgive Matilda and help her to learn that the only way to be truly happy is to deny oneself, pick up one’s cross, and follow in the footsteps of Christ.
In the subsequent years this poor girl made many friends, but always lost them soon thereafter. No one her age seemed to want to spend time with her and this caused her terrible grief.
It was always the same thing: “You just think that you are so good! I can not stand you anymore!”
“You always make me feel wretched, and that I need to become a better person! But I am already just fine! So I will not be your friend anymore, so as to have less stress in my life!”
“You really are so silly to be amused by little animals, clouds, stars, and flowers, and to be thankful for them! It really is too embarrassing to be your friend!”
“You really do not fit in with society! I do not want to be an outcast or different from everyone else. So…goodbye!”
Felicity’s eyes were almost ever neigh breaking into tears. However, she endured all these torments and cruelties with great forgiveness, love and patience, though almost no one seemed to have compassion for her! She began to offer up numerous prayers to God that He might give her just one good and faithful friend, yet He never seemed to hear her petitions. Until one day it seemed as if her prayer might finally be fulfilled and that God may have brought someone onto her path who would fill that empty void in her heart…
Chapter 3 – A Friend at Last?
It was the wedding of her cousin Angelica Faustina to Franz Gregory. The ceremonies having completed, the celebrations began. A tremendous feast was brought, and there were a great number of musicians performing for the meal and dancing afterwards.
“Franz,” spoke a handsome and well-regarded young squire named Demitri Gonzaga to his friend. “Prithee, who is the young maiden speaking now with thy bride? I do not remember her from any of your parties, nor do I remember ever seeing her at court, yet she strikes me as a lady of great honor and nobility.”
“Indeed! That she is, my friend! She is the cousin of my Lady Angelica, Lord Harold and Lady Pamela’s only daughter. Any man who gains her affections surely will have obtained a pearl of great price and beauty, which no money could pay for.” Thus answered Franz in praise of his new cousin-in-law adding afterwards, “My dear Angelica has told me that Felicity Marie, for that is her name, has the heart of an angel, yet no-one outside of her family ever remains her friend for long…”
“And how could that be if she truly is as sweet as your lady makes her out to be?” asked Demitri, starting to be very interested in the story of this young maiden whom had always lived so close by, yet whom he had never come to be acquainted with.
“Apparently, all of the ladies whom she has tried to befriend soon become jealous of her grace and beauty until they can bear her company no longer- though it surely is not my cousin’s fault in the slightest, of that I am sure… But really, I do not know too much. Why not ask her yourself, if you are so interested?” finished Franz laughing.
“I am very intrigued by your new cousin, Franz. Please do introduce me to her, if you will!” implored Demitri most earnestly, laughing at his friend’s teasing.
“Oh, most certainly!” he answered. He then went and brought his lady and her cousin over to his friend saying, “Angelica, my dear, do you remember my good friend Demitri? He wished to give you his sincere congratulations!... Oh, and Demitri, this is my lady’s cousin, Felicity Marie.”
Both ladies curtsied to Demitri and as it was time for the dancing to begin Franz hastened off with his new bride leaving his friend to introduce himself more fully to Lord Harold’s daughter, if he should wish to do so…
After a slight moment’s pause, Demitri asked Felicity if she would dance with him, and she willingly consented.
“Tell me Felicity,” he asked as they began, “Why is it that I have never seen thee before at any of Angelica or Franz’s parties? You live so near to Angelica, and yet I have never seen you here before.”
“Oh, Angelica and Franz have been very good to me! I love to visit with them, yet I always feel awkward at their parties as I do not seem to be able to fit in no matter how hard I try. And many of their friends despise me.”
“And why is that?” he continued to ask, “Thou seemest to me to be easy to get along with, and thou art very courteous. What have they against thee?”
“Well…” she began after giving a short sigh, “It is primarily because I am different from them, I guess. My interests and favorite pastimes only bring their ridicule or disgust, which makes conversations nearly impossible, especially as I am not very good at what they call ‘small talk’. I prefer to say nothing if I do not have anything good, edifying or charitable to say.”
“And what sort of things are you interested in that brings their scorn upon thee?” he questioned her.
Pausing for a minute, as if unsure whether to reply or not, she told him, “Come with me…”
They wandered out into the front hanging garden and she pointed over to a lovely fountain covered in yellow roses and vines with a little sparrow nested in it.
“This is one of my interests,” she said and then continued, “I love animals, flowers, rocks, and trees, and I find great delight in each different one… Since I have no close friends, they have become that for me, at least they seem to try…”
“So...It is a crime to love and admire God’s works of creation!” exclaimed Demitri aghast, “I think that thy tastes are wonderful and I greatly respect your appreciation of them. Such affection for God’s creatures and life is surely a sign that thou art not worldly, and I believe that is why most others refuse to be thy friends. They are themselves selfish and proud and cannot tolerate being around you because your very presence rebukes their slavery to the world, the flesh, and the devil!”
Taking Felicity’s hand in his, he said most sweetly, “Dear lady! May God bless you for your love of all of His creation! Such love as which is borne in thy heart seems as an impossibility in the race of mankind, and makes thee seem more like an angel than a human being! How God must love thee to fill thy heart so much with joy and yet also with so much sorrow! Please be my friend, and help me to learn how to partake in such bliss and patience!”
“Most surely, Demitri!” she replied most gracefully, pressing his hand with both of hers and looking deeply into his face to see if he really meant what he was saying, “I will do all that I can to help thee and encourage thee in the path to heaven, and thus true happiness!”
“I could ask for no more, sweet lady!”
CHAPTER 4 – A PARTING
So it was that Felicity Marie and Demitri Gonzaga became very close and dear friends. Demitri learned to love every beast that walked upon the earth, and find consolation in every little flower or tree that raised its petals or arms to God. Felicity’s new friend also increased in every virtue and learned how to live a holy and respectable life. Finally it seemed as if the poor sweet girl had finally found a faithful friend who would always be there for her. Yet, after she had hardly tasted the joys of what seemed to be true friendship, their paths took a terrible change…
Demitri came to see Felicity one evening and was told that she was out in the southwest garden. He smiled, thanked the servant who had told him so, and thought to himself of how it did not seem suiting for her to be anywhere else when the sunset would be taking place so soon. Pausing as he sighted his beloved friend, and watched her for a minute. A little crow flew towards her, approached her and took some crumbs from her hand. She looked especially lovely, her hair being flowing in the breeze with a crown of braids and roses intertwined at the center of the back of her head. She was wearing a blue gown which he knew must match her eyes, and one little white rose was in her right hand.
As he began to approach her, Felicity turned, and seeing him came joyfully over to great him, “Oh, Demitri! What a pleasant surprise! I had no idea that you would be coming to visit! Will you stay for supper?”
Looking deeply into her eyes he said earnestly, “Felicity…I came straight away because I must speak with you tonight…”
“Why? What is it Demitri! “ cried the lady, “You look so pale! Please do sit down! Come, here is a bench.”
After he sat she asked of him in a worried voice, “Now please tell me. What is bothering you, my friend?”
“I wish to leave tomorrow with my friend Winfrid to fight in the battles and gain knighthood. Yet, my heart is torn because I do not wish to leave thee!” he answered covering his face with his hands to hide the sobs that he could no longer hold back.
She pulled his hands from his face and looking lovingly into his eyes said, “Oh, Demitri! You know that you do not need to go, and that there are so many dangers there for one’s soul!... I am frightened that evil men will change thee and destroy all goodness in thee!”
Growing in confidence at what seemed to him almost like a rebuke by her of his abilities, he raised his head and proudly said, “I am strong Felicity, and I really want to do this. No one can change me!”
After a second to catch his breath, he continued passionately, “I am just afraid to lose you! You mean so very much to me that I do not know what I will do when you are not near me!”
He then smiled and added, “But, you will write to me, will you not?”
“I shall write to you, Demitri…but are you really sure that this is a good idea, and that you shall be able to persevere when you are sorely tempted?”
“Yes! I am quite sure of it!” he answered. “I wish to make something of myself. Most of my friends are joining, and I would look like a coward and a sluggard not to participate also. Besides, I may gain many honors, knighthood, a castle, and then I can come back and bring you to see it all!”
“I do worry though, Demitri!” Felicity persisted. “So many innocent men have entered the military and have been scarred and changed for life!”
Demitri threw back his head, laughed and said, “Do not worry! I am like many men! Nothing shall ever change me for the worse!”
Realizing that darkness was starting to fall over the land he finished, “I must go though! May God bless thee, my dear friend!” Then kissing her hand he left her with tears in her eyes, praying ardently to God to keep him from all harm and evil.
CHAPTER 5- TEST OF TIME AND DISTANCE
Time passed and all seemed well at first. Demitri and Felicity often wrote letters back and forth to each other. He did not seem to be effected in the slightest by any of his bad companions, and Felicity’s worries appeared to have no foundation where he was concerned. Yet, this did not keep her from continuously praying for him and his well-being.
As the months passed by, Demitri’s letters became shorter and less frequent. He no longer spoke in them of the good things and sights which he and his companions had seen, but started to write of hatred for his enemies, desired revenge against those who offended him, and riotous parties. Felicity tried her utmost to turn this dreadful change in him, yet he no longer gave the impression of caring for her opinion or advice.
Slowly her heart began to break and finally was completely pierced when Demitri wrote to one last time. In his letter he said that he thought that it was ridiculous for him to be writing to her, a silly girl interested in flowers and birds. He added that it also seemed impractical for him to continue correspondence with her, since she lived so far away, and there were so many other women right near where he was all of the time. They were interested in him, and they never criticized him or ridiculed his actions.
Oh, what misery filled the sweet heart of Felicity to be wounded thus by her dearest friend! What horror and utter desperation filled the depths of her soul! Never had she ever done anything besides try help him. She had warned him prior to his leaving that he might become worldly and leave the company of the saints and angels. Yet, he had not heeded her nor listened to her advice. How her heart was torn to pieces by his brutal cruelty; however, she bore him no ill-will! Every prick of grief she suffered, caused by Demitri’s words and actions, she offered up to God for him and his eternal salvation.
