Ashes to ashes
The fort's chapel is not overtly lavish, though it is well-appointed, being attached to the fortified residence of the Duke. Five days he was away from here; five days suffered amongst the talk of men and war, and throughout it all his thoughts never strayed from home. Even the King was hard pressed not to take note of his demeanor, and despite his subsequent orders for the Duke to be on the front lines, a special dispensation of two days to permit proper Christian rights and observances was given.
There is little in James Howlett's mind that will suffice for not being at his wife's side, but the past cannot be changed, as much as it is regretted and its memories, pleasant and painful both, missed.
The children were spared, perhaps because of the swiftness of their removal from the household. Three of the Duchess' ladies were also lost to the disease - a cruel twist upon his wife's unerring reputation for generosity. Her gifts, so frequently shared, were their undoing.
They will burn with her, as Plague victims must; though hers will be one unrivalled.
He has spent much of his time upon returning here in this place, keeping a silent vigil with the casket that contains the corporeal remains of his beloved wife. Prayer might be too strong a word; he is a man bereft, unable to truly believe that a just and merciful God could allow such a woman to die.
God help the man - or woman - who might seek to disturb him.
There is little in James Howlett's mind that will suffice for not being at his wife's side, but the past cannot be changed, as much as it is regretted and its memories, pleasant and painful both, missed.
The children were spared, perhaps because of the swiftness of their removal from the household. Three of the Duchess' ladies were also lost to the disease - a cruel twist upon his wife's unerring reputation for generosity. Her gifts, so frequently shared, were their undoing.
They will burn with her, as Plague victims must; though hers will be one unrivalled.
He has spent much of his time upon returning here in this place, keeping a silent vigil with the casket that contains the corporeal remains of his beloved wife. Prayer might be too strong a word; he is a man bereft, unable to truly believe that a just and merciful God could allow such a woman to die.
God help the man - or woman - who might seek to disturb him.