Table of Contents
Copyright
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Other Books By Harmony Raines
Marianne : Unmarked
(His)
***
All rights reserved. This book, or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner without the express written consent of the author or publisher.
This is a work of fiction and is intended for mature audiences only. All characters within are eighteen years of age or older. Names, places, businesses, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, actual events or places is purely coincidental.
© 2013 Harmony Raines
Silver Moon Erotica
Kindle Edition
Marianne knew what the letter said before she even opened it. The thick paper of the envelope didn’t have to hold the royal seal for her to know who it was from, and the command it contained. She had received one exactly the same five years ago.
“Shall I serve your breakfast now, My Lady?” her housekeeper asked.
“No, Mrs Draper, thank you. I have suddenly lost my appetite.”
Her housekeeper stepped back, and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Is everything alright? You look ill, was the letter bad news?”
To some the positions of Lady and housekeeper might be formal, to touch your mistress in such a direct way out of place. However, Mrs Draper was more than a housekeeper to Marianne; she was a friend and confidant in most things. But not this thing, not this letter. Not yet at least.
Marianne looked up and attempted to smile, she knew it fell flat on her lips, never reaching her eyes but it was the best she could do in the circumstances.
“Everything will be fine, I’m sure. However I have to travel to the capital. Can you begin the arrangements? I would like to ride out before I leave. It will help clear my head.”
“As you wish, My Lady,” Mrs Draper said, covering the food she had been about to serve.
Marianne thanked the spirits for Mrs Draper; anyone else in her position might have tried to pry information from her. Yet they had known each other long enough for the older woman to know that this was not the time. Her young mistress would talk when she was good and ready.
“Thank you, Mrs Draper. Can you ask Mr Draper to get Storm ready for me? I am going to change.”
Marianne almost ran from the room, taking the stairs two at a time, in a most unladylike manner. She longed to get out on her beloved horse and race up the meadow and out onto the moors. Today she didn’t care what people said about her riding unescorted, she craved solitude and freedom. May be because this was the last time she would know it.
Shaking these thoughts from her head she headed for her bedchamber and dragged her mourning clothes off, replacing them with a black riding habit. Black, the colour she had worn for the last three years since her husband had died.
It had become a shield that she hoped would ward off any suitors that might show an interest in her. Marianne knew she should have cast it off over a year ago, but she had become used to it, it made her feel safe.
“Here, let me do that,” Mrs Draper said, coming into the room. “Mr Draper has gone to tack Storm up.”
“Thank you.” Marianne said pulling her gloves on. “I shall not be too long.”
“Do not be doing anything reckless, My Lady.” Mrs Draper tugged the last of the buttons together and fastened them with her strong fingers.
Marianne turned to her housekeeper. “I promise I will come back in one piece, and then we can talk.”
She knew Mrs Draper was holding her tongue; it was obvious in the stiff line of her mouth.
Straightening up, Mrs Draper smoothed the skirt of her mistress’s riding habit out. Locking eyes with Marianne she said, “You know you can tell me anything, it will go no further.”
“Except to Mr Draper.”
“As you know, we are mated, and I cannot keep things from him, but he cannot talk about things I have told him in confidence either.” Mrs Draper sounded a little put out.
“I was only teasing, Mrs Draper.” Marianne swiftly kissed her housekeeper on the cheek and then took off out of the room and down the stairs like a child on their birthday.
Out through the kitchens and through the back door she took the quickest route to the stables. Mr Draper was just bringing Storm out of his stable when she stumbled into the yard.
“Steady on there, Miss.” Mr Draper held Storm's reins firmly, as the horse caught Marianne's mood and skittered sideways. “I don’t know if this is a good idea. I can see the state you’re in, and Storm here can sense it.”
Marianne made a conscious effort to calm down, taking deep breaths and letting them out slowly. Mr Draper took his responsibilities very serious and would not let her ride if he thought her unfit. This was partly because of the damage she might do to herself, and Strom, and partly because Mrs Draper would have his hide, his dog shifter hide at that, if anything happened to Marianne.
“I am fine, just eager to be out in the fresh air.” Marianne said keeping her voice level.
“Here we go then.” Mr Draper sounded unconvinced, but thought better than to argue on this occasion. His wife had told him something big was up, and he had enough respect and understanding for her to know she always had a second sense about these things.
Storm stood restlessly while he helped Marianne into the saddle. Once settled she found her stirrups and then urged the dappled grey stallion forward.
“Do not worry, I will look after him,” she said at the concerned look on Mr Draper's face as they jogged sideways out of the gate.
“It’s not him I’m worried about,” Mr Draper answered quietly.
The last view of him Marianne had, as she eased Storm into a trot, was him walking into the kitchen, shoulders hunched with worry. He would go and find his wife and they would talk about the unopened letter. She knew they would worry, she also knew they would not guess what it contained.
