16 A New Celebration in the Old Wing

 

In the days that followed, no one was idle. The Dowager, who was the most receptive to the idea of going to a ball with a flock of courtly ghosts, had bought a new dress for the honour of the family. She presented Bessie with a lovely frock in a pink so soft it was as though a snowflake had blushed. Mattie received a velvet dress with a silver sheen. Andrew and Michael each received tiepins in the form of ivory pugs. Although Iggy had brought his little green coat, which he wore for family gatherings, he felt that he and Mac should look the same. So they would appear with no adornment. Louisa had bows of luscious silk and each puppy had a silk ribbon. Hortensia had a new necklace and earbobs.

‘Mum,’ said Little Walter, ‘you will look so beautiful. Like a pug of ebony and gold.’ Hortensia tossed her head and the golden earrings danced in the firelight. Then they both laughed.

‘Is she nice, this Elizabeth?’ she asked her son.

‘No, I do not think you would call her nice. She was a great ruler and she is living the dream of her power. I do not think that makes a person nice, do you?’

Hortensia agreed and tried to walk in an imperious way, which only made her tumble over a footstool. The Dowager rummaged through her boxes and retrieved four circles of something covered in tissue. She called the gents to her and revealed four little ruffs made in the style of Elizabeth’s time. It was a compliment to the queen. Mac started to refuse but Iggy nudged him.

‘Let us try them,’ he whispered. The effect was delightful.

Each day Iggy went to the sea and asked Charles if there was any news. Each day Little Walter walked the old rooms and listened to the silence. Then one morning, as he was kissing the puppies, Iggy was startled to hear Louisa ask, ‘Are you ready for tomorrow night?’

‘Sister, how do you know?’

‘They arrived before dawn and she came in to play with the children. I had to ask the day of the ball, Ignatius Oliver. Everyone has been preparing for days and days. And I do want to wear my new bow.’

‘Thank you, Louisa,’ he said and went down to breakfast with the news.

Everyone was at breakfast when Iggy gave the report and, although they had been preparing exhaustively, a frisson of excitement went through the family. Only Rattle said, ‘Are you quite certain that I should attend?’

Michael was about to launch into a speech when Bessie said, ‘But of course.’ It saved oodles of time. The Dowager’s idea was that since they had been in preparation for so long, the best thing to do was to go for a walk and talk about the people they were likely to meet. Uncle Thomas thought this an excellent idea and, as the morning was mild, they went down to the shore to look for Charles. He appeared and bowed to the family. When Mac told him about the ball, Charles scampered about.

‘This is exciting,’ he said. ‘Quite an assembly from the look of the riders going back and forth.’

‘Any idea who is going to attend?’ asked Mac.

‘I’ve seen Raleigh, Burley, Leicester and Essex. They are probably the most important, after us, of course. You must remember that you are the honoured guests. Behave as such for it is your due.’

‘And you?’ asked Iggy. ‘Are you not an honoured guest?’

‘Not in the same way,’ said Charles seriously.

‘Is that because you are Merlin’s creature and came before her time?’ asked Louisa.

‘Madam, you have it exactly. The queen does not trust Merlin. Never did. She deals with reality, not legend. But who knows? Merlin delights in your little ones and who can say he will not come to join myth with reality?’

Wuffie, who was standing close to Charles whispered, ‘Are you Merlin himself?’

‘Who knows?’ answered the crab and scuttled back into the water.

The next morning all the humans were up too early and getting in their own way. Uncle Thomas took a walk in the old wing and reported that there was expectation in the air. At her insistence, Andrew and Michael had their clothes laid out for the Dowager’s inspection. She then produced a new waistcoat for each. Rattle insisted that he would wear his pug waistcoat.

‘What about Uncle Thomas?’ asked Andrew.

‘He has been provided for,’ answered the Dowager. ‘Do you think that I have been idle?’ but her eyes sparkled.

The pugs were unaccountably sluggish. Mac suggested that a spell had been cast on them.

‘By whom?’ asked Wuffie mildly.

They went down to the shore and Charles told them not to be silly, that it was pre-ball nerves.

‘I think,’ he continued practically, ‘that you should begin to dress an hour after sundown. Remember their time is not our time.’

Every one nodded and trudged back up to the house. Mattie set Mrs. Yum and Mrs. Scrumptious to prepare a meal. She reckoned that the spirits wouldn’t have much in stock in the way of food.

‘Perhaps drink,’ said Michael hopefully. He had dreams of toasting the queen.

As Louisa and the puppies were being readied, a waiting woman appeared in their chamber. Mattie was startled, but Louisa greeted the woman and asked how she did.

‘Very well,’ came the gentle reply, ‘I was sent to see if you and the children needed any help.’

‘You are so kind,’ said Louisa, ‘but we have all had our baths and are just putting our bows on.’

