An Unexpected Alliance [Gwyneth]

[Philip de Calmot]

Philip de Calmot was more than certain that the only thing that made having to earn his money was the social aspect, and by that he meant finding people to benefit him, not finding people to engage in some sort of mutually respectful friendship. It was through his wine selling that he had first made the acquaintance of Lady Caitrin de Archer who, by herself was nothing to get too excited about, but her association with the Aubert boy made her worth his while. This however would not stop him from completely hating the fact that he was having to sell wine in the first place. There were very few things in this world that Philip hated, usually things or people or whatever it was was not allowed in his life long enough for him to develop such strong feelings, but this was his only source of income and a constant reminder of his father's failings.

Such thoughts, however, were not going to help him with this sale. Possibly the only thing he hated more than having to make a living as a merchant and salesman was the fact that he had actually become rather good at it. He'd always been a charming and manipulative child so it came as no surprise to learn, equally he'd always been able to get whatever he wanted from people, taking their money was no problem.

He rode ahead, accompanied by two servants who were following with the cart full of his goods. He had sent a letter to the estate, asking to come and offer them his wares and arrange a time that would be most suitable (and managed to do it all without despising himself for how grateful and humbled he had sounded). That was another thing he disliked. Despite being a noble, having a title for himself he lacked the adequate funds to keep an estate which he would deem appropriate. Other nobles often looked down on him. He may have a title but he was still in their service. Luckily, it was at times like these that his narcissism was most prominent, so it was with nothing but a sense of self importance that he arrived at the estate and waited to be allowed inside.

Tagged: Lady Gwyneth
Timeline: Series three
Location: Ellesfield Estate

[Lady Gwyneth]

She glared at Harold, silently cursed him, and turned her attentions back to her son. Richard slept peacefully in his mother's arms. She gently touched his hand, marveling at her dear boy. He was her beautiful boy, with her golden hair and green eyes. The Wynter looks graced him wonderfully, a child who would glisten in the sun. He would be risen high, and she would see to it. One day he would be lord twice over, the Lord of Gunhagel and Ellesfield. She would do anything for him; she would kill for him.

She glanced up when a servant approached and addressed her husband. "M'Lord, the wine merchant has arrived."

Harold didn't respond, but rather continued checking his finances. He was a sick man, and hard of hearing. He was not competent to bear a title and its duties. And yet he constantly refused to let her take lead. She wrung many plots to achieve this goal and failed each time. He was a believer that women should hold no power, that all important decisions were meant for men alone. Gwyneth rolled her eyes and looked back to the servant, who was now looking at her, waiting for his orders. She turned to her maid. "Anna, come and take my son. Take him to the nursery and let him sleep. Once he has awoken give him milk of the goat." She handed him over and turned to the servant, a heavy plot brewing in her mind. "I will go and greet our visitor myself, and then lead him to my lord husband."