Healed Wounds - Open

[TheNiteSiren]

The sound of horse hooves click clacked among the cobblestone road as they traveled towards the house her intended. Bundled in a poor excuse for a cloak and bonnet, Josephine De Gent sat across from her father, Thomas. The ride was a long and quiet one since neither had anything to say to one another. Josey couldn't help but think back to when she had been the apple of her mother's eye. Her father had never been an attentive father. To be honest, he was disappointed that his wife never bore him a son. She had been close to four years old when her mother mysteriously disappeared. The rumors were that Martina De Gent had run off with a lover but the truth was far more sinister. Her father had caught her trying to leave him after numerous beatings and killed her.

Ever since then he had treated her like some common servant. Josey worked along side the others in their household, her fingers cracked from long hours of housework. Her only reprieve from her father's beatings were when she snuck into the library late at night. The stories in those leather bindings took her away from her misery, showed her another world where a happy ending was waiting. But Josey knew that there was no such ending waiting for her. This was reality and she had to face the fate that her father had chosen for her.

Logan Tremayne was rarely seen outside his grand home but he had sent his inquisitors out to find him a wife a few months ago. His reputation wasn't exactly what would make mothers entrust him with their daughters. It was said that he had been a professional soldier for hire, a mercenary that had earned his fortune by the blood of others. Josey had no idea what was fact and what was rumor but it mattered not. It had no effect on what was to happen. Her father was a money hungry monster that had sold her to Tremayne for enough money to set him up for life. The contract had already been drawn up and the wedding date set.

She still bore the bruises of the last beating her father had bestowed on her. It was to 'remind her of her place' according to him. Josey wanted to cry but she had run out of tears long ago. The carriage slowly came to a stop and she knew that they had gotten to their destination. There was a sickening pit in her stomach tha threatened to expell what little she had eaten earlier that morning. In her simple dark pink frock, Josephine waited as her father got out first. Benjamin,their footman, helped her out of the carriage as he father completely disregarded her and went to the door of the home.

 

[mrmidnite76]

The servant answered the door as a heavy knock fell against it. The cloaked man asked for Mr.Tremayne. "Please come inside" the servant answered. "I will retrieve Mr.Tremayne immediately."

The servant ddisappeared down the corridor and soin heavy footfalls were heard approaching. The man of th house approached Thomas eyeing him warily. He extended his hand to him. "I am Logan Tremayne, sir. What may I ask, do I owe this honor?"

He waited patiently as Thomas eyed him seeing the powder pistol hanging from his hip."i have come to deliver you your quarry Mr.Tremayne."

A smile spread across Logan's face. "Pray tell, why did you not speak of this sooner? Come, let me see what awaits." Logan gripped Thomas by the arm as he led him back towards the door and the servant pulled it open. He led Thomas out the door and pushed him.down a step before releasing his arm. "Now Mr. de Gent, introduce me to my bounty if you would please sir."

 

[TheNiteSiren]

Josephine knew better than to interrupt her father. It was a quick way to getting a black eye. Thomas turned towards her. "Come on, you git. The man wishes to meet you." Quickly she came forward and was momentarily shocked at how handsome her host was. He was properly polished but to a trained eye, you could see the roughness behind it. There were the tiniest hints of a scar near one eye. Those eyes. Josey had seen such eyes before. These were the eyes of someone who had seen great violence in his lifetime and given it just as much. He was dangerous."This is my daughter, Josephine."

Josey curtsied, remaining silent until spoken to. "I know she is not much to look at but she is of a tough sort, I assure you." That comment was rather hurtful but it was what she had come to expect from her father. "She has completed her education and can manage a household." It was as she feared. He was selling her into slavery but only under another guise. This time there would be no blood connection to play on his sentimentality when this man beat her. Josey pulled the cloak closer around her small body, hoping to hide the bruises on her neck.

There was a little shock of panic in her eyes when one of the servants took her cloak from her. Thankfully she had remembered to wear her chestnut locks down for the duration of this journey. Thomas poked her forward. "Speak, child or the man might figure you for deaf and dumb." She nodded nervously but still would not look the older man in the eye. "It is very nice to meet you, Mr. Tremayne." Her voice was small but very feminine, soft and sweet. At one time, she used to sing to the infant children of the other servants until her older sister had caught her. Sophia was always a bitter person and had claimed Josey's loud bantering had given her a headache.

