Disclaimers ~ These characters belong to me. If they have a passing resemblance to you or share your name, it's purely coincidental.
Violence/ bad language ~ Spousal abuse, and some fighting scenes. Some bad language.
Love/sex ~ Romance between consenting women. Relations between a man & woman. If this offends you, you won't like this story. Well...maybe you will, but you'll just be tutting a lot at what my imagination conjured up. Am I ashamed? Nah, not really.
Author's note ~ Questions, comments & thoughts all welcome. Loves_to_write_fic@yahoo.co.uk
Copyright © December 2008
Chapter Twelve
Jumping out of bed like it was aflame, Lindsey coughed and gagged as she grabbed a small chamber pot. Blue eyes squeezed shut as she held her stomach and retched. Oh, God! Not again!
"Lindsey!" Ackerley hollered from downstairs. "Get down here and make my breakfast, woman! I won't have you lying-in like this!"
The strawberry-blonde stood on trembling legs and wiped her lips. What is wrong with me? she pondered as she stood in front of the water bowl. She splashed some water on her face, and then poured herself a little to rinse out her mouth. This is the second day I have been sick and it can't be something I have eaten, for Ackerley would surely be ill as well. She frowned. Perhaps he has been ill; he certainly isn't here all the time. Quickly dressing for the day, she hurried downstairs to start her husband's breakfast, not wanting him any more annoyed than he already was.
The young woman apologised when she reached the kitchen, dashing out the back door before Ackerley could grumble, to collect the eggs she needed for his breakfast. Back in the kitchen, Lindsey got started, ignoring Ackerley's mumbling from his seat at the table. The smell of Ackerley's fried breakfast made her uneasy stomach roll again though, and she wasn't sure she could stand there without throwing up. To stop from thinking about her nausea, Lindsey decided to turn her attention to her husband and question him on his health. "Husband, have you been sick recently?"
"Sick? Do I look sick, woman!"
"Well, no. But...I was wondering if you had retched or...anything."
A dark eyebrow lifted as he eyed her suspiciously. "No, I haven't. Why? Have you served up bad food? Or are you trying to poison me?"
Lindsey shook her head. "No to both your thoughts, husband. I...I heard one of the men talking about some people in town being sick and I just wondered," she lied. "You went to town for the cattle sale and I thought perhaps you might have caught whatever it is and brought it home."
"No, I bloody haven't!" Ackerley snapped.
Lindsey set his breakfast down in front of him and turned back to the stove, wondering if she could handle a meal. Deciding on some plain frumenty, she was just sitting down to eat when there was a knock on the back door. Blue eyes lifted and saw Hudson through the glass and she fought not to smile.
Scowling at the disturbance, Ackerley stood and opened the back door, his scowl deepening as his brown eyes settled on Hudson standing on the step. "Yes?" he asked gruffly.
"Good morrow, Mr. Ackerley," Hudson greeted politely. "I came to request the help of your wife, sir."
"My wife? Whatever for, boy?"
"There are black clouds gathering in the distance and I want to exercise all the horses before the rain comes. I thought I would exercise them in pairs so I would be done faster. Knowing you would have work to do up in the fields, I asked for your wife, but if you're not busy, sir, I would be honoured to have you join me."
"I'm busy," Ackerley growled, disliking the young man intensely. No man was to interfere in another man's marriage. It had been his right to beat Lindsey as he saw fit, but Hudson had taken it upon himself to intervene and had befriended Lindsey, irking Ackerley more. The brown-haired man turned away from the door and walked back to the table and his cooling breakfast. "'Tis for you," he directed at Lindsey, frowning as he saw her smile brightly.
Lindsey stood and walked over to the open back door, reminding herself not to give away her feelings for Hudson, despite how hard she found this to do. "Mr. Darnley," she greeted properly. "You requested my help?"
Hudson smiled and winked at her, seeing over Lindsey's shoulder that Ackerley wasn't paying them any attention, though he was listening. "Yes, Mrs. Meadows. As I said to your husband, it looks like a storm is coming and I hoped that you would give me a hand exercising the horses. If you're not too busy, that is?"
"If my husband agrees, I will help. I would hate for you to be out when the storm hits, you could be thrown from your horse. Come in," she said stepping back. "I am just having some breakfast. Would you like something?"
"I'll have to decline, Mrs. Meadows," Hudson said, eyes on Ackerley. "I shall be waiting in the stables for you though. Good day, Mr. Meadows, Mrs. Meadows."
Lindsey watched the brunette walk back across the courtyard before returning to the small kitchen table to play with her bowl of cereal. She wasn't really hungry, her stomach incredibly uneasy and made worse by the smell of Ackerley's food lingering in the air. Swallowing hard as her stomach rolled, her eyes widened as a thought came to her. Lord above! Could I be...with child? She tried desperately to recall when she had last had her courses. If I am, is it Ackerley's or....
* * * * *
Locked in a passionate kiss, Lindsey manoeuvred herself to straddle Hudson's lap, moaning deeply as she felt his hardness press against her. Breaking the desperate kiss that had quickly consumed them, she moaned and panted for breath as Hudson first suckled her ear lobe then trailed hot kisses down her neck. "Oh! God, Hudson! How I have missed your touch! Your lips!"
