The War of the Golden Rose (by invitation only)

[Sweetp4u]

1750 A.D., Harrington, England

Elizabeth Coleman
Blonde, blue eyed. Baron's daughter.

and it begins..


Decree of his Royal Majesty, King of England.

It is here by decreed on this day, April the 17th, the year of our Lord 1750, all of Reginald Colman, Baron of Kent (s) posessions are here by granted to The Duke of Harrington in his care upon marriage of eldest daughter to a suitable match.......


"blah blah blah" I sneared at the paper in my hand and at the messenger who delivered this document to me but moments ago.
"I am now a ward of Duke Harrington?" The messenger nodded, his scowling face annoying me beyond words. A lady must never lose her temper.. My mother's words came back to me. As due my rights on my mother's side. Her grandfather was the Duke of Chiddenson.. I should be able.. No no what was I thinking!?
"Thank you." He bowed slightly, obviously in a rush to return to the King and inform him of my unlady like behavior.
It was a curse, I was an angel on the outside and a spit fire on the inside. My father used to curse about me when ever he thought I was not around.
The whole parish knew of my temper and my habit of speaking my mind. All bad qualities in a lady who needed to wed to secure her future. And since my father was now dead and my mother long since, as the only child it was left up to me. I had to find a suitable match and before the year was out or all the lands reverted back to the Duke's family.
I scowled once more in distaste. Hurrying to keep from wrinkling my forehead I stopped. Sighing heavily I walked into the sitting room and sat down on the small ottoman. I had heard takes of this new Duke. The one who returned from the wars apon his father's passing. The one who now ruled the castle just beyond the woods.
Very nasty tales of his cold heartedness and behavior. And how many a lady was ruined because of his devilish ways. What was I to do now? I was ordered by the king to take myself and my caperone/nanny to his residence and dwell there under his supervision? Was the King mad?
I quickly glanced around to make sure I had not spoken that allowed nor any one was around me to hear those thoughts. I felt like crying, all chances of a love filled marriage out the door and scattered into the four winds.
The dreams of childhood were gone now and all that remained was an edict from the King.
"Nanna, we best..." the lump in my throat was so hard to swallow, "pack." How would I be recieved?
Another knock sounded on the door and I rose to answer it. I had just buried my father this morning and still I had no peace.
"Yes?" A messenger stood on my door way.
"The Duke of Harrington has sent a message M'Lady. He will be arriving here in an hour to see that all is taken care of personally." He bowed and left.
"But?" I wanted to argue with him and find out just why the Duke himself was coming? Did he expect me to run? They all had when they seen me this morn. Did everyone know but me this was coming?
I shut the door and felt anger and pain well up inside me. I wanted time to adjust before going to a strange new place. Time to adjust to being under someone else's thumb. I glanced down at the black mourning dress I had doned this very morn, It felt heavy and uncomfortable, but I would wear it.
Perhaps if I wore Black long enough I could escape being foisted off on the Ton? Perhaps I could escape marriage to some money grubbing baffoon as well? There was always hope.
"Izzy dear.. let's pack a few things. A lady does not let emotions show, mind you this." Nanna meant well and lord knows she tried to mold me, but I found her to be smothering more often than not these days.
Sighing, I set to do my task until the 'old' Duke arrived. Course he wasn't old but I did hear he had a foul temper and a mean streak. Perhaps.. no, it was best just to cooperate for now.


ooc: This one needs a firey even tempered man who can handle my goof ups. Pm me if you want this role

 

[Swashbuckler]

Duke William II of Harrington

I forced myself with every fiber of my being to resist the impulse to ride myself ahead of the coach I was sending to collect my new ward from her father's estate. Still, as I rode along in the rocking cushions of the carrige I could not help but finding my thoughts bent solely upon the time that had so easily slipped through my fingers. As as heiress, Elizabeth Coleman had much to offer. Her father's pockets were infinitely deper than my own. Though my titles were much more heavy, they seemed at times to be, but loadstones holding me back from realising myself financially. My forefather's had not known great wealth since the Wars of the Roses and those turbulent days were now lost, sunk in the tides of history leaving only, delapidating halls and mounting debts.

King George had dropped a boon of monumental porportions at my feet and I was determined to make the most of it. To reap this harvest to the uptmost. "Yes.., to reap this harvest..," I said barely aloud as I pulled the tooled silver flask from my jacket. My mind so focused upon the task before me; I hardly smelt the hearty brandy as I spun the stopper from its mourings, my tongue noticed nothing of the thick sweet heat that flowed quickly down my throat.

Glancing out the lace obscured window I noticed the first droplets of a storm blowing off the sea, the looming dark clouds boiling over the channel, pushing themselves quickly ashore. My brow furrowed and I thumped the roof of the carrige once in my annoyance to push my driver faster to my date with the beginning of my destiny. "Damn and blast time," I cursed as I returned my flask to my pocket with a rough shove as I turned my grey smoldering eyes to the darkening horizon. My thoughts beginning to drift to imagine what this treasure trove would look like.

Having not seen the Lady Elizabeth since the time of her christening when I was a lad at my father's side. I had heard the tavern talk ofher firery temper, and heard of ehr alledged beauty. I however, always the realist, found myself imagining her as rotund as her temper and lacking fitness for an aprentice artist to portrait. Luck was a lady whose favors only went so far. Being given an heiress as a ward was far more than I could have hoped for, for her to be a eauty out of a child's fairy tale was far to much to be possible. That mattered not, though. So long as she had the propper functionaries about her that would be all that I required. All else could be had anywhere at anytime as I well knew. A thin smile broke my thin lips at that thought.

Suddenly, my thoughts were interupted as my gaz was disrutped by the gates to the Coleman grounds. With that I straightened my self on the indigo velvet of the coachseat and tapped the folded papers in my jacket pocket, all was falling into place perfectly.

The carrige rolled to a halt on the rainslickened gravel, before the wheels had ceased their rounds I pushed myself through the door and my black shined boots lept from the coach. Not bothering with hat or cloak, as I was to make my first visit to Coleman Manorhouse, as breif as it would be final.

A footman was rushing as dignantly to twards me as possible, but my manlyframe pushed past him without word or notice. Below six feet in height, but thickly built. Blood that pumped from the time of the conquest flooded muscle and sinew of the warrior ancestory I hailed from still gave those who crossed my path the touch of my strength. A meaty palm opened the door as I burst into the hall, "Lady Coleman!" I bellowed to the fine foyer, making my own announcements before butlers could butle off. Shaking my head to flip the blue silk ribbon tie that held my unpowered blonde tail from my shoulders, I shot my eyes up the staircase as I began the wait.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lady Elizabeth

A storm was brewing, in my heart and outside the steepled roof of my room. A fine setting for my mood, it fit me perfectly as I packed a few things that were too dear to me to leave behind. It was only a little while until I could find a suitable match and marry. Then my mother's lands and my father's lands would be my own, by my bithright I was a very wealthy Heiress. I only chose not to attend the seasons in London and chose to avoid any ties to unsuitables around the area.
Still the fear beat in my breast and quicked often when ever I happened to think apon the Duke of Harrington. I had heard so many things. He was cruel and to some he was kind. He was a task master and hard on all around him. But in his station in life I knew that was a given.
I packed a few ball gowns that had recently been prepared for me and sniffled slightly. I would be in mourning for at least two months before it would be proper to change out of it. But when the time came to find a suitable husband, I would be prepared.
My palms sweated ever so slightly as I pictured the old greying, stout and fat Duke waltzing into my life and dictating to me in a hard cold manner. It was what I was told to expect by the village folk. What more could a young Lady think?
Only the worst in this situation. Did he know of her wealth and her station? The King did and that is why he made sure I was under someone's thumb. I just prayed he did not foist me off on some other country's gentry. I wished to remain in my homeland, not journey abroad to an unknown land.
Halting I heard a carriage outside and the sound of the front door booming open. I jumped slightly, glancing around in fear almost, wanting to run and hide. But then my anger sparked up and I huffingly put my hands on my hips as I glared through the floors.
"Lady Coleman!" A voice bellowed.
"Oh my! He has a mouth on him!" Nanna glared at me for that comment, "A lady does not say such things about her superiors!" I said nothing about that and moved towards the door, some what slowly for I was a tiny bit afraid of what I would find down there.
"LADY COLEMAN!" He bellowed louder, I could hear him pacing in the foyer. Moving quickly as to not anger him further I walked as quickly as possible to the top of the stairs. I halted in my tracks as I gazed down upon a man much younger than I was expecting to retrieve me.
Perhaps he was a messenger? No, his clothing was too fine to be that of a servant, no matter how loved they were by their master.
"Yes?" I spoke up past the lump and tension in my throat.
"I am she?" I moved down a step, kicking the black gown out of my way as I moved partially down the stairs. I froze in my spot a moment as I realized my hair was down, a very unlady like way to appear. It was too late now, I had already made my presence known to the stranger stalking below.