For upsetting his precious first born daughter, Thomas had given her the lash. At least here she would not have the pain of her own family's betrayal. Josey dared to look up at her soon to be fiancee and thought she saw something in his eyes. She could swear she saw sympathy in those eyes but Josey refused to believe it. Men were all the same and to give one your heart or trust was the greatest folly a woman could commit.

 

[mrmidnite76]

Logan walked slowly down the steps as Thomas made his way to the carriage. He could make out a silhouette through the door but waited to see more of what he had paid for. As Thomas beckoned and she stepped from her ride, Logan watched her dark hair fall around her even as she kept her cloak pulled tightly.

He raised a hand for one if the servants to come down and take her cloak from her. As the servant came down the steps, Logan raised his arm to stop her and cast a sharp glare towards Thomas as he spoke so unkindly of his own flesh and blood. Then he turned his head back to Josephine and nodded at her in return for her curtsy.

Again, Logan motioned for the servant to continue with her required duty. She removed the cloak from Josephine's shoulders and watched as a gimpse of fear flashed across her face. As Thomas began to push her forward with more disdain in his voice, Logan again raised his hand to stop both of them and stepped towards her as he did so.

He smiled at her as she finally spoke and reached out for her hand. He took it and raised it to his face and placed a small kiss on top of her hand. He dropped her hand and her hair swayed away from her face for a moment. In that short time, Logan thought he saw brownish tints around her neck. He raised his hand swiftly and pushed her hair back revealing bruises then he moved his hand to the other side and saw even more bruises on that side.

He was sure Josephine caught the glimpse of anger flash across his face and he raised his hand and placed it on her cheek. "My dear lady, I am deeply sorry for your past. You shall see change in your near future." He reached and gripped her shoulders and lightly pushed her to the side as he stepped around her to face Thomas.

He lowered his voice as it brimmed with anger. "Mr. de Gent, you have delivered on.your promise. Now your task is completed and I see what can happen under your hands. Look once more at your daughter as you ride away, for the atrocities I see inflicted upon her causes me to give you this warning. Turn and go. Never return. Or the fate which will befall you, none other has ever seen."

 

[TheNiteSiren]

Josephine felt a little flutter in her heart when his lips graced her knuckles. At first she wasn't sure what had caught his attention until he pushed her hair back. The bruises were hard to miss on someone with such fair skin. Josey struggled not to flinch away when he touched her cheek. There were unshed tears in her brown eyes. His promises came easily enough but she would not hold out much hope that he would keep them.

Thomas was a little appalled by his treatment but for the price he had received, he could afford to be hunble. The girl was always a bother anyway. Josey didn't know what to make of him. Trust was not something she gave easily, not after the life she had led. Her meager belongings were taken and placed inside the posh estate. Josey watched as her father turned and walked out of her life. Part of her wanted to stop him, to ask why he had deemed her unworthy of his love.

As usual she stayed silent as he exited. Once the servants had left themselves, Josey finally spoke. "I am unsure as to what you want from me. As you can see, I do not come from the kindest of backgrounds. Whatever promises you make, I will not hold you to. You have done my family a service and I shall do my duty as was agreed upon. But do not expect my trust so easily." If she had spoke thus to her father, the man would have surely beaten her severely. Josey was an honest girl and she had no more dreams left to shatter.

His sweet words and tender touch had made her let down her guard for a moment but that moment was gone. Her only real hope was that he would allow her to bear him children and be done with her. Josey had always wanted to be a mother. She had wanted to be the parent that she had never had. It was all she really had left to dream of. "May I see where I shall be staying until the wedding?"

 

[mrmidnite76]

Logan watched as Thomas climbed aboard his carriage and began to pull away. He kept his back turned to Josephine until he watched th carriage disappear through the gates of his estate. Satisfied that went well and he was sure he made his point well known to de Gent, he took a deep breath to relax himself and turned back around to Josephine.

As he stepped up to her, he ordered the servants to carry her belongings to the top floor and wait further instructions. "Ms. de Gent here will pick her room and tell you in which to place her belongings. You shall regard any orders she may give as if they have come directly from me."

