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 Five
When King Edward announced the betrothal of his only heir to a common girl, the church, as predicted, was in uproar. Outspoken nobles came out in support of the church, all agreeing that it was unacceptable for the prince to marry someone so unworthy. They argued that it was against precedence. No Royal had ever been married to anyone other than someone from their own circles. For the prince to marry a commoner, one of the people, was a disgrace and brought the country to shame.
Men whispered that the King was going mad, that he had gone soft and was losing his control. Respect for Edward dropped, many speaking out whilst in the shadows, but remaining silent in public. The Duke of Cornwall and the Marquess of Dublin stirred up their peers and friends, wanting to see the King ousted.
King Edward argued publicly that there was no shame in his son marrying a common girl of no noble blood. She was an intelligent, kind-hearted and beautiful girl, who would make a perfect Queen. Kelsey knew the struggles of normal life and could advise the prince on how to help the people. Their marriage would have the perfect balance, Ripley knew of the royal duties and ways of court, while Kelsey knew of the commoners' every day lives and struggles, their complaints and worries. Surely only good would come from their union.
The people quickly sided with the King, wanting changes to the way they were living and hoping that this common girl could help them, their children and future generations. Of course, what they didn't know was that the King didn't mean any of his words. Edward wanted Ripley married off and Kelsey had been his choice. The King expected his heir to continue ruling his way - with an iron fist. Edward didn't expect anything to change. The people were there to serve him, they worked his land and paid his taxes, that wasn't going to change, no matter what. They would never be equals.
Ripley felt terrible. She watched and listened as the arguments flew back and forth, knowing she was doing the wrong thing; knowing her father meant none of the words his advisers had written for him. She kept tabs on who was against her father so strongly, knowing they would have to be watched. The disapproval from the church had been expected, the disapproval of so many nobles hadn't. Ripley couldn't help but think of Kelsey and what she was doing to the pretty strawberry-blonde. The Gardiners had been thrown to the proverbial lions and were under constant scrutiny.
With advisers talking around her non-stop, Chesney and her father adding their thoughts and advice, Ripley knew she couldn't back out. Too much attention had come to the wedding and now...now she had no choice but to go through with it. Otherwise, the church and the many nobles who had opposed the marriage would sing of victory. Though she was smart enough to realise her father had been right about one thing - Kelsey would make a good Queen and would be able to help the common people.
* * * * *
Returning home after their visit to the castle, Lindsey was quickly reminded of her station in life with Ackerley. At the castle, she had only to ask one of the maids or servants and her wishes were seen to; now back at home, she was Ackerley's servant. At the castle, she had no chores to see to and while Ackerley was getting drunk and entertaining the noble men with boastful stories, she'd had plenty of free time. Time to pretend she wasn't Ackerley's wife, time to fantasize about a different life with a different man. In the privacy of their own home, Ackerley was quick to raise his hand to her, was quick to lash out with his fist if she displeased him, reminding her of his power over her, of his right as her husband.
On the brink of winter, Ackerley remained at the house more and more, much to Lindsey's dismay. She hadn't realised how much she had come to treasure the alone time she got during the day, until it was taken from her.
They had been home a week and today she had opted to make a simple leek soup for lunch. Ackerley hadn't been pleased. He had screamed and shouted at her that a man needed a proper meal to keep him going. After a few swift punches to her sides, he had stormed out and left her lying on the cold kitchen floor.
Her sides aching from the beating they had taken, Lindsey moved slowly around the house as she tried to do her chores, careful of each step she took, of each breath she sucked in, of how she bent or knelt to do something. She had understood and forgiven him the first time he had raised his fists to her. Just after their wedding when she had gotten her courses, she had been disappointed too. But today, all she had done was make a soup he had decided he didn't want. Whatever next? I forget to do one of the many chores he listed for me? I sew a button on his shirt wrong? She bent cautiously to get the freshly made bread out of the oven and gasped aloud, upon feeling hands on her slim hips.