 

[Swashbuckler]

Duke William

The rook of mourning descended the stairs above me, her gilt tusses sprawling out around her shoulders, "I am she," she said in a voice full of strength and melody. I blinked at her words, just catching that her cheeks seemed to fill with the realisation tat her hair was thus displayed like a stained glass halo about her shroud.

"Lady Coleman," I said with a curt nod of my head that almost resembeled a hasty bow, my manner was rushed as I did not wish to loose the initiative for a single toc of the great blackforest clock of the hall. "I am the Duke of Harrington, William, I am charmed," I added as I reached her midway on the stairs; softly, but securely ensnaring her hand in mine and bringing it to my lips. My eyes pried their way into hers, like a corvette spearing through the perfect azure of the North Sea on a clear morning.

It was entirely true, I had steeled myself for some wart covered over facecaked nag. Luck was truely dealing me a hand I would relish playing, and the stakes in this instant grew all the more intriguing. "M'lady," I began flatly my eyes dripping down past her still clutched hand to reconoiter all her charms before quickly retrenching themselves onto the siege of her blue spheres, "I met you once with my father years ago. Quite a lifetime for yourself, and perhaps less for myself. Though I doubt you would remember me as you were a mere babe."

"Allow me to extend my dearest condolences upon your recent loss, I pray I live up to the honor his majesty has bestowed upon me as your guardian." I continued, quick with tongue and slow of body, as I spoke I slowly lifted my right leg from the stair where both feet stood and passed it along her left thigh without brushing her skirt, setting it on the stair that was all but hidden by her skirts and petticoats. Allowing her to see my full body, and the direction I was giving. The stretching of myself before her let my chest flare between the collars of my jacket and the tightness spread thin over my lifted thigh.

"Now, Lady Elizabeth," I continued purring my voice to her ear, I would fetch you and your bag home before the storm befalls us all." Languidly pulling myself to share the same stair as her entirely, "Would you please, have your attendants, fetch your portmanteau to my humble coach. I believe it is time we were departign so you may get settled into your new boudoir before the hour is too great to allow you peace."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lady Elizabeth

My eyes widened slightly as he approached me, his form coming closer and up to my level. I felt my heart catch slightly in a paniced rush, he was definately a handsome man. But why was he still a bachelor? I held my questions as his warm hand took my own and brought it to his lips.
I tried not to think on what that small courtsey did to me and ignore the sinful thought that sprang into my mind as he rose back up to his full height. He towered over my small petite frame, even on the stair below me he was a good few inches taller than I.
"Yes, Charmed." I smiled slightly, more of a forced smile, I was just so shocked to see a vibrant young Duke standing before me. All I had heard so far was ringing falsehoods. He moved closer, intending on helping? Or was it something more?
I felt his eyes rake my body, lingering on the very evident swell of my bosom before meeting my eyes once more. I knew he would be shocked, I fairly hid in exile out here to keep men from fawning over me with false words and false promises over a pretty face.
"My Lord, I have but two trunks and my Nanny. I do intend on coming home as soon as possible, so it is for naught to move too much." I forget myself and my manners, I did not thank him for his condolences and hoped he did not feel slighted. I felt flushed a little that I could so carelessly forget something like that.
He unfolded almost, or was it puffed up? I wasn't certain but he seemed to surround me with his presence. A commanding presense at that. This man was used to getting his way, in all things.
Inhaling a shaken breath, I smiled a little more friendly, praying silently all would go well.
"Derek, Manly!? Please take my trunks out to the Duke's coach." I ordered the two remaining servants. Nanny approached her hat in place and her small hand bag clutched between her hands as she bowed to the Duke. Again I forgot a small courtsey, I was feeling more and more intimidated by the moment.
He moved closer as my Nanny moved into my rooms to over see their moving. I felt his breath whisper over the tiny shell of my ear as he spoke, a shiver passed down my spine in reaction and my brow furrowed in confusion to the responce I had.
I shook myself a little and stepped back, "As you wish, Your Grace." The proper addressing, Lady Elizabeth was thinking again. Putting my mind back in order, I brushed off his forward advances as flight of fancy and chalked it up to the trama of my father passing. I was imagining things, yes that was it.
Everything was loaded and I quietly moved down the stairs before him, the footman holding open the door as I moved inside.

 

[Swashbuckler]

William

My face revealed nothign of the foul taste the word, "nanny", left in my ears as she spoke. That was a matter that would have to be eal with shortly, when the ground was better.

For now I simply smiled cooly and offered her my arm, leading her to my awiating coach. As she slipped into the blue velvet interior, I glanced up to Malcolm, my driver, nad he simply raised his whip in slaute assuring me my orders were fulfilled.

Pulling myself into the cabin with her, I offered my excuses for sittign next to her as the oppisite bench was occupied by my unruly tossed cloak and hat. As the words were exiting my mouth, I pulled the laquered door shut behind me, the click of the latch silencing the sounds of rain on cobblestones.

She looked as if she was about to say something but her voice was silenced by the surge of the carrige and the swish, clap of the whip over the backs of the team. I simply smiled to her eyes, glancing down quickly, my eyes sipping at the sight of her bodice beneath her shawl.

Letting my eyes linger a breif second on the rise of her pale lobes beneathe their black lace outline, just long enough for her exposed skin to feel the heat of my gaze. Then shifting myself closer to the door, givng her ample room, I turned my face from her and staredout the laced window at the raindroplets and asked, "Would you care to cover up my lady Elizabeth?" Flipping my wrist so that the lace of my cuff fluttered once of my hand as I pointed towards my sprawled, black cloak.

I repressed the smile that was burnign my lips at her beauty and her shock that I had left her nanny and her luggage. I had not been quite so cruel, as yet, for they were to follow in her father's carrige as per my previous instructions to my dutiful accomplice, Malcolm, who had instructed the arrangements perfectly. Well, even if he had stopped them comign at all was of no concern at this point. All the cards were falling exactly as I could have hoped, and to be trumped by a golden haired venus to boot!

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lady Elizabeth

I bit back a retort as the coach lurched forward and I had to all but cling to the edge of the seat to remain upright. Once the coach was settled and moving along the way, I studied him out of the corner of my eye.
This Duke was more than I expected and quite the task master as well. I wanted to question why Nanna was left behind along with my belongings but thought better not to broach the subject just yet.
"Cover up, Your Grace?" It was a little chilly but with my temper rising to the surface I hardly noticed.
"No thank you, I am well." I fell silent and stared, more so glared, out the opposit window as we rode in silence.
It became too much for me to swallow, the silence was so thick you could cut it with a knife, I had to ask questions and find out his intentions.
"Your Grace? I have but a few things to ask.." How do I approach this delicate subject with a stranger? I had to just bite down on my pride and ask.
"I was told by the King's missive I was to seek a proper husband before the year was out? Who is to decided who is proper for me? And I would also like to ask when we will have to leave for London to prepare myself for the social events and such things I know I am to attend?" I turned to face him, wanting to read his eyes but all I met was a cold determined stare.

 

[Swashbuckler]

William

Slowly, ever so slowly I turned adn stared blankly into her eyes at her flurry of inquiries. Studying her eyes revealing nothing as I took in the edge of desperation and distress at her querries bubbling beneath her pupils.Taking a long moment in the flowing sway of the coach, letting time become my ally in annoyance. She had to feel before she heard my control in the matters of her questions.

Without a sign across my face, I stared into her eyes; then as slowly as I turned to listen I tuned my gaze to the rainstreaked window pane with a slight yawn as I began to reply, "My dear young lady, Elizabeth, his majesty was quite right in determining that you should find a suitable suitor, as would be your father's wish I am certain. And given that it is the beautious fate of all young women to find a husband to comfort and suppor them, you shall be set on a guided path to that end. Unfortunately, your own father, god rest his soul, is no long er availible to conduct you on your path to bridehood. Havign accepted his majesty's edict as your guardian; I shall endeavor to fill your late father's shoes in this matter to the best of my ability." Daring a quick glance over my shoulder, I continued returning my gaze to the window, my words fogging on the cooling pane, "In reguards to choosing a match fitted to your station, inheritence, and family honor, I shall direct the affair to the upmost of my ability. Though the task before me is slightly daunting. Given that your mother's fatehr was a duke, findign you a man of that peerage may prove difficult at these times," reaching my hand out and taking ehr wrist firmly, yet, not overtly forcefuly without turnign my gaze, "but do not despair, my fair young ward, I shall remain ever vigilant in this royal service to the crown and to you."

