Rose had had to push Rallon into his office. He had kept trying to join her for this meeting.
But he and that particular priest never got along. The priest had many opinions. One of which included that Rallon was party to many of the failings of the crusade. And he had no qualms about sharing this and other horrid statements about the Crusaders. Not for their acts but for their failures.
Had he been correct things might have been endurable. But his views on that matter were just as close minded on his views on education.
His open hatred for those not of English descent in the household was also well known. He was not alone. But he did have the solemn protection of the church.
Rose was once more wise in keeping her husband away. Fanatical racism and hate based on faith were topics certain to put him in a dangerous mood.
Fisher of course was more sensitive to such matters given his own bride, but also took his orders from his lady as gospel.
He had ridden along as guard and now opened her door to a cry from Alyssa. She grasped at him squealing happily and gurgling. He smiled. "Not just now Lady Alyssa."
He turned to Lady Rose and bowed his head. "My Lady his lordship left word asking you to come to the castle site. Shall we ride on? Or will Lady Alyssa remain here at home?"
Alyssa squealed and reached for him again.
Cynthia was on the other seat watching her mother and sister. She was still on orders to protect Alyssa.
Tuchesi poked his head between Fisher's legs, curious what the holdup was. He needed to range today so had run along behind the carriage.
~
Rallon had started in his office, handling all the paperwork as necessary, mostly answering letters, including a direct request from this Cromwell boy.
Given Rose's approval he had agreed, inviting the lad to luncheon in a few days time, as a guest of Lady Rose.
He had chuckled at that. His beloved had one of the greatest namea for events in the land. Just her invitation had soothed many wounded egos.
Of course many still thought to steal her from him. the fools. Rose is not one to sell her heart. And never so cheaply as many have tried.
He chuckled at the memory of one would be romancer who had thought to sway her with a single blossom of her namesake. From her own garden.
The boy had been lucky Rose had been in public.
Tia turned. "Mast- My lord?"
"You have not slipped in some time Tia. The little one had a rough night?"
"Yes my lord."
"Is that why he is not here?"
"That...and your sisters have stolen him again."
"Of course...is he...teething?"
She cocked her head and he went on. "I think he is about due yes?"
"I think so. He had a fever and was very fussy. But he calmed when Fisher walked him."
"Very well...." He began to ponder again.
Her eyes fluttered as she smiled. "Why did you chuckle my lord?"
"What? Oh. That fool who tried to romance Rose with that single rose blossom."
"Ooooh. From her own garden. That was...unfortunate."
"And very very funny."
She nodded. "True. He is lucky Cynthia was with you in the garden at the time."
"Likely true. She would fight even harder for her mother than I."
Tia stretched. "She is a good daughter. My lord you have not answered these requests. Nor even opened this one."
"I cannot safely answer them Tia. They involve alliances I do not want. Future promises I cannot or will not keep. Including about yourself, my daughters, your own son, and the dissolvement of my estate upon my death."
"Surely no one would dare dictate such matters to you my lord."
"Many would if they could Tia. And the unopened one is a grievance against my lack of pride for aiding work on the castle. Speaking of it if there is nothing else I will ride out."
"Well..." she checked her files carefully. Rallon found it amusing anytime people tried to presume around Tia. That she was ignorant or useless.
She was brilliant, clever, and missed nothing. And wholly devoted to himself and Rose. And of course her husband and son.
And unlike most 'servants' in England she could read, write, do advanced maths, and of course spoke in multiple languages. There was a reason he had her at meetings or listening in whenever possible.
And of course she had been tasked with teaching Alyssa all she could when the time came.
She had nodded. "I will inform Lady Rose. Or make sure she is informed."
"Nonsense. I will post a note and you will go see to young David."
"My lord-"
"If I see you without your child before dinner I will tell Rose what you got her for a gift."
She blinked. Then scowled. "Very well my lord."
He grinned. "No one told me."
"But it is not even in the house!"
"Ahhhh but you had to buy the materials."
She paused. "...ahhh."
"I am certain she will love it Tia. Now shoo. David needs you."
She had shooed.
~
She was on the courtyard balcony when Rose arrived, tending to her son. He was asleep, as she had spoken to the cooks and gotten some substances to try for his sore gums.
Thankfully some had worked. So she watched her husband and the carriage silently, and taking note of the courtyard.
That was another aspect of her position that had made a fee unwise servants curse her.
She demanded rigid hygeine standards throughout the house. And on all inhabitants.
Not a crack for mice or rats, not a single shred of filth for them to munch on. Boiling water on surfaces ubtil they shone, polish on everything and more besides.
The stones of the courtyard always gleamed now as any punishment detail meant hot water and scrubbing with brushes at them.
Both Rallon and Rose backed her entirely. And his own sisters had had to put in the work more than once for violating rules.
That had silenced the complaints. And when Rallon himself had pitched in that had ended the superstitious complaints from the elder servants.
Now she noted something and called out at several stable boys and began barking orders for them to begin cleaning.
They snapped to instantly rushing to the spot she had seen. One of the walls was weeping once again, a constant dread in England. So very wet.
Fisher looked up at her and smiled, then back to the still grasping Alyssa.
He raised a gauntleted hand and let her grasp his finger, which she instantly bit.
"She is getting stronger every day My Lady. And she has a great deal of mischief in her."
She now shook the gauntlet and giggled at the lovely rattle produced. Her fondness for armor was undeniable.
Her aunts claimed she would be a great lady and marry a fine knight.
Rallon thought she might want her own armor. And had promised to teach her combat and anything else she wished to learn. David and any future children of the household as well.
Tia called down again. "Fisher my love please ask Lady Rose what she would like for dinner. It appears that we have options. Boar, beef, or chicken. No rush on the decision"
He nodded. "My Lady."
Alyssa shook his hand again, giggling happily at the rattle. Fisher was always very careful to not let her tiny fingers near any gaps, spaces, or pinchpoints.
~
Rallon was once more failing to be a proper lord.
He waa shirtless, and already filthy.
And hauling on a rope to raise materials into place nearly alone. The three men behind him were scrabbling to even catch the rope as he hauled length over length through his gloved hands.
He had banned all free hand work not too delicate, and at first there had been complaints. But then there had been a few incidents in which the gloves had prevent loss of fingers.
The grumbling ended.
And of course he was an unstoppable example.
The workers above cried out and he let the rope go taut. Then slack as they cried out again.
And then he turned back to digging.
The shape was coming along, and everyday more and more workers arrived. Already they had a trio of master masons and architects, and their apprentices, and now four dozen journeymen of various ages. And nearly three hundred skilled laborers, and already nearly a thousand unskilled who had been readily put to work.
The artisans were also busy in their craft, out of sight for now.
Rallon finished a trench, looked back to see he had lost his fellows and laughed. Then whistled at the nearest foreman. "Food and lodgings still holding up?"
"Yes my lord. Your conversion of those empty buildings and manors to house them was inspired. And of course the city enjoys the extra aide of having so many workers around. And your half pence a day goes well to the tavern and other services. The churchmen come to beam at the construction daily."
"Well they should. Are we nearing the stage for actual stone work?"
"Soon my lord. We must clear the land, space and flatten it. And of course first comes the well. You must have a good well in a defensive castle."
He nodded. "Truth. That is what they are working on in the center I take it?"
"Yes my lord. To prevent people getting in the way. And of course much of the work is the digging, and the hauling the earth to fill in other spaces. And removing stones. Those that can be used to build are being kept of course. Otherwise..."
"Oh yes. I am not questioning the methods. Just seeking enlightenment. You and your fellows have laid out a fine plan. It should stand proud and tall for ages."
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