chapter Eight




"I cannot believe how... how..."

"Moronic, imbecilic, daft, need I go on?" Edward drawled.

"I'm going to stuff you like a boar."

"Sod off." Edward snorted. "You kissed the chit, it's not as if you haven't kissed a woman before."

"I have, she has not." Jonathan ran a frustrated hand down his face. He should have known better.

Edward shrugged.

"You don't understand." Jonathan growled, his frustration only growing.

Edward raised one dark brow, "then explain."

Jonathan sighed. How was he to put it into words?

"Katherine is innocent. She doesn't know much, partly due to that bitch," Jonathan said more to himself than Edward. "But she has a depth of understand that most people could never accomplish. She's brilliant and eager, a fast learner, and very, very curious. Her bloody curiosity is what got me in this mess. But the point is, she trusted me. And I completely violated that trust. I took advantage of her innocence." Jonathan ran another hand down his face, his frustration tangible.

"How innocent can she be?"

"She is under the misconception the bedding involves a bed and is extremely painful." Jonathan answered deadpan.

"If the man is a bastard most women do tend to find the bedding painful. But how would Pastry know?" Edward mused.

"My thoughts exactly." Jonathan said wryly.

"Perhaps her mother had a painful experience?"

Jonathan stared at his friend as if he grew an extra limb, or dozen.

"Alright, just a thought." Edward grumbled.

They stayed silent, each lost in thought.

"Do you regret it?"

Jonathan stared at his friend. Edward knew everything about him, every dark, ugly, horrendous secret. Did he regret it? Nay.

"Nay, her eagerness and-"

"No details. Pastry is like a sister." Edward interrupted hastily before continuing, "Spend more time with her and if her company pleases you then make your Father's wishes come true."

"I don't want my Father's wishes to come true." Jonathan scowled.

"Aye, well, you seem to be very fond of Pastry..." Edward shrugged, not wanting to push his friend. But at the same time, he had a very good feeling about the two. "It may not be so bad."

Jonathan did not comment. Instead, he adjusted his tunic. Once again, there was a bloody dinner party tonight. At least it wasn't a ball. Those were dreadful. There was the hunt to look forward to... Yes, if Jonathan kept the hunt in mind he would be happier.

"Say Edward, think you Abbot had enough yester eve? We are going hunting today..." Jonathan's hidden words hung between them. Edward's smile was slow, a slow predatory smile. He would make Abbot's stay as unpleasant as possible.

"I think I'm looking forward to the hunt.

***

Katherine paced across her chambers. Front. Back. Front. Back. Front. Back. Her hand went to her lips. She could almost swear they still tangled with the Lout's kisses. She never knew kissing could feel so... so... wonderful! Nor did she think there were so many different variations of kissing. Good lord, she had to tell the lout to teach her more. Katherine stopped her pacing, her hand going to her lower stomach. A strange feeling had borne in her stomach when his lips had touched hers, but it had changed to something greater, almost painful, yet equally as wonderful when his tongue did wicked things with her own tongue. She would have to ask the lout about that as well. She hoped he came to her tonight. Perhaps she should go to him? What if she was found? It mattered not, she didn't even know where his chambers were located. But how she wished she could see him.

Katherine took a seat at the edge of her bed. Did kissing everyone and anyone evoke those feelings? Or was it only with the lout? And did everyone enjoy kissing as much as she did? She would have to find out. But who to ask? Who to test the theory with? She couldn't possibly ask simply anyone... Before Katherine could think too much on the matter, there was a knock on her door followed by her mother's entry.

"Why have you not changed into your hunting attire?" Savannah questioned coldly.

"I do not think I shall attend the hunting activities, mother."

Savannah stared down her nose at her daughter, there was something slightly different about her, what it was? She didn't have time to figure out the reason, she had better things to do. If only she was blessed with an heir, she wouldn't be in this state.

"Why?"

Katherine shrugged a delicate shoulder. "I do not favor hunting."

Savannah walked closer to Katherine, grabbing her arm, Lady Atkins pulled her until they stood facing the other, her nails dig into Katherine's arm. "I care not regarding your likes and dislikes. What I care about is you spending more time with Lord Abbot, something you seem to have forgotten."

Katherine's expression stayed neutral as her heart threatened to leave her chest, beating deafeningly in her ears. The grip on her arm only tightened as her mother tried to kill her with her gaze alone.

"I do not think he will pay me any mind while he is hunting, mother. He wasn't very fond of the idea of me being an excellent archer either." Katherine said evenly, hoping in vain her mother would drop the matter.

"Then pretend not to know how to hunt. Forget your archery skills! I do not care what you do so long you have his attention." Lady Atkins snarled as she shook her daughter none too gently.

Katherine kept her gaze on her mother's hate filled countenance before looking away. "As you wish, mother."

Savannah dropped her daughter's arm. After one last hate filled look, she turned on her heel and stalked out the room. Katherine barely had time to take a deep, steadying breath, before Leslie entered after a quick knock.

"My lady sent me to help you dress."

Katherine took a seat on the chair, her stiff back to the servant as she awaited her care. She didn't bother with a response. Leslie would only inform her mother of Katherine's overly friendly behavior. Katherine bit her tongue, willing he tears back. Tonight, she whispered to them, tonight you shall be given freedom. How true that promise would be, Katherine not the faintest of ideas.

**

"The boar or the deer?"

"The boar, it shall be dirtier." Jonathan murmured as he waited for the boar to stop moving. Another minute went by before Jonathan's arrow pierced the air, hitting its mark.

"Huzzah." Edward smirked as the walked towards the squealing animal.

