Lady Mayor, MaryAnne Breech Baldwin
Name Given at Birth: MaryAnne Constance Wynne (this surname was given to me by those who did raise me)
Nicknames: My childhood girlfriends call me Connye, my good husband does call me Blossom, as he doth say my beauty is as the flower, a bit faded now with age, but still lovely. Is he not the most romantic and well spoken gentleman, he does spoil me with his sentiments.
Hometown or where you were born: London, but I was raised primarily in Canterbury
Current Residence: Village of Canterbury
Age: I am forty and two.
Class: Merchant, which would be the top end of the middle class.
What do you do, your main function in life/society: Keeping a home for my husband and daughters is the task that God did set for me. Of course, you would know all that needs must be done in order to have a peaceful and loving haven, but we have also been charged with the keeping of Canterbury, for such a time as the good shire will have us, which makes my life full and complete. I do also keep some of the books for my husband’s merchant trading. As he seems to be gone much of the time, many of the duties of Canterbury do fall to me.
Have you ever gone skinny-dipping / do you know how to swim: I be much afeared of any body of water, for I have seen too many drowned.
Do you make fun of people: That is certainly not a lady like trait and I would never engage in such questionable conduct. By the way have you seen the new hat Genevieve had made? As she has such a large round head to begin with it does nothing but give her the appearance of a mushroom.
Favorite Color: The golden yellow of a ripe wheat field. There is nothing so rich and comforting .
Have you ever committed or been convicted of a crime: I have never visited with a magistrate or sheriff except as a social call.
Closest friends/How did you meet:
- My very best friend in the whole of the world is Elizabeth Borden. Had I known when I met her that she was of gypsy birth, I am sure we should not be friends, but she has a gentle soul and comes to Canterbury for extended periods, usually in mourning. She has the most abominable luck in husbands who have ill health. She is quite a bit wealthier than I now, but still comes to tea often, and talks just as we always have.
- Queen Elizabeth - When I was but a wee one my mother was employed by the King as one of the army of royal seamtresses and I oft found my personage called upon to keep the princess company. She had a sad countenance and was a nervous little one, but a sweetness as a child that made me, being the elder by two years, very protective of her. I am still known to be a joyful sort and my nature did much to entertain her. Of course, I have not seen my good Queen since she was but five, and only missives of royal business have of late be received, but I do know in my heart that, we will once again become boon companions at first sight of one Another.
- Thomas the Tailor and his little daughter Thimble - We do much business with this good man.
- The Mistress Carlisle – Her husband became Guildmaster once my good husband became the Lord Mayor. She seems to think much of her place and forgets that I was once in her place and am now one to whom she must answer, but she is full of news of our villagers and love to have a good time.
- The Lady Esmerelda Highgate -- She has taught me that to judge all by their birth would be to lose the joy and friendship that others can provide. I knew not at first she was of gypsy birth, and was deferential and cordial as was befitting her station. I had acquaintance with Lord Highgate and knew him to be a man of open warmth and candor, and had seen the love he did have for his new bride. I was shocked to find she called those thieves and beggars family, but her graciousness, sweet desire to please him and uncertainty in her new role did soften my heart enough to find her a woman of high morals and integrity with a wicked sense of humor and I am most proud that she calls me friend.
- Of course, I know most everyone in Canterbury and would count most as my friends, and it is my business to know those who visit our shire.
One Pillow or two: I was much blessed at my marriage to be given soft down pillows, one each for myself and new groom, so one. Unless business has called him away then I must admit to being rather spoiled as I do use his as well, just to keep him close to my heart whilst he be gone.
Pets: The sweetest little terrier puppy found our doorstep one very stormy night, the poor thing was mostly starved and close to drowned. Toweling her dry, a warm fire and leftover meat broth did leave her grateful to be alive and she has proven to be a good companion and a noisy guard.
Favorite Type of Music: A well skilled musician on the hammered dulcimer, or harp does make my heart content. The gypsy Leonora is mayhap one of my favorites.
Hobbies/Pastimes: I am skilled enough with a needle, and find some time outside the mending to ply my skill on decoration, I am able to read quite well and enjoy any copy of a new work by that rascal Wm Shakespeare or the handsome Christopher Marlowe.
