When she started to get up, Geoff steadied her. Faith did not permit her skirts to fall. Geoff expected her to do nothing to delay the next part of the punishment. She took down the strap and carried it to him and handed it to him. "I think I deserve thirty," she said, trembling.
"Thirty?" he repeated, stunned. The most he had ever given her was fifteen. "Do you not think that is a bit harsh, Faith?"
"No, sir. I was responsible for both Caroline and myself being taken captive today. If not for the grace of God and you and Mr. Willis, we would have been..." she could not say the word. "Thirty is merciful," she whispered.
"I shall hold you over my knee then. I do not wish for you to fall." He normally had her place her hands on the wall of the stall and stick her backside out. He would not risk that many without offering her support. "Count them," he ordered, giving her the first stroke.
Faith gasped in pain, but she said 'one' loud enough that Geoff could hear her. He took his time giving her the next one, and so it continued until all thirty landed on her inflamed backside. Geoff was sure that Faith would not sit for at least a week by the time he finished the long punishment. He put the strap on the bench beside him and carefully helped her up. He was not a man who believed in coddling his wife once he had given her a punishment, but this time he held her on his lap and comforted her while she cried. "It is all over now, sweet one. You did wrong, but it is punished, and forgiven. I still love you, Faith."
"I fear I have lost Caroline's friendship forever," she wailed.
"I do not think she will judge you harshly, wife." He took out a large handkerchief and wiped her eyes. "Will you forgive yourself now, or shall I spank you again?" he asked teasingly.
"I do not think I could bear another spanking, Geoff!" she said with a gentle smile. "I need to go to the house and start our supper. We have guests, and I am so out of practice at being a hostess I fear they will never come see us again."
* * *
Jacob chuckled as his wife tidied herself. She was lost in his love-making to the point of not caring if the other couple overheard them, but now that reality returned, she was embarrassed. He gave her a kiss and said, "You are one very special lady, do you know that, Mrs. Willis?" At her look of confusion, he added, "You go on inside and I am sure you will figure it out right away."
Chapter Nine
Caroline honestly did not know what Jacob meant by his cryptic remark. She did know, however, that he meant it as a compliment to her, and that warmed her heart. She was so thankful that he came to her rescue when he did, and she was positive that Faith was also grateful to her husband. If was embarrassing to go inside and face Faith after both of them were punished, but it would be even more embarrassing not to go inside and offer to help her new friend with their meal.
Faith looked up from cutting a potato into chunks and saw Caroline standing just inside the doorway. Her eyes were red-rimmed from crying and her cheeks were stained an embarrassed pink. Faith knew her face was matching; it was horribly awkward to face someone after a spanking. "Come in, Caroline. I want to tell you how sorry I am that I fibbed about the berries and got us both in so much trouble."
"I was not blameless, Faith. I should have insisted we return when I realized we were walking so far. Are you all right?" she asked hesitantly, her face pink.
"I am very sore," Faith answered truthfully. "Geoff was thorough in his duty, but he made sure I know I am loved. I think the spanking was a reflection of his fear for me... and our baby," she whispered, placing a hand over her still flat tummy. "What about you, Caroline? Was Mr. Willis harsh with you?" she asked, fearful of her answer.
"No, not harsh, but very thorough. Sitting will not be fun for a couple of days, but the spanking was deserved. I felt guilty for disobeying him. I have given my promise on several occasions not to go far from him, and yet, I seem to break that promise when it suits me to do so." She smiled, then added, "You need not be overly concerned, Faith. Jacob made a point of showing me his love. I am not upset with him, and I am anxious to show him and your husband that I am grateful for their timely rescue. We were fortunate they came when they did. Five minutes later would have been too late for our honor," she whispered.
"Yes, Caroline. We fared well, considering." She looked at Caroline and then said, "I feared losing your friendship because I was so thoughtless of your safety."