"Mmm, my wife," Ackerley hummed. "It smells good in here." He pulled her back against him. "And you feel so good, too."
Lindsey cringed upon feeling his hardening desire, knowing what was in store for that evening. She squeezed her eyes shut at the thought of his heavy body on top of her bruised one, grunting and sweating, a big hand gripping her hair tightly to hold her still while he took his pleasure and tried to impregnate her. She wished for a babe as much as he did, purely because then he would stop his ravaging of her. "Wash up now, husband," she said in a light tone, surprised she sounded so calm. "I'm just about to serve up lunch."
Ackerley pressed his lips against her neck and wandered away, missing her cringe.
Not much longer until Advent, then he cannot take his pleasure with me, Lindsey thought, quickly calculating how many more weeks that was. Sex was forbidden when a woman was menstruating, pregnant, or nursing. Also during Lent, Advent, Whitsun Week and Easter week, as well as during the day, if the couple were naked, and if they weren't doing it for reproductive reasons.
Filling a large bowl for Ackerley, Lindsey set about filling smaller bowls for his workers and cutting each of them some bread to mop up with. Hurrying back and forth until each man had a bowl in front of him, Lindsey finally saw to herself and sat down opposite Ackerley to eat.
"I can't believe the fuss the King has caused," Ackerley said, catching his young wife's attention.
The argument over Prince Ripley's betrothal to Kelsey raged on and would do all through winter. It was talked of in taverns, in church, by women doing their washing or collecting water. King Edward had predicted this and told Elden that the couple would have a spring wedding, no matter what the church said. The King had his mind set and there would be no changing it.
Blue eyes glanced across the table, knowing from his tone Ackerley was looking for a fight. He never talked to her of politics or business, he barely spoke to her at all, unless he needed his clothes washing or darning, or he was going into town and wanted a list from her.
"Why he has picked your sister, I'll never know."
"Why? What's wrong with Kelsey?" Lindsey questioned, knowing she shouldn't, but unable to help herself.
"She is a common girl, she knows nothing of the court's ways," Ackerley chuckled, looking at Lindsey as though she were simple.
Like you do? she thought sarcastically. "I think they make a lovely match. They look good together, they are both intelligent, and as the King himself said, they have both grown up in different worlds and can provide a different take on the world."
Ackerley laughed loudly. "That is why you women aren't around to think! A future King needs a suitable wife, and your sister isn't it. I am quite on the side of the church and opposing nobles."
"Surely you shall prosper from this union though, husband. Kelsey is my sister, and you as my husband will surely be asked to provide the meat for their wedding, won't you?"
Ackerley blinked across at her. "I never thought of that, girl. Perhaps you are right, because we are related to your sister, it will be the right thing to ask me to provide the meat for the elaborate meal that will be put on for the many guests who are sure to be there." The brown-haired man smiled, his face thoughtful. "Perhaps I will write to the King and suggest it."
* * * * *
Lindsey squeezed her eyes shut in pain and bit her lip to stop from crying out as Ackerley's hand tightened its grip on her hair. His heavy body on top of her, each hard jarring thrust, his hot panting near her ear, all of it made her want to cringe and shy away from him. It wasn't so bad if he had been drinking. If he had been drinking, it didn't take too long, the joining over almost as quickly as it began. But if he wasn't intoxicated, it went on endlessly. His grip on her, his thrusts into her, becoming more painful the more frustrated he got.
This bed will soon need replacing, Lindsey thought as she stared up at the cracked ceiling, listening to the creak, creak, creaking of the shared bed. It was simple and cheap and couldn't take the combined weight of her and her ever-growing husband. Lindsey could swear Ackerley was twice as big in weight as he had been when they married. She feared for her safety if he got much bigger. I can barely stand to have him on me now! Ackerley started groaning, his movements frantic, face red and blotchy. Lindsey bit back a sigh of relief when he finally finished and moved off her.