Sliding her hands beneath Lindsey's skirt and shift, Hudson caressed the silky smooth skin of warm thighs. "I have missed you, too. I have dreamt of being in your arms again." And of running away with you. Having a life with you. Being happy with you.
Rocking her hips as she sought relief, Lindsey gasped as she felt the buttons at the front of her dress being opened. She clutched at Hudson's dark head as she felt warm lips exploring her skin. "Please, Hudson! I need to have you! I need to feel you inside!"
Hudson eagerly freed her phallus as Lindsey licked and suckled her ear. The soldier guided the hard manhood to Lindsey's dripping, hot womanhood, hearing her moan wantonly as the phallus nudged against her opening.
Getting up onto her knees, Lindsey opened her lust-glazed eyes and looked into his dark green, moaning as she felt him move against her, teasing her. Two can play at that game, dear heart! She parted her lips and slowly ran her tongue along her bottom lip, watching Hudson's eyes as they followed her tongue's movement. She heard the soldier whimper in need and smiled before claiming his lips in an urgent, passionate kiss, whilst lowering herself onto his hardness. She gasped in laboured breaths as she sank lower and lower, taking him in and sheathing him tight, his hands on her hips, guiding her. "Oh, Hudson!" she whimpered, burying her face against the side of his neck. "I love you. I know I shouldn't but I do!"
Amazed at these words she had longed to hear, shocked, happy, and afraid as well, Hudson hugged the girl to her in a tender embrace. "Oh, Lindsey! Beautiful, Lindsey! I love you, so much!"
Their lovemaking was slow and meaningful, a confirmation of their confessed love. Each soft sigh was cherished, each caress revelled in. They climaxed together, calling out the other's name at the height of their passion. As they tried to regain their breath, they remained together, hearts beating the same rhythm, souls souring together.
With her head on Hudson's shoulder, Lindsey sighed sadly, knowing that soon they would have to leave the beauty spot they had stopped in, and once reaching the farm, part company again. She kissed the brunette's neck, delighting in the softness of the skin beneath her lips. So different to Ackerley. I would never dream of kissing my husband, would never imagine joining with him the way I have just done with Hudson. "I'm with child," she murmured, pressing a kiss into the hollow of Hudson's throat.
Hudson inhaled sharply, eyes widening. No! Dear Lord, why? Now we can never be together! I had a chance to take her away from all of this, but now...now with Ackerley's babe growing within her...she hugged the silent woman tighter. I shall have to let her go, she thought sadly. "Lindsey...'tis not mine," she whispered, not wanting the young woman to cling to the hope that it was.
Lindsey pulled back from Hudson's embrace, hearing the sadness in the soldier's tone. "I know," she admitted softly, looking lovingly into dark green eyes. Leaning forward to close the gap between them, she kissed a soft, smooth cheek. "Does Ripley know?" she wondered aloud, before kissing soft lips.
Hudson blinked in confusion, her brow creased. "Know what?"
"Of your secret?"
The brunette paled, a sick feeling filling her stomach. "My...my secret?"
"You're female," Lindsey replied, as if it was no big deal. Smiling lovingly, she kissed the stunned soldier again. "To be honest, I can't believe I didn't realise sooner! Your smooth cheeks, soft lips and skin, your gentle ways with me!"
"And you...you don't think to tell your husband? To have me thrown in a cell, or hung for being so sinful?"
"I love you, Hudson. I meant those words. If I was to report you for sinful behaviour, I would have to report myself, for I cannot be without you, dear heart."
Filled with a love that had been missing in her life, Hudson hugged Lindsey tightly, before claiming her lips in a passionate kiss, wanting to express her feelings without words. Finally breaking the kiss due to the need for air, Hudson caressed soft locks of strawberry-blonde hair that had come loose. "And I love you." She kissed smiling lips again.
"What are we to do, Hudson? I am a married woman and now with child. My husband is a brute, who will surely kill us both if he were to find out about our love."
"There's not much we can do, my love. You are married." Hudson sighed heavily. The only option would be to flee town and live a life of sin together. Away from her family and friends. I can't ask that of her.
Lindsey smiled at the endearment, feeling warm inside. The smile slipped as a horrid thought struck her. "You...you won't be leaving...will you?"
"No! Oh, Lindsey, no! I won't leave you alone with Ackerley, not ever." She sealed the promise with a kiss. As the kiss grew heated and their hands started to wander, Hudson pulled back slowly. "Sweetheart, as much as I want to make love to you again, we should really get back."
Lindsey sighed sadly and nodded. "I suppose you are right, though I am reluctant to do so. Once we leave here, we must go back to pretending we don't care, not even being able to be friends because of Ackerley's temper! And he banned you from the house, so I cannot even see you at meal times."
Hudson smiled sadly. "We shall get opportunities, Lindsey. Ackerley will make trips into town giving us a couple of days together."
"'Tis not the same." They kissed again, trying to reassure each other everything would work out. Hudson's tongue filled her mouth, her hand up beneath Lindsey's skirt caressing her overworked womanhood. Lindsey was the one to put a stop to it finally. Standing on trembling legs, she grinned down at the flushed brunette. "We should get going, or we never will."