Time enough for that later. Storm's long strides quickly swallowed up the meadow. He was warmed up and eager to go by the time they reached the end. Instead of trying to open the gate she steadied him and then pushed on to leap the gate.
This was enough of a signal for Storm, he caught her mood, and they flew up the open moor beyond, galloping as if their lives depended on it. Marianne wished she could stay like this for ever. No cares, no worries only freedom.
She felt his big heart pounding, his breaths coming fast. Still he pulled to go faster; she let him, the wind whipping her hair from its tight knot. It flew around her face, half blinding her. Tears stung her eyes and she let them come, right now, where no one could see, no one could hear, Marianne let out the pent up rage and fear.
It was so unfair. Hadn’t she already done her duty for the King? How could he ask this of her again? She knew why, of course she knew why. But still it hurt, and she wanted to keep on running forever.
***
Two hours later she returned. It was later than she had planned but it had taken that amount of time to get her feelings under control.
Mr and Mrs Draper stood waiting for her in the yard. Instantly a look of disapproval covered the old man’s face.
“He has cooled off,” Marianne said as she dismounted and gave the reins to him, Mr Draper grunted.
“A
nd have you cooled off?” Mrs Draper asked. Marianne was a little taken aback at her directness. “I assume whatever is in this letter affects us all?”
She held out the letter to Marianne. It was time to open it, to make the contents real and to share them with her most trusted friends. Tucking her thumb under the flap of paper she pulled upwards and broke the seal. The thick wax split in two, allowing Marianne to extract the matching paper.
With a sigh she opened it up and read the words aloud.
“My Dearest Marianne,
It is with the greatest of pleasure and felicitations that I announce the joining of the House of Marsh to the Palace Guard.
The date of this joining is set for Striven’s Day. I therefore command you to arrive at the Palace at your earliest convenience.
I hope you will be as overjoyed with this match as I and my council are.
Yours truly,
His Majesty the King”
Marianne's voice broke slightly as she finished the short note. Mrs Draper had gone quite pale. Mr Draper looked at a loss. “What exactly does that mean?” he asked.
Mrs Draper wiped a tear from her eye. “It means we are to have a new Lord.”
“A new Lord, but we have a Lady.”
“It means I am to be married. To a member of the Palace Guard.”
“A wolf! You are to be given to a wolf?” Mr Draper, so usually calm spat the words from his tongue. “No wolf has ever lived here. There must be some mistake. Even the King can’t simply marry you off, surely?”
“I am Unmarked. He can do what he likes with me.”
“Unmarked! I had clear forgotten. Is this how you were mated to the old Lord?” Mr Draper had never before questioned why a young woman had been married to an old man.
“Yes. I had hoped they had forgotten about me by now.” Marianne wiped her hand across her eyes, refusing to cry any more tears.
“Striven’s Day? That is only a few days away, you will have to leave soon to get there on time.”
“I plan to leave this afternoon. Get everything packed, there is not much.”
“But clothes? You have nothing but mourning clothes.”
“They will suffice. The sooner I get there the sooner I can persuade the King to let go of this madness.”
“You think you can change his mind.”
“Oh yes! If he thinks he is going to marry me off to some old retired general he has another thing coming.”
Mr and Mrs Draper exchanged worried glances. They knew the strong nature of their mistress, and feared her recklessness. She had spent too much time away from the society of others of her own station. No good would come if she went to the palace and haggled with the King in the same way she haggled with the miller.
“Why don’t you stop over at Lord Villiers's on the way? It would make a good break for your journey.”
“Good idea. Will you send word ahead for them to expect me?”
“I will see to it now,” said Mr Draper walking away from the two women.
Mrs Draper tucked her arm in Marianne's. “I'm sure things will work out, one way or another.”
Marianne turned to face her housekeeper. “I can not marry again. It is so unfair to be made to mate with someone you have no connection with.”
“I can not say I understand how you feel. I have known who my mate was since I was thirteen years old. But give it a chance, do not do something rash. Maybe it is time to take another husband, it is a lonely life here on your own.”
“It is the life I choose. I was given to Lord Marsh when I was sixteen. I knew nothing of men, but I had no choice, I was so young. Now I am older, I have made the estate prosperous once more and now I am expected to simply hand it over to some wolf? Surely you can see how unfair that is?”
“Yes, I do. The very thought of a wolf being lord here makes my claws curl.”
“Then you must see I have to persuade the King otherwise.”
“But it’s the King. He has a violent temper by all accounts.” Mrs Draper dropped her voice to a whisper. “Some even say he is turning to madness.”
“I can deal with him, he can not have changed that much.”
“I pray to the Spirits you are right.” Mrs Draper guided Marianne inside. “Let us pack and give you something warm to eat before you go.”
