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 Two
Kelsey trailed behind her mother and her sister as the women trawled through the town market. After a week of hard labour, working the land to try to grow enough food for their survival, today they were taking a break to enjoy the local merchants and their wares. It wasn't time for one of the visiting fairs yet, that occurred very few times a year. But the local market often had hidden treasures, the merchants getting stock from other nearby towns and some things from distant lands, like fine silks and carpets.
"Your wedding to Mr. Meadows is the most talked about topic!" Odele said excitedly to her daughter. "Ever since the notice went up on the church door, I've been getting women stopping me to offer their congratulations on you marrying such a fine man."
Kelsey rolled her eyes as she stopped at a stall that held a number of leather-bound books.
"It will certainly be the biggest celebration in town this year," Lindsey beamed.
Odele looked over her shoulder at her silent daughter and scowled. "Come along, Kelsey. We don't have money for such a luxury," she scolded, before turning her attention back to Lindsey. "That's for sure, daughter. Every of-age girl was hoping for the attentions of Ackerley Meadows, but 'tis you who enraptured him, thank the good Lord!"
Kelsey put down the book she had been flicking through and offered the merchant an apologetic smile, hurrying to catch up with her mother and sister.
"Oh, my!" Lindsey exclaimed, pulling her mother over to a stall that held the finest clothing from abroad. "Look, mother, isn't it fine!" she gushed, running her fingers along the soft material.
Kelsey barely listened as the two ohhh'd and ahhh'd over the dresses the mercer held up for them to see and tried to talk them into buying with a well-practised sales pitch. It was only when she heard her mother agree to take one of the dresses that she turned blue eyes their way. "What! We cannot afford..."
"Hush now, girl," Odele said, digging out her purse for the coins. "Lindsey is to be married to the most eligible man in town. We don't want Ackerley thinking bad of us, unable to provide our daughter with some fine clothing for special occasions."
"But...she..." She is marrying a wealthy landowner, a man who runs a successful meat trade; he can buy her fine clothes, surely. Kelsey sighed. "I'll remember that when we're starving ourselves through winter."
Odele turned to scowl at her daughter. "Don't be so dramatic, Kelsey." She turned and smiled at the mercer, dropping a few coins into his waiting hand. Thanking the man, Odele hurried her daughters on, knowing they had to get home to start the evening's meal.
Back at the house, Kelsey lit a number of tiny lamps that stood around the kitchen, while Odele lit the oven in preparation of her cabbage, leek and onion soup, and Lindsey gathered the ingredients she needed to make fresh bread.
"Kelsey, would you get me a cabbage, two onions and three leeks from the garden?" Odele asked, rolling up her sleeves. As her daughter disappeared outside, Odele sought out saffron stems, cinnamon, sugar, a cut of butter and some black pepper. Kelsey returned with the ingredients and started to remove the outer leaves from the cabbage, while Odele peeled, halved and sliced the onions.
With both her daughters in the kitchen with her and no sign of her husband yet, Odele thought it best to approach a certain awkward subject. "Now, girls, with Lindsey soon to be married, 'tis about time I talked to you about...the union between a man and his wife."
The two sisters looked at each other with wide eyes, before turning their attentions back to their work, cheeks starting to flame.
"The first and only thing on any man's mind is to get his wife with child," Odele said seriously. "The act itself is...horrid. But 'tis something all women have to go through. On your wedding night," she glanced at Lindsey. "You should lie as still as possible, motionless, as he has his way. It will hurt that first time, but will quickly be over with. Once he has deposited his seed within, he'll roll over and go to sleep. Hopefully you'll fall pregnant quickly and won't have to worry about the act again for some time."
"And...and if I...we don't fall pregnant the first time?" Lindsey asked nervously, stopping in her bread preparations to look at her mother.
"Then your husband will wish to join again and again until you do." Odele put the onion into a big pot, then turned her attention to the leeks. "A wise wife will make it her goal never to allow her husband to see her unclothed body, and never allow him to display his own. Most men by nature are rather perverted. If given half the chance, they would engage in a variety of the most...revolting practices!" Odele said in a serious tone, thinly slicing the white stems of the leeks and adding them to the pot, along with the butter.
"Like what?" Kelsey asked, brow furrowed in question.
Shocked eyes turned on her daughter. "Kelsey Marie! 'Tis sinful, that's all you need to know!" Odele shook her head in disgust and disbelief. "Where was I?"
"Men are perverts," Lindsey said helpfully.
