Love Letter: The Crusade
It is the summer in the year-of-our-lord 1190. The County of Watling sits
quietly in the south of England in the heart of medieval Europe. The
Baron and Baroness of Watling preside over a happy, pleasant court,
filled with beautiful ladies and charming courtiers. Monthly feasts, holiday
festivals, and tournaments help break up the monotony of daily life. The
Baron and Baroness are generous, fair, and a shining example of a
medieval marriage.
James became the Baron upon the death of his father one year ago
when tragedy struck the grand May Day festival. The Baron fell ill and
passed in a mere matter of hours, casting a terrible shadow and abruptly
ending the frivolities. All three brothers spoke at the funeral, and
Robert’s speech, in particular, brought a tear to the eye of many
present.
Juliet, James’s wife of two years, has yet to bear James any children,
but the couple speak often of their hopes to begin a family. The ladies in
the service of Juliet, the Baroness are charming and beautiful. Their
grace and elegance shine before all the court. The Baroness often
produces pageants to show them off, and has promised to find each of
them a fitting husband. In the autumn last year, Eleanor left her lady’s
service following a whirlwind courtship and a very grand wedding affair. Eleanor was much beloved by the court and her presence is still missed.
Juliet is ruled only by her husband, who occasionally – for reasons of
politics – also chooses husbands or wives for his vassals. Most recently
he has broken the engagement of his brother, Richard, to Juliet’s
leading lady-in-waiting Maud, and hurriedly engaged him instead to her
lady Katherine. No public explanation has been given to the court, and it
has become apparent the decision is not to be questioned. There were many courtiers, however, who noticed Phillippe wearing Maud’s favour pinned to his chest just before the tournament melee.
Today’s festivity is a great feast to celebrate the coming Crusade! The
Pope has called for a third Crusade to reclaim Jerusalem, and the Baron
and his brave men-at-arms leave tomorrow to fulfil their holy duty.
Although they will be missed, the air is merry, as the men are anxious to
prove themselves in a real battle!
Key events
May Day 1189 (last year):
The Baron of Watling dies, and James becomes the new Baron.
May Day 1190 (six weeks ago):
Edward is chosen as May King, Isobel is chosen as May Queen.
Three weeks ago:
The Watling tournament is won by Phillippe.
Who’s Who in Watling
Richard, age 20
Richard is James’ younger brother and heir. Richard was engaged to be married to Maud, but James recently broke that off and Richard is now engaged to be married to Katherine. Richard cuts a fine figure, is a brave squire who longs to be a knight, and spends much of his time training.
Robert, age 18
Robert is the youngest brother of James and Richard and is planning to take holy orders and become a priest. People often go to Robert for advice. Robert is not currently in a courtship with anyone, as his destiny with the Church will require him to take a vow of Chastity.
Maud, age 20
Maud is Juliet’s head lady-in-waiting, and – to the eyes of all the court – her closest friend and confidante. Maud, the eldest of all Juliet’s ladies, recently became the subject of gossip following a melee tournament a few weeks past. The rumour mill has spread that she and the handsome French noble, Philippe, were caught in a “compromising conversation”, following which the Baron broke off her engagement to his brother Richard. Maud has since become engaged to Phillippe, to the envy of many a young lady, despite the scandal which surrounds them.
Edward, age 20
Edward has been courting Mary since they were betrothed as children. Now that Mary is of age, Edward is expected to propose publicly, formalizing their engagement. Helen is a ward of his family and so they were raised together. Edward carried on an open flirtation with the lady Isobel many years ago, but he was betrothed to marry Mary, already, and so it never lead to anything of interest to the rest of the court and eventually withered.
Mary, age 18
Mary is Maud’s younger sister, full of energy and enthusiasm. Mary came of age just before May Day this year, and relished all the attention this most important celebration showered upon her. Mary loves to sing and dance and is a blossoming beauty in the court. Many expected she might be crowned May Queen this year, in consideration of her special occasion and great beauty, but – as usual – the crown was laid upon Isobel’s head, as has been traditional these past few years. Mary was jealous indeed that day, and took no pains to hide it. These past few weeks, however, she’s been her usual smiling self, even more vibrant than usual – if such a thing were possible.
Helen, age 18
Helen was raised as a ward to Edward’s family. She is the heir to a large and desirable estate within Watling, but – as a woman – cannot take possession of the land herself. Many have vied for her hand, since long before Helen came of an age to be married, and she has shown interest in none of these greedy suitors. Juliet, since becoming the Baroness, has promised Helen she may choose her own husband, allowing Helen to sleep easier (although all the court knows that a single word from James could overrule his wife in this matter, if he so desired).
Henry, age 18
Henry and Isobel have been courting for some time now, but have been spending less time together of late. He is good friends with young Mary, whom he has always treated much like a younger sister. Henry is good friends with Phillippe, the Frenchman who comes to the Watling summer melee tournaments. The pair are known to get a little rowdy, joined occasionally by Edward.
Isobel, age 18
Isobel is known throughout Watling and even beyond to be a remarkable beauty. She has been crowned May Queen four years in a row now, and bears the honour with admirable grace and gentility. Isobel has been desired by many, but for some time now has been formally courted by Henry. The couple may have had some private dispute during the May Day festivities, as the pair have been more distant of late. This may have had something to do with her new friendship with young Robert, who some noticed shared flowery words of poetry with the May Queen, and even fashioned for her a bracelet of daisies.
Philippe, age 18
Phillippe is French! as well as handsome, and foreign, and strong and a fine squire training to become a knight. He has visited his cousin Isobel in Watling more than once, having arrived the first time in Summer 1188 (for a tournament) and again in Summer 1189, and arrived most recently in 1190 just before the May Day celebrations and tournament (which he won!). Normally he visits just for the tournaments, but on this occasion he has stayed in Watling until leaving for the Crusade tomorrow. Richard and Phillippe have a rather public rivalry, which has included not only the tournaments, but also the lady Maud! She would have been ruined by the scandal of her broken engagement, but for Phillippe’s chivalrous offer to wed her himself.
Katherine, age 19
Katherine is Juliet’s oldest friend, the pair having been raised side by side, almost as if sisters. All the court knows that Katherine is an orphan, and was from a tender age, but there is much speculation about her parentage which has never been explained to the satisfaction of the court. Because of her great favour within the court, none would dare speak publicly against her, nor would many wish to. Katherine is kind, gracious, and has a humble beauty, with great care for her mistress. Katherine has recently become engaged by arrangement to Richard, who remains James’ heir until such time as Juliet shall bear a healthy son.