The Peasant Girl

[Graybread]

This is a closed thread between Destiny and myself. Comments and critiques are welcome by PM.

We hope you enjoy it.


The Peasant Girl


Dawson Tanner and his father rode into the village. They were there on business, looking for a supply of hides. Dawson’s family had been in the tanning business for as long as anyone could remember, and over the generations had become quite wealthy. This village seemed to hold promise as a steady supply of hides. If that proved true, Dawson would be left here to sent up negotiations with the local farmers. He understood the business having been around it his entire life. Now, at nineteen years, it was time to for him to take a more responsible position in the family. They had been on the road for three days now, Dawson was tired and thirsty. He spied the well near the center of the village. A cool drink sounded inviting.

“I’m going to get a drink,” he said to his father, reining his horse toward the well.

“Hurry up then,” came the reply.

Dawson reined up at the well and dismounted. His butt was sore from riding and his throat was dry. He dropped the bucket into the water and pulled up a fresh drink, dipping the ladle into the bucket. As he stood there drinking, the cool water dripping off his chin, a young peasant girl walked up to the well, carrying an empty wooden water bucket of her own. She smiled at him as he stepped back, allowing her access to the water.

She’s beautiful. He said to himself, peeking over the top of the drinking ladle.

“Dawson, let’s go, we’ve business to attend to,” his father yelled.

He hung the ladle back on the hook and took the reins of his horse leading it away from the well, looking back over his shoulder at the peasant girl.

“Coming father,” he yelled.

 

[Destiny]

Angelica

Angelica awoke that day from her sleeping mat near the back of the tavern under the cooking table. Her bed wasn't much but it was clean. She was unlike the other two scullery maids in that she kept herself and her clothing as clean as possible and tried to keep the other areas she was in control of clean. Her mother had once told her of the great house she lived within. The way it smelled during the spring and the summer moths even into the fall.

But her mother was dead now long since gone when she was but ten to a sickness that left her listless and tired in the end and finally she past away into death. The tavern keeper had decided to keep her there with him keeping her working from before sunrise and late into the evening. Cleaning and cooking mostly cooking, the tavern keeper did hold with too clean a place.

Sometime in the afternoon Angelica was sent to the well to gather more water. When she left the tavern it was a relief. Her long blond hair was hit by the sunlight setting it afire with gold and silver strands that lifted and fell about her shoulders. She had dark blue eyes that could turn cold in anger if she was riled, but mostly held a sparkling glint to them as she was a happy girl.

When she approached the well she noticed the fine gentlemen standing there drinking and she wondered who he was. His clothing bespoke a rich upbringing, perhaps a merchants son? Or a Prince in disguise. Angel Laughed at her fancy and moved close to the well when the man began to move away and she pulled the bucket up and looked back over her shoulder catching him glancing over her once more. His eyes on her made her shiver and she quickly bent to her task once more of drawing water from the well.

 

[Graybread]

Dawson Tanner

Dawson Tanner and his father booked a room at the Inn. Hopefully Dawson would be staying but his father would return home shortly if all went well. After unpacking what meager belongings they had brought, they returned to the tavern for ale and a meal. The ale was fresh and the meal was a thick cabbage stew with carrots and chunks of beef, along with fresh baked black bread. The chunks of beef being a good sign for a man in the hide business. Dawson ate heartily asking for a second bowl, wiping the bottom clean with a torn piece of bread.

“This stew is very good,” Dawson said to the tavern keeper.

“Aye, she’s a way with the kettle,” he replied. “Angelica,” he yelled over his shoulder, “more stew for these fine gentlemen,”

Dawson was surprised to see the same girl he had seen at the well bring the bowl of stew. He smiled up at her as she set the bowl down. He quickly drank his ale calling for another. He finished the black bread asking for a second loaf, and then called for more ale. He finished the second bowl of stew and asked for a third.

“Careful lad,” his father said. “Don’t bust a gut over a pretty serving wench.”

“Yes father,” he replied somewhat sheepishly.

“You’ll have plenty of time to dally with the lasses once things are set. Stick to business at hand.”

“Yes father,” Dawson replied again.

Over the next two days, deals were struck with the local butcher and several of the farmers. It looked to be a lucrative proposition. It would be Dawson’s responsibility to set up a small rendering building behind the butcher and to hire workers. The hides then to be sent on to his father, for further processing.

They sat in the tavern that evening preparing for the supper meal and talking final plans. Angelica brought them there meal and ale.

‘It’s all set then lad,” his father was saying to him as Angelica set the meal down.

Dawson smiled up at her as he always did.

“Keep yer mind on business boy,” his father said eyeing him and Angelica. “Or it’ll turn sour.”

“Yes father,” he said bringing his attention back to his father.

The next morning Dawson stood at the front of the Inn to bid his father farewell. He watched his back as he rode down the street. He felt comfortable with his new position as the village’s newest businessman. He caught sight of Angelica carrying her water buckets back from the well. The morning sun causing her golden hair to radiant. He rushed over to her and offered to help carry the buckets.

“You truly are an ‘Angel’,” he said smiling at her. “The way the sun shines through your hair. I’ll be staying now, my father has left, so I will be here to take care of business.”

Not really sure of his wooing of women or if he was wooing this pretty lass, he stammered for words to say.

“I think that I will get fat if I keep eating as I do. You are a very good cook…..Do you every have time for yourself?.....Maybe we could take a stroll through the meadow sometime?”

