"Wherefore doth thou try and escape so oft?"
"I-I don't belong here. I want to go back to my own ti...town!"
"I will not let thee leave until Hugh demands it is so." In all truth, Stephen was becoming enamoured of the petite woman that stood before him. She intrigued him. Her independence, her feisty spirit...he enjoyed the challenge she brought to his household. He certainly wasn't ready to let her out of his life. He grabbed her arm and drew her towards the main keep.
"We will adjourn to my chamber, where I shall administer thy punishment. Perhaps a burning backside will make thee think twice afore leaving these castle walls again!"
Jenny gasped and tried to pull away, but Stephen just kept on walking.
"You can't spank me again. It's unfair. I didn't ask to be kept here! I only want to go home," she wailed.
"And thee shall go home, but only when Hugh orders it. Wherefore must I repeat myself?"
* * *
Jenny could tell by his tone that the last vestiges of his patience were rapidly disappearing, and if she carried on fighting him, it could only lead to a far harsher punishment. She clamped her mouth shut and followed him through the keep, into the main castle. He quickly led her to his chamber.
Once inside, he ordered her to take off her cloak whilst he made himself comfortable on a wooden chair. She slowly unclipped the metal clasp and took the heavy garment off, laying it on his bed.
She looked at him sullenly. "Why do you have to spank me?"
He raised an eyebrow. "Thou dareth to question me?"
"Yes!" she answered with a voice full of anger. "Doesn't anyone ever question your actions?"
He answered sincerely, "Nay. They do not." He held out his hand. "Come. Thou hath upset my evening as it is; anger me no further."
Butterflies swarmed in Jenny's stomach as their eyes locked. He gave off an air of strength, not just in stature but in character, and Jenny found herself walking towards him, mesmerised. Stephen grabbed her arm and pulled her down over his solid thighs. She felt the cold evening air hit her buttocks as he raised her skirts to reveal the undergarments that Annie had given her.
"I am glad thou hath taken to wearing proper attire beneath thy skirts," he said. "At least in that, thou art obedient."
His hand came down with full force on both buttocks, making her jump at the suddenness of his attack. She yelped and tried to protest, but he continued to rain down a series of swats on both cheeks, and before long, her bottom was just a stinging mass of pain.
"Aow! Can't you stop? Oof!"
"Nay. Thou art disobedient," Smack! "and hath brought this punishment," Smack! "upon thyself!" Smack! Smack! Smack!
Jenny gripped his leather boots to keep her balance and grit her teeth as she tried to combat the fiery pain in her backside. His hand was like a leather paddle, huge and hard, perfect for battle but not her bottom, she thought.
"Please...I promise to obey you!" she wailed.
"Thy words art empty, Jenny. Thou hath uttered the same words afore, and yet thee still disobey me. Nay, I shall stop when I think thou art truly sorry."
Smack! Smack! Smack!
"My guards hath had to round up the horses thee set free this eve." Smack! Smack! Smack! "'Twas a foolish thing thee did. I intend to make sure it doth not happen again."
Smack! Smack! Smack!
The spanking continued, with Jenny trying her best to wriggle off his lap and Stephen swinging his arm down to plant full, resonating slaps on her tender bottom. Before long, she was truly regretting her earlier actions and wondering how she could have forgotten how hard Stephen could spank. She gave up trying to get away as his strength was just too much to fight against. Instead, she hung limply over his lap, a long sob escaping her lips as he finally brought the punishment to an end. He pulled her up and stood her in front of him.
"Jenny Peverel, I will not hath an unruly household. Doth thou understand?"
Jenny sniffled and pushed out her lower lip. "Yes, I understand."
"I will not tolerate laziness, either. On the morrow, as punishment for disobeying my orders, thy time will be spent aiding Annie with the soap-making."
Jenny groaned aloud. "A whole day?"
Stephen raised an eyebrow. "Nay. Fortunately for thee, as Helena and Geoffroy are here, we shall be riding into Okehampton village at noon. Helena wishes to see the marketplace and mayhap purchase some trinkets, as she has a penchant for them. I would that thee accompany us. So, thee shall rise at dawn."
