"You did this?"

"Aye."

"By yourself?" Jonathan sounded astounded.

"Of course, did you think me incapable, my lord?"  Katherine questioned indignantly. The nerve of the lout! She wasn't daft, simply illiterate.

"Of course not, Kitten." Jonathan hastily assured, "I was merely taken aback, this does not look like a beginner's penmanship." Jonathan muttered as his eyes still took in the paper with awe.

   Katherine's ears reddened at the compliment. "Thank you, my lord. May we continue please?" Katherine requested, slightly uncomfortable with the praise.

"Aye, certainly. When did you practice this?"

"Every chance I was given. My maid, Bertha, would often say I am a fast learner." Katherine smiled as she thought of what else her maid did for her.

Jonathan nodded absently, still fascinated with the paper before him. He had arrived in her bedchambers to see her back towards him, and her head down, as she worked. He was amazed that she was awake, so amazed in fact, it took him a moment to realize she had become aware of his presence. Instead of being lectured on the rules of propriety, she had excitedly shown him her work. That was a good ten minutes or so ago, he still stood rooted to his position, staring at her penmanship which was perfection. The chit was a fast learner indeed.

  Jonathan cleared his throat, mayhap he could teach her ten letters today. He said as much to her.

"That would be lovely, my lord." Katherine beamed as her enormous eyes sparkled with joy. Jonathan blinked once, and then twice more before offering her a smile of his own. The sun showed her glorious sprinkle of freckles in a new light. She had a certain beauty to her that he hadn't noticed earlier.

"Lock the door, Kitten, and then we shall begin. How are you fairing today?"

Katherine did as she was told, answering along the way. "I am well, my lord, I thank you for asking."

Jonathan sat on the chair, quill in hand as he began the lesson. The sooner he began, the sooner he would be done. He didn't need another run in with her mother.

***

"Mother, do you not think this color is too bold?"

Savannah glanced at the deep red dress before snapping impatiently, "Tis not bold. You would hardly attract the attention of Lord Abbot if you were wearing pastel colors."

Katherine held in a grimace as Leslie pulled her hair. A lady must never complain, but she felt as if her hair was being ripped from her skull.

   "It would do you well to follow my instructions today."

Katherine suppressed a sigh. "Aye mother."

"And what were my instructions exactly?' Savannah probed.

"When we are to arrive in the field for the archery contest I am to stand next to Lord Abbot and make certain I aim perfectly."

"It would do you well to act accordingly."

Katherine nodded her head.

"I-"  Savannah paused as she walked towards Katherine's bed.

  "What is that smell?"

"Tis peppermint, m'lady, her furs and linens are full with the scent." Leslie was quick to answer.

Katherine felt her insides fill with dread. At times it seemed Leslie disliked her a great deal more than her mother. Surely it wasn't necessary for her to say something?

"You wouldn't happen to know why only your bedchamber has the scent of peppermint, would you, Katherine?"

"Nay, mother. I had noticed the scent yester eve but thought perhaps all the chambers had the scent." Katherine answered evenly.

"Tricky locks and now peppermint scents." Leslie said with faux innocence while looking slyly in Katherine's direction. 

Katherine hastened to lessen the damage. "If it would make you happier, I can request a change of chambers, mother."

"I will see to it."

Katherine willed her hands to not clench, very aware Leslie was behind her, she wasn't one to back away from an opportunity.

"The smell is coming from your hair as well, m'lady."

Katherine willed herself to be calm. Perhaps she had thought wrong, Leslie did not dislike her, she loathed her.

"The scent is all over my room, it is bound to cover my person." Katherine said nonchalantly.

"I have no time for your games, Katherine. You will do as I say." Savannah snapped.

"Yes mother." Katherine answered warily. She hadn't objected, had she?

"Listen to me carefully, child, you will marry Lord Abbot." Savannah menaced as she glared daggers at Katherine. Katherine merely nodded, waiting for them to leave. She was... tired. There was no use in arguing. If she argued they would only stay longer.

  "I am finished, m'lady."

"That should do, I suppose." Lady Atkin muttered critically before addressing Katherine.

"Katherine, you are to come break your fast after your father and me."

"I am not hungry, mother. I shan't be coming down." Katherine responded quietly.

"Tis good, you can lose a stone or two." Savannah remarked.

"Come along, Leslie." Leslie quickly followed her mistress out the door. Once she heard the click of the door, Katherine hugged herself, willing her tears back. She felt so tired. Although she never verbally fought or went against her mother, her emotions did. She was tired of the way her mother treated her. It was a tiredness which surged through her blood, becoming one with her being. She felt dejected. She did not wish to marry Lord Abbot, she wanted to live...to feel. Katherine smiled wistfully. Where they not the very same words the lout had said to her? And what had she said in return? She shook her head to rid of her silly thoughts. It would do her well to remember her own words.

