The Willful Daughter And The Unlikely Suitor

A tale

Robert Karkowski

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Elizabeth was always willful. As a child, she gave her nannies fits with her refusal to do things she thought foolish, like learning to be a “proper lady.” By the age of 17, her father, Count Wealthbuilder, had all but given up on finding a suitable husband for Elizabeth despite a considerable dowry.

Elizabeth would not be tamed or act the part of a dutiful wife. She would dismiss suitors out-of-hand, saying, “I shall not marry fools who care more for status than me.”

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Pierre had watched Elizabeth grow up. They were roughly the same age. Although he had only spoken to Elizabeth in passing, Pierre had grown increasingly enamored with her over the years.

One night, Pierre crawled out of bed and walked to the home of Count Wealthbuilder. There, he stood below Elizabeth’s window and began to sing. Pierre sang of Elizabeth’s beauty. He sang of her golden hair and perfect smile. He sang of how he had never seen such perfection in any other.

Elizabeth listened, and when Pierre finished, she called out, “Who are you?”

Pierre did not answer and quickly left.

The following night, Pierre returned and once again serenaded Elizabeth. This time, praising her riding skill and courage.

Again, Elizabeth called out, “Who are you?”

Again, Pierre did not answer.

Elizabeth considered waiting outside the following night to trap this midnight crooner, but she enjoyed the serenading and the compliments. So she stayed inside and waited each night, unable to sleep until her mystery singer arrived.

For ten nights, Pierre sang of the qualities he found pleasing in Elizabeth. Each time, refusing to reveal who he was.

On the eleventh night, he sang of her strong will and independence. But that night, the clouds parted, and the moonlight shone on Pierre.

Elizabeth recognized Pierre immediately. He was the stable boy who cared for her father’s horses. She slammed her window shutters closed and fell back onto her bed.

Pierre was crestfallen but knew it was the inevitable result. A stable boy could never hope to court a lady of Elizabeth’s standing. He hung his head and returned home.

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In the morning, Elizabeth rose and quickly dressed. She made her way downstairs and out the door, heading straight for the stables. Once she arrived at the stables, she looked around until she saw Pierre. She walked over to him and said, “Follow me.”

Pierre started worrying, sure he was going to be let go for his audacity.

Once outside, Elizabeth said, “Why did you never respond to my inquiry after you sang?”

“My Lady, I am but a stablehand. I didn’t want to embarrass you by revealing who I was.”

“Then why did you sing to me at all?”

“I sang because I could no longer keep my admiration to myself. I felt I would surely die if I didn’t tell you how I felt. I never intended for you to know it was me singing. I pray you will somehow forgive me and allow me to keep my job.”

“I am afraid that is impossible. I can’t be seen courting a stable boy, can I? My father will just have to give you a position worthy of my standing.”

Pierre stood there with his mouth open.

Elizabeth laughed and said, “Close your mouth, silly. Do you want to catch a fly?”

Thanks for reading and responding. You make it fun.

Mark