The Scarlet Kimono (Choc Lit)

by Christina Courtenay

  Hannah had heard of the strange poems he was talking about, but she didn’t yet understand them. To her, poetry was something that rhymed, not just a few random words making up a set number of syllables. The thought that someone might want to write a poem in honour of any part of her body, however, was very pleasing. Although why he should choose to single out her neck she had no idea.

  She felt the hardness of him burn her backside. It was pushing at her as if to remind her of what was to come, but when his hands moved lower down across her stomach and onto those parts of her she preferred not to think about, she forgot her fear and gasped with pleasure instead. He really did know how to work magic, and when he lifted her over to a bench along one wall, she didn’t protest.

  He continued his caresses, each one more urgent than the last. She became lost in the burning feelings he was creating within her, and didn’t flinch even when he positioned himself above her.

  ‘Akai,’ he whispered again, using the word as a caress and endearment.

  She was concentrating so much on what his fingers were doing, that for a moment she didn’t notice he had replaced them with another part of himself until she felt a sharp stab of pain. By then she was past caring anyway and allowed the new sensation to sweep her away into a maelstrom. From then on there seemed no escape until her world exploded and she cried out, holding on to him as if he was the only rock in a stormy sea.

  It was the most wonderful experience of her life.

  Hannah had no coherent thoughts for quite a while, but Taro gave her no time to think about what had happened in any case. He stood up and carried her into the part of the bath house where the hot spring gurgled out of the ground. He put her down and together, holding hands, they entered the scalding water, inching their way in until they were completely submerged apart from their heads. The steam rose around them silently, cocooning them in a moist dream world. Taro leaned against the edge and pulled her across to sit on his lap. She nestled close, accepting the feel of his body against hers as natural now. All her embarrassment was gone for the moment. She had never been so near another human being and it was a feeling to be savoured.

  ‘Why did you lie to me?’ he asked, although he didn’t sound angry about it. ‘You were untouched.’

  ‘I’ve heard that virgins are more sought-after so I didn’t want to tell you while there was still a chance you might change your mind.’ Hannah knew that was a lie, but she simply couldn’t tell him the truth.

  ‘I see. So what really happened with your husband then?’

  ‘He … er, attempted to bed me, but he was drunk and never quite finished. After that, I stayed away from him.’

  ‘And now, are you still afraid of coupling?’

  ‘I wasn’t …’ She started to shake her head, not wanting him to know how scared she’d been, but he put a finger across her lips.

  ‘Don’t ever lie to me again. You have a very expressive face and it was obvious. I understand now it wasn’t me you were frightened of, but the thought of being with a man, any man. It was natural in the circumstances, but I don’t want you to fear me.’

  ‘I don’t. Not any more.’

  ‘Good.’

  Hannah relaxed against him again. Taro had spoken the truth and had given her pleasure. He might be a barbaric warrior, but he had treated her better than her supposedly civilised husband and betrothed. What was she to make of that? For the moment, she preferred not to think about it. The here and now was all that mattered. When Taro started to caress her again with lazy strokes, she didn’t hesitate but turned towards him eagerly.

  He made love to her at the water’s edge, and she gave herself to him without reservation this time. It was even better than the first time, especially since she now dared to touch him in return, although hesitantly at first. He encouraged her until she lost most of her shyness and let her hands roam freely. She discovered that she wanted to feel every part of him, like a blind person memorising features without sight. His body was soon branded into her brain.

  They stayed in the bath house for the better part of the night, sometimes sleeping, sometimes coupling. He didn’t speak any words of love, but he worshipped her with his body and told her she was beautiful.

  ‘You really think so?’ she asked, not daring to believe him.

  He nodded his head emphatically. ‘Yes, I find you entirely perfect.’

  Again, she saw in his eyes that he was being truthful and although she marvelled that such a thing was possible, she did believe him. She pushed any thoughts of the future aside. It was enough to live for the moment and she was content.