"Right. As I said, lay still. Bodily motion could be interpreted as sexual excitement and will only encourage him. Also, remain silent while he is huffing and puffing away, under no circumstances should you grunt or groan while the act is in progress. Do not touch him either; clench the sheets or make fists, contact will surely encourage him as well."
Lindsey looked over at her sibling and shared a smile with her. "Surely, mother," she said, looking over at Odele. "It can't all be bad? I mean, you are after all trying to create a life together."
Odele was stirring in black pepper to the pot of vegetables and snorted at her daughter. "You'll soon learn, Lindsey. Soon, you'll be flat on your back, Ackerley heaving above you, then you'll see just how distasteful an act it is. Mind you, once you have provided him an heir, you can always get out of doing the act," she smiled. "All you need do is try to feign illness or a terrible headache. He'll soon back off."
"I'm home," Elden called out from the front of the house. "Something smells good."
"Enough talk," Odele said hurriedly. "If you have questions, daughters, catch me when your father is not home."
* * * * *
Montgomery, the Duke of Cornwall, sat in his grand dining room with three other men. The room was darkly furnished, with dark wood panelling along the walls and matching furniture. Burning wood in the fireplace cracked and popped, the many candles that were lit around the room flickering as drafts filtered in. "So, 'tis true then? His Royal Highness has again refused to marry a girl of King Edward's choosing?"
"Yes, Your Grace," Earl of East Anglia, Winston Pond, confirmed. "I heard it from one of the men who went over to Spain with them."
"This is the third time he has refused," Goodwyn, Earl of Wessex, said, lifting his wine mug. "Is it just me, or has the King grown soft? The boy is openly defying him and he has allowed it! Not once, but three times now!"
"You know," Brandon Ortceard, Marquess of Dublin, started. "Now would be the time to make moves," he said in low tones, aware of the walls having ears. "If King Edward has grown soft, perhaps...he needs replacing."
The men sat in silence, letting the Marquess' words sink in.
"You know what you are suggesting could get you killed," Montgomery said, beady eyes on the red-haired Marquess.
Brandon smiled darkly. "Yes, but then, I think I have spoken out to the right group of men," he said confidently. "I have listened and I have observed you all. You have all grown disillusioned with the King and the way he rules over us."
Winston nodded. "He has a point. I mean, for God's sake, he can't even get his own son to obey him these days!"
"True," Montgomery nodded. "But let us not be hasty or rash," he said, looking around the table at the three men. "We cannot act just because Ripley has refused to marry. I certainly wouldn't have married Lord Green's daughter either!"
"So we sit back and wait?" Goodwyn questioned. "Wait for a real reason, like....?"
"I'm not sure," Brandon said. "But it has to be something more than Prince Ripley refusing to marry. Perhaps...the King will fall ill, then would be a good time to strike. Or...if he proposes some law we can all disagree with." He picked up his wine mug and finished what was left. "We will know when it comes, gentlemen. For now, I am glad I have others on my side."
The group toasted each other and turned talk to other matters.
* * * * *
A couple of weeks later, just as winter arrived, the wedding of Lindsey Anne Gardiner and Ackerley Farrell Meadows took place. The whole of their small town turned out to celebrate with them. Weddings were always cause for the entire town to celebrate. Friends and family of Ackerley far outnumbered those of Lindsey, but everyone was in high spirits and was getting along. The special guest was the King himself.
After the church ceremony, a party was held. The ale and wine flowed freely, couples danced to the lively music played by smiling musicians, men talked and watched the girls, while women gossiped and watched their husbands closely.
Kelsey sat next to her mother, hating the attention she was drawing. Of marrying age, the men, young and old, big and small, were sniffing around. Unlike her sister, Kelsey thought there was more to life than just settling down and bearing children. She scowled and continually turned down requests to dance.
King Edward studied the young strawberry-blonde from across the room. She was a beauty and attracting a lot of attention, despite the permanent scowl she wore. A nobody, a beautiful nobody, the King thought, his jewelled hand lifting his mug to his lips. Perfect for Ripley. He smiled. Though, of course, it shall raise a few eyebrows. She is not of noble birth, a peasant by the looks of it. But she is one of us, an English rose who the people can relate to and love. Edward stood up, wine mug in hand, and made his way across the room to the unknown family.
Elden stared, comically wide-eyed, as the King of England stopped in front of his table. The carpenter stood and bowed respectfully as his wife and daughter stood to curtsy. "Your...Your Highness," he stammered in greeting.
