by Vikki Vaught
Yes, it would all be worthwhile.
All he needed was patience for a little while longer.
* * * *
Once Jonathan left, Kathryn continued to lie in bed. She felt so deliciously satisfied. She never imagined there would be such pleasure found in anything to do with sex. A tingly sensation spread to the place between her legs as she recalled what he’d done to her. She was so grateful to Helen and Melody for suggesting she let nature take its course.
Jonathan was so considerate. He’d desired her because she’d felt his arousal against her bottom when she awoke. Dare she attempt to touch him there? She would try that evening. She would block the images of her uncle if it was the last thing she ever did.
That morning, Kathryn felt energized when she arose and rang for Sarah. Once she finished her morning ablutions, she went downstairs, had breakfast, then met with the housekeeper.
They planned the day’s menu and discussed a problem with one of the maids. “Milady, one of the chambermaids is in a delicate condition, and I think Nancy should be dismissed. It will set a bad example for the rest of your staff if she continues in your employ.”
What is the best way to handle this situation? “I want to speak to Nancy. Please bring her here.”
Mrs. Rollins returned a few minutes later with Nancy in tow. The poor girl’s deep brown eyes shone with fear and tears rolled down her cheeks. Her lip trembled. Kathryn smiled, hoping to put the chambermaid at ease. “Mrs. Rollins tells me you’re increasing.”
Nancy buried her hands in her apron and wailed. “Please d-don’t sack me, milady. I h-have no place t’ go. Me parents ’ill t-throw me out when they f-find out about th’ b-babe.”
“No one will kick you out,” Kathryn replied. “Now, please continue your story.”
“I tried t’ stop th’ men,” the maid stammered, “but t-they forced ’emselves on me. It was th’ young genl’men w-what comes from Bath. I don’t knows their names. They was riding an’ asked me for d-direction, an’ when I stopped t’ tell ’em…t-they pulled me in th’ bushes. I’m a g-good girl, milady. I was… a v-virgin. I thought I were dying. It hurt real bad, milady. One after th’ other did it t’ me as th’ others held me down.”
As Nancy sobbed out her story, Kathryn’s heart hurt for her. “Nancy, you shan’t lose your position. I shall find Lord Sutherland. I want you to tell him what happened.”
“Oh, p-please, milady.” Nancy sobbed. “They told me they would kill me if I ever told anybody. Please don’t make me tell. They was mean and I…I knows they meant ever’ word.”
Kathryn put her arm around the poor girl. “We shan’t let anyone hurt you, but these men need to be punished. Nancy, how old are you?”
Nancy continued to sob as she spoke in a trembling voice. “I be fourteen, milady. Them young genl’men don’t live ’round here. I never seen ’em afore. Only reason I knows they was from Bath is one o’ ’em mentioned it.”
Kathryn patted her shoulder. “Shh, everything will be fine. Stay here with Mrs. Rollins while I find Lord Sutherland.”
Kathryn left the room, went to her husband’s study and knocked, then entered. “Oh, Jonathan, the most dreadful thing has happened, and I’m not sure how to handle it. One of the maids has been r-raped by young men from Bath, and she’s with child.” Tears rolled down her cheeks. “She says her parents will shun her when they discover she’s increasing. She’s only f-fourteen. These men must be punished. What can we do?”
He pulled her into his arms. “I’m so sorry you’ve had to deal with this. Can the maid identify the men?”
She dropped her head on his shoulder. “She said they threatened to kill her if she told anyone. Mrs. Rollins wanted to dismiss her, but we cannot let that happen.”
He stroked her back. “Most of them are daughters of my tenants. Let us go to her.”
Kathryn nodded, and he escorted her to the housekeeper’s domain. When they entered, poor Nancy was sobbing uncontrollably.
Jonathan spoke to the maid in his deep, soothing voice. “Nancy, I shall speak with your parents and ask them to allow you to remain in your home. You shan’t lose your position. Lady Sutherland has explained what has befallen you. Those young men cannot harm you because you are under my protection. Now please, tell me who they are.”