Arriving at the back of the tavern Dawson handed her water buckets back to her.

 

[Destiny]

Angelica had seen the rich young man come into the tavern from the kitchen and then his father as well. His father was still a rugged looking man and well groomed. The son was the younger mirror of his father and you could see how he would look when he was older. When they sat down and began to eat. Angelica got to cutting the bread and preparing more food. She hadn’t heard the compliment the young man had made to the Tavern owner.

“Angelica,” the tavern keeper yelled over his shoulder, “more stew for these fine gentlemen.”

She had flinched when she heard her name called thinking they hadn’t liked the stew and she was in trouble until the Keeper said they wanted more. Refilling two more wooden bowls and bringing them to the table along with more bread she smiled at the young man and then his father and placed the tray of food before them both.

She served them more ale form the pitcher and was very aware of the eyes following her about the tavern. She was nervous and unaware of why and finally was relieved to be out of the sight of the main room and hiding back into the kitchen. With each call for more food she swallowed and would bring it out. The young man’s stomach seemed endless and she hid a small smile when his father chided him on eating so much.

Angelica had gone to bed that night with the thought of a young man with laughing eyes staring at her and curled up on her sleeping mat as she listened to the fire crackling in the grate. Over the next few days they came and went without any more instances of triple calls for food. He was always ready with a smile for her and she easily began to smile back.

Apparently it was the final day for his father to be there. As Angelica began to serve them food she over heard the father speaking to the young man.

“Keep yer mind on business boy,” his father said eyeing him and Angelica. “Or it’ll turn sour.”

“Yes father,” he said bringing his attention back to his father.


Angelica was coming back from the well for the fourth time that day and she was tired for some reason more then usual as she noticed the departure of the young man’s father. She had learned the Young man’s name was Dawson and she thought it fit him well. When he rushed forward and began to help her with the buckets she swallowed and looked to the tavern and tried to keep him for taking them but he insisted and she didn’t want him getting wet.

“You truly are an ‘Angel’,” he said smiling at her. “The way the sun shines through your hair. I’ll be staying now, my father has left, so I will be here to take care of business.”

When he began to compliment her Angelica was blushing slightly and she smiled as he spoke and she nodded unsure of really what to say to such a wealthy person. Finally she spoke softly her voice of dulcet tones. “Your Father must be very proud of you to let you be here on your own.” Her voice showed the upbringing of her mother. Her English was perfect without of the country English to it. They could have been walking along a garden at an English manor.

“I think that I will get fat if I keep eating as I do. You are a very good cook…Do you every have time for yourself...Maybe we could take a stroll through the meadow sometime?”

“I am glad you enjoy my cooking, Sir. I..”, she paused and looked at the ground, “like cooking for you. I have half a day on Saturday and all of Sunday off. But rarely go anywhere as there is really no one to go anywhere with.”

As they arrived back at the tavern and he handed her back the buckets she smiled once more toward him and the turned to go in. She hadn’t seen the Tavern Keeper standing there in the shadows his beefy arms over his chest. When Dawson left the tavern keeper let out a stinging slap across the girl’s cheek. He began to berate her for allowing the young man to carry her buckets of water and she nodded and went back to work the bruise along her cheek testament to the punishment she had received.

 

[Graybread]

Dawson Tanner

As Dawson went about his business the rest of the day, his thoughts kept going to his pretty new friend, Angelica. He had asked the butcher where a man might take a lass for a walk. The butcher, a jovial man anyway, kidded him about having a lass, but told him of a path running down by the creek.

Dawson couldn’t wait to see Angelica at the evening meal. To his surprise, she seemed to avoid him, keeping her faced turned away. One of the other serving wenches served him his supper. He went to bed troubled and wondered if maybe she didn’t care for him. He would ask her on the marrow.

The next day he had had to visit with several farmers but his thoughts were always wondering about Angelica. Late in the afternoon, he entered the village near the well. He saw her with her water buckets, and reined up in front of her. She looked up at him and he could see the bruise across her face. Quickly he dismounted taking her face in his hand, turning it to look at the bruise.

“Who has done this,” he asked.

“It is alright Sir,” she replied, lowering her eyes.

“I shall run him threw,” Dawson said making an exaggerated reach for his sword.

“No, please,” she said, “I will tell you.”

Angelica told him what had happened and why the Tavern keeper had hit her. But asked him not to do or say anything or the Tavern keeper might do something worse the next time. Dawson agreed that he wouldn’t do anything, but promised to try and help her.

“I know of a place we can walk,” he said to her. “Meet me here at the well tomorrow, after we are free from work and we will go.”

He held her face again and gently kissed her bruise, before climbing back on his horse.

 

[Destiny]

That night when Dawson arrived for the evening meal she sent one of the other girls out to serve him his meal. She didn't want him to see the bruise along her cheek. She missed not seeing his smile, but she knew there would be trouble if anything were said about her face. Trouble she could not have.

The next day she avoided him for breakfast and then he was gone for the rest of the day as usual and Angelica made her daily trips to the well for the water for this or that cleaning. It was on one of her dinner trips that he stopped her and she looked up that was when he finally saw her cheek and she quickly ducked her head. When he reigned in and slid from his horse and lifted her eyes up to his own she felt tears stinging her eyes at his gentle touch. His words comforted her as no medicine ever could and she bade him to not do anything to make the Tavern owner angry.

