"Vance, Jack - Elder Isles 03 - Madouc" - читать интересную книгу автора (Vance Jack)

Madouc sighed. УAh well, I have nothing better to do.Ф

The group returned to SollaceТs parlour. Somewhere along the way Father Umphred emerged from the shadows and fell in be hind.

Sollace settled herself comfortably on the sofa and summoned Ermelgart. УBring me three withes from a besom; let them be both stout and supple. Now then, Madouc! Attend me, if you will! Do you understand that your mischief has caused distress to us all?Ф

УThe quinces were quite small,Ф said Madouc.

УNo matter! The deed does not become a royal princess: most especially a princess of Lyonesse.Ф

Ermelgart returned with three willow withes, which she handed to Queen Sollace. Madouc watched with wide blue eyes and mouth drooping in woe.

Sollace tested the action of the withes upon a cushion, then turned to Madouc. УHave you aught to say? Words of contrition or humility?Ф

Madouc, fascinated by the motion of the withes, failed to respond, and Queen Sollace, usually lethargic, became vexed. УYou feel no remorse? Now I know why you are said to be impudent! Well then, Miss Sly-Puss, we shall see. You may approach.Ф

Madouc licked her lips. УI do not think it sensible, if I am to be beaten for my pains.Ф

Sollace stared in wonder. УI can hardly credit my ears. Father Umphred, kindly escort the princess to me.Ф

The priest in all affability put his hand on MadoucТs shoulder and urged her across the room. Sollace swept Madouc across her great lap, raised high the skirt of MadoucТs frock, and plied the withes upon the narrow little haunches. Madouc lay limp as a rag, making no sound.

The lack of response annoyed Sollace; she struck again and again, and finally pulled down MadoucТs smallclothes in order to belabor the naked buttocks, while Father Umphred looked on, smiling approval and nodding in time to the strokes.

Madouc made no sound. Sollace at last becoming bored, threw down the withes, and pushed Madouc from her lap to her feet. Tight-faced, her mouth set in a thin white line, Madouc pulled up her undergarments, settled her skirt and started to walk from the room.

Sollace called out sharply: УI did not give you leave to go.Ф Madouc halted and looked back over her shoulder. УDo you intend to beat me again?Ф

УNot at this moment. My arm is tired and sore.Ф

УThen you are done with me.Ф Madouc left the parlour, with Sollace blinking slack-jawed after her.


II

Queen Sollace had been adversely affected by Madouc's conduct and also by her demeanour, which seemed deficient in the respect that Sollace conceived to be her due. She had long heard rumours in regard to MadoucТs willfulness, but the firsthand experience came as something of a shock. If Madouc were to become a truly gracious maiden and an ornament to the court, then, clearly, remedial measures were instantly necessary.

Queen Sollace discussed the problem with Father Umphred, who proposed that the little princess be allowed religious instruction. Lady Marmone scoffed at the idea. УThat is most impractical and would waste everyoneТs time.Ф

Queen Sollace, herself devout, was somewhat nettled. She demanded: УThen what action do you yourself advocate?Ф

УI have, for a fact, given the matter thought. The instruction must continue as before, with perhaps more emphasis upon the niceties of deportment. Further, it might be well if she were provided a retinue of noble maidens, so that gracious conduct may be learned by force of example. She is almost to the age when you will be providing such a retinue in any case; I say, the sooner the better!Ф

Sollace gave a grudging nod. УIt is perhaps a year or two early for such an arrangement, but the circumstances are special. Madouc is as brash and insolent as a little creature of the wild, and surely needs a restraining influence.Ф

A week later Madouc was summoned to the morning parlour, on the second level of the East Tower. Here she was introduced to six noble damsels, who, so she was told, would serve as her maids-in-waiting. Madouc, aware that protest was futile, stood back appraising her new companions and not liking what she saw. The six maidens were all dressed in fine garments and carried themselves with an exaggerated delicacy of poise. The six, after small formal curtseys, subjected Madouc to an inspection of their own, and showed no more enthusiasm than Madouc. They had been instructed in their duties, which most of them expected to be irksome. In general, they were to provide the princess companionship, run small errands at her behest, regale her with tidbits of gossip, and share the tedium of her lessons. At MadoucТs pleasure, the damsels would frolic together and play at quoits, jump-rope, catch-ball, blinko, mains, shuttlecock and battledore, and other such games; together they would sit at needlework, mix potpourris, compound sachets, weave flower garlands and learn the steps of those dances currently in vogue. All would take instructions in reading and writing; more importantly, they would be schooled in decorum, court convention, and the unalterable rules of precedence.

The six maidens were:
Devonet of Castle Folize.
Felice, daughter of Sir Mungo, the High Seneschal.