Pouting and making a reluctant show of getting to her feet, Hudson grabbed hold of the laughing strawberry-blonde around the waist and lifted her with ease. "I love that sound," she murmured.
"What sound?"
"The sound of you laughing." Hudson kissed Lindsey's cheek as she set her back on her feet.
"Hudson, may I ask you something?" Lindsey asked slowly, as the brunette led her over to the horses.
"Of course, my love. Anything."
"How is it you were able to..." Lindsey blushed furiously as she thought of what she wanted to say.
"Make love to you like I were a man?" Hudson questioned, grinning at the adorable younger woman. Seeing a small, embarrassed nod, Hudson stopped, pulling Lindsey to a position in front of her and guiding her hand to the front of her trousers. "'Tis called a phallus," Hudson said, watching Lindsey's hand move slowly up and down the bulge. "Made in the appearance of a man's member, but unlike a true man, mine is hard and ready to go all the time," she chuckled.
"I like yours a lot more than Ackerley's," Lindsey laughed, winking at the astonished soldier. She pressed her hand harder against Hudson and looked up to her face as she moaned aloud. "Did I...hurt you?"
Breathless, Hudson shook her head. "No. You...the phallus it...is attached and you...pressed it back into me." She smiled. "I am already overheated!"
With a look of wonder down at the brunette's trousers, Lindsey grinned. "Can I...see?"
"Now?" Hudson gasped.
"Why not? We are alone."
Looking around nervously, Hudson pushed down her trousers and drawers, revealing the attached phallus. She watched as Lindsey stroked the device in wonder, each downward caress moving it back against her heated wet centre. "Lindsey, please! You have to stop, my love!" she moaned. "We must get back."
Reluctantly, Lindsey released her hold on the phallus and bent to lift Hudson's drawers and trousers back up. Smiling, she kissed the soldier's chin. "Perhaps when we have more time..."
"I am yours to do with as you please, milady." Taking Lindsey's hand, Hudson led them on.
Getting the horses ready for the ride back, the couple tried to remain cheerful, the conversation revolving around making another trip out to the spot and of Lindsey's fine cooking. Mounting the two beautiful chestnut-coloured mares, they started a slow trek back to the farm.
* * * * *
Thinking about his wife's odd questions earlier that morn about being sick, his fears that she was poisoning him, and her bright smile to that damn Hudson, Ackerley was unable to concentrate on his work and feared he would do himself an injury. Putting one of his experienced men in charge, Ackerley returned home. To an empty house. As he paced the stone floor of the kitchen, eyes often darting to the courtyard in search of his wife, he let his thoughts run wild. The more he paced back and forth, the darker his thoughts turned. She is my wife! She should be here cleaning my house! Not...not be off gallivanting with the damn help! Ackerley thought in anger, throwing a pan at the opposite wall. I have hired him to look after the horses and he ropes my wife into helping him! What am I paying him for! And Lindsey, he growled. She looked more than happy to go off helping him! As if I don't know just what kind of help he needed! Probably out there right now, going at it like a pair of dogs in heat!
As he turned to pace back across the room, the balding, brown-haired man noticed a piece of parchment on the table for the first time. Scowling, he strode to the table and snatched it up, finding it to be a note from Lindsey informing him that she wasn't sure if she would be back in time for lunch. If that was the case, there was rabbit stew on the stove that just needed heating. Why wouldn't they be back by lunch? How long does it take to exercise a damn horse! If they are exercising the horses! He started his pacing again, marching from the kitchen through to the living room. What exactly happened while I was away? Did he charm his way into the house? Into my bed perhaps? Did Lindsey invite him?
Hearing the pounding of hooves and his wife's laughter as he stepped back into the kitchen, Ackerley hurried over to the window, watching as the pair raced into the courtyard. Both were smiling and laughing, the sight of them together making the older man frown as he watched the interaction between them. They weren't acting like two people who didn't know each other. He could sense something was going on or had gone on. His dark thoughts grew darker, fists clenching as he battled to control himself. Ackerley remembered the handsome young man coming to his wife's aid one night when he was teaching her a lesson; remembered waking on the kitchen floor and standing at the window watching the man tenderly clean his wife's wounds. What made him interfere with my business? 'Tis a man's right to punish his wife how he sees fit and yet he stepped in, knocking me out.
Dismounting her horse, Lindsey smiled as she handed the reins to Hudson. "Why do I get the feeling you let me win?" she asked.
"I don't know what you're talking about, miss."
Lindsey glanced over at the main house, sighing as she turned her attention back to her love. "I better go in and see to lunch."
"What are we having today?" Hudson asked, trying to prolong their time together.
"Rabbit stew."
"Apple pie for pudding?"
Lindsey smiled, a blush rising to her cheeks. "No. No apple pie today."
"I don't suppose you'll join us?"
She shook her head. "You know I would love to, but..."
"Yes, I know. I uhm...better go and get these horses brushed down. See you later."
"Bye." Lindsey watched sadly, as Hudson headed towards the stable, wishing she wasn't married. Walking over to her house, she opened the back door and was startled to see Ackerley standing in the middle of the kitchen. "Husband! Is something wrong? Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine," Ackerley growled. Hard brown eyes followed Lindsey as she walked over to the stove. Look at her! Acting like nothing's going on, like she's not making a fool of me behind my back! "How long have you been making a fool of me with that man?" he asked in a dangerously low tone.