Edward smiled, always amused at how people stuttered and stammered in front of him. "Are you enjoying yourself, my good man?"
"Oh, yes, Your Highness. I think I am the proudest man in the country."
The King lifted a pale eyebrow in question.
"My...my daughter, Lindsey, is the young bride," Elden explained.
"Oh, I see," Edward nodded in understanding. The poor girl. "Congratulations."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Edward pointed to an empty seat at the table. "Do you mind if I sit?"
Elden's eyes widened again. "Uhh...no, no, Your Highness. Please, do join us."
Smiling, Edward sat down and watched the family sit as well. "I was sitting across the room, when I couldn't help but notice this beautiful young woman," he explained, looking at Kelsey.
Kelsey swallowed nervously. Oh, please, no! The King is far too old!
"Lindsey's twin sister Kelsey," Elden replied.
A twin! What luck. Edward's late wife herself had been a twin and had, in time, produced twins herself. "She is betrothed?" he enquired.
"Not yet, Your Highness. I have been preoccupied with Lindsey's betrothal to Mr. Meadows."
Excellent. "Come, good fellow. Let us go and refresh our drinks." Edward stood and walked away, knowing the man would follow. Away from nosey people and gossips, the King regarded the simply dressed man in front of him. He doesn't look too bright, he thought. Much like most peasants! He decided to be blunt. "I'm trying to find a suitable young bride for my son."
"But...but I thought...I thought His Royal Highness was betrothed to Princess Luella of Spain?" Elden stammered.
"Yes, he was," the King said through clenched teeth, still annoyed at Ripley's action. "We would have had a great ally, but alas, they...had a falling out," he lied smoothly. It wouldn't look good if it seemed the King couldn't control his own son. "So, I am seeking an English girl for him. Someone whom the people can adore and relate to. Marrying one of his own people will surely be good for the country as well, especially once they have heirs. Fully English heirs."
"And...you uhm...you want my daughter?" Elden asked in bewilderment. First a wealthy business man and now a prince! The Prince of England! What good fortune!
"Is that so unbelievable? She is a beautiful young woman, who I am sure my son is going to love and adore." He doesn't have a bloody choice!
Elden licked his dry lips as he glanced back at his family. The King wants my daughter to be his son's bride! His only son, the next in line to the throne! "I would be honoured to give my daughter's hand to your son, Your Highness. But I have nothing worthy to offer as a dowry."
Edward grinned. "Excellent. Do not worry about a substantial dowry, uhm..." he frowned, not knowing the man's name.
"Elden, Your Highness. Elden Gardiner, and my daughter is Kelsey."
"Ahh, yes, of course," Edward nodded, like he had known but merely forgotten. "I am the King of England, what could I possibly need." Though the backing of an army would be nice! he thought angrily. "What do you do, my good man?"
"I...I'm a carpenter, Your Highness."
"A carpenter! How delightful!" Edward smiled brightly. "That can go towards your daughter's dowry. You can make the young couple some nice furniture, perhaps a bed, hmm?"
Elden nodded, having trouble believing what was going on.
"Excellent. I'll have my people arrange a meeting for them. But not right away. We must allow your other daughter adequate time to settle into her new marriage."
Elden nodded and smiled. "A good idea, Your Highness. I don't think my wife could handle a Royal visit so soon after witnessing one of our daughters getting married and becoming a woman."
The King nodded. "They take it so hard don't they, unlike us men. 'Tis all part of life, after all." Edward drained what was left in his wine cup. "I shall let you get back to your celebrations. Congratulations once again," he smiled.
Elden bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Your Highness." He watched as the mountain of a man made his way through the vast crowd. The simple family man decided to hold back the exciting news until he heard about the meeting from the King's people, worried it might just have been the drink talking. He didn't want to get their hopes up for nothing. He headed back to the table where his family sat, unable to wipe the broad smile from his face.
* * * * *
Ackerley stood with a large mug of ale in his hand, looking around at all the people who had come to the reception. He was more than pleased with how the ceremony had gone and how the after party was going. People were enjoying themselves, enjoying the lively music, the food and drink. He watched his peers as they relaxed, their eyes appraising the fine women on display, drinking as much as they could, eating the fine foods available and dancing whenever they got the urge.