Angelica Faustina and Franz Gregory, hearing of her tragic experience with Demetri, invited her to come and visit them for a week, in order to have the opportunity to recuperate at perhaps a little at least from the extremity of her distress. Felicity was so out-of-sorts that if her parents had not also pressured her that she would not have gone. But go she did, and while there she came to meet one who was to be for her a great comforter and counselor.
CHAPTER 6 - A CHANGE OF SCENERY
“Oh, Felicity! How happy I am to see thee again!” declared Angelica. “I have tried to arrange everything so that you will want nothing whilst thou art here!”
“I am very grateful to thee and Franz thy generosity, Angelica!” exclaimed Felicity, embracing her cousin. “Please, whilst thou do me one more favor though, and allow me to help serve thee whilst I am here, to repay thy kindness?”
“Thou art welcome to help Adelia in the kitchen, and help her serve if thou shouldst wish it, but thou really dost not need to do so…”
“Please do not take offense, Angelica.” replied the young visitor. “I really need a distraction to keep me from thinking too much and going insane…At least for now…”
“It is all right, Felicity! I understand! Have no worries of that!” rejoined Angelica. “Oh, and by the way, we are to have a large party here with friends from many distant places this Thursday; in honor of the Feast of Corpus Christi. If thou wouldst like, thou mayest take on the organizing of it. That would be of great help to me, and give me more opportunity to visit with the guests.”
Felicity smiled and sweetly answered, “That is the perfect occupation for me, Angelica! Thou hast been so good to me! Thank you!” and after kissing her cousin she went to establish herself in her quarters.
CHAPTER 7 – A NEAR DISASTER
“Oh Felicity!” sobbed Adelia covering her face with her hands “I have ruined everything! The party is going to be a disaster!”
“There, there, dear! What is wrong?” asked Felicity as she entered the kitchen to find the cook servant quite distraught.
“I forgot that silly old cat Petunia was in here and I left Lady Angelica’s favorite dish of Raspberry Custard Crisp on the counter! The beast has eaten every morsel of the delicacy, and I have no more berries or cream in the house with which to make another! The other maids have all gone to bed, and we shall all be in church early tomorrow until the time of the fast! Whatever shall I do!” whimpered the Adelia.
Tears streamed down the old lady’s face as she besought Felicity’s advice, and the young lady, kissing the old maid’s forehead and comforted her saying, “Do not weep, so, Adelia! I shall take care of the desert and find something to replace it. Go now and rest thyself, for thou whilst need all of thy strength for tomorrow!”
Looking up at Felicity, the cook asked in great straights, “But what can be done?”
“Do not worry, Adelia! I have an idea… But for now, get thy rest, and thou shalt see tomorrow what it is if I succeed… All that I ask is that thou offer an Ave for me before thou layest down to sleep.”
“I will do anything that thou asketh, my lady!” exclaimed the servant, filled with hope. “Thank you ever so much!”
+++
Once the servant maid had retired, Felicity set out on a great expedition to save the party from losing its desert. She found a lantern, an apron, a pail, and a bowl, headed out to the forest and there she picked a gallon of raspberries. As she was heading back to the barn a knight came riding up on the pathway, and stopped at sighting her.
Dismounting from his steed, he inquired, “May I ask what a young maiden is doing out in the forest so late at night? Dost thou not realize that there are many ruffians who pass though there parts at this time of the night? Where art thou from?”
Turning her eyes to the knight she replied, “Please, good sir, ride on and find thy rest. I do know the dangers involved, but I have been accomplishing an act of necessary charity for a friend. I have come from the castle of Lord Franz Gregory and his wife, Lady Angelica Faustina. And I am on my way to there now.”
Noticing her basket of berries he said, “But could not thy friend have waited until the morning for her berries?”
“No, sir… Tomorrow is the great and Holy Feast Day of Corpus Christi, and there is no time before the fruit for the feast before or after Mass. Please excuse me though, as I must hurry to return and help finish the preparations!”
“Very well…” he began and then continued smiling, “But at least let me give thee a lift in return for having taken up so much of thy precious time. I also am on my way to the Castle of Franz Gregory, and it would make me rest better to know that thou art safe from attack or injury during this night.”
“Please sir, do not be offended, but I must decline as I have also to stop by the stables and collect some milk on my way back.”
“And I, little lass, have my horse to drop off there! Come, come, it is yet three miles to the castle, and my giving thee a ride will save thee quite some time in which for thee to finish thy work.”
Realizing that she was getting no-where by arguing, and that there really was still much left to do that night, she accepted his offer of assistance.
After she dismounted and thanked him, she turned to find Mille, the cow. Yet, he called out after her, “Little maiden… Before thou leavest, please tell me… What is thy name?”
Pausing for a second, she turned back to the knight, looked into his eyes, blushed and replied, “Felicity Marie, Sir.” And then curtsying she rushed off to finish her preparations.
CHAPTER 8 – THE PROCESSION
“How ever didst thou do it, Lady Felicity!” exclaimed Adelia, so happy and excited that she could hardly contain herself.
Felicity looked up from where she sat, and smiled at the servants delight in finding a new raspberry-custard crisp on the counter, and teasingly told her, “My guardian angel sent me a knight in shining armor to help me!”
“Oh, stop your joking, dear girl!” laughed the elderly cook. “I will not pry into thy secret ways!”
She chuckled a little more and then said, “Well, however thou didst it, thou hast saved my skin, and I am very grateful to thee! Hurry now though and prepare thyself for Mass, and be sure to grab an extra veil for Lady Angelica! I have not had the time to mend hers yet…”
“I will, Adelia!” answered Felicity, smiling at her friends delight as she rushed off to finish getting ready for Mass.
She did have to hurry because she was to sing in the choir. She needed to leave early, due to this, and she was still dressed in her cooking apron and work clothes. She had finished making the desert only a few hours before, and had been taking a brief repose on a seat when Adelia had entered the kitchen and discovered the repaired delicacy.
+++
“Ding…Dong…” rang the bells for Mass. Father Albert intoned the Asperges Me and the choir picked up where he left off. It was a beautiful High Mass, and the choir sang quite well. Felicity’s favorite was the Pange Lingua, which was sung during Holy Communion and also for the Eucharistic procession afterwards. The acoustics in Santa Barbara Chapel were exquisite, and many great singers had come from far and wide to sing there that day. After Mass a grand procession took place, which inspired Felicity to compose the following poem later in life:
MYSTERIUM FIDEI
I LISTEN AND HEAR,
A SONG ON THE BREEZE.
I LOOK AND I SEE,
MEN FALL ON THEIR KNEES.
ON INSTINCT I TOO,
THEN FALL ON THE GROUND.
I BOW DOWN MY HEAD,
AND DON’T MAKE A SOUND.
COMING TOWARD ME IS,
A GRAND PROCESSION.
SOME ARE PRIESTS,
AND THOSE OF LIKE PROFESSION.
AS THEY PASS BY,
I JOIN IN AND FOLLOW.
AND WHEN IT ENDS,
MY HEART FILLS WITH SORROW.
CHILDREN THROW FLOWERS,
IN FRONT OF THE CROWD.
AND RARELY IS SEEN
THE SIGN OF A CLOUD.
BIRDS BY HUNDREDS,
COME JOIN US IN SINGING;
WHEN THEY SEE WHAT
IT IS THAT WE’RE BRINGING.
MANY MAY WONDER
WHAT GREAT SIGHT WE SEE,
YET FOR MOST ‘TWILL
REMAIN A MYSTERY.
FOR ONLY A CATHOLIC,
COULD UNDERSTAND;
HOW A MAN COULD HOLD,
HIS GOD IN HIS HAND.
I LISTEN AND HEAR,
A SONG ON THE BREEZE.
I LOOK AND I SEE,
MEN FALL ON THEIR KNEES.
ON INSTINCT I TOO,
THEN FALL ON THE GROUND.
I BOW DOWN MY HEAD,
AND DON’T MAKE A SOUND.
COMING TOWARD ME IS,
A GRAND PROCESSION.
SOME ARE PRIESTS,
AND THOSE OF LIKE PROFESSION.
AS THEY PASS BY,
I JOIN IN AND FOLLOW.
AND WHEN IT ENDS,
MY HEART FILLS WITH SORROW.
CHILDREN THROW FLOWERS,
IN FRONT OF THE CROWD.
AND RARELY IS SEEN
THE SIGN OF A CLOUD.
BIRDS BY HUNDREDS,
COME JOIN US IN SINGING;
WHEN THEY SEE WHAT
IT IS THAT WE’RE BRINGING.
MANY MAY WONDER
WHAT GREAT SIGHT WE SEE,
YET FOR MOST ‘TWILL
REMAIN A MYSTERY.
FOR ONLY A CATHOLIC,
COULD UNDERSTAND;
HOW A MAN COULD HOLD,
HIS GOD IN HIS HAND.
CHAPTER 9- THE FEAST
“Oh, Felicity!” exclaimed the bewildered cook, once Felicity had returned from the great Solemnities. “I completely forgot to gather the makings for the salad! Whilst thou do me a great favor by finding one of the maids and picking what we need?”
“Most certainly, Adelia!” she responded enthusiastically “I shall be back as quickly as possible to help thee serve the entrees!”
As the young lady rushed off to complete her task, Adelia gazed after her and thought to herself, “Never have I ever met anyone, much less a lady, so eager to help those in need! I surely hope that God may one day bless her abundantly for her goodness!”
Felicity finally found one of the servant girls, Dinah, to help her gather the vegetation needed for the salad, and then the two hurried back to the kitchen to prepare it.
“Dinah, thou canst take care of finishing the salad. I need Felicity to start handing out the entrees…” ordered Adelia as the two entered the kitchen.
“Elva and Katrina” continued the cook, addressing two other servants, “Go tidy yourselves up a bit and then come and help Felicity in passing out the biscuits to our guests.”
