Daring Damsels

by Domning, Denise

  It had been nearly two weeks since she left the cottage she’d ridden the remainder of the winter out in, and her feet were feeling the arduous walking that they had been employed to. Whenever she had the chance to sit, she tried to find a pond or stream that she could rinse her bloody festered feet. They were a sight, so hideous and deformed from walking so far and so long. She blamed her condition on Chloe all the more. That little witch was the cause of more pain for Maude than anyone she knew.

  But she would get even. She would have her way. Soon she’d see the earl, and he would solve all of her problems.

  The fleeting thought in the back of her mind that the earl never did anything for anyone else, and the memories of his cruelty, were always quickly brushed aside. He would help her. He had to. She was bringing him news of his son. His son was about to ruin himself, perhaps in the process ruin his own father. Northumberland would pay for such information. But she didn’t want payment. No. She wanted her old life back and that little slut punished.

  By the time Maude finally arrived at the holding of the earl, night had fallen. No one paid the old woman any mind as she ambled through the gate, up the rutted dirt road, and to the second gate of his castle.

  “I’ve a message for the earl from his son, Lord Hardwyck.”

  The guard sneered at her. “Now, that I doubt, old woman. Be gone with you.”

  Maude smiled, knowing exactly how to play to the fears of the man. “Suit yerself. But if I was ye, I’d let me in. His lordship will be mighty displeased when he finds out ye turned me away, and with the message I have too.”

  The guard mulled this over, his emotions nearly audible as he worried his chin with his fingers.

  “Give me the message then, and I’ll see to it, that it’s delivered.” He held out his hand.

  Maude shook her head and pointed to her temple. “The message is up here, my boy. And I’ve been sworn to deliver it to none but the earl.”

  The guard narrowed his eyes, but he didn’t balk. Instead he turned and motioned another guard over. “Take her to the earl. She’s got a message for him.”

  The other guard looked at her oddly, but complied.

  Once inside the castle, she waited for what seemed like hours, denied both food and drink, until the earl summoned her to his solar.

  She was left alone with the man, and would have lost her bladder had she any liquids left in her body. He was a menacing man. Old, sharp, and evil looking. His shoulders stooped, but there was a violence in his small black eyes. He’d always been cruel, but when he was younger at least his handsome looks would have made a woman consider him. Now he looked like the devil himself.

  “Out with it, woman!” he shouted.

  Her knees quaked, and she stammered before gaining control of her voice. “Yer son is harboring a traitor. He intends to marry her.”

  “Explain,” he demanded in a quiet, chilling tone.

  Maude told him the whole of what she knew, a few embellishments thrown in. The earl walked and gazed out his window as he listened to her. When she was finished her turned back to her, walking close.

  “Who else have you told?”

  “No one, my lord.”

  “Good.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a gold coin. “For your troubles.”

  “Begging yer pardon, my lord, but I was hoping for a position within the castle here or at Hardwyck.”

  The old earl sneered at her, and something vicious and dangerous came into his eyes.

  “Were you?” He laughed and tossed the gold coin toward her.

  She scrambled to pick it up, when a searing pain, sharp and strong split through her temple. She fell to the ground, the coin forgotten. Touching her head, she pulled back her fingers and saw blood. The earl stood over her, a club in his hands.

  “The only position we have available is grave warmer.”

  Maude opened her mouth the scream, her hands coming up to stave off his blow, but it was no use. He hit her, again and again…until finally she succumbed to the blackness closing in around her.

  “Guard!” Henrys, Earl of Northumberland shouted for what felt like the tenth time, between fits of racking coughs. “Doesn’t anyone work here? Not for long, all of you will go to the devil!”

