Lady Alicia
I find myself in an unusual position as I am a married woman with my own business. I was born into a respected family in 1366 and married for love when I met the wealthy Venetian spice merchant Francisco di Spicer who was murdered after journeying to meet one of his ships bringing in spices from the far east. It fell upon Sir Hugo First to inform me of my Husband's death. Sir Hugo felt it his responsibility to remain with me through my grief, and a bond quickly formed. We were married shortly after and Sir Hugo (unusually for that time) allowed me free hand to oversee the business that I inherited with my widowhood (there being no surviving male kin to take the business from me). Sir Hugo is happy to enjoy the income, connections and opportunities that my business offers him, without having to invest himself into something that he has neither the time or the interest for!
Sir Hugo now provides me with an escort of his trusted men for my protection (not forgetting the protection of his considerable income!), as I visit some of the most noble houses in the land, where my spices are regarded more highly than money itself.
I have the dubious company of a Franciscan Friar who goes by the name Brother James Brown. Brother James hangs on from the days when he claimed to have been recruited by my former Husband to meet my spiritual needs in his absence, him being a devout Christian. I keep him with me more out of superstition than any more solid reason, as I very much doubt that my former husband knew his true character!
