February | 2022 | Lions and Lilies

Welcome to 2022. We thought we would start the new year with a look back at the Lions and Lilies Advent Calendar, posted to Facebook in December 2021. Each post focused on characters who appear in our fifth novel, Roar of the Lion (due for release in late 2022).

Each Yuletide, the lord and lady granted gifts to their household, which included pages, squires and servants (maids, cooks, etc). Cathy T and I focused our 2021 calendar on twelve each of the characters who reside in our households. Some of the characters are brand new and feature in Lions and Lilies for the first time, and others are already well-known to our readers but you may notice how much they have grown. The gifts are usually practical items that would be required for the following year like clothing, weaponry and maybe a fancy or two.

December 1st

ALBERT MILLER

Albert is a servant in the Marshall household and grandson to Girda, the Marshall Family nursemaid. Albert is particularly close to Grace, even though he finds her to be quite annoying at times. Readers were originally introduced to Albert at Cambridge Castle in The Traitor’s Noose. Albert has been gifted a riding stick horse, wooden toy soldiers and caraway shortbread biscuits.

December 2

HELOISE DE COMBREUX

Heloise joins the household of Bellegarde in a later chapter of ‘Roar of the Lion.’ She comes from a tiny but pretty hamlet called Combreux which lies not far from Bellegarde. She is of a quiet nature, almost timid and is very religious, always praying at the slightest mishap. This does lead to other maids who work there but live locally, to ‘pull her tail’ occasionally. As with all who come to be a permanent member of the Bellegarde Household, every Yuletide each person is awarded gifts befitting their station, usually a new set of clothes for the year to come, some implements or fancy, and a treat from the kitchen. Heloise received a ‘Sunday best’ gown for church, a circlet, stockings and a pair of shoes, a silk pouch, and a ‘Trousse de Toilet’ containing an ivory comb, pins, and small mirror. Her treat from the kitchen was a plate of sugared plums. (Character ‘dressed’ by Cathy T)

December 3

WILLIAM FERGUSON

William (referred to as Ferguson) is the loyal Steward and lifelong friend to Simon Marshall. Ferguson joined the Marshall household when Simon first returned from Morocco in 1349 and was introduced to the reader in The Gilded Crown. This year Ferguson has been gifted a winter cloak, woollen surcoat and Christmas pudding.

December 4

TREFOR AP YNYR

Trefor is the youngest son of the horse-master at Bellegarde who came with his father from Chilham to make his home in France. He started working with his father in the stables at Chilham and then was taken into service as a page for Cécile, a task that not always turned out well, especially when he forgot to unpack his mistress’s cats and leave them at the inn in Gisors. Instead the felines were taken to the castle where they caused havoc with the Vicomtesse Blanche d’Évreux’s dogs, much to Gillet’s horror since he had forbidden the animals to be brought at all. Trefor was nine years old then but now he is seventeen and a squire to Gillet. As with all who come to be a permanent member of the Bellegarde Household, every Yuletide each person is awarded gifts befitting their station, usually a new set of clothes for the year to come, some implements or fancy, and a treat from the kitchen. Trefor received a bascinet helm, two squires tunics, one in red and one in blue bearing the armorial devices of Bellegarde and Armagnac, a pair of blue gamboised chausses, a medallion belt, a pair of boots, a leather pouch and a dagger and sheath. His treat from the kitchen was some honey pears in pastry.

December 5

ALFRED PRESTON

Alfred (referred to as Preston) is the longest serving member of the Marshall household and Simon’s reliable ‘man-at-arms’. Preston’s good judgement is well respected and though he regularly enjoys the entertainment on offer at the local inn, he is considered sensible and steady. Readers were introduced to Preston in The Gilded Crown. This Christmas Preston has been gifted a bone handled nib pen, dagger and fruit cake.

December 6

HENRI D’ARTAGNAN

Henri’s story began in ‘The Gilded Crown’ and he was an extremely clever young apprentice to the Vicomtesse d’Evreux. She sent him to the Bordeaux court to be Humphrey Bohan’s chamber boy when the Earl’s son came to France, but when Humphrey returned to England, he abandoned the lad whose face and body bore the marks of the treatment he’d suffered under Bohan. Fearing for the boy’s state of mind, Lady Katherine Mortimer asked Gillet to take the lad into his service, to which he happily agreed. Henri is the same age as Trefor and the two became great friends as well as a little competitive. As with all who come to be a permanent member of the Bellegarde Household, every Yuletide each person is awarded gifts befitting their station, usually a new set of clothes for the year to come, some implements or fancy, and a treat from the kitchen. Henri received a bascinet helm, two squires tunics, one in red and one in blue bearing the armorial devices of Bellegarde and Armagnac, a pair of red gamboised chausses, a medallion belt, a pair of boots, a leather pouch and a rondel dagger and sheath. His treat from the kitchen was some spiced pears in pastry.