“Yes, Ma’am!” the two girls answered quickly, and soon they were all loaded with trays of Adelia’s special blueberry and blackberry scones, and were taking them to be served in the Great Hall.
“Sir, wouldst thou like a biscuit?...My lady, wouldst thou care for a scone?...” Such asked the girls as they went from person to person offering their precious trinkets.
When Felicity came to Lady Angelica, the latter took her hand, pressed it and earnestly declared, “Thanks be to thee, ever so much for thy help, my dear! Everything has been better than ever this year, thanks to thy help!”
The girl smiled at her cousin and said, “It gives me pleasure to be of a help to someone who appreciates what I do for them, my lady!” She then turned and left to help prepare the next course of the dinner.
Time came for the raspberry-custard-crisp and everyone declared that they had never tasted better. In fact, all were so amazed at its perfect balance of sweetness and tartness that all present asked to have seconds. In the end, as the meal was completed, Lord Franz Gregory stood up and said, “Let us give a toast to our great and amazing cook, Adelia, for this spectacular feast, and especially for this remarkable desert!”
“Here-here!” went the cry of those present in one voice.
Felicity bowed her head and waited for the cheering to die down. As she looked up she caught the eye of the strange knight, whom she had met the night before, staring at her. She smiled so as to prevent tension and then turned away from his gaze and began the task of clearing the dishware from the table. When she reached the place of the knight in question, he handed his plate and utensils to her and asked, “So then…thy friend in need of help was the cook Adelia?”
The young lady blushed and looking at him whispered, “Yes, sir.” Then lowering her eyes, she moved on to finish her job. She could feel his eyes watching her, yet she dared not look up. “Why ever is he so diverted by my actions when no one else ever is?” she wondered to herself…
CHAPTER 10 – THE DANCE
After the feast was fully concluded, the assembly moved on towards the dancing room. There was a large string orchestra which provided the music, and was a very welcoming sound to anyone who loved music. Lady Angelica and Lord Franz led their friends and neighbors into this joyful and elegant form of recreation quite common in those times.
After Felicity had helped Adelia clear the tables and wash dishes for about an hour, the cook came up to Felicity, grabbed the pot in her hand and told her, “There, there, dear! Thou hast helped me quite enough! I can finish here. Go change and join in the festivities!”
Felicity opened her mouth to object, but after a second thought humbly bowed to the wishes of the servant lady and replied, “Thank you Adelia!” Then, after kissing the cheek of the lady and offering her a smile, she hurried off to do as she had been told.
She entered the great hall dressed in a lovely home-made light blue silk dress, with rosy pick trim. Her hair was pulled back by a golden-colored headband, and then into a long braid, with one little pink peony at the top. She immediately went to Angelica and Franz, who were taking a brief rest from the gaieties of the evening, and gratefully thanked them for inviting her to come and take part in the festivities at the castle.
“My dear Felicity!” exclaimed Angelica, raising her cousin up from where she had curtsied to them and embracing her asserted, “I do not know how we could have done without thee! Thou hast been a God-send!”
Felicity blushed and trying not to have all of the attention placed on her replied, “Well, then God has blessed us all!” After a short pause she continued, “By being busy I have not had much time to think of Demitri’s inconstancy, and so I have been much happier than I would have been otherwise. It is so true what the saints say, “That the only means to endure the pains inflicted upon us is by helping others and bringing them joy; though we walk the earth as one dead!”
“Oh, Felicity! Enough Philosophy and Theology for now!” laughed Angelica. “Go and join in the dancing, and do try to enjoy thyself!”
Turning to Franz, Angelica asked him, “Dear Franz, will you please take our dear cousin out to the floor for this next dance!”
“Certainly, my dear!” he replied to his sweet wife, kissing her hand. Then he gave Felicity his arm, and laughing at Angelica’s pretense at having a commanding tone of voice, they joined the others who were dancing.
The dance they entered was what modern people now call “The Gothic Real”. It was very graceful and elegant, and it was accompanied by the music of a lovely oboe and cello quartet, worthy of a king’s court. When they had finished, Franz escorted Felicity to the side, and she went to find a glass of water. As she took a seat and watched more couples form into couples for the next dance, she noticed the strange knight, whom she had met, stop to speak with Franz. At one point the man looked over towards her as he talked, and she began to wonder who this person really was.
Her curiosity finally got the better of her and she walked over to Angelica and asked her, “Dear cousin, who is that man over there speaking to Franz?”
“Oh? That is Franz’s school friend and cousin–Sir Kevin Nigel.”
“That is funny… I do not remember seeing or meeting him at thy wedding…” Felicity stated.
“Oh… Well, Kevin has been out of the country for several years now, and has just stopped by on his return home to visit his elderly mother, who has been diagnosed with the Palsy.”
“Oh! That is terrible! The poor woman!” replied Felicity.
“But why dost thou ask, my dear?” asked Angelica. “Thou rarely asketh any questions about any of our other guests.”
Felicity turned to look at Sir Kevin and sweetly replied, “I met him briefly last night, while doing an errand for Adelia, and he did me a great favor and assisted me in accomplishing my task… And for some reason, I cannot stop thinking of his great generosity and kindness…”
CHAPTER 11– A SHORT CONVERSATION
While Felicity had been questioning Angelica concerning Sir Kevin, he had been asking Franz about Felicity.
“Tell me, Franz. Who exactly is that young lady whom thou wast dancing with just now? Where is she from?”
“Felicity?” asked Franz tilting his head in thought.
“Yes, I believe that is her name.” answered Kevin smiling at the thought of the night before and how she had finally told him her name.
“Ah, well she is my Lady Angelica’s cousin from Bolivia.”
“Bolivia?” the visitor asked in wonder.
“Yes!” replied his host, and then curiously inquired, “Why dost thou ask?”
“Well… I met her late last night gathering berries for one of thy servants. She was dressed as a maid’s helper, yet she had the grace and bearing of a princess. Being curious as to where she resided, I offered her a lift home, only to find that we were both going to the same place! Yet, I was not able to get her to accept the offer until I argued with her for some time.”
“Ha-ha-ha!” laughed Franz “That is definitely a good description of Felicity!”
“Tell me though…” asked Kevin. “Why is it that she serves in the kitchen, rather than being served, as is her right?”
“Ah! That my friend is a sad story…” Franz replied.
“Really? What canst thou mean?” the knight curiously questioned further.
“Well, despite the fact that she is such a sweet girl, our cousin never seems to be able to keep friends for very long… And just a short time ago a young man sought out her friendship, and they became quite close. He promised always to be her friend, but one day soon thereafter he left the area and fell in with bad company. He changed completely and no longer would so much as speak or correspond with her!... This having taken place a short time ago, we invited Felicity here for the festivities, in order for her heart to be distracted from this new affliction. When she came, she besought us to allow her to help in the kitchen, so as to be busy helping others and so not have time to think of her sorrow.”
“That is a very sad tale, my friend.” declared Sir Kevin gazing over at Felicity. “May God grant her a good friend one day soon for always remaining faithful to Him and continuing on the road of unselfishness, despite her dark desolation!”
“Well there! I think that thou mayst have found the answer to her problem!” suddenly professed Franz excitedly.
“Whatever dost thou mean, Franz?” he asked is puzzlement, wondering what sort of inspiration could have suddenly enters his friend’s mind so as to enthuse him so much.
“Thou canst be that friend to her, Kevin!” he cried out almost in child-like glee.
Kevin looked bewildered and confused, so Franz continued, “Thou also knowest what it is like to have almost everyone despise thee, because thou dost not have temporal gains for thy primary focus. Hast thou not often told me of how thou wished to have another close friend besides just me, because I live so far away and rarely have time for thee now?... What better one to have for thy friend that one who is good, kind, unselfish, and loving – just as thyself! She loves poetry, gardens, and the sea as much as thee, and she also is ridiculed for many of the same qualities which thou art also laughed at for having!”
Kevin blushed and turning to his cousin ardently declared, “But Franz! I am much her elder! She would never consider having me for an acquaintance, much less a friend!”
“Oh! On the contrary! I think that what she needs is a friend that is more mature than her peers! No one her age appreciates her wisdom and generosity because she soars high above them. Yet, one who has been tested by years…” Franz paused for a second and then asked, “Or is it just that thou wouldst prefer not to be her friend?”
Looking again over at Felicity with tears almost coming to him eyes, Kevin told his friend, “Indeed, I would prefer to be her friend more than almost anything…” Then looking at his cousin he continued, “It is just that I find myself so drawn to her that is frightens me! She would never come to admire me as I already do her… Dost thou not think that becoming close would thus only cause more pain therefore for both of us?”
As he finished he looked down at the floor, and was quite quiet. Yet the silence did not last for long because Franz exclaimed, “Oh, Kevin! Come now! Thou hast not even really come to know her yet! How canst thou say for sure that she might not come to respect thee as much also! Why not at least try to become acquainted with her a little before completely giving up?”
“Come with me now, and let me introduce thee properly to her!” Franz went on. “See! She is with my Lady Angelica at this moment! What better opportunity could we ask for?”
Kevin looked over and paused, unsure of what to do. Franz laughed and teased, “Come on, Kevin! I do not think that she bites!”
Kevin also smiled and replied, “True… I guess that it would do no harm to at least meet her properly. Please forgive my hesitation, Franz!”
“There is my man!” Lord Franz declared and signaled for the knight to follow him.
CHAPTER 12 – AN OFFICIAL INTRODUCTION
“My dear Angelica!” Franz called out as he approached her and Felicity. “How art thou enjoying thy rest?”
“Oh, quite well, many thanks, Franz!” she replied most earnestly, and turning to Sir Kevin, handed him her hand and said, “How hast thou been, dear cousin? How was thy journey from England?”
“Many thanks for the asking, good lady,” he answered. “My travels have gone quite well thus far.”
After a moment’s silence Franz spoke up pretending to be surprised, “Oh, I see that we have an introduction to make here!... Sir Kevin - this lady here is Felicity Marie, Lord Harold’s daughter and Angelica’s cousin… Felicity – this is Sir Kevin Nigel, my cousin and ever-faithful friend.”