‘Madam,’ smiled the woman, ‘I’m asked to tell you to wear no adornment tonight.’

‘No bow?’ said Louisa, who felt naked without one.

‘For the present,’ said the woman and with a curtsey she was gone.

Wuffie was just coming in with his ruff held gingerly between his teeth. He saw Louisa’s stricken face and gave her a big kiss, ‘Never mind, dearest,’ he crooned, ‘best to smile and obey. I suspect a bow is waiting for you in the old wing.’

Louisa sniffed bravely thinking of how grand Hortensia would look. Then as Mattie fixed Wuffie’s ruff in place, she beamed, ‘Oh, Wuffie, how splendid you look. Just like an old family portrait.’

‘Come,’ he said, ‘we will go and see the others.’

The pugs met in the pug room and they all did, indeed, look worthy of a ball. Hortensia regarded Louisa with some surprise but said nothing. Little Walter had trouble not scratching his ruff, so Mac paraded him around the room practicing walking and then bowing. Iggy looked at them fondly then gave a low bark and all assembled before him.

‘Proud Pugs,’ said Iggy, ‘tonight is historic for our clan. We must represent all those who have gone before us, those who are not with us and those who will come after us. We must, above all, enjoy ourselves for such an adventure is given to few. We have proven ourselves to the family we love and serve. Now we must celebrate. Think on my dear Lucy and our patron and companion in war, the Blessed Benedictus. We shall not see them but we know that they will be with us.’ He was silent for a moment and they all bowed their heads while Louisa whispered, ‘Dear Lucy be very near us tonight.’ Then Iggy’s voice rang out clearly, ‘Let us give the cry of the Proud Pugs of Penzance!’ A great pug cheer rose to the ceiling, to the roof and then to the heavens. In the silence there was the soft sound of a cheer from afar. It might have been an echo or it might have been applause from those above. Iggy drew a deep breath, ‘Ready?’ he asked.

‘Ready, Ignatius Oliver,’ answered Mac lustily. ‘Ready, one and all!’

Then the door opened and the family came in. From the tiniest to the greatest, the pugs looked at their family and the family looked at the pugs. No one spoke; no one barked. Words in any language were insufficient.

Then the door was opened again, this time by a servant of Elizabeth.

‘Ladies, gentlemen and pugs, the queen commands your presence. . . .’

Uncle Thomas took the arm of the Dowager; Andrew offered Bessie his arm and Michael smilingly gave his arm to Mattie pursing his lips in a whistle at her dress. Hortensia and Little Walter joined Uncle Thomas; Mac joined Michael and Iggy walked proudly by Andrew’s side. Rattle moved to stand beside The Count of Wuf. Wuffie bowed to Rattle, then to his darling Louisa and, with the puppies waddling on each side of them, proudly took his lady, his children and his long-standing friend to the old wing.

When the door opened into the old room, there was a murmur from the family. Lights from many candles washed over the jewels and the rainbow of colours on the courtiers. Elizabeth sat in splendour looking remote and gorgeous. The family gathered at the top of the stairs and was announced in groups.

‘Thomas, head of the family; the Dowager Countess of Scilly; her pugs, Hortensia and Hortensia’s son, Little Walter.’ Uncle Thomas, looking composed and handsome, handed the Dowager down. Hortensia and Little Walter walked behind them, Little Walter practicing what Mac had taught him. They bowed before the queen who spoke to them with a quiet familiarity that made Uncle Thomas beam and the Dowager smile.

The queen turned to Hortensia, ‘your son is a brave lad. He is a compliment to you in every way.’

‘Majesty,’ said Hortensia bowing deeply, her earrings catching the light, ‘he is my pride. That he has served his family is my great reward.’

‘And so young,’ said the queen.

‘Yes,’ said Hortensia, ‘truly I had not expected it.’

‘We will salute him properly.’

Hortensia, Little Walter and the family bowed. Then Andrew came forward with Bessie and Ignatius Oliver. The queen looked closely at Bess and smiled, ‘You have been a comfort to your cousin,’ she said, ‘let me see you standing together.’

The young girl appeared and slipped next to Bessie. ‘Two roses,’ said the queen, ‘two happy blooms.’ The girls took hands and bowed. Then Andrew offered an arm to each. And the queen turned to Iggy.

‘Sir pug,’ she said, ‘you are pleased with the state of things.’

‘Yes, majesty,’ he said quietly. ‘For us it is a glorious night. And we all thank you for it.’

‘What will you do at this ball?’

‘I hope to meet some interesting people. I mean to watch my family enjoy themselves. I intend to be glad. And I hope to sit at the feet of the queen.’