December 7

GUY DE BRYAN

Guy de Bryan, the Marshall households’ youngest man-at arms is more like a family member than a member of staff. Brought into the fold by Catherine in 1362 (the Traitor’s Noose), Guy is the son of Guy de Bryan, 1st Baron Bryan and Elizabeth Montagu (sister to William, 2nd Earl of Salisbury). Guy is adored by the Catherine and Simon’s daughters and has grown to become a highly respected and trusted young man. Guy has been gifted a brooch pin, boots and a delicious plum pudding.

December 8

MICHEL DE MORCENZ

Michel comes from a small village in Gascony, snuggled in Albret lands, just south of the great forest and north of the marshlands. He was taken into service by the Albrets and though he squires for Armand, his friendship with Henri has led to him spending a great deal of time at Bellegarde. As with all who come to be a permanent member of the Bellegarde Household, every Yuletide each person is awarded gifts befitting their station, usually a new set of clothes for the year to come, some implements or fancy, and a treat from the kitchen. As Michel is reaching the age of social interaction his clothing this Yule was for court and comprised of a red chaperon and brooch, a blue houppelande, and pouch. He also needed grey gamboised chausses, a belt, and a pair of boots for squiring. His main gift was a crossbow and from the kitchen, his favourite—chicken pie.

December 9

JOHANNA, MADAM GAGNE

Johanna, a widowed healer from Port le Grand in the Somme, France, is widely recognised for her palliative potions. Previously Roderick’s lover, (The Traitor’s Noose) Johanna is hoping to build a new life by relocating to England, though some may question her motives when she forms a questionable relationship with a much younger man. Johanna has been gifted a linen apron, bag of various seeds from the herb and garden beds at Cambridge castle and some date cakes.

December 10

RAMON DE LA VEXIN

Ramon came into the Bellegarde household under the most tragic of circumstances—by the death of his lord, Gabriel de L’Oise, Gillet’s long-time companion and friend. Ramon settled in quickly though, and a solid friendship began with Armand’s squire, Michel, who was the same age. As they turned from boys to men, Gillet was not sure who was the worst influence on the other, but it reminded him of the friendship he had shared with Gabriel. As with all who come to be a permanent member of the Bellegarde Household, every Yuletide each person is awarded gifts befitting their station, usually a new set of clothes for the year to come, some implements or fancy, and a treat from the kitchen. As Ramon was also reaching the age of social interaction, he was granted a set of clothes for court comprising of a black chaperon and brooch, a burgundy and gold houppelande, and pouch. He also needed gamboised chausses and a pair of boots for squiring. His main gift was a crossbow and from the kitchen, his favourite—fish pie.

DECEMBER 11

CHARLES LUXTON

Charles, the illegitimate son of Roderick of Shalford and Anne, a local village girl was raised by his stepfather, Richard Luxton, and is an aspiring blacksmith. Wary of Simon, Charles has shunned any connection to his birth family and is determined to make his own way in the world. Tall, broad shouldered and muscular, he resembles both his natural father and uncle. Charles has been gifted a leather belt with buckle and a bottle of burgundy wine.

December 12

GRIFFITH AP YNYR

When Gillet took Cécile to the family estate in Chilham, England to keep her from harms way and out of the reach of the Black Prince, he was re-united with the Welsh staff who worked in the stable. Realising the eldest son had a lot more potential and would make a handy squire, he promoted Griffith even though he was of an older age. It was in this service and having been granted access to the main house, Griffith literally bumped into Minette and from that first moment, sparks flew. As with all who come to be a permanent member of the Bellegarde Household, every Yuletide each person is awarded gifts befitting their station, usually a new set of clothes for the year to come, some implements or fancy, and a treat from the kitchen. Griffith received a new set of clothing for court: a green velvet chaperon and brooch, a velvet doublet with gold braiding, a pouch, green chausses, a belt and boots. His main gift was a pair of hawking gloves and a new longbow and arrow kit. From the kitchen, (since his favourite food of wild boar was already being served at the banquet) a jug of hippocras and goblets.

December 13

GIRDA NIELSON

Girda, the Marshall Family nursemaid, was engaged by Simon in 1361 after the arrival of Gabby (The Order of the Lily) and has dedicated the later years of her life to the caring of Clare and Grace, Simon and Catherine’s daughters. A mother to five of her own children and grandmother to sixteen (including Albert Miller) Girda is a steady, wise and trusted servant. Girda has been gifted woollen leggings, a carved handled hair comb and her favourite – pork and cheese pie

December 14

MINETTE DE ROBAIX

Minette also came under the Bellegarde roof because of tragic circumstances. Her mother died from plague and some years later her father, the village blacksmith was attacked by outlaws. He died from his injuries and Gillet brought Minette to the Chilham household as a kitchen maid but was promoted to personal maid for Cécile. Minette hardly spoke after her father’s death; most of the servants thought her to be mute but it was under the kind attentions of Griffith, that she came alive again. She was devoted to Cécile and they became fast friends.