      Katherine wiped away a rogue tear. She didn't know what it was that was making her feel this way, but she didn't favor it. She was supposed to be aloof. A lady did not show emotions, nor did she let emotions get the better of her. She needed to bear that in mind. She felt rather silly, try as she might, she couldn't hold her emotions at bay. Her mother, her father, they thought she was their property, theirs to do as they pleased regardless of what she wanted. Katherine laughed bitterly as she wiped away a couple more tears. She supposed she was their property, and the next man who she would be married off to. She wiped away her tears roughly, angry at herself. Her tears would not help her, she could cry as much as she wanted, they would not change anything.

        ***

"A marvelous shot, my lady." 

Katherine smiled kindly at the lord next to her. "Thank you, my lord."

Laughter had Katherine turning her attention behind her. Several feet away Lord Dracmore was laughing as Lady Davidson and the lout competed with their archery. It seemed as if the lady was not faring very well.

The archery competition was not a competition per say. People would compete with the persons of their choosing. Katherine had tried to keep herself as hidden as possible, but one look from her mother had her braving the crowd. Thankfully, the lords had paid her no mind, until now. She knew she was being rude, but for the life of her, she could not remember the lord's name who had approached her and then given her a compliment.

  "Why say you to competing, my lady?"

Before Katherine could answer, another was quick to obtrude in her conversation.

"I doubt the lady has time for such tedious activities, Adair. Besides, a lady has no business in competition. They shall swoon at the first sight of blood, not to mention the crying." Lord Abbot said tactlessly.

  "I doubt the lady shall do such a thing, she's a sensible lass." Lord Adair smiled.

Katherine suppressed the urge to grit her teeth. The nerve of the man! But perhaps she should have expected it. The lord wasn't the type of man to think woman possessed a brain. Katherine willed herself be calmed, unaware her champion was yet again coming to her defense.

  "Mayhap a competition should be in order then, my lord." Annabelle said with faux sweetness, Edward and Jonathan flanking her sides. She had seen the horrible old man approach Katherine and decided to intercede.

Lord Abbot stared at Annabelle something close to horror. Quickly fixing his composure, he said coldly. "I believe that shan't be necessary."

"Oh bother, it shall be fun, the lords against the ladies." Jonathan said, a gleam in his eye as his lips quirked up wickedly.

"A proper lady refrains from competing against men." Lord Abbot paused to glare at Annabelle, "but then one would have to be a proper lady in order to understand such a notion and not parade herself like a bint." He snarled.

  Edward and Jonathan took a menacing step forward, their fisted hands itching to strike.

"What did you say, gobermouch." Edward's face was a mask of fury, his body trembling with the emotion.

     Annabelle placed a hand on his forearm.

"The more reason for us arrange the activity." Annabelle said pleasantly.

Before Lord Abbot could further offer his less than pleasant opinions, Adair spoke. "A pleasant proposition, my lady." Taking Annabelle's gloved hand, he placed a kiss.

"She's betrothed." Edward snarled.

"No harm done." Adair smiled.

Edward scowled, wrapping an arm around Annabelle's waist.

"If you shall excuse me, I have better things to do." Lord Abbot glared.

"Afraid, my lord?" Annabelle taunted enjoying herself. She wasn't exactly pleased with the old git.

"Of a bint like you? Nonsense! I merely would not prefer the company of a tart."

Before anyone could blink, much less comprehend what had happened, Lord Abbot lay on the ground, blood gushing from his mouth and nose, while Jonathan stood above him, a murderous expression covering his features.

"Oh dear." Adair mumbled halfheartedly. "Really Abbot, you should be more careful as to where you walk, clumsiness is very unbecoming."

Edward snickered, nodded at Adair in thanks. 

"Jonathan!" Annabelle admonished.

Katherine took a step back, watching with worried eyes as more people drew to their group, her mother amongst them.

"What goes on here?" Lord Rivers blustered as he walked between the gathered mass. His eyes shot accusingly to Jonathan the moment he stepped forward.

"Lord Abbot here tripped and managed to hurt himself." Edward drawled.

"We shall see to him, if you like, father."

"No need." Lord Rivers said grimly. "Abbot, follow me, I shall fetch for the healer."

Katherine looked down at the lush green grass stained with specks of red. The better part of the day everyone had been left to their own devices, once the harshness of the sun had come to an end, the archery games were to begin. The games had barely begun and now this debacle had to occur. Her mother would surely find a way to blame her for the incident.

"Jonathan, entertain our guests."

