His Spoilt Lady

by Vanessa Brooks

  He placed his hands over hers and lifted them from his coat. He turned to John, holding Linnett’s clasped hands out towards him, saying gruffly, “Take her with my blessing, John. Protect her and love her.”

  John took the weeping Linnett from him, folding her in his arms, “You know that I will, Sir…. thank you.

  Sir Thomas Wainwright reached forward, placed a hand on John’s shoulder, giving it a squeeze, and said, “Good man.” With one last lingering look at his sobbing daughter, he turned and left the cabin.

  Linnett screamed and hurled herself after him, but John restrained her, holding her tight against him. Finally, he led her to the bed and sat, down scooping his wife onto his lap. John clasped Linnett against his shoulder, his arm about her protectively, and so they stayed while Linnett wept. Eventually when she was a little calmer, John laid her curled up on the box bed. He pulled the eiderdown over her and stroked her hair tenderly back from her forehead.

  “Sleep now, sweetheart. I’ll wake you later for dinner. Just rest; all will be well, you’ll see.” He left her to sleep and began to sort out the various trunks piled high in the corner of the cabin.

  When Linnett awoke some two hours later, she found herself alone. At first, she simply lay on the bed feeling desperate and very alone, and as she pondered, a white hot blaze of fury shot through her. It was all that man Foster’s fault; he had tricked her into marrying him and under false pretences. Linnett sat up and looked around and noticed various details that in her distress earlier she had missed. The bed she was lying upon was a box bed, a square wooden frame, in-filled with a hair mattress, topped with a down quilt. A rail ran around the bed secured on the wooden ceiling, dark red curtains hung from them on either side of the bed, enabling the bed to be surrounded, closed off from the rest of the room. It was secured to the floor to stop it moving around in high seas. To the right of the bed, there was a window, made up of tiny diamond-shaped pieces of glass; this was framed by some rather ragged dark curtains. Under the window sat a pair of large ornate oak chests.

  Linnett noticed that her set of silver hair brushes and combs had been laid out upon them. Sitting up in the bed, Linnett looked up to the other end of the cabin, where a round table stood, fixed to the floor by its central pedestal. Beside it were two stuffed, leather-covered, comfortable-looking brown chairs, and these, she saw, were not anchored to the floor. In the far corner, beyond the table, a screen stood, and Linnett assumed that behind this, the pitcher and ewer could be found ready for ablutions. Of their travelling trunks there was no sign.

  Linnett leaned back in the bed and, pulling the covers up under her chin, began to think about her home. Why had Lottie not told her that she was to go with John to the Colonies? Linnett recalled the conversation as she was leaving that morning. It began to dawn on her that Lottie had assumed that she knew of the travelling arrangements. Linnett closed her eyes in pain; she hadn’t even said goodbye to Lottie, or any of the other staff for that matter, all of whom she had known since she was a small child. Pango! Who would exercise him now? Oh, this was terrible.

  Tears began to slide down her cheeks as she remembered all that she had left behind. If only she had been able to marry Charles, she would still be near her home, living the way of life that she loved, with all her loved ones close by her. Yet, here she was, cast adrift out in the wide oceans with a man she called husband but one whom she barely knew and was sure she disliked.

  All of this was all down to his interference with her carefully made plans. Gradually, the resentment she already felt towards John intensified, until it burned hotly within her. John unwittingly chose that moment to quietly enter the room bearing a tray with teapot, cups and saucers and with a plate of freshly baked scones.

  “Oh, good, you are awake,” he said cheerily. “The captain has an excellent cook. I’ve brought you some of his delicious biscuits to try. He called them some strange name, scones, I think he said.”

  John set the tray down on the table and went over to the bed. He sat on the edge and took Linnett’s hand, turned towards her and was moved to see tear stains on her cheeks. “Poor darling girl, please don’t fret. I swear to you that if we can, we will visit your father, possibly even next year, providing that you are not in a delicate condition of course.”

  John gave a slow smile and pinched Linnett’s cheek affectionately.