  Spittle sprayed from his mouth and landed on the still form of the nasty old peasant woman who had decided to pay him a visit. He had listened patiently while she spoke, making sure he knew all that she knew, and then he had struck her down. Enjoyed every minute of it too. He even climaxed as the last breath left her body. He felt as if he himself absorbed her spirit. It had to be done. He sorted through the Fergusson jewels she’d laid out on his table. A smile curved his lips. It was too risky for someone as traitorous and willing to give away information about her lord as she was to be left alive. Who knew what she would do for a few coins.

  “Guard!”

  A man rushed in just as he finished shouting.

  “Yes, my lord? How may I be of service?”

  The earl glared at the guard before giving him a hard slap on the face.

  “How dare you keep me waiting like this? You had better explain yourself.” His voice was menacing, and the knight’s knees shook together with fear.

  “Yes, my lord. There was a commotion below, one of the peasants was stealing from the granary again. He had a band with him, and the guards needed assistance in catching the thieves.” Throughout his explanation, his eyes kept moving to the crumpled form on the floor.

  “Hmm. We’ll deal with that later. Dispose of this vile creature. I care not how.” The earl dismissed the knight with a wave of his hand. He watched as the knight stooped to pick up the bludgeoned body, tossing her over his shoulders. “Send Lawrence to me immediately.”

  “Aye, my lord.”

  Lawrence was desperately needed. An immediate departure was imperative. He must go to Hardwyck straightaway. If what the vile old woman who called herself Maude said was true, his son was in desperate need of his help. He needed to help him get rid of this Chloe creature and move on with his life. He couldn’t let his son become attached to the traitor and her family. It could cause him to lose everything he had worked so hard for. He’d also have to get rid of the whoring chambermaid who probably fucked her way to all the information she gave Maude. Dirty little sluts. Couldn’t anyone be trusted?

  Lawrence appeared, silent as usual, in the doorway, and Henrys beckoned him in.

  “My lord,” he said with an eloquent bow. Lawrence always knew how to please him. He was always polite and kind, and did exactly what was asked of him.

  “Lawrence, we must leave right away to Hardwyck. Prepare for the journey, I would leave within the hour. Only thirty men.”

  “Yes, my lord, as you wish. Also this has arrived for you,” he said, handing a sealed parchment to Henrys before bowing as he left the room.

  “If only all my servants were as agreeable as that one,” Henrys muttered to himself, thoroughly disgusted. He glanced at the rolled parchment, saw the seal of his son and then tossed it the fire. Whatever the message said, his son could tell him when he arrived. He was too irate at the incompetent services of his household.

  When he returned from his journey he would rid the lands of these horrible unruly people, and arrange for all new ones. That is if he made it back. He didn’t have much time, judging from the increase of his coughing.

  This task of setting things right for his son might be his last. Perhaps on his way to Hardwyck he should leave instructions for the steward to replace everyone. Yes, perhaps he would.

  His body overtook him for another twenty minutes of coughing. Thick retching coughs that left him limp and barely able to move. The front of his tunic covered in spittle, phlegm and blood.

  Aye, one last task indeed may be all he could accomplish before meeting the devil in hell.

  The ride to see King Henry at court was grueling. Alexander kept a hard pace the entire way, making the three day trip in just two. His party stopped bu
t once a day for a short rest and to eat and then traveled until dark, stopping to sleep a few short hours. Everyone, including the horses, seemed to understand his urgency, and kept up with him, not even a word of unhappiness uttered.

  They slowed their pace as the great tower walls of Windsor Castle came into view. When they reached the towered gatehouse, several of the warriors in the ramparts recognized Alexander and immediately opened the gate to allow for his passage. He waved to the men, recognizing several of them himself. Although his visit was to be short, he was glad to see some of his old acquaintances again. He would invite them to the wedding feast.

  Alexander had sent his messenger ahead of him to let the king know of their impending arrival. Although he knew it was presumptuous of him, and could very well be taken not so well by King Henry, he wanted to make sure he had his full attention upon his arrival. Covered in a layer of dust and sweat, starving and exhausted, there was quite a crowd to greet them.