"Dawn?" Jenny interrupted, aghast.
"Aye, dawn. If thee fails to comply, then I shall punish thee, doth thou understand?"
Jenny huffed. "Yes."
He placed his hands on her shoulders and looked deeply into her eyes. "Promise me thy obedience!"
Jenny stared back at him, transfixed. Where his hands brushed her shoulders, her skin tingled as though touched by a thousand volts. She could feel her heart pumping loudly in her chest at the close contact. He smelled of leather and earth, fire and spirit...and she had a sudden yearning to touch him back. Her lips parted softly as she looked at his.
Stephen's eyes darkened as he saw the desire in her eyes, and unable to help himself, his lips covered hers as he tasted her sweet mouth. Her arms snaked their way around his neck, entwining in his long hair, her soft body pliant against his lean form. He wrapped his arms around her as the kiss deepened.
Jenny felt small and safe within his huge arms, which almost totally enveloped her. His tongue plundered her mouth, demanding a response from her that she easily gave. She couldn't help herself. He was gorgeous. Her bottom was tingling deliciously, and far from his spanking being a punishment, it was actually adding to the intense feelings of desire she had for him.
When they broke away from each other, they were both quite breathless. She stared up at him, her lips feeling slightly bruised.
"Do I hath thy obedience, Jenny?"
"Yes, milord."
"Well then, to bed!" He turned her around and patted her bottom.
She quickly turned back around. "What about supper?"
He shook his head. "Nay, an empty stomach and a sore bottom are apt punishment for thy behaviour. I will see thee on the morrow."
She thought about protesting but then decided that time on her own was perhaps a good thing. She wasn't in the mood for making small talk with Geoffory and Helena, so, for once, she did as she was told.
Chapter Four
Jenny yawned and covered her mouth with one hand as she sat on her horse, waiting in the outer bailey. Her eyes watered, blurring her vision, and she blinked several times to clear them. God, she was tired. Dog tired. She glanced over at Helena, watching her laugh with Stephen, looking as bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as a...ooh, she didn't know what. But she looked a darn sight better than Jenny felt.
"Thou art tired?" asked Geoffroy, reining in his horse alongside hers. He had a smirk on his face and a devilish glint in his eye. "Doth we keep thee awake?"
Jenny smiled wryly. "Yes, in fact you do, Geoffroy. I'd like nothing more than to go to bed right this second." She darted a glance at Stephen. "Although, it seems my company is required."
"Ah!" Geoffroy nodded, his eyes following hers. "My brother doth rule his fortress with an iron fist. 'Twould seem, my fair Jenny, that thou art finding out the hard way." He looked back at her. "'Twould fare thee well to obey his command. He is a force to be reckoned with!"
"Yes, I know."
"He informed me of thy exploits yester eve. 'Twould seem thee hath a reckless nature, Jenny Peverel." His expression grew thoughtful as he studied her.
Slightly irritated, she replied, "I am not reckless...just frustrated, that's all. I want to be able to wander around outside these walls, on my own, and Stephen won't let me."
"Nay, I will not!" Stephen remarked as he joined them, overhearing her last few words. "Annie informs me thee aided her well this morn, although a little persuasion was needed to get thee out of bed."
His
voice hinted at smugness and Jenny was immediately irked. "I don't call having the sheets ripped off me 'a little persuasion.' I was goddamn cold this morning, thanks to you!" she huffed.
Helena paled and placed a hand to her breast in shock at hearing Jenny's outburst. Stephen immediately reprimanded her.
"Desist from using such language! I will not tolerate words of blasphemy!"
Jenny tilted her chin at him. "Where I come from, it doesn't matter."
"I care not! Thou art in Okehampton and thee will abide by our customs. If London hath been reduced to such blasphemous outbursts, I wonder at the state of humanity."
Before she could say another word, he called up to the guards to open the gates and raise the portcullis. He turned to her once more. "Thou willst ride alongside me and I shall hear no more ungodly words."
