The Scarlet Kimono (Choc Lit)

by Christina Courtenay

  ‘He’s too kind. Do you really want to see them?’

  ‘Of course. I wouldn’t ask otherwise.’

  Hannah showed Taro not only her new paintings, but all her charcoal drawings as well.

  ‘These are good, very good.’ He seemed more taken with the drawings than with her attempts at traditional Japanese painting. ‘You should do more of them, perhaps different views of the castle and its interiors. I particularly like this study of the ikebana.’

  Hannah looked at the drawing he was holding up of a flower arrangement. ‘Yes, I’m quite pleased with that one myself. Do you mean I would be allowed into the other parts of the castle to draw? Yukiko-san said I had to stay in the east wing.’

  ‘You have my permission to go wherever you like. But if you enter the audience chamber you must stay silent and unobtrusive, you agree?’

  ‘Yes, of course. Thank you.’

  Hannah was thrilled to be given leave to explore the castle. She had been itching to do so, but hadn’t dared since she didn’t want to break any of Taro’s rules and there were fierce-looking guards posted at every turn.

  Some of the rooms had a painted frieze at the top of the walls and many of the wooden posts had been decorated with a carved version of Taro’s circular emblem. It was the same one she’d seen on his men’s armour. Hannah knew all the Japanese noblemen had such a motif which was exclusive to their family. It was similar to a lord’s coat of arms back in England, and she studied that of the Kumashiro family. It was some kind of flower, but it wasn’t one she was familiar with and she didn’t dare question the guard about it. Instead, she drew it carefully so she could ask Taro himself later.

  The audience chamber was a vast hall with carved pillars and ceiling beams, painted walls and ceiling panels and sliding doors with hammered bronze decorations. The tatami mats that covered the floor were extra thick and luxurious. There were also folding screens painted in bold, bright colours against a background of gold leaf. Jewel-hued silk cushions were spread at exact intervals, and on some of these sat formally clad officials. Lesser mortals waited patiently at one end of the room for their turn to approach their lord.

  ‘Who are all the official looking men?’ she whispered to Sakura, who followed her wherever she went.

  ‘They are Lord Kumashiro’s stewards and advisors.’

  He himself sat on a dais at one end of the room, ramrod straight with his hands in his lap and his swords by his side. Hoji had told Hannah that samurai always carried two swords, one short – the wakizashi – and one longer one – the katana. She’d also found out from her serving women that Taro was accounted a master swordsman.

  Hannah went to the huge room quite often, sketching the people and various parts of the interior and its decoration. She sat half hidden behind a screen in a corner, so she wouldn’t disturb the proceedings. Sometimes she simply watched Taro and listened. He was so regal and yet, it seemed to her, fair in his dealings with his retainers. Her heart swelled with love and pride when she looked at him, and she could have happily stayed there forever.

  The weeks flew by and autumn arrived, bringing out the vivid red colours of the trees, just as Hannah had imagined. As the weather grew colder, Hannah’s walks in the garden became shorter each day. Instead she roamed the castle, accompanied by the faithful Sakura. Hannah carried a thick pile of rice paper in one hand and a small string bag full of charcoal in the other, while searching for suitable motifs. She became a well-known sight and some of the guards started to bow a greeting whenever she passed.

  ‘I wonder what they make of me,’ she whispered to Sakura.

  The maid giggled. ‘I wouldn’t know, but I think they’re becoming used to you now at least.’

  ‘As are you?’ Hannah smiled at the girl. Although Sakura was her servant, she did feel as though they were friends too, at least as much as was possible in such a situation.

  Sakura nodded. ‘Indeed, Lady Hannah.’

  Hannah asked Taro more or less the same question about the guards one night and he stared at her as if she was mad. ‘It is not their place to judge you in any way,’ he told her. ‘I have let it be known you are my official consort. That means you’re under my protection and they are bound to serve you.’

  Hannah was taken aback. ‘You never said I was your consort.’ Although she knew he was affording her a great honour, still the word consort had a ring to it which didn’t sit well with Hannah. It was only marginally better than concubine.