"Tis small enough. We can use the entire beast to cover his chambers."

Edward made a noise at the back of his throat. "It shall not do. The bigger the mess, the more we shall have to clean. We'll never be done in time for his return."

"Under his linens?"

"We did that last eve."

"Raw intestines in his meal?"

"Cook shall be blamed."

"Blood on his washed clothing?"

"Are you daft? How will we be able to wash and dry, not to mention place them back in time." Edward said exasperated.

"Hmm..." Jonathan scratched his head. "Well, we cannot simply put it under his linens again. We need to do something a wee bit more extravagant."

"Mayhap we can pretend to be a servant and accidentally throw everything on him?" Edward suggested as he slit the animal's throat, affectingly silencing it.

"Aye, that may work. But we would have to do it when no one was around."

Edward shook his head before Jonathan could finish, already seeing the flaw in their plan. "It won't be done. The two of us do not have the built of a servant.

"Since you seem to oppose to every one of my suggestions, why don't you come up with something?" Jonathan smarted as he began to skin the boar.

"The Devil resides in you, not me." Edward snorted.

"We shall have to appoint a servant boy to 'accidentally' throw the beast on him. Extra precautions would be in order."

"I wanted something grand." Edward sulked.

"Aye, well you think of something then." Jonathan grumbled as he wiped the blood from his hands.

Edward scratched his chin thoughtfully as he eyed Jonathan at work. It was dirty business.

"I suppose we shall have to ask Henry to dress in disguise." Edward bend down to help Jonathan with the kill.

"Bovine beast, wasn't he." Edward commented as the boar's insides began to spill.

Jonathan grunted in response, quickly cutting up the beast. The smaller the pieces, the better.

The two quickly worked in silence, they couldn't afford to be away for too long, Lord Rivers would notice, not to mention Abbot would use their absence against them when something happened.

"That should do it." Jonathan evened out the remainder of the dirt. The boar was cut and placed in their rucksack, now all they had to do was get it into the estate without anyone noticing.

"You go to Henry, tell him what we intend to do, and I shall return to the rest of my guests."

"When should he dispose of our bounty?"

"After the evening meal. Abbot would be in his cups and that could be used to our advantage."

Edward nodded, taking his leave. He was itching to check on Annabelle.

Jonathan pasted a fake smile on as he walked towards the others, his mind playing over Edward's words from earlier.

***

"This is how a lady, a woman, should behave." Lord Abbot complimented Katherine as she quietly stood next to him, her bow and arrow safely in her room.

"It is not the place of a female to speak her mind, tis absurd. Men were given brains, women a womb. It should be clear enough whose purpose is what." Abbot glared at the ladies who participated in the hunt as they spoke.

Katherine tried not to roll her eyes, her neutral expression gave Abbot the illusion she was perfectly content, and even likeminded, to his petty opinions. She surreptitiously looked around, she didn't see the lout or Lord Dracmore. Nor had she seen Lady Davidson. Katherine tried not to be bothered by the slight twinge of hurt she felt. They need not always take her with them. They probably had tired of her company. Still, she should be more disappointed with herself. She should not have allowed herself to think she could come to have friends or such wonderful acquaintances. It was nice while it lasted.

"Come along, my lady, I grow tired of such events." Lord Abbot commanded. Katherine looked towards where her mother stood a couple of steps away, listening to every word. She had no choice but to silently follow. She looked towards Lord Abbot, he looked different. She had tried to put her finger on it earlier, but she wasn't able to tell, now she could, he seemed to have grown. Was that even possible?

"Faster, my lady." Abbot roughly grabbed her wrist, pulling her along behind him, scattering her thoughts.

"My lord, this is most improper." Katherine tried pulling herself free, but he only tightened his grip, pulling her further and further away from the group. She had spoken the minute they were away from her mother but it seemed the man had another thought in mind. Her fingers were beginning to tingle with a strange numbness. She was certain she would have a wicked bruise. Wicked... The word whispered through her mind, reminding her of someone who was very wicked indeed.

"Tis not improper, we are merely heading inside. The sun shall ruin your coloring. We can't have that, now can we?"

"The sun is good on occasion." Katherine mumbled before she could stop herself.

Lord Abbot grunted. "This is precisely why a man was given the superior intelligence. The sun shall ruin your creamy skin, you already bear blemishes upon your person, no need to add more."

Katherine ceased her struggles, allowing him to lead her inside the castle and into a less used wing. Her ears burned in indignation. How dare he? She might not be the belle of the ball but she wasn't exactly... Horse-faced, was she? And she didn't have blemishes, they were freckles. Freckles that everyone hated apparently.

Katherine followed him in a daze as he lead her deeper into the halls, lost in her own whirlwind of thoughts. She did not recognize the area, nor did she think many people came to this particular hall, that was enough to free her from her stupor.

"My lord, release my hand. I do not wish to be in your company." Katherine said with all the haughtiness and disdain of a true aristocratic brat.

"You shouldn't speak." Lord Abbot said sharply before pulling her against a wall, blocking her. Somehow, he towered over her. She glanced down, his shoes gave him more height, more leverage over her. She suddenly felt very small, very small indeed as fear began to ice her veins.

"I wish for your company, therefore, you shall accompany me. You should be elated I have shown an interest in you. No one else would even consider you. Your pale skin gives one the impression you are ailing. Your small height does not help the matter either. Furthermore, you have no curves, not even a pretty face. An uncomely woman is what you are." Lord Abbot informed her as if what he said should be obvious enough. His words were callous, cruel, and meant to be cutting.