As Ackerley rolled onto his side away from her, Lindsey reached down to straighten her nightgown and sighed softly. Dear Lord, I know you must be growing weary of this plea I give each time Ackerley has...done the deed. But please, let me be with child this time! Weary from a long day, her sides aching from the beating and now throbbing from having Ackerley on top of her, Lindsey fell into a restless sleep.
* * * * *
When winter came, it brought with it heavy snowfalls and an icy chill. Ackerley had fully stocked the pantry and larder and the animals had been moved inside the barn and stable. He had cut down his work force, not needing quite so many men during the long winter months. His fields were buried under snow and could remain that way until warmer weather returned.
He spent his days in front of the roaring fireplace in the living room, getting slowly drunk on his stock of wine and cider. His mood was dark as, once again, Lindsey got her courses and it was made worse whenever someone called at his home, only to talk of Kelsey being betrothed to Prince Ripley. He hated that he wasn't the reason they came calling, hated that it wasn't his business and his meat people were talking about, it was always questions about how the couple met, why Kelsey had been chosen, how did he feel being related to someone who was soon to be Royalty. He took his dark moods out on Lindsey.
Lindsey had grown used to walking around on eggshells. Sometimes she didn't even have to speak and she still got a beating. She tried to stay out of Ackerley's way, tried to quickly do everything he barked at her, but sometimes he beat her just because he could. Today, she could feel an argument brewing, the air in the house thick with tension.
They were seated at the kitchen table, quietly eating a full roast dinner Lindsey had prepared for lunch. The few men who still worked for Ackerley were seated outside in the freezing cold, Ackerley refusing to let them into the house, though it was winter.
"What the King and his son see in your sister, I'll never know," Ackerley grumbled, picking up his mug of wine. "She is a no one, probably a useless no one at that! A woman's role is to provide her husband with heirs, something you're having trouble doing."
After days of Ackerley's sniping, being shouted at, being criticized, Lindsey snapped. "Have you thought perhaps that 'tis not my fault, husband?" She regretted it the moment the words left her mouth.
Ackerley stood so forcibly his chair went skidding back across the kitchen before clattering loudly to the floor. He swiped the table out of his way, the plates and cutlery going flying, leaving Lindsey sitting wide-eyed in her chair, looking up at the big man who towered above her. She screamed and begged as his large hand clamped around her hair and tugged her from her seat, dragging her out of the kitchen and into the living room, away from prying eyes and listening ears of the men outside.
Ackerley beat her severely. Punching and kicking her in his fury, his fists rained down upon her slight frame, ignoring her cries for mercy and whimpers of pain. He didn't care where he hit her, usually so careful about hitting her in places where a bruise wouldn't be seen, today he just didn't care.
When it was over, Ackerley stood up straight and calmly walked over to his chair. He sat down in front of the burning fire and waited for Lindsey to return to consciousness. Brown eyes on the dancing flames, not watching her, as she didn't move a muscle, not seeing the blood that seeped from between her legs as well as from other cuts and grazes.
Lindsey felt a great pain in her lower stomach as she slowly started to come around, she couldn't stop her loud gasps for breath, or the short cries that escaped her lips as the pain within intensified. Swollen eyes looked to where Ackerley sat, his attention finally coming her way.
"Get up, woman," he said in an even tone. "You had it coming, you can't argue with that."
"Ackerley, please!" Lindsey gasped, her hands flying to her stomach as she tried to move and caused herself more pain. "Something is wrong! Please, call for a doctor!"
"Don't talk rubbish, girl. I barely touched you. Get up and get on with your chores, before I give you another beating for disobeying me!"
"Look, husband. Look at the blood!" she cried out in panic.