  Chapter Thirty

  Hannah returned to her rooms some time during the early hours and fell into a deep, dreamless sleep. When she woke at last it was to find Sakura sitting patiently in a corner of the room, waiting to serve her.

  ‘Oh, I’m sorry. Have I slept too long?’ Hannah rubbed her eyes and stretched her aching muscles.

  ‘No, but you must be very hungry now. I will order food for you.’

  ‘Thank you.’ Hannah was in fact ravenous, and closed her eyes to visualise some good, English food – bread, cheese, roast meats and butter, lots of butter. She sighed. Once, she had asked if she could be allowed to eat some meat like roast pork and had even offered to cook it herself. Her serving women had told her she’d have to wait until Lord Kumashiro had been out hunting, as there might be some game, but that was all. Until then, she would have to make do with rice, fish, pickled vegetables and sometimes chicken like everyone else, and she was becoming used to the fare. It was only occasionally she yearned for something more substantial.

  She ate everything Sakura brought, and stood up feeling more alive than she had for ages, although some of her muscles screamed in protest. She knew she should be consumed with guilt over what had occurred the night before, but for the life of her she couldn’t regret it. Not a single moment. If she had never had this experience, she wouldn’t have known what love-making was supposed to be like and would have dreaded it all her life. Her lips curved into a smile. Taro had definitely cured her of that fear.

  She now understood all those references in the Bible to sin and temptation. This must be what the Holy Book was talking about. She could quite see that it would be extremely difficult to withstand once one knew what it entailed. Yet it hadn’t been like that with Rydon and she doubted it ever would. Hannah shook her head. Rydon was an ignorant oaf and she never wanted to see him again. Nor Ezekiel Hesketh, who was obviously even more ignorant, or perhaps just selfish. Neither of them had had any regard for her wishes one way or another.

  ‘You had a good evening, Hannah-san?’ the little maid dared to ask.

  Hannah felt her face flame and turned away. ‘Yes, very good, thank you. Er, I’d like to dress now, please.’

  ‘Of course.’ Sakura went into the next room and came back with something hanging over her arm. It was a kimono and she held it up for Hannah’s inspection. ‘Lord Kumashiro sent this to you as a gift this morning. He must be very pleased, it’s exquisite, neh?’

  Indeed it was. Shining, pearl-grey silk embroidered all over with silver thread, it was the most beautiful garment Hannah had ever seen. ‘Oh, my!’ There was a white and silver coloured obi to go with it, which set off the robe to perfection, and Hannah put them on with the maid’s help. She twirled in front of Sakura. ‘How do I look?’

  ‘Wonderful, mistress, truly beautiful.’

  Hannah laughed. No, she would never be beautiful, but she certainly felt like a princess in these clothes. It had been kind of Taro to send them to her. Thinking of him made her smile again, and a tingling sensation shot through her. She wondered if she would see him again that evening? Surely he couldn’t tire of her after just one night?

  It occurred to her to wonder if, now that he’d had what he wanted, she would be sent back to Hirado. She realised this wasn’t at all what she wanted, and hoped with all her heart that he would keep her for just a little longer.

&
nbsp; She didn’t want to leave. At least not yet.

  She put her hands inside the sleeves, the smooth silk lining sliding against her fingers before they encountered something else. A small roll of parchment had been inserted into the corner of the voluminous sleeve. When she drew it out she discovered it had Taro’s personal seal on it.

  ‘What’s this, Sakura?’ She held it out to her maid, who opened it and began to read the beautifully crafted kanji.

  ‘It’s a haiku, Hannah-san, about a lady’s graceful neck.’ Sakura read out the poem. Hannah felt a glow inside her at the thought that he had remembered his promise. When the maid had finished, Hannah put the gift in a small chest for safe-keeping.

  She would treasure it always.

  He sent for her again as soon as it was dark. When he caught sight of her in the new garment, he nodded his approval. ‘Ah, that’s much better. Now you can throw that dreadful scarlet one away.’ His eyes crinkled at the corners, sending her a teasing glance.

