The summer waned slowly into fall and as the colors on the trees changed so did things in many households. Lady Briton gave birth to her long awaited child. A boy they named Fergus after her grandfather. Lord Briton made no objections to his heir not having his own name and secretly hoped his wife would never find out about the twin girls named after him by their former maid Suzette.
The peasant population has begun increasing as well and has brought new life to New Cornwall. With the coronation of the new king, it seems life in Cornwall is starting afresh.
Lady Montague watched and waited. She wanted to make sure things would fall into place perfectly. She made sure Sofia was under constant supervision by either herself, her manservant or even the cook. Some days she wasn’t well enough to keep watch and it was then these two loyal servants were most needed. Unfortunately she was unwell quite often. She knew it would pass soon enough she only hoped her expanding waistline would not give away her secret. He hadn’t noticed yet and she prayed if all went according to plan he would never know. She couldn’t save her daughters from their fate but she was determined to save this child. Her son. She knew without a doubt this had to be the son that was so longed for. A son she would not share with the miserable lout she called husband.
She recalled the last time she had relations with him. She’d taken to watching Sofia as she slept. Her thoughts troubled by the girls’ actions. Surely she should prefer marriage to a respectable man, one who was in high favor with the king rather. But instead she took the low road and became his mistress, nothing more then a common whore. Her troubled thoughts had been halted that day when her husband had come home earlier then usual.
It had been her custom to feign deep sleep when he stumbled in at night. He would often try to rouse her but receiving no response he’d eventually give up. But this night he’d seen the door to his daughters’ room open and had decided to check on her, for reasons not even he himself could fathom. Finding his wife there had been a surprise albeit a good one for him. This had been the night, she knew. The night she had conceived her son. She had protested of course but as always he did not listen nor care for her feelings. He’d taken her violently and she’d been in bed for days afterwards, unable to keep a strict watch on her daughter.
The time had finally come. She was with child. Her plan had to be put into action right away. Her husband would, unfortunately, have to be informed of his daughters’ indiscretions. This she dreaded, but knew it had to be done. Her plan would not work without him. She wrote out a note and passed it to her loyal servant to be delivered to Lord Royson. In it she requested he pay a visit in three days. It would take him some time to receive the letter then to make his way to their estate. She was sure by the time he arrived the stage would be set.
She first had her cook set the suspicion in his head. He was rifling around in the kitchen looking for some sweet cakes when she approached. “My Lord, should I set the table for four then?” When he looked confused she almost grinned. He was indeed clueless to the goings on at the castle, just like the Lady had said. Maybe he was the dumb oath she dubbed him. “For Lord Royson sir, I thought I saw his horse down the road. Perhaps he’s come to visit the Lady Sofia…again.”
She waited for this tidbit to sink in. She counted. She got to One hundred before he sputtered something about not knowing if he would stay for dinner before leaving the kitchen. She could hardly contain her mirth as the door slammed shut.
He didn’t approach her right away. He took time to mull things over. It was a full day and a half when he stormed abruptly into their chamber. She quickly turned to hide what she was doing, slipping a small vial under the mattress. Before turning to greet him. Her face paled slightly at the angry look on his face and she took an instinctive step back, her hand covering her belly protectively. “My…my lord. Is everything alright?”
He ground his teeth angrily not knowing where to begin. “I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me my Lady.” He sneered the last word out as his looked her up and down in disgust. Not knowing exactly what he meant she stiffened slightly her hand dropping from her waist. Did he know of the child? Why was he here? She cursed softly to herself. She should have spoken to Hilda the cook this morning.
Feigning indifference she shrugged. “I am sure I don’t know what is bothering you today. Aside from the fact that I breathe…” She looked up startled at her own brazenness. He narrowed his eyes and took a threatening step toward her. “How is it, you know what goes on in this castle down to the last seed being sown, and yet you know nothing of our daughter meeting a man, alone?!” He shouted the last and she flinched slightly.