She blinked at his insistence that he meet with her at the well and she nodded slowly and was about to move away when he tilted her chin up and slid his lips along her cheek. her eyes closed and she inhaled the scent of his body and the smell of leather and horse on his was like the most intoxicating cologne.

The next day after all her chores were done the Tavern keeper reluctantly let her go, ringing warnings in her head to be back by a certain time. She nodded and skidded off to leave when she paused and grabbed up a dress she was saving for a special occasion. she combed her hair and put it into a braid that was as thick as a man's wrists.

Now dressed in the cream cotton dress that clung to her body in all the right places she was ready. she slipped on a pair of leather uppers and went to the well. Dawson wasn't there when she arrived and she began to fidget. Half an hour and he still hadn't shown up....

 

[Graybread]

Dawson Tanner

Dawson was waiting for the wine maker to bring him a skin of wine. But the old man seemed incessantly slow. He had already collected the loaf of bread, a wedge of cheese, and two goblets and was now waiting for the wine. He knew he was late, he had seen Angelica heading toward the meeting place. Finally, the wine maker brought him the skin and Dawson dropped a pence in his hand. The other items already in the bag he slung to skin over his shoulder and headed around the corner toward the well. Even at this distance, she was beautiful. He started smiling before she even saw him. He had a grand afternoon planned, a picnic by the creek.

“Good afternoon, Milady,” he said with a pro-functionary bow.

“Oh,” she started, tuning and seeing him.

Seeing the game he was playing with her, she curtsied in returned.

“Good afternoon Milord. It is not gentlemanly to keep a lady waiting,” she replied, trying to suppress her smile.

“I beg your pardon for my tardiness Milady, but I had to acquire a few items for our…..walk……..You look very lovely today.”

He offered her his arm and they set off across the meadow, toward the creek. They made idle chatter as they walked. Dawson telling her all about the tanning business unaware that she cared little about it. They walked under the shade of the oaks and walnuts as they neared the creek. The water made a soft gurgling noise as it ran over the rounded pebbles lining the creek bottom.

They came to a small clearing covered in green moss and surrounded by ferns, the sun light filtering down through the canopy of leaves overhead. Dawson took her hand and helped her sit before sitting beside her. He un-slung the bag and the wine skin laying them on the ground. They nibbled for a while and chatted about nothing again. Dawson’s eyes kept drifting to her body, he couldn’t help himself. She was beautiful in her tight dress. He had dallied with the maids back home, but Angelica seemed different. He didn’t bring her out here just to chat and nibble cheese either.

“How’s your bruise,” he asked reaching up and holding her chin.

He turned her face to his and slowly leaned into her, pacing his lips on hers. She didn’t resist so he kissed her a little harder and she kissed him back. He gently pushed her down onto the soft moss and continued to kiss her mouth and beautiful face. His hand went to her breast and kneaded it through the fabric of her dress. He sat up and slowly untied the laces of her bodice, exposing her breast. He caressed the firm mounds pinching the nipples. She let out a soft moan as he sucked a nipple into his mouth. His cock was straining in his breeches. He reached down to the hem of her dress and slid his hand along her bloomers.

 

[Destiny]

The sun on her face was warm and inviting as they walked along the path toward the river and moved off to the edge of the bank. The wine and cheese together were a heady flavor and they were tangy to her lips.

She loved being in his presence and when he looked at her her eyes sparkled and she blushed a bit as he slowly leaned forward and slid his lips along her own. She felt him leaning forward making her lay back on the blanket he had spread for them.

The grass was soft and it felt spongy beneath the blanket as she moved a bit under him. His lips were so tender and her breathing increased slightly as she felt his hand at her legs though and then her undergarments. She stiffened slightly. Her eyes flashed open and she moved her hands to his chest lifting him slightly and she whispered,"here in the open?"

He merely nodded and slid his hand higher along the inside of her thigh and licked his lips as he leaned in more and slid his mouth along her jaw."Yes Angle in the sun and shade I want to see all of you." His hand raised higher still and tugged on the string holding her bloomer up and slid his hand along her smooth skin. She shivered as the feel of his hand along her skin made her moan and her head lifted a bit digging the back of it into the blanket and she whispered,"Oh yes Dawson..."

Her hips lifted and she felt him tug the pantlets all the way down and move over her. his hand was along her sex caressing her lisp and clit as he looked into her eyes and leaned in to kiss her again. She could feel him fumbling with his breeches and his hand was still at her pussy stroking her higher and wetter. Then his hands were at her dress top tugging the buttons along it open as he slowly revealed her corseted breasts and released them as well. his mouth went to an erect nipple and she felt his hands once more at her wet sex and then his cock pressed in and her legs opened wider allowing him entrance. His hips pressed in harder and she was so tight and hot as his mouth continued to devour her breast.

Breathing escalated and higher she lifted her hips instinctively to meet his thrust and she gasped aloud,"Oh yess.."

 

[Graybread]

Dawson Tanner

Dawson’s lips released Angelica’s breast and he slipped his hands under her shoulders trying to get a better advantage to push into her. She was tight, almost as tight as a virgin was. The thought pleased him as he looked down at her and smiling, easing his cock in as far as he could. She felt wonderful around him as he began to pick up his rhythm, withdrawing and pushing back into her. Her arms and legs held him as he fucked her harder and faster, her hips rising to meet his.