He looked over to where his wife was talking with her friends and felt his chest puff up proudly. She was his now, his wife. Gentle, kind and beautiful. Many had commented on how beautiful she looked in her white gown. Lindsey and her friends looked his way, his young bride blushing as something was said, her friends giggling. Ackerley smiled, brown eyes hungrily trailing down her body, taking in her slim waist. Young, beautiful and innocent. But not for much longer, he promised himself. She'll soon be sporting a full belly of arms and legs, hopefully male. He couldn't wait to get the ball rolling, couldn't wait for night to come and for them to leave town to return to his house.
Ackerley turned as someone clapped him heavily on the shoulder. "Your Highness," he greeted, bowing respectfully.
"Ackerley, you old goat!" King Edward greeted. "Got yourself a fine young bride there."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Edward laughed, eyes trailing over the strawberry-blonde, who looked exactly like her twin. "I'm sure she'll provide you with many healthy heirs," he commented.
"I sure hope so," Ackerley chuckled. "I'll definitely be riding her hard tonight. Want to get a quick start on getting a boy of my own."
"I don't doubt that." Edward laughed raucously. "Anyway, I just came to say thank you for what you have supplied me this year, and goodbye and congratulations. I have to get going."
Ackerley bowed again. "Thank you for attending, Your Highness. Hopefully next time I see you, we'll have another reason to celebrate."
The King smiled. I'm sure you'll be doing you best. "I hope so, and good luck. I know you'll have fun trying."
The dark-haired man laughed and watched the King make his way towards the exit. Brown eyes quickly moving around the hall, seeking out his bride. Surely now the King himself has left, we can too.
* * * * *
King Edward sat behind his large, sturdy, oak desk, grey eyes on his frowning steward. "You disagree with my thinking?" he asked.
Chesney Beauclerc had worked for the King for over twenty-five years and knew despite his versatile nature, Edward did value his opinion. "Well...on the one hand, Your Highness," the brown-haired man started slowly. "you're taking an unprecedented step and a great risk. The girl is not of noble birth, and a union between Ripley and her is most unheard of. She will have to be taught our social etiquette, the role she'll have to play as the prince's wife, and the way of the Royal court. Then there is the chance of your subjects not liking her because she was picked, instead of them or their daughters."
Edward sighed heavily and leaned forward to pick up a knife and a shiny red apple to eat. "And the good points of my thinking?"
"The subjects could love and adore her. They could completely take her into their hearts, because she is English and one of them. She has known the hardships they go through, slaved away day in day out. An English King and his English Queen, an appealing idea."
Edward smiled and sat up in his chair. "I suppose we shall see in time. First, I have to break the news to Ripley." He scowled, knowing it wasn't going to go down well.
* * * * *
Finally, with the wedding celebrations over, Ackerley eagerly took his young bride home to his large farm house, situated on many acres of land.
The house was simple in design and build. It was made out of wood, like many of the homes around the country, though this was the finest and most expensive of oak wood Ackerley could find. A darker brown wood had been used for the window frames and sills and for the thick, sturdy front door.
Lindsey looked around in awe at all she could see from the dim lanterns that were permitting light around the courtyard. She smiled up at her husband. "It seems lovely, Ackerley. I am sure we will be very happy here."
Smiling, Ackerley guided the young woman inside the house, leaving his stableman to look after the horses that had pulled his carriage. He didn't give Lindsey a chance to look around properly, instead, he took her hand and led her inside and towards the stairs, eager to get on with his wedding night. "I'll shall show you around properly tomorrow, during the day when it's better to see," he said breathlessly. He hurried up the wooden stairs and along to the master bedroom.
Lindsey saw that a double bed occupied the middle of the room, a dark armoire leaned against one wall, and a vanity table for her had been put in against the back wall. At the foot of the bed was Lindsey's trunk containing all her possessions. "Oh, Ackerley!" she exclaimed, running just her fingers over the edge of the vanity table. "'Tis beautiful!"
"Just a simple wedding gift for my beautiful bride," Ackerley replied smiling, brown eyes raking down her slender body. "I shall just leave you to...change," he said, licking his lips. "I'll go downstairs for a quick smoke and give you a bit of time." He left quickly.
Left alone, Lindsey swallowed nervously, knowing what was about to occur and wondering if it was to be as awful as she had been warned. Feeling the chill in the room, the strawberry-blonde bent to light a fire in the stone fireplace at the side of the room. She undressed quickly, worried Ackerley might walk in and see her naked form, and slipped on her nightgown before climbing under the cold covers of her marital bed. She shivered as she waited nervously for the reappearance of her husband. The bedroom slowly warmed up, and she heard Ackerley downstairs tapping out his pipe in the fireplace. She held her breath as she listened to his heavy stumbling steps on the stairs, realising he must be more inebriated than she had first thought, having had a fair bit to drink while with his raucous friends.