Jenny pursed her lips and remained silent, following him as he led the way through the gates. She was slightly embarrassed that she had upset Helena. She would have to think more carefully before shouting her mouth off in future. What was acceptable in her time, was obviously not in this era. She glanced behind her and shot Helena an apologetic smile. She was relieved when Helena smiled back.
They were accompanied by four broad-shouldered men at arms, who flanked them on either side. It made her realise just how much danger there could be lurking in the forest surrounding them. She shivered, remembering her foolish attempt to escape last night and not heeding Stephen's words. No wonder he'd been so cross. She looked over at him to find him staring at her, his eyes dark and brooding.
Having him by her side made her feel safe. The man was huge. If anyone was to attack, she felt sure he could defend everyone on his own merit.
She blushed at the direction her thoughts were taking and quickly looked at the track ahead. He was getting under her skin and she found it a little unnerving, although not unpleasant. She tried to keep her mind on the picturesque countryside and meandering Okement River, but her thoughts kept straying. Damn him. The man was too good-looking for his own good!
* * *
The marketplace was bustling with people and Jenny was fascinated with it all. The haphazardly-placed stalls sold everything from bread and cooking utensils to jewellery and poultry. The smell of freshly baked pies filled the air with their mouth-watering aromas. Helena was just as excited as Jenny, and with their horses in the care of the guards, they made their way along the line of stalls, closely followed by Stephen and Geoffroy.
"Oh, see the fabric, Jenny, 'tis divine!" Helena pointed to a bolt of material on a stall. Blue and gold, it stood out from the rest and Jenny immediately agreed with her.
"Oh, it's beautiful, Helena. You must buy some."
Helena darted a glance at her husband and smiled coquettishly. "What think thee, husband?"
"Oh, don't worry about what he thinks, Helena. Buy it yourself. It'll suit you. Go on!" Jenny urged.
Helena looked slightly shocked. "Of course, I must ask my husband's permission."
"Aye, she must," added Geoffroy. "Methinks this is another strange custom from London."
"It's not strange for a woman to have her own money, is it?" asked Jenny, genuinely intrigued.
"Aye. A husband has full control of his wife's assets. She must answer to me in every way and I expect her full obedience at all times." Geoffroy looked at her, a frown on his face, clearly wondering why she had such strange ideas.
For a moment, Jenny was shocked into silence but she soon found her voice. "Seriously?"
"Aye, he speaks the truth." Stephen smiled. "Doth thee find the idea of submitting to a man so abhorrent, Jenny?"
"Well, yes, in a way. Where I come from, I have my own money and if I see something I like, I buy it. As for obeying him...I think not!" she scorned.
Stephen chuckled. "Methinks thee would hath many a scolding for such disobedience."
"Aye, she would learn the hard way, were she my wife! These are strange customs and not ones I approve of," remarked Geoffroy. "Now, Helena, the cloth."
Geoffroy moved to her side and began to haggle with the market trader, leaving Stephen staring down at Jenny as she stood next to him. "Methinks thee had best keep thy thoughts to thyself, Jenny. Mayhap, 'tis why thee remain unwed."
"What?" Jenny exclaimed. "I'll have you know, I remain unwed because I choose it to be that way!"
Stephen stared at her, a puzzled expression on his face. "Thou doth choose spinsterhood over wedlock?"
"Yes. What's wrong with that?"
"Every woman desires a man. 'Tis the way of the world. How can thee possibly exist without a man by thy side?"
Jenny almost choked with laughter. "Quite easily! Believe me. Where I'm from, it's quite common for a woman to choose to live on her own."
Stephen shook his head. "'Tis a strange place. I do not recall London being so, when last I visited...but 'twas a few years ago now."
Helena interrupted them, her voice full of excitement. "Jenny, come see the jewellery. 'Tis truly divine!" She grabbed Jenny's hand and pulled her away from Stephen. "My pardon, Stephen!"
Stephen bowed his head. "Not at all, Helena."
Helena pulled Jenny towards a small stall selling all sorts of trinkets: belts, necklaces, bracelets and even jewel-encrusted goblets. To see such an array of medieval craftsmanship would be an archaeologist's dream, thought Jenny, staring at the beautiful array.