"You did not mean to endanger either of us, Faith. We have both paid for what we did, and I do not wish to have any more of our time together spoiled with regrets. Please let me help you fix our supper. Jacob will wish to leave in the morning, and it is so nice to have another woman to talk to while I can."
Faith felt tears sting her eyes and she hurried to enfold Caroline in her arms. "Thank you for not hating me, Caroline. Trust me when I tell you that most women would not be so forgiving. You are so special, and I do not think you realize that at all!"
Caroline was suddenly reminded of her husband's words and she smiled. It pleased her to know that her husband valued her and her personality. She quickly pitched in to give her new friend some help with a meal. Caroline was surprised to realize how hungry she was, but then, they had walked quite some distance with the Indians, and then all the way back to the Crawford's cabin. Faith admitted she was starving, too, and the women giggled as they worked.
Time seemed to fly by, and the couples stayed up very late, talking. Morning came early, and both Caroline and Jacob were touched when Faith presented them a basket of food to take with them. Jacob promised they would return for a visit as soon as they could, and he promised to send word when they settled. Geoff suggested they follow the river south, and he smiled when he said that he was positive they would not be searching too many more days for the right place to make their home.
Caroline was very quiet as they left the Crawford's, and an hour later she still did not seem to have much to say. "Are you upset about something, Caro?" Jacob asked.
"No," she answered, looking at him in surprise. "I was actually thinking about Faith's cabin. It is very nice and cozy. She said that it took them a lot of hard work to clear land and plant food and crops that first year, and they barely got the cabin up before the first hard snow."
"It shan't be easy the first year, wife," Jacob repeated the words he had said several times already."
"Oh, I believe you, Jacob, but I am a hard worker, and it will be easier with both of us working hard together." Her green eyes were full of determination as she looked at him. "The thing I am most worried about is that I know nothing about how to build a home. I know how to clean it and make it sparkle, but I do not know how to do the work of a builder, and you shall need to explain every little thing. Will you be patient with me?" she asked hopefully.
"I shall be very patient, Caroline, and I shall remind myself how close I came to making this journey by myself. Every little bit of help you offer will be that much less I have to take on myself." He winked and then he smiled before saying softly, "I am happy you are at my side, wife."
"Oh Jacob, those are the nicest words. I love you so much, and I am so glad I was forward enough to hide in the wagon when you left home. I would have been miserable if I had stayed behind."
"I would have been lonely, Caroline. You have made my life truly special and worth living. I want you to promise me if the loneliness out here starts to make you feel bad. I do not want my dream to be at your expense."
"My dream is to follow your dream, Jacob. You made the right decision for us," she assured him as he pulled the wagon to a stop. I like very much being on our own. If we had remained at home both your parents and mine would have wanted a 'say' in how we lived, where we lived, and how we raised our children. This way we shall discuss things and you shall decide what is best for us all. I am very happy, Jacob, and in case I did not make myself clear yesterday and last night, I am so thankful you value me enough to risk your life to protect mine."
Jacob smiled in pure pleasure as he recalled the lengths to which she had
gone to 'thank' him. His wife was a passionate woman, and she gave all of herself to him. To his surprise, she had asked in a whisper if it was possible for her to use her tongue and lips to pleasure him as he had her. He said 'yes', and then told her she did not have to do that for him, but she insisted, and he felt like a limp rag afterwards. She permitted him to rest for a few minutes and then she aroused him again, and he rode her slowly, bringing her along with him to a climax that left them both exhausted. They fell asleep for a while, and then, to his stunned joy, she woke him, her gentle hand caressing him until he was hard and ramrod still and aching for her warmth. Jacob was friends with several men who describe a much different experience in their marriage beds, and he felt blessed to have a passionate wife who thought it natural to please her husband and enjoy his touch as well.
"I love you, Caroline," he told her, "and I will always come when you need me."
