Cheeky Actress

Lilly heard someone pass the parlor doorway. It was only a glimpse of the figure, the air washed with the color of wool and leather. She moved forward in her seat to look closer, as if to strain herself forward to peer around the corner. It was then Sebastian entered the room. With another deep sigh was released, she drew herself to look out the window again. This was all too painful. The waiting and the unknown outcome made her uneasy. It wasn’t like her to sit still. It had never been her way. She could remember on more than one occasion that the Empress would scold her and tell her that she needed to learn patience. Now, she regretted not being more so with her heart. She looked over at the good doctor and Sebastian listening briefly to their conversation. Her name was mentioned and so was her state of mind. It was all brought forth by her want, her desire for him and his happiness In pondering thought, it was easy to fall for such a man as Captain Sterling. Put aside the facts of where he came from, his position, power and class, he was a man with a loyal heart. He always struck forth with good intension and always heard people out. Lilly bit her lip and suddenly the tears began to flow again. Would he hear her out? Would he listen to her tale? She quickly looked over at the two men to see if they had noticed her emotion outbreak. The Captain may have grown tired of her antics and now, of her. She was no longer as young as she was when she entered into the position of courtesan. There was a time she would capture men’s hearts as well as their purses. It was then she she looked over again and saw both men looking at her. She quickly wiped her tears away and sat up straight in her window seat. “May I see him now?” She said in a low soft voice.

There are moments in each generation that causes us to reflect and remember what we were doing, where were we when our lives were greatly changed forever. In my father’s life time, he was only 8 years old living in Albany, NY when he heard the original broadcast of the “War of the Worlds”. In October 1962, when the whole world feared we were only seconds away from the ‘nuclear annihilation’, he was in the Air Force stationed down on the Gulf Coast when the Bay of Pigs/Cuban Missile Crisis. And he had gotten off early from work that November day when President Kennedy was shot and killed in Texas. I had gotten to work on time that sunny Tuesday morning. Funny how you remember the strangest things…like me, sporting a new fall outfit I had got just a week earlier for my birthday. As I sat down at my desk, and it seemed that it would be like any other day. As I logged on to my computer and was on my way to grab my first cup of coffee, I stopped by my girlfriend, Roxanne’s desk to chat. It was then one of the graphic designers ran in from the employee break room and stood in the middle of the main project area and shouted. “A plane crashed into the Trade Center!” I remember looking straight into Roxanne’s face and seeing a mix of confusion, panic and disbelief. It took only seconds for everyone in the office to dash to the break room. There on the television was the horrific scene, then as we all tried to fathom what was going on, the second plane struck the other tower! I can remember hearing one of the project managers crying out. “God in Heaven!” As I felt my whole body shake, and eerie chill came over me. I remember turning towards our CFO and our CEO and saying without blinking. “This isn’t the end of it…they’re not done…there will be two more.” How or why I said this..to this day I don’t know. Then the horror of the moment turned very real for us. Within seconds of the second plane crashing into the second tower, our facility lost power, light and phone! It was then the CEO decided we should all go outside to the commons and he would see if he could get a hold of someone locally to tell us what was going on. As I sat and watched everyone grab for their cell phones all I could do pray that my father and mother were safe, that my friend in Seaford, NY (Long Island) didn’t go into the city that day, and that my sister didn’t plan on flying out of Boston to New York that morning, which was the norm for her. Roxanne was kind enough to lone me her phone so I could call my husband, my folks and my sister. They were all fine…but we were still in the ‘dark’ at work. It took an hour to restore the lost power. Come to find out a truck had crashed into a main utility transformer taking out everything in a three mile area. We were told by the CEO to go home and be with your loved ones. As I gathered up my purse and keys, the CFO entered my cube, he said that he had just heard news about two more planes, one crashing into the Pentagon and the other that had crashed in a field in PA. I stood there for a moment in shock. We just looked at each other for a moment as if trying to determine if this surrealistic day really happened. He was still shaken by the events of the day and were I. Sadly; I fear that the event that took place on this day five years ago has changed all our lives forever.

Oh Cap'n Pete! These are wonderous! And, if I may add...you have everyone's name and occupation/service correct! Not bad for a man who was 'feeling no pain' that day! We might wish to give the title of 'fetcher' to Lizzy. She made a day of it, as you said, collecting "EVERYTHING" under the sun. Everyone looks happy...and it was a great day. We'll keep that one as a bench mark...and we'll strive for better...that's for sure.