Ackerley's cold, brown eyes drifted down her body to her legs, frowning as he saw the spreading flower of a blood patch. He jumped from his chair and hurried through to the kitchen, yanking the back door open to yell for one of his men. He sent the small man running for the town doctor before he returned to Lindsey's side. With a sudden gentleness, Ackerley lifted his wife into his arms and carried her upstairs to their bed, getting her comfortable before returning downstairs to await the doctor.
He paced back and forth, eyes drawn to the patch of blood that had stained the wood floor of the living room. He knew she wouldn't say anything, wouldn't blame him in any way. Even if she did, no one would take notice of her complaints. It was a man's right to treat his wife how he saw fit. A home was a man's castle, and if he felt his wife wasn't doing a good job on the upkeep, he could teach her the right way. Ackerley wrung his hands, a feeling of sickness settling in his stomach as he studied the blood patch, wondering if this time he had done real damage. Hurrying through to the kitchen, the big man grabbed the bucket of water Lindsey had stored for later use and the scrubbing brush. Back in the living room and down on his knees, Ackerley began frantically scrubbing at the stain, trying to wash away his sin. He could hear Lindsey upstairs whimpering and moaning in pain and realised that perhaps this time he had gone too far.
* * * * *
Dallin Parson had been a doctor for many years. He had seen many things and turned a blind eye to most of them. Lindsey's case was one of them. Ackerley was her husband, and if he saw fit to beat her that was his business. The scared young girl informed the doctor she had slipped and fallen down the stairs. Dallin had heard that excuse many times. As she nervously rambled on about being clumsy, he did his examination. His hands ran along her sides, checking for broken rib bones. Lindsey only flinched slightly and he concluded that there was nothing broken. It was only when he pressed against her stomach that the girl cried out in true pain.
Pulling the covers off the bed completely, he felt his chest tighten in sympathy as he saw the blood between her legs, knowing instantly what the problem was. Under Lindsey's wide-eyed gaze, Dallin spread her legs and pushed up her skirts, talking softly to her as he examined her intimately.
"Doctor, what is it? What's wrong with me? Am I dying?"
Satisfied that he had done all he could, Dallin walked over to the side of the room and started cleaning up. "Mrs. Meadows, your...fall caused you to miscarry."
"Mis-...miscarry? I...was with child?" Lindsey gasped, a bruised hand settling on her flat stomach.
"Yes. I'm sorry for your loss."
Lindsey looked away from her stomach and over to the doctor. "Will I be able to...conceive again?" she asked in a small, scared voice.
"Throughout my career I have known women to miscarry, then go on to have many children. Don't worry, Mrs. Meadows. I am sure the good Lord will see fit to bless you again." Dallin dried off his hands and gathered his small black bag, ready to leave. "It is important that you get plenty of rest, your body has been though a terrible shock and needs to recover." He smiled sadly, knowing this wasn't the only visit he would be making to see her. Men like Ackerley shouldn't be allowed to marry, he thought angrily. Look at this poor young girl, does she deserve this? Does she deserve to live a life with Ackerley who I know is a no good swine? "Also I...I wouldn't recommend joining with your husband. Not for a few weeks. It will likely cause you great pain and could do more damage."
"Doctor," Lindsey called out as Dallin headed for the bedroom door. "May I...ask something of you?"
He looked over at the young woman propped up in the double bed. "Don't worry, my dear. I shall tell no one I have seen you. What you tell them is your decision."
"Thank you, but...I uhm...I wanted to request that you don't tell my husband...about the babe I have...lost."
The elderly doctor saw the sudden fear in gentle blue eyes and cursed the Lord for allowing such a sweet girl into Ackerley's clutches. "Of course not. Good day, Mrs. Meadows."
Lindsey closed her stinging eyes as she heard the doctor's footsteps on the stairs. A child! I was with child and he...he beat it from me! Her heart paused as she heard the heavy tread of Ackerley's step coming up the stairs. She hurriedly wiped her eyes and made sure she looked presentable.