“Milord, I can’t tells ye, cuz I don’t knows who they were. Just young genl’men from Bath. I don’t know nothing else. They talked fancy like. They were gentry, they was.”
Her husband turned to the housekeeper. “Mrs. Rollins, see to Nancy. I’m going to her parents and explain what has befallen their daughter.” He turned to Kathryn. “Please come with me.”
Once they were out of hearing, Jonathan furrowed his brow. “Her parents are very strict Wesleyans, so they shan’t take this well. I pray I can convince them to let her remain with them. If they do refuse to allow her to come home, I shall figure out something. When I return, I shall let you know the outcome of my conversation with her parents. Will you be in your studio?”
“Possibly,” she replied. “I shall tell Abernathy where you can find me.”
“Then I will ask him when I return.” He kissed her cheek and hurried away.
CHAPTER 22
After Jonathan took his leave, Kathryn returned to Mrs. Rollins’s office and found her alone. “Where is Nancy?”
“I sent her to clean the music room,” she replied. “Keeping her busy will help the poor girl. I never dreamed something such as this had happened. Those young men need to be punished. If they did this to Nancy, they could do it to another unsuspecting young girl.”
“I agree, but since she can’t identify them, it will be difficult. These young men are supposedly gentlemen.” She worried her bottom lip. She quickly stopped, not wanting the housekeeper to know the depth of her concern. “Lord Sutherland mentioned her parents are strict Wesleyans. I hope he can convince them to let her remain with them.”
Mrs. Rollins pushed her spectacles up the bridge of her nose. “I will keep her busy until his lordship returns with news.”
Kathryn visited the children, but she was too distracted to enjoy it. Since she found walking helped calm her, she went for a stroll in the garden to pass the time until her husband’s return.
Jonathan found her in their sitting room and joined her on the sofa. “I spoke with the maid’s parents, and they were livid when I told them Nancy was increasing, and immediately declared they would no longer have her under their roof. I let them know how displeased I would be if that happened, and they grudgingly agreed she could remain.”
Thank goodness. “I’m relieved you convinced her parents. The last thing Nancy needs now is to be ostracized by the very people from which she needs the most support.”
“I just wish there was a way to punish these young men, but since they’re gentry, it would be difficult. Who would take the word of a servant over them?” He took her hand. “How are you handling this? I imagine it’s brought up painful memories for you.”
Kathryn sighed. “It has been difficult. Of course, what happened to Nancy is much worse than what happened to me. I can’t imagine being raped so many times and by several different men. Oh, how can men do this to an innocent young girl?”
Jonathan pulled her close. “I can’t tell you why some men behave like animals.” He raised her chin. “Sweetheart. You were raped repeatedly. Your abuse was ten times worse. You lived in fear every time your uncle visited. At least Nancy will not live in fear that it will ever happen again.” Trying to lighten Kathryn’s mood, he asked, “Now, did you work on Roderick’s portrait today?”
She shook her head. “I was too distracted. I went for a walk instead and visited the children. Poor Nancy, my heart goes out to her. Now she must face being a mother at far too young an age.”
“We shall be there to support her.” He gently kissed her forehead. “I have a meeting with my steward. Will you rest until dinner?”
“Yes. This has been quite disconcerti
ng,” She stood with her husband, and he kissed her. To hide the level of her tumult, she watched him leave the room with a smile on her face.
Kathryn awoke from her lie-in feeling more the thing. She still fretted over Nancy, but at least she would not face her dilemma alone. She would ensure Nancy’s child was protected. After all she had her money from her commissions to help women in Nancy’s circumstance. A thought struck her. There must be a need for a safe haven for other young girls in similar situations. Perhaps she could sponsor a home in London to help these young women. She would talk to Jonathan.
Kathryn broached her idea at dinner and told him she wanted to do. “Since I do not need the money I earn from my commissions, I can fund it myself, that way you shan’t need to worry I will come to you for help.”
“It’s a commendable idea,” he replied. “I want to help. When we go to London in the spring, I shall help you find a safe location for the home.”