Ackerley stumbled into the bedroom and blinked at the warmth in the room. He glanced at the flaming fireplace and smiled. "Good thinking, girl," he muttered, making his way over to the side of the bed. He leered down at his young wife as he started undressing, not seeing her squeeze her eyes shut. "Ahhh, Lindsey. Alone at last." The brown-haired man slid into the bed next to the trembling teen. "Stop your shivering, girl. We'll soon warm each other up."
He is...naked! Why would he do such a thing! 'Tis not appropriate, mother said! From the glow of the fire, Lindsey could see that the alcohol Ackerley had consumed had made his skin blotchy and red. His eyes were glazed with lust and drunkenness; scary in the flickering light.
Ackerley moved closer to Lindsey, his hand instantly roaming down her covered body. "Let us see if we can't produce a son at our first attempt."
Lindsey gasped as her husband swiftly shoved her nightgown up out of his way and moved on top of her, his quivering flesh moving past her soft inner thighs. She laid still, eyes wide in fear as he jabbed at her, seeking her entrance. She bit her lip to stop from crying out as his thickness roughly entered. Lindsey squeezed her eyes tightly shut, mouth clamped shut to stop from crying out at the pain, hands clutching helplessly at the sheet she lay on as Ackerley moved within her, his thrusts hard and jarring. Dear Lord, please let this joining be successful. I don't think I could take having to go through this again!
Ackerley thrust himself into his young wife with every ounce of energy and strength he possessed. Groaning, he felt the hard ache for release taunting him and thrust frantically, his back arching, until with a strangled gasp, he shuddered and collapsed on top of Lindsey.
She lay trapped beneath the bigger man, wondering if he had fainted and how long it would take him to come around if he had. He was heavy and she was only slight, there was no way she could shift him.
Ackerley suddenly retreated, rolling over to the other side of the bed and promptly fell asleep.
She glanced at him horrified. Mother was right, 'twas truly terrible! Her eyes on the rooms ceiling, she prayed again she was now with child and wouldn't have to endure the horrid act again.
* * * * *
Lindsey was woken early the next morning by the cock-a-doodle-doo of a rooster somewhere outside.
"Come on, Lindsey," Ackerley said in a sleep-roughened voice. "Time to get up."
The teen slowly sat up and gingerly climbed out of bed, feeling sore from the wedding night activity. She quickly washed up using the nearby water jug and basin, hoping to have time for a proper bath later that day. She dressed for the day in a simple tunic, nervous and unsure of what was to come.
Ackerley was waiting for her outside the bedroom. "Once I have shown you around, you are to make my breakfast," he told her. "Then, after I have left for the day, I want you to come back up here to change the sheets and make the bed."
Lindsey nodded obediently and followed after her husband. The wooden stairs were bare and needed a good scrubbing. They brought the couple down into the living area, a simple room with a large stone fireplace, two pine rocking chairs set in front of the fire and a small fraying rug. Needs a woman's touch, Lindsey thought, looking around carefully.
"This room needs a good dusting," Ackerley said. "Maybe a good scrubbing too, if you have the time." He walked through the next room, his young wife following close behind him. "The kitchen," he said needlessly. "'Tis your job to wake as soon as the rooster crows and come down to start breakfast. I have two eggs, four rashers of bacon, fried tomatoes, and two slices of fried bread. Along with some ale to wash it down. If we're out of ale, I'll have wine. Got that?"
We used to have water sweetened with honey, he has alcohol! Lindsey started to nod, only for a question to pop into her head. "How...how do you like your eggs, husband?"
Ackerley smiled. "I am glad you asked. Fried, sunny side up." His wife nodded, so he continued his lecture. "Now, listen closely because this is important. Everything is to be prepared separately. I won't have my food mixing and cooking together, understand?"
Lindsey dutifully nodded. What a nightmare! I shall have to use a number of pans, meaning more cleaning! Does it really matter if the food mixes? It never harmed me or mine!
"After breakfast, you are to clean the kitchen. I want it spotless. Go and feed the chickens, then you are to start preparing lunch for my workers and myself. You can eat once we're back at work."
Blue eyes widened in horror. Cook for his workers!
Ackerley sighed in impatience. "What?" he growled.
"Uhm...how many workers do you have?"
"Aren't you full of questions this morn."