Giving her hand a gentle pat as I released it, I went on, keeping the answers ratlign off faster tahn she could comprehend, "As for social events, my dear, a child of chastity such as yourself should shun London and all its debauched galas. I think that a comfortable extended stay at my family home will do you well in your remorse. Pettitionign suitors, who meet my criteria, that I can only hope live up to your late father's wishes completely, can visit you there. Or perhaps you could accompany me to my villa in France or the quait hunting lodge in Scotland. I would not think of dragging you unprepared into the dens of socail gatherings without you beign properly prepared," I let my last word slither off my tongue as I remained emotionless as a statue staring out the window. Not darign to glance once again at her face to read her reactions. There was litle need, I would know all in good time. From her temperment I did not think it would be long. I noticed the storm growing ever more darker and felt the wind rock the carrige and howl about the latice, I could not have prayed for a better day.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Elizabeth Coleman

"You wish me to find the finest upstanding suitable titled man, and yet you lock me inside a carriage with only you and no chaperone?" I made an unlady like sound and scooted a little further away from him, which wasn't a damned inch!
"No season? You want me to pick a suitable husband out in the sticks? Have you gone daft?" I turned away from him glaring outside the carriage window. Trying my upmost to be a proper lady and not insult the Duke any further, but he made it so hard not to!
"and as for France of Scotland, Nay.. I am an English lady and will marry only an English man, one of course inwhich I love. I will marry for no other purpose but love! And trust me Your Grace I am more than prepared for the Ton." I was fuming inside, my anger welling up from deep down and he was just edging it along nicely.
Perhaps I was being unfair? He was only doing as instructed, well for the most part. He was leaving out some valuable things like social's and balls. Exhaling deeply, I swallowed my pride and spoke up, "I am sorry your grace, all of this is just too much for me to take I'm afraid.." not to mention his entire mannerisms were overbearing and gruff!
The coach stopped and the door was opened, muttering "Thank god!" I waited for the Duke to exit so that I could get myself out of here and all this darn dress. The wildly tossing winds tossed the carriage and the rain began to hit hard down upon the coach top. Another dismal thing to add to the growing pile on my wee shoulders. I wanted to shout out the unfairness of it all and stuff something in the Duke's mouth to shut him up, but I restrained myself as best I could.
"We'll discuss more on this I am sure, perhaps when we're both not thrown out of our element?" I paused, hoping and praying he would get out and leave me alone, go to his gentlemen's club or something. Perhaps he would wallow in self pity in a den somewhere and stop interfering in my life!
One could only hope.

 

[Swashbuckler]

William

I sat in silence as she had her little fits, such a charing creature she was, as the coach rolled and bucked to my ancestoral home. Finally the spokes of the wheels ceased thier turning and became rigid as Malclom dismounted in the downpour to open the door.

As she was about to take his hand and exit the carrige, I siezed her small wrist and pulled ehr back into the carrige, "Yes, my child," I hissed to her shocked expression as I drew her close." Calculating every word like a well metered sonnet or eulogy over her former life, hoping every sylable would strike a dischord in her heart. "We shall discuss these matters at length, though, you may find that in these walls there is but one voice; mine, and mine alone."

Pausing for efect I studdied her eyes as they flared so valiantly in their new despair before continuing on, "A father has no need for a chperone with ones own daugter, what what? And I am not one who cares 'bout most pretenses of society at any cheap rate. What concerns me is my duty." Narrowing my eyes to pierce the very depths of her mind with my gaze, "You have much to learn about station and duty, my pretty. Soon you shall, under my undaunting tutilage defacate these inclinations about love from your pretty head. You have a purpose, an obligation, a duty to uphold, and I intend to see it through."

I held her staring into her eyes with the look of determination that could have leveled the mightiest of ramparts by my sheer will and force of my gaze. "Elizabeth, my dear," I cooed mocking her as I twisted and tightened my grasp of her arm, just enough to make it more uncomfortable, "you are such a sheltered bud. These dreams of love are quite romantic and no doubt come from the foolish readings of the twaddle that poets and halfbakes pollute the world of print with now-a-days. But it is of little matter, for I shall endeavor to finish your propper upbringing into womanhood personally," I let the last word drip from my tongue and hang suspended in the chilling air of the coach as I held her more with my eyes than with any physical strength.

"You are an idealist," I sighed, "you have no idea how much I envy you that. However, we both have our duties and obligations to fulfill and I shall make sure we both succeed in them." I slightly relaxed the grip on her wrist, but held her unyeildingly with my icy stare. "My little pet," I said with a tone that perfectly captured both malice and delight, "welcome home, home at long last."

Looking past her with a sharp glance, "Malcolm, see to it that she is shown directly to her chambers, in the old wing." Malcolm nodded dutifully and took her left hand gently as I relaxed my grip enough for it to slide from my grasp like sand through an hourglass as Malcolm assisted Elizabeth down from the coach.

Stepping out quickly behind them both I called out, louder than was nessisary even due to the raging storm, "Mrs. Grables should have her bed prepared, it must have been a century since those chambers were last occupied. I am quite sure she will find them as comfortable as they are quaint." I watched as my accomplice lakey tugged her arm away from the great entrance we stood before saying, "This way m'lady." Indicating as he did to the eastern wing of the house that was built long enough ago to show evidence of the rioutous rule of Stephen on its ancient grey walls. The perfect mideval castle loomed before her gaze as Malcolm led her off through the courtyard towards her new quarters.

"I shall be attending to her comforts personally as soon as I think she is propper," I said as I pulled my cloak from the coach and lept up the steps to the main house. No sooner had the doors closed behind my back when I began a long, hearty laugh at my prize.

Seizing Christian by the arm as he passed me in the hall headign for the coach to retrieve the baggage, I hissed in his ear, "When the second coach arrives, take her erstwhile nanny to the library and have her await me there." He nodded his balding head and began spreadign my orders to the household as I began to jaunt up the stairs and head for the eastern wing through long un trodden halls.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Elizabeth

I made my way to the door, thinking perhaps I could escape this confinement with him but I was sadly mistaken as his hand latched onto my wrist. Gasping in outrage he would grab me thusly, I felt a slight pain in my wrist as he gripped my tender skin and held firmly.
I felt fear fluttering in my breast, but thought for sure I was just over reacting to all of this? Wasn't I? As I met his steel hard gaze, I knew I was not over reacting and indeed should fear him!
His words flowed like ice over my heart, causing fear and a timidness I did not like feeling. I felt alot of things well up inside me and for a brief moment felt like fleeing the confines of this place and running home, safety of my home.
His words hissed at me, the cold malice, or promise of his 'care' also frightened me. I tried to wrench free of his grip but he only tightened it. My hand turning blue from his death like grip, I felt tears come to my eyes as he proclaimed love to be false. He was so very wrong there! I had seen it and watched it and blossomed in it as well by my parents. I did not care what he thought of love, I knew it exsisted! Station be damned, I would win in the end, I am more stubborn and very cunning. I would not take this high mannerisms lightly, no.
For a moment I tried to not listen to him, to block out his cold words, and it worked for only a short time, when i caught the last of his statement, "....But it is of little matter, for I shall endeavor to finish your propper upbringing into womanhood personally." The promise of those words wasn't something I felt I could look forward too, but something to fear as well.
A tear threatened to break free and fall, but luckily it stayed it's path and did not humiliate me further than he had done already. I bit back a retort as he welcomed me "home". Home?! What poppy cock was this?
Shivering all over, his grip slackened but I did not feel it. His icy stare held me breathless in their depths. Afraid to move away, afraid to deny his words. I felt the fear clawing at me and with it came my temper. A protective element that always reared up whenever I felt slighted or wronged in some way. I think he asked for my temper as slowly he released me, or he was insane enough to believe I would heed his advice?
The coach door was opened and I was thrust out into the hands of another. Before me loomed a large old castle that stood all by itself. There was no beauty in this castle for the owner had a black heart, one I was certain I had only seen a tiny glimpse of.
He issued orders of where I was to be placed, the sound of those words and implications of them frightened me yet again. Where was he putting me!? I was hurried along by his man servant, and the last words to reach my ears weren't at all in my favor, "I shall be attending to her comforts personally as soon as I think she is propper,"
Oh god! Please help me!? I felt like crying and shouting all at once. He would personally see to me? What of my nanny? Perhaps he was just angry at my show of temper and was just proving a point?! He couldn't really be that cruel?! It was beyond thought that he would serve me anything but more orders!
I was literally pulled up the stairs, into the castle and up another set of stairs. No, 'by your leave' no, 'this way m'lady' just tugged along up a huge flight of stairs, turned and up another. Pushed down a hallway and into the darkest of pits he had to have in this castle!
"Wait! Please wait!? I need to speak with my nanny.. It's important!" the man ignored my words, took me to a room and unlocked the door. Thrusting me inside, two more men brought in my bag and small trunk from the Duke's coach. They turned and left without a single word, shutting the door behind them.
I didn't know what to expect but it surely wasn't this hovel of a room!? I glanced around in disgust of the dirt and dust in this place. There was beauty of the room, under the layers of dust. Even the huge four poster bed was beautiful. If it had been clean, perhaps I wouldn't have minded being placed in here.
"What kind of room is this!?" I shouted at the door, so angry I trembled with it. My fury had no bounds at points like this! I walked straight to the door and attempted to open it and march back downstairs and tell that Duke where to shove it all! I did not care about the title or lands, nor the money! Not at this price.. nothing was worth this confinement.. And confinement it was!
"The door is locked?!" I whispered aloud, more in shock than anything else that I was indeed locked up in this hovel?
I banged on the door, shouting to whoever was out there to unlock the door, but I heard no answer come to my ears that another had heard me? I felt a panic come over me once again, being locked up was something very scary in my mind. I looked around and spotted a second door. Walking to it, I tried pulling it open, but it too was locked. Where did it go? Another bed chamber?
"Hello!?" I felt like crying, this was all too much for me. "please anyone? help? The door is locked..." I pressed my head to the door and waited, hoping someone would come soon. Surely this was a mistake? Why hadn't he prepared a room for be before now? What was he trying to prove? It was obvious to be that before he even left to fetch me, he had done nothing to see to my placement in this house. Why?
Glancing around the room, I seen my small trunk. "Oh thank you!" In there was my writing essentials, and also a very nice letter opener. I walked to my trunk and opened the lid, moving things around, I dug for it. Finally finding the box, I pulled it out and took out the opener. Setting things down carefully, I walked to the main door and pushed the opener between the door and the wall until I heard a click.
Smiling in triumph, I pulled open the door, pocketed the opener and began to try and find my way back down stairs. Someone's head would be on a platter for locking me in there! I would see to that, surely the Duke wouldn't condone that kind of treatment from his servants.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Elizabeth