Caroline was happy, but she also kept her eyes open for any sign of trouble. Although she did not speak of her fears to Jacob, she had seen the look in the Indian's dark eyes when he looked at her. There was a hatred there, and Caroline was afraid he would follow them on the trail to try and have his revenge. Caroline feared he would sneak up on them, and then jump Jacob and try to kill him. She wanted to be ready to defend her husband should it prove necessary. She would have worried less if she had known that Jacob was equally alert, and for the same reason. But, Jacob was more concerned for his wife than for himself.
They made good time that day, and thanks to the basket that Faith prepared for them, they had a wonderful meal when they stopped to noon and give the oxen a break. That night, Jacob picked a spot as usual, but when he was unharnessing the oxen, he was startled when two men grabbed him from behind. He struggled and fought, but he was swiftly tied and brought out into the clearing, only to see that two men had also tied Caroline's hands together. She was frightened and he tried to reassure her with his dark eyes that they would be all right.
Another man, one who was older than the others, stepped into the open and it was obvious that he had been badly beaten. One of the younger men climbed into the wagon and was only in there a few seconds when he climbed out. "No, Pa. This ain't them."
"Boys, untie these people so that I can make our apologies." The older man sank down on a rock to sit while the younger men untied Caroline and Jacob. "First of all, madam, I hope my sons were gentle with you? I apologize you were tied and I hope we did not frighten you too badly. Sir, I also apologize to you. A few days ago my sons left me in our camp to settle us for the night, and a man and woman introduced themselves and said they were hungry and asked for food. I offered them a meal, and when my back was turned, they jumped me. Two other men joined them, and for whatever reason, they beat me senseless while helping themselves to our money and other things we value. My youngest son saw you today and thought perhaps you could be the same people. My eyesight is not good enough to tell from a distance, so the boys decided they would incapacitate you until I got a good look. I do apologize for the inconvenience."
"I hope you are recovering from your injuries, sir?" Caroline asked softly.
"Pa almost died," one of the young men stated. "Have you folks met up with anyone you think might be involved?" It was obvious he was angry and wanted to find the ones responsible.
"No, we have not," Jacob answered. He was not happy at the way they approached the camp and was determined not to invite them to spend the night with them. He had no intention of feeding them, either. After the rude way they invaded the camp, Jacob felt they did not deserve the courtesy of having Caroline cook for them. He quickly learned, however, that his lovely wife had other ideas.
"Would you and your sons like to join us for supper?" Caroline offered. She could see the older man was in considerable pain.
"That is very kind of you, madam," the man answered. "I am afraid the offer does not extend from your husband. He is very angry, and with good reason, for the way we invaded your camp. We will move on now, and leave the two of you in peace." He tried to stand and winced with the effort.
"Jacob, this man is in pain and needs rest. We can surely offer a meal this night?" Caroline appealed to her husband.
The look in Caroline's green eyes was imploring and Jacob found he could not refuse her, in spite of the fact he wanted nothing more than to put some bruises on the sons. However, refusing his wife's offer of hospitality would be wrong, and he did not want to upset his wife, or make himself appear harsh. He gave her a smile and answered softly, "Of course we can offer a meal and the hospitality of our camp, wife. Sir, you and your sons are welcome to join us if you like. My wife speaks for both of us."
"Thank you, but it is not necessary, young man. Our camp is not far away. You are both very gracious to offer us a meal, but our food was not taken, only our coin and my wife's jewelry that the boys intend to give to their brides some day. We will find those responsible," he added with a growl.
"I hope you do," Jacob stated with sincerity.
The men apologized once again, especially for frightening Caroline, and then removed themselves from the Willis' camp. Caroline ran to Jacob and hugged him tightly. "I was so frightened at first," she whispered. "They were gentle with me, but I could feel the anger radiating off the two who tied my hands," she said.
"I am sorry I did not protect you better, Caro," Jacob said soothingly.
"No, if you had tried that you could have been hurt, and they were being cautious. I am so glad we are not the guilty ones. Can you believe a woman stealing?" she asked, outraged as well as shocked.