Lindsey ducked her head obediently. "I only wish to please you, husband."
"Hmm. Ten workers, plus myself and you. Clean the kitchen again, clean the rest of the house, darn, wash clothes, whatever else it is you women do. In any sequence you see fit to do them, the time is yours. Then start on the evening meal."
"Do...do your workers join us for dinner?"
"No, they don't. They have homes to return to." Ackerley looked at her like she was the most foolish girl on earth. He sat down at the pine wood kitchen table. "When we step out, you are to wear a linen wimple to cover your hair, as well as woollen knee stockings to cover your legs. I will not have other men ogling you. You are mine, my wife, soon to be mother of my children. Now, start my breakfast, 'tis already getting late," he said dismissively.
Nodding, Lindsey looked around the kitchen, trying to work out where everything she needed could be. Hunting around, she finally found pans she could do the eggs, bacon, and tomatoes in. She then realised she had to actually go and collect some eggs and pick some tomatoes. She turned nervously to her husband. "I...I have to go and...get the eggs and tomatoes."
Ackerley rolled his eyes at her. "Fine. But be quick, I have to start working some time today. By the way, there is no bread until you make some."
"I'll make some after breakfast." The strawberry-blonde left the kitchen via the back door and went in search of the chickens, relieved to be away from Ackerley's scrutiny.
After making Ackerley's breakfast and something for herself, Lindsey walked outside to the well to collect a couple of buckets of water. She warmed the first bucketful on the stove to use for the dirty pans. The next bucket she warmed, then took through to the living room, where she started scrubbing at the grimy floor.
Returning to the kitchen once she had made good progress in the living room, Lindsey found that the water set aside for the washing up had cooled enough for her to be able to wash the many pans she had used that morn. She hurried through cleaning the pans, plates and utensils, placing everything where she could easily find them, and then prepared dough for fresh bread. With her loafs of bread in the oven, she began to prepare a beef stew for lunch. With the bread rising nicely and the stew simmering, Lindsey returned to the living room to finish scrubbing the floor. It was still early and yet she was exhausted already.
Once she finished the floor, she poured away the dirty water outside, then took the fraying rug out to beat the dust out of it, considering just leaving it out there in the courtyard. Back inside, she took the bread out of the oven to let it cool, before heading upstairs to change and make the bed. She felt sticky from sweat and she still ached from her wedding night. Wiping a hand across her fair-skinned brow, she knew the day still had many hours to go.
Inside the master bedroom, Lindsey looked down at the bloodstained sheet and shivered at the memory of the coldness of the marital act. She covered her stomach gently with one hand and wondered if a tiny life was now growing inside her. She prayed that there was, fearing having to go through the horrid ritual again. Shaking her head, Lindsey quickly set about stripping the sheets from the bed.
* * * * *
As noon approached, Ackerley's workers started drifting down to the house and sat down just outside the kitchen at an old, weather-beaten table set out especially for them. Lindsey took out a couple of jugs of sweetened water for the men, setting one at each end of the table, then returning to the house for mugs before stopping to chat amicably with them.
Seeing her husband striding towards the house, Lindsey excused herself and went back into the kitchen to begin serving up the beef stew.
Ackerley walked into the kitchen and scowled. "I told you I wanted the kitchen spotless," he grumbled, looking down at the dirty stone floor.
Lindsey turned, holding two bowls of steaming stew. "I wasn't sure what to expect come lunch time," she explained. "I thought perhaps the workers would all be coming through the kitchen and thought I would wait until afterwards to do the floor."
Seeing the girl's logic, Ackerley nodded slowly. "Now you know I expect you to clean it before I get back for lunch."
Lindsey nodded, biting back a sigh as she saw his muddy boots. "Yes, Ackerley." She moved towards the back door.
"Where are you going?"
The strawberry-blonde stopped and turned back in confusion to face her husband. "I...to serve your workers."
"I am your husband!" Ackerley snapped. "You serve me first."
Fearful of the tone in the older man's voice, Lindsey stumbled as she made her way hastily across to the table. She held her breath as she placed a bowl in front of him, watching as he lifted his spoon and dipped it in. "I...I made fresh bread," she stammered. "If you would like some?"
"See to the workers first," Ackerley replied, his attention on his food.
Lindsey hurried back and forth, as she took out bowls of stew to the patiently waiting workers. Once everyone had a bowl in front of them, she refilled her husband's bowl, then grabbed a loaf and a carving knife and placed them on the table in front of him. The other two loafs she had made went outside to the workers. Finally, Lindsey sat down to eat, just as Ackerley was finishing.