  ‘No, I won’t. You know how much I like it, despite the colour.’

  He shook his head. ‘Yanagihara-san was right, I’ll never understand women.’

  She smiled and took one of his hands between hers to hold it close to her heart. ‘It’s not that difficult, but thank you so much for this kimono, it’s truly magnificent. I will wear it often. And thank you also for the poem.’

  ‘As long as you’re happy, I don’t mind what you’re wearing. In fact, I prefer you without any clothing whatsoever.’ His eyes told her this was nothing but the truth.

  Hannah felt her cheeks heat up and looked up at him from under her lashes, feeling suddenly breathless. ‘Is that so?’

  ‘It is. Come here, Akai.’ He pulled her close and this time Hannah didn’t hesitate. It felt so right, as if she belonged in his embrace and nowhere else. His hand moved to caress the back of her neck, shooting sparks down her spine and into her belly. ‘Now would you like to eat or …?’

  ‘Perhaps later,’ she whispered and leaned closer. Since he chuckled with delight, she gathered he wasn’t hungry either.

  Taro looked at the beautiful woman sleeping in his arms and couldn’t stop himself from reaching out to stroke her silky white cheek and her lovely hair. The long, curling tresses were draped partly across him, entrapping him in their fiery tentacles just like Yanagihara-san had predicted so long ago. Taro didn’t mind though. In fact, he revelled in the sensation and liked nothing better than to wind his fingers in the coppery mass. He smiled into the semi-darkness at the thought that the old man had probably never imagined a snare quite like this.

  Or maybe he had. He was a wily old fox.

  Hannah was dangerous all right, Yanagihara had been right about that. But only because she was a distraction. Instead of sorting out a border dispute in his usual calm fashion that morning, Taro had dealt with the matter impatiently and then ridden like a man possessed in order to return in time to be with her this night. It wasn’t right.

  He mustn’t let it happen again. He had to stay in control of himself and his emotions, the way he’d always done before. Being with Hannah was enjoyable, no doubt about that, but if they spent enough time together, surely the attraction would fade. Like his desire for Hasuko had slowly disappeared, evaporated in the face of her lack of reciprocation.

  But Hannah reciprocates! Oh, how she responds …

  Taro had known she’d be like this. Once she gave herself to him, her every emotion would be like an open book. And he had to admit her enjoyment of him heightened his own pleasure. There was nothing feigned, nothing held back, and she gave generously of herself. Very generously. It made him want her even more.

  It has to stop. Soon.

  But she was so delightfully different to all the other women. He’d told her the truth – he really did find her beautiful, now that he was used to her features. Those blue eyes were amazing, especially since they glowed like sapphires at the sight of him. Her joy in his company, once she had overcome her initial fears, was so obvious it made him want to laugh out loud. Her every thought was mirrored on her face.

  He clenched his jaw and tried to think rationally.

  The best thing he could do, he told himself, was to see as much of her as he possibly could in order to tire of her. When she was no longer such a novelty and he didn’t desire her as urgently as he did now, he would send her back to her fellow countrymen and his inner harmony would return. It must.

  He ignored the voice inside his head which screamed that it was already too late.

  From that day on, not a single night passed when Taro didn’t send for her and Hannah felt as if she was living in a dream. A very sensuous dream, since he taught her all about love-making, but she didn’t mind in the slightest. Once she realised there was no need to be shy with him, she was eager to learn. He, in turn, was a good teacher, and it seemed to Hannah that he allowed her to see a side of him few people even knew existed. It was an honour she cherished.

  Sometimes the intensity of her feelings frightened her though. He was like a drug she couldn’t get enough of and whenever she was alone, misery engulfed her at the thought that it would all have to come to an end soon. But even though she knew it couldn’t last, she couldn’t stay away from him. Her spirits soared at the mere sight of him, her hunger for his love-making remained unabated. For the moment, her life was perfect and she was determined to enjoy it to the full.

  Every night they spent together was heaven.