***
A mist was rolling down from the moors as they made last minute preparations to leave. She had insisted both Mr and Mrs Draper stay at Marsh Hall to look after the estate. In the back of her mind Marianne knew that part of the reason for this was if things went badly when she refused the King's wishes, then they were better off here, out of reach of the King's wrath.
Mr Draper fussed around making sure everything was secure, and then he came to speak quietly to Marianne. “I have packed everything you need. Dawn will ride inside the carriage with you.” He looked to check no one else was able to hear them before he continued. “Now, I have sent James and Jonathan. Two brothers as you know, loyal to you and to each other. They will keep you safe. If things go bad at the palace they will try to get you out and back to us here.”
Marianne turned to Mr Draper with a horrified expression. “What do you mean if things go bad?”
“My wife has told me you plan to go against the wishes of the King. I understand your reasons, we all do. I want you to know everyone here would lay down their life to keep you safe. We love you like our own child.” His voice was unusually thick.
Marianne put her arms around the old man. “It will not come to that, I promise.”
She said good bye to Mrs Draper who stood stiffly, holding her emotions in check. They had already said their proper goodbyes earlier, shedding tears in private. Now there was nothing left for Marianne to do than climb inside the carriage and leave her home.
Mr Draper's words haunted her through the first part of her journey. The people she cared most about in this world, those who had accepted her for what she was, were willing to do anything to keep her from harm.
Although she would still try to oppose the King, she could no longer rebel against him. If he insisted she marry, she would have to do so. The consequences of his wrath were not worth considering any more.
For the first time in her life she realised that being Unmarked did not mean being alone. Growing up it had meant no protection, even from her family. The people she was leaving behind had become more to her than her own flesh and blood, and she would give herself up, body and mind, to keep that connection.
She had married an old man before, and endured being intimate with him. Surely she could do it again. Yet her body trembled at the thought. Eventually she closed her eyes and let the movement of the carriage lull her to sleep.
Travelling for as long as the light allowed, brought them to a small inn on the outskirts of a sparsely populated town. Marianne knew that the closer they got to the Capital the busier the towns would be.
This worried Marianne, she preferred not to be around others. She had spent far too long shut away with only her servants as company. Occasional excursions into the local town were the closest she got to mixing with strangers.
People scared her, they always had. In the long hours of lonely contemplation, after old Lord Marsh died, she realised it was a result of being Unmarked. Growing up her family had treated her cruelly; happy to have her given to an old man in the hope she would bear his child. Providing an heir to Marsh Hall would give her some use, and make her family more powerful.
However, this was not to be, and Marianne had failed even in that task. Lord Marsh had not wanted her. It had taken two weeks of marriage before he came to her bed; she presumed it was because no man found one such as her attractive. Pulling her thoughts away from that painful experience she could only be glad that it had been short lived, he had stopped coming to her after two weeks, so no heir was ever conceived.
The relief had been enormous, and her life had settled into a routine of working around the estate, of trying to get it back on its fee
t. For the first time she found something she was good at, and yes, the long winter nights were lonely. When the old Lord had died it had seemed unbearably so, but she had dealt with it, as she would now deal with whatever was thrust upon her.
There was only one inn, it was clean enough, James secured them rooms and took her night bags upstairs. Jonathan busied himself with the horses, feeding and rubbing them down, before the weary travellers sat together for the evening meal.
The young woman who served them was very pretty, but there was an air of humility about her. Marianne was at a loss as to why her two servants spoke to her in such an off hand way.
“Would you like your ale refilled?” the young woman asked politely.
James simply grunted and thrust his tankard towards her.
Marianne put her hand on the mettle rim and stopped the young woman picking it up. “James, where are your manners?”
James turned a stunned expression towards his mistress. “My Lady?”
Trying to contain her growing annoyance, Marianne said, “You were asked politely, just because we are not at the hall does not mean you can be rude.”
He still looked a little bewildered, looking at the young woman and then back at Marianne. “I’m sorry,” he said to Marianne, and then he answered the woman, “Yes, please.”
The young woman picked up the tankard and moved quickly to the bar.
“Well, I would have expected some gratitude from her.” Marianne said, frustrated that she had made everyone uncomfortable.
James glanced awkwardly at his brother. Marianne caught the exchange and was even more puzzled, she had missed something. “Tell me, what the problem is.”
“She is Unmarked, it is how she is used to being treated. You drew attention to her and the Unmarked prefer none.”
Marianne paled. “Unmarked,” she said very softly.
“Yes, you know.” Jonathan said. Then he saw her face and realised his mistake. “I’m sorry, My Lady. I had forgotten. It is a long time since we have thought of you that way.”
“Thank you, Jonathan,” she said, unsure why.
Was it right that they thought differently of her because she was their mistress. True she had been a good and strong Lady of the Hall, bringing prosperity to all those who lived on, and worked her lands. Yet it did not change who she was.
Marianne : Unmarked (His) Page 1
