Red

The Day I Lost My Conciousness

"The woman you intend to what?" Auntie and I both burst out, shocked. 

"I know that this is the most inappropriate timing, however I would like your permission to court your niece, my Lady. In the day that I have known her, she seems to be the perfect match for me." Levi gazed and me smiling.

"My Prince, you must have realized by now that we cannot provide you with a dowry. I could never even begin to afford the gowns she would need in order to be seen by someone of your stature and class!" Auntie looked down into her lap, devastated that she could not provide for me in such a way.

"My Lady, you misunderstand. I know all about your financial situation. And regardless, I find no need for her to have a dowry, I am a prince, after all. I will be fully capable of providing for this incredible woman, as well as yourself. You will both move into the castle with me." Levi smiled.

"You expect my niece to live with you before marriage?" auntie screeched indignantly.

"My apologies, my Lady, I have no inclination to cause anyone's reputation to fall into disrepute. I only meant that you both will move into your own quarters in the castle so that you both can be cared for." Levi bowed his head.

Auntie stood up and, once again, walked to the window. "When  my beloved Jack was courting me, he purchased a plot of land, and gathered up the tools and materials needed. Then in secret, built my dream house with his own hands. Only after we had said our vows in church, did he show me the house that I would, from then on, call ours. I cannot leave my house, and I cannot permit my niece to live under your roof until you have said your own vows to each other. I trust you would understand." 

My eyes shone, this was the woman I had always looked up to, strong, fierce, protective. I knew that she would always be there for me, and I vow to always be there for her. 

"Of course, my Lady, I can fully appreciate that. I would, however, still like your permission to court your niece. I will regardless fulfill my promise you provide for you both." Levi's eyes showed a hint of nervousness, but before I could fully decipher it, it disappeared. 

"In that case, my Prince, you have my permission. I would, however, like this week to mourn with my niece, the passing of my husband. After that, you may begin your courtship with Katherine, so long as she approves, of course." Auntie gazed at me questioningly. 

I looked up at Levi, "Are you sure, Levi?"

Auntie spluttered at my use of his first name.

"I have already given her permission, my Lady." Levi smiled at her, then turned back to me. "Yes, Red, I would be most humbled if you would accept my offer of courtship." 

I frowned and looked away sighing. Then tapping my chin with my index finger, as if I was deep in thought. 

Confusion brushed Levi's sharp features. "Do you not want to, My Lady? I promise to provide for you however you would like."

Now I couldn't hold in my grin any longer and I burst into a fit of giggles. "Of course I accept!"

"Oh, you little minx! You really had me going there." He hastily took my hands into his and brought them to his mouth where he left countless little kisses onto my knuckles. 

"Now, my Ladies, I shall bid you adieu. I wish you a time of rest, and healing." Levi bowed deeply and then left. 

Auntie turned to me, sadness still etched into her face, but happiness there too. "Oh, my darling, I never could have even wished for such a good match for you. I only wish your uncle could have been here to see it." Sobs wracked her body again. 

"Come, Auntie. Lets' get you washed up, and then we can go home." I led her to the guest bedroom where a hot bath was waiting for her. Then I left her to bathe in peace and wondered into the sitting room where Lady Jenkins was sitting with three empty teacups, a piping hot tea pot and a plate of cookies. 

"Would you like a cup of tea?" She offered with a smile.

"Yes, please!" I sunk down into the comfortable sofa and rested my head back. "I suppose you heard what happened in there?" I asked softly, exhausted. I hadn't slept since everything had happened. 

"I did indeed. It is a lot to take in. How do you feel about it?" She asked as she prepared the tea, I'd known her since I was born, so she knew exactly how I liked it. Extra milk and two cubes of sugar. 

"My head feels like it is spinning. I don't know which way to turn!' I put my hand to my aching forehead.

"That is most understandable, my dear. A lot has happened. You just need time to process it all. But if I may throw in my two pence?" She trailed off, and I nodded, her advice was always welcomed. She handed me my tea and sat down, looking deeply into my eyes.

"The Prince is an honorable man and very well respected. Even if he were simply a Lord, I would still recommend him as a good suitor for you. He will treat you well."

I smiled, that warmed my heart, "Thank you Aunt Gertrude. That means a great deal to me. I am sure he will make me happy." I set my tea down on the side table next to me and lay my head back onto the sofa, "Aunt Gertrude, I do not feel well." 

And then, as I felt my body sliding down onto the couch, my face meeting the seat, I heard Gertrude screaming for her husband.

"Baldwin! Baldwin come quick! Katherine is fainting!" 

And then, I was out.