Katherine didn't know why or how she did it, but she did. Not until her hand contacted with his fleshy cheek, making the telltale noise of flesh hitting flesh, did she realize she had slapped the lord. Her wide, doe like eyes looked from his cheek to her hand, completely mystified. For a second she felt immensely proud of herself. But the moment her gaze connected with his, she felt an unearthly chill surround her.

"That was out of hand, my lady. I'm afraid you shall have to be reminded of your place." Abbot stated crossly before yanking Katherine against him and shoving his tongue into her startled mouth.

Katherine waited all but two seconds to push him away. She twisted and turned, trying to strike him again, but he merely locked both her hands in one of his while his other hand held her head in place. This kiss was nothing like the one Jonathan had given her. Whereas before she felt a strange sort of pleasure, now she felt afraid and pain. More so, she felt disgusted.

She tried to kick at him, but he blocked her legs with his own, pinning her to the wall. Small as she was, now she felt diminutive. When she tried thrashing, he bit down on her bottom lip hard enough to draw blood, his hand left her head to painfully squeeze her breast, his intent clear, he was not pleased with her behavior.

"Even your breasts aren't able to entice a man. I can barely see them, let alone feel them." He leered, pulling back to breathe. Contrary to his words, he couldn't keep his gaze off of her body.

"Release me at once, my lord." Katherine said, her voice coated with steel. It mattered not that she was frightened and alone, she would not let him see the effect he had on her. She couldn't let him know how much she feared him, how betrayed she felt by her mother. She had no control over her life, but she had control over her emotions, of her body. She wouldn't give up what little she had.

Abbot laughed cruelly. "I do not care for your tone."

"I do not care for you actions." Katherine retorted with an air of indifference she did not feel. Despite her current state, she stood her ground, looking upon him rather coldly. If defiance is what he disliked, defiance is what she would give him.

"You bint." Abbot smiled sadistically before once again kissing her brutally, his hand went to her hip, squeezing hard enough to leave a bruise before treating her breasts in the same manner. It was as if he had expected, even waited, for her to goad him.

"Unhand me!" Katherine commanded as his lips trailed to her neck, succeeding in keeping the terror out of her voice, but just barely. She was so scared.

"I think not." He whispered in her ear before biting down on the lobe hard enough to have Katherine bite her tongue from screaming.

Katherine tried once more to kick him, but he had her legs pinned, refusing to let her go. She had greatly underestimated his strength or perhaps she was the weak one. Either way, she felt the threads of hope slipping away, she was so scared.

"I said unhand me." She could feel the tears stinging her eyes. Dear Lord, she had to escape. She felt so very afraid.

"I believe the lady is not very pleased with your attentions." A silky voice whispered dangerously through the darkness.

Abbot jerked away from Katherine, looking towards the intruder half hidden in shadows.

"Show yourself." Abbot barked, his frame slightly trembling. From fear or excitement, we know not.

Edward stepped through the shadows, his face a mask of unadulterated fury so tangible, stronger men would have coward before him as his cobalt gaze turned to shards of ice.

Katherine almost wept with relief.

"Why don't you run along with your whore?" Abbot sneered.

He was all teeth and fire as he calmly replied. "Careful now, I will not hesitate to break your face."

Katherine slowly crawled along the wall, away from Abbot as they continued their battle of words. She had to get away from him.

"This does not concern you, Dracmore."

"The lady does not fancy your favors, walk away now and I shall make our encounter slightly less painful." Edward danced on the balls of his feet, his body begging to release the anger which ran rampant through his veins. He would enjoy killing Abbot.

"You have your whore and I have mine. Leave us." Abbot dismissed, turning towards Katherine only to see her a good distance away.

Their gazes locked briefly before Katherine hurriedly ran and hid behind Edward, her small frame shaking slightly.

"You should not have said that." Edward said softly, shielding Katherine from the other man's cloying gaze.

"I will say as I please. The wench is mine."

"I do not belong to you, my lord." Katherine snapped before Edward could answer.

"Pastry, look behind you towards your left, there is a tapestry there, hide behind it while I deal with this fucker. And whatever happens, do not move unless I come get you." Edward instructed quietly so only she could hear.

Katherine's ears pinked at the vulgar word but she did as she was told without question.

"Come now Dracmore, does your whore not satisfy you that you need a horse faced wench? We can switch. Your whore's face shall make up for what she lacks in between the sheets. Although, with a body such as hers, one would assume she knows how to pleasure a man. A common mistake I suppose. One does seem to lose their mind in her presence." Abbot leered, not realizing the dangerous game he had begun.

"I should cut your tongue out." Edward snarled as he advanced on Abbot, landing a punch to his jaw. Abbot hissed in pain, taking a few steps back in surprise. He hadn't counted on Edward actually delivering a blow.

"You bloody-"

Edward punched him again, smiling in perverse pleasure as he heard the sickening crunch of bone breaking.

Abbot swore roundly. A mistake. Edward grabbed his hair, pulling his head back, he smashed Abbot's face into a wall. The other man let out a furious cry as he turned and punched Edward in the gut. Edward grunted, bending slightly. That was all the opening Abbot needed, he took out a dagger, stabbing Edward's upper arm.

"You shall pay for that." Edward smiled truculently as he straightened and swiftly kicked Abbot's side as if a dagger was not lodged into his arm.

Abbot grunted, before throwing a punch Edward's way. Edward dodged, landing two more punches on Abbot's face. He pulled the dagger out of his arm, barely wincing, before throwing it somewhere behind him.

"Real men do not need such trifle objects to assure victory."