Here! Here! Says Lilly lifting her tankard. You must be careful with yourself, Rateye..! She pushes a tankard his way. We loves ya!

Independance Day!

After a long cry on the good doctor’s shoulder, he calmed her and told her that her Captain was on the mend and his recovery would take a bit of time. With a smile he offered her a cup of tea and went into the kitchen to have one of the servants bring it out to her. It was when Reiley stepped out of the room; Lilly saw Sebastian and Franklin return from their travels. She saw them pass through the main gate then off to the stables. It was only seconds later she heard heavy foot-fall from one of the men as he took the stairs up the main stairwell. Then everything went quite for a moment. Lilly sat there in anticipation thinking the worst, but soon she could hear the mumble voice of Sebastian floating down the stairs. The endless waiting for Captain Sterling was killing her. She dreaded the confrontation. She started to tear up once again. It had never been easy for the two of them she thought…there was always something pulling at them in different directions. She either found herself deliriously happy and dreadfully miserable. All she knew is that she loved him and would do anything to keep him.

and in White Cliffs of Dover

Lilly looks at Ransom and Jacky Tar. "Well, looks like the two of you struck it off well enough." She said with a smile. Now...where did my Captain go?

Chivalry

Images of her past with her Captain only made her cry harder. Soon the sounds of weeping drew the attention of the good doctor. He stood in the door way of the parlor for a moment. He watched as she buried her face in her hands and cried uncontrollably. He hesitated for a moment to enter the room. What would he say to her? What could he say to her that would help her situation? “Now…now,” He whispered to her as he handed her his best and only handkerchief. “What is this all about?” She looked up at him with tears brimming on the edge of her soft blue eyes. She moved over and let him take the seat next to her. “I am a fool.” She whispered to Reiley. “My life is all a shambles and it is all my fault.” Suddenly, Lilly quickly turned and placed her head upon his shoulder and began to cry. Looking a bit amiss, he quickly looked towards the doorway, hoping no one would enter as of the moment. “I find that hard to believe, Mistress.” He said rolling his eyes at the very words flowing from his mouth. She clung tighter to his shoulder as the tears flowed harder. “I am in love with him. I swear to God I love him…yet, he has cast me aside for that…that snip of a girl upstairs. ‘Tis no matter that I have given up everything for him…my life upon the stage, my very existence…and yet…he does not care!” Reiley soon felt Lilly fold into his body lightly. “How can I make him understand that I still love him with all my heart? I need to speak with him. Will you please talk with him, Reiley? He will listen to you. Tell him that I am sorry and that I have something important to tell him.” The soft scent of her perfume made Reiley light headed. All he could do is try to catch his breath for the moment. “Yer..yes…yes of course.” He voice cracked. The he tried to clear his throat from his nervous tone.