  King Henry himself was waiting upon the steps of his castle. Alexander quickly dismounted and hurried before his lord where he bowed in perfect formation.

  “Lord Hardwyck, my loyal vassal, so wonderful to see you again. It has been so long.”

  “Your Majesty,” Alexander said coming to stand before the king. “It has indeed been too long.”

  “Come, old friend, let us discuss what is happening in your life. I have received some of the news from your messenger, but prefer to hear it all from you.”

  “Aye, your majesty, I have much to tell you.”

  Alexander followed King Henry into the castle’s great hall where they took seats at the great table.

  A week had gone by with no word from Alexander, and he had not returned to Hardwyck. He’d said seven to ten days. Seven had already passed. Chloe shouldn’t be worrying quite yet. The part of her mind that was irrational at the moment kept telling her something must have gone wrong.

  To get her mind off of things, Lady Anne had set up a meeting with the healers she had been teaching her secrets to in the village. As she sat sullenly looking at the ground, listening to the gossip of the women, many of them begged her to go home, assuring her they had everything under control and there was no need for her to stay. She was confident the women could handle things on their own, but she needed to stay, she needed to be there, for her own sanity.

  If not she would have been at home pacing the floors, her mind racing. Home. Hardwyck was her home now, the keep her sanctuary. When had it begun to be so? She couldn’t remember. It struck her suddenly that with Alexander anyplace was home, and perhaps her irrational fears were only because she was afraid to lose another home? Afraid to lose the comfort and safety of Alexander’s presence? So much had happened to her in the past few days. Her normal take charge mindset would not kick in. Now the forlorn little girl she’d left in the woods was coming back.

  She had been so strong, so set, so focused since she arrived in Hardwyck and she had been able to accomplish so many things, but now everything was turned upside down. She needed to think, she needed exercise. That ought to do her some good.

  “I, uh, I think I need to get some air. Please continue without me,” she said as she stood. The ladies all stood and curtsied to her, treating her as the lady she was. She turned without saying another word and left.

  Alexander’s two Irish wolfhounds greeted her on her way out of the little house. They nuzzled against her, their wet noses tickling her hand.

  “Come on boys.” Since their master left, the two dogs had become glued to her side. She found it endearing and aggravating at the same time. They wanted to be with her at all times. And sometimes, she would have much rather had privacy…

  She walked toward the gate of the village and decided that she had to get out. Walking the fields where the air was fresh would certainly improve her mood. Being in nature always seemed to do that for her. The tranquil beauty of large trees, rushing water, and the grass as it waved back and forth with the wind, gave her a renewed vitality.

  Suddenly Chloe stood tall. Why was she trying to convince herself that she needed to cheer up? She just needed to do it. Alexander would be back soon. It was too early to worry. With a spring in her step she walked toward her garden. Once there she began to pull out the weeds. The action cleansing not only to her garden, but to herself. With each weed she plucked, she felt her worries fade and rejoiced in the fine mood that began to settle upon her.

  “Lady Chloe?”

  The voice came from the shadows, but it was a familiar and friendly voice.

  “I’m over here,” Chloe called cheerfully to her good friend Lady Anne.

  She was in a fabulous mood, much better than she’d felt in days. The cleaning of her garden and spending some time alone had really helped to lift her spirits.

  Lady Anne walked to where Chloe sat in the shadows of the garden admiring her work and smelling the scents of spring.

  “I thought perhaps you might want help planning the wedding ceremony and the wedding feast which will be in about a week or two.”

  Chloe hadn’t even thought on that yet. Her nerves skyrocketed instantly, sending her heart aflutter.

  “Oh, my. I have no idea what to do about either.”

  “I helped my mother to plan my older sister’s wedding and I also helped to plan mine, so I think I can help you in this matter.”

  Chloe smiled fondly at Anne. If it hadn’t been for her friendship, living in Hardwyck over the past few months would have been much harder.