  ‘Nevertheless, that’s how it is. Why would you care what the guards think anyway?’

  ‘I’d rather they weren’t hostile to me. I do still feel as though I stand out entirely too much and it would help to know I’m not actively disliked.’

  Taro smiled at her. ‘Perhaps you stand out in a good way?’ he suggested. ‘They may be secretly admiring your beauty.’ He reached out a hand to stroke her curly hair, winding a lock round his fingers as he often did.

  Hannah shook her head. ‘I doubt that very much.’

  ‘Whatever the case, they have to obey you or lose their lives. That is all there is to it.’ He was at his most haughty again, so unlike the man she spent most of her nights with. It was at times like these that Hannah wondered what on earth she was doing here. She didn’t think that she would ever fit in and she really ought to leave.

  ‘Taro, what’s going on? The entire castle seems to be buzzing with activity.’ Hannah had been asking her ladies, but they claimed not to know what had caused such excitement. Hannah had to wait until the evening to ask Taro.

  ‘We are to have the honour of a visit from my father-in-law and the rest of Lady Reiko’s family,’ he told her. He seemed none too pleased at the prospect and Hannah touched his arm in concern.

  ‘You don’t like him?’

  ‘Oh, I like him well enough. It’s just that he’ll probably press me for an answer regarding Reiko and I’m not ready to give it to him yet.’ He sighed. ‘It will also mean I’ll have to spend most of my time with them while they’re here. You will have to amuse yourself with your ladies.’

  ‘It’s fine, I understand.’ Hannah swallowed her disappointment and berated herself for her stupidity. She had no right to feel this way. He didn’t belong to her. Of course it would be awkward if he were seen to spend time with someone other than his former wife’s family during their visit. Besides, it would surely only be for a few weeks.

  ‘That’s not all, however,’ Taro added. ‘Reiko is returning for the occasion. I’ve had to ask for special permission from the Shogun, as she insisted she wanted to be here to see her family.’

  ‘So you get to see your son for a while. That’s good, isn’t it?’ Hannah didn’t understand why Taro looked so gloomy. He ought to be pleased, but he shook his head.

  ‘No, Ichiro has to stay behind. The Shogun wouldn’t let Reiko come otherwise. He’s in safe hands, though. My aunt is still with him and she sends me regular reports.’

  ‘Oh, I see. Well, never mind, you’ll see him soon.’

  ‘Yes, I’ll make sure of it.’

  ‘May I sit behind a screen in the Great Hall when they arrive? I would like to see the Lady Reiko’s father and his retinue.’

  ‘I don’t see why not. You could even sit to one side of the dais to watch. As my official consort you have a right to be there if it’s my wish.’ Taro smiled. ‘And I should like to see Lord Takaki’s face when he catches sight of your hair.’

  ‘Oh, if it’s a jester you want, I’m not sure I am willing to come.’ Hannah made a face. ‘I was only curious.’

  He pulled her close. ‘You know very well it’s not in the capacity of jester that I desire you.’

  He proceeded to convince her of this most thoroughly.

  The lord Takaki was a middle-aged man with a rather large belly and not very much hair, but he was an imposing sight nonetheless. Hannah had been told to sit quietly to one side of the dais as Taro had said. She was dressed in the scarlet kimono to show the Lady Reiko her in
tended insult hadn’t bothered her, and also, she had to admit, perhaps with the intention of shocking Lord Takaki a little.

  The effect she had on him was gratifying indeed. Lady Reiko shot Hannah a malevolent glare as Lord Takaki goggled at the latter for several minutes before recollecting that he was supposed to greet his daughter.

  ‘Chikusho!’ he exclaimed and said none too quietly, ‘Who on earth is that ugly creature? And is she wearing …?’

  ‘This, my lord, is my chief consort, the foreign Lady Hannah, wearing a kimono that was a gift from your daughter,’ Taro told him, a slight frown on his face. It obviously hadn’t been his intention that Hannah should be insulted. Hannah herself remained serene, however, her face showing no expression. She really couldn’t blame the man for thinking her ugly in this outfit when she knew it was the truth. And he’d obviously recognised the kimono as well, which she hadn’t reckoned on.