As she sat near the windowsill, she thought back to the first time she and Captain Sterling were introduced in public. Lilly looked about the court as if trying to search someone out. "My word, Lilly...you look far too eager. Is there someone you wish to find this evening?" said Reginald Killingsworth, her escort of the evening. She bit her lip for a moment. Was she that obvious? "No one truly special...more of a curiosity, 'tis all." The newly appointed parliament aid looked down at her. "You're an awful Liar, Lilly. I thought you said you were a good actress." His words took the wind out of her sails. She shot him a look of hatred. "Must you be so cold, Reggie? You, of all people must know how the London public feel about me. Why must you be so mean?" He turned and looked down at his satin covered dove. "I hold nothing back, that's why I am where I am today. My position wasn't purchased, as like most of my constitutions. I find it hard to deal with so many 'false people' that it bores me to tears." Lilly turned and barked a deep whisper to him. "Then why in God's name did you come here tonight? If you are in such a mood, please...do us all a favor and you should have just stayed home." "I could not bare the thought of you, Sweet Lil being alone for the evening...besides, my 10 pounds are still burning in your purse...I want to make sure my money is being put to good use.” They lingered for a moment near the back garden. Once again, she tried to search the crowd for the Captain, that's until Reggie caught her again searching through the mix of people. "Come now, who is this person that has you up in a fit? Is it that nice young duke from Whitehall?” She didn't answer him. "Come now...secrets are my specialty!" She turned on her toe and looked up at him. "You think me mad to give you a confidence?! I think not Master Killingsworth." It was then she thought she saw a glimpse of the Captain from across the room, near the front of the court. The Captain stood there in his dashing black attire trimmed out in silver. For a moment her heart stopped a beat. "I must attend to something Reggie. Do stay put, will you?" After shaking off Reggie for the moment, Lilly quickly dashed over to the other side of the court. This is where she could keep a close enough eye on him. She thought back to the last moment they were together. How he stung her with is quick retreat, yet he gave no true reason for his speedy departure. She was shaken to the very bone and it took her well into the night before she could find sleep. Yet, she could not keep him out of her gaze. He puzzled her for he was a queer man, indeed. She found out from her servants and friends who this Captain was and his history. Yet, after learning all about him, rumors or not, she was shocked and surprised on how a man could be put through so much and yet, still manage to overcome the loss of the woman he loved and not be brought to his knees. She spied him speaking to Lord Melchard and quickly darted in and out of people to move even closer. She quickly hid herself behind Lady Melbourne and her snippy little dog until the wretched beast started to bark uncontrollably and drew attention to itself and her. It was then people started to turn and stare. As the Captain turned and saw Lilly trying to hush the dog, he could only chuckle at her pale attempt. "Mistress McKinney?" He said smiling as he approached her. Lilly quickly stood up and gingerly kicked the lapdog aside. "Captain..Captain Sterling. Such a nice surprise, I had no idea that you would be joining the King this evening." The Captain nodded his head for a moment. "Perhaps you should keep your escort on a shorter leash." He said pointing down at the spaniel now hiding under the skirts of Lady Melbourne. "She sees very little humor in your comment, Captain." Lilly said to him snidely. "I did not come alone to this affair, Captain. I do have an escort this evening. It is Master Reginald Killingsworth. You may have heard that he now has taken seat in Parliament." Yes the Captain was very familiar with the name. He knew that he was a very pompous man of ill-wit and poor tastes...both in women and in clothing. His ego was as big has his stuff shirts. How could this pretty little creature of London find herself entangled with such a poor choice?" "Really? You mean that wasn't him you just kicked?" What such fool would leave ye alone?" Lilly's face fell with surprise and disappointment. "How cruel!?" She snapped. "And pray, Sir...where is your fine Lady? Or is it perhaps Lord Melchard who will be keeping you company this evening?" The Captain shook his head no. "I fear not Mistress." But before he could reply with his answer she was quick to cut him short. "Oh, that's right Captain, I hear that he prefers younger boys and barnyard animals; sorry to disappoint." She watched as the marred face before her paled once more and she could swear the eyes began to tear as well. "Me thinks then you have come to mock me?" the Captain whispered. As the crowds lingered around them, both Lilly and the Captain soon realized that eyes and ears were upon them. Strange to think that the King, who now stood less than ten feet away, was also listening to them bicker. Lilly stood silent for the moment. Why was he causing her such strife? She had a right to be there that evening with her 'escort' and make merry. Perhaps the Captain didn't agree with her social choice of escort, but she didn't see him pouncing at the opportunity of formally asking her out to tonight's event. She knew that he had three more months of mourning before he could even extend an invite to any and all social events of the season, of course this would explain why he was there alone. It was then the King approached the two of them. They quickly stopped their bickering and bowed to his highness. "What do we have here? The making of a new play, perhaps? Come now...If you two are to rehearse such a marvelous play...do so at the theater. We are here to celebrate. Come Captain, I would like to discuss your next trip. Rumor states that it is to the new world." Lilly quickly turned to him and whispered. "Please Captain, let us not fight. Not here. And yes, your tongue is sharp, Sir. But I can find better use for it, if you give me a chance." And with that she quickly kissed his cheek and took her leave. He watched the pretty little actress skirt away quickly within the crowds of the hall. The Captain stood there stunned for a moment, still holding his cheek where she kissed it. “Captain?” Asked the King as he stood there trying to arouse him back to consciousness. The Captain quickly turned towards the King. With a smile the King lent forward and whispered. “You do have good taste in women, John. But she is one that will be hard to tame. Not much different from my EllenVilliers, but she has a strong head about her. Don’t give in to her fits of rages, John. I have had to learn the hard way with Barbara, you know. Yet, there is something about having a pretty face about to cheer you when you are feeling a bit blue. Even my dear wife has managed many good graces in that aspect. Just keep your head on straight and remember…if she loves you…she’ll be back.”