I spotted a maid further into the hallway, it wasn't toward the way I came up but I could speak with her?
"Excuse me?" I spoke up, the maid turned and jumped her eyes widening with fright for a moment.
"Yes M'Lady?"
"Perhaps you could help me out? I wish to find the Duke and find out why his servant locked me into my room?"
"I am sorry M'lday, I do not know where the Duke is right now."
"Oh..." I had to think a moment, "well thank you." She scurried away towards the stairs, afraid of something, surely it couldn't be me?
Not paying her any mind, I looked over at the door she had come out of. Wondering if someone was in there I could speak to I opened the door and stepped inside. The room was in a brazen color. Red and satin everywhere. Black was also a favorite color of this room. Clean it caused me to gasp a little as I looked at the large bed in the center of the room.
Now who would put a bed into the center of the room? I walked around it, from foot to head, it stood free of all walls. I ran my hand over the satin feeling spread and glanced around for evidence of whom slept in here?
Perhaps this was an older room and wasn't used? If that were true though it would be as messy as my room had been.
"Damnation!" I should have asked the maid to see to my rooms. Sighing heavily, I walked around looking at a few things here and there. This room some how seemed to be a shameless place for someone to sleep.
Feeling a slight tremor in my body I noticed the room had no other doors and no window as well. This was indeed a little strange? Moving over to the side of the bed I sat down and smiled. This bed was soft, comfortable and for a moment I forgot it was sinfully red in hues. I laid back and let my feet dangle of the edge of the bed, closing my eyes I lay in silence.

I laid there for a few short minutes and boredom set in. I needed to find the Duke and find out which bad servant locked me in there! I sat up on the bed and my eye caught an array of jars on a table near by. Curious as to what they were, and a bad snoop, I walked over and began looking at the unmarked jars.
"Interesting...." I picked each one up and sniffed, nothing smelled to strange and a few were familair scents of candy. Candy? Interesting, some even smelled like familiar herbs. Setting them down, I glanced at the partially cracked Amoire against one wall. Walking over, I peeked inside.
Expecting to find some dresses or men's wear I was curious to find what looked like leather tethers for a horse or something. Each had a cuff on the end, but it was too small for a horse's snout. "Very particular.." I shook my head, my face furrowing slightly in confusion as I picked up the leather strip and inspected the cuff. There were four of them, and the other two looked a little bigger but still not enough for a horse.
"And why are these in the house?" Odd, definately odd. I caught something in the dark side and opened the other door. In there were another array of odd items. A little ring made of silver about an inch and a half in diameter, something for the leather? I smiled as I spotted the sleep mask, now that was familiar to me. A feather duster was in there and some old clothes. Picking up one silky little item, It looked like a silky set of underwear but when I pulled it up to look at it, I noticed it was clearly see through.
My eyes widened a little in surprise and quickly I put the things back and shut the doors. Backing away from the armoire, I heard a shuffling of feet near by.
"Oh fuck!" I mumbled, afraid to turn and see who stood in the door way, I had been caught snooping..

 

[Swashbuckler]

I had just crossed to the eastern, ancient halls and silently crept up the stairs to the floor where Elizabeth was being kept. As I walked down the narrow shadowed hall whne I heard the unexpected click of the doorlatch from her door, 'How enterprising the minx is," I thought to myself as I sunk into a darkened doorway, a smile slipping across my lips.

She quietly fumed her way down the hall, when she encountered Martha, the young swet maid that frequented this wing for my pleasure. She was just stepping out of the crimson room when she met my new ward. Martha quickly dislodged herself and flew towards the stairs. That I had expected, what surprised me was the fine Lady Elizabeth entering the recently straightened room that Martha had just finished reorganising./i]

Cocking an eyebrow with great interest I went tothe door and watched as the young lady investigated the room I held so close to my heart. I smiled from the shadows as she smelt and examined the jars. Then I felt my heart leap with exhilieration as she opened the armoir. What in a civilised age held all the implements of a great warrior, now housed the implements of an equally human purpose.

Elizabeth went through the things with curiousity that was about to hang the cat. When she hastily thrust the sheerest silks back into the furniture and closed the doors. Seeing that the time for my intercesion was at hand I began a slow, soft clapping of my palms as I stepped into the chamber.

"Tsk, tsk, tssssk," I hissed with a great hint of disaproval driping from my tongue as I entered and headed towards my new ward. "Here, my dear, you know a virginal heiress, I thought you were. And yet," I glowered my eyes with a curious flame as I aproached her at the armoir, "and yet, here you are, not yet even here an hour and you are already, picking locks secured to protect your virtues, flustering my household, and investigating things that one as chaste as you are preported to be would have nothign to do with."

Placing a hand gently on her right shoulder, rubbing it slow and soft over her lace and gently brushing at her skin I continued with a laugh, "Well, I certainly did not think you as worldly as you seem. For that I am sorry. For now I will have to demonstrate for you how a concerned father deals with such things from his virginal charge."

I let the threat of what I might be inferring run through her mind for a long second before I barked loud and clear, "Martha! You damned wench, get up here!" I changed my tone to one of devilishly soft, and silken, for Elizabeth's ears only, "Your master is in need of assistance."

Suddenly I slid my hand from her shoulder down her arm quickly, wrappign my fingers tight about her wrist. "Now, now, my pretty," I said mockingly, "I shall have to deal with your impudence." with out another word I drug her quickly to the edge of the great bed and sat on it hard. With a powerful jerk I drug her across my extended knee. The lacefilled billow of her skirts puffing skywards as she was wrenched over my leg.

She let out a gasp of surprise and rage as my flattened palm landed harshly upon her sweetly upturned cheeks. THough it was through a layer of mourning lace, I could tell that the firm, previously unrevealed globes bounced adn danced delightfully as I struck her unconditioned flesh. Not too harsh, perhaps not as harsh as I would have loved to, for I was trying desperately to keep from roaring with laughter over her curiousity and enterprise.

I continued for three strikes, lettign them fall, slowly and deliberately. A small demonstration of my position, and more importantly of hers. "Now, young lady, and I use lady now only in reference to your inheritence, for no chaste lady would seek debaucheries so readily," I half teased as I spanked her bottom. "I would hope that this is maybe a deterent from such paths for you." I stopped speaking as the last blow fell, with the perfection of timing as Elizabeth glaned up, she could see Martha entering the open doorway as witness.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Elizabeth

I jumped as I heard the clapping and turning to face the Duke.
"Oh no.." my first thought and my second was to run! He moved over to me, I felt me face heat up, not from his words but from being caught with my curiousity and in the wrong room!
"But.." I tried to defend myself, feeling horrible for my actions, he silenced me as he continued to speak softly into my ear. I felt a tremor race through me, wondering what I would do now and what exactly he would do to me?
I heard him bark out "Martha!" And felt even more embarassed.
"But! I only.." he silenced me again. I felt anger well up at the unfairness of what he called me, but I knew I couldn't say a word.
His words of dealing with me sent shivers down my spine, fear laced through me as I was jerked across the room and over his lap.
I gasped again in shock and outrage as he bared my bottom, well he lifted my dress anyways and spanked me!? I felt my face turn firey hot with humiliation as his hand landed again. I was so upset I couldn't even really hear his words, it stung but not overly much. It wasn't the punishment that made me cry, it was the insinuation behind what I was doing and what he was doing to me!
I glanced up just as the maid came into the room, her eyes widening on my bent over form. I had to avert my eyes to keep from screaming at him for this. Finally his hand landed the last time and I sat, panting with shame and anger as I waited for his next move.
I gulped down the fear, anger and hurt at his treatment of me and nodded my head yes.
"Yes sir.." I felt like an errant child of ten years, not a grown lady. I should have known better than to do this! I scolded myself furiously for letting this happen! Lord I was not very smart these days! I was too afraid to move off of his lap or cover myself thinking he would repeat the process all over again. Breath held, I tried to calm my racing heart and keep my mouth tightly shut as well.