What did I do to deserve this generous man? “Oh, thank you, Jonathan. I’m confident Melody and Helen will want to participate in my endeavor. After all, while volunteering at St. Mark’s Orphanage, we have seen children abandoned because their mothers could not care for them. With a home such as the one I’m proposing, young girls can keep their babies.”
“Whatever you desire, my love. Now, since we’re through with dinner, shall we go to the library? We can read more of the new novel Persuasion.”
After they retired to bed, her husband held her and gently rubbed her shoulders. “Your muscles are tense, are they not? You need a massage to relieve the tension. Roll onto your belly. Please remove your night rail. While you remove it, I will retrieve a bottle of massaging oil.”
Kathryn was not sure she wanted his hands on her, especially without her night rail on. Of course, she did like it when he rubbed her shoulders, so perhaps it would be all right. She removed her gown, laid on her stomach, and pulled up the sheet.
Jonathan strode into the room carrying a small bottle, which he held over the flame of the candle by her bed. “I’m warming this so it will feel more soothing. It only takes a moment. I hope you like the scent of mint, because this oil has spearmint in it.” He touched the bottle. “Perfect.”
He sat on the side of the bed, poured the oil into his palm, and rubbed his hands together. Then he rubbed it on her shoulders and arms. The oil had a pleasant, spicy scent as he kneaded it into her skin. He used a little pressure as he rubbed. Then he poured more oil into his palms and applied it to her back. She had to admit, it felt soothing, and her muscles were beginning to relax.
His magic hands worked their way to her derriere. He pulled the sheet down and stroked her bottom and upper thighs. She wanted to reach down and pull the sheet up, but she resisted the temptation. A throbbing between her legs was causing moisture to form there. What could cause that?
Again, he poured more oil into his palms and massaged it into her body. His hands worked down her calves. It felt so good, she could not help moaning from the pleasure. Then he started massaging her feet, going toe by toe.
“Roll onto your back.” Did she want him to continue? It was one thing to allow him access to her back. Yet, she was feeling too languid to refuse, so she complied. He started with her feet and worked his way up her legs. Her muscles turned to wet noodles. Then he poured oil in her navel and slid his hands over her belly, kneading gently.
Jonathan slowly rubbed his hands up to her breasts and massaged more oil on her skin. He never touched her nipples, but they grew taut anyway. Her breathing grew shallow, and her heart fluttered.
He laid beside her on the bed. He kissed her as his fingers continued to massage her breasts. His hand shook as he took her nipple and gently rolled it between his forefinger and thumb.
She returned his kiss, parting her lips, inviting his tongue inside. He ran his hand over her belly and into her curls at the apex of her thighs. His finger touched her core, and she sighed as a delicious warmth spread through her belly. He circled her nubbin, moving ever closer to the entrance of her body.
Jonathan slipped his finger inside her, and she willed herself to remain relaxed. He began to stroke his finger in and out while his thumb rubbed her sex. Heat poured through her, startling in its intensity. She gasped as sensations surged through her entire body. She soared higher and higher until she landed on a soft cloud. As she returned to earth, he slowly withdrew his hand. He gently kissed her nose. “Do you feel relaxed now?”
She gazed at him. “If I were more relaxed, you would have to scrape me off this bed. I adore massages. Would you like one?”
“You can give me one next time. It’s past time for us to sleep. I love you, Kathryn.” He pulled the covers over them and wrapped her in his arms. She was so sleepy she closed her eyes and fell fast asleep without even remembering she was naked.
On Friday, they went into town to visit with her brother and sister and their families since they were returning to their estates on Saturday, bringing Elaine and the children with them.
When they arrived, Jonathan went to the study to spend time with her brother and Matthew. Kathryn took Frankford and Jane to the schoolroom, so they could play with their friends, and Elaine stayed with them.
When she returned from the schoolroom, she found her mother with Helen and her sisters-in-law in the drawing room. She joined her mother on the sofa. “Lovely to see, Mother. You look well. Have you enjoyed having your family here? I’m sure you will miss them when they leave.”