The sounds of their lovemaking could be heard over the babble of the stream. He felt her start to grip him harder and knew she was nearing her climax. Her eyes shut, her golden hair spread across the blanket, her fair body arching up to met his as he thrust into her. He felt her pussy grip his cock as she came and it brought his own orgasm up. His cock jerked inside her as he filled her with his hot white cum, his hips jerking with every new eruption she was forcing out of him. He had risen up on his hands and feet and she hung under him, her pussy working more cum out of him. Finally, he lowered her back to the blanket, both their orgasms subsiding. He kissed her lips and her angelic face, down her neck and back up under her chin.

“That was wonderful,” he panted. “I’ve never been with a girl like you before.”

The statement was true, he had never been with a girl that excited him as she had. He had been with milkmaids and wenches that worked around the tannery back home, but they did not even compare with Angelica. With her beauty, her innocence, her sensuality. Slowly he slipped out of her. Even only semi-hard now, and her as wet as she was, his body jerked again at her tightness. He lay on his side beside her, caressing her breasts and kissing them lightly.

I’m thinking of taking a house Angelica,” he said to her. “But I will need someone to care for it. To keep it clean and cook for me. I will be able to run the business better from a house.”

What he really wanted was for her to warm his bed every night, but he didn’t want to insult her by thinking he was asking her to be his whore. And he didn’t like the thought of the tavern keeper hitting her, he didn’t know what he would do if that happened again.

“She would have to cook as well as you of course. You know how I like to eat.” He laughed. “It would pay five pounds a month as well.”

He held her breast and gently squeezed the nipple as he looked down at her, smiling.

“You wouldn’t know a girl seeking employment would you Angelica?” he asked slyly.

 

[Destiny]

Angelica....

She shivered in the aftermath of their lovemaking and she closed her eyes when he rolled from her thinking he would merely stop dress and they would leave, he didn't. Jenny at the Inn had been wrong he stayed beside her still caressing her touching her speaking to her as he moved closer.

“She would have to cook as well as you of course. You know how I like to eat.” He laughed. “It would pay five pounds a month as well.”

In the aftermath of all of this she was finally beginning to comprehend what he was saying that he wanted a woman to be a housekeeper so to speak. She blinked and whispered hesitantly,"I don't' know if the Tavern keeper would let me go....he has said that he owns me beaus of my mother's doctor bills that he had to pay out of pocket. She died almost 8 years ago...btu if he will let me I ...well..." she flushed as she whispered,"I would love to do those things for you Dawson."

She feels the sun side along her body and she closed her eyes as she felt the caressing continue.

 

[Graybread]

Dawson Tanner

“I don't' know if the Tavern keeper would let me go....he has said that he owns me because of my mother's doctor bills that he had to pay out of pocket. She died almost 8 years ago...but if he will let me I ...well”... she flushed as she whispered, “I would love to do those things for you Dawson.”

The statement upset Dawson, here he thought he had it all worked out, but there seemed a snag in his plan. His father had taught him that every plan had such a snag, or loophole, or something that needed to be worked around, through or over, he just needed to figure this one out. Yes, he could probably pay the Tavern keeper outright but that would come straight out of the business profits and his father would have none to that, it needed to come from his own pocket. Beside, Angelica would only be trading one serfdom for another, and he wanted her to be a free woman, his free woman.

He continued to fondle and suckle at Angelica’s breast as he thought of alternative solutions. She lay there oblivious to his thoughts, merely enjoying his manipulations.

If he approached the Tavern keeper outright, the keeper already knowing his interest in Angelica, he was sure the scoundrel would inflate the debt, knowing no one knew the exact amount that was owed him.

His hand slipped down to Angelica’s mons, and he ran his fingers through the soft blond hair covering it, his finger gently stroking her nub. She moaned in response.

If he gave Angelica a bit of money at a time, again the Tavern keeper would only continue to hold her and take the money, never telling her when the debt was free.

He slipped two fingers between the tender lips of Angelica’s pussy and began to stroke her gently. She moaned again, raising her hips slightly off the blanket. He sucked her nipple into his mouth, tweaking it with his tongue.

Then it came to him, a plan that might work. In his excitement, he held her clit between his fingers and began to stroke her harder. The wetness of their lovemaking still there to provide the needed lubrication. He kissed up her chest to her mouth, lightly kissing her lips and around her face.

“I have a plan,” he said excitedly to her.

“Mmmmm,” I like it so far,” she moaned, spreading her legs farther.

“Huh,” he replied puzzled. “You’ve not heard it yet.” He said before realizing they were talking about two different things.

She reached up and pulled his head down to her mouth, pushing her tongue between his lips.

“Harder Dawson. Play with it harder,” she panted into his mouth, her breath warm and sweet.

Dawson smiled inwardly, he could tell her later, or maybe not tell her at all. Just enact his plan and surprise her, Yes that is what he would do. He worked his fingers faster in her pussy, going deep into her, his thumb pressed against her clit as he did. He kissed along her neck, giving her small nips and bites as he did, leaving little red marks to show his passion. He brought her to a flooding climax with his fingers, his cock rubbing along her pale smooth thigh. Before her orgasm finished he rolled between her legs and enter her, burying himself as deep as he could go. He legs curled up around his hips, her feet pushing against his butt, trying to force him deeper as her continued orgasm flowed from her. He spent the rest of the afternoon lying between Angelica’s legs, until the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the ground.