“I am pleased to finally be introduced to thee, good sir!” spoke Felicity softly as she sweetly gazing into his eyes.
“Surely the pleasure is all mine!” he answered, kissing her hand.
“Whilst thou do me the honor of dancing the Duke of Kent’s Waltz with me? I believe that it is the next on the list…”
Felicity blushed, and smiling told him, “Most certainly! It is my favorite dance! I had been afraid that no-one would ask me for it…” He returned the smile, and offering her his arm, the two of them joined in with the couples lining up for this elegant and beautiful dance.
Upon the completion of the dance, Kevin asked Felicity if she would walk out with him to witness the sunset. She was taken by surprise to be asked such a question, for she had met very few who cared the slightest for such things. She gladly answered that she would like that very much. So, once again she took his arm, and they both left the dance hall together.
“Oh, look at that sweet little bird over there next to the petunia flowers!” she exclaimed in joy.
“I wonder if it is a goldfinch?” he asked her.
She abruptly stopped walking, turned to look at him and inquired, “Sir Kevin! Dost thou also know the birds?”
“Indeed, I do, and love them very much!” he answered, smiled at her and then continued. “They, the flowers, and the stars are often my only source of joy when life grows dark and days grow dim.”
“Thou must be jesting!” she exclaimed in amazement.
“Indeed I am not, dear lady.” He answered solemnly. “Come with me and I will show thee…”
Taking her hand he led her toward the center of the garden. As they went along he pointed out every flower, tree and bird giving it its proper name. Felicity was absolutely astonished and amazed to meet someone who knew more of the birds and plants than she, and finally she felt as if she must speak lest she burst.
“Sir Kevin! Words cannot explain how delighted thou hast made me this evening! Never have I met a man who cared so much for God’s creation!”
“Felicity Marie,” he replied, stopping and looking into her face, “Never have I met a lady who would listen to hear of my knowledge of these things. Nor have I ever met a lady who was sweet and humble enough to give up her night’s rest to help a cook in the kitchen, who then slept in her place!”
“Thou dost flatter me and exaggerate I am sure, good sir!” she declared and modestly bowed her head.
“No, indeed, Felicity!” he earnestly answered raising her chin and then professing, “I only speak the absolute truth!”
CHAPTER 13 – PREPARATIONS FOR A JOURNEY
The time soon came for Sir Kevin to continue his journey home to see his mother. As he began to pack his belongings, his cousin Franz came to join him, and bid him farewell.
“Well, Kevin!” he declared, putting his arm around his cousin’s shoulder. “It has been wonderful to see thee here again! Please do visit us again soon!”
“I would like that very much!” he eagerly replied. “How I wish that I did not need to leave so soon! I have been very happy these past few days, and I shall miss all of thee so very much!”
“Yes,” laughed Franz. “But I think that thou shalt especially miss a certain cousin of my lady’s the most.
Kevin blushed and said, “Well, thou and I both knew that she and I could not be friends for long, and that I would have to leave after a short while…” He paused and then continued, “My heart is very torn to part from her company, but what other choice do I have? I must go to my mother…”
“Hum… Why not invite Felicity to go with thee, Kevin?!” suggested Franz. “She is one of the best nurses whom I know of, and if anyone can bring thy mother back to good health, it would certainly be her! Besides…She needs a new project to work on now that the Corpus Christi celebrations are all over.”
“Oh, Franz! Canst thou be serious!?”… Dost thou really think that it possible that she might agree to come with me and try to help my mother!?”
“Why not ask her thyself?” Franz suggested pointing out the window to the garden where she sat on a bench, reading a book.
“I shall!” he declared gleefully, and almost skipped out of the room.
Franz laughed to himself as his friend left the room, and offered a prayer to God that all might be done according to His Divine Will…
“Good morning, Felicity!” Kevin called out as he approached her.
“Good morning, Sir Kevin!” she replied looking up and smiling. “How art thou this beautiful day?”
“Many thanks! I am quite well!” He answered and then sitting next to her asked, “What book art thou reading?”
“It is a Treatise by the good Bishop Remigius about the conversion of King Clovis of France. How amazing it is how just a few good men can bring so much good to the world and so many souls to the Faith! Oh, if only more people truly cared and were interested in God and religion!”
“Yes, indeed!” he replied, and after a short pause put a question to her. “Felicity, I have a tremendous favor to ask of thee…” As he finished saying this, he suddenly felt extremely embarrassed, nervous, frightened, and hung his head.
“What is it, Sir Kevin, that thou wouldst ask of me?” She inquired.
Gathering his wits and enough courage to speak he continued, “My mother is grievously ill, and I must go to see her… I have heard of thy gift to nurse the ill back to good health. Wouldst thou be willing to come with me and try to help my mother?” he asked still with his eyes to the ground, certain that her reply would be “No.”
“If thou shouldst think that I may be of help to thy mother, I will gladly go with thee, Sir Kevin.” She answered encouragingly, after a brief pause to consider what God might wish her to do.
Looking up, the knight exclaimed in relief, “May God bless thee for thy generosity, good lady! When canst thou be ready to leave with me and my squire?”
“Give me an hour to pack and bad farewell to my friends here. I shall meet thee then at the southernmost gate.” She told him.
“Very good!” he answered, and then returned to his quarters beaming with joy.
“It looks to me by thy face as if Felicity accepted thy request.” declared Franz as his cousin re-entered the room.
“Indeed! She has!” he replied. “But I really do not see why… She has nothing to gain by coming with me.”
“Except perhaps that which is dearest to her heart?” suggested Franz teasingly, and then added. “…that she may finally have a good friend.”
“Well, we shall see…” answered Kevin laughing.
CHAPTER 14 – ARRIVING AT THE CASTLE
Three days later Felicity Marie, Sir Kevin Nigel, and his squire John Anthony arrived at Castle Rosenberg, and many of the servants came out to greet them.
“How is my mother?” Kevin asked Edward, the chief steward of the estate.
“Terrible, my liege!” he replied to his master. “Every day seems as if it she can get no worse, and it will be her last! I am very sorry, sir!”
Dismounting from his stead, Kevin handed it over to the care of Douglas, the stable hand, and signaled for Felicity to do likewise.
“May we know whom this young lady is who travels with thee, Sir Kevin? Whilst thou inform us as to how long she shall remain here so that we may prepare her quarters accordingly?” asked Belinda the head housekeeper.
“Ah, yes! How silly of me to forget to introduce our guest!” he answered to her and the announced to everyone, “Friends and helpers, this lady with me is the cousin of my cousin Lord Franz’s wife Angelica. She is to stay with us for an undetermined amount of time, and shall take over the charge of nursing for my mother. I wish for all of thee to treat her with as much respect as thou wouldst show to me, and do whatever she should bid thee to do.”
“Sir Kevin, thou really dost not need…” began Felicity walking over to him after handing the reigns of her horse to Douglas.
The knight cut in and held up his hand before she could finish saying, “No, good lady! It is thy place, and I wish that my servants should treat thee as thou deserveth. Thou may help as thou likest, but thou still art our guest, and I do not wish for thee to be mistreated by any of my servants.”
Felicity humbly lowered her eyes to the ground and said, “As thou wishest, good sir.”
“Now, come with me…” he beckoned to her smiling kindly and holding out his hand to her. “Come and meet my mother.
CHAPTER 15 – NEIGH DEATHS DOOR
“Oh, Kevin! She looks so very terrible!” cried Felicity rushing to the side of his mother as they entered the room. “I had no idea that she was so very ill!”
Kevin also approached, his countenance filled with sorrow, and he besought Felicity, “Is there anything that we may be able to do to help relieve her of this state of misery?”
The young maiden paused to think, felt the forehead of the knight’s mother and said, “There is still the possibility that we may be able to assist her in returning to health, I believe… She is not completely gone…”
“What dost thou need? Is there anything that I can do to help?” he asked eagerly, suddenly filled with hope.
“Thy mother has been in this dark and stuffy chamber for much too long. She needs sunlight and fresh air to help bring back her strength.” replied the sweet lady, deeply in thought. “And I will need to choose one of thy servants to assist me, as thy mother must be kept watch over and cared for at every moment of the day and night.”
“Very well.” said Sir Kevin. “All shall be as thou sayest. Come thou with me, and choose thy helper…”
Kevin rang a bell for all of the stewards and servants to come and see him. When they had all been gathered he declared, “Lady Felicity has need of a maid to assist her and has asked to see all of thee.
“Surely Lady Felicity wishes my services?” asked Belinda, the head house-mistress. “I have worked as a nurse for thy other all the time that she has been sick.
“Certainly, Lady Felicity would prefer my help?” offered Olga, “I am an herbal expert in every plant and its purposes, am the castle head-cook, and know what nutrition is good for the sick.”
“I am sure that thou meanest well, good ladies,” Felicity replied. “Yet each of thee has a special task here in the castle where thou art needed.” Then turning to a young girl of 12 years she continued speaking to Olga and Belinda, “Rather than take thee from thy important work, I choose to have this young girl be my assistant… What is thy name child?”
“My name is Amy Margarite, good lady.” answered the girl. “Yet, I am really quite stupid and shall most likely cause more harm than good in helping thee… Please do choose one of the others who may serve thee better.”
“Rather than being dissuaded by thy words, thou hast confirmed to me that thou art the prefect one for this job. Thou hast already shown great humility, and kindness, and so I wish for thee to be my helper all the more little Amy.” responded Felicity encouragingly smiling at the bewildered little maid-servant.
“Well, then it is settled!” exclaimed Kevin. “My steward Edward and I shall move my mother to the east gabbles, where thou shalt be near to the gardens, have plenty of light, and God-willingly thou shalt be able to help bring my mother back to good health!”
“We shall certainly try our best, Sir Kevin!” declared Felicity smiling as his eyes met hers.
“I could ask for no more…” he finished, smiling also – despite the dark shadow that hung over them all at the thought of Lady Nigel’s possible upcoming death.