He turned towards Josey as she began to express her concern and he stood waiting with his hands clasped behind his back. Once she finished speaking, he looked at her with a smile. "My dear, what I want from you is nothing more than you already know. I am sure my reputation and background precedes me just as yours does but we will speak no more of those matters for now.On the matter of any promises I make, I hold myself in higher regards than to speak such things I do not mean. Your only duty is to one day be my wife and your trust will come in time. I am sure of it."

He turned and stepped up onto the first step as she asked to see where she will be staying. He turned and outstretched his hand to her. She took it and he pulled her hand up into the bend of his elbow as he walked her up the steps. He led her inside the expansive hall and up to the bottom step of the grand staircase. "They await you Josey. Please make yourself at home." He pointed to the upper landing and watched as she slowly climbed the stairs.

 

[TheNiteSiren]

Josey had indeed learned much of his reputation since the announcement of their nuptials. It was hard to judge by that alone especially considering that her father had a reputation as a kind benefactor, something that she knew to be false. There was a small sense of guilt stirring within her at condemning this man for her father's sins. It wasn't very christian of her. "Forgive my bluntness. I do not mean to offend." The apology was in earnest which was why she allowed him to touch her. Josey always had problems allowing such things. It was hard not to when the only touch you knew had been hurtful.

One by one she went through the grandest of rooms but it was among the last where she found one to her liking. It was a simple room decorated in dark cherrywood furniture, warm colors and a large bookshelf. Josephine adored to read even though it had to be done late at night when no one was about. There were a few hidden away among her things but not many. "This shall do nicely." As polite as ever, Josey thanked the servants as they came back and forth with her trunks.

Once everything was in it's proper place, she noticed her betrothed at the door. Again she felt that slight flutter in her breast at the sight of him. Josey had never had a beau before, never being allowed to be courted. She had been kissed once or twice but mainly by young men who were just an inexperienced as she. She found herself wondering what went on inside that head of his. "Your people are very efficient." An odd blush crept into her cheeks once she realized that she had been staring at him so blatantly.

Her stomach made a very apparent grumble which made her rosey blush worsen. "It was a long ride and my father wanted to make haste in getting here." It also had been ages since Josey had been fed anything resembling a decent meal. "Would you dine with me, Logan?" It was the first time she had dared to speak his given name without permission. Every instinct told her she would be reprimanded. When it didn't come, she sighed in relief.

 

[mrmidnite76]

Logan had followed Josey up the staircase as she made her way to the upper rooms. He watched with slight humor as she entered every room and found something she liked about each one but was never fully taken. He stayed far enough behind her as to not intrude upon her decision making as he wished for her to remain happy within this house.

She had chosen her room and as the last of the servants had placed her belongings inside and left, Logan stepped into the doorway and watched as she ran her fingers across the bookshelf and the spines of the books. As she turned and spoke of the service given her, he smiled and nodded. "Yes, they are very efficient. They know my rules and wishes and each one takes particular care in seeing that their tasks are handled quickly."

As he spoke, he stepped further into the room and made his way over to the bookshelf. He raised a hand and ran it over a few of the books. As he did so and never turning his head, he spoke again. "You seem to enjoy literature as much as I." He turned his head to look at her over his shoulder. "This is but a sample. I will show you to my library on the lower floor at a later time. Any questions, feel free to ask. I have read each book within these walls."

He was making his way back across the room when he heard the growl in her stomach and she asked if he would dine with her. He stopped and looked at her. "Ahh dear Josephine, I would actually ask if you would if you would dine with me.You'll never feel the pangs of hunger again. I will remove myself for you to freshen up and once you are ready, one of the servants will be positioned to lead you to the dining hall. I will ready myself and be waiting."

With that he walked out of the room and pulled the door closed behind him.

 

[TheNiteSiren]

Josey did enjoy her books. "It was so easy for me to get lost in those stories." Her voice reflected the pain of a life never really lived, one that only knew pain. She brightened at the mention of a library, a small smile illuminating her face. "I would like that very much." His nearness made her feel warm, almost safe but Josey didn't want to trust it. People always seemed nice at first and then the mask would fall away to reveal the monsters within. "I will be there shortly."

As he exited, a small redhead entered. The woman looked to be in her mid-forties with bright blue eyes that were framed with laugh lines. She looked like someone who enjoyed her life. "Hello, dear. My name is Agatha but all here just call me Aggie. I am to be your maid here. Let's get you cleaned up for the master." As usual, Josey just went along with things. Aggie laid out another dress as she washed her face and brushed out her long dark hair.