  ‘Hmph.’ Lord Takaki turned to his daughter after a last glance at Hannah and a puzzled look at his son-in-law, as if he wondered whether the man had taken leave of his senses.

  There followed formal greetings and refreshments, and Hannah sat patiently without moving, listening to the conversation without taking part. She was supposed to keep her gaze lowered, but couldn’t resist the odd peep. Whenever possible she let her eyes roam around the room. She noted the large number of retainers present from both clans, all dressed in the colours of their respective lords. It was an awe-inspiring sight and Hannah was glad she’d had this opportunity to witness it first hand.

  As their lordships stood up at last and the visitors prepared to retire to their rooms, an ominous, rumbling noise was heard. The Great Hall suddenly began to shake. Several of the ladies let out little shrieks, and there was swearing from the men. Some people lurched to their feet and began to run from the room, fighting to reach the doors first. Others stood irresolute, as if they couldn’t decide on a course of action or were petrified into immobility.

  Hannah looked around in confusion. ‘What’s going on?’ she asked one of the guards nearby.

  ‘Earthquake, my lady. You must find shelter. Come, this way.’

  Taro’s voice rang out at his most imperious, ordering everyone to stay calm and to leave in an orderly fashion. ‘Hayaku! Make haste,’ he shouted. Hannah turned to look and saw people being hustled through a doorway. Taro himself stayed back to make sure everyone else was safe first.

  The guard urged Hannah to hurry towards the nearest door, but before she could follow him the floor shook even more violently and she fell to the ground. She heard a loud crack and looked up to see a beam falling towards her. She was sure her last moment had come, and knew there was no way she could move fast enough to get out of the way even if she’d been able to move, which she couldn’t.

  ‘Akai?’ She heard Taro call out to her and in the next instant two strong arms scooped her up and she felt the pair of them lurching sideways. They fell to the floor, with him taking the brunt of the impact, and landed in a tangle only inches from the spot where the beam crashed down. Hannah almost sobbed with relief.

  Taro kept his body over hers as a shield until the tremors of the earthquake died down, then sat up. ‘Are you unharmed?’ he said hoarsely, running his hands over her body to check for any damage.

  ‘Yes, yes I think so.’ She glanced around the hall, taking in the full extent of what had happened.

  Part of the ceiling had collapsed and the beam which had almost killed Hannah wasn’t the only one to have come crashing down. There were screams of agony and pleas for help ringing out. The feelings of vulnerability she experienced were similar to those she’d had on board the ship. She had felt small and insignificant when they were out in the middle of the vast ocean, being buffeted by storms. In each case, humans were completely at the mercy of nature and were absolutely helpless against such forces. Whether they survived or not was simply down to luck. No matter how skilled they may be, their efforts would avail them nothing. It was as if the ship and the castle were tiny toys being subjected to the temper tantrum of a giant. Hannah and the others were nothing but specks of dust to be discarded at will. She shuddered and scrambled to her feet, wanting to help.

  Taro got to his feet as well to survey the damage, which wasn’t as extensive as it might have been. He ascertained that his father-in-law and Reiko were unharmed and began to issue orders to those of his retainers who remained in the hall and who were able to help the wounded.

  Hannah staggered outside, supporting an elderly man who seemed to be mostly shocked. In the courtyard she immediately encountered the blazing gaze of the Lady Reiko. The hatred she read in the depths of the other woman’s eyes was almost tangible. Belatedly Hannah realised that Taro should probably have been concerned about Reiko and his guests in the first instance and not run to his consort. She closed her eyes and turned away. This was all wrong.

  It was time to face facts. I can’t remain here, my position is untenable! Reiko would no doubt soon become his wife, even if he didn’t really want her. He was pragmatic enough to marry for convenience, and who could be more convenient than his former wife’s sister? It was the perfect solution for everyone concerned, except Hannah. No matter what Taro said, Hannah didn’t feel comfortable sharing him with other women. It wasn’t her way and never would be. There was only one thing to do, even if it would break her heart.