 

[Swashbuckler]

William

"Martha," I as if nothign was out of the ordinary at all. Leaving my palm rested firmely and squarely across her cheeks, continued witha lilt to my inflection, "Martha, the is the Lady Elizabeth, my ward. It seems the young woman I have heard so much about has a side toher that is wholely beyond anything that has reached my ears." Twisting my fingers slightly, to run across The lace that seperated my powerful hand from the supple flesh of Elizabeth's ass, "Lady Elizabeth, this is Martha, one of my household, she will be attending to you."

With that I did not allow for either of them to exchange pleasantries, given the situation at hand, as it were. THough Martha did manage a curtsey before my words impacted them both. "Martha," I said with an all too authoritarian air, "be so kind as to fetch me the tethers and," I paused as much to let the words sink in as to consider my instincts. Deciding to follow my nature, I continued, "and, the fold, be quick," I added with a snap at Martha's apprehension. I could see the young chamber wench's sheek flooding as crimson as the walls. She did so hate to be publicises adn in front of a lady, must have been greatly agitating to her.

Grinning bradly as Martha returned on quick feet, "Now, Martha, attend Lady Colman. She has traveled far and it woud seem would travel farther still if she is not restrained. Since," I added as I patted her heated bottom again directly beneath Martha's gaze, "locks and doors seem impossible to confine her, remove her outer clothing, then you may attend to securing the blind and the tethers to her. Secure her to the chair," I said lifting my hand from her cheeks and indicating the harsh weathered ancient chair that no doubt had seen action at Agincourt. With that I reclined to an elbow on the bed, lifting my inflamed lust into Elizabeth's abdomane as Martha rushed to do my bidding. Utterly humiliated, but fearful of raising my ire in front of the lady.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Elizabeth

I gasped in shock as I was stood up before him and this Martha servant moved towards me.
"But?!" I backed up a step but the look in his eyes held me prisoner. I could not disobey or I would suffer worse things. I felt my face enflame hotter and brighter as the maid removed my dress and left me standing in my underwear. I was covered for the most part, except my rather supple chest. As quickly as I could I covered myself.
"Please? Do not do this? I am sorry William.." I pleaded but I knew it fell on deaf ears. My fear in my eyes as well as the humiliation I felt Martha tug on my arm. Jerking out of her hands, I had hoped he would change his mind?
He said nothing and Martha pulled on me harder, insisting I sit down. She hurried and whispered to me to behave and do as I was told before she was punished for it. I felt my legs secured to the chair and then my hands behind my back. Exsposed and still reeling from all of this, the blindfold shocked me great enough to make me gasp loudly.
"No!" I tried to fight but I couldn't move.
"Be still!" The maid hissed into my ear and I heard rather than saw William move from the bed. Buttoning my lips tightly, the blindfold was secured over my eyes.
For the longest time, all I could hear was my racing heart and the roaring in my ears from the fear. But no one moved to touch me, once the maid had done as told she moved quickly away from me.
Flushing, I was at a loss here as to why?
"Please? Let me go?" I whispered softly, fearing retribution but more afraid of being left like this!

 

[Swashbuckler]

William

Hearing Elizabeth's last plea as I take Martha by the hand, "Ah, Martha, do you remember when you said those same words to me?" I laughed aloud and despite her nervousness, Martha blushed fuller and giggled into her hand. "Ah, please let me go, how many times I have heard that. All too soon it becomes, please, don't let go" I mocked as I led Martha towards the bed.

As we neared I stopped her and said quite loudly so that Elizabeth could hear plianly, "Martha, since it took you such time to fulfil your duties, I would dare say you should make it easier upon yourself by lubricating my manhood a breif while before it is crashed through your ass." The air filled with a rustle of skirt and apron as Martha, fell quickly to her knees before the edge of the bed and began desperately trying to free the errection from my trousers. Her frantic fingers tuged and jostled until I was freed, springing forth with an eager throb and a light slap to her slightly parted lips.

Not waiting for her to prepare herself I jutted my hips forward, sliding through her lips forcefully with a satsifying plop. Martha gurled and worked anxiously to coat my skin in preparation for what was coming. "More noise," I whispered and Martha redoubled her efforts. Glancing sideways acros the room to the chair I saw my ward stirr in her chair as her ears were subjected to a bombardment that was entirely new to them. Martha slurped loudly as posible at my cock, trying to excite, encourage my flesh to expand further.

Gripping her by the hair and puling her from my cock making as much noise as possible, even getting an exhited yip from Martha, I drug her to the oppisite side of the bed. So I had full veiw of my young ward. Rejecting me for my age out of hand a year ago. I would see what she thought of my youth and vitality as she learned of it through her ears.

Pushing Martha at right angles over the bed before me I took her blakc linen skirt hem in both hands and for the dramatic purposes of the moment, for the upmost embarrasment of both of my cares at hand, I rent the skirt asunder. The tears ripped through the air, stopping only when it an head long into the tie of the white apron of the maid. I grinned as I ran the head of my cock around the well used, but truely tight opening between Martha's cheeks. She burried ehr face in the bedspread and gritted her teeth in anticipation. But duitfully reached back with both hands to pull her cheeks wide for me as she relaxed her exit before my spearhead.

"Martha," I said, sharply, but not too sharply, "you were slow in your duties tonight, so I shall be firm with you." She nodded intot he covers, and inched her legs apart. My palms clasped loudly onto her hips as I barreled forward eliciting a gasp and a moan from the sheets as I pushed undaunted past her small ring and into her furnace. Slowly pushing onward I fixed my stare beyond the beauty perforated by my cock, to the one who's ears were helplessly transfixed on the sightless display before her.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Elizabeth

"Ah, please let me go, how many times I have heard that. All too soon it becomes, please, don't let go"

I heard his words and the meaning made me blush furiously, I did not think I could get any redder than I already was! What was he planning on doing? I could hear little but the brushing of fabric as they walked a short distance away.
My body tensed up a little, my hands fisting as I tried to think of something, anything to get me out of here! his next words, said so loudly I thought the whole house could hear him shocked me speachless!
Wet his manhood? I had a brief flash before my eyes of how a stallion looked just before he mounted his mare and it made me shiver and feel digust for the Duke as well. That was so disgusting and down right wrong! And how did he mean wet it exactly? I tried to not think about what was being said, nor the strange sounds I was hearing, but my mind wasn't cooperating with me today! The last part caught my attention and I felt ill. Ass? He was.. No no, I heard wrong that was simply unthought of and just.. well sadistic!
I heard something hit the floor and tensed, had he hurt her? Had she fainted from the digusting things he said he wanted to do to her? Then I heard more rustling in the room and someone moan. What was happening!? Oh lord! I did not wish to know! My skin heated up further, my palms sweating profusely as my heart pounded. This Duke was a sadist! He needed to be imprisoned for the sick things he subjected people too!
I heard even stranger noises and with it came the dawning of a picture in my mind that was so wicked I had to push it out as best I could. The slupring and sucking sounds I heard, his breathing and her moaning, I could only picture one thing.. And that thing was beyond comprehension! There was no way her mouth was on his... his.... Damnation!
I shifted in my chair. "Think of something else Lizzy.. think of church or or socials.. Think of anything but those noises!" My mind urged me on, my brain lying to me telling me I could successfully block this out!
The next thing I heard was the bed creaking slightly and the rendering of fabric in the room. Oh lord?! Now what?! I could clearly picture her bent over, his manhood poised into the crack of her round bottom. I felt heat stir within and felt shameful in how I reacted.
I turned my head away and shut my eyes tighter behind the blindfold. Make it stop! My breathing had peaked up, i could feel the cooler air brushing over my nipples and making them stand out against the material of my shift. Brightly red from embaresment, I tried harder to block out the bed rocking and the maid moaning like a whore in heat. I heard the sound of flesh connecting with flesh. Had he spanked her? If so it only caused her to moan louder.
Was it a moan of pain or something more? What was his reasons for this demonstration in the first place? I lifted my head, determined that He would not see me cower before him as I felt my spine stiffen. True the louder she got the more my body started to ache for something I could not name, but I would still not let him win this bout. He was sick and demented but I was no coward or weakling.
So I held my head up, still turned away, a determined set in my jaw. That was until the maid started howling like a banshee!
"Stop it!" I hissed at him, I knew not where he stood but that was just too much punishment for a slight thing he took for something more.
"Stop hurting her!" I demanded again and heard him chuckle just as the maid screamed even louder and longer, her lips parting as she begged the Duke to cum inside her?!
I felt even more flushed and disgusted, not with the display now but with my own body tingling from head to toe. I turned away, shamed and flustered, I felt tears sting my eyes. This was cruel, even for him this was unfair and wrong!
The maid begged him, pleaded with him, in words I had never heard before. This that did not make sense to me but some how were primitive enough to get a reaction from my own dormant desires.
I bit my lip and turned my flushed red face away from them, trying to block it as best I could. She yelled out she was coming, where was she going? I shook my head, still confused in all of this... Whatever coming was must be good because he answered with his own moan and she cried out one last time. The bed rocked harder, I could hear it squeaking back and forth.
This was just sinful, my reaction was even more sinful. I wanted to go back to my room badly, and longed to be locked within forever! Or at least until I could escape! How could I even show my face after hearing this and feeling strangely because of it!?

