Hortense has a new hat!

*Inspired by Rhissanna*

....but that is the least of the Queens worries.

 Ever since Harriet went away, Hortense has changed....

 She has taken to carrying a very strange looking doll she refers to as her "Little Poppet"
(Inspired by Ash-Lynn)

 If asked, Hortense claims it is a doll that belonged to Harriet when she was a Kit, and that it makes her feel closer to her absent daughter...

 She has opened the back seam to add fragrant Rosemary to facilitate happy memories...

 and has included two little trinkets.

 The heart shaped button signifying the love shared between mother and daughter, while the Rose charm reminds her of her daughters "rosey" cheeks....all fastened in with 2 pins(one red and one white).

Now there are those amongst you who may think this doll serves a more sinister purpose...

and you may be right.

Hortense is very sad about her daughter being so far away (even though she is in regular contact, and knows she is enjoying her new life). Horatio is off on his last voyage collecting roses for the Queen....she does so love her roses does the Queen of Hearts....

She talks about them constantly to Hortense while having fittings for her latest gown....which has the most darling gold heart-shaped buttons....and Hortense has to be very careful NOT to stick Her Majesty with the oh so sharp red and white pins as she twitches and prattles on.

Some say Hortense has a new hobby...no longer does she throw parties for all to laugh and dance while Horatio is away. Rather she organises quieter, more select gatherings...late at night...with soft, rhythmic music and steaming goblets of fragrant wine.

 The Queen has decided to confront Hortense about her secretive behaviour, but the ever ready Hortense distracts her with a new hat to match her gown...

 "..and look! You can still wear your crown too!"

 She follows up quickly by complimenting Her Majesty on the beautiful pendant she is wearing,

 before excusing herself and rushing away.

Not to be put off, the Queen grabs a candle and follows Hortense into the darkening night...

and catches up with her in the deepest, darkest part of the garden...

 "Just WHAT, may One ask, do you think you are playing at Hortense?"

Hortense invites the Queen to take a seat, and a very interesting conversation ensues...

but that is for you to hear another day.

...

Brought to you as part of " A Fanciful Twist's" 

Why not pop by and see what everyone else is up to?

Enjoy :D XXX

**EDIT**

Ok...felt guilty about not having a giveaway(need to hold on to Her Maj for future posts), so I have made a quick "poppet" and will pick someone from the comments on Samhain eve. It's pouch contains rose petals and rosemary from my garden/a small shell from an ancient beach  and a pinch of sage from a very witchy place(by sage I meant lavender, will add sage now)...so play nice children :D XXX