"Real men use whatever is useful." Abbot retorted as he landed a punch to Edward's jaw. Edward's mouth filled with the metallic taste of blood. Abbot managed to get two more blows before Edward had enough.

"I have been patient with you long enough." Edward growled before delivering three punches to his face, followed by another three to his gut, and then finally, Edward lifted his leg, kicking Abbot's shin with enough force to have the crack of bone breaking fill the small hall.

Abbot screamed.

Edward didn't care, he was blinded by his bloodlust. He smiled ruthlessly as he bend down to Abbot's prone form.

"Say anything about my fiancé or any other lady for that matter again, and I promise you Abbot, you shall pay with your life." Edward snarled as he landed another kick to the man's gut.

"Stay away from Miss Katherine." Edward growled before kicking him one last time.

Edward walked away without a backward glance, rubbing his jaw where the bastard had managed to strike him. It would leave a wicked bruise. He arrived at the tapestry Katherine was hidden behind.

"Come with me, Pastry." Edward said gently as he took her hand. She was a brave one. She had not cried nor was she trembling.

"Do you not think mayhap we should help him?"

"No, Pastry, we shall not help him. He could bleed to death for all the concern I have for him." Edward said gruffly as he gently pulled Katherine along with him. Even now, he wanted to finish Abbot off, the things he had said about Annabelle... Thankfully, he had to make sure Pastry was safe, but once he had her safely delivered to Jonathan, all Hell would break loose.

Katherine bit her tongue, not sorry at all for seeing Lord Abbot in such a state. She should at the very least pity the man, but even that, she was incapable of doing.

"My lord, you're bleeding."

"Tis alright, I shall see to it posthaste. But first, I shall escort you to your chambers. Lock the door and stay inside until Jonathan arrives.

"Why would he come?" Katerina questioned, her brows furring with confusion.

"He will." Edward assured as he pulled her quickly down the hall and away from a moaning Abbot. The pain and blood would soon cause him to lose consciousness.

They walked in companionable silence. The hunting games were still going on, thankfully, leaving the estate empty except for the odd servant.

"If you ever need me, these are my chambers." Edward pointed to a door on the left as they kept walking.

Then, two doors down. "This is Annabelle's."

Another five doors passed. "And this is Jonathan's." Edward said as he kept walking straight, heading towards Katherine's chambers.

"How do you know these are my chambers?" Wide eyes turned towards him and then the door.

"Do not be ridiculous, Pastry." Edward scoffed as if it were obvious.

Katherine shifted on her feet. Now that she was away, she felt embarrassed? Horrified? A strange roaring sound began in her ears.

"Are you alright?" He asked gently as he pushed a rogue lock behind her ear.

Katherine stiffened briefly at the question. Nodding her head, she answered, "I think I am. A bit disgusted, but alright I suppose."

"If you need anything at all, Pastry, you know where our chambers are located. Do not go anywhere without one of us."

"You are under no obligation to see to my wellbeing, my lord. I shan't disturb you, or anyone else for that matter."

Edward stated hard at Katherine. The chit was full of surprises.

"I can assure you, Pastry, I do not offer my protection easily, nor does Jonathan. Nor do I consider it an obligation. Jonathan has invited you into our fold, we in turn have accepted you, there's no escaping from us now." Edward teased gently, although his sapphire orbs were alight with his anger, awaiting to cause havoc, if but once they were given the chance.

Katherine nodded, a surprised, but pleased expression flitting across her face.

"I do have a question though."

"Ask away." Edward leaned against the door, a bruise beginning to form under his cheekbone to his jaw, not to mention his skin was slightly pale, no doubt due to the blood lost.

"It may be a bit forward."

Edward shrugged lazily in response.

Katherine cleared her throat, mentally and physically preparing herself.

"When Lord Abbot had kissed me, it felt different. A bad different. Nothing at all like the way I had felt when Jonathan had kissed me. Why is it that? I understand he was rougher, but in the middle of my kiss with Jonathan he had been slightly rough as all but I felt no pain, why is that? They had both kissed me, and yet it had felt different with each one. They both did the same techniques, so why the different feelings?" Katherine tried to explain.

"Pastry, the art of love making, kissing,"

Katherine's ears burned as Edward continued to explain.

"Are vastly different for everyone. Abbot was being harsh towards you, he was intent solely on his own pleasure, no one elses. Whereas Jonathan wanted the pleasure to be shared amongst the two of you. It also helps that you find Jonathan attractive and Abbot less so."

"I do not find the Lout attractive." Katherine denied instantly.

"Lout, eh? What other names have you got?" Edward smirked.

Katherine felt the blood rush to her face. She should not have spoken in such a manner nor should she have spoken out loud. Good lord! And by the look on Lord Dracmore's countenance he was not going to forget anytime soon.

"No names, my lord."

"You need not bother with formalities, Pastry, Edward would do."

"Aye, well..." Katherine squirmed uncomfortably, making Edward laugh at her expense.

"Refresh yourself, Pastry, and make certain your door is locked. Jonathan will be here shortly for your questions." Offering her a devilish smirk, Edward walked away.

Once in her room, Katherine locked the door. It was as if the clicking of the lock shattered her control, for her body started to tremble violently as tears ran down her cheeks. She wasn't so sure if it was the physical assault which bothered her more or the mental one. She examined her wrist, a hideous bruise angrily stared back. Katherine ran her finger along her discolored skin, tracing the mark of Abbot's fingers. He had called her uncomely, but Lord Dracmore had said attraction was in order, or did he not? Perhaps she should ask the lout. He would know. Lord Abbot also mentioned various other things. Did the size of breast really matter? Where they not only used to feed a babe, why should a man care for their size?