"With pleasure." Jonathan muttered before turning his attention to the people present. "May I have everyone's attention please?" He waited less than a second before continuing, "Wonderful. For this afternoon we have an archery competition planned. Everyone is welcomed to join. We shall be in groups of four to your choosing. Various targets shall be placed along the way. The first group to maintain fifty perfect shots straight shall be victorious." His words were followed with excited whispers.

Katherine turned to leave.

"Miss Pastry, you shall be joining our team." Edward said as he lightly held Katherine's arm. Katherine was so stunned she hadn't corrected his use of her name.

"You would like me to join your team?"

"Aye." Edward smiled kindly. Then, he bend down to her height, whispering conspiringly, "I'm afraid Annabelle only favors your company amongst the women present."

"While I am humbled, my lord, do all the members of your team agree?" Katherine said softly as she looked for the fair haired lout.

"You mean Jonathan? He shall join us shortly. He had to help arrange the targets but he shall be more than happy for you to join us." Edward smirked.

"Katherine!"

Katherine turned towards her mother's voice, waiting for her to close the distance.

"Yes, mother?"

"I need to speak to you for a moment." Savanah said before noticing her daughter's companion.

"I believe we haven't been properly introduced."

Katherine resisted the urge to roll her eyes heavenward. Trust her mother to be swayed by a lovely countenance. Thankfully, this time it was in her favor.

"This is Lord Dracmore." Katherine waved towards said person and then said, "My lord, this is my mother Lady Atkins."

"A pleasure to meet you, my lady." Edward bowed.

"The pleasures all mine." Savannah purred.

Edward smiled awkwardly but stayed nevertheless.

"Katherine, come with me."

"My lady, if tis alright, I had requested your daughter to join us in our archery competition." Edward smiled charmingly as he placed a kiss on her gloved knuckles.

"Well, I suppose since you have already made a commitment, this lady can wait." Lady Atkins fluttered her lashes.

Edward's smile became more strained.

"If you shall excuse us." Edward took Katherine's arm, not able to pull her away fast enough.

"Your mother is most interesting." Edward commented.

"Aye, she is." Katherine breathed as they came upon an arguing Jonathan and Annabelle.

"I cannot believe you're reprimanding me." Jonathan was livid. "You should be off yelling at that berk. Instead you're giving me a piece of your mind."

"Aye, well you should not have done what you did. Your father shan't be pleased when that bobolyne goes running his mouth." Annabelle retorted sharply.

"You shouldn't pay mind to the old git, I don't."

"Are you referring to your father or Abbot?" Annabelle asked sardonically.

"Father, both... Annabelle that is not the point." Jonathan growled.

"I have brought our partner." Edward interrupted.

"Kitten!"

"Katherine!" Annabelle smiled.

"Kitten? I thought she was Pastry." Edward frowned.

"I am neither, my name is Lady Katherine Andrewson of Atkins." She said testily.

"So, Kitten, you are quite the archer."

"As are you, my lord."

"Wonderful, Katherine can teach me." Annabelle grabbed Katherine's arm, pulling her away. "We have a few moments before the competition begins."

  Both lords watched as the two women walked away.

"Her mother is..."

"A bitch?" Jonathan supplied happily.

"I would say tart but I suppose that works as well."

Jonathan grunted in response.

"What did she do to you?"

"She flirted with me in front of her daughter."

Jonathan winced.

"Why do you dislike her so?" Edward began to arrange his arrows.

"She throws cold water on the chit every morn."

Edward stared at Jonathan as if he had grown a second head. "Surely that cannot be the only reason?"

"I don't know, mate. I get a strange feeling from the wench."

"Aye, better you than me. Do me a favor, let Annabelle best you in today's competition."

"Over my dead body." Jonathan chuckled.

"That can be arranged." Edward smirked.

"Of course it can." Jonathan muttered.

"I shall get the ladies, you prepare everything." Edward jogged towards the females while Jonathan walked towards the targets which had been set up. It took a few more minutes for everyone to gather before the games began.

"Give over! Annabelle, I'm afraid you shall have to lock away your bow and arrow." Jonathan growled.

"That is very rude, Jonathan."

"What is rude, is that I am losing to that blighter."

Annabelle scoffed. "Surely, it can't be because of me."

"Sadly, it is because of you. We all have perfect aim, everyone but you."

"Tis not the reason we are not in the lead."

"I hate to say this, but Jonathan is correct. We are losing because of you, darling. So far you have managed to harm several of Jonathan's trees, a bird, and one maid."

Katherine giggled quietly, unable to help herself. "Tis alright, my lady."

"No tis not." Jonathan growled. "She is not allowed to play."

"Jonathan, I shall aim the arrow at you." Annabelle threatened.

"I am very frightened." Jonathan remarked dryly.