  Surely hearts healed eventually? She resolved to speak to Taro as soon as she could.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  The hand that came out of the darkness and clamped itself over Hannah’s mouth was dry, calloused and ice cold. She tried to fight her assailant, but just like the last time she was soon pinned to the mattress unable to move so much as a muscle.

  It must be a nightmare, she decided. Surely a person couldn’t experience the same thing twice in such a short space of time? Besides, the castle was so well guarded no ninja could possibly enter it without being spotted even if they could somehow scale the steep walls, supposedly an impossible feat. Hannah braced herself and waited. Soon, she would wake up and all would be normal.

  She was wrong and it wasn’t a bad dream at all.

  Her body was turned on its side and her hands quickly and efficiently bound behind her. A rag was stuffed into her mouth and a piece of material tied over it. Then she was once again hefted onto someone’s shoulders and manhandled out into the darkness of the garden.

  It was pitch black. No moon or stars shone through the thick clouds and her attackers didn’t make a sound as they hustled along a path. They stopped every so often to take turns at carrying her, thereby making sure they moved with all speed. Hannah concentrated on trying to breathe so she wouldn’t faint, and she tried to get her bearings. Her sense of direction told her they seemed to be moving towards the wall farthest away from the back of the castle, but she couldn’t be sure. A small gate, which Hannah hadn’t known existed, materialised in front of them, illuminated by the faint light from a lantern. As if by magic, it was opened from the outside.

  Hannah swore inwardly. Where were the guards? There should have been several of them, unless this was a secret entrance of some sort. The abductors must have had help from inside the castle and no trace of them would ever be found. Nor of her. Heaven help me! Where were they taking her? What were they going to do to her? But it was probably best not to speculate.

  There was a moat and a drawbridge on the other side of the gate. The moon had made a half-hearted appearance by now and Hannah could see the dull glitter of the water. The drawbridge had been pulled up, but a small boat was tethered near the gate and she was dumped unceremoniously into the stern, jarring her ankle in the process. The boat was quickly rowed to the other side, then set adrift on the moat, while one of the men picked Hannah up once more.

  Her captors had horses waiting and she was flung across the saddle, then lifted to sit in front of the man as they galloped off at great speed. She couldn’t see anything as the darkness of a forest swallowed them
, but presumably the abductors knew where they were going since they never once stopped to get their bearings.

  It was to be one of the longest nights in Hannah’s life.

  ‘My lord! Oh, my lord, forgive me …’

  It was just after dawn and Taro had been on his way to the courtyard to go hawking with his father-in-law. Hannah’s serving woman Yukiko suddenly came rushing towards him, barefoot and with her hair hanging down her back. He was surprised she would seek him out, especially so early and in such a state. His stomach muscles tightened. ‘Nani?’ he snapped. ‘What’s the matter?’

  ‘It’s Hannah-san, my lord, she’s gone. I’m so sorry, it is my fault.’

  Taro frowned. ‘Your fault? What do you mean, and where is she gone?’ Had Hannah decided to go back to her own people after all without consulting him? The thought made him furious. He thought they had agreed she would stay at least until the spring.

  Yukiko wrung her hands and fell onto her knees in front of him. ‘They came in the night and stole her away and I was powerless to stop them. I had a knife of course, but I wasn’t fast enough and they overpowered us all. Please forgive me, I have failed you. Allow me to commit seppuku, my lord.’ She bowed her head and he saw that at the back of her skull the hair was matted with blood.

  ‘Someone has abducted her? Last night? And you’ve only just raised the alarm?’ He tried to control his voice so as not to shout at the woman. In all fairness, with a wound like that she had probably been unconscious for ages.

  ‘Y-yes, my lord. The rest of us were all tied up and gagged. We couldn’t free ourselves. A passing servant heard us banging our feet on the floor only a short while ago. I came as soon as I could.’

  Taro swore inwardly. ‘Go and have your wound tended to. I will deal with this. And there will be no seppuku,’ he ordered sternly.

  In a calm but deadly voice which procured instant obedience, he shouted for guards, for the castle and grounds to be searched and for no stone to be left unturned until some clue as to Hannah’s whereabouts was unearthed.