Katherine ran her hands along her arms, despite the warm weather, she was shivering. She walked towards the hearth, a fire would be good. If only the fire could help diminish the bone deep cold she felt. Katherine sighed, wiping away more tears. She wasn't terribly awful looking was she? Her eyes strayed to the looking glass on her vanity. Perhaps she should see for herself. Tentatively, she walked towards the vanity, but did not touch the looking glass. After several long moments, or perhaps even mere seconds, with trembling hands she lifted the object. Her small lips came into view first. They certainly were small. Then came her pale skin, her freckled face, her tiny, pudgy nose, and then her far too large dull green eyes. Eyes which were currently filled with tears.

"Control... You mustn't let them see the way they make you feel. You mustn't let them in, you mustn't let them know. That's the only way you'll survive. You must wear a mask of indifference, of ice." Katherine whispered the words repeatedly to herself. Trying so hard to believe them, but wishing for something else, something more; something which only fools believed in. She had to be stronger.

But no matter how many times she repeated her mantra, it was as if her body, her mind, they did not wish to indulge in the lie, at least not today, not at the moment, maybe tomorrow, but not today. Today they wished for the one thing she often denied herself, and she gave in, simply because she did not having the energy to deny herself.

Katherine placed the looking glass back, facing down. With the grace of a fallen angel, she crumpled to the ground, crying harder than she had ever before. Her small frame shook with the assault of her tears. Years of hurt, anger, fear, loneliness, and longing, all seemed to want out, not sparing her.

Her body shook, her lungs burned, but the worst was her heart, it ached. It ached for the kindness Lord Dracmore had shown her in the space of seconds, it ached for the tenderness she saw in her father's gaze, and it ached for a mother's love she was incapable of evoking.

Despite her current state, she wept silently, not making a sound. If one didn't know any better, they would assume she was overcome with laughter. But perhaps those whom did not know what was amiss thought her overreacting, she would never know, this was the first time she had given in to the will of her emotions.

Katherine continued to softly cry, her head buried atop her knees, trying to make her dainty form appear even smaller. She wished the ground would open and swallow her whole. She was tired. Tired of people and life and everything which it had to offer. What was the point of enjoyment when it would only cause suffering later on? She cried, not noticing the musky scent which surrounded her, until her body had had enough, succumbing to the welcoming darkness of sleep.

***

Edward walked down the corridor with a calmness he did not feel. By now, blood covered his entire arm, making the sleeve of his tunic cling to him. The bruise on his jaw and cheek were an unholy shade of purple, not so surprisingly, even that did not prevent the maids form fluttering their lashes. Edward ignored them, striding towards the only person who could quench his raging need to kill. He opened the chamber door without knocking, seeing Annabelle's sleeping form on the bed had all the anger disappear from him. His previously hard, unforgiving eyes, now softened and filled with love, making their cobalt gaze richer, and their master more approachable.

Quietly, he walked towards the bed, running a finger softly down Annabelle's cheek. Her eyes fluttered slightly but remained closed. Edward glanced down to her stomach, of its own volition his hand began to rub her lower stomach. Her woman's time was always horrid. Mercifully, she was asleep, she wouldn't feel the worst of it. He checked her forehead then, no fever. He smiled slightly before placing a gentle, love filled kiss on her forehead before rising to take his leave. He needed to find Cook and have his wound stitched before Annabelle awoke. If she learned of his brawl, all Hell would indeed break loose.

In no time at all, he reached the kitchens, his mood somewhat better. What he really wanted to do was lay beside Annabelle and hold her, but he had to wait. His wound needed to be tended to and he needed to send Jonathan to Pastry.

"Where were you?" Jonathan said in between eating from where he sat across the kitchens, away from prying eyes.

Edward looked in his direction slightly startled.

"I need Cook." Edward answered as he made his way towards Jonathan.

"She's out back in the gardens, she should be back shortly."

"I hope she hurries." Edward winced as he took a seat from across Jonathan.

"Bloody hell! What in damnation happened to you?" Jonathan growled as he took in his friend's state, his food all but forgotten.

"I thought you were entertaining your guests?" Edward raised a dark brow, ignoring his question.

"They're grown men and women." Jonathan replied as if that should be enough.

"Come off it, whose body do I have to hide?" Jonathan tried again.

"If only it was so simple." Edward muttered darkly. Before he could further explain himself, Cook entered the kitchens.

"Jonny, would you care for vegetable soup- dear lord! Eddie, what happened?"

Cook didn't wait for a response as she began muttering about delinquent lads not listening to sense or reason as she bustled around looking for her medicinal bag.

"You could have been killed! What were you thinking? Have you not a care in the world? You should have thought of Annie. Dear boy, you could have been injured, well you are injured." Cook babbled as she fretted over Edward. Not having children of her own, she considered the three her own.

Edward didn't bother answering as he removed his tunic, throwing it at Jonathan, before holding his arm out for a highly annoyed Cook.

Cook cleaned the blood from his arm before assessing the wound.

"All that blood had me thinking your arm was cut, I shall have to stitch you up. Would you care for come whisky?" Cook questioned as she dipped the needle into her own cup of whisky.

"Nay." Edward plopped a grape in his mouth, trying very hard not to get up and simply leave. He had forgotten how fussy Cook could get, but Annabelle was worst.

"Of course not, tis not manly enough for ye?"

"I need an excuse to be coddled by you. I cannot do that if I don't feel the pain." Edward smiled devilishly.