  “Now we should talk to Cook about the different foods she will need to prepare. We will need to have the seamstresses fashion you new gowns, headdresses, and slippers. Of course we will have to speak with Father Hurley about a ceremony.”

  Chloe nodded agreeing with Anne’s advice.

  “We shall also have to speak with Harold about arranging the hall in a way that is presentable for a large feast, and he will have to prepare the tables as well. We can also go into town and speak with the music guild about preparing the entertainment,” Anne spoke quickly, her excitement obvious as it shined through her voice.

  “Lady Anne, I don’t know how I could have done this without you. It all seems like so much.” Chloe’s face grew hot. She felt somewhat inadequate. She hadn’t planned on marrying anytime soon, and she always thought her mother would be the one to prepare for her. Now that she was on her own, she felt like she had shorted herself in never caring to dream about it.

  “Well, shall we?” Lady Anne stood and offered Chloe her arm.

  Chloe gladly linked her arm with Anne’s. “We shall.”

  It took the rest of the day to speak with the cook, Harold, Father Hurley, the music guild and to the seamstress. Chloe walked into her room and collapsed onto her bed. She stared up at the ceiling, glad the wedding planning had gone smoothly and relieved it was over for now. She only had a few minutes to herself before the evening meal, and she wished she could just skip it. She wanted so badly to take a nap.

  She rolled to her side and stared into the fire. Although she hadn’t been too excited about the whole wedding planning process, she was fairly intrigued. Lady Anne knew so much, and the menu she planned was absolutely delectable. Anything she could have ever dreamed of was on the menu. There would be beef and pork, swan cooked to perfection and then redressed. There would be three different stews, meat pies, and several different types of fish. Fresh fruit and fruit pies, seasoned vegetables, nuts and soup would adorn every table, along with an assortment of cheeses and bread. Plenty of the best wine for all to consume would be poured whenever a glass was empty. It made her mouth water just thinking about it. Perhaps she would go down to the great hall to eat after all.

  Chloe stood and refreshed herself with a splash from the water basin set out for her. As she changed into a simple gown of deep blue, she imagined how she would look in the shimmery confection she and Anne had designed with the seamstresses. Her wedding gown was to be made of the finest cream fabric. Gold threads would b
e woven throughout making it shimmer and shine with every step she took. The neckline would be a low square, but not too low, just so that the tops of her breasts would show. She hoped she would get the affect she desired from Alexander with such a tantalizing design. She would look somewhat like an angel with its gold and white shimmer, but then she would reveal the inner vixen. Lady Anne had laughed when she had whispered this in her ear, and nodded emphatically. A special wedding chemise had been ordered just for that purpose. She had a wide belt fashioned of gold material with the dragon crest in the center. This would be her surprise to Alexander. She hoped he would be pleased, and in her heart, she knew that he would be.

  She walked into the great hall with a dreamy look on her face, and quickly tried to rearrange her features when she saw the looks and smiles from the knights and servants. It was hard for her to have a look of complete non-emotion, and she found herself smiling and saying sweet things to several people.

  So this is what it is like to be a gushing bride. I am so happy I love my betrothed. How ironic that only a few months ago he would have had to drag me kicking and screaming to the altar.

  Chloe laughed at her thoughts, drawing the attention of several people. She just kept laughing.

  So be it if they all think I am crazy. I am finally happy and content!

  A great commotion and shouting from the entrance to the great hall sent spiraling chills down Chloe’s spine. Could Alexander be back with bad news? Could there be a siege on Hardwyck? The color drained from her face and slowly faded down to her ankles. And then he appeared.

  The thin old man had hatred in his eyes and a pride so full that it nearly burst from the seams of his flashy clothing.

  Bile rose in Chloe’s mouth. She opened her mouth to scream, but no sound came out.

  The lord who’d murdered Nicola stared at her with rage in his black eyes.

  “The Earl of Northumberland, my lady,” a guard announced.