Lilly looked hurt and she turned away from the Captain’s side. She had succumbed to his request only to make peace between them, and yet her heart grew very heavy with the thought that something ‘else’ had taken his fancy. He no longer spoke in the tone of a lover. Now his tone as one of the Patron; his was demanding and cruel. She drew a deep breath and looked at the young Mistress. Lilly could tell that she stood there in anticipation of her next move. “As you wish Captain Sterling, I shall be downstairs waiting to speak with you in private.” She showed herself to the door, but with every step she felt her heart breaking. Lilly’s emotions were now on edge and she her mind reeled with the thoughts of Captain Sterling leaving her. As she took a seat upon the windowsill, she tried to concentrate on what had just past between them. The Captain mentioned the Empress, and from the sounds of his implied conversation, she has washed her hands of them both! A hint of panic hit her. She could never go back to London now to her old life and her old ways. She could only hope that her baby boy was safe as of the moment away from any harm. She began to weep lightly. All her plans and dreams were now dashed. “I am a fool.” She said whispering very lightly to herself. She closed her eyes for a moment and thought back to the first time she encountered Captain Sterling.

The Hole

Okay...this is how it ran last year 2006. On Friday, the event opened up at 12 noon to the public. In 2007, the event opens Friday at 3 pm until 8 pm. Saturday from 9 am until 6 pm and Sunday from 9 am until 2 pm. There were (and will be) Live Demos Scheduled for Friday, not to mention Seminars up the ying-yang on various topics through the ages. ReenactorFest.com will be posting the schedule, seminars and live demos when it gets closer to the date (late December, I think). After 8 pm on Friday, don't miss the 'in-house' parties...not to mention Historical Jeopardy - It's a blast! Hope this answers some of your questions!

Ya, you can see Mike was all over that one.... Yes, I think you are right. If you are staying at the hotel you should be able to use the waterpark for nothing...but don't quote me on that! I am not sure how the Hotel is doing the waterpark...though...the pool is free to guests.

Rateye, Cap'n Pete...and to those who are interested.... Keep in mind if you can find a room mate to share the expense of your lodgings, it can be an affordable weekend. $95 a night isn't bad for the Chicago, IL area. And that's the same price for either a King or Double/Double size room. Oh yes! A Ball too! The music will be from a wide rang of time periods! So you can try to boogie through the ages! Please check the website: www.reenactorfest.com Mike Bollow - Director of this event updates the website every three months or so. Look under the 'news' link for the latest and greatest. Look about and if you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mike Bollow at the 'contact link' or contact me!

Oh well...of course THAT does make a big difference. Of course, I would Never do such a thing to you, Pet... uh no..never, no way...can't do that to you, Boy-O!

No Dear Cap'n Pete... Robin was the Goth gal standing on the tall 'town crier' stage on the way to the front gate. I've got a shot of you and her. She also gave little Lizzy that lovely peacock feather. I will have to down load that when I get home.

Lilly tapping her foot. "Oh...by the way Cap'n Pete....didn't Rateye tell you!?" Rateye IS a professional photographer! Well, he was before changing his profession. He does lovely work too!

Fear Not, Jacob...He will do you justice! It will be quick and painless...you'll see. (Lilly who swallows hard in anticipation of her own make over experience)