As they dressed he said to her. “Please do not say anything to the Tavern keeper until I have had time to put my plan into action…….Soon, my Angel, my sweet Angelica, we shall share a bed.”

He bent and kissed her softly again.

“How does a soft down filled bed sound, with down pillows and warm blankets to make love under,” he added smiling at her.

 

[Destiny]

“Please do not say anything to the Tavern keeper until I have had time to put my plan into action…….Soon, my Angel, my sweet Angelica, we shall share a bed.”

He bent and kissed her softly again.

“How does a soft down filled bed sound, with down pillows and warm blankets to make love under,” he added smiling at her.
Angelica smiled it had been a beuatiful afternoon and she had enjoyed Dawson's lovemaking. She didn't tell him that he had onlybeen the second man who had ever lain with her, he wouldn't care. She finally began to realize it was a So late and even though Dawson had give her so much pleasure this day and she was so happy. The apprehension of facing the Tavern keeper had her on edge.

"I have never felt them. Are they soft Dawson?" Her voice was soft trembling some.

"Aye Lass, so soft and gentle you will think you are on the softest cloud." He squeezed her hand and perhaps seeing her tension looked at her puzzled. "What troubles you Angel?" Angelica dipped her head and she fidgeted slightly as she continued to redress heself and climb to her feet, I was supposed to be back at the tavern a few hours ago. I am just scared Lars will punish me, and I don't wantyou to get mad."

She smiled softly and leaned in and kissed him softly on the lips. "Thank you Dawson it was a beutiful day, worth any beating I may get because of it." she broke free of his hand onhers and ran down the lane toward the village before Dawson could reply and disappeared over the rise.

 

[Graybread]

Dawson Tanner

“No,” Dawson said to himself, “the beatings will stop. One way or another, the beatings will stop.”

It angered him almost beyond reason to think that anyone could beat such an angle as Angelica. As far as he could tell she had done nothing to deserve such treatment, accept being born into poverty. Slowly he gathered the remnants of their picnic and headed back toward the village. He made his way to his room and thought about his plan. The thought of Lars beating Angelica always in the forefront of his thoughts. He would put his plan in action tomorrow, but he needed rest right now.

The next morning when he went down for his breakfast, Angelica avoided him again. He knew the reason and his anger boiled over. He went across the room to her, forcing her to look at him. Her eye was black and swollen shut, her lip was split, still oozing blood. His hand immediately went to his sword, but she grabbed it and held him steady.

“No,” she whispered panic in her voice.

He starred at her for a moment before turning his back on her, kicking chairs out of his way as he exited the tavern. He made his way across the street and down, entering the butchers shop. When he explained the whole situation to him, the butchers’ only response was.

“Aye Master Dawson, is a sad state Angelica be in. But Lars owns her, surely as you own the shirt on your back,” he said to Dawson.

“That’s the whole point,” Dawson said. “He owns her. I plan on buying her from him.”

“I doubt that Lars would sell her to you Sir. He knows your interest in her and would ask a pretty pence for her freedom.”

“I know,” Dawson said. “That’s why you are going to buy her.”

“Me Sir? I’ve not got that kind of money.”

“I do,” Dawson replied. “I give you the money and you buy her. You know Lars, you just tell him that with your business expanding you need more help.”

“He might'en at that Sir.”

“Good, you talk to him this afternoon. I need to find a personal dwelling in which to set up my business and a place to live, other than the Inn.”

“A dwelling Sir? The widow Parsons is old and wanting to move in with family. Somewhere outside London. She might be in the market. Her cottage is near the edge of the village, you go by it each time you leave the village.”

“I think I know the one. Thank you.”

Dawson left the shop and met with widow Parsons working out a deal for purchase of her cottage. He stayed away from the Inn and tavern the rest of the day. Mostly staying out of sight of Lars, hoping that the butchers offer would be accepted.

 

[Destiny]

The beating wasn't stopped and Angelica was indeed sore the next day. When Dawson came down and sat at his normal table angelica's back was toward him and she handed the bowl of his morning fast and tankard of mead to the girl beside her to deliver it to him.

He wasn't satified he had to see for himself. When he rushed over and lifted Angelica's face to his own she flinched as the mucsles in her neck hurt and she felt her lip crack open again as she looked up and into his eyes. He reached for hsi sword and she stayed his hand as shooked her head slowly pleading with him.

Dawson shook off her hand and stomped out of the Tavern not saying another word. Angleica was faced with not seeing him for the rest of teh day. Lars kept at her all day, none of the things she normally did were good enough, each misplaced item got her slaps and smacks all day. By the time that the butcher arrived. Angelica's other cheek was bruised and swollen.

She served him a tankard of ale and a loaf of cheese with bread. He looked at her sympathetically and then asked to speak to Lars. She nodded and moved closer to the Innkeeper and informed him that he was being requested in the main room. He strode in and sat at his table with teh Butcher and they kept looking at her as they spoke.

Angelica was getting teh shakes and could barely cut any of the food for dinner and she flinched when she was called by Lars to come to his table. SHe moved gingerly and slowly to the table and she felt his hands on her ass and her breasts, not tender like Dawson. Her face flamed bright red and he showed off her legs to the butcher and her body and then sent her off to the kitchen again.