 

[Swashbuckler]

William

I leaned over the hunched back of of Martha, feeling my lust ebb within her pleasure twitching bowles as my grey eyes surveyed my captive audience. Elizabeth sat head turned, fiercely defiant and proud. Yet, her face was a perfect plum purpling from her flushment. Driping my eyes down her angelic form, I took great note as my cock twitched at my eyes' revelations. The succulent tips of her ample breasts pressed in defiance of her demeanor against the lithe armor of decency that her thin shift allowed. Twin taught points tented and glowed with delightful prescision benenath the light material of lace and satin.

I leaned further in and kissed Martha's ear as I whispered, "Thank you my tart." Martha was too overwrought to reply, save for a gasp and a breathless nod as she panted into the disheveled sheets.

With that I instantly returned my attention to the lesson at hand. I rose quickly, dislodging myself with an audible pop, mirrored by a surprised and disappointed sigh from Martha as I led a thin trail of hot steaming discharge from Martha's sweet young ass. Not bothering to watch the rope of my release stretch and splinter to fall stickily over the bared flesh of Martha's cheeks, I stepped away. My eyes heavily fixated upon my ward.

My steps were ladened with my displaced trousers that I left open and barely clinging to my hips, but it served my purposes more fully to leave them in thier disarray, displaying the power of my station within my household. Reaching the creature anchored to the spartan chair, I continued my inspection of her with my intent gaze. Allowing her discomfort to build momentarily before entering upon the next phase of my introduction to her new status.

I could see she was getting more disturbed and it seemed that Martha was recoverign somewhat behind me on the bed, so I spoke, "Now, Elizabeth," I said flatly, "you have had your first taste of what it is that intrigues your willful curiosity." I began to circle the chari slowly, allowing myself to be as near her as possible as I paced with my breeches rustling about her further assaulting her senses.

"I am quite sure that your future hsuband will be completely exhilerated to know of your carnal curiousities, what man would not be thrilled with such a prize?" I asked rhetorically as I wound my way in front of her face, close enough that her nostrils could be completely assaulted by the scents of lust emminating from my exposure. Quickly before she could turn her face to a new position and hide from my rain of assaults I snatched the fold from her face as roughly as possilbe. Her blue eyes blinking before my bobbing bobbing root.

Turnign my head away from her as if she was not in the room, I called new instructions to Martha, "Martha, you will see to it that the room is put back into place..," I let my voice trail into a dramatic pause before finishing, "...by instructing your new accomplice here as to the way I like thigns arranged. You will oversee this child in her labors. Be sure that I wil hod you responsible for ehr conduct as she is in your charge." Finishing that thought I smiled as I righted my breeches non-chalantly, covering myself from further inspection by my new ward, cuffering her lusts a little more.

Turning as Martha mouthed her understanding with the apropriate, "Of course your grace," I did notice the hint of excitement in her voice, holding power over a Lady must be as exhilerating to the girl as having the buggering of her life was. Smiling to both of them as I turned at the door frame, I leaned over to pluck Elizabeth's discarded linens, speaking as I rose with them danglign from my hand like disgusting laundry. "Martha, do not begin your duties immiediately, I will need time to arrange some things for my ward. Wait a quarter of an hour before seeing to her chores. I shall need to remove her trunks and thigns from her room. She will be bound by what little clothign she has left to wear until she can earn the right of trust once more. Also, since doors seem a little barrier to one with such a devious mind, I shall have the door to her chamber removed, no sense in keepign it for her decency, since she shows no decency in staying put for her own protection." With that I shut the door calmly behind me and went to summon some men to accomplish my will, igonrign all sound that followed me out the door.


Havign seen to it that all of her clothes, trunk, and all manner of comforts of a literate woman were removed from ehr boudoire, leavign only her bed, a single rockign chair that seemed apropriately ancient and uncomfortable, and a small dying fire in the small hearth, I lept down the stairs towards the library. I had a nervous nanny to deal with.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Elizabeth

I heard him moving around me and all I could do was wait hesitently for him to make his move. What was he circling me for? Why did he feel he had to display himself like this? Did he honestly think he was god? I felt like snorting at the thought, but I held it back.
I gasped out loud at the blindfold was ripped away and before my face was the source of that weird scent. His bare manhood was before my face. I didn't know what to think or say!? My lord he was insane! I tried to turn away but there he was, waving around before my eyes like some proud peacock of the walk.
Irritated I was tempted to say something rather crude and rude but again, I thought of the spanking and kept my mouth shut.

I was certain my curiousity was now ebbed for the rest of my natural life! There was no way i was ever going to go near another room in this sick prison other than to escape this place. I felt my face flush once more as he brought up 'my' carnal curiousities. How wrong he was! I was so disgusted with the entire thing I seriously thought a convent would be a better suited home for me. Reguardless of my bodies reactions to this display, I knew deep down I could never with stand a man around me who strutted like some peacock.
I heard him tell Martha I was to clean this room the way he wanted and as he spoke I felt my temper rise higher and hotter than ever before. He strolled out the door just as I found my tongue, spanking or not he can rot in hell!
"I will NOT clean as some.. some worthless slave! Take my clothes, take my door, I do not CARE!" I shouted out at the door, struggling against the restraints. Martha's eyes looked completely satisfied with what she had been told, I dared her with my eyes to untie me. I would knock her ears before I would ever sink to a servant!
Martha looked at me and smirked somewhat, moving forward she began to speak. "The master likes his rooms cleaned and tidy for each play time.. You will have to learn how to arrange everything in it's proper place." She moved behind me and untied my hands, bending she untied my feet. Rising from my chair, my eyes filled with anger I smirked and replied to her sassy mouth, "Fuck off." Turning, I walked right out of the room and into the hallway. William was no where in sight but that didn't stop me.
I turned and walked right to my room, slammed the door and sat down, I would get even, one way or another this Duke would be sorry in the end! He had finally met his match for stubborness.
I didn't give a hoot if he starved me right about now that was how steamed I was.
I heard my door open and martha walked in. "Are you going to comply to the rules or sit here?"
"I am about two seconds from removing your mouth from your face Wench! Leave!" I ordered.
She hesitated, not sure what she could or couldn't do for punishment, but with the look on my face, she decided against pushing it. So instead she smirked, "We'll just see what the master has to say about that."
"You do that."
She shrugged and left, probably on her way down to tell him right now what I had said. Smiling, I waited. Let him come up here, I just might take an eye out in the process!

 

[Swashbuckler]

William

As I stepped off the eastern stair onto the plush rubiness of the thick carpet of the foyer, I noticed the parted doors to the library. The dark form of the fidgetting and flustered nanny was restless having been left alone for so long. I smiled cruelly, still feeling the warm glow of Martha's supple and eager pleasure as I patted the folded papers in my jacket's pocket. Taking one step towards the door, I paused to watch her stir for a moment longer. Then noting that there was probably a rebellion brewing upstairs and beind me by now, I moved ahead to deal with buisness.

Slipping silentely into the flickering oil lit room, I cocked a half smile and then loudly pulled the doors shut at my back. The aging woman, still huddled in her shawl and cloak and clutching a large carpet bag to her breast nearly lumbered from the chair before the desk in surprise. "Good evening, matron," I smiled pleasantly and creully all at once as I leaned on the closed doors for her reply.

Stutting and stammering, "G-good evening, your grace," the flustered woman managed as I slowly moved to the bar and unstoppered a decanter adn filled a sole sniffer with brandy before movign around the room like a wraith flickering from the shadows. Settling into the plush overly large chair that framed my body like an imperial throne, particuarly in the waning light.