Lindsey turned around and looked at him in surprise. "What? I...I'm not making a fool of you, Ackerley. Whatever are you talking about?"
"You and Mr. Darnley. I saw you just now with him. You seemed...rather friendly."
"Are you acting this way because I went out riding with him this morn?" Lindsey questioned. "You told me to go, husband." She turned to face the stove again realising Ackerley was in one of his dark moods. Please, Lord, don't let him get violent! Blue eyes flicked to the back door and out to the stable, wondering if Hudson would hear her screams.
"Have you fucked him?" Ackerley growled vulgarly. "Have you invited him up to our bed? Let him fill you with his seed? You are nothing but a whore! Making a fool of me with all these men!"
Lindsey turned around, eyes wide, her heart pounding in fear. "I have done nothing wrong! You have worked yourself up so much you're not thinking right! I am a married woman, your wife, not a whore! For you to suggest it...is...is disgraceful!"
Ackerley moved so quickly, Lindsey's breath caught in her throat as she stood frozen in spot. He grabbed her by the arms, squeezing them with bruising force, and pulled her against his front. "I will beat you within an inch of your worthless life if I find you have lied to me!" he growled, shaking her violently. Lifting her almost off her feet, Ackerley suddenly shoved her away from him, watching her crumble to the stone floor. "Are you lying to me?" he roared, bending down to grasp the front of her dress, his fist drawing back, ready to deliver the first blow.
"No, please!" Lindsey shrieked. "I'm...I'm with child!"
Her panic-stricken voice slowly penetrated his conscious, making him pause. "You're...with child?" he stammered, brown eyes full of doubt.
Sobbing and having trouble breathing, Lindsey could only nod in response. Her attention turned to the back door as it burst open, relief flooding through her as she saw Hudson standing there.
Seeing her attention was behind him, Ackerley glanced over his shoulder and frowned at the handsome brunette standing in the doorway looking concerned. Why does he always come to her rescue? He looked from Hudson to his wife and back again. Why is she with child now and not before his arrival? Has she lied to me? Has she lain with him and now carries his bastard? Grabbing a knife from the counter, Ackerley moved towards Hudson.
"Ackerley!" Lindsey gasped in fear.
"Why is it you are always coming to my wife's rescue?" Ackerley snapped, the knife pointed at Hudson's chest. "Why is it she is with child now?" he asked, words dripping with venom. He lunged at Hudson, planning to get the young man out of the equation. He heard Lindsey shriek Hudson's name and his anger boiled over. How dare they make a fool of me!
Hudson was filled with deep disgust and revulsion. Ackerley had the sweetest, most beautiful, intelligent, young woman as his bride and he treated her lower than a dog. She backed up into the courtyard as Ackerley came at her with the large carving knife, wanting more space to deal with the man. "I was sent by Prince Ripley to watch over your wife," she explained calmly, spinning out of the way, as Ackerley lunged forward. "I am no stable boy. I am a soldier for the King. Ripley's right-hand man."
Ackerley snorted. "What concern is my wife to Prince Ripley?"
"Lindsey is the princess' twin sister. The prince wants Lindsey kept safe from your temper."
Ackerley growled in anger and lashed out, slicing Hudson's arm.
"Hudson!" Lindsey cried out fearfully from the doorway, seeing blood drip from the soldier's arm to the stone pebbles of the courtyard.
Giving Ackerley a hate-filled look, Hudson danced this way and that, avoiding Ackerley's swipes at her.
"IS THAT WHORE CARRYING YOUR BASTARD!" Ackerley screamed.
A small smile slowly curling her lips as she thought of a possible future with the strawberry-blonde, green eyes flicked over to Lindsey. "Yes," she said turning her attention back to an irate Ackerley. "We have lain together many times, Ackerley, and now she carries my child."
Lindsey's gasp was audible for the door as the two glared at each other. Oh, dear Lord, why did she say that! She'll make him furious! Please don't let Hudson get hurt, I can't live without her.
"All those months you were married before I arrived and you couldn't get her pregnant," Hudson taunted. "Then I arrive and lie with her and now look! She is with child."
Ackerley lunged at the brunette, flying to the pebbled ground as Hudson moved and stuck out a leg. He got to his feet, hands and knees stinging from numerous scrapes. They grappled with each other, throwing punches, fighting fiercely. Something let loose deep inside Hudson's chest as she thought back over all the beatings Lindsey had suffered because of this man, all the harsh words shouted at her, her confidence chipped away. Hudson saw red, nothing but red. She no longer cared what happened to her; as long as Lindsey was safe and could go on to have a better life. The soldier was going to teach Ackerley Meadows the lesson of his life and get him out of the way.
As Lindsey screamed for them to stop, Hudson was distracted from Ackerley, the big man bending to scoop up the knife he had dropped and made another lunge for the soldier. Hudson felt a searing pain in her side, the trickle of something running down her side, and as Ackerley backed up, a smirk on his lips, Hudson saw the bloody knife in the other man's hand and realised she had been caught. She lifted her hand to cover the pain and looked down, pulling back bloody fingers. The crimson stain on her shirt blossomed quickly as it spread, and she knew she had to finish the fight quickly or die and leave Lindsey to Ackerley's mercy.