"Such lovely brown curls. It has been a while since my girls were young enough for me to be fixing their's." When the older woman went to pull up her hair, Josey flinched and a sadness took those bright eyes. "Oh my dear...Forgive me. I had no idea." Josey just patted her hand and smiled. "Think nothing of it." Aggie helped her change into a more comfortable blue dress.

"I'm sure the master is wondering about you. Best hurry." The older woman was definitely likable to Josey. Maybe she would be one odd soul that she could learn to trust. She knocked lightly before entering the hall, a habit her father had instilled into her. There it was again, that flutter whenever she saw Logan. Was it normal to feel such things around a perfect stranger?

"Hello, Logan. Sorry if I made you wait long." She wasn't one for small talk but they needed to become comfortable with one another. "Aggie is quite a warm soul. Thank you for sending her to me." Josey never really had any maternal influence growing up since her mother died when she was a child. Delicious smells began emanate from the kitchen and her stomach again made a loud growl.

 

[mrmidnite76]

Logan left Josey's room and headed to his own chamber. He undressed as he went through the door to wash himself and make ready for dinner. The clothing he decided upon was not fancy but it would serve as a more than casual dinner wear. After all, this night was the first meal with his soon to be wife. As he dressed is his button down shirt and slacks, his mind drifted over to Josey.

There was definitely more to her than she was willing to share. She was timid and naturally afraid of him, if not of any man's presence. This was caused undoubtedly from the poor excuse of a father she had, he thought to himself. There was an underlying glow about her even if she tried to hide it that he could still make out such as when he saw her blush at him once in her room. He knew that it would not be easy, as a man, to gain her trust but ahhh, he always loved a challenge.This thought caused him to smile to himself but it left just as quickly as other thoughts filled his mind.

He gaurded his past just as closely as she did. While he had ordered her father off his grounds, his past was not so easily discarded. People had called him a monster. It was true. He had killed for money to start with and then even a while because he could get away with it. Although everyone that he killed deserved it for one thing or another, that reasoning was not always accepted.

He pushed those thoughts to the side and once he finished readying himself, he made his way downstairs to the dining hall. Shortly after he entered, there came a faint knock on the door. He turned as the door pushed slowly open. As he saw Josey in her dress, he smiled and held out his hand towards her. "Ahhh Josephine, please come in and my dear this is now your home, you are not required to knock before entering a room." As she walked into the hall, he listened to her speaking. He was sure she had never had much chance to do so before.

"Do not worry about any waiting times. Tonight is your night. You are the guest of honor. I am glad to hear that you are happy with dear Aggie. She is quite a wonderful lady and she came to stay here after her husband met an ill demise. I immediately took her in and offered for her to stay until she was ready to leave but she insisted on working the house and she has become my.most trusted friends. I do not view her as one of the servants. I actually was not expecting her to step up to meet you first. There must be something in you she likes."

The staff began to bring dishes into the hall filled with fruits and vegetables. There were boels of soup and bread set all over the table. Logan looked over the length of the tabe then smiled and nodded to the staff. They turned and left the hall and he turned back to Josey. He waved his hand out over the table and looked at her. "Please Josephine, help yourself. This is all for you."

 

[TheNiteSiren]

Josey offered up a shy smile. "Some habits are very hard to break." A home. That was something she had little experience with. Aggie's story broke her heart and part of her own thawed towards Logan. "I had not known of her husband. She had spoken of her children briefly." The servants buzzed around them as they served up so much food that she was a little overwhelmed. Aggie was actually standing near the doorway to the small dining area so that only Logan could see her. She smiled and nodded at the young man, letting him see her silent approval of the girl.

As the good christian she was, Josey closed her eyes to say a blessing over the meal. Her faith was a strong one. After the silent prayer, she reached out for the soup. Everything was so good but she had to pace herself or the food could cause he to become ill. Her father had kept her in a state of near starvation, giving her only the barest of meals when she was too weak to work anymore.

Aggie breathed a sigh of relief as the little waif ate appreciatively. There was a sense of maternal worry in her for the young girl and for Logan. He had spent far too many years alone. It was about time he settled down. Not that she approved of his method but the result was very pleasing. Now all he had to do was earn the girl's trust and hopefully one day, her love.