  He couldn’t be quite sure what happened next. He appeared to be covered in bed clothes lying on the floor. As he struggled to sit up and finally freed his head, he was doused in cold water, the shock of which left him gasping.

  “Delicate condition?!” screeched Linnett from where she stood clutching the empty water pitcher. “Let me tell you, sir! I have no intention of sharing a bed with you EVER AGAIN, let alone ever being in a delicate condition, as you put it! When we reach the colonies, I shall arrange my passage straight back home to England and Lavenstock Hall, which is where I belong and not with some colonial half-wit who decides to drag me half way across the world when it pleases him!”

  Linnett, exceedingly angry as she was, nevertheless took a stumbling step backwards when she saw the open fury on her husband’s face. His eyes had narrowed to steely slits as she ranted, and any sympathy he had felt for her earlier was gone, replaced by a deep burning anger. Slowly he hauled himself upright, kicking the bedclothes aside and shaking his head. He looked like a wet wolf shaking dry. John passed a hand over his head and slicked his wet hair back. What sort of a harridan had he married? Well, he intended to start as he meant to go on.

  John took a deep breath. He would not allow her to goad him into losing his temper; therefore, he must make things absolutely crystal clear to her and then surely she would settle down and remain calmer. He walked over to the table and picked up a cup and saucer, enquiring in an icily polite tone, “Shall we take tea now...my dear?” When he got no answer, he went on, “Sit down, for I have a few things that I wish to say to you.”

  Linnett flounced into a chair, her expression sulky. She was somewhat relieved that John was behaving in so civilised manner after her attack, but she was also somewhat disappointed.

  Linnett would have quite liked to have had the opportunity to vent more of her anger; she was still simmering and wanted to throw something hard at his vile head. John, fully aware of her volatile nature, nevertheless felt some sympathy for her state of mind. He decided that he would naturally subdue her, teaching her to respect her husband. John was determined to soothe Linnett and make her understand that their marriage was a fact that she could not change.

  He poured them both a cup of tea and sat across the table from her. “I trust that you are now feeling calm enough to talk?” When she failed to reply, he continued regardless.

  “As you know, Linnett, your father wished for this marriage to take place. It did so because I also wished it. You are now my wife, and I want our union to work well for the both of us. As your husband, these are the things that I expect from you: first and foremost, respect, and then, your loyalty and your obedience. In fact, I expect you to fulfil your wedding vows and promises to me absolutely. I hope that in time you will learn to love me. I am a fair and patient man, but I am prepared to teach you to love, respect and honour me. This can be done most pleasantly, or unpleasantly. At the end of the day, the choice is yours. As for the marriage bed, well you do still have a lot to learn, but it will be my pleasant task to teach you the joys of that. You are my wife, Linnett, and as such, you will share my bed and you will respect your husband. Otherwise, there will be consequences. In return, you have my love and protection in all things.”

  John picked up his tea cup and drank from it, watching her reaction to his speech over the rim. Linnett’s emotions swung from a resentful anger to incredulous embarrassment. Her face blanched and then blushed furiously.

  She took a deep breath and then replied in a shaky voice, “Firstly sir, you have to earn my respect. Secondly, I make my own decisions. Thirdly, I loathe you, Mr. Foster, and I p
romise you that I will not be falling in love with you now or in the future! As a gentleman, you will be bound to leave me in peace at night and take your pleasure elsewhere, for I will not endure it sir!” Linnett lifted her chin haughtily, her green eyes flashing.

  A muscle twitched once in John’s cheek. “I warn you, Linnett: do not push me, for you would not enjoy the outcome.”

  “Do you threaten me, sir?” Linnett stood up and faced him as John watched Linnett’s performance, for performance it was. He admired his new wife and was inwardly proud of her strength of character, but she had to learn quickly that he was her destiny and it would be dangerous for her in the Colonies to try and go her own way. She must learn to trust his judgement and do as he instructed. This voyage would be a good opportunity for him to school her on her wifely duties, and John found himself looking forward to the prospect. He gazed at Linnett’s heaving bosom and flushed cheeks. His new wife had no idea of the effect that she had on a man, and that was going to be part of the danger that lay ahead for someone as lovely as she in a country as untamed and as wild The Americas.