The brown-haired man sat back in his seat and patted his pot-belly. "That was delicious, Lindsey," he complimented, making the pretty teen smile. "Tell me, wife. If you weren't cleaning the kitchen this morn, what were you doing? Surely not cooking the whole time?"
Lindsey paused in eating her lunch and shook her head. "No, husband. I changed the sheets on the bed and made it fresh, I scrubbed the living room floor, and I took that old rug outside to beat the dust from it. Then, I started to wipe down the sideboards."
"Very good," Ackerley said, pleased with her so far. "I shall be home before it gets dark. Make sure dinner is ready." He kissed the top of her head, then walked out, barking orders at his men.
* * * * *
Lindsey fell into bed, exhausted after a day full of uncertainty, fear and hard work. Not knowing where anything was kept or where things went once she was done with them, her day had been stressful, to say the least. Seeing to Ackerley's demands in the hopes of making him proud and happy that he had married her had been exigent and cooking his meals the way he liked them was long and frustrating. Now, all she wanted to do was fall asleep and get a good night's rest so she could do it all again the next day.
Ackerley had other ideas. The day had been a normal working one for him, the only difference being he now had a wife to cook and clean for him, rather than having a local woman come in to do it. And, of course, a warm body to use as he wished. As Lindsey's husband, it was his right to try to impregnate her.
As Ackerley nuzzled her neck, his cold hands pawing at her body, Lindsey bit her lips to stop herself from protesting. As his wife, she was to provide him with heirs and the only way to do that was to let him have his way. Even if she really didn't want to. Feeling her nightgown raising up her hips, Lindsey closed her eyes and hoped Ackerley wouldn't take long.
* * * * *
Lindsey lethargically got up at the sound of the rooster. Into the second month of her marriage to Ackerley Meadows and she still wasn't with child, Ackerley had proved himself to have a short temper and upon discovering she had gotten her courses again, had lashed out. After the incident, she had told herself he hadn't meant it as she cleaned herself up, he had been upset and disappointed, as was she. By the time Ackerley rose and made his way downstairs, the strawberry-blonde had his breakfast frying nicely.
Left alone for the morning, Lindsey stiffly made her way to the well outside and collected a couple of buckets of water. Back inside she heated it on the stove so she could wash up the dirty dishes. Leaving the dishes to soak, she went upstairs to change and make the bed, refusing to look in her mirror at her bruised face. Heading back downstairs, Lindsey finished cleaning the dishes, then poured away the dirty water. Looking down at the floor, she wasn't sure she could manage to clean it. Her ribs throbbed painfully from the sharp kick they had received. Deciding to risk Ackerley's wrath, she set about making lunch for Ackerley and the workers.
Having been ordered not to use the good food for the workers, Lindsey had very little to choose from until her husband went into town. She finally opted for a leek soup with freshly made bread. It wasn't filling, and she knew the workers would've worked up a healthy appetite, but it's all she had to hand. Just one more reason for Ackerley to be annoyed with me!
* * * * *
Adequate time had passed, allowing the newly-weds to settle into their marriage, and Kelsey insisted the family go and see Lindsey. She'd recently been getting the feeling that not everything was right with her twin, despite their mother going on about the joys of early married life.
Odele was bursting with pride and happiness and not only wanted to see her married daughter, but desperately wanted to share their other bit of good news.
As Elden steered his horse around the house to the back courtyard, Kelsey studied the large structure, wondering if her twin was as happy as she thought she would be. Blue eyes flicked to the back door as it opened, and lit up as Kelsey smiled upon seeing her sister. She jumped down from the stationary cart and hurried towards Lindsey, her smile slipping as she spotted the dark smudge beneath her sister's right eye.
"Oh, Kelsey!" Lindsey greeted warmly, stepping away from her husband to embrace her much-missed sister. "How are you? God, I have missed you! Are you betrothed yet?"
"I am well, Lindsey, and..."
"Kelsey Marie, let me see my daughter!" Odele said as she approached.
"We shall talk later," Lindsey whispered in her sister's ear before pulling away to face their mother. "Mother, 'tis good to see you."
Odele hugged Lindsey and commented on how well she looked; avoiding the fact she had a black eye and winced when hugged tightly.
"Let us go in, shall we?" Ackerley said loudly, interrupting the family reunion and wrapping his arm around his young wife's shoulders. "I think Lindsey made some sweet bread this morn." He looked over at his staring men. "Hurry and finish, then get back to work."