Watching ehr nervousness rise, I leaned over the desk and offered with the height of polietness, "Please, sit, we've much to discuss." I watched the color fade from ehr cheeks as she sunk more than sat uneasily on the edge of the chair. I could see that the time alone, coupled well with beign left on the doorstep of the Colman estate, had planted fertile seeds of what she dreaded at her age above all else in the world into the long neglected feilds of her mind.

Reaching into my jacket with one had as I sipped lightly from the glass bulb in my other, I slipped a folded parchment sealled with a dollop of crimson wax from my pocket, watching her eyes lock on the paper as if it were the order for her execution. Ignoring it all, I wasted no time as I laid it on the felt pad of the desk between us, "Matron, I feel I must be completely honest with you. My family has left me great estates and titles, but I have little in the way of funding. Since I am strained to maintain my own household and protect the families of those who serve me as they have served my ancestors for time out of mind," I paused to glance deep into her eyes that seemed poised on the brink of a flood. "I am truely sorry, but as my ward has determined to not release to me propper care of her inheritence during her stay with me, and given that it will end shortly as possible when a suitable match can be found to ensure her happiness," I dripped a hand into another pocket as I continued, "it has fallen to me, to ensure for your future as best I can." With that I slid the folded paper acros the feild of the desk to teeter before her. Countering its weight I plopped the small purse of coins on one corner holdign suspended over teh edge of the large ornate desk.

Teh old woman began to blubber adn stammer, and I simply rose and turned to the fire as I went on, "Havign discussed this entirely with the Lady Colman, I have had to make the propper arrangements. You will find fare and a month's compensation in the purse. The letter of introduction holds my crest and praises of your skills. My driver will deliver you to the mail line and it will conduct you to a dear freidn of mine in Northumberland that is in need of a nanny for his infant daughter. Lord Grisham shall ensure your care at this stage in your life. Thank you, for your great service, young Elizabeth is too distraught over the first of many hard descision that has come to face her to come down and give her own farewells so, I shall pass on her truest love and many, many thanks on her behalf. Perhaps, once you both have settled she will corespond. These thigns are so difficult for the young and the fair to face so had after tradgedy, you must understand, of course."

She was openly sobbing and bleating, at this time the door cracked open adn my ever vigillant lackey, Malcolm appeared, "The mail, your grace," he said with a greatly feigned heartfeltedness. I nodded and tossed back my brandy. Setting it on the desk I helped the old, blithering woman to her stunned feet. "Come, come my sweet," I soothed as Malcolm and I assisted ehr to her feet, "you knew this day would come for you both. I have done as best for you as I can manage, under these circumstances," I lied. She was diswrought, but she did manage to scoop up the letter of introduction and the purse, clutching them tight into her palm. Walking her to the door personally and then turning her fully over to Malcolm who led her down the steps like one would lead the condemned to the gallows. I waved heartilly as he locked her away into the coach and mounted his position and cracked the whip, completing my involvement with the last defense of my ward.


Turning I saw a lowered lashes and fidgetting Martha behind me in the hall. "MY dear," I began with a grave tone as I foled my arms under my cervat, "it would seem I am in for a disappointment." She nodded and buried her face into her bossum, clasping her wriging hands over the torn gap that loosely covered ehr sweet behind.

Throwing my head back I let out a roar of laughter, "C-come, my dear, let us see what the little pedastal sitting princess is stewing about." Stepping to her as I laughed, I slapped her through the well placed access I had previously made of her uniform. The thought passing breifly through my mind that this could be the beginning of a fashion for servants, the world over. Leading Martha up the stairs at a gait.

I reached Elizabeth's chamber just as John, the younger, and Gerome were about to remove the door from her hinges. I stopped them, "Wait a bit, I need a word with the lady," they nodded and began to chat to themselves as I aproached the door.

Heavign it wide adn catching the still fuming Lady a bit surprised. "My dear, Elizabeth," I began with measured restraint. "Since you have refused to do your chores adn clean up your toys after playing with them, I am forced to implement further admonishments." I folded my arms and ignored her smoldering glare.

"You see my dear," I cooed, "under MY roof, I rule. Should you follow the rules you will find I am fair. Cross me," I paused then shot her with an ice cold, steely glance, "and you will feel my ire." I paced a bit before her, as if in thought. "Elizabeth," I cooed, as a father would reaching out to a misbehavign adolescent, fearing her pursuing a debauched life before his weary eyes, "you must know that what I do, I do with great pain in my heart for you. But you leave me no choice. As your guardian, your surrogate paternal protectorate, your ancient fuedal overlord, and as a man who wishes you only the greatest of happiness in the pucurment of a husband," I stopped pacing and set my eyes fully on her, holdign ehr with my paternally grave glare. "Since a simple spanking, seems to not have gotten through to your embattled feminine mind. As it would seem that you have not reconciled to earn your wardrobe back as yet, I am forced to move forward."

With that I let out a sigh and shrugged my powerful shoulders, running a hand through my hair in feigned frustration and disapppointment, "My little confused child, my ward, my treasure," I mocked. "I can not tell you how greatly I am disappointd that you are resistant to taking instruction from your guardian whose sole care is for your own well being. To this end, I shall demonstrate to you how things work. Fail in your tasks and I take thigns away. Following that, it is up to those under my charge to earn thigns back." With that I turned my face to the door and barked, "Get in here you lot!"

With that, the door opened and John stuck his head in, "Yer grace," he started but cut him off. "John, Marthat here has disappointed my will by not ensuring that the instruction I gave her were carried out. Therefor, I doubt she has the right to wear the uniform of this house. Remove it from her, remove it all..." I let my voice drift off and turned my gaze away from the scene as the door flung wide adn the two servants dutifully seized the young girl with the torn skirt adn proceeded to forcibly remove it. Martha shrieked, though I knew it was enflaming her passions as much as it was the two men of my employ.

The look of outrage adn shock on Elizabeth's face was as priceless as all the works of the italian masters combined, none of them could have captured sucha eauty in all of their portraits, I drank in the brilliance before me as the sounds of rippign cloth and jeering henchmen copulated with shrieks of protest from dear Martha, always the willign victim of my whim.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Elizabeth

I crept backwards into the chair as the Duke came strolling into my bedroom. His fury was evident in his glare, the set of his lips and his earth eating strides which brought him right before me.
"Oh great!" my thoughts were not pleasant ones to say the least.

"I did not.. I am not!.." Dammit why did words flee my brain whenever he was around!? My eyes widened a little as he paced around, issuing more orders like some sea captain to his crew.
I felt my temper rise and yet again the fear he was right and I was hopelessly lost!

I watched as the two lackeys brought in the maid, tearing at her clothing as he smirked over it. Word is law huh? If he thought I would grovel at his feet he best think again!

"Fair!? You call this fair!?" I stood up, my temper rising as I glared at him. Placing my hands on my hips, I stood face to face, screw the spanking or the confinement!
"You bring me here, sticking me into a filthy room, who knows when it was used last! You take away my freedom, my home, my clothes and now expect me! An equal in rank to clean your house!?" I was shaking I was so insulted.
"You dictate, you do nothing more than order and order and order.." His eyes turned smokey in hue, his temper rising or was it mirth? I did not care, I was beyond caring!
"You claim to care for me, to aid me in seeking a husband, and yet informed me I will not have a season in London! And just whom am I expected to marry? Some old rotting corpse of a man somewhere in the stables!?"
I sat down, turning to look away from him. All of this was just too much, a tear fell and then another. I hated feeling weaker but who cares? He obviously didn't and who knew when Nanna would be here?
"Where is my nanny?" I asked softly, staring out the window, too overwhelmed to face him.

 

[Swashbuckler]

William

I let Elizabeth fluster and blubber a moment as the room quieted with my men leering over teh delightfully displayed, divine uniform of Martha. Who in her turn was blushing brightly, yet, her lips were held in a smile; and I would wager my entire estate that if onw were to investigate her thuroughly, you would find her channel floded and teetering on the very brink of loud, long moans of wanton passion.

"Oh yes," I began slowly after a fashion, "I do believe this is fair. As will you after this childish impudence wears off." I watched her tearladen eyes closely as I continued my admonishments. "I ask you, child, do you not believe in God? For You say I order, and command, is that not the position I have been placed in to do so? By that holy providence that placed me and my father's before me to serve the throne, and heaven's design by my role in the universe as we see it? I stand before you, as a man. A man yes, but oh so much more. I have been delivered to the happy position of your guardian, your ancient overlord, and the master of many men. To this position, I am set by God, for the greater good of all. Therefore, I am left to my own discretion in carying out the commands of both heaven and my king."

"In so doing, I have been awarded the difficult possition of turning a wholly corruptable young girl, who meddles in affairs unsuited to her station adn her delicate sex, into a propper lady in time for a respectable marrige. Does she apreciate my role? No, she refutes me, rebuffs my will, and scorns me. She has no care for position. She has led a life, to this point, that has placed her on a dark and dangerous path that will only lead to her ruin and the sorrow of all that is holy." Throwing my hands in the air like a the most shocked, impotent preist, "God and all his angels save her!"