Cook's plump cheeks reddened in response.

"Naughty boy."

Edward chuckled before flinching slightly as the needle penetrated his skin.

"My heart's desire is to make this as painful as possible, but then I think of poor Annie and I must refrain." Cook said bitterly as she none too gently pulled the thread through. The door to the kitchens opened, allowing Albert entry. He walked straight for Jonathan and Edward. A slightly amused, if not annoyed expression covered his face.

"At times I think you love Annabelle more than us." Jonathan said as he pushed the food around his trencher, his appetite completely gone.

"Aye, only the good Lord knows what she sees in the two of you. A sweet one she is." Albert shook his head as he took a closer look at Edward's wound.

Jonathan rolled his eyes.

"Why do you always appear out of nowhere and give your opinions?"

"My opinions are of utmost importance." Albert answered distractedly as he took in Edward's bruised and slightly swollen face. He had hoped he had thought wrong, but it seemed fate was making a mockery of him once more.

"I presume you are the reason the servants discovered Lord Abbot with a broken leg?"

Edward grunted.

"Care to explain why?" Abbot arched a patronizing brow, awaiting for his charge to speak.

"Not particularly."

"Try again." Albert stared sternly at Edward. Edward glared back, his earlier ire kindled anew.

Jonathan snorted.

Albert's accusing gaze slid to Jonathan. "The young lord would not happen to know, would he?"

"No he would not." Jonathan snickered. Albert always seemed to amuse him when irked.

"You may fill me in though." He said as an afterthought.

"Lord Abbot was found in the left wing of the estate, bruised and bloody. His nose and shin both managed to have been broken. He barely had time to remain conscious before the servants discovered him." Albert glared at Edward as he spoke.

"His lordship is nay very pleased." Albert added.

"Is he dead?" Edward finally spoke, a twinge of hope in his voice.

"Eddie!" Cook admonished.

"Much to your obvious displeasure, no."

"He was running his mouth a wee bit." Edward bit out, looking away as he answered, his body trembling slightly as a muscle in his jaw twitched.

Albert narrowed his eyes. "There's more."

Edward's glanced at Jonathan then, his eyes raging with a blue fire.

"Albert, I shall speak with Edward. Rest assure, it was nay a normal brawl." Jonathan said as he stared at Edward.

"Alright, my lord. But what am I to tell your father?" Albert glanced at the two men before casting an eye around the kitchen to the various other servants.

"I shall deal with him as soon as I get to the crux of the matter."

"Very well." Albert said as he headed towards the door. Cook, who had been quietly working on Edward's stitches, handed him some salve to apply to his face before also taking her leave, the servants all following in her wake.

"Well?"

"The bastard attacked Pastry."

Jonathan froze. Every muscle, every fiber of his being refused to move. His instincts told him to go see for himself, but his other instincts, the ones that saved him on many a occasion, did not let him move. He didn't know if he should kill Abbot first or tend to Kitten.

"Attacked her how?" The words were spoken slowly, precisely. As if Jonathan had already written his death in stone.

Edward held Jonathan's gaze as he answered, "How do you think?"

"Repeat yourself, clearly this time." Jonathan's hands were fisted where they rested atop the table. He wouldn't let assumptions rule him.

Edward glared at his friend since childhood and bit out. "He was trying to force himself on her, you berk!"

"What did you say?" His usually warm brown eyes were almost a pitch black, a vein on his forehead slightly more distinctive than the others. It was not a question, he had heard Edward quite clearly.

"Where is she?"

"In her room."

Jonathan stood up to leave, but paused. "Why didn't you kill him?"

"I had to get Pastry away, she was watching everything."

Jonathan nodded towards his friend's arm. "His work I presume?"

Edward smirked. "A rather insignificant cheat compared to what I did to him."

"You broke his leg without a weapon?"

Edward's cheeky grin was answer enough.

Jonathan turned on his heels, anger making him lose all reasoning. The bastard! How dare he. He would go to Kitten, but first, he would finish what Edward had started. Before he could reach the door, Edward spoke once more, his words grave.

"John, he was cruel towards her, both mentally and physically. Atrocious words were his weapon, amongst other things."

"And what of Annabelle? What did he say regarding her?" Jonathan needed to know.

"Nothing he hasn't already mentioned before."

Jonathan left the kitchens, his strides long and determined as he made his way towards his father's study.

Servants scurried out of his way as he stalked passed them, ladies talked behind their fans, contemplating the reason behind his brooding expression. The lords gave him a wide berth, not wanting to draw attention to themselves, unbeknown to Jonathan, there was a smear of dried blood on the sleeve of his white tunic. The hunting event was over, thus making him the object of their conversations. His bloody reputation seemed to have proceeded him. In no time at all he reached his father's study. Jonathan didn't bother knocking, he opened the door, walking into an empty room.

Swearing roundly, he turned on his heel.

"You, where is his lordship?" Jonathan growled at a passing maid.

"In Lord Abbot's chambers, m'lord." The frightened maid stuttered out.

Jonathan offered a gruff thanks before changing direction. Abbot's chambers were located on the opposite side of the second wing, but it took Jonathan mere seconds to reach his destination.

Livid as he was, he didn't entertain the notion of knocking.

"I will not take this lightly, Dillion, that boy needs to be-"

Abbot stopped speaking as Jonathan entered the room.

"I did not bid you entry."

Jonathan smiled coldly, his eyes pitcher than black promising retribution. He took in his surroundings. His father stood beside Abbot's bed, a few feet away was the healer, examining the bastard's leg. Albert stood alongside a wall, far away from the eyes of people, but close enough to do his master's bidding.