Josey ate slowly, taking a few slices of the ripe peaches offered to her. The sweet juicy fruit a luxury she hadn't tasted in so long. She let out a small moan then noticed Logan's eyes on her, blushing a little. There was no avoiding a conversation with him so she might as well start it. "Tell me, Logan, why did you feel the need to go to such extremes to find a bride?"

He was handsome enough and his bad boy reputation could allure a female. "I am a bit confused as to why you chose me." That was an understatement. Josey was no beauty, at least not in her own eyes. She had no dowry to bless him with even though he obviously had no need of it. His wealth was evident in his home and bearing in the community.

 

[mrmidnite76]

"I completely understand about working to break habits. I too have had to work at some of those", Logan replied as Josey took her seat at the table. As Logan turned to take his seat, he spotted Aggie and a brief smile flashed across his face as he nodded to her agreement and approval.

Once seated, Logan watched as Josey bowed her head. He did not take part because of his dark past, he was sure any hope of salvation had disappeared. No higher power would listen to him after the things he had done. But still, he dared no interrupt Josey of her beliefs or choices.

He sat silently and watched as Josey moved over the table tasting and savoring every new piece she put in her mouth. He smiled as the small moan escaped her lips and her cheeks reddened slightly. Then she asked the question that he knew would eventually come. He looked down at the table and drew a slow, deep breath. He raised his eyes back to hers and began to answer.

"I knew I would soon address this question from you. You see, leading the type of life I have and harboring such as past as mine, leads many to flee from me. I have courted before you and each went away when they learned the depths of things I have actually done. Choosing this path that brought you here was not an easy one. I had dealt with your father briefly in the past and I knew of you as you grew. I also knew the type of life you were having to grow into. Your father is a far worse person than you can imagine, and I chose this route as an attempt to save us both."

Logan rose from his chair and walked to the window and peered out. "You were brought here under the premise of being my bride. Before that happens, there will be issues that I will personally have to see to and if you are aware of them before the day we are to wed, and they lead you to fear the idea of the person I have been and still am in some cases, then you may be released from our agreement."

He turned away from the window and looked back at Josey. "Dear Josephine, so many truths about me lie hidden from you. You must be sure you are willing to know them before any are revealed."

 

[TheNiteSiren]

The question hung in the air for a minute before he answered. Josey did wonder what dealings he may have had with her father. Thomas was a shrewd businessman. "You will find that I know enough where my father is concerned." She took another bite of the food before her. "So you sought to rescue me from my personal hell?" There was nothing but honesty in his eyes. She wanted to trust this man so much, to trust someone enough to show them who she truly was when the walls of her heart were broken down.

Never had Josephine let her guard down enough to love anyone. It was something she dreamed of as a child, a happy ending where her prince carried her away from a life of abuse and pain. "I will keep an open mind with you, Logan. You have my word on that." Where would she go if the marriage didn't work for her? She had little to no choice in any of this so far. The fact that he made the offer shocked her. "All I ask is that you are honest with me. My trust is very fragile. My father has taught me some rather harsh lessons."

People learned to treat others a certain way from their own treatment by others. Logan had yet to give her any reason not to trust him. He may not have hurt her yet but she would still be careful. Once the meal was done, Josey felt a little restless. "Why don't you show me about your estate? I think we both could use a little exercise." She found herself needing to spend more time with him.

Conversation was frigid and a little awkward at first but he managed to get her talking about her love of literature. The book Jane Eyre was a particular favorite of hers. The proposal scene always made her tear up.

The estate was so lush and green, the countryside so beautiful. They approached a stable on the East area of the estate. Josey could hear the whinnying of the young mares inside.

 

[mrmidnite76]

"I feel everyone has some sort of personal hell they dream of being rescued from. I harbor my own hell with all I have seen and done. And yes, Josephine, I am sure you know plenty whete your father is concerned. I know truths that have been kept hidden from you however. Do not ask for them though. They will be revealed to you when the time is right."

Logan walked back over to the table and rapped his knuckles twice on the wood. The servants returned to the dining hall and began removing the food. He walked over to Josey and held out his hand to help her from her. Once she rose, he stopped her and looked into her eyes. "I will remain completely honest with you as I said, when the time is right."