Lindsey cried out and started forward as Hudson fell to her knees. A desperate scream being torn from her lungs as she watched her husband move towards her love again, the knife in his hand poised to deliver the killer blow.
Gritting her teeth, Hudson stood and managed to grab hold of Ackerley's wrist and prevent the knife from plunging into her chest. They grappled, shoving this way and that, the knife between them, as they fought for domination.
Lindsey watched wide-eyed as the two fought in a life and death struggle, praying for Hudson. Her heart stopped as the two suddenly stopped fighting and stood motionless, their eyes on each other. She started forward cautiously, afraid more than ever as she couldn't see the knife. "Hudson?" She gasped aloud as Ackerley and Hudson dropped to their knees.
Ackerley made strange gurgling sounds in his throat as he grasped Hudson's shirt front, brown eyes wide. "You...sssson of a...bitch!" he growled through clenched teeth. "Yo-...you can have...the whore!" He fell backwards revealing the knife sticking out of his stomach, the blade completely imbedded.
Hudson fell backwards, lying on her back, staring up at the clear blue sky. She could feel her blood trickling from her, down her side and through her shirt to the stone pebbles she lay upon. Lindsey hurried forward as Hudson fell backwards and dropped to her knees next to the brunette.
"Hudson? My love?" Blue eyes landed on the bloodstain on Hudson's shirt. "Oh, God! Oh, God, Hudson! Hold on, sweetheart, please, hold on." She stood and looked around, seeking one of the men for help. "HELP! PLEASE, SOMEONE!"
Dark green eyes flicked from the sky to Lindsey's tear-stained face and Hudson wondered what was going to happen to the girl. Ackerley was dead, and most likely, she was going to die as well. What will Lindsey do? Go home to her parents? Go to Kelsey? And with a baby on the way as well.
Lindsey hurried towards Colden, one of the farm hands, as he ran from the field. "Colden, please, you must go and get the doctor quickly!"
"Mrs. Meadows? What is it? What happened?"
"There's no time!" she screamed in panic. "Please, get the doctor."
The man nodded and set off running, slowing as he came to the two figures lying in the courtyard. His eyes widened as he saw the knife sticking out of Ackerley and the bloodstain on Hudson's shirt. His boss wasn't moving and he assumed the man was dead, but Hudson, Hudson was still with them. "Don't worry, my friend. I shall be quick getting the doctor," he told the brunette as he rushed on.
Lindsey returned to Hudson and grasped a bloody hand in both of hers. "You scared the life out of me, Hudson!" she scolded gently. "Getting Ackerley even more riled up than he was by telling him the babe is yours!"
Hudson smiled weakly at the beautiful woman. "If I survive...will you marry me, Lindsey?" she asked. "I...will raise the babe...as if it were...mine."
Tears flooded into Lindsey's eyes and promptly fell. "Oh, Hudson!" she mumbled, heart full of love for the soldier. "You will survive. You told me you would never leave me."
"Love...you."
"And I you, my love. And yes, I will marry you." She watched green eyes flutter closed. "Hudson? Oh, Hudson, please! Please don't leave me!"
* * * * *
Dallin Parson looked down at the unconscious, pale-faced man he didn't know and had never seen, and wondered why Mrs. Meadows wouldn't allow him to remove the man's shirt so that he could do his examination properly. Sighing and shaking his head at impossible patients, Dallin checked the stab wound as he occasionally glanced at Mrs. Meadows who stood on the other side of the bed holding the man's hand. "'Tis all right," he said softly, seeing her blue eyes dart up from the man to him. "The wound is not too deep, a glancing blow I think."
Lindsey sighed in relief and smiled lovingly down at Hudson. "I knew in my heart he would be fine."
Dallin was fascinated by the softness the woman showed towards the unconscious man, looking lovingly at him, stroking his cheek or brow, soothing him. She wasn't the same scared woman he had treated months before, she was happy and almost glowing with love. Found someone to truly love her, and I suspect Ackerley discovered their relationship and blew up in a rage. He started cleaning the wound with warm water and a soft cloth. "May I enquire what happened?" he asked, wondering if Lindsey would lie.
Lindsey looked at the doctor and licked her lips nervously. "My...husband went into a rage and attacked me." She looked down and smiled lovingly at Hudson. "Mr. Darnley came to my rescue, but not without consequences."
"I see," Dallin said, setting the cloth down and reaching for his needle and some thread.
"My husband was in a furious rage and attacked Hudson with a knife. You see...Hudson arrived on the request of the King a few weeks after my sister's wedding to the prince. His job was to watch over me and protect me from Ackerley's temper."
Dallin smiled as he started stitching the man up. No wonder I haven't been called out here then.
"We fell in love," Lindsey admitted softly. "I know 'tis wrong, but...Hudson is a gentleman and...kind and gentle. So unlike Ackerley...it just happened."