  John brushed down his knees and rose, but he chose to ignore her question. Linnett had had a shock today, and she needed some time to adjust. John considered himself a kind man, and he hoped his wife would settle down and accept her fate.

  “I shall return the tray to the galley. We dine with the captain at six o’clock; your clothing for the voyage is in the trunk on the left. Please be ready at ten minutes to the hour; I shall return for you then.”

  John collected up the tea things, but he turned at the doorway and spoke quietly. “I think it would be wise for you to ponder the outcome of our disagreement before our marriage, young lady, and try to achieve a more biddable nature from now on,”

  John carefully closed the door and left the cabin.

  Linnett sank back down upon the chair and stuck out her tongue at the closed door. She was livid; how dare he threaten her, the pompous oaf! He is your husband now, pointed out a little voice of reason. Yes, but not by my choice, and oh! He was so...o...o smug! Linnett thought of him earlier, lying on the floor wet and dishevelled, and she giggled aloud. That had dented his damn male pride alright. Then she remembered his instructions to be ready at ten to six. Very well, she mused, I shall be ready, but he might not be.

  If my clothes are in the left chest then, Linnett reasoned, his must be in the right chest. She ran over to the wooden trunks and lifted the lid of the chest on the right. Yes it was full of his clothes all very fine she noted as she fingered the rich soft materials. It did seem such a pity to mar such beautiful clothes. Linnett pondered a moment, chewing her bottom lip indecisively, but John surely deserved this after the way he had treated her!

  She went to the chest of drawers and fetched her small nail scissors. Returning to the trunk, Linnett knelt down, and, lifting out a shirt, she held up the garment by the sleeve, hesitated for a second and then cut. From every shirt in the trunk, Linnett cut off one arm and then stuffed all the loose arms into the trunk’s bottom before folding the clothes neatly back on the top. A small shiver of misgiving ran down her spine briefly as she thought of what John’s reaction might be. However, the deed was now done, and after all, what could he possibly do about it?

  A brief memory of their encounter in the coach came into mind, but hastily Linnett dismissed it. After all, she reasoned, John had not reacted over the water incident earlier, had he? She was a married woman now, and her husband had to show her due respect. Anyway, by the time he discovered the deed, she would be safely amongst the Captain and his officers. Linnett then went to her own trunk and pulled out dresses, finally deciding on a pretty blue dress with front lacing and pale gold sleeves and under skirt. This dress had always drawn compliments on her hair, its soft golden colour matching her hair’s shade perfectly.

  When John returned, it was already a quarter before six. He had spent the afternoon up on the deck, watching the crew as they handled the ship, taking her far out to sea. John re-met the first officer, Duncan Snow, a fresh-faced young man with fair hair and freckles. He had liked him immediately on his voyage over to England and was glad to reacquaint himself with the man. Duncan had been with Captain Pettigrew since he was a lad and looked upon the jovial captain almost as a father.

  Duncan was not in fact, as young as he looked; he was thirty and had a wife and two young daughters back in Plymouth. Duncan had accompanied John back to the cabin to make Linnett’s acquaintance. If Linnett was surprised by his arrival, she did not show it, inclining her head graciously upon John’s introduction and holding out her hand. Duncan gallantly took it and raised her hand to his lips, saying, “Your servant, ma’am.” He was stunned by her beauty.

  “If there is anything at all you need, please do not hesitate to ask. Tomorrow I shall bring one of the cabin boys to meet you. He will be your servant for the voyage and will carry out chores for you and run any messages or errands you care to send him on,” Duncan said.

  “Why, how kind. I thank you, Mr. Snow, how very thoughtful of you. My husband seemed to forget my need of a maid on this journey. It is so refreshing to meet a man who thinks of these things.”

  John cocked an eyebrow, a smile twitching at the corner of his mouth. “Yes, most kind of you, Snow. Perhaps you would like to accompany my wife in to dine? I need to change but will follow on directly.”

