Murderous Matrimony(35)

The front door opened and my master weaver, Oliver Northman, came in, shaking the rain off of his great coat. “It’s a rather gloomy day. I hope you are Jessie Morton.” He introduced himself.

I shook his hand as two monks from the Monastery Bakery brought in fragrant trays of bread and cinnamon rolls along with clay pots filled with coffee. They would be there for the first few hours of the exhibit to help me welcome our guests. They spread a white linen cloth over the wood table at the back of the room, and set up their food.

There were antique tapestries on the walls that held beautiful ladies, unicorns subdued by maidens, and colorful flowers.

Harpist Susan Halifax came in out of the rain with two flute players. We talked for a few minutes and then they set up in another corner of the room.

The king and queen, with some members of the royal court, were due to grace us with their presence—also some Adventureland board members.

The Arts and Crafts Museum, along with the antique weapon museum next door, were the first of their kind for the Village. They weren’t games or rides, basically only learning exhibits. Everyone was interested to see how attendance would be. That’s why there was such a big send-off.

Two news crews from local TV stations were supposed to come for the event. Only one had agreed to come at first. The other came because of the murder—and the ghost stories.

I didn’t care why they’d agreed to come. I wanted my museum to be popular. I wanted thousands of people to walk through what I’d created and appreciate it.

I knew if they didn’t, the museum would close, and the red brick manor houses that had sat empty for so many years, would be empty again. That would be a terrible waste of space, as I’d convinced the board in my proposal for the museum.

There was a ruckus coming from the front door. I knew the king and queen must be there. Because their group of courtiers, nannies, knaves, and fools was always so large, it also made a lot of noise.

I had dressed to impress that day, wearing a colorfully beaded over-shirt on my white blouse, and full-length brown skirt. I also wore a small veil and head piece on my hair, and some faux antique jewelry that wasn’t expensive, but looked wonderful with my outfit. It was never good to outshine the king and queen.

I didn’t have to worry about it.

Queen Olivia was resplendent in a red gown, with white fur trim around the neck and shoulders. She wore a gold girdle about her hips, and her hair was bound back by the same gold filigree.

King Harold matched her, as they always did when they went out. His shirt was red and gold. He wore a short cape with it. His sword hilt was gold filigree, like the queen’s girdle and head piece.

Even the baby, Princess Pea, was dressed for success, and to match her royal sires. Two royal nannies attended to her every whim. She was bound to be the most spoiled child in the world as she grew up.

The rest of the courtiers were dressed nicely, but a step down from the royal couple. They wore lighter colors and less jewelry. Their clothes were still very posh and regal.

“Lady Jessie.” The queen addressed me, and I dropped into a deep curtsey, head down. “We are pleased to see your success here at the new Renaissance Arts and Craft Museum.”

Photographers snapped her picture while video cameras caught everything.

Queen Olivia was always at her best in the spotlight. She loved every moment of it. She was petulant, spoiled, and demanding, but she was our queen and we loved her.

“Thank you, your majesty,” I responded with a smile. “You are most welcome to our humble museum. I hope you find something that pleases you here.”

King Harold said a few words on behalf of the Village, but they were more to invite people to come out and join us than about the museum.

The royal couple passed the entry way, and began strolling through the exhibit. The press followed them, but only until Merlin, in his modern day suit and tie, made his remarks about Adventureland, and Renaissance Faire Village and Marketplace.

Again, it was promo, and included a mention of the great wedding day.

“More than two hundred and fifty couples will be married right here at the Village,” he said to the reporters. “Another possible two thousand couples will be married with a live feed which is going to Renaissance Faires and Festivals throughout the world. Guinness believes this may be the largest wedding day in history.”

“It’s weird seeing him that way.” Chase surprised me, coming up from behind.

I looked at Merlin in his pinstripe, three-piece blue suit—one hand casually in his pocket. His crazy hair was smoothed back on his head. He’d even shaved for the occasion. He was every inch a successful CEO.

“I’ll say.” I took Chase’s hand and smiled at him. “I’m glad you could make it.”