Inside the house, Ackerley showed the Gardiners around his home, while Lindsey prepared plates of sweet bread and mugs of wine for the two men, and water sweetened with honey for the women. The fireplace in the living room was lit to warm the room, the two families sat down, Elden and Ackerley taking the two chairs in front of the fire, while the women sat on chairs brought in from the kitchen.
"So, Elden, what's brought you here today?" Ackerley asked, not pleased about the unannounced visit. "'Tis a working day. Is all well?"
Elden blushed, knowing it wasn't proper to intrude on people, but his wife had insisted they come. "Well, we have some news and Odele wanted to share it with Lindsey."
Lindsey's eyes landed on her father. "Really, father? What is this news?"
"At the celebration after your wedding, King Edward approached me and told me he was seeking a bride for his son," Elden started to explain, grinning as his excitement grew.
"For Prince Ripley?" Ackerley questioned in surprise. "I thought he was betrothed to Princess Luella of Spain?"
"Apparently they had a falling out," Elden said. "Anyway, he told me he was seeking an English girl and showed an interest in Kelsey."
Ackerley spewed his wine in shock. "To marry Prince Ripley!"
Elden nodded, while his wife beamed proudly. "We have been invited to the castle so the two can meet," Elden said. "I thought we would extend our invite to you and Lindsey, seeing how you are a friend of the King. And I think Kelsey would appreciate her sister's support and company."
Ackerley puffed up his chest in self-importance. "It would be good to see Edward again," he said slowly. "Yes, I think we will join you," he glanced over to his wife, who smiled in excitement. He shifted uncomfortably as he saw her black eye. "Lindsey, why don't you go and prepare your family some lunch," he said in a no-nonsense way. "I hope you will stay and join us?" he asked Elden, getting a nod in response.
After a hearty and filling lunch of smoked salmon, dried beef cuts, cheese and some almond milk to wash it down with, Lindsey suggested taking her sister on a walk around the land, wanting some alone time with her sibling. Not needing coats on a fine spring day, the two sisters set out, Lindsey leading Kelsey away from the house, not wanting anything they said to be overheard.
"He beat you!" Kelsey growled, letting her anger loose now that they were alone.
"He was upset when I got my monthly courses," Lindsey defended.
"Don't make excuses for him!" Kelsey snapped, stomping ahead. "If he failed to get you with child that is his fault, not yours!"
"I don't want to fight with you, Kelsey. I know you do not like Ackerley, and what he did was wrong, but he is my husband now." Lindsey pulled her sister to a stop and looked into blue eyes that matched her own, silently pleading for Kelsey to understand.
"And what if this continues? What if he fails to get you with child month after month, year after year?" she asked. "It happens, Lindsey. Some women go years before finally getting a child. Some go their whole lives without!"
"Don't say such a thing, Kelsey! I...I will get pregnant, I know I will, it will...just take a little more time. I need to settle here and get use to being a wife. I am sure with the amounts of times we are...joining I will be with child soon."
Kelsey felt her anger dissolve and sighed as she saw the sadness in her sister's eyes. "Is it as awful as Mildred and mother warned?" she asked quietly.
Lindsey laughed and pulled her twin into a tight embrace, hiding the tears that filled her eyes. "'Tis truly horrid!"
"Great, something for me to look forward to!" Kelsey grumbled, though a hint of a smile played along her lips.
Linking her arm through her sister's, Lindsey headed for the green pastures that were home to the cows. "Are you excited about meeting Prince Ripley?"
"I suppose," Kelsey said nonchalantly. "How often do people like us get to meet Royalty?"
"Oh, just think, Kelsey! You'll actually be a princess!" Lindsey said in delight, imagining her sister at the castle, wearing fine clothing and jewellery, and having maids and servants at her beck and call. She glanced sideways at her sister, a pale eyebrow lifted. "Aren't you happy, Kelsey?"
"Mmm," the strawberry-blonde replied non-committally, thinking again, about how she didn't want to get married.
"I have heard that the prince is quite dashing and has girls falling all over him."
Blue eyes blinked. "But there must be something wrong with him, Lindsey. He has been betrothed three times, and yet, is still available! He...he must be a brute or something! And now, no Royalty want him marrying their daughters, so I have been chosen!"
Lindsey knew the sort of man her sister was thinking of, it brought to mind Ackerley. "I suppose you shall find out soon enough, sister."