The doctor looked up at the young woman and smiled. "'Tis not wrong, lass. 'Tis never wrong to fall in love. The fact that you were married is unfortunate, but no woman deserved to be stuck with Ackerley Meadows. That man was a brute, just like his father before him." He finished stitching Hudson's wound and wrapped a bandage around his waist. "You must keep the wound clean and keep an eye on it. If it starts to pus, have someone come and get me. Likewise if Hudson pops his stitches before it is time to take them out."
Lindsey chuckled. "You have no worries there, doctor. Hudson will be staying in bed and resting until you say otherwise."
Dallin laughed at the determined little woman. "Good, then there should be no problems. I shall come by at the end of the week to make sure the wound is okay."
Lindsey offered the older man her hand. "Thank you, doctor."
Dallin nodded as he shook the offered hand. "I believe you will be in good hands from now on. I don't expect to see you too often," he smiled kindly, then turned to pick up his medical bag. "I'm glad; you are too good a soul to have endured Ackerley for the rest of your days." He headed out of the bedroom, followed by Lindsey who wanted to ask about her possible pregnancy and what to do with Ackerley's body.
"Doctor, may I ask you to give me an examination?" Lindsey asked quietly as they stood outside the spare bedroom.
Dallin looked at the younger woman in surprise. "You are unwell, Mrs. Meadows?"
"I...have been. For two morns now, I have been woken by my rebelling stomach and find myself retching heavily. But 'tis not just in the morn, it occurs throughout the day."
"I see. Well, whilst I am here we may as well make sure all is right with you." He followed Lindsey into the master bedroom. "Lie down on the bed," he said in his doctor's voice. He set his bag down as the strawberry-blonde lay down. "Is the sickness your only symptom?"
"No, I...I have been feeling very weary, though I am not doing anything I don't usually do, and I have such a craving for food, 'tis quite unbelievable!"
Dallin smiled, the symptoms sounding familiar. "I see." He stepped up to the side of the bed and placed gentle, probing hands on her flat stomach. "Have you been running to the outhouse frequently?"
Lindsey frowned in thought. "I suppose I have been going more than usual." She looked thoughtfully at the doctor. "You know what is wrong with me?"
"I suspect you are with child," he replied. "You have similar symptoms to others who are. But, I will need a urine sample to do some tests. You have missed your courses?"
Lindsey nodded. "Yes, I hadn't realised, until I threw up again today and thought perhaps I was expecting."
"Whilst we don't know for sure yet, I suggest to be on the safe side, you should rest when you feel the need to and eat plenty when you have a craving, and drink plenty of water." Dallin looked at the smiling woman, his head tilted to the side in thought. "May I ask...well, uhm..." he cleared his throat, "Is your husband...the father?"
Blushing crimson, Lindsey wouldn't meet the doctor's eyes. "No, I...I believe the babe, if I am with child, is Hudson's."
Dallin nodded and cleared his throat again. "Right then, if you could give me a sample of urine, I shall be on my way."
After seeing the doctor out, Lindsey returned to the bedroom where Hudson lay stationary. The doctor had told her it was due to blood loss, but he should be fine after some undisturbed rest. Standing at the side of the bed, Lindsey looked down lovingly and softly ran her hand through brunette locks. "Oh, Hudson," she sighed heavily. "What would I have done if I had lost you?" She sat down next to the sleeping soldier, then curled up against her side. "There is so much to do now," she said softly, wanting to talk, but not wanting to disturb Hudson. "I have to arrange a service for Ackerley, write to my parents and my sister to let them know what has happened, write to the King and practically beg him not to take his business elsewhere!" She sighed. "Will you stay here now that Ackerley is gone? Have you any interest in running his business?" Weary, the strawberry-blonde closed her eyes and was quickly lulled to sleep by Hudson's even breathing.
* * * * *
Ackerley's body had been removed from the property, Lindsey informing the local church she wanted him buried in the cemetery and not on the land. She planned to remain at the farm and carry on the business and she didn't want his final resting place there to remind her of her harsh life with him. No, her future was looking brighter now. Hudson was going to be okay and they would eventually marry and raise the child that was growing within her as their own.
She had a letter sent to her parents and to her sister informing them of her husband's death and expected them to soon arrive in time for the actual funeral. She knew she was supposed to be playing the role of sad widow, but just couldn't manage it. Ackerley had been a beast to her and she was glad he was dead.
Hudson was well on the mend. Her wound hadn't been infected, and what with all the bed rest Lindsey insisted she get, she hadn't popped her stitches. She had quickly grown bored though, and was eager to get out and about, though Lindsey was still greatly worried about her. She took it upon herself to write to the King and told him of the circumstances at the farm, she informed Edward she would remain for a while and asked that the King kept doing business with Lindsey.
* * * * *
Kelsey arrived at the farm in a Royal carriage, blue eyes looking up at the house that was now free of Ackerley, a house that was now going to be a real home for her sister. She hadn't been able to make the funeral; duties at the castle demanding her attention. She hadn't been sorry, she had hated the man in life, why would it be any different now he was dead? She knew her sister was well taken care of, what with their parents staying with her and Hudson being around. She smiled at Hudson as the soldier opened the carriage door for her and offered his hand to help her down. "Thank you, Hudson."
