Isabel: Taking Wing

A Merlin for a Lady

The next morning, Master Pink lets Kit and Isabel borrow their horse. But even so, it’s almost dark by the time they get to Aunt de Vere’s mansion. And it’s not just a mansion, but it’s a whole estate! It has its own chapel, stables, gardens, orchards, and a moat! Isabel had no idea that Aunt de Vere was so wealthy. She knew that Aunt de Vere married three times, and each time the husband died, and she has no children, but only a ward. This whole time, Isabel was hoping that Aunt de Vere could act like a mother figure, but now she’s picturing a more stern version of Aunt Elinor.

When Aunt de Vere came outside, she recognized Isabel almost immediately. It really seemed like Aunt de Vere was happy to see Isabel again, although she didn’t fuss over her. Aunt de Vere introduced her ward, Olivia, who is about Isabel’s age. Olivia lets Isabel borrow a dress, and accompanies her upstairs to her new chambers. Olivia is friendly, and insists that later, Isabel should tell her all about her adventures with the players.

The next day is the annual May Day celebration, where the whole town gets together for a walk through the woods, surrounded by flowers, music, dancing, and maypole dances. It’s like nothing Isabel has ever seen before in London. While there, she sees her troupe, and they even do a performance of the show! It’s strange for Isabel to be in the audience again, but she’s happy to see the audience laughing at all the right spots.

But for some reason, she and Kit’s conversations all afternoon are awkward and quiet. It’s like since she put her dress back on, Kit doesn’t know how to talk to her anymore. When they have to say goodbye, it’s harder than it was before. Kit insists it isn’t goodbye, and that he’ll see her again.

The next day, Olivia shows Isabel around the estate. The highlights include the mews where a man named Cole watches over several hunting birds. Although Isabel can’t really see inside, she’s very interested in her aunt’s hobbies.

That afternoon, Olivia and Isabel accompany Aunt de Vere to the clinic. It turns out Aunt de Vere is very well educated, and is knowledgeable in medicine. Apothecaries around England write to her asking questions, and she volunteers her time at the clinic assisting villagers.

At first, Isabel feels nauseous seeing so many sick people with boils, blisters, and open wounds. But after a while, she gets used to it. Aunt de Vere teaches her how to identify ailments, and how to mix together herbs to make medicines to give to people. One woman in particular is worried about the plague. She explains there have been rumors that the plague has come back to London and that people may start to get sick. Aunt de Vere eases her worries by telling her to keep a clean house and bathe themselves often. But in private, Isabel hopes her family is still well.

The next morning, Aunt de Vere volunteers to show Isabel the mews with the hunting birds. It turns out Cole and Aunt de Vere are falconers, and they’ve been raising a merlin bird who is ready to start training. Cole brings the bird out to show Isabel, and Isabel watches as Aunt de Vere feeds it a mouse from a kitchen trap. When a kestrel flies toward Isabel’s head, Isabel barely bats an eye; she’s so fascinated by watching them fly.

Cole offers to let Isabel help train the merlin. After all, he says, merlins are well-suited for a lady.