She picked up an exquisitely crafted bracelet and turned it over in her hands. The attention to detail was incredible. It was made of dark leather, adorned with gold braiding. She sighed wistfully. If only she had some money.
"'Tis beautiful, Jenny!" exclaimed Helena.
"I know, but I have no need of it. You buy it if you want it, Helena. It would look perfect on you." She placed the bracelet back down on the stall and watched whilst Helena sifted through some others.
She didn't want to confess to her that she had no money. For one, it would look silly as she had already boasted that in London, she bought whatever she wanted and secondly, Helena might ask Geoffroy to buy it and then she'd feel like a charity case. So she pretended she didn't really want it and walked on to the next stall to see what they were selling.
After a little while, Helena joined her. "Did you buy anything?" Jenny enquired.
"No. Geoffroy declared them too expensive. The stall holder would not haggle low enough. My husband doth like to beat them down on price."
Jenny giggled. "I can imagine!" She slipped her arm through Helena's. "Forget the bracelets. Come and look at these ribbons, instead. There is every colour you could imagine."
Whilst the two women sifted through the mass of ribbons, Geoffroy watched them together.
"She would make thee a worthy wife, brother."
Stephen pulled a face. "Dost thou think so? She is verily strong of spirit."
"Aye, and perfect for thee, Stephen. No milksop maid would suit thee. A woman of spirit is just what thy holding needs."
Stephen pondered his brother's words. He did find Jenny attractive and had caught himself studying her on many an occasion. The thought of her as a future wife, though, had not occurred to him. She was a fiery little thing and seemed to excel in vexing him at every opportunity. He had always thought to take a wife that would be rather quiet and possess a sweeter nature.
Geoffroy slapped him on the back. "Thou knowest I am right, brother. Okehampton needs a lady, and thee could do no better than marrying a Peverel!"
Stephen refrained from saying anything further but found himself looking at Jenny through new eyes. Would she make him a good wife?
* * *
It had been two weeks since Jenny had arrived at the castle, and she realised that she'd settled in quite well, under the circumstances. She no longer woke up expecting to be back in her own time. She still didn't know why or how it had happened. Nothing made any sense. All she could do was get through each day and hope that, someday, she'd find a way to get back to her own home's comforts and familiar faces. Once sh
e'd got over the initial shock, though, she found herself enjoying discovering life in medieval times. To see the castle in all its former glory was fascinating. She often found herself touching the stone walls in wonder while walking down the narrow passages and corridors. And, of course, there was the added bonus of the castle's handsome lord.
She smiled as she thought of Stephen. The man was getting under her skin to the point that she frequently gazed at him admiringly. He looked perfect, like a film star in a knight's costume. His shoulder-length hair was unruly, framing his strong face along with his neatly trimmed beard. He only had to speak and his voice sent shivers down her spine; a deep tone that commanded respect from all.
Since their kiss, they hadn't shared any more intimate moments, although, she'd caught him looking at her on occasion with a brooding expression. She always blushed and had to look away.
Helena and Geoffroy had left over a week ago and, since then, the castle had been quiet. Most of her time was spent walking the castle parapets, as she was now, torn between gazing longingly into the surrounding countryside and wondering how on earth she was going to get back to her own time – if indeed she could get back – and knowing she would miss Stephen if she did.
She sighed and went over to the other side of the parapet to look into the bailey below. Several knights were training, the clashing of their steel swords filling the air as they fought valiantly against one another. It was like watching a re-enactment from her own time, only this was the real deal.
"Good morrow, Jenny."
Stephen's deep voice startled her and she turned quickly to find him right next to her. "Goodness, you made me jump!"
"My apologies, I meant not to frighten thee," he declared. "I came to tell thee we hath a special visitor arriving two days hence."
"We have? Who?"
"King Edward."
Jenny gasped. "The king? He's coming here?"
"Aye. I would ask that thee assist Annie in her duties. There is much to be done and all hands are needed to make his visit as comfortable as we can."
A Knight to Remember Page 5