"You're welcome, Your Highness." Kelsey embraced the brunette, much to Hudson's shock, the soldier awkwardly wrapping an arm around the smaller woman.
"Thank you for protecting my sister. I shall never be able to repay you," Kelsey said, her voice choked with emotion.
"There is no need to thank me, Your Hi-..."
"Kelsey, please."
Hudson nodded. "Kelsey. I care very much for your sister and would have gladly given my life to save her from Ackerley."
"The King wishes to see you at the castle, Hudson," Kelsey relayed Edward's summons. "Not to ask you to leave, I don't think."
"Will you at least acknowledge me?" Lindsey said from the doorway, smiling brightly at her two favourite people. "Sister, you look truly amazing!" she said, walking towards the pair. Kelsey was wearing a pale blue dress, with pearls around her neck and hanging from her ears.
"Thank you, Lindsey. You are looking well yourself. I dare say Ackerley's death has been a blessing," Kelsey smiled. "Are mother and father here yet?"
"They are inside." Lindsey looped her arm through her sister's and turned them to head back to the house. "I have news. Big news. Do I...have your support?"
Kelsey looked at her sibling. "Oh, Lindsey, always. No matter what it is, I will stand by you." She followed Lindsey into the house, seeing her parents seated in the pine rocking chairs in front of the burning fire, each holding a mug she was sure held wine within. "Mother, father. 'Tis good to see you both."
Odele stood and gave her daughter a one-arm hug. "You would have seen us sooner if you had attended the funeral, Kelsey Marie!"
Kelsey sighed heavily. "I wanted to be here for Lindsey, but my duties at the castle kept me busy."
"You see, woman," Elden said. "I told you she would have a good reason." As his wife stepped back, he hugged Kelsey to him. "Important business?" he asked curiously.
"Yes, father. 'Tis not easy being the prince's wife."
"Have you heard from Ripley lately, Kelsey?" Hudson enquired, earning a scowl from Odele who detested her presence. The older woman couldn't understand why the brunette was always so close to her daughter. Her widowed daughter. Widowed by his hand.
Kelsey smiled brightly as she thought of Ripley. She had been missing the blonde's company desperately and couldn't wait for him to return home. When she didn't have duties to see to, instead of socialising with the many visitors that often came to the castle, she locked herself away in Ripley's chambers with a book or some sewing. "I have, Hudson. He sent word that his checks are going well and he hopes to return home soon. Perhaps by the end of next month."
Lindsey walked in from the kitchen and handed Hudson and her sister a mug of wine. "Well, now everyone I love dearly is here," she smiled at Hudson, seeing her mother scowling out the corner of her eye. "I have an announcement." Her family looked at her expectantly, as Hudson moved to stand next to Lindsey's side. "Hudson asked me to marry him and I said yes."
Odele gasped in horror and stood from her seat wide-eyed. "Wh-...what! Are you mad, girl? You have just been widowed! You can't be thinking of another man already! Let alone agreeing to marry him!"
Supporting her sister as she said she would, Kelsey hugged Lindsey and then Hudson. "I am very pleased for the pair of you. I hope you will wait for Ripley's return," she said smiling.
Lindsey shook her head, as did Hudson. "We can't. We would like to for Hudson's sake, Ripley being almost a brother to him," Lindsey said, squeezing the brunette's hand she held. She looked defiantly at her mother. "But I am with child. Hudson's child."
Odele gasped again and promptly fainted.
Bewildered, Elden looked from his daughter and down at his wife's crumpled form, not quite sure what he should do. Question his daughter or help Odele up. Finally snapping out of his stupor, the carpenter crouched and started fanning his wife's face. It didn't take long for Odele to come around, but when she did, civil war broke out.
"You harlot!" she screeched as she got to her feet, slapping away her husband's hands as he tried to help her. "How dare you shame the family like this!" Grey eyes turned to Hudson. "And you! How dare you sleep with her! She is a respectable married woman!"
"Oh, mother, shut up!" Lindsey snapped, watching the woman's next vile words die on her lips, her mouth flapping up and down in disbelief. "I love Hudson. I never dreamed a man who could be so kind, so caring. He stepped in and stopped Ackerley from beating me to death, he tenderly cleaned my wounds and often spoke softly to me, calming me." She looked lovingly at the brunette. "You know, mother, you were wrong about the union between a man and a woman," she turned back to face Odele. "Not when it came to Ackerley, he was just as horrid as you had warned. But Hudson, when making love with Hudson, I feel...so much. He takes care of my needs before his own. His caresses are gentle, his kisses soft, and his eyes...his eyes portray the deep feelings he has for me. There isn't anything more beautiful on earth."
Elden blushed furiously, looking this way and that, anywhere but at his daughter and her new lover. His wife clamped her jaw shut and he knew she was furious. Ackerley had been such a fine catch for Lindsey, she had been sure. She had happily bragged in town what a wonderful man he was, what a great provider, never mind the fact he occasionally raised his fists. That was common with most men, after all. But now, Lindsey had found happiness elsewhere and was about to bring shame to the family. She was going to marry her lover, whose child she was carrying, before her husband was even cold in the ground. Elden didn't care about scandal, he just wanted his daughters happy, that was all he had ever wanted. If Lindsey was happier with this Hudson, then the carpenter would welcome the man into the family.