Looking up and receiving no hoarde from salvation to aid me, I have to look back at ehr once more, "Elizabeth, my labor is for your soul and your happiness in this world adn the next." Kneeling before her, and taking herhands into my own, pleadingly, "Your life, I can see has never allowed you to see your position as it clearly is. I understand that it must have been difficult for your dearly departed father to have shown you your position in the universe as ordained by the almighty." With a voice fully of pitiful tones I went on, "Alas, it falls to me, to undo a lifetime of ill-management in the shortest time possible, for your temporal and eternal salvation."

"My sweet, prescious flower, I know that it is sometimes difficult for those of your sex to understand their place in the divine plan for us all. Cursed as you are with the ignorance, and corruptibility of Eve. Therefore, as your lord protectorate I shall continue to fend off the demons that so seek your soul as your father would were he in my place." With that I rose, still holdign her hands in mine.

Turning to face my men and the unclad and chilled skinned honey of Martha. "Gentlemen, since this confused creature thnks I will see her wed in a stable, please take her to the stables and make sure she passes a protected night's sleep." Guessign that this would begin a new wave of rebellion I tightened my grip as I continued, "If the beast, like this one," I said indicating the nude form between them with a nod and a sadistic grin, "resists, show her that beasts have no need for the trappings of clothing as well." Turning to glare down into her eyes, "But only if she resists, we shall give her this one chance to retain some shred of dignity."

With that the two properly lecherous men moved to drag her out to the stable house across the rain streaked and mud covered courtyard. That would make for quite a sight as she was drug past the servants quarters I am sure. As she was roughly pased from my fatherly touch to the hands of my men, I spoke softly in her fleeting ear, "Oh, I nearly let this slip my mind given my concern for you. Your Nanny has decided to seek another situationand leave you to my tender cares. She may write you soon, sleep well, and know you ar well guarded my pet."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Elizabeth

"I ask you, child, do you not believe in God? For You say I order, and command, is that not the position I have been placed in to do so? By that holy providence that placed me and my father's before me to serve the throne, and heaven's design by my role in the universe as we see it? I stand before you, as a man. A man yes, but oh so much more. I have been delivered to the happy position of your guardian, your ancient overlord, and the master of many men. To this position, I am set by God, for the greater good of all. Therefore, I am left to my own discretion in carying out the commands of both heaven and my king."

I stood speachless, unable to comprehend where he was going with this outlandish display!? My eyes widened, listening to him speak such hog wash like he was some bishop!?

I didn't know what to say to all this, I just held my tongue. A deep fear taking hold in the pit of my stomach and growing outward. I felt cold and frightened as he went on and on, his words painting me to be some harlot on the streets of London!?

She has led a life, to this point, that has placed her on a dark and dangerous path that will only lead to her ruin and the sorrow of all that is holy."..... "God and all his angels save her!"

He knelt and took my hands, so stunned by all of this, I could nothing but stare down at his upturned face. Was he serious? Did he truely believe all this nonsense? I knew men were in charge, I was raised knowing this, but the rest? Surely he was on something?


"Your life, I can see has never allowed you to see your position as it clearly is. I understand that it must have been difficult for your dearly departed father to have shown you your position in the universe as ordained by the almighty." .... "Alas, it falls to me, to undo a lifetime of ill-management in the shortest time possible, for your temporal and eternal salvation."

My eyes widened fairly wide as I knew not what he was thinking, but it did not sound good for me at all. I knew I should have approached this differently! How addle witted I had been to not see this kind of reaction coming from one so off of his gourd!?

"My sweet, prescious flower, I know that it is sometimes difficult for those of your sex to understand their place in the divine plan for us all. Cursed as you are with the ignorance, and corruptibility of Eve. Therefore, as your lord protectorate I shall continue to fend off the demons that so seek your soul as your father would were he in my place."

Demon's? I opened my mouth to deny it, but thought better of it and quickly shut it. I was frightened as his two leering men moved towards me as he spoke the next heart wrenching sentence..

"Gentlemen, since this confused creature thinks I will see her wed in a stable, please take her to the stables and make sure she passes a protected night's sleep."

I felt cold all over, weak kneed and close to passing out. My eyes locked on his widening as he released my hands and his men came towards me.
"Please?! Don't do this!" The men seized me and began dragging me out the door and down the back stair. I was too shocked to fight, definately not properly dressed and these men's hands were roaming where they shouldn't have been!

I was in utter shock as I was drug across the muddy courtyard and into the foul smelling stables. They kicked open a stall gate and tossed me inside. Landing on the hay, I did not hurt myself but still I was mortified! The gate was shut and the two men stood leering at me with grins.

I shrank back into the corner, eyeing the horses around me. I was trapped in here with two unscrupulous men and one insane Duke reining over all of us! I felt tears well as I thought of Nanna. Why had she left me here? I curled up tightly in the corner, drawing my knees to my chest as I sobbed as quietly as possible.
Now I had no one to watch over me, I had no one left in my life who even cared for me. Head down on my bent knees, I felt self pity well up inside me for the first time in my life!
I did not like it, and I did not like this place, the stench or the cold seeping into my body. Eventually I fell asleep sitting upright in the corner, having cried myself to sleep.

***

I awoke some time later, wasn't sure if it was an hour or longer, but the two men guarding the door were down to one and he was sleeping loudly propped against the stable door.
Feeling defeated and with nothing promising to aid me, I curled back up and went to sleep as best I could. I did not make a sound for fear of waking up his henchmen and being mauled, but my limbs were cold and numb, hurting worse than that time I was thrown from my mare. Unsure what to do or how to do it, I laid on my side and shut my eyes. Maybe escape at first light would be possible? I had no where to go but to the King, but it was a thought. It would have to wait, I felt too sleepy to move and too cold to care.

 

[Swashbuckler]

William

The pre-dawn air was chill and fresh as I rose from my apropriately lavish bed. Despite the chill I opned the windows and took in a breath of the air. The sky appeard clear and the whole of the country slept in the wide cleaned skies that sprawled above.

Within a few minutes I had my best ridign boots on and was adjusting the cuffs in the long mirror as the light rap on my door informed me that things matters were set. "Thank you, but I shall be in no need of no attendants today. Wait for me at the stables," I called into the striking figure of the looking glass though I was full aware that my instrictions were being carried out.

Picking up my riding gear, swiftly I was out of my chamber and across the mist shrouded courtyard. The moon was begging to fade and the first rays of the dawn were gathering in murky golds and fires to the east as I met Malcolm at the stables doors. I was wagering she would be almost ready to escpae by now, so I made my move. Never would I have thoguht that the cold would have done her in. She had excellent constituion, and this onewas a hater, this one. Like all men of wisdom, I knew that though love was fickle, feele, feminine, and sickly. It counterpart, hate, was of course stong and fierce, motivating and constructive. I was certain that she would be sustained.

Loudly, Malcolm assisted me in throwing wide the doors to the stables, setting all the steeds to waking thunder. I left Malcolm to set towards readying the horses, as I stepped over the "guard" that had a desperate man been at his mercy would not have the fear of my ire in his eyes, for no doubt his throat would be slit in his stupidity. Ignoring him completely I kicked the door to the stall wide.

There she was in all the splendor of the first weakened rays of sunrise streaking through the mists and windows to illuminate her radiance completely. Her golden hair, now disarrayed and adorned by hoof trodden straw. The last of her wonderous wardrobe now bearing the look of having made an animal stall into a boudoire. "How resouceful you are my child," I said to her stunned awakenen despair. "Here I was concerned for your beauty and, what, what, but you are more splendid than the morrow, Elizabeth."

Taking one stride into the stall, with my hands clasp behind me, hidign something from ehr veiw, but allowing the thin dark line of the gentlemen equestrian's crop to portrude behind my jacket covered hips. "I hate to raise you so early, my dear," I said appolegeticaly, "but I am afraid that if we are to meet your first suitor, we should get saddled as soon as possible. It sounds as if Malcolm is ready for us now," I added with a nod over my shoulder as I rolled the crop with a hidden thumb as I spoke.

Her mouth popped open to vent her protests, so I cut her off with a grandiose statement and gesture, "Yes, yes, my child, I know you're certain that you can not go on a picnic like that." I pulled a hand round in front of her and flicked the riding bonnet that I had plucked from ehr secreted wardrobe into her lap on the straw, and smiled, "See, my sweet, I do knowhow you young ladies must attend to fashion. Even though it goes against my earlier judgement over you, I shall allow you this comfort as you see to your first suitor."

At this moment, punctuated by her sputtering protests, Malcolm reached the stall door the riens of my blue-black stallion, well adorned and saddled in one hand, with the light bridle to the pale white mare that held no saddle and was tehered behind my stallion to it s hsaddle horn, "Your, grace, you must be leaving to meet the lucky young lord at the appointed hour."