  ‘I have to go away for a while, to Edo,’ Taro told her a few weeks later. ‘As you’ve probably heard, my presence in the capital has been requested by the Shogun and I can’t delay any further.’

  Hannah was lying next to him on a downy futon, snuggled into the curve of his arm, satisfied from his love-making. So far he hadn’t tired of her and spent so much time with her, she knew she was the only woman in his life at the moment. It was a pleasing thought. ‘Yes, I did hear that. How long will you be gone?’

  ‘A month perhaps, maybe more. You don’t mind staying here? I think it’s best.’

  Hannah reflected on the strange situation she found herself in. She was, to all intents and purposes, his captive, but he was now asking her whether she would mind waiting for him here. If he took her to Edo, there might be a possibility of her being seen. Then Taro would have to return her to her brother. She knew that she ought to want this, but she didn’t. She wanted to stay right where she was.

  ‘I don’t mind,’ she said. ‘Just promise you’ll come back as soon as you can?’

  ‘I will. You’ll have to pass the time painting.’ He smiled at her, pushing a stray lock of red hair behind her ear.

  ‘You’ve heard about that?’

  ‘Of course. There’s nothing that happens in this castle that I don’t know about. Your fame as an artist has spread.’

  ‘They are only sketches. I would love to be able to paint the way your artists do, on silk screens.’

  ‘Then you must learn. I will send you a Sensei. He can teach you the technique.’

  ‘You will? Oh, thank you, that would be wonderful.’ She leaned over impulsively and kissed his cheek, which was smooth and warm. ‘You’re very good to me.’

  He gave her an enigmatic look. ‘You don’t regret coming here? Being brought against your will?’

  Hannah shook her head. ‘Not any more. I’ll admit I was angry and frightened at first, but now … No, how could I ever regret this?’ Her hand moved lower to caress his chest and he pulled her close. ‘Even if it’s wrong,’ she added in a whisper.

  ‘Maybe we’ll make it right,’ he replied and Hannah thought it best not to ask what he meant. There was no way of making it right, as far as she knew, and she preferred to dwell in a world of make-believe. At least for now.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  A daimyo never travelled light, as Hannah soon found out. She knew the preparations for the journey had been going on for weeks, and as she watched from a window in the highest tower, she could see why
. It would seem Taro had to show off his wealth, even while on the road. The huge procession that surrounded him as he left consisted of guards, servants, aides and advisors, as well as horses, wagons, porters and the inevitable palanquins for Reiko, her ladies and little Ichiro. There must be literally thousands of people. It was quite a sight.

  Banners fluttered from the top of long spears, wielded by a group of riders at the front of the line. Behind them marched the ashigaru, foot soldiers, all attired in identical clothes – a long-sleeved garment covered with some kind of body armour, tight breeches with what looked like a skirt to protect the thighs, and flattish hats made of leather. They all carried simple swords stuck into their belts and Taro’s family crest was emblazoned on the breast plate of the armour and the front of the hats.

  ‘I wonder how long it will take such a slow moving cavalcade to reach Edo,’ Hannah mused out loud.

  Yukiko, who was standing slightly behind her, said, ‘Probably several weeks at a guess. Just keeping everyone fed and arranging accommodation for the night will be a huge undertaking.’

  Hannah smiled. ‘Yes, in a way I’m glad we’re staying behind. It will no doubt be a tedious journey.’

  She spent the day with the castle’s master painter, who came to seek her out as soon as the dust had settled after Taro’s departure.

  ‘His lordship sent me, he said you had an interest in my art?’

  ‘Yes, I would love to learn, but I’m afraid I probably won’t be very good at it.’

  ‘As to that, we shall see.’

  Kimura-san was an elderly man with a very shiny bald head and Hannah liked him from the first. His patience was endless and whenever she wanted to throw down her brushes in disgust at her efforts, he soothed her with praise and encouragement. Since Hannah already had the ability to draw, it was only a question of learning the particular techniques used in Japanese art. She slowly began to earn Kimura’s praise.