The young waif stood at the gate as Lilly waited inside the carriage. Lilly watched the boy jester towards the carriage several times and then to the cottage. Though shrouded now in the guise of her black velvet mask, she forced herself to be patient with the boy. Soon she saw the men open the gate and the boy ran back to the coach. Her eyes could only express her happiness to the boy, and in turn he smiled back. The carriage pulled up to the front door, the boy exited the carriage once again, but this time assisted Mistress Lilly from the carriage. It was only a matter of moments when they found themselves knocking at the front door. As the door open, a young maid servant opened the door with caution. Her eyes widened when she saw the boy with the masked women. The boy expressed his reason for using the front door, but in a harsh foreign-tongue whisper the maid servant scolded the boy. She quickly looked up at Mistress McKinney again. An awkward smile appeared upon her face. “Whom may I ask is calling?” Lilly removed her mask and looked down at the girl. “I wish to see Captain Sterling. I understand that he is here in this household recovering from his injury.” Suddenly there was the sound of heavy foot fall coming up the hall. Before the maid servant could explain herself, the door soon swung wide open. Christophe stood silent for the moment and looked deeply into the eyes of his unexpected guest. “I’ve come to see Captain Sterling.” She said. Her voice firm and calm, yet she was trembling inside. Christophe’s eyes darted back and forth for a moment then he opened the door fully, giving passage to Mistress Mckinney. “He is recouping nicely.” He soft tone filled the hallway as he escorted her to the room where the Captain lay. Christophe stood at the bedroom door and knocked softly. He waited to hear a response from the other side. “Captain? You have a guest.” With that Christophe opened the door and showed Lilly inside. In the low lit room, it took a few moments for Lilly for focus upon the figure in the bed. “Hello Captain. It is I, Lilly. I’ve come to bring you home.”

Lilly looks over at the Captain. "As you can see...I'm not laughing. I think you joke was in bad taste, Captain." The way you speak, would you rather take prison than marriage?

You really should excuse yourself, woman, whenever you "bump." I mean, you know, polite company and all. I have a really great shot (with me in it!! yay!!) from Bristol of the crew in my camera. These things typically take several days... I will definitely post it here very soon. (Blushing) Sorry about that Cap'n Pete, I just can't seem to judge distance with my bum roll on! Oh yes! Pictures Please. I do have a shot of us together but sad to say the gent who took the photo was not of steady hand (way too many ales perhaps at the pub?) and we are all blurry! Please forward it as soon as you can, Sir. Thank you!

Stay Fresh!

As Mistress McKinney followed the young waif towards the stables, he had commissioned a carriage at the Mistress’ expense to take them back to the cottage where Captain Sterling now recovered. Once in the carriage she looked over at the boy. He was lean, small and dirty. The image of him only remind her of her ill-fated beginnings after the death of her family in Old London Town. With a shutter she shook off the image and then looked out the window. “Tell me boy, what of Captain Sterling?” The boy looked up at Lilly. “He has been taken to my Mistress’ bed to recover from his injury. Last I saw, he was sleeping soundly and my Mistress was tending to him.” Those very words sent Lilly’s heart bounding. Lilly tried not to react at the boy’s remarks. She thought back to the redheaded girl at the cottage the day the doctor and she tried to rescue him. She thought it odd how he kept ending up at the cottage under the safe watch of this woman. “What is the name of your Mistress, boy?” She said leaning forward with a smile. The boy said nothing but pulled a small medallion from under his shirt. The emblem crested in gold with a symbol of old text upon it. Lilly raised an eye brow and pursed her lips. “Pretty that…is that something she gave you?” Again, there was no answer to her question. The boy sat back into his seat and looked out the window. Lilly found that the boy was not one for information and gave up trying to get answers from him. She now had to be content with her own worries. Not only did she have to be concerned with the Captain’s health, but there was a deeper ache, and must deeper concern that had risen now that this woman had show such kindness to her beloved Captain. She closed her eyes for a moment and remembered back to the day the Empress pressed her for a new patron. The discussion between the two ladies was simple and to the point. The Empress told Lilly, “Befriend Captain Sterling Lilly. He is a kind soul, who has lost his only reason for living. In his time of grief, show him compassion, woo him, tend to his heart head, and body. I am sure that you will become the one he favors.” It was then she felt a sickening feeling creep into her stomach. She was no longer the one in his life. Yet, she had to see this for herself…or perhaps, just by chance, she was letting her emotions get the best of her. Soon she could see the cottage from the top of road. With a sigh, Lilly looked back at the now sleeping boy. “Come you,” She said tapping his cheek. “We are here and I must make sure that you get me safe passage into your Mistress’ house.” The boy rubbed his eyes and looked out the window. There in front of the main gate stood two sentries. With a nod, the boy confirmed that he would do so. “Good,” Said Lilly as she was about to place on her vizzard. “You do the talking. I will just follow.”