Chapter Two-Part II: A New Arrival

Chapter Two
Part II: A New Arrival

Another arrival that morning was causing a bit of a stir, but from the younger gentleman at court who watched from the windows as some of the Queen’s new maids-of-honor arrived.



Mistress Aurora Monty stepped down from her horse onto the hard cobble courtyard, a nice change from the mud that had greeted her along her journey from her father’s manor. The palace was so much bigger than she had imagined. She couldn’t stop the huge grin that spread across her face.



“Mistress Monty?” A lovely lady in blue asked, walking up to her.
Aurora smiled. “Yes, I am she.”
“I am Lady Henrietta Howard. I am a lady-in-waiting to her majesty. Please, follow me.”
Aurora quickly followed.



She couldn’t help staring in awe at the massive Great Hall, nor the many beautifully attired courtiers who milled about the court.



Henrietta led her through the Great Hall and down a quiet brick corridor to a large wooden door. “This is the entrance to the Queen’s chambers. This is where you shall remain unless her majesty specifically asks you to go elsewhere or releases you to your own bedchamber.”
Aurora nodded.

“You will change quickly into the clothing provided by her majesty. All of her ladies wear this particular dress to distinguish them from other at court,” Henrietta said, handing her a beautiful gold and crimson gown.

Aurora quickly changed in an adjourning, smaller chamber and was led into the Queen’s main chambers. Aurora was awestruck by what lay behind the great wooden door. A most magnificent chamber with a giant stone fireplace, the walls adorned with stunning tapestries depicting images of love and chivalry.

“Wait here. Her majesty will come to swear you in momentarily,” Henrietta said, disappearing into another part of the chamber.

Aurora noticed another lady, similarly attired as herself standing nearby. She smiled.
“Are you also a new maid to her majesty?” the girl asked shyly.
“Yes,” Aurora replied.
“I am the Queen's niece, Mistress Marie-Louise, daughter of the Duke of Norfolk,” the girl said with a proud smile.
"I am Aurora Monty, daughter of the Duke of Monty," Aurora replied, also proudly.



Suddenly a lovely lady in purple arrived from another part of the chamber.
“I am Lady Seraphina Capp. I am the Queen’s Lady of the Bedchamber, and the highest ranking of Her majesty's ladies. As you probably know, the Queen is currently with child, which means you must always remain quiet, only speaking when spoken to.”



She walked slowly to a large gilded Bible on the table.
“You must also swear to serve her majesty honorably and modestly. You are an example to all at court. Do you understand?” Seraphina asked.

Both girls curtsied in reply. When they rose a beautiful woman, obviously pregnant, stood in front of them. Both girls curtsied more deeply.

“Mistress Monty,” Queen Annette said, a smile on her face. “You are most welcome. Please place your hand upon the Bible and swear.” Aurora did so.



The Queen then turned to Marie-Louise. “Dearest Niece,” Annette said with a smile. Aurora found it ironic that Annette was an aunt since she was only five years Marie-Louise’s elder.

After both girls were sworn in, Seraphina and the Queen retired to another part of the chamber. Henrietta smiled at the girls. "Ladies. Take the Queen's washing to the washing room. It is time you began your duties."