Loevestein's secret
by
Bianca Boonstra
copyright 02-25-2002
Age Rating: 13 to 127
Marie was brought to the castle when she was a child. She survived the plague, her parents were found dead in their little home. She didn’t have family to go to. Neighbours took her to the castle, knowing that the people there would take care of her. They always needed servants, who were honest hard workers. Marie came under care of the cook, a firm and strong lady. Her name was Els*. Her rules were simple but clear. If Marie wouldn’t keep her rules, she had to go. If she did, she could take over the kitchen when she grew older. Els liked the girl. She liked the beauty in Marie’s young blue eyes. There was a spirit in it, she couldn’t describe. Passion to survive maybe…
Marie grew older and enjoyed her time in the kitchen with Els. The hands of both ladies were working in a constant rhythm. A banquet had to be prepared for the evening – that always meant a lot of work. It had to be perfect. Els knew exactly what to do and gave Marie short instructions. Marie followed them, making Els happy. She even started to sing now and then, a big surprise for Marie while she never had seen Els sing in all those years.
New instructions were given. A man should be brought to Loevestein, sentenced to life imprisonment in the castle. “He must be important”, Marie said to Els. “I guess you are right”, Els replied. “I have to take care of him – I am assigned to be his servant. The kitchen will be your territory now.” Marie was happy for Els. Only the fact that she was in charge of the kitchen made her a bit scared. “Do you think I can handle it?”, she asked. “You had the best training and I believe in you. Don’t disappoint me.” Marie smiled. “I will make you proud!”
That day, in May 1619 changed the life of many people. Hugo was the name of the man, who should be living in the castle for the rest of his life. Els told Marie all the details. He was handsome, had bright eyes and she fell for his moustache and beard. He didn’t have eyes for Els but she admired him. He studied hard, forgot to eat sometimes. Els took care of him, ordered him to take time to eat. He started to like her, but was loyal to his wife and children.
Els was important to him, and he wouldn’t try to hurt her feelings. He was a honest man and told Els of his family, hoping that they could join him soon.
That night in the kitchen Els cried her heart out. Marie listened and that was the only thing that she could do. “I shall be a virgin all my life…, I have to make the best out of it”. Els dried her tears and went to her room. There she sat, and she started to write a letter to the Prince of Orange, to get his family at Loevestein.
Maurits, Prince of Orange granted Els her request, to let the family of Hugo come to Loevestein. They arrived in July. Marie loved to see the children running in the fields around the castle. She didn’t like Hugo’s wife – a short lady with an unfriendly face. She was glad that she had the kitchen as her territory. Hugo, however was glad that his family could join him. He didn’t show it to them but he smiled more. Els could see he was happy and she knew she did the right thing.
One day, Marie saw four men coming to the castle, carrying a large bookcase. One of the men was tall. Blond hair, blue eyes and a friendly face. Els stood ready to receive the bookcase and it was her duty to see if all the ordered books were there. She immediately fell in love with the blond man, and he fell in love with her. She invited him over to join her for a late supper in Marie’s kitchen. He accepted. From that evening on, he became a regular guest in the kitchen.
Hugo needed the books for his studies. Every six months, a delivery was made – and only if it was possible. Hugo was happy with the new books, and stayed in his chambers to read. He didn’t notice Els being happy, he didn’t speak to his wife anymore. Hugo felt useless, being a prisoner in that castle.
Hugo didn’t know that Els got a plan. She spoke to Marie and her blond lover. “If the plan will succeed”, he said, “I will marry you directly.” “With Marie as my witness – it is a promise! It will succeed.” She went to Hugo’s wife, to inform her of the plans.
One day in March, in the year 1621, the four carriers came with a new case of books. Els waited for them, checked the books and asked the men in. “Would you be so kind, to take this case to the city? It has to be in Gorinchem by sunset.” She gave the blond man a note, the man took the case up and left the castle.
At the end of that month Hugo appeared to be in France. The people loved what he had accomplished. Hugo sent for his wife and children, and they joined him in Paris. Els was happy, so was her blond lover. They got married and lived their lives in a little house near the castle. Marie stayed single, and kept the “secret of Loevestein” for herself. They never would hear from her, how Hugo got away…
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