"You are no longer welcomed here, Abbot. Have your valet pack your belongings."

"I beg your pardon?" Abbot sputtered.

"Did I stutter like a blubbering buffoon? I believe not. Get. Out. You are no longer welcomed in my home."

Turning towards a silent Albert, Jonathan ordered with barely concealed anger. He was hanging by a precious thread, one wrong word was all the invitation he needed.

"Have the servants pack his belongings. I want him out of my lands within the hour."

"Aye, my lord." Albert bowed.

"Jonathan."

Jonathan turned slowly towards his father, a dangerous glint in his eyes. Dillion Rivers took a surreptitious step back.

"He is leaving, father. And if he does not, I have no qualms about dirtying my hands, I will kill him."

"Do you not think I have a right to know the reason behind your decision?" Lord Rivers asked his son carefully.

"He accosted a woman. He called Annabelle a whore, need I go on?" Jonathan trembled with unsurpassed rage as he spoke, his gaze glued to Abbot, he could kill him now. It wouldn't be swift. It would be slow, torturous, and beautifully painful. He could have him begging for death only to deny him.

"I accosted no woman. She wanted it. It was not my offense she cried innocent upon seeing Dracmore. And what I said regarding the wench is true," Albert stiffened, his hands fisting at his side. "The chit has been with Dracmore for five years and there is not a sign of marriage."

"You sarding, magniloquent ass." Jonathan hissed, taking a step forward. "I should kill you now."

Lord Rivers put a hand up, halting his son.

"Lady Davidson is betrothed to Edward, Abbot."

"Why does he not marry her then? They spend every walking minute with the other, unchaperoned, the least they could do is marry. If she had any regard for her reputation she would have demanded the marriage contract be signed." Abbot sneered in disgust.

"That's enough, Abbot. Annabelle is like a daughter to me. I will not have you slander her."

Jonathan's startled gaze flitted to his father before returning to Abbot.

"I do not care if your wound is healed or not, you will leave now." Jonathan growled.

"Albert." Jonathan need not say more, when one raises you, they have the uncanny ability to understand you without words.

"I shall see to it, my lord." Albert said stiffly as he walked towards the door.

"This is absurd! You're having me leave, a lord, over two wenches?"

"Careful now, Abbot. Edward may have spared your life, but I shan't be so kind. One word is all I need to end your pathetic existence. Don't test me." Jonathan softly whispered, his body coiled tightly, begging for release.

Abbot's eyes filled with fear, but arrogance clouded his mind. "You have made a grave mistake."

That was all the encouragement Jonathan needed. In two long strides he was beside Abbot, pulling him by the collar of his tunic, Jonathan punched him, resulting in more blood to gush from his nose.

"Jonathan!" Dillion Rivers was appalled by his son's behavior.

Albert smirked.

"It will take me all but a second to snap your neck. You should thank divine province you're on my father's lands, but even that shan't save you for long." Jonathan snarled before roughly tossing him on the bed and exited the room. Albert was quick to follow.

Albert patted him lightly on the back, offering a small smile. Jonathan did not return the sentiment, instead he said.

"I shan't be in my chambers tonight."

"I will see to it."

"Thank you."

"Politeness does not become you." Albert smirked.

Jonathan couldn't help the twitch of his lips.

"I shall see you on the morrow, old man."

"Before you retire for the day, may I know where you left the boar?"

"In the meat room, on the far upper shelf, why?"

"I seem to have use of it."

Jonathan's smile was slow as he took in the meaning of Albert's words.

Without another word Albert headed towards the stairs while Jonathan went the opposite direction. Within a few short minutes he entered Edward's room and headed straight for the fireplace. His hands couldn't search the wall fast enough, he had to get to Katherine.

***

Edward quietly shut the door behind him, trying not to make any noise.

"Edward?" Annabelle's sleep induced voice reached him before he could turn around. Thank the Lord the curtains were closed, leaving the chamber in almost complete darkness.

"Aye, love." Edward walked towards her, seating himself besides her.

Annabelle tried sitting up only to have Edward push her back down until she lay beside him, her head on his chest.

"You smell of cinnamon and lavender." The sleep seemed to have never been there, she sounded upset.

Edward shrugged his right shoulder. "Possibly, I brought a salve made of lavender and other herbs for your stomach. I probably touched the other ones as well while looking." He revealed a small vial.

"Lay on your back, love." It was dark enough for Annabelle not to make out the bruises on his face. Thank the lord for thick blinds.

"There's no need." Annabelle protested as Edward gently pushed her until she lay on her stomach.

"I beg to differ, love." He pulled her skirts, petticoats, and every other layer of annoying clothing there was, until he could see her lower stomach. With great care, Edward rubbed her stomach, trying to chase away the pain and discomfort.

"Does it hurt a great deal?" He whispered into the silence. His fingers trembled slightly, he was beside himself with rage.

"I slept off the worst of it. You need not worry so much." Annabelle replied as she ran one hand through his unruly locks.

"Oh, but how can I not? Seeing you in pain does strange things to the organ in my chest. I find it paining a great deal. So much in fact, at times I think it shall combust, then where shall I be?"

Annabelle giggled.

Edward smiled with his eyes. Bending until he was a breath away from her, he placed his lips gently on hers for a sweet, slow kiss.

Annabelle's heart rate picked up, she lifted her hands to tangle her fingers in Edward's hair but he pulled back before she had the chance.

"I love you very much, you do know that, if anything were to happen to you..." Edward trailed off as he felt a strange numbness taking over him.