Personal Hygiene: I bathe as often or more than most, at every full moon. I have found that I truly abhor the odor and poor aesthetic of rotted teeth. I use a bristled brush every morn, and more if there be any hint of foulness to my own breath. I find that chewing on a mint leaf or two improves ones breath, so much of it is grown in my garden.
Favorite Food: I must confess to a rather sweet tooth, and though sugar is rare, I adore the sweet cakes baked for celebration times.
Are your parents alive, do you get along with them: My parents are no longer of this world, and I knew them not well either. The people who did raise me are now in very poor health, but I love and respect them well.
If your parents are dead, when and how did they die: The dog they say left his seed died some few years following my birth at the hands of a companion whom he had gambled a large amount to. It was reported to me that his flirtations with my mother in London were denied once she followed him to Canterbury, though he had promised her the moon, and she poor soul could not live with the shame of me and succumbed to a broken heart, just before father did. Kind villagers with the surname of Wynne did bring me into their home and treat me as a daughter, even giving me a name and arranging for my marriages.
Favorite place to relax: Just across the lane from the field used for jousting is a smallish garden with much shade, and a small trickling brook whose soft sound doth soothe the soul. I am usually able to take a few minutes each day for a respite, once delivered have I the luncheon for my good husband.
Favorite Holy Day / Why: Twelfth Night because that is the night of the best entertainments, most merry-making, and it gives us something to gossip over the next long weeks of winter.
Favorite Drink: Sweet apple wine.
What's your bedtime: I may rest my head once the girls are safely abed, the fires are banked, the candles out and wicks trimmed, the mending completed, stores emptied of that which shall break our fast, and no other chores are left.
What, if anything, do you usually wear on your feet: My good husband is able to clad our feet in fine soft leather shoes for indoor wear and serviceable boots in the lanes.
Are you married or single: I am twice married. I was widowed before the first year of marriage completed and married again within months to my good husband Ralph.
Do you have a family / who are they: As I have said, those who raised me are my family, the fine, Robert and Francis Wynne, I have Margaret Jane and Martha Anna, twin daughters who are but fourteen and fine girls though they have of late found poor company in some of the village beggar children. It is such a task given by God to mold these young souls into proper young women, but no burden, I would never complain that our Lord had burdened me, not through the nine long months of expecting, the four days of labor or the nights when they have thought to leave this house to seek whatever adventure their young friends have and I am worried sick with fear for their safety, no I would not say I am burdened.
Favorite Entertainment: I do enjoy the games of chess and backgammon. I am told I am unusually lucky for a card player, but I understand not the games well, so I practice a bit.
Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: Reading! I love to read and I can remember the time when I first understood the letters formed to make words! I did know then it was a gift from our Lord.
Least Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: Polishing! Anything! My guardian had a lovely home and applied bees wax to all the wood surfaces to make it shine, and she used salt and the juice of lemon to keep her coopers shiny as well. It seemed we were always polishing something and my poor arms were very weary of an evening.
Favorite Sport: Bowls. It is quite an old game and does not require much physical
prowess. I have implored my husband to include this as an entertainment for the faire. I have high hopes that the Queen’s men will engage in play as the gossip is that Sirs Francis Drake and Walter Raleigh are most competitive and skilled.
Most Humiliating Moment: It pains me yet to think of this. I was hosting a tea for the Ladies of Canterbury to meet Her Grace, Lady Highgate. I had just found out that she was in fact of gypsy birth and was changing my attitude towards all gypsies, but had kept much of this private. Whilst we were entertaining, I noted that my only valuable, a brooch handed down my husband’s family was no longer on my person, and cried out at the loss. My dear little Martha, blurted out that it must be the gypsy, for they are all thieves. (I had hired a gypsy girl to assist with the serving). Lady Highgate did redden, but her mother-in-law did turn it into a game and all was well in the end. It was some weeks before I was able to look Her Grace in the face and apologize, but she graciously accepted and no more has been said.
Proudest Moment: I was privileged to be in London on a buying trip during the week of our good Queen ‘s coronation. Oh, what a site to see all the processions and watch as my childhood friend took the mantle of rule on her young shoulders. I could just cry with pride as I think on this now.
Craziest Person or silliest you know: Leopold Bloom. He was born here in Canterbury, you know, but know abides in London. He is much full of fun and gossip, but he has such strange tastes for a man!
What do you look for in the opposite sex: I have had no choice in the men in my life for both my marriages were arranged to good men of average intelligence and looks, so I have not thought. Hmmm, I would say that the most attractive characteristic would be high intelligence and a love of reading, good wit usually follows this and a well turned leg does catch my eye.