"Edward, keep Annabelle, Kitten, we shall have to salvage whatever we can."

"I do not think that shall be necessary, my lord."

"Why the Devil would you say that?"

"Language, my lord, and because it seems that group to the far left has won."

Jonathan glanced to where Katherine had bespoken. "Bollocks, that barmpot Adair and his giggling gaggle of females. Why did it have to be him?" 

"Excuse me, you have females on your team." Annabelle bristled.

"Aye, yes, but my females cost me a victory." Jonathan sulked.

Katherine felt a slight warmth spread through her for unknown reasons. She felt...she didn't know how she had felt, but it was good she supposed, if not a bit worrisome.

"Rivers!" Adair called.

"Annabelle, you will pay." Jonathan promised as he turned to face the man he despised at the moment.

"Nothing for the victors?"

"Victory in itself is an achievement."

"Touché."

Before they could further pursue their argument, Albert called everyone's attention.

  "Everyone, please come inside for refreshments."

"Refreshments, I want food." Jonathan grumbled. They waited until everyone had left before walking towards the back doors towards the kitchens. Katherine awkwardly followed in their wake. Mostly because Annabelle wouldn't let her hand go.

"Are we not going to join the rest of the people?"

"Of course not, Kitten." Jonathan said as if it were obvious.

"We usually go to the kitchens and Cook treats us. Tis what we usually do when Lord Rivers hosts events." Edward explained.

"Since you insulted me, Jonathan, I shall make certain you shan't get anything." Annabelle promised.

Jonathan snorted. "Need I remind you, the people in the kitchens work for me, not you."

   "As if that measly fact ever stopped me before." Annabelle scoffed.

"Do they always..." Katherine motioned towards the pair at a loss for words.

"Aye, they do." Edward sighed. "It would be a headache but they both enjoy it immensely."

"Hmm." Katherine mumbled.

Soon enough Jonathan and Annabelle's bickering came to an end as they spotted Cook and the table covered with food.

"Oh good, you children have arrived. I was beginning to worry. Oh, you brought a friend." Cook smiled.

Katherine smiled tentatively in return, her eyes taking in her surroundings. Cook was a homely woman with kind eyes and a gentle smile. Presently, her hair was covered in flour and there seemed to be something on her cheeks. The kitchens were a bit warm and every surface was covered with either food or utensils. Disheveled as it was, it seemed welcoming.

"This is Pastry." Edward introduced as he took a seat beside Annabelle. "Pastry, this is Cook."  Cook frowned, "now Eddie dear, I doubt the lady's name is Pastry."

"Aye, tis not, but you may call her Pastry." Edward said distractedly as he decided what he should eat first. Thankfully Cook solved the problem, placing roasted chicken before him. 

"Kitten, sit." Jonathan ordered as he took a bite out of his chicken leg. When Katherine still stood staring, he grabbed her arm and made her sit beside him.

"My lord, tis not nice to call the lady such names." Cook admonished, a slight twinkle in her eyes. Jonathan grinned cheekily as he blew her a kiss.

"Pardon the young lord, my lady, what can I get you?" Cook bowed.

"You need not worry, Kitten can fend for herself." Jonathan assured as he, contrary to his words, began to pile her trencher with food.

"Jonathan, I'm sure she has a lovely name, make use of it." Turning towards Katherine, she said, "If I may ask, what is your name, my lady?"

"Lady Katherine Andrewson of Atkins."  She answered shyly. Cook beamed, "Eat to your full, my lady, there's plenty to go around."

  "Thank you." Katherine said a bit startled.

"Eat, Kitten, you missed the morning meal as well."

"I..how?"

"Eat." Was all the warning he gave before a piece of chicken was placed on her lips. Katherine obliged.

"The wind could blow you away." He whispered.

"Cook, Jonathan was being rude to me earlier, I think he should be punished and should be made to join the guests in the great hall." Annabelle pouted.

"Bullocks, I was merely telling the truth. We lost because of her."

The sound of the door opening and closing could be heard if one paid any mind.  

"Maryanne, I doubt the young lord is speaking the truth." Abbot said as he gave a slight wink in Annabelle's direction.

"Damnation, where did you come from?" Jonathan barked.

"Language, your lordship." Cook reminded sternly.

"The door, my lord. I believe you are aware of the way they work?" Albert said staunchly.

Jonathan mumbled a few choice words under his breathe.

"Tis rude to speak of such things, not to mention impolite, my lord." Katherine said grimly.

"Pardon me, I hadn't been aware we had company." Albert bowed, just then noticing Katherine. "Then again, the young lord does have a habit of forgetting the finer details."

Jonathan ignored Albert, opting to steal cake from Edward's plate instead as quickly shoved it in his mouth.

"