"Lindsey? Are you...is everything all right, my wife?" Ackerley asked as he stepped into their bedroom.
"I...have a request, husband," she said meekly. "I wish to return home to my family so that I may recover. The doctor said I need plenty of rest."
Ackerley scowled at her. "You can get rest here."
"I won't be able to clean up the house, or cook your meals, Ackerley. I need complete rest so I can recover."
"Who will cook and clean then? What about my men?" he growled, making her flinch.
"I don't know," Lindsey whispered, suddenly afraid he was going to hit her again. "I am just telling you what the doctor told me." Seeing a chance to escape, she looked him in the eye. "If you want me to produce an heir for you, husband, I must rest and have peace. I can get that with my family. My mother and my sister will be around to look after me."
Not liking this at all, Ackerley growled and stomped over to the window. "How long do you think you'll be gone?"
"The worst of winter is yet to come. I think I should stay throughout winter," Lindsey suggested. "You surely don't want me travelling back here in such harsh conditions? What if some tragedy was to occur?"
Ackerley remained quiet for a long time, his gaze outside. She is my wife and she wants to flee! I will have to pay someone to come in and cook and clean, I will have no one to share the bed with...though...I could always take a trip into town. "Very well," he finally conceded. "But you can't leave until I have brought someone in to do your chores around here, I won't go hungry just because you wish for an escape." With that said, the big-built man turned and stomped from the room.
Lindsey sighed in relief, tears welling up in her eyes. I am so afraid of him! Kelsey was right all along, I shouldn't have married him! But I did and now I am stuck with him as his punching bag.
* * * * *
A week passed and finally Ackerley realised Lindsey was of no use to him. She remained in bed for much of the day sleeping, she couldn't bend without pain, couldn't lift a pail of water even, and at night, she refused his attention, telling him what the doctor had said. He allowed her to leave to return to her family, while one of the men who worked for him brought along his wife to do what needed doing.
Lindsey was nervous and afraid of how her family would react to her arrival. Mainly Kelsey's reaction. Most of her bruises had faded, those that remained were a nasty yellow colour and stood out against her pale skin and she knew her sister would notice them right away.
The ride was bumpy along the uneven dirt path, the cart wobbling this way and that and jarring her still sore body. The weather was cold, winter having set in, and she was wrapped up in warm clothes, with a thick blanket across her legs. Snow had fallen that morn, a good few inches that had settled on the ground. The clouds above threatened more and Lindsey hoped she was home before it fell.
As her family home came into view, Lindsey felt an invisible but heavy weight lift from her shoulders, a smile curling her lips. No matter what their reaction was, she was still glad to be there, glad to have some peace from Ackerley, glad she could relax and not fear a black mood. Stopping the horse at the front door, Lindsey jumped down from the cart and hurried over to knock on the door.
Odele, who had been busy cleaning her small home, opened the front door expecting one of the town's women. She blinked and blinked again as her eyes settled on her daughter standing on the front step wrapped in a wool blanket. "Lindsey!" she exclaimed in surprise.
"Hello, mother." The strawberry-blonde grinned, immensely pleased to see Odele and wanting to hug the woman tightly to her.
"Girl, get in here, 'tis freezing out!" Odele reached out to grab Lindsey, only for her daughter to step back.
"I have to get the horse settled first, mother. I just wanted to knock and let you know I was here."
Odele looked over Lindsey's shoulder at the cart, her brow furrowing. "Where's Ackerley? Lord above, you haven't...run off, have you?"
Sighing, Lindsey shook her head. "Let me get the horse seen to, mother, then I shall tell all." She made her way back to the horse and led the brown mare around the side of the house, heading for the barn. She is worried I have left Ackerley and what shame that would bring to the family! Never mind the fact that he beats me! Or that he drinks far too much! Or that he goes into town and...cavorts with the whores who reside there! Walking into the barn, she started to see to the horse, wanting to get her settled for the night before going inside to face her mother and her many questions.