In our Hierarchical Society everybody has somebody "over" them, Who is your immediate "overlord" . I be a married woman, of course, I must say it be my husband. Sad to say my feelings are rather bland. We do get on well enough, but his long absences do not bother me.
Favorite Sport to watch: Wrestling, I have seen a man wrestle a bear! Though that was very foolish, the bear did win that match and had some small snack at the same time. But there is nothing more exciting than two men testing their strength and cunning with another.
Do you remember your first kiss: There was a stable boy here in Canterbury that did have quite a reputation, and one morn when I was but twelve he thought to "educate me" Curiosity did mask my mother’s warnings for a short time. Long enough to feel soft lips and warm breath on my face and the tingling butterflies such a touch can awaken. But I ran from him all the rest of my days and have not had such a kiss since.
Do you keep in touch with your childhood friends: Most of them still live within the shire, and we are all a bit dependent on each other, so yes.
Where is your favorite "Vacation" spot: There is no respite from work for a woman in this world, but I have enjoyed the place we stay on our way to London. It is an inn of no consequence, but overlooks a lovely large stream and is well kept with friendly innkeeps. I have sat at the bank and enjoyed the sights and sounds of early morn.
Have you ever been overseas: No, it is not possible to even dream of such, and there would be the need to be on the sea, not something I would ever do.
Do you have Dirt/Mud floors or Stone: We are privileged to have wood floors and one very nice rug in the common room.
What is your bed made of: It is a simple affair of sturdy English oak without adornment, and a mattress of rushes and some few goose down feathers. It is comfortable enough.
How many people sleep in your bed: If my husband is in attendance, two, unless there is a storm, then the girls do join us. On most nights it is myself alone.
10 Things Everybody Should Know About Me:
1. I am accursed to have a husband who does not oft allow me the treat of a new gown and I must forever look drab and worn. Why I could not e’en have new raiment for our Queen’s visit. Howe’er I have several milliners vying for their wares to be shown upon my head. So I shall have a new hat.
2.I have noted that Lady Highgate’s eldest son, Martin Boleyen, occasionally finds time to take a respite in the same garden, that I love. He has a rakish smile that somehow makes me feel silly. But he appears to read as much as I. Would that we could talk over our ponderings but that would be most unseemly.
3. My husband is gone this trip, much longer than expected or reasonable. It was an errand for the Queen, as close to a demand as she would come, to retrieve for her some fine Irish lace. Ireland. I had thought she did not much like my husband, but this was confirmed when the missive did arrive that sent him to such a God forsaken country. He was to return before the Queen’s procession, but the festival is tomorrow and there has been no word or sighting. And strange gossip of pirates in our waters do make me fear he has been pressed into service. This would not do, for I do not wish to give up my position as the Lord Mayor’s wife. He must be kept "alive", else the guildmaster would aspire to this office, and he is a dullard and cruel at times.
4. I worry much over the girls turning into to fyne ladies. They have the need for adventure in their hearts.
5. Leonardo Da Vinci is visiting the shire and we welcomed him at his first days here. A most interesting man, but so easily distracted. It was a relief to be free of such energy when he found his own abode. Though we be much honored to have such a great man in our village.
6. I know not how we are to accommodate and pay for the Queen is to stay with us! The Highgates are here as well. Of course, the girls are staying with other villagers, and the last month has seen our entire household shifted and packed away for the comfort of our guests, who have sent many fine furnishings ahead. There is to be a tea, and feast that the village must provide. There will be no money left in the coffers I fear!
7. The Queen’s sumptuary laws keep me from wearing my finest cloth. These are such foolish laws and no one could out shine our Regina, but if one wishes to keep one’s head I suppose it would be foolish to test.
8. I am sure our Queen will remember our childhood romps and reward me for the easing of her young anxieties as soon as she sets eyes upon me.
9. There are always many travelers to Canterbury with the arrival of the Queen, but some seem to be of an unsavory past, more than usual. They are most bold, as if they have the Queen’s directive to be in attendance, but she would never consort with pirates, would she?
10. The King of France is to be here as well, they say to ask for our Lady’s hand. But he has had the effrontery to not contact the Lord Mayor or pay respect to the office in his plans. The French must be as rude as we hear!!!