  Linnett hurriedly took Duncan’s arm, thankful for the excuse to be gone before John opened his clothes chest. “I would be most delighted. Mrs. Foster, shall we?” Duncan held the door, and Linnett swept out.

  They made their way to the captain’s quarters, where two other officers stood conversing with Captain Pettigrew; the conversation stopped as Linnett and Duncan Snow appeared in the doorway. The captain stepped forward and said, “My dear! How lovely you look. Come in and meet my officers Mr. Dexter and Mr. Thomas. Gentlemen, allow me to introduce Mrs. Foster.” He gestured to Linnett, and the officers stared at her in open admiration. Both officers had on the same dark blue frock coat and white breeches that Duncan Snow wore.

  They bowed low.

  “Ma’am,” they chorused.

  “Gentlemen,” Linnett said, smiling coyly in return and sketching a curtsy.

  The Captain looked beyond them towards the open door. “What! Mr. Foster not accompanying you, ma’am?”

  “Why, yes, he will be with us directly, Captain.” Linnett replied.

  She was starting to have doubts about the wisdom of her revenge. What if John should burst into the room in a rage? Surely he wouldn’t create a scene in front of the Captain and his officers? Linnett had a particularly nasty vision of her turned across John’s knee and in front of all these men. She blanched. Oh why had she been so rash? John wouldn’t treat his wife thus surely? Nervously, she waited for John to arrive. She sat twisting her lace handkerchief while trying to make polite conversation with the Captain and his men, her thoughts in turmoil elsewhere.

  Linnett jumped when, from behind, John placed his hands on either side of his wife’s waist, and said, “So sorry, captain, gentlemen, to keep you waiting.”

  John bent forward and kissed the nape of Linnett’s neck, and she shivered as his hot breath caressed her skin.

  “You look ravishing my darling,” he said aloud before lowering his voice so that only she could hear, “I shall need your help sorting my clothes for the voyage tomorrow, especially my shirts -- you have a much better dress sense than I.”

  Linnett tittered nervously, “Oh, do you think so?” Linnett could not be sure whether John knew about his damaged shirts and his comment was telling her so. But would he be this calm if that were the case?

  Captain Pettigrew picked up a wine glass and tapped it with a spoon, attracting everyone’s attention. “Gentlemen, I should like to make a toast to the newly-wed Mr and Mrs John Foster, who are now the owners of our lovely ship, The Tempest!”

  Dinner was plain but delicious, chicken served with herbs and root vegetables, fo
llowed by fresh fruit and cheeses. Linnett, however, could have been eating sawdust, she was so nervous. She would have perhaps enjoyed her meal more if she had known how the ship’s food would decline as the long voyage continued, but all Linnett could think about was the fact that John was wearing the same shirt that he had worn all day. He had simply changed his waistcoat, and she could see the white stock at his neck was a fresh one. Did this mean he had found the mutilated shirts? She had to know; she had to get back to their cabin and take a peek, just to check.

  John was surreptitiously watching his new wife’s discomfiture. When he had discovered the vandalised shirts, he had wanted to find the vindictive little witch, turn up her skirts and tan her backside. Instead, he had made himself calm down, poured a whisky, sipped it thoughtfully while he decided how best to react to this blatant challenge of his authority. John reasoned that since Linnett had still not experienced the full potential of her womanhood, after all the two of them were still strangers, unbound as yet by the physical act of love. If he alienated her now, he may never gain her trust, particularly in the bedchamber. That would mean the perfect partnership he knew they were capable of possibly never coming to pass. After all, Linnett was still shocked at leaving her home and her loved ones.

  He came to a decision. He would pretend, at least for the moment, that he had not found the results of her malicious deed. Tonight, he would first teach her about the act of love, and afterwards, he hoped that she might confess all, in which case he would magnanimously forgive her. If not, well then, he would make sure that she would never again repeat her underhanded act of petty vengeance.

  Linnett had been placed opposite John at the dinner table. The talk was all of politics, and Captain Pettigrew sought John’s views on the reaction of the colonies to the taxes imposed by Lord North, the prime minister. “My own view,” the captain explained, “is that the new cabinet changes will be seen in a positive light.”