"Lindsey! I can't believe you're here without Ackerley!" Kelsey said aloud as she burst into the barn. She spun her twin around and hugged her fiercely in happiness. "Something's happened, hasn't it? You wouldn't be here without him if it hadn't. I don't suppose you've..." she trailed off as she pulled back from their embrace and saw the fading bruises. "Oh, Linds! What has he done?"
The softness of her sister's tone, the tenderness in her eyes, brought all her pent up emotion bubbling to the surface. With a strangled sob, Lindsey clutched at Kelsey, who held her as she wept. As Kelsey made soothing sounds and stroked her back in soothing circles, Lindsey cried out all her hurt, her loss of the child she hadn't known she was carrying, the impossible situation she was in, and the fact that there was nothing she could do, she had married him and that was that.
As her sister's sobs finally turned to hiccups and sniffs, Kelsey pulled back to look into watery blue eyes. "Oh, Lindsey, what is it? What has happened to upset you so?" she asked gently, unable to remember a time her twin had ever been so distraught.
"I...he...oh, Kelsey!" Fresh tears filled her eyes and quickly fell down her cheeks.
"He beat you," Kelsey stated. "That much is obvious. But...I knew he raised his hand to you when I saw you with that black eye you had a few weeks back."
"He...he has been in a constant foul mood for a while now," Lindsey started, wiping her eyes. "He spends his days drinking in front of the fire while I go about my chores. He...gets moody when I get my courses, and lately, with your betrothal to His Royal Highness, he is even worse. I think...I think he is jealous. We get people knocking on the door wanting to talk of the news and of the discussions going on about it." Lindsey let out a shaky breath, feeling all trembly. "He likes to try and start an argument, looking for an excuse to hit me," she confessed. "He...wondered aloud what King Edward and Prince Ripley had seen in you, calling you a no one, a useless no one. 'A woman's role is to provide her husband with heirs, something you're having trouble doing,' he said. I...I don't know what possessed me to answer him back, but I...snapped." Blue eyes looked into the similar eyes of her twin. "Days of being shouted at, mocked, criticized, I just...snapped. I blamed him. I suggested that it wasn't my fault I wasn't with child."
"And he beat you," Kelsey said, knowing the answer, having the evidence in front of her. "Damn him! And damn the day he laid eyes on you!"
"Kelsey, I..." tears welled up in her eyes again, a deep sadness filling her, "he beat me so badly, Kelsey, I hurt so much."
Heart aching for her sister, Kelsey wrapped Lindsey tightly in her arms, rocking her as she tried to sort her jumbled thoughts.
"There was blood, so much blood! I...I asked him for the doctor."
"Lord above, Lindsey! Did he...did he do serious damage to you? Are you all right?"
"I was with child," Lindsey whispered quietly. "He beat it from me, Kelsey. I didn't know! I didn't know! The doctor...'twas only when he told me I had lost it, that I found out!"
"Oh, Lindsey! I'm sorry, so, so sorry!" She held her sister as Lindsey started crying again, understanding her sister's grief, and having a good idea why she had turned up back home.
"Girls?" Odele called out. "Girls, are you coming in? I have some warm cider waiting."
"Let me answer her, or otherwise she'll come hunt us down," Kelsey said. She untangled herself from her sister and stood up, walking over to the barn door. "We'll be there in a moment, mother. We're just catching up privately." With that said, she walked back to Lindsey, who was trying to compose herself.
Lindsey looked up at her sister and smiled weakly. "He doesn't know," she said quietly. "I didn't tell him and asked that the doctor didn't inform him. Perhaps I should have? Torment him a little?" She shook her head. "Doesn't matter now."
Kelsey offered Lindsey a hand up. "You...can still have children? He didn't do...damage, did he?"
"The doctor said I would be fine, I just need plenty of rest and peace." Lindsey chuckled. "'Tis why I am here." She looped her arm through her sister's. "We have two weeks to talk about your upcoming wedding, your idea on a dress, and your thoughts on how good the prince will be in bed."