‘Worthy,’ said Elizabeth and beckoned for several cushions to be brought. When they were arranged near her, she motioned to Iggy who took his place. She placed her hand briefly on his head and he felt the familiar weight of her rings. Then Michael was coming forward with Mattie and Mac. Mac’s eye was rolling with delight and the queen could not help but smile. She greeted Mattie cordially and offered Michael her hand to kiss. Then gestured to Mac to join his brother. Finally, it was Rattle’s turn. He bowed the little family before him and Wuffie and Louisa with their children bowed before the queen. Even the courtiers smiled as Louisa put a paw firmly on her son and daughter and gathered them into her curtsy. Suddenly, the queen stood and there was silence.

‘Louisa,’ she said, ‘may I embrace your children?’

‘Majesty, you may,’ said Louisa with all the imperiousness of a new mother. But her eyes shone with pride and she looked at Wuffie whose monocle gleamed in the candlelight as he saw his girl and his children honoured. The queen bent down and gathered the puppies up. How they glimmered against the brocade and jewels on her dress. One gripped the heavy lace at her wrist, shook it and growled. The other twined the great pearl necklace about herself.

‘Let us hope,’ murmured Mac to Iggy, ‘the child doesn’t break it. We’ll be looking for pearls til the next century.’

But Louisa spoke sharply and the little one was quiet. The queen laughed and put them down then beckoned to Louisa to approach.

‘Louisa,’ she said, ‘I know that you have a fancy for bows. Why do you not wear one tonight?’

‘Ma’m, I understood that you did not wish it. I do have a new one and if you would like . . .’

‘No need.’ With a lift of her hand a servant appeared and handed her a little parcel wrapped in blue silk. ‘Will you wear this for me?’ asked the queen, releasing the silk and producing a blue bow from which hung a pink pearl. Louisa closed her eyes. Never had there been a bow like this.

‘Oh, ma’m,’ was all she said. She approached and the queen lifted her up and fixed it between her ears.

‘Beautiful,’ murmured Wuffie.

‘I have never seen such a pearl,’ whispered Hortensia to the Dowager. And she added generously, ‘it suits her. Yes, it most certainly does.’

‘Now let us rejoice,’ said Elizabeth of England.

And they did. The family moved among the guests. Michael and Andrew renewed their acquaintance with Essex and Uncle Thomas talked to Leicester, the queen’s first favourite, about his life at court. The Dowager talked to Lord Burleigh, Elizabeth’s first counselor, and she made him smile. Bessie and her cousin greeted some handsome courtiers and many eyes turned Bessie’s way. Rattle accompanied the young ladies and felt himself in a dream. He would often glance toward Wuffie and Louisa and Wuffie would look back, smiling tremendously. There was wine and it was delicious. Pug bowls were brought and the queen toasted the family. Then Michael stepped forward and begged for silence.

‘My one wish tonight is that my family may offer a toast to the queen.’

Elizabeth motioned for him to continue.

‘You have been cheered in the far corners of the world. You have been saluted by friends and enemies. Your name has been written forever in the history of your land. But you have, I wager, never sat before those who came after you who could promise that you are still remembered and that the memory of your power has not dimmed. For tonight alone, we can speak to you and bless you. For tonight alone we can look into your eyes and say, “God save, your majesty!’

And the cry went up, ‘God save your majesty!’

At a nudge from Ignatius, Mac trotted down and stood beside his master. He bowed and asked for her permission by a look. When she nodded, he began, ‘Elizabeth of England, we the Proud Pugs of Penzance salute you. Your presence has restored our family honour and your kindness has blessed us. Let us give the cry of the Proud Pugs!’ And the great cry went up once again. This time, in the brief silence that followed it, there was clearly an answering cheer from above followed by a tremendous song and a great white bulldog whose wings gleamed gold in the light hovered above them all singing, ‘Joy! Joy! Joy!’

 Iggy looked up and the queen followed suit. When she saw the visitor, she gave a slight gasp,

‘Who is that?’

‘Our patron and champion, ma’m. It is the Blessed Benedictus.’

‘Dance, Ignatius Oliver,’ called Benedictus.

The musicians played a soft, sweet air and Iggy moved alone onto the floor. The courtiers watched with amusement, but he paid no mind. He did his favourite dance: trot in a circle, two steps back, two steps forward, kiss partner and repeat. As he stepped forward, he closed his eyes and heard Benedictus softly laughing. He lifted his face and found that he was being kissed. It was no dream. He began to repeat his circle in time to the music and looked at his partner. Lucy was smiling at him and moving with that lovely grace that had won his heart so long ago.

‘Are you here?’

‘Of course, Iggy, how could I not celebrate with you?’

‘How did you come?’

‘The queen asked specially for me. Our dance is her gift to you. Is it good?’

‘It is above anything I could wish.’