The butcher nodded and shook Lars' hand as he spoke and then looked at Angelica once more and headed out of the inn. Lars rose to his feet and grabbed one of the help and dragged over to the table were Angelica was and then took Angelica towards teh back of the tvaern where his quarters were. She hadn't been here in a very long time and she fidgetted as she stood in the doorway. "seems the butcher is interested in buyng you slut." Angelica flinched slightly and she waited for Lars to finish," Tonight when all are finished being served you will share my bed, and then you will be sold to the butcher come tomorrow morning."

Angelica shook her head and whispered,"Please don't...please I... I dont' want to sleep with you..." Lars laughed as he looked at the wench and his smile was anything but nice,"No one said you were going to sleep."

Angelica left the room and went to the kitchen once more and began to plot for a way not to service Lars tonight.

 

[Graybread]

Dawson Tanner

Dawson was waiting for the butcher to return. The news was good, Lars had agreed to sell Angelica to him. Dawson counted out the gold pieces and placed them in the butchers hand.

“Thank you,” he said to the man.

Now Dawson was hunger. He felt that Angelica was safe now and they could start a life together. He crossed back to the tavern, it would be painful to see her like she was, but still he needed to see her. He could tell her that he had found a cottage to live in. That would surely please her. He entered the tavern and sat in his usual place. One of the other serving wenches came to his table, timid and filled with apprehension.

“Have Angelica come to me please,” he said to the lass.

 

[Destiny]

Busy in the kitchen she had been jumpy all day long her head so stuck on how she was going to get out of servicing Lars. The servicing girl pointed to Dawson and her heart sank. She couldn't tell him, he was already helping her so much.

She grabbed up a wooden bowl and dipped up a good portion of the rabbit stew she had been making, sure to get him extra meat. Pouring out a pitcher of ale she grabbed up a loaf of bread and a small bowl of fresh churned butter and brought it to him.

Placing the bowl and bread onto the table she began to pour the ale into the tankard and she barely glanced at Dawson so he wouldn't see she was hiding anything. She felt he could read her like a book. She began to move away when he grabbed her hand and asked her to look at him. She closed her eyes and flinched slightly and looked at him fully, her eyes slowly opened and were swimming with tears as she pulled her hand away and then turned and walked back to the kitchen without a word.

 

[Graybread]

Dawson Tanner

Dawson was elated, Angelica was going to be free. Free to be his whenever he wanted. He hoped she felt the same. He didn’t care if the cottage was clean or messy, or if they ate porridge at every meal, the important thing was they would be together.

He walked into the tavern and sat at his usual place, waiting for Angelica to serve him. She sat the bowl in front of him just glancing at him.

She should be happy. Dawson thought. Why isn’t she happy?

“Look at me,” he said standing, grabbing her hand.

Her eyes were filled with tears, which continued to puzzle him. She pulled her hand free of his and hurried back to the kitchen.

“No,” Dawson said to himself as he watched her walked away. “Something wrong, she should be happy.”

Confused, he left his supper sit as he made his way to the kitchen. She was standing at the wooden table cutting vegetables. He grabbed her arm and spun her around, forcing her to look at him.

“What Angelica? What’s wrong? Tell me, tell me now,” the demand strong in his voice.

 

[Destiny]

Angelica felt the hand on her arm swinging her around as Dawson demanded to know what was wrong.

Closing her eyes she took a shakey breath and whispered," I am to ...to...I am to..."

Lars walked in just as Angelica was trying to speak and she laughed gently and placed his beefy hands on his hips," The wench is speechless because she will be joing me in me bed tonight. Ain't ya Angie."

Angelica dropped her head and flinched as Lars laid it out on the table for Dawson and she turned back to the table. Why would Dawson want her after she had been with Lars. She shivered once more and went back to preparing the vegetables that were required for the stew.

Lars gave a self satisfied chuckle and reached and scratched his genitals and spat into the fire,"Nice piece of ass I had been saving for me birthday, btu since she is being sold I may as well get what I can now." He turned and paused in the doorway," You can have some after I am finished with her, I dont' know why the butcher wants a wench such as she, it ain't like he needs anyone to cook the meat." He left the kitchen then and was laughing as he walked into the main room of the Tavern leaving the two of you alone.

Angelica was shaking now and sobbing all at once.

 

[Graybread]

Dawson Tanner

Dawson was livid, the thought of this pompous bastard touching Angelica boiled his blood. His first thought was to spill Lars blood on the floor. But he knew that would get him hung or worse. What could he do, how could he save her?

Then the thought struck him, they could run away together…..No, that wouldn’t work either. Lars would know he took her, and it would be the same as stealing a mans property, which again could get him hung. But wait.

If she were to run away on her own she would just be a runaway, it happened all the time. If she were found, she would be brought back and beaten, no doubt. But if he could keep Lars busy for the night, get him drunk on his own ale. By the time he noticed that she was gone it would be to late. He was getting the gold for her anyway, so it wouldn’t be like he lost anything. Angelica could slip out without him knowing. She could go to the widow Parson’s and hide. The widow would understand. Angelica could tell her what had happened.

He turned back to her. “Angelica, you must go,…go to the widow Parson’s. You must run and hide. I will take care of Lars, but you must get away.”

“Go Angelica,” the other serving wench whispered. “Run it is your time. I will help Master Dawson with Lars, but you must run.”

“Thank you,” Dawson said to her. “Go Angelica, if you love me you will go?”