As she looked at him, she asked to see the estate and he smiled at her. "It would be my pleasure." He held her hand and led her from the dining hall and back aroubd the grand staircase to the doors on the backside of the house. He pushed them open and they stepped through findibg themselves standing at the top of another set of stairs leading down to a lush courtyard.

Trees lined the edges and there were plants and flowers placed every so often of every color and type. "This land has remained one of my calming sanctuaries that I come to in order to reflect on my life's path." He led her down the steps by a large sundial in the middle and more plants. There was even a small hedge maze he had built in his younger days simply for enjoyment and escape from reality."

At the end of the courtyard, there was another small staircase that led down to a rolling pasture with a barn tucked into one close corner. As they drew near, the horses began neighing and it brought a small chuckle from his throat. It was the first time Josey had heard him laugh.

He pushed open the stable doors and there was the long aisle with 8 stalls. He led her up to a few stalls and introduced her to Arabian and standardbred mares. Then, past a couple of empty stalls. Finally he walked up to the last two stall doors. "These two are my favorite boys." Inside one, there was a tall 17 hand, black thoroughbred named Thunder and in the other was another 16 hand, bay thoroughbred named Tornado."

He turned back to Josey. "If you ride and enjoy it, there is an empty stall for you to find a horse you like that we can bring here as well."

 

[TheNiteSiren]

Josey felt something inside her that she hadn't felt in a long time, a glimmer of hope. Very few women in their day and age found that other part of themselves, a real soulmate. They were too easily bartered away for money or some kind of business. Love rarely came into the picture unless it was part of some tragic story. She took his arms as they left. Josey looked around, in awe of the natural beauty of the land. In the gardens she noticed numerous plants and flowers that could be used in her aromatherapy. She had long ago started to used plants to make candles, soaps and even healing poultices for those who needed it.

"Your home is very beautiful, Logan." The sounds of the horses excited her because of her affinity for animals. It was one of the few times since she was brought there that Josey let out a real laugh. She noticed him looking at her, a blush blooming in her cheeks. He made her feel scared and excited but not in a bad way. She was so lost in this situation. The horses were wonderful animals that had been bred well, in her opinion.

Tornado seemed a bit wild but as soon as she approached, the animal came to her and nuzzled her cheek. Josey gave him a friendly pet. "I do like horses but I was never allowed to learn to ride." Mainly because her father worried she would run off at a moment's notice. The man had made it impossible for her to find any bliss in her life. "I do love animals though. God's creatures receive such cruelty. I believe every living thing bares a soul and can be hurt just as easily as any man." It was one of the few times she had spoken her beliefs so openly. It embarrassed her.

The stablemaster chuckled from his corner. "Looks like she got the touch, master." Referring to how the animals seemed to gravitate to her touch. They walked through the stable but somehow Josey's foot got caught and she tripped. His strong arms caught hold of her before she could fall. That was when she felt it for the first time. He was so close. She could feel the warmth of him and there was an undeniable urge to get closer. Was this what it felt like to desire man? "Always coming to my rescue, aren't you?"

 

[mrmidnite76]

Logan watched and smiled as Tornado nuzzled up to Josey. This particular horse wasn't one to offer affection or take to people very often. It was kind of amazing to see his temperament change. Usually the actual roles were reversed between Thunder and Tornado. Horses have a tendency to pick their people and can often be standoffish to those that are not.

"It's a shame that you were never able to learn to ride. It's a freedom unlike any other to feel the horse's strides underneath you. I think we may have to remedy your never riding problem." He smiled as that comment lit up Josey's face and she smiled back. "I also feel that horses have souls and can feel just as much as any other being. I have spent many nights in here with these boys. They can often have a calming presence in difficult times."

Logan turned and laughed at what the stablemaster had said. "All too true, Byron. She does seem like a natural with them, doesn't she?"

Logan turned back to Josey and they began walking back up through the stables and he was about to mention moving on to see other parts of the property when she tripped and he had to reach out and catch her from falling in the dirt. Even if it was to save her from falling, it felt good to have her in his arms. Something about it felt right. He looked down at her and smiled as she made her comment.

"Everyone needs rescued at some point Josephine. I will help you as much as I can when I am around." He picked her up and walked over and sat her on a stack of hay bales. "Maybe we should check your ankle to see if you turned it to see if our little tour should be cut short."