And so in a time that was no time Ignatius Oliver danced with his Lucy, while Benedictus soared above and sang with the music. And the family watched with delight and, as Lucy bowed to him, Mac wiped his single eye and murmured his usual, ‘The dear girl; the dear girl.’

Finally the music died sweetly and Benedictus was at last silent, hovering above. Lucy bowed to all the members of the family, and then kissed each one. To Louisa she gave a special slurp and tickled the puppies. Wuffie stood near in gentle deference and bowed his deepest bow to Lucy. ‘Lady,’ he said with manly tears, ‘I never hoped to see you in this life. Be assured that while I have breath your sister will not lack for care and joy.’

‘I know it, dear Wuffie,’ said Lucy.

When she stood before Little Walter, she smiled, ‘Are you quite dry now?’

‘Yes, Auntie Lucy,’ said the precocious puglet, ‘thank you for your care of me in my adventure.’ Hortensia was standing next to them and she bowed before her sister, ‘Please care for him, Lucy. He’s gotten a taste for adventure.’

‘Never mind, Tensie, he is a fine Proud Pug and a beautiful one. Takes after you.’ Hortensia smiled and ducked her head with rare humility. Then the sisters kissed.

‘Oh, Lucy,’ said Hortensia, ‘can you not stay with us a little while?’

Lucy shook her head. ‘My being here is a present to me as well as to my family, I cannot linger.’ Then she went to Mac. He sat on his pillow at the queen’s feet and Iggy sat near him. Mac bowed to Lucy and Elizabeth leaned forward a little to watch them.

‘You know,’ said Mac swallowing hard, ‘that I danced with the queen once?’

‘Yes,’ said Lucy giving him many kisses, ‘you always were a rare dancer. And,’ she winked, ‘a rare fighter.’ Then she lowered her voice, ‘Mind yourself and Michael in the smuggling and I shall have care of you both.’ Mac bowed his head for her kiss and she whispered, ‘Share with my Iggy some of your laughter, dearest Mac; your humour is a true gift.’

‘He is the great one,’ Mac whispered back, ‘for him, anything I do is too little.’

Then to the queen’s surprise, Lucy lightly jumped into her lap. ‘Elizabeth of England, I thank you for my family. To allow us to restore our honour and put our young cousin’s spirit to rest is no mean thing. You are gracious, ma’m, and we are grateful.’

A queen, even a queen who is a spirit, cannot be seen bowing to a pug, but Elizabeth inclined her head and her sharp gaze softened. ‘You are a good dancer, Lucy,’ she said meaning that and a great deal beside, ‘I can understand why Ignatius Oliver misses you.’ Lucy bowed then lightly hopped down and went to the family. Each greeted her in a particular way: Andrew held her face between his hands and looked deeply into her eyes; Michael sat on the floor and slowly patted her as though his love could keep her with them; Uncle Thomas and the Dowager bowed and Uncle Thomas lifted one of her paws and kissed it. But it was Mattie and Bessie who took her up and cuddled her and kissed her and didn’t want to let her go. Yet when Benedictus began to sing, she rose toward him and looked down on Iggy who looked up with a smile and a pride that filled the room.

‘Dance!’ commanded Benedictus. The music struck up and the queen nodded to Andrew while Michael offered his arm to the cousin who had brought them all to the house. Uncle Thomas partnered Bessie and the pugs circled round them. Elizabeth’s eyes flashed and she moved with delight in the dance. Michael saw his cousin smile with a new delight when Bessie glanced her way. And the pugs celebrated it all.

Iggy tripped once or twice because he was still gazing upward and Mac nudged him to stay in place. Then the music quickened and they whirled. The hall blazed then very slowly began to darken. Bessie felt something cold in her hand and realized that her cousin had pressed the bracelet into it while they were dancing. Then Benedictus’ song filled the room and seemed to lift the music to the spheres. The pugs drew the family back and Elizabeth danced on alone: exquisite, majestic and forever lonely. A figure stepped forth from the shadows and joined her. His face was dim but his gold and silver cape wove a spell of colour around the dancing queen. Together but apart they moved to the music and he led her round the room, past the family, past the pugs and toward her court. The gorgeous court seemed to part and embrace the queen. Shimmering, she stood in the centre of the group while the figure lifted his cape and embraced the company, covering them in silver and gold. The music soared and Benedictus sang out his great command, ‘Joy! Joy! Joy!’

When the echo of his song died, all was silent and the family found themselves in an empty room, in early dawn with the rain lashing against the window.

‘Could someone find me a basin of water and put it by the fire?’

Iggy shook himself and located the voice next to him. ‘Charles, where were you?’

‘Dancing, of course,’ said Charles, ‘or didn’t you notice my lovely cape?’

 

 

CHAPTER 17 THE HALLOWED GRACIOUS TIME

 

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