Dawson left her standing there as he went to the front.

“Ha, you are right Lars,” Dawson laughed as he sat at the table with him. “She indeed would be a fine piece of ass. Let us drink to the fucking of the wenches,” he laughed as the serving wench sat down two large mugs of strong ale.

“Aye lad, to the fucking of the wenches,” Lars laughed as he turned the mug up, downing half the contents.

Dawson brought his mug to his mouth but did not drink but a small portion. He wiped his hand across his mouth.

“And to seconds,” Dawson laughed. “You promised me seconds did you not.”

“Aye lad, that I did,” Lars said. “But you will need to waggle your dick about to touch the side when I am through.” He added laughing.

The disgust in Dawson was overwhelming, he would rather have bashed his mug against Lars head as listen to his arrogant bragging.

“To waggling,” Dawson laughed tilting his mug.

“To waggling,” Lars bellowed finishing his mug.

Dawson slammed a gold piece on the table just to get Lars attention.

“More ale,” he yelled, but needn't have.

The serving wench was right behind them with a pitcher of strong ale. She filled Lars mug to the top and made a showing of filling Dawson’s.

“And to the butcher,” Lars bellowed, bringing his mug up. “Who will get sloppy thirds.” His eye on the gold piece.

“To the butcher,” Dawson laughed.

And so it went, one crude toast after another. Lars groping the serving wench each time she poured his mug full. Her pleading eyes on Dawson.

 

[Destiny]

Angelica

She flinched at the thought of running and looked up at Dawson as he said:

“Go Angelica, if you love me you will go?”

Her head was swimming with those words, did that mean that Dawson loved her? Did he want her with him always? She watched him walk away and then Beth left as well. Lars was bellowing and he and Dawson began to make a big show of talking about her as if she were no more then a piece of meat.

She flinched with each called out comment as if she had been slapped. Crawling beneath the table she gathered what few things she had. A locket that had belong to her mother that Lars had thought useless. Some papers a book that she didn't' know how to read and a couple of her dresses. Slipping toward the back door she grabbed some loaves of bread and a jug of water and moved out of the tavern completely. Edging along the trail in the night air her hair lifted about her face, it was going to be raining soon.

She ran to the edge of the village about half a mile away and moved toward the Widow Parson's place. One frail light flickered and when she knocked at the door The widow opened the door and admitted her. As she listened to Angelica's tale she patted the girl on the head and nodded and ushered here into he cold storage beneath the House. It was a two story structure and well built by her last husband who had been the mason for the village.

Angelica Coward in the corner of the cellar and curled up on some blankets the widow had provided and she nibbled on the bread wondering what was happening at the Inn.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lars grabbed at the wench serving them more repeatedly with each toss of his head the ale was working as he bellowed and called out," To the nicest piece of ass in the village.!"

He raised his mug and drained it in one fell swoop and then brought the mug once more down to the table. His little pig eyes glittered as they looked at the gold coin and the sweat and stench of him was over powering. The serving wench continued to refill the Mug and it seemed like forever before he would pass out.

HE licked his half toothless mouth and wiped at his face,"Angie! Get to my room! Go now Wench!" The service wench sent a look toward Dawson and sighed softly,"She is already there Lars." she lied and moved away and headed to the beefy man's room. When he got up he was unsteady and wobbled as he walked. Rubbing his cock he chuckled softly,"Time for that uppity little whore to finally gimme what I deserve. Never had me a duchess before." He mumbled his comments. He looked back at Dawson,"didn't know that did ya...her mother said she is a Duchess.... never had a duchess before..." he promptly passed out.

 

[Graybread]

Dawson Tanner

“A duchess,” Dawson said. “Angelica is a duchess?

He looked at the fat swarthy tavern keeper lying sprawled on the floor. He turned on his heel and left the tavern. A duchess? How can she be a duchess, she’s just a peasant girl. He found himself at the widow Parsons cottage, his cottage soon. He rapped quietly on the door. When the widow opened the door, he gently pulled her out.

“Madame Parsons,” he addressed her formally. “What do you know of Angelica’s mother?”

She looked at him slyly. “What ya mean lad?”

“Lars said Angelica is a Duchess?”

The widow Parson’s eyes sparkled as she pulled him down to her level. “Tis true lad. Only a few know, not even the lass ‘erself. Seems her father had the Kings favor. Granted him the title of Duke and a large parcel of land over near London town. Course her mother and the Duke never married proper. Poor bastard child, not knowing her father and her mother dieing like that. Tsk.” She clucked.

“So it’s true, she is a duchess?”

“Aye lad. But her mother made those of us that knows, hold our tongues. Seems she felt she was never good enough to marry the fellow. If the lass knew, she could claim her rightful inheritance since the Duke never married and had no heirs of his own.”

“Where is she,” Dawson asked.

“She be hiding in the cellar lad. Ya going tell her?”

“No, not just yet.”

“Yea be wanting me to hold my tongue still?”

“Yes, please, and thank you.” He smiled at her, staring into the cottage. “Oh….I’ll have my driver take you to your relatives when your ready.” He added turning back to her. “And I’ll hire a lass to help you stow what belongings you’ll be taking with you.”

“Thank you lad, ya be a real gentleman.”

Dawson found the trap door leading to the cellar.

“Angelica,” he called softly as he made his way below the floor.

He heard her soft frightened murmur from the corner. He had to bend as he approached her.