“It has been a pleasant visit, and I shall miss them,” she replied.
“Do you have any plans next week?” Kathryn asked.
“Lady Rollins and I are traveling to London,” the duchess drawled. “Her son is to wed in three weeks to the Duke of Monmouth’s youngest daughter. I need to do some shopping, so I look forward to the trip.”
“I hope you have an enjoyable visit.” Kathryn turned to Helen. “Are you sure it’s not an inconvenience if Frankford and Jane come with me in two weeks?”
“Of course not. Christina and Catherine are thrilled Jane is coming, and Winston and Nelson are enthralled with Frankford. When can we expect you?” she asked.
“We’re leaving on the first Monday in November. Since we’ll have the children with us, we should arrive on Wednesday. How long did it take you?”
“Three days, and none of the days were arduous. Let us go to the schoolroom and see how the children are getting along.” Helen turned to Melody. “Do you want to accompany us?”
“Certainly. William’s due for a feeding anyway,” she replied.
Once they left the drawing room, Helen whispered, “Let us go to your old room so we can talk. We want to know everything. Can you believe Mother? She’s been pleasant this entire visit. She may have mellowed in her old age.”
Once they were in Kathryn’s old room, Melody said, “I must say, I’m quite surprised with the duchess. She’s been so pleasant to me. She even had me bring the children to her yesterday afternoon, and while she was a bit stiff, she actually had a conversation with Mary Elizabeth and Brandon. You could have blown me over with a feather.” Her eyes drilled into Kathryn, and she prepared herself for what was coming. “Are you and Jonathan growing closer?”
Kathryn’s cheeks burned. “Much closer. I want to thank you for your advice. I’m much more relaxed around him. He’s a considerate husband.”
Helen rolled her eyes. “That’s not what we want to know. Has he broken through your barriers and made love to you?”
“He says we are making love, just not completely. I’ve allowed him certain…liberties with my person. He says he loves me, and that he’s content. Something truly amazing happened…it gave me immense pleasure. He says he gets satisfaction from watching me, but I want to return the attentions. I just do not know what to do.” She buried her face in her hands.
Melody patted her shoulder. “I know this is difficult, but we want to help. I’m pleased you’ve allowed him to bring you pleasure. As far as giving
it to him, all you need to do is touch his…umm manhood. I promise he will enjoy that.”
“I’ve considered that but haven’t been brave enough.” She twisted her hands. “Oh, this is so embarrassing. I appreciate your advice, and I do want to do what’s right, but I grow fearful he will be so overcome with desire he will do something I can’t handle.”
“What are your feelings toward Jonathan?” Helen asked. “Are you falling in love with him?”
“We’ve grown much closer, but I’m not sure I know how love feels. How did you know you loved Matthew?” she asked. “You were determined to avoid love, but you didn’t.”
“Oh, I fought it, but it sneaked in when I least expected it,” she replied, smiling at Kathryn. “For me, love is never wanting to be away from him, and when we are apart, thinking of him constantly. I not only love Matthew, I respect him tremendously, and we’ve become very good friends.”
“Jonathan and I are good friends. In fact, he’s become my best friend, and I think of him all the time, and I respect him. Oh, how do I ask this? Does…umm…making love hurt?”
Melody giggled. “Not at all, as long as the man prepares you. Your body must be prepared to receive your husband. Lots of kissing and intimate touching does that. I promise it doesn’t hurt. What happened to you was horrible, but it had nothing to do with love. What your uncle did was to have power and manipulation over you.”
“I appreciate your advice. You’ve given me more to ponder. This was difficult to discuss, but if it helps me, it’s worth it.” She straightened. “Now, can we have William’s birthday party?”
Arm in arm they made their way to the nursery. Helen and Kathryn read to them while Melody fed William. Once William had eaten, Melody sat him at the table in front of his birthday cake, and before she could stop him, he dug his hand into it and smeared icing over his face. All the children shrilled with laughter.