So it was that Sir Kevin mother, Lady Gertrude, was placed under the watchful and diligent care of Lady Felicity. Through the grace and mercy of God and the hard work of His little servant, Kevin’s mother soon was recovering quite rapidly.
“I am sure that it is a miracle!” Belinda declared to Douglas. “Sir Kevin’s mother was certainly near death, we could all feel it! Yet, look at her now that Lady Felicity has taken over her care!”
“Yes!” replied the astonished Douglas. “Within two weeks she has been established to amazing health! May God bless the dear lady for saving our mistress from sure death! And thanks be to God for inspiring our master to bring her here!”
“I hear that Lady Gertrude still has not been told of whom Lady Felicity is. As far as she knows, Felicity is just another one of the servants!” added Belinda.
“Really!?” inquired Douglas.
“Yes, indeed! I heard this very morning Sir Kevin telling Edward that he wished to introduce Felicity properly to his mother this evening at dinner.” said Belinda.
“Very well! That will explain why Olga has been so busy in the kitchen today!” Douglas laughing in satisfaction at learning what was going on.
CHAPTER 16 – AN OFFICIAL INTRODUCTION
“Mother, thou dost look quite refreshed and in good spirits!” exclaimed Sir Kevin as she entered the dining hall.
“Many thanks to thee, my son! I truly owe thee my life!” she replied approaching him and embracing him tenderly.
“Mother,” the knight returned “I would like to introduce thee officially to the person to whom thou dost really owe thy life. It is Felicity, the one whom thou hast often seen at thy side helping thee that I speak of, and she shall join us for dinner tonight…”
“Thou wouldst have one of the servants dine with us tonight!?” she uttered in horror.
“No, mother!” he gasped at her insolence and ingratitude. “Didst thou verily have no idea that the person who sat and watched over thee day and night and brought thee back to health was a well-distinguished lady from another land?”
“Indeed!” the old lady declared in a disgusted tone of voice, “This Felicity of whom thou dost speak, keeps no precedence over the servants, but lowers herself to treat them as friends! She is not worthy of the class of nobility!”
“Mother!” cried the dismayed son. “How canst thou say such things!... Felicity is the most king, most sweet, most loving, and most gentle lady whom I have ever met! Hast thou no gratitude for her assistance to thee!”
“Assistance to me! Humph! It was not she who helped me in the least, I assure thee! It was the hand of God!” she retorted.
“Oh, Mother! Thou hast no idea…” began Kevin, but just then Lady Felicity entered the room. He went over to her, and bringing the sweet little lady over to where his indignant mother has seated herself declared, “Mother, this is Lady Felicity Marie, the daughter of Lord Harold and Lad Pamela, our cousin Franz’s wife’s cousin…”
Then turning to Felicity he said, “This is my mother, Lady Gertrude Nigel of Castle Rosenberg.”
“I am very pleased to finally meet thee officially, my lady!” declared Felicity to Kevin’s mother.
Lady Gertrude responded with a sneer to the Felicity, “I cannot return the gesture, girl. So, sit down and let us finish this meal, since we must, and then get on with life!”
A terrible silence ensued as a result of Kevin’s mother’s spiteful words. Felicity was humbly silent and looked up to Kevin as tears started to uncontrollably form in her eyes. He met her glance and finally gained courage to speak and break the silence, “Mother, that was very cruel! Please excuse us for a few minutes… Dinner will not quite be ready for several…”
Offering Felicity his arm, the two entered out into the garden and as they turned out of view the poor lady broke into sobs.
“I am so very sorry, Felicity!” asserted Kevin, trying to console her and brought her to a bench. “My mother should never have spoken to thee like that! It was so incredibly ungrateful!”
“Oh, Kevin!” she responded amidst sobs, laying her head on his shoulder. “It is not her cruelty, but her selfishness that wounds me so! She does not love thee as she ought, and this must be ever so hard on thee!”
“How ever didst thou come to realize that!?” he exclaimed in surprise, adding about his mother, “We have never seen eye to eye…”
“My dear mother was once much like thine, and so I recognize the pain in thy eyes at her insult to me… I also felt the same when my mother did so to others…”
“Oh, Felicity!” he sighed, as tears came to his eyes, “Thou hast suffered so much by the cruelty of others, and yet thou hast done nothing to deserve it! How can God allow this!”
“Oh, Kevin! Please do not speak so! God’s ways are often not the ways of man! We know as Christians that He lets those who try to serve Him most faithfully, suffer all the more to purify and test their love!” After a pause Felicity continued, “And besides, God always brings good out of evil! By thy mother’s actions, I have learned the depths of the sincerity of thy soul, and for that I would have undergone many more such apprehensions!”
“May God bless thee, dear lady! Thou surely has been a great light and help to me!”
“Well… I think that God many finally be rewarding thee for thy goodness and faithfulness to Him, Sir Kevin!”
When Felicity and Kevin returned to the dining hall, Lady Gertrude was in a terrible mood. She was beginning to realize that she had lost her son’s trust and respect, and wished to vent her anger upon someone. So, of course she chose their young visitor.
“Kevin! I refuse to eat dinner with that hypocritical brat!” she spat out. “Send her back to her room to pack her belongings! We do not need her here any longer!”
“Mother!” cried the horrified son. “Hast thou no idea of what thou sayest?!” Thou must be tired!”
“No, son!” she retorted. “Do as I say! Send her away this instant!”
Felicity needed no persuasion but looking at her friend immediately declared, “Many thank to thee for thy kindness, Sir Kevin… I think that I shall return to my quarters…” Turning to Lady Gertrude before she left she said, “May God bless thee, lady, and grant thee peace…”
CHAPTER 17 – FAREWELL
“Mother!” exclaimed Kevin once Felicity was gone. “That was very mean and nasty!”
Trying to change the subject, Lady Gertrude smiled and said, “Ah, here comes the food! Do sit down and eat with me, my son!”
“Not until thou dost apologize to our guest!” he declared.
“What! Me apologize! And to a scheming wretch like that, whose only reason to be here is to take thee from me!?” she retorted back.
“Mother!” cried the shocked knight. “Thou really must stop this right now or I shall leave this castle tonight!”
“If thou leavest, I shall disown thee, and thou shalt have no claim in the inheritance!” she threatened cruelly.
“Inheritance! Money!” shouted Kevin in disgust. “Of what use is that to me! Thou hast offended the sweetest lady whom I have ever met, and for no good reason! No money or inheritance shall make me allow this injustice rest!”
“Edward! Edward!” yelled out Lady Gertrude.
The head-steward entered into the room with a gracious bow and asked, “What dost thou wish, my lady?”
“Call all of the servants here immediately!” she ordered.
Once the household was present she proclaimed, “This man named once Sir Kevin Nigel, my son and heir, I now disown! He shall never have a piece of my property or belongings and from this time tomorrow, if he sets foot on my land, he shall be sentenced to death for trespassing!”
A terrible silence ensued as the bitter woman finished her condemnation. The servants had never seen their mistress act so cruelly, and were shocked to the depths of their souls. All left the room bidding farewell to the beloved and kind knight who had always been their helper, protector, and ear to their requests and pleas.
Sir Kevin immediately went to Lady Felicity’s room. He found her there packing to leave and spoke thus to her, “My good lady! I am no longer welcome in my own home, or in this area of the land… May I travel with thee once again, and guide thee to Franz and Angelica’s estate?”
“Oh, Kevin! I am so sorry!” she cried, offering him an embrace to console him in this new-founded sorrow. “This is all my fault! I feel so terrible!”
“There, there!” he consoled her. “It is most certainly not thy fault! It was all due to the selfishness of my mother. She has long sought any excuse to send me away for good, and take away any right I might have to the land here.”
Then looking into her eyes he said lovingly, “Never have I ever met a lady so gracious and kind as thee! Thou art the last one who should ever deserve such pain as thou hast experienced today, and yet here thou art consoling me!”
She smiled warmly amidst the tears in her eyes and declared, “And never have I met a knight who was so sweet, loving, and good as thee! No person has touched my soul as much as thou hast!”
For a moment there was silence, and then Sir Kevin knelt on one knee and taking Felicity’s right hand, gazed into her eyes and spoke thus, “From the moment we first met, I was ever drawn to thee. Oh, Felicity! Couldst thou possibly consider being my wife? Do not worry. If thou sayest no I will never trouble thee with this subject ever again…”
“Dear Kevin!” responded Lady Felicity. “From the moment we met, I also was drawn to thee! I dared not hope that thou might love me, for no one else ever seems to be able to for long, besides my family! And I thought that though wouldst only think of me as a child since thou art 13 years my elder!...”
“Dost mine ears deceive me, or dost that mean that thou whilst have me!?” he asked in disbelief. “Yes, I am many years thy elder, but was not St. Joseph 18 years older than Our Blessed Lady, and yet they had the most holy and faithful marriage! Besides…Thy soul is as mature as one twice thy age, due to thy virtue and wisdom!”
“Oh, Kevin!” she cried, kissing his forehead, and raising him from his kneeling position. “God surely does always bring good out of evil! Thy mother’s actions and the cruelty of others have brought finally to meet each other! They have brought us to discover that we care for each other, and that God has given us each someone who will be faithful forever us even unto death and losing everything in this world!... But thou art so good, Kevin! How is it that God is so kind to bless me with thy faithful friendship!?”
“Well… I believe that this is the answer to thy inquiry: God gives good things to those who wait patiently for his will and serve Him faithfully through the anguish of the dark night of the soul!”
END OF PART I
“Oh, Felicity!” exclaimed the bewildered cook, once Felicity had returned from the great Solemnities. “I completely forgot to gather the makings for the salad! Whilst thou do me a great favor by finding one of the maids and picking what we need?”
“Most certainly, Adelia!” she responded enthusiastically “I shall be back as quickly as possible to help thee serve the entrees!”
As the young lady rushed off to complete her task, Adelia gazed after her and thought to herself, “Never have I ever met anyone, much less a lady, so eager to help those in need! I surely hope that God may one day bless her abundantly for her goodness!”