As with all who come to be a permanent member of the Bellegarde Household, every Yuletide each person is awarded gifts befitting their station, usually a new set of clothes for the year to come, some implements or fancy, and a treat from the kitchen.

Minette received a beautiful white court gown, a crispinette and veil, a gold belt with pearls and a pouch, a hunting hat and a pair of white poulaines. Her main gift was a harp and from the kitchen, lavender sweetbread.

December 15

NESTA PEARSON

Nesta, previously a nursemaid at Windsor Castle (who had been assisting Blanche of Lancaster – The Traitor’s Noose) has become a fixture at Cambridge Castle. Known for her healthy appetite and an endless amount of patience, Nesta can be found most days chasing after Grace and Clare, sorting out disagreements between Grace, Albert and Clare and generally managing the disasters instigated by Grace against Albert and Clare! Nesta has been gifted a fur trimmed cloak, spiced wine and delicious bryondon biscuits.

December 16

LLEWELLYN AP YYR

Llewellyn brought his family to Chilham after the loss of his wife. He had three children to raise, two sons and a daughter, and needed good employment. He found it at the Albret Estate where he taken into service as the stablemaster, his handling and knowledge of horses exemplary. When Gillet arrived at Chilham, Llewellyn’s daughter, Gwynedd, was resentful of Cécile’s intrusion. The Welsh girl harboured her own dreams having been smitten with Gillet for years. This caused much trouble and Gwynedd was removed from the household but Gillet had no intention of staying in England and when he was ready to move back to France, Llewellyn and his sons were given the choice of accompanying him.

Llewellyn received a new outfit for Sunday Mass comprising of a black and white chaperon with brooch; a black and gold houppelande and pouch; a thick woollen, fur-edged cloak; warm stockings and a pair of boots; (for winter in the stables) and a lyre (or crwt to the Welsh). From the kitchen—a full leather wine skin and fig tarts.

December 17

CLARE MARSHALL

Clare, Simon and Catherine’s youngest daughter, is shy, timid, and generally very well behaved. Unlike her older sibling, Clare prefers to play alone, or spend her time with Nesta. Fair, like her mother, Clare is introverted and reserved. This Christmas, Clare has been gifted a wooden doll, spinning top and Christmas gown.

December 18

ODETTE DU CHAMPS

Odette came into Cécile’s service twice. The first time she was a maid at a Paris inn and was to look after Cécile when she had been brought in with injuries. Odette helped Cécile prepare for an evening with a mysterious handsome lord by borrowing her mistress’s best gown without permission and returning it the next morning. She also helped Cécile escape when it was realised the trap into which Mademoiselle d’Armagnac had fallen. The second time was when Cécile arrived at the Bordeaux court and found Odette in service as Mistress of the Wardrobe. She had been taken into the Black Prince’s service after he regretted the treatment she received at the hands of his soldiers when questioning her over the disappearance of Cécile from the Paris inn. Odette was left with a permanently scarred face. When Cécile left the court, she took her maid and friend with her and now Odette is happily ensconced in the Bellegarde household where she rules over the kitchen.

Odette received a new set of clothing for Sunday best comprising of a green gown and dagged mantle secured with a brooch; a crispinette, veil and pouch; a sleeveless surcoat and gown for work in the kitchen; red stockings and a pair of poulaines; a large sewing kit in a basket and purchased from the baker in town—a plate of sugar cookies.

December 19

GRACE MARSHALL

Grace, Simon and Catherine’s eldest daughter, is precocious, opinionated and full of life. Catherine believes she is very much like her Aunt Cecile and worries that Grace’s wilful behaviour will attract strife and disorder! Simon believes Grace can do no wrong and revels in his daughter’s bold nature. This Christmas, Grace has been gifted a small prayer book, a sewing basket and a new Christmas gown.

December 20

JEAN DE CALAIS

As a baby he was known as ‘Jean Petit,’ named for Cécile’s foster-father, Comte Jean d’Armagnac. From the very beginning he was a difficult child born at a difficult time in his mother’s life and he chose the moment for his entry into the world when Cécile was fleeing from Chilham and crossing the sea to France. She arrived in Calais only to be taken straight to an inn where she gave birth. At his christening in Arras, he made such a profound objection to the holy water, and in general, that the priest dubbed him ‘Jean Sounder of Calais’ – meaning noisy and must be heard. As Jean grew in years, he insisted he be called ‘Jean de Calais’ and left the ‘petite’ behind.