"Lindsey!" Kelsey gasped, while her sister laughed.
"Oh, yes, and two weeks for me to tease you mercilessly!"
The girls left the barn and headed towards the house, they could hear their father in his workshop, banging away at something that was sure to be masterpiece. The odd flake of snow drifted down from above, melting quickly, only to be followed by another.
"I am sure we shall have a good downfall tonight," Lindsey mused. "The sky has been ominous all day." She glanced at her sister and smiled, so happy to be there with her. "So, tell me sister, have you heard anything from the castle?"
Kelsey walked into the kitchen, Lindsey releasing her arm, and took a seat at the table where her mother was seated. "We have heard from the castle," she replied. "The King has insisted I work with a seamstress to make my dress."
"Oh, how wonderful!" Lindsey exclaimed as she took a seat and wrapped her chilled hands around a warm mug of cider.
"She is to have the finest of materials," Odele said proudly, looking at her two daughters. "My girls! My two beautiful babies! One married to a wealthy, successful businessman, and one soon to be married to a prince! I am so very proud!"
The sisters looked at each other, it wasn't rosy, even if their mother liked to pretend it was.
"So, uhm..." Lindsey sipped at her drink, warming up inside. "The wedding is still on then?"
Kelsey nodded. "Despite all the protests, yes. The King is quite...adamant." She frowned as she started wondering why again, why her, why did he insist the wedding would go ahead with or without the churches approval, why a common girl in the first place.
"You haven't heard from Ripley?"
"No she hasn't," Odele spoke up. "A shame really, can you imagine the stir it would cause if he were to turn up here! Ohhh, how the neighbours would talk!"
Kelsey rolled her eyes and stood, drink in hand. "Lindsey, let us go and catch up in the bedroom. I have missed you so." She looked at Odele, who was frowning. "Mother, I shall catch up with my chores tomorrow. And I am sure you would like to cook a wonderful meal for Lindsey's homecoming, you don't want us under your feet."
Odele brightened at the thought of preparing something special. "What an idea! You're right, off you go, girls. I don't want you in my way."
Laughing, the two sisters made their way to what had been their shared bedroom. Lindsey set her drink down on top of the chest of drawers and looked around. Nothing much had changed, except all her things were missing from where they had been. Sighing sadly, Lindsey took a seat on the end of the bed. If only I could go back. Go back and not marry Ackerley!
"Isn't home so different from the castle?" Kelsey said, interrupting Lindsey's melancholy thoughts. "I noticed it as soon as we got back. The difference in how the rich live to how we live...there is such a gap! They worry about nothing and yet here we are struggling to survive!"
Lindsey smiled kindly. "If the King is to be believed, you and Ripley will change all that. You two are going to work for the people."
Kelsey frowned. "Perhaps. How do I know Ripley won't be like..." she trailed off, wide blue eyes flying up to her sister's face. "I'm...sorry! I didn't mean..."
Lindsey reached out and covered her sister's arm with a hand. "Kelsey, 'tis okay. I am not the foolish innocent I was; I will not defend him to you any more. Unfortunately, Ripley may well be like Ackerley, I pray that he isn't. And, to be honest with you, I don't think he is." She smiled. "He was so charming with us, and when the group of us went out for that picnic, he teased his friend as well as graciously taking the jesting from Hudson."
Kelsey laughed in tickled delight. "Oh, Hudson, is it? Not Mr. Darnley? Or that nice man?"
Lindsey blushed. "Leave me be, sister. I am a married woman."
"But if you weren't..."
"If I weren't...well, that would be different!" Lindsey laughed. "I think Hudson..." she stuck her tongue out, "...and Prince Ripley are both gentlemen, who know how to treat a woman. I think you and the prince will change this country for the best."
"I think...we shall see about that."