"Why are you talking of such strange things? There's naught wrong with me, I shall be fine." Annabelle assured softly, something was amiss.

Edward grabbed her hand, bringing it to his lips and placing a kiss on each of her fingers.

"I know. Tis... Your woman's time is so painful, I fear for when you get with child."

Annabelle wished she could see the expression on Edward's face, her poor love, what had brought this on? He was always loving and thoughtful, but today she could feel his fear, almost taste it.

"Nothing will happen, Edward. I shall be fine."

Edward gave her a chaste kiss before pulling away. He pulled her until her head was on his chest, her ear pressed against his heart, where she heard its frantic beating, yearning to be free from its cage.

"I can't bear to live without you."

"And you shan't. You promised to give me at least a dozen children." Annabelle teased lightly.

Edward chuckled. "I shall give you two dozen children if it pleases you."

"I think a dozen shall suffice." Annabelle laughed.

"I would like them to all be girls, and they should all look like you." Edward placed a kiss on her hair.

"I think there should be some boys as well, my lord. I'll need your mirror image to look at."

Edward shook his head. "I want little Annabelle's."

"We have to wait until we marry first." Annabelle laughed.

Edward pulled her closer. "As soon as that berk we call a friend finishes this charade he has begun."

"Tell me would you like a castle by the river or forest?"

"I would prefer a home wherever you are." Annabelle snuggled closer to him. Edward winced slightly at the movement to his arm.

"We shall live on a boat then."

"Why not a cave, my lord." Annabelle said sarcastically.

Edward laughed lightly.

"I don't care how big or small the castle is, Edward, what I want is Cook." Annabelle pouted.

"You want Jonathan to kill me?"

"Nay, I merely want you to beg him."

Edward snorted at the idea.

"Where is Jonathan?" Annabelle frowned slightly, he hadn't come at all today.

"He's with Pastry."

"I like her." Annabelle smiled.

"Thank heavens."

"You brute!" Annabelle laughed, pinching Edward's side.

They both stayed silent before Annabelle spoke.

"Papa's coming tomorrow."

"Joy." Edward muttered sarcastically.

Annabelle hit him lightly on the chest. "What has papa done to you?"

"I shan't be allowed to enter your chambers if he's here." Edward sulked.

"Give over, as if that has ever stopped you before." Annabelle scoffed.

"True." Edward chuckled, his hand running along Annabelle's spine.

Annabelle yawned.

"I think we should sleep."

"Tis barely evening." Annabelle protested.

Edward shrugged. "You're tired and I want to sleep with you." Edward kissed the top of her head before humming softly. Soon enough, Annabelle was fast asleep, Edward slowly following in her wake.

***

Jonathan sighed in relief as he stepped through the wall, quickly shutting it before his eyes scanned the room. Huddled in a corner by the bed, he found her. He walked towards her petite frame, her quiet sobs tore at his heart. He took her into his arms and held her tight against his chest as she cried herself to sleep. All the while Jonathan quietly rocked her back and forth, not making a sound. Once he was certain she was asleep, he pulled away slightly, taking in her face. Her eyes were puffy, her lashes thick, her lips swollen, and her cheeks flushed as she breathed evenly. She looked adorable. Jonathan lay her on the bed before lying beside her. He smirked slightly, she would have the room turned inside out upon awaking, he could hardly wait.

As Jonathan watched Katherine sleep, Edward's words from their hunting expedition played through his mind. He recalled the stark anger he had felt when Edward told him of what Abbot had done, the anger only amplifying once he had seen the bastard's face. He was angry for Annabelle's sake, but he was livid for Katherine's. He reflected on the relief he felt when he had seen Katherine in her room, and away from the mangy cur. He thought over the times he had argued with her and the times he taught her, although few, they would be cherished memories. Jonathan's gaze wandered to Katherine as he took in her features. He looked at her then, truly looked her.

Her hair was a pale golden blonde, not too thick nor was it too thin. Her brows were flat but not thin, nor were they faint, being a much darker shade than her pale hair. Her lashes were thick and long, although one wouldn't be able to tell unless she had just recently cried. Her eyes were large and doe like, their color that of a rich forest green, he could be lost in them. So wide and innocent, he wondered how she could not be tarnished by the world's ugliness. He was intrigued by the depth of their innocence and curiosity as well as the honesty which resided inside them. What he favored more was the fire which would instantly alight when she was angry, and how he loathed it when they became flat and dull, almost lifeless. She had a straight button nose, somewhat dainty, with a sprinkle of freckles across her nose and cheeks. God, those freckles, Jonathan didn't realize how much he loved freckles until he had seen them on her. They looked almost majestic with her porcelain skin. She didn't blush often but when she did, it gave her skin warmth, a certain glow. Her cheekbones were nay to high, nor were they nonexistent, but her slender face made them more sharp. Her lips were small but full, like a rosebud, and slightly pink. Her chin was soft yet pointed, aligning perfectly with her face. The bones of her jaw were sharp, yet all feminine, but fragile. She was a dainty one, so very small. Without realizing it, Jonathan pulled her until she molded against him. Aye, she was small. He kept her there as he continued to study her. She had an underrated, jeweled beauty, something uncommon. Beauteous is what she was.

Jonathan watched the rise and fall of her chest, the way her brows scrunched slightly before smoothing down. She shivered slightly, causing Jonathan to cover her in linens. He felt his eyes droop slightly, mayhap he should sleep as well. Getting more comfortable against his Kitten he decided to rest, hoping he'd wake before her to see her reaction.

***

Don't kill me! I have work and it's pretty demanding... But I hope the wait was worth it

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