"Women have been stealing for as long as there have been women, Caro. Some of the women sent here were taken from gaol."
"I guess that is true, Jacob," she said with a sigh. "I shall get our supper started now," she said quietly.
"Do not worry, Caroline. You are safe now," he said softly, giving her bottom a pat. She jumped and he said, "Oh, sorry, honey! I forgot that your hind might be sore."
Caroline's quick temper took offense. "How could you not recall that my backside is sore? I sat all day on a very tender bottom, without a pillow, mind you, and then you smack me for no reason at all!"
"I said I was sorry, Caroline," Jacob quietly reminded her.
"You said you were sorry, but you were smirking, which means you are not one little bit sorry! You enjoy making me suffer!"
"I was not aware you were suffering, wife."
"How could you not know? Have you ever tried sitting on a hard wagon seat for hours on end over bumpy trails? No, you have not!" She picked up a large wooden spoon and shook it at him. "For two cents I would whack you and let you see how you like it!"
"I would suggest that you put that spoon down and busy yourself with our supper before I put that spoon to good use across that bottom you claim is already sore. If you are so sore it would seem to me that you would take precautions to make sure your mouth does not get your hind into more trouble."
"How like a man to make even more threats when he is the one who is wrong in the first place!" Caroline raged. She did not care if she was making sense or not. She was furious with Jacob and decided he needed to be taken down a peg or two. Unwisely, she swung the spoon, and it cracked on his leg. She swung again, and smacked the other side... and then she saw the look on Jacob's face. He was furious, and she was in trouble. Without giving it a thought, she dropped the spoon, picked up her skirts in front, and took off running for her life.
Jacob bent down to pick up the spoon and then gave chase. He was fast on his feet, but Caroline could run like the wind. He lost sight of her in the trees, but stopped to listen, and heard her crashing through the wooded area. Caroline was making enough noise that he would not need to track her down. He hurried, but each time he thought he was getting close, she took off in another direction. The little fool was going to get lost if she was not careful, or even worse, she was going to come across a band of trappers or Indians.
Caroline was getting winded and the pa
in in her left side grew sharper the further she ran. She did not dare permit Jacob to catch her. He would spank her soundly for daring to strike him. What was she thinking to do something so daring? Why was she yelling at Jacob and acting like a shrew? It was no small wonder that he was willing to follow her wherever she ran! She heard him call her name, and she wanted to answer, but she kept on running. If she stopped he would spank her again! She might deserve a spanking, but she definitely did not want one.
"Caroline, stop running! We are wandering too far from our camp!"
"No!" she responded. "If I stop, you will catch me!"
"If you do not stop NOW, I shall take a strap to you!" he announced in a voice full of frustration and anger. She did not answer. Jacob stopped and listened, but heard nothing. Either Caroline had stopped to rest, or she was hiding, or moving quietly in the hopes of evading him. He looked, and he called her name. She did not answer and he grew more and more frightened. All he could think of was the Indian who had abducted her the day before. Had he followed them and simply waited for a chance like this to take her again?
Jacob grew desperate. He could not find Caroline. He was positive that something terrible had happened to her. He looked and looked, and finally stumbled across the camp of the men who had jumped him and Caroline earlier. He quickly explained that Caro was missing, and the sons all jumped to their feet and offered to help him find her. He thanked them for their help, but after another three hours it was so dark that none of them could see. They offered to resume the search in the morning. Jacob thanked them and returned to his own camp.
To his surprise, he smelled food, and quickly realized that someone had built up the fire and put a pot of stew over the fire to simmer. There was tea, too. He finally spotted Caroline, who was hiding inside the wagon. "Caroline, you are safe!" he exclaimed, his fear for her turning into overwhelming relief. "Caroline!" He picked her up and lifted her from the wagon, holding her close and inhaling her fragrance. "Thank God you are safe, honey! I searched and searched for you. How did you get away?" he asked, holding her at arms' length to ask.
A Man of Dreams, a Woman of Passion Page 10