Jean can be attention-seeking and at times doesn’t feel he fits in but he did find friendship with his cousin, Grace, when his aunty and uncle came to stay one Yuletide. Her waywardness drew him to her and it was not always clear who was the instigator of trouble!

Each Yuletide the children receive a new set of clothes for the year to come, implements of fancy, and a treat from the kitchen.

Jean received a new court outfit comprising of a burgundy and gold doublet, matching mantle with liripipe, pouch, belt, black chausses and a pair of boots. He also required two squires outfits (he squires for Armand) one in Bellegarde/Albret colours with fleur-de-lys added, another tunic with a heraldic lion and his first chainmail hauberk. He also received a new pair of hawking gloves and a short sword. His treat from the kitchen was his favourite—ginger cake.

December 21

SIMON MARSHALL, LORD WEXFORD

Simon, now at home in Cambridgeshire, is enjoying the quiet life, away from the political ‘argy-bargy’ of Windsor Castle. Surrounded by his daughters, loyal staff, and tenants, Simon is learning to relax, take stock of matters and appreciate all he has achieved. His love for Catherine continues to grow and endure the trials that arise to test his family. But Simon’s steadfast belief that ‘all can be made right’ carries him forward, even when the road ahead looks dark and treacherous. This year Catherine has gifted Simon a case of Bordeaux red wine and an embroidered doublet with a plaited strand of the combined hair from Catherine, Grace and Clare sewn into the lining.

December 22

GILLET DE BELLEGARDE D’ALBRET

Knowing that the name of Albret already carries high prestige, Gillet seeks to carve his own path and fortune in the name of Bellegarde. The castle and surrounding lands were gifted to him for his valuable service to the crown and he always intended to make it his home. This year has been particularly fruitful, his status amongst his peers has risen and he has become one of the king’s valued advisors. His rewards have allowed him to pass the good fortune onto his household, for profitable years permit lavish celebrations at Yuletide.

His own personal gifts are arranged by his wife, Cécile, and fully aware of their new status, she has made sure her husband will look the part at court.

Gillet received an outfit of a burgundy velvet tunic embroidered in gold; a short cloak of blue velvet, black chausses; a pouch; gloves and a pair of boots. Another court ensemble of a black tunic embroidered at the neck and hem with a matching cloak lined in gold silk, and a pair of court shoes. And a third outfit consisting of a black tunic with matching mantle and liripipe, edged in sable with a gold platelet belt; and to wear with his new Cosse de Genest (livery collar) awarded by the king, a russet-coloured, cendal shirt. For the colder months when on assignment with or for the king, a new fur-lined cloak, and a painted chest in which to keep his new wardrobe .He also received some hawking gloves, and a much sought-after falchion sword. Odette made him a plate of cinnamon cookies in the shape of a star. (She knew there was a story he told his wife because whenever he is away from home for a length of time, Cécile goes out every night to look up into the sky for a certain star).

December 23

CATHERINE MARSHALL, LADY WEXFORD

Catherine is very much content with her life at Cambridge Castle, though misses the company of Blanche of Lancaster, her firm friend at Windsor Castle. Longing to spend Christmas with her sister, Cecile, Catherine has accepted that a journey to France is not going to occur this Yule season. Catherine has spent many months hand-crafting gifts for her family and is looking forward to watching them open their gifts. Simon, Grace and Clare have gifted their mother a large prayer book and a gem encrusted brooch with matching bracelet.

December 24

CECILE D’ARMAGNAC

Raised in the household of a comte (count), Cécile is no stranger to the expectations of her class. Although uninterested in her younger years at home, preferring to run riot through the fields with her brothers, the mature woman has shown herself to be completely capable of running her domain. She made many covert trips to the dressmaker with a list of necessary garments required by her household for Yuletide; pouring over the choices of fabrics and making final decisions until she was satisfied with the result. Then to the blacksmith to order the weapons she required, the goldsmith with drawings of brooches and finally, the bootmaker.

Little did she realise, her husband was doing the same thing to place orders for her gifts!Cécile received a spectacular court gown in a deep-claret colour (murrey) in velvet, a matching overwrap with embroidered trim. A matching gold and red tourmaline necklace; a jewelled crispinette and veil; pink buckled court slippers (poulaines); and pouch. She also received a long, red cloak lined in miniver; two sets of poulaines – blue with a fleur-de-lis; white and gold; a belt; hawking gloves; a writing slope with accoutrements; and a jewel chest filled with a rope of moonstones and a moonstone ring set in silver.

Catherine A Wilson co-writes with Catherine T Wilson (no relation). Their first book, The Lily and the Lion, was based upon their true-life accidental meeting and resulting friendship. All four books in their ‘Lions and Lilies’ series have won first place prizes in the Chatelaine/Chaucer Awards in the US and in 2019, The Traitor’s Noose won the Grand Prize Chaucer Award.