“It’s alright, everything is going to be alright. You have many friends that care for you,” he whispered as he crawled under the blankets with her. “You will be safe. Bess is taking your time with Lars, but he has fallen drunken to the floor.”

He curled his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close. What was he to do now. He wanted her, wanted to be with her. He feared that if she were too find out that she were a duchess, she might forget him. Go and claim that, that was hers by birth. Could he keep that from her, did he have the right to do that. He held her gently, pulling her head onto his chest.

 

[Destiny]

Angelica moved closer to Dawson as he curled up with her under the blankets, here was a man of means and he was curled up on the floor of the cellar with her and holding her close.

"Dawson I should go back then, if he is passed out. You see I can pretend to have slept with him and then when the butcher comes for me in the morning Lars won't have anothe chance at me." She looked up into his eyes and smiled. "I am so grateful to you for all you have done, but if it seems I ran away they will drag me back to him."

She fidgeted and then whispered. "I want to stay here with you forever." She reached up and caressed his cheek her own stained with tears. Leaning in she kissed him softly on the lips as she snuggled with him in the darkness of the cellar.

 

[Graybread]

Dawson Tanner

“No,” he whispered softly to her. “I will stay with you here, you…..we will be safe here, for the night. Lars won’t know what happened. Bess has seen to that. Sleep my little angel, sleep.” He pulled her closer to him in the dark. “Tomorrow will be a new beginning.”

He couldn’t help but think of the symbolism of coming out of the cellar, the grave, so to speak, to be reborn into a new life. He and Angelica together…..to live in the cottage above their very heads. He sighed deeply at his own deception. He didn’t want to lose her, not know that he had just found her, he……loved her. Is that what he was feeling, love,….or fear of losing her?

He nuzzled his face into her hair. “Don’t leave me my beautiful Angel, ever.” It was meant to be a thought only, but he heard his own voice murmur the soft words.

 

[Destiny]

She felt his hands on her holding her closer to him and then felt his lips in her hair. She heard him ask her not to leave him and she was surprised he feared she would.

She soon became to feel drowsy as he continued to hold and stroke her and she fell into a deep sleep. Her breathing soon eased and she felt so comfortable in his arms. They slept that way through the night and she and he had soon fell into a prone position that left them spooning each other into the night. She was the first one to wake up as was her habit and she shift and moaned slightly as she moved and then jumped up not quite sure were she was, soon it began to feed back into her head. She was in the widow's cellar and beside her lover who had rescued her from Lars the beefy Inn keeper. She moved to her feet careful not to disturb him and recovered him back up. Moving to the cellar door she was slowly opening it when she heard people over her head.

Her hand stilled on the latch and then she felt him at her waist his hands moving over her as he pulled her back into his arms and placed his hand over her mouth,"Shush angel it is merely the men come to take Dame Parsons to her relatives, we will soon be alone and able to go uptstairs."

 

[Graybread]

Dawson Tanner

Dawson pulled Angelica back into the dim darkness of the cellar. There was just enough light filtering through the floorboards that he could see her face, pale in the dimness.

“Hush,” he whispered. “The Dame Parsons will let us know when it is safe.”

He pulled her back to the blankets and gently stroked her face, kissing her mouth softly. He pushed her back onto the blanket and lay beside her, his hands running the length of her side, kissing down her neck and across the top her breasts above her bodice. Suddenly the trap door opened and the strong morning light flowed in. Startled, he turned and looked into the brightness.

“Young’ens,” the widow Parsons tsked, shaking her head. “Ye can spend your love in the dirt of the cellar if ya wants. I preferred the comfort of me soft bed though. It’s still early, no one be about yet, ‘cept the hired man. Come up out of the cellar now, children, I got tea for ya.”

Dawson blushed as he helped Angelica climb out of the cellar. He dusted himself off and the back of her dress, while the widow poured tea for the both of them.

“I knew yer mother lass,” the widow commented as she stroked Angelica’s golden hair. “Fine handsome woman, though is ‘spect ya got yer fathers noble eyes,” she added looking into Angelica’s face.

Dawson held his breath, was the widow about to let spill the secret.

“Dame Parsons,” the hired man spoke, opening the door of the cottage. “Ya been loaded and ready for the road.”

“Well children, I guess it be all yer's now,” she said as she looked around the interior of the cottage. “There be lots of love in these walls, and I ‘spect there be more to come,” she added as she looked at both Angelica and Dawson. “Don’t hold back lass, give him what ya got, he be a fine young gentleman.”

She bent and kissed Angelica on the forehead, then turned a walked to the door. Dawson rose to follow her out the door.

“And you lad, you treat her like the lady she is. And be careful with the secrets ya keep.”

“Yes ma’am,” Dawson replied slipping two silvers into her wrinkled hand. “Just for helping last night.”

“That not be necessary lad, with what the gold ya gave me for the cottage I be set to finish out me days.”

“Then spend it on the grandchildren,” he said folding her gnarled fingers over the coins.

“Well Angelica,” he said as he reentered the cottage. “It’s ours now. But maybe you should get back to the tavern before Lars wakes. The butcher will be there soon to pay the fat bastard his blood money, and I’ll follow soon to get my breakfast,” he added as he took her by the hand, helping her rise.

“Everything will be fine,” he said slipping his arms around her waist, kissing her on the cheek. “Go now, I’ll be there shortly.”