+++
Felicity finally found one of the servant girls, Dinah, to help her gather the vegetation needed for the salad, and then the two hurried back to the kitchen to prepare it.
“Dinah, thou canst take care of finishing the salad. I need Felicity to start handing out the entrees…” ordered Adelia as the two entered the kitchen.
“Elva and Katrina” continued the cook, addressing two other servants, “Go tidy yourselves up a bit and then come and help Felicity in passing out the biscuits to our guests.”
“Yes, Ma’am!” the two girls answered quickly, and soon they were all loaded with trays of Adelia’s special blueberry and blackberry scones, and were taking them to be served in the Great Hall.
“Sir, wouldst thou like a biscuit?...My lady, wouldst thou care for a scone?...” Such asked the girls as they went from person to person offering their precious trinkets.
When Felicity came to Lady Angelica, the latter took her hand, pressed it and earnestly declared, “Thanks be to thee, ever so much for thy help, my dear! Everything has been better than ever this year, thanks to thy help!”
The girl smiled at her cousin and said, “It gives me pleasure to be of a help to someone who appreciates what I do for them, my lady!” She then turned and left to help prepare the next course of the dinner.
Time came for the raspberry-custard-crisp and everyone declared that they had never tasted better. In fact, all were so amazed at its perfect balance of sweetness and tartness that all present asked to have seconds. In the end, as the meal was completed, Lord Franz Gregory stood up and said, “Let us give a toast to our great and amazing cook, Adelia, for this spectacular feast, and especially for this remarkable desert!”
“Here-here!” went the cry of those present in one voice.
Felicity bowed her head and waited for the cheering to die down. As she looked up she caught the eye of the strange knight, whom she had met the night before, staring at her. She smiled so as to prevent tension and then turned away from his gaze and began the task of clearing the dishware from the table. When she reached the place of the knight in question, he handed his plate and utensils to her and asked, “So then…thy friend in need of help was the cook Adelia?”
The young lady blushed and looking at him whispered, “Yes, sir.” Then lowering her eyes, she moved on to finish her job. She could feel his eyes watching her, yet she dared not look up. “Why ever is he so diverted by my actions when no one else ever is?” she wondered to herself…
CHAPTER 10 – THE DANCE
After the feast was fully concluded, the assembly moved on towards the dancing room. There was a large string orchestra which provided the music, and was a very welcoming sound to anyone who loved music. Lady Angelica and Lord Franz led their friends and neighbors into this joyful and elegant form of recreation quite common in those times.
After Felicity had helped Adelia clear the tables and wash dishes for about an hour, the cook came up to Felicity, grabbed the pot in her hand and told her, “There, there, dear! Thou hast helped me quite enough! I can finish here. Go change and join in the festivities!”
Felicity opened her mouth to object, but after a second thought humbly bowed to the wishes of the servant lady and replied, “Thank you Adelia!” Then, after kissing the cheek of the lady and offering her a smile, she hurried off to do as she had been told.
She entered the great hall dressed in a lovely home-made light blue silk dress, with rosy pick trim. Her hair was pulled back by a golden-colored headband, and then into a long braid, with one little pink peony at the top. She immediately went to Angelica and Franz, who were taking a brief rest from the gaieties of the evening, and gratefully thanked them for inviting her to come and take part in the festivities at the castle.
“My dear Felicity!” exclaimed Angelica, raising her cousin up from where she had curtsied to them and embracing her asserted, “I do not know how we could have done without thee! Thou hast been a God-send!”
Felicity blushed and trying not to have all of the attention placed on her replied, “Well, then God has blessed us all!” After a short pause she continued, “By being busy I have not had much time to think of Demitri’s inconstancy, and so I have been much happier than I would have been otherwise. It is so true what the saints say, “That the only means to endure the pains inflicted upon us is by helping others and bringing them joy; though we walk the earth as one dead!”
“Oh, Felicity! Enough Philosophy and Theology for now!” laughed Angelica. “Go and join in the dancing, and do try to enjoy thyself!”
Turning to Franz, Angelica asked him, “Dear Franz, will you please take our dear cousin out to the floor for this next dance!”
“Certainly, my dear!” he replied to his sweet wife, kissing her hand. Then he gave Felicity his arm, and laughing at Angelica’s pretense at having a commanding tone of voice, they joined the others who were dancing.
The dance they entered was what modern people now call “The Gothic Real”. It was very graceful and elegant, and it was accompanied by the music of a lovely oboe and cello quartet, worthy of a king’s court. When they had finished, Franz escorted Felicity to the side, and she went to find a glass of water. As she took a seat and watched more couples form into couples for the next dance, she noticed the strange knight, whom she had met, stop to speak with Franz. At one point the man looked over towards her as he talked, and she began to wonder who this person really was.
Her curiosity finally got the better of her and she walked over to Angelica and asked her, “Dear cousin, who is that man over there speaking to Franz?”
“Oh? That is Franz’s school friend and cousin–Sir Kevin Nigel.”
“That is funny… I do not remember seeing or meeting him at thy wedding…” Felicity stated.
“Oh… Well, Kevin has been out of the country for several years now, and has just stopped by on his return home to visit his elderly mother, who has been diagnosed with the Palsy.”
“Oh! That is terrible! The poor woman!” replied Felicity.
“But why dost thou ask, my dear?” asked Angelica. “Thou rarely asketh any questions about any of our other guests.”
Felicity turned to look at Sir Kevin and sweetly replied, “I met him briefly last night, while doing an errand for Adelia, and he did me a great favor and assisted me in accomplishing my task… And for some reason, I cannot stop thinking of his great generosity and kindness…”
CHAPTER 11– A SHORT CONVERSATION
While Felicity had been questioning Angelica concerning Sir Kevin, he had been asking Franz about Felicity.
“Tell me, Franz. Who exactly is that young lady whom thou wast dancing with just now? Where is she from?”
“Felicity?” asked Franz tilting his head in thought.
“Yes, I believe that is her name.” answered Kevin smiling at the thought of the night before and how she had finally told him her name.
“Ah, well she is my Lady Angelica’s cousin from Bolivia.”
“Bolivia?” the visitor asked in wonder.
“Yes!” replied his host, and then curiously inquired, “Why dost thou ask?”
“Well… I met her late last night gathering berries for one of thy servants. She was dressed as a maid’s helper, yet she had the grace and bearing of a princess. Being curious as to where she resided, I offered her a lift home, only to find that we were both going to the same place! Yet, I was not able to get her to accept the offer until I argued with her for some time.”
“Ha-ha-ha!” laughed Franz “That is definitely a good description of Felicity!”
“Tell me though…” asked Kevin. “Why is it that she serves in the kitchen, rather than being served, as is her right?”
“Ah! That my friend is a sad story…” Franz replied.
“Really? What canst thou mean?” the knight curiously questioned further.
“Well, despite the fact that she is such a sweet girl, our cousin never seems to be able to keep friends for very long… And just a short time ago a young man sought out her friendship, and they became quite close. He promised always to be her friend, but one day soon thereafter he left the area and fell in with bad company. He changed completely and no longer would so much as speak or correspond with her!... This having taken place a short time ago, we invited Felicity here for the festivities, in order for her heart to be distracted from this new affliction. When she came, she besought us to allow her to help in the kitchen, so as to be busy helping others and so not have time to think of her sorrow.”
“That is a very sad tale, my friend.” declared Sir Kevin gazing over at Felicity. “May God grant her a good friend one day soon for always remaining faithful to Him and continuing on the road of unselfishness, despite her dark desolation!”
“Well there! I think that thou mayst have found the answer to her problem!” suddenly professed Franz excitedly.
“Whatever dost thou mean, Franz?” he asked is puzzlement, wondering what sort of inspiration could have suddenly enters his friend’s mind so as to enthuse him so much.
“Thou canst be that friend to her, Kevin!” he cried out almost in child-like glee.
Kevin looked bewildered and confused, so Franz continued, “Thou also knowest what it is like to have almost everyone despise thee, because thou dost not have temporal gains for thy primary focus. Hast thou not often told me of how thou wished to have another close friend besides just me, because I live so far away and rarely have time for thee now?... What better one to have for thy friend that one who is good, kind, unselfish, and loving – just as thyself! She loves poetry, gardens, and the sea as much as thee, and she also is ridiculed for many of the same qualities which thou art also laughed at for having!”
Kevin blushed and turning to his cousin ardently declared, “But Franz! I am much her elder! She would never consider having me for an acquaintance, much less a friend!”
“Oh! On the contrary! I think that what she needs is a friend that is more mature than her peers! No one her age appreciates her wisdom and generosity because she soars high above them. Yet, one who has been tested by years…” Franz paused for a second and then asked, “Or is it just that thou wouldst prefer not to be her friend?”
Looking again over at Felicity with tears almost coming to him eyes, Kevin told his friend, “Indeed, I would prefer to be her friend more than almost anything…” Then looking at his cousin he continued, “It is just that I find myself so drawn to her that is frightens me! She would never come to admire me as I already do her… Dost thou not think that becoming close would thus only cause more pain therefore for both of us?”
As he finished he looked down at the floor, and was quite quiet. Yet the silence did not last for long because Franz exclaimed, “Oh, Kevin! Come now! Thou hast not even really come to know her yet! How canst thou say for sure that she might not come to respect thee as much also! Why not at least try to become acquainted with her a little before completely giving up?”
“Come with me now, and let me introduce thee properly to her!” Franz went on. “See! She is with my Lady Angelica at this moment! What better opportunity could we ask for?”
Kevin looked over and paused, unsure of what to do. Franz laughed and teased, “Come on, Kevin! I do not think that she bites!”
Kevin also smiled and replied, “True… I guess that it would do no harm to at least meet her properly. Please forgive my hesitation, Franz!”
“There is my man!” Lord Franz declared and signaled for the knight to follow him.
CHAPTER 12 – AN OFFICIAL INTRODUCTION
“My dear Angelica!” Franz called out as he approached her and Felicity. “How art thou enjoying thy rest?”