“Who says I do not know?” she said, her eyes blazing angrily. “I can do nothing to stop her. I haven’t been well.” She took a breath hoping he wouldn’t probe into that subject. “I have tried to speak to her but she keeps her secrets as all girls do. I am not her lord and father. What can I, a lowly woman and your vassal do that you do not command?” She paused when he raised a hand stopping her word. “You speak as though you have no mind of your own. She is your daughter and therefore yours to raise in an appropriate and respectable manner. You knew of this deception and yet you said naught. You have raised a slut. I should beat you for this.” He glared angrily at her.
She shook her head, “That will not solve the problem that has presented itself to us.” She took a breath as a sudden wave of nausea struck. “I have not myself seen her meet this man. I only know what the servants speak of. I have on one occasion found her out of bed late at night, but she had fainted in the chapel. She gave the excuse that she was praying fervently and was overcome.”
She tried not to smile as she said the next. “I at the time believed her, for she claimed to be praying for a husband. She felt you would not let her marry for fear of missing her since Maryanne has already left us.”
She waited for this to sink in and tried hard not to laugh. Her husband was a fool and easily led. She only wished she had known about this sooner, her life thus far might have been more entertaining if not pleasant.
He sighed and the anger seemed to leave him. Sofia was indeed his favorite and he did not long to see her married off. “Tell me, who is this man that she meets?” Madeleine could not help but smile as she answered. “He is one who has not only your respect, but your land. Lord Royson, the Kings’ vassal. I believe this ‘affair’ started after the kings wedding. I saw the two of them having words there and I wondered. I of course made no mention of it to you. I am after all a silly woman and full of flights of fancy…” He growled and covered his ears. “Nay, do not speak to me of your weaknesses. We both know you are not a simpering maid, why else would I have to beat you regularly.” He frowned and she shrunk back thinking he meant to strike her. Snorting in derision he turned to leave telling her as he went. “I must think things over, in the meantime keep a better eye on your little whore.” He slammed the door as he left and Madeleine rushed to the water closet to relieve her stomach of the evening meal.
The next morning Sofia awoke to the sounds of preparations being made. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and wondered at the early morning rush but figured her father must be going away again. She smiled, that would suit her just fine. She hadn’t been feeling herself lately and with her father gone she wouldn’t be required to be in constant attendance. She would rather stay in her room in any case. Ringing a bell beside the door she called for her maid to come and bring her breakfast. However, she was surprised when her mother came instead. “Your father wishes to speak with you. Dress yourself, he will be here shortly.” Sofia was quite surprised by this. Her father never came to see her in her chambers. He usually called her to his study. She bit her lip nervously and dressed hurriedly having to pause only once to fight the wave of nausea caused by the butterflies struggling to get out of her belly.
She looked wary as he came in the door and stood before her. His face looked older then she remember, lines crossed under his eyes and there was a scar she had never noticed before, on the side of his neck. She briefly wondered if it was a scratch her mother had given him during one of his many attacks on her. Shaking the thought off she smiled brightly. “Hello father. Mother said you wanted to see me?” He only stared at her a long moment before responding.
It has come to my attention that you have been, for the better part of the summer, been having clandestine meetings with Lord Royson.” He waited as he r moth hung open in shock. Of his accusation or the fact that he knew of her indiscretion he could not tell. “Tell me, what is the purpose of your meetings?”
He waited for her response.
She could only look at him, the guilt written all over her face. He felt his temper rising and the urge to strike her made him curl his hands into fists. His favored child was no more then a whore. The disappointment he felt gave way to anger and he took a threatening step forward. “You will answer me when I speak to you! What is the nature of your relationship? Do you intend to marry him?” Sofia’s face paled and she shook her head. “He…he doesn’t want to marry me daddy. He…he doesn’t love me.”
She bit her lip feeling tears well up in her eyes. Lewen had ended their affair nearly two weeks ago but the pain was still fresh as if it had happened only yesterday. Now with her father’s accusations she felt the world was against her.
Her father glared angrily at her his eyes narrowing. “You mean to tell me he would dishonor you?” she bit her lip and nodded. He harrumphed and tapped his chin. “You should not have gone to meet with him alone. He no doubt thinks you are of little moral character. Has he…defiled you?” His face flushed angrily and seeing the fearful look in her eyes he nodded, not needing an answer to his question.
He angrily shook his finger at her. “You should have known better. Your actions have bought shame to our family name.” His anger seemed a palpable thing and she didn’t know what to do to placate him having never been the cause for it beforehand. She knew he thought she was the victim in all this and she was afraid of what would happen if he discovered otherwise. She wished her mother were there.
“You’re actions have proven that you are too young and hotheaded to make your own decisions. You are no longer allowed to leave the castle and grounds without accompaniment by either you mother or myself or another adult we deem responsible enough to see to your welfare.” He narrowed his eyes “This does not include servants as they have no authority over you.” She only nodded meekly wondering if that was her only punishment,
“You’re mother has suggested that you may have compromised yourself. A doctor will be arriving shortly to examine you and see whether we have to take more drastic measures.” He sneered angrily. She shook her head. “No, father please. I don’t need a doctor, I’m not with child I promise. Nothing happened we never….I mean…” She flushed in embarrassment.
(20)
Angrily he smacked her across the face and she gasped holding her hand to the reddened cheek. “You dare to lie to me. You are nothing more then a whore and you are lucky that your mother pleads your case else you would be beaten and locked up to be married to the first old man with a title I could find!” She tried hard not to cry, a grimace crossing her face. The threat of Maryanne’s fate was something she had feared but to hear it spoken out loud was sobering.
“You had best hope this Lord Royson has more honor then you claim he does. When he arrives we will get to the bottom of this and like it or not, you will be wed to him else I bring this matter before the King.” He looked at her thoughtfully. “Maybe he’ll see fit to give me my lands back.” Her eyes widened at this and she screeched loudly her upset giving way to anger. “No, you cannot! I wont marry him. He…he is…I just wont!” the thought of marrying him had been on her mind towards the end of there relationship but with hi rejection of her that was the last thing she wanted now.
Her father watched as she ranted and cursed. He knew her anger matched his and he waited until she stopped blustering before continuing. “You will marry Lord Royson, and I will get my lands back. This is just the bargaining chip I needed. At least your indiscretion will be of some benefit.” She stamped her feet angrily and shouted “You would use me as a bargaining chip! What of my happiness? How can I marry him? He will surely hate me and…and…” she looked around wildly. This couldn’t be happening. She didn’t want this. Did she?
It didn’t matter whether she wanted it or not. It seemed her father would have his way in the end. “If you do this to me. I swear I will hate you for the rest of my life!” She screeched childishly. He only glared at her. He could care less if she hated him. In his eyes she was soiled and for that she would have to suffer the distasteful prospect of a loveless marriage. “You should have thought of the consequences before you went so willingly to his bed. Now you will wed and he will pay for what he stole.”
She crossed her arms and glared angrily at him. “ I wont go. I will not marry for anything less then love.” He waved her refusal aside. “You have no more say in the matter. I only informed you of what is to come as a courtesy. You are lucky I offered you that even. Now begin to pack your things. As soon as the arrangements are finalized we will escort you to your new home.”
She watched as he departed the room then angrily she threw a pillow at the door. How dare he! She looked around at her room, a cold chill running down her spine. She felt confined. Trapped.
Suddenly she heard the sound of horses on the gravel drive. He was here. She rushed out of her room. She had to talk to him. To let him know she hadn’t told anything that she was not to blame for him being forced to marry her. She had to make him understand before it was too late and he came to hate her.
Downstairs Lewen was feeling a bit peeved at the sudden turn of events. He was expecting a visit from the King and Queen soon and was busy making preparations when he’d received Lady Montague’s summons. Not wanting to snub them and feeling guilt over how he’d ended things with Sofia was what bought him there in the first place. He tried hard not to think about how he’d felt at the thought of possibly seeing her again. He would never admit, even to himself that he missed her. But that was before her father had stormed into the room and thrown accusations into his face. Now he felt only a burning anger towards her. She was, he felt a spiteful little witch and he would definitely be having words with her later. But now he had a bigger problem. Her father was threatening to inform the King of his indiscretions.
Lewen didn’t dare laugh at that. He knew Dimitri very well and though they’d been friends all there lives, he knew the man was honorable and would force him to do the right thing and marry the little tart. “Lord Montague, I’m sure you misunderstand. I am only slightly acquainted with your daughter. I assure you, I have made no untoward advances on her.”
Lewen was not entirely sure of what Sofia had told her parents but he suspected it was not much by the slightly confused expression on her fathers face. “You…she…Well.” Her father sputtered a bit and seemed to lose his train of thought. Lewen shook his head. How this man could have sired such a witty and charming girl as Sofia he would never understand. “Look, sir. I do not know what your daughter made known to you but we have only the most innocent of acquaintances. I helped her to return home after she had lost her shoe while out riding. We’ve only met a couple of times. He smiled benignly, while inwardly he seethed.” The lies came easily enough; he’d been in this predicament on more then one occasion. Still he did not like to be here and with the threat of telling the King hanging over his head he knew he had to think fast and talk faster.
“Sir, it has come to my attention. Your daughter happened to make mention that is while I attempted to rescue her tree from a muddy bog, that there are a number of acres gifted to me by the King that was once yours. I would be willing to let you have them, free of charge.” He smirked slightly seeing the flare of greed in the mans eyes.
“You would give up nearly forty acres of land, free of charge? At what benefit is this to you?” Lord Montague knew what game Lewen played but he waited to hear the offer. “Well sir, seeing as this has all been a misunderstanding, and as your daughters reputation may have been compromised as we were most likely seen walking unescorted, I would think this would be more then enough reparations.”
Lord Montague nearly laughed in delight but he held himself in check. He knew the man was guilty, why else would he offer to pay him off. He wanted nothing less then a marriage for his daughter now. He was sure of that now. Having the best friend of the King as a son in law would surely boost his reputation and standing at court. There was also the land. In truth it was more like twenty acres, but if he could get the man to give him that as well as taking his headstrong daughter to wife, then the reward would be much greater.
Lord Montague chuckled. “You make a good bargain my son.” He smiled softly emphasizing the word son. Lewen smiled in slight relief though a flicker of doubt crossed his countenance. Glancing behind the man he thought he saw a shadow moving quickly away from the door but he thought it could be a trick of the light. “So, we have an agreement then?” he asked, wanting to get this business over with and leave as soon as possible.
Lord Montague smiled but didn’t agree. Instead he gestured toward the door. “Shall we go into my study to finalize the arrangements? I am sure you would like to be on your way soon. After all, the King is coming you said.” Lewen nodded warily and followed him into the study.
Lord Montague sat at his desk and rifled through some papers until he found what he was looking for. He glanced up at Lord Royson a smirk coming to his face. Standing he went to the man and read aloud from the papers.
Lord Roysons face at once became stony and he nodded curtly. Signing the documents handed to him he stiffly shook Lord Montague’s hand. “I will go make sure the horses are ready.”
Lord Montague watched as Lewen left the room. He could almost feel the anger and resentment coming off the man. He knew this was what was best for his daughter. His wife didn’t have to tell him that. But he also knew this would benefit him greatly and he relished the prospects laid out before him. Glancing down at the papers he smirked. The report from the doctor was of course a fake. The doctor hadn’t arrived in time but he need never know that. Lewen and Sofia’s guilt was written all over their faces. If she wasn’t with child now, she would be soon enough.
Lord Montague sighed heavily and tucked the papers away in his desk. He did favor Sofia. She was so much like him that he often thought she was the son he’d never had. Marrying her off like this didn’t sit well with him. But then he smiled. He had forty acres of prime land coming to him, nearly double of what he’d originally lost, through his own fault in fact. To top it off Lewen had forfeit Sofia’s dowry. He was doubly happy with the outcome. Even if no one else was.