"You are nothing but a whore, Lindsey Anne!" Odele shouted. "Sleeping with another man when you're a married woman! I wash my hands of you, I really do! Don't you dare show your face at home again!" With that, the small, formidable woman grabbed Elden's arm and stormed out of the house.
The house was silent, thankfully silent after such a row. Lindsey had known her mother wouldn't be pleased. Odele had been so delighted when Ackerley had first shown an interest, and then when he had proposed, the older woman had taken great pride in telling anyone who would listen just who it was her daughter was marrying. Despite predicting her mother's outburst, it didn't stop tears filling her eyes and overflowing.
"Oh, sweetheart!" Hudson murmured, taking the upset woman into her arms and holding on tightly. "Don't worry, she will calm down soon enough and I am sure she'll be back to talk things over."
"I...I don't...know, Hudson," Lindsey sobbed. "She was...so angry!"
Heart breaking for her sibling, Kelsey rubbed her arm, watching on as Lindsey took comfort from Hudson. "Lindsey, Hudson is right. You know what mother is like. Once people settle down and stop whispering, she'll be back. Especially since you are now carrying her grandchild."
Lindsey pulled away from Hudson and looked seriously at her sister. "What do you really think, Kelsey? Do you think me a common whore too?"
Kelsey blinked in surprise at the question. "No, oh, Lindsey, no! You know I never liked Ackerley. To see you on the brink of such happiness now brings me great comfort and delight." She smiled. "You know, Ripley tried to convince me to come and spend some time with you while he was away, I told him I would prefer not to, my dislike of Ackerley so intent I was willing to sacrifice time with you. But now," she looked at Hudson and smiled warmly. "Now I think you will soon grow weary of me turning up!"
Lindsey laughed and hugged her sister tightly. "Thank you! Thank you so much, Kelsey. Your support means so much to me."
Hudson cleared her throat as both sisters started crying. "Right then, while you two lovely ladies talk wedding plans and catch up with each other, how about I make lunch?"
Kelsey looked at the soldier in surprise. "My word! Do they teach you men at the castle to be such gentlemen?" she asked seriously. "Ripley is so gentle it's unbelievable sometimes!"
Hudson blushed. "We are taught that men should honour, serve, and do nothing to displease ladies and maidens. I am here merely to serve you," she bowed dramatically, making the sisters laugh at her antics.
Lindsey swatted at the brunette's arm. "Go on with you, make us some lunch." She accepted Hudson's soft kiss and watched her as she walked through to the kitchen, sighing happily, before turning back to her sibling. "You will be able to make the wedding, won't you?"
Kelsey smiled. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."
* * * * *
News quickly spread of Lindsey's pregnancy, helped along by Odele's spiteful mouth. Lindsey found herself suddenly shunned by women she had thought were friends, men cancelled their meat orders, and half of Ackerley's workforce quit. Lindsey didn't care though. At the end of each day, she crawled into bed with Hudson and snuggled into the soldier's strong arms. With a love showered on her she had never known before, she couldn't have cared less if the sky had fallen.
The happy couple had accompanied Kelsey back to the castle, Hudson needing to see the King. Both were worried the brunette was going to be told she must return to her duties as a soldier now that Ackerley was dead. What had actually happened had shocked Lindsey and stunned Hudson. King Edward had knighted the soldier, informing the "man" he had upheld the knight's code of Chivalry that promoted generosity, courtesy, compassion, and most importantly, loyalty.
Lindsey's pregnancy was moving along nicely. She had been worried when she had first realised she was expecting, what with losing her first child, though that was no fault of her own. Dallin Parson had confirmed her suspicions and checked her over, giving her a clean bill of health and setting her mind to rest. With the wedding planned for the second week after Ackerley's funeral, Lindsey had been dismayed when her sickness had really taken a hold. She found herself throwing up a number of times throughout the day, her stomach rebelling at a number of smells. Then there were the cravings that took hold of her at strange times, she had found herself climbing out of bed to sneak down to the kitchen in the middle of night.
This week she found that her stomach had already started stretching and found that it itched like mad. Her veins were more obvious and she tired so easily, Hudson had joked that she should stay in bed. Which made her cry. What with her stomach already showing signs of her pregnancy, her skin breaking out in spots and rashes, her weariness meaning she couldn't do much, her breasts swollen and tender, her mother spreading gossip and bad will her way and people shunning her, it was all too much for the young woman.
Hudson did her best to reassure her love that all would be well after the storm died down. Men to work for them could be replaced easily and families would soon come crawling back for their meat when they realised just how good the quality actually was, compared to what other farmers and butchers sold. She was a rock for Lindsey, reminding her every day how much she was loved and how beautiful she really was. The brunette didn't care about the gossip; as long as she could soon call Lindsey her wife, she didn't care what people said.
The couple had expected their wedding to be a small affair, but once the King had given his approval of the joining, and having the support of the much loved princess, the wedding soon became the talk of the town. As Hudson had predicted, people quickly came crawling back to them for friendship and for their meat. King Edward and Kelsey attended the service, there to witness Mrs. Meadows becoming Mrs. Lindsey Anne Darnley.