DOVER VACILLATE

[DuhPuhWuh 1282]

We do wish thee health, and for those in tender service to the Archduchy, respect and honour . . .

It is with much sorrow the Earldom divulges to the Alban realm, of the unfortunate tidings of her Earl’s current poor state. Last Saint’s dawning George the Younger had the grievous misfortune of suffering a mild apoplexy. For several hours before his lessened condition became apparent, the Earl had already suffered an eve of unanticipated paroxysms, a series of severe chills that would not cease late until dawning came, ‘pon their denouement the Earl then suffered the apoplexy. Where he had not slept much, come morning he sat upon his high chair, as he often did once arisen, in an unwell state he slouched sluggard. At first ‘twas believed that he was taking short repose, yet soon it became clear from his muddled waking where he suffered momentary catalepsy and became unable to convey himself with clarity, that a surgeon was summoned.

The Earl, as of current, remains in sturdy condition, yet infirm on his right side and unable to move all below his thighs. Be reassured however, that his wit is still present, observed by rolling eyes and continued speech. Though diminished the Earl speaks with enough clarity to be comprehended, indeed he dictates the contents of these letters.

With the Earl rendered temporarily languid, and hence unable to complete the duties demanded by his station, the Earldom is as such rendered under regency. The good Earl’s own heir, Lord George Edward Aldersberg, is given the duties of Lord-Regent ‘pon the Earldom of Dover, he shall doubtless reign with grace and goodness, until a time as the Earl might regain his position as rightful master, as is required of him by oath and promise to serve the Archduke as one of his Lords.

In other matters, until the Earl might be well enough to conduct his full duties as Lord Chancellor, the safekeeping of the Chancellery of Alba is also placed under provisory leadership. As the most treasured function of the Earl he shall continue with those stately duties by letter and cabinet gathering in his private chambers at Castle Highbury. For all public requirements and those needing the immediate presence of the chancellery, Baroness-Regent Owynsburg Susanna of Dover, daughter of the Earl, shall act in his place.

It shall be at the discretion of the Archduke, His Serene Highness, to decline this temporary appointment at his own behest and appoint another; the Earl trusts the Archduke shall account for the sage council he hath often offered, may he trust him also on this matter, as the Earl prays for his own soon return.

Whilst the Earl remains cloistered in his own Castle Highbury, those of close relation are requested to come and visit him. Those of most importance: Duchess Valwyk Constantina of Dover, Princess Reinmar Ilse of Dover, their noble babes, and those of Owynsburg also. For ‘twould make a finer recovery for the Earl to know that his offspring, and their own, are right.

[Phoebe202 1057]

To the horror of many, the Dowager Countess of Dover would make her return, armed with a retinue of old-world Illatian remedies for the sick and otherwise ailing. How shall the Count survive the utter torture of being made to eat soup with more spice than mere salt & pepper? Of understanding his mother's thick accent for such a prolonged period?

[Cheese 8876]

The Duchess of Valwyck, already in mourning, received the news of her father's ill fortune with some surprise. "Have the actions of his life finally caught up to him?" She hummed in query to the servant unlucky enough to have delivered the news. Before the courier could answer she read further, and when she saw that the Earl had not met his demise, Constantina's expression shifted. One might say it even soured. 

 

"...He has requested the presence of you and the young Lords and Lady as well, Your Grace," Her courier added on with a twinge of nervousness. Constantina was never quite known for her kind or familiar demeanor.

 

"Has he, then?" The letter was set down on the sill of the window that Constantina gazed out of to survey the town below her. "Perhaps I might consider taking the time to travel. Don't you think I should?"

 

"Perhaps, Your Grace," uttered the servant, though warily did he watch the wheels behind the Duchess's sharp, cold glare turn. Or, the courier thought, perhaps not.

[MunaZaldrizoti 8037]

Susanna Augusta had been intent to allow her father his peace, whilst he oversaw his extensive revisions and alterations to the much-outdated Alban Code. It had been some weeks since last they had even spoken, the Earl professing to her that he might retire to Highbury to see his work to its fruition.

 

Now, she wished she had been more prying when she had noticed the weariness of his steps and the dappled sweat upon his aging brow. He had been a stubborn lord, ever prideful, and it had always proved more beneficial to simply allow him his way. But she was the only one of his children who truly remained in Alba, who had been at his side since she was old enough to understand the weight he bore upon such richly-shrouded shoulder. For the first time, she felt worry at the idea of his weakened presence.

 

Thus, she made herself and her children ready to venture first to Highbury and ensure her father's good care. Afterward, another trial: an audience with the Archduke, to finally see if her efforts had softened his heart to the idea of a woman overseeing the administration of his realm.

[Digit___ 1224]

From within his ship, The Menagerie, settled in the harbor of Janisport, Aviel Roy set the missive down upon the wooden face of his dark-oak desk and clasped his hands over a silver rosary he had been gifted so long ago.

 

“Almighty God, Greatest Healer, hallowed is Your Name. Rest Your Healing Palms upon the Earl, wash over the minds of his family Peace and Calm for he will recover under Your Vigilance.

Saint Amyas, pray for Earl Charles, intercede and bring wisdom to the minds of his doctors and healing through their hands. In Nomine Dei, Amen.” The Patriarch of Helfgott pleaded with a righteous faith, then after rising from his desk and leaving the captain’s cabin.

[0mnip0tent 338]

That Matron of Alba did pack up her supplies and head off towards that of Dover for a house call.