“Oh, quite well, many thanks, Franz!” she replied most earnestly, and turning to Sir Kevin, handed him her hand and said, “How hast thou been, dear cousin? How was thy journey from England?”
“Many thanks for the asking, good lady,” he answered. “My travels have gone quite well thus far.”
After a moment’s silence Franz spoke up pretending to be surprised, “Oh, I see that we have an introduction to make here!... Sir Kevin - this lady here is Felicity Marie, Lord Harold’s daughter and Angelica’s cousin… Felicity – this is Sir Kevin Nigel, my cousin and ever-faithful friend.”
“I am pleased to finally be introduced to thee, good sir!” spoke Felicity softly as she sweetly gazing into his eyes.
“Surely the pleasure is all mine!” he answered, kissing her hand.
“Whilst thou do me the honor of dancing the Duke of Kent’s Waltz with me? I believe that it is the next on the list…”
Felicity blushed, and smiling told him, “Most certainly! It is my favorite dance! I had been afraid that no-one would ask me for it…” He returned the smile, and offering her his arm, the two of them joined in with the couples lining up for this elegant and beautiful dance.
Upon the completion of the dance, Kevin asked Felicity if she would walk out with him to witness the sunset. She was taken by surprise to be asked such a question, for she had met very few who cared the slightest for such things. She gladly answered that she would like that very much. So, once again she took his arm, and they both left the dance hall together.
“Oh, look at that sweet little bird over there next to the petunia flowers!” she exclaimed in joy.
“I wonder if it is a goldfinch?” he asked her.
She abruptly stopped walking, turned to look at him and inquired, “Sir Kevin! Dost thou also know the birds?”
“Indeed, I do, and love them very much!” he answered, smiled at her and then continued. “They, the flowers, and the stars are often my only source of joy when life grows dark and days grow dim.”
“Thou must be jesting!” she exclaimed in amazement.
“Indeed I am not, dear lady.” He answered solemnly. “Come with me and I will show thee…”
Taking her hand he led her toward the center of the garden. As they went along he pointed out every flower, tree and bird giving it its proper name. Felicity was absolutely astonished and amazed to meet someone who knew more of the birds and plants than she, and finally she felt as if she must speak lest she burst.
“Sir Kevin! Words cannot explain how delighted thou hast made me this evening! Never have I met a man who cared so much for God’s creation!”
“Felicity Marie,” he replied, stopping and looking into her face, “Never have I met a lady who would listen to hear of my knowledge of these things. Nor have I ever met a lady who was sweet and humble enough to give up her night’s rest to help a cook in the kitchen, who then slept in her place!”
“Thou dost flatter me and exaggerate I am sure, good sir!” she declared and modestly bowed her head.
“No, indeed, Felicity!” he earnestly answered raising her chin and then professing, “I only speak the absolute truth!”
CHAPTER 13 – PREPARATIONS FOR A JOURNEY
The time soon came for Sir Kevin to continue his journey home to see his mother. As he began to pack his belongings, his cousin Franz came to join him, and bid him farewell.
“Well, Kevin!” he declared, putting his arm around his cousin’s shoulder. “It has been wonderful to see thee here again! Please do visit us again soon!”
“I would like that very much!” he eagerly replied. “How I wish that I did not need to leave so soon! I have been very happy these past few days, and I shall miss all of thee so very much!”
“Yes,” laughed Franz. “But I think that thou shalt especially miss a certain cousin of my lady’s the most.
Kevin blushed and said, “Well, thou and I both knew that she and I could not be friends for long, and that I would have to leave after a short while…” He paused and then continued, “My heart is very torn to part from her company, but what other choice do I have? I must go to my mother…”
“Hum… Why not invite Felicity to go with thee, Kevin?!” suggested Franz. “She is one of the best nurses whom I know of, and if anyone can bring thy mother back to good health, it would certainly be her! Besides…She needs a new project to work on now that the Corpus Christi celebrations are all over.”
“Oh, Franz! Canst thou be serious!?”… Dost thou really think that it possible that she might agree to come with me and try to help my mother!?”
“Why not ask her thyself?” Franz suggested pointing out the window to the garden where she sat on a bench, reading a book.
“I shall!” he declared gleefully, and almost skipped out of the room.
Franz laughed to himself as his friend left the room, and offered a prayer to God that all might be done according to His Divine Will…
+++
“Good morning, Felicity!” Kevin called out as he approached her.
“Good morning, Sir Kevin!” she replied looking up and smiling. “How art thou this beautiful day?”
“Many thanks! I am quite well!” He answered and then sitting next to her asked, “What book art thou reading?”
“It is a Treatise by the good Bishop Remigius about the conversion of King Clovis of France. How amazing it is how just a few good men can bring so much good to the world and so many souls to the Faith! Oh, if only more people truly cared and were interested in God and religion!”
“Yes, indeed!” he replied, and after a short pause put a question to her. “Felicity, I have a tremendous favor to ask of thee…” As he finished saying this, he suddenly felt extremely embarrassed, nervous, frightened, and hung his head.
“What is it, Sir Kevin, that thou wouldst ask of me?” She inquired.
Gathering his wits and enough courage to speak he continued, “My mother is grievously ill, and I must go to see her… I have heard of thy gift to nurse the ill back to good health. Wouldst thou be willing to come with me and try to help my mother?” he asked still with his eyes to the ground, certain that her reply would be “No.”
“If thou shouldst think that I may be of help to thy mother, I will gladly go with thee, Sir Kevin.” She answered encouragingly, after a brief pause to consider what God might wish her to do.
Looking up, the knight exclaimed in relief, “May God bless thee for thy generosity, good lady! When canst thou be ready to leave with me and my squire?”
“Give me an hour to pack and bad farewell to my friends here. I shall meet thee then at the southernmost gate.” She told him.
“Very good!” he answered, and then returned to his quarters beaming with joy.
+++
“It looks to me by thy face as if Felicity accepted thy request.” declared Franz as his cousin re-entered the room.
“Indeed! She has!” he replied. “But I really do not see why… She has nothing to gain by coming with me.”
“Except perhaps that which is dearest to her heart?” suggested Franz teasingly, and then added. “…that she may finally have a good friend.”
“Well, we shall see…” answered Kevin laughing.
CHAPTER 14 – ARRIVING AT THE CASTLE
Three days later Felicity Marie, Sir Kevin Nigel, and his squire John Anthony arrived at Castle Rosenberg, and many of the servants came out to greet them.
“How is my mother?” Kevin asked Edward, the chief steward of the estate.
“Terrible, my liege!” he replied to his master. “Every day seems as if it she can get no worse, and it will be her last! I am very sorry, sir!”
Dismounting from his stead, Kevin handed it over to the care of Douglas, the stable hand, and signaled for Felicity to do likewise.
“May we know whom this young lady is who travels with thee, Sir Kevin? Whilst thou inform us as to how long she shall remain here so that we may prepare her quarters accordingly?” asked Belinda the head housekeeper.
“Ah, yes! How silly of me to forget to introduce our guest!” he answered to her and the announced to everyone, “Friends and helpers, this lady with me is the cousin of my cousin Lord Franz’s wife Angelica. She is to stay with us for an undetermined amount of time, and shall take over the charge of nursing for my mother. I wish for all of thee to treat her with as much respect as thou wouldst show to me, and do whatever she should bid thee to do.”
“Sir Kevin, thou really dost not need…” began Felicity walking over to him after handing the reigns of her horse to Douglas.
The knight cut in and held up his hand before she could finish saying, “No, good lady! It is thy place, and I wish that my servants should treat thee as thou deserveth. Thou may help as thou likest, but thou still art our guest, and I do not wish for thee to be mistreated by any of my servants.”
Felicity humbly lowered her eyes to the ground and said, “As thou wishest, good sir.”
“Now, come with me…” he beckoned to her smiling kindly and holding out his hand to her. “Come and meet my mother.
CHAPTER 15 – NEIGH DEATHS DOOR
“Oh, Kevin! She looks so very terrible!” cried Felicity rushing to the side of his mother as they entered the room. “I had no idea that she was so very ill!”
Kevin also approached, his countenance filled with sorrow, and he besought Felicity, “Is there anything that we may be able to do to help relieve her of this state of misery?”
The young maiden paused to think, felt the forehead of the knight’s mother and said, “There is still the possibility that we may be able to assist her in returning to health, I believe… She is not completely gone…”
“What dost thou need? Is there anything that I can do to help?” he asked eagerly, suddenly filled with hope.
“Thy mother has been in this dark and stuffy chamber for much too long. She needs sunlight and fresh air to help bring back her strength.” replied the sweet lady, deeply in thought. “And I will need to choose one of thy servants to assist me, as thy mother must be kept watch over and cared for at every moment of the day and night.”
“Very well.” said Sir Kevin. “All shall be as thou sayest. Come thou with me, and choose thy helper…”
Kevin rang a bell for all of the stewards and servants to come and see him. When they had all been gathered he declared, “Lady Felicity has need of a maid to assist her and has asked to see all of thee.
“Surely Lady Felicity wishes my services?” asked Belinda, the head house-mistress. “I have worked as a nurse for thy other all the time that she has been sick.
“Certainly, Lady Felicity would prefer my help?” offered Olga, “I am an herbal expert in every plant and its purposes, am the castle head-cook, and know what nutrition is good for the sick.”
“I am sure that thou meanest well, good ladies,” Felicity replied. “Yet each of thee has a special task here in the castle where thou art needed.” Then turning to a young girl of 12 years she continued speaking to Olga and Belinda, “Rather than take thee from thy important work, I choose to have this young girl be my assistant… What is thy name child?”
“My name is Amy Margarite, good lady.” answered the girl. “Yet, I am really quite stupid and shall most likely cause more harm than good in helping thee… Please do choose one of the others who may serve thee better.”
“Rather than being dissuaded by thy words, thou hast confirmed to me that thou art the prefect one for this job. Thou hast already shown great humility, and kindness, and so I wish for thee to be my helper all the more little Amy.” responded Felicity encouragingly smiling at the bewildered little maid-servant.
“Well, then it is settled!” exclaimed Kevin. “My steward Edward and I shall move my mother to the east gabbles, where thou shalt be near to the gardens, have plenty of light, and God-willingly thou shalt be able to help bring my mother back to good health!”
“We shall certainly try our best, Sir Kevin!” declared Felicity smiling as his eyes met hers.
“I could ask for no more…” he finished, smiling also – despite the dark shadow that hung over them all at the thought of Lady Nigel’s possible upcoming death.
So it was that Sir Kevin mother, Lady Gertrude, was placed under the watchful and diligent care of Lady Felicity. Through the grace and mercy of God and the hard work of His little servant, Kevin’s mother soon was recovering quite rapidly.
+++
“I am sure that it is a miracle!” Belinda declared to Douglas. “Sir Kevin’s mother was certainly near death, we could all feel it! Yet, look at her now that Lady Felicity has taken over her care!”
“Yes!” replied the astonished Douglas. “Within two weeks she has been established to amazing health! May God bless the dear lady for saving our mistress from sure death! And thanks be to God for inspiring our master to bring her here!”
“I hear that Lady Gertrude still has not been told of whom Lady Felicity is. As far as she knows, Felicity is just another one of the servants!” added Belinda.
“Really!?” inquired Douglas.
“Yes, indeed! I heard this very morning Sir Kevin telling Edward that he wished to introduce Felicity properly to his mother this evening at dinner.” said Belinda.
“Very well! That will explain why Olga has been so busy in the kitchen today!” Douglas laughing in satisfaction at learning what was going on.
CHAPTER 16 – AN OFFICIAL INTRODUCTION
“Mother, thou dost look quite refreshed and in good spirits!” exclaimed Sir Kevin as she entered the dining hall.
“Many thanks to thee, my son! I truly owe thee my life!” she replied approaching him and embracing him tenderly.
“Mother,” the knight returned “I would like to introduce thee officially to the person to whom thou dost really owe thy life. It is Felicity, the one whom thou hast often seen at thy side helping thee that I speak of, and she shall join us for dinner tonight…”
“Thou wouldst have one of the servants dine with us tonight!?” she uttered in horror.
“No, mother!” he gasped at her insolence and ingratitude. “Didst thou verily have no idea that the person who sat and watched over thee day and night and brought thee back to health was a well-distinguished lady from another land?”
“Indeed!” the old lady declared in a disgusted tone of voice, “This Felicity of whom thou dost speak, keeps no precedence over the servants, but lowers herself to treat them as friends! She is not worthy of the class of nobility!”
“Mother!” cried the dismayed son. “How canst thou say such things!... Felicity is the most king, most sweet, most loving, and most gentle lady whom I have ever met! Hast thou no gratitude for her assistance to thee!”
“Assistance to me! Humph! It was not she who helped me in the least, I assure thee! It was the hand of God!” she retorted.
“Oh, Mother! Thou hast no idea…” began Kevin, but just then Lady Felicity entered the room. He went over to her, and bringing the sweet little lady over to where his indignant mother has seated herself declared, “Mother, this is Lady Felicity Marie, the daughter of Lord Harold and Lad Pamela, our cousin Franz’s wife’s cousin…”
Then turning to Felicity he said, “This is my mother, Lady Gertrude Nigel of Castle Rosenberg.”
“I am very pleased to finally meet thee officially, my lady!” declared Felicity to Kevin’s mother.
Lady Gertrude responded with a sneer to the Felicity, “I cannot return the gesture, girl. So, sit down and let us finish this meal, since we must, and then get on with life!”
A terrible silence ensued as a result of Kevin’s mother’s spiteful words. Felicity was humbly silent and looked up to Kevin as tears started to uncontrollably form in her eyes. He met her glance and finally gained courage to speak and break the silence, “Mother, that was very cruel! Please excuse us for a few minutes… Dinner will not quite be ready for several…”
+++
Offering Felicity his arm, the two entered out into the garden and as they turned out of view the poor lady broke into sobs.
“I am so very sorry, Felicity!” asserted Kevin, trying to console her and brought her to a bench. “My mother should never have spoken to thee like that! It was so incredibly ungrateful!”
“Oh, Kevin!” she responded amidst sobs, laying her head on his shoulder. “It is not her cruelty, but her selfishness that wounds me so! She does not love thee as she ought, and this must be ever so hard on thee!”
“How ever didst thou come to realize that!?” he exclaimed in surprise, adding about his mother, “We have never seen eye to eye…”
“My dear mother was once much like thine, and so I recognize the pain in thy eyes at her insult to me… I also felt the same when my mother did so to others…”
“Oh, Felicity!” he sighed, as tears came to his eyes, “Thou hast suffered so much by the cruelty of others, and yet thou hast done nothing to deserve it! How can God allow this!”
“Oh, Kevin! Please do not speak so! God’s ways are often not the ways of man! We know as Christians that He lets those who try to serve Him most faithfully, suffer all the more to purify and test their love!” After a pause Felicity continued, “And besides, God always brings good out of evil! By thy mother’s actions, I have learned the depths of the sincerity of thy soul, and for that I would have undergone many more such apprehensions!”
“May God bless thee, dear lady! Thou surely has been a great light and help to me!”
“Well… I think that God many finally be rewarding thee for thy goodness and faithfulness to Him, Sir Kevin!”
+++
When Felicity and Kevin returned to the dining hall, Lady Gertrude was in a terrible mood. She was beginning to realize that she had lost her son’s trust and respect, and wished to vent her anger upon someone. So, of course she chose their young visitor.
“Kevin! I refuse to eat dinner with that hypocritical brat!” she spat out. “Send her back to her room to pack her belongings! We do not need her here any longer!”
“Mother!” cried the horrified son. “Hast thou no idea of what thou sayest?!” Thou must be tired!”
“No, son!” she retorted. “Do as I say! Send her away this instant!”
Felicity needed no persuasion but looking at her friend immediately declared, “Many thank to thee for thy kindness, Sir Kevin… I think that I shall return to my quarters…” Turning to Lady Gertrude before she left she said, “May God bless thee, lady, and grant thee peace…”
CHAPTER 17 – FAREWELL
“Mother!” exclaimed Kevin once Felicity was gone. “That was very mean and nasty!”
Trying to change the subject, Lady Gertrude smiled and said, “Ah, here comes the food! Do sit down and eat with me, my son!”
“Not until thou dost apologize to our guest!” he declared.
“What! Me apologize! And to a scheming wretch like that, whose only reason to be here is to take thee from me!?” she retorted back.
“Mother!” cried the shocked knight. “Thou really must stop this right now or I shall leave this castle tonight!”
“If thou leavest, I shall disown thee, and thou shalt have no claim in the inheritance!” she threatened cruelly.
“Inheritance! Money!” shouted Kevin in disgust. “Of what use is that to me! Thou hast offended the sweetest lady whom I have ever met, and for no good reason! No money or inheritance shall make me allow this injustice rest!”
“Edward! Edward!” yelled out Lady Gertrude.
The head-steward entered into the room with a gracious bow and asked, “What dost thou wish, my lady?”
“Call all of the servants here immediately!” she ordered.
Once the household was present she proclaimed, “This man named once Sir Kevin Nigel, my son and heir, I now disown! He shall never have a piece of my property or belongings and from this time tomorrow, if he sets foot on my land, he shall be sentenced to death for trespassing!”
A terrible silence ensued as the bitter woman finished her condemnation. The servants had never seen their mistress act so cruelly, and were shocked to the depths of their souls. All left the room bidding farewell to the beloved and kind knight who had always been their helper, protector, and ear to their requests and pleas.
Sir Kevin immediately went to Lady Felicity’s room. He found her there packing to leave and spoke thus to her, “My good lady! I am no longer welcome in my own home, or in this area of the land… May I travel with thee once again, and guide thee to Franz and Angelica’s estate?”
“Oh, Kevin! I am so sorry!” she cried, offering him an embrace to console him in this new-founded sorrow. “This is all my fault! I feel so terrible!”
“There, there!” he consoled her. “It is most certainly not thy fault! It was all due to the selfishness of my mother. She has long sought any excuse to send me away for good, and take away any right I might have to the land here.”
Then looking into her eyes he said lovingly, “Never have I ever met a lady so gracious and kind as thee! Thou art the last one who should ever deserve such pain as thou hast experienced today, and yet here thou art consoling me!”
She smiled warmly amidst the tears in her eyes and declared, “And never have I met a knight who was so sweet, loving, and good as thee! No person has touched my soul as much as thou hast!”
For a moment there was silence, and then Sir Kevin knelt on one knee and taking Felicity’s right hand, gazed into her eyes and spoke thus, “From the moment we first met, I was ever drawn to thee. Oh, Felicity! Couldst thou possibly consider being my wife? Do not worry. If thou sayest no I will never trouble thee with this subject ever again…”
“Dear Kevin!” responded Lady Felicity. “From the moment we met, I also was drawn to thee! I dared not hope that thou might love me, for no one else ever seems to be able to for long, besides my family! And I thought that though wouldst only think of me as a child since thou art 13 years my elder!...”
“Dost mine ears deceive me, or dost that mean that thou whilst have me!?” he asked in disbelief. “Yes, I am many years thy elder, but was not St. Joseph 18 years older than Our Blessed Lady, and yet they had the most holy and faithful marriage! Besides…Thy soul is as mature as one twice thy age, due to thy virtue and wisdom!”
“Oh, Kevin!” she cried, kissing his forehead, and raising him from his kneeling position. “God surely does always bring good out of evil! Thy mother’s actions and the cruelty of others have brought finally to meet each other! They have brought us to discover that we care for each other, and that God has given us each someone who will be faithful forever us even unto death and losing everything in this world!... But thou art so good, Kevin! How is it that God is so kind to bless me with thy faithful friendship!?”
“Well… I believe that this is the answer to thy inquiry: God gives good things to those who wait patiently for his will and serve Him faithfully through the anguish of the dark night of the soul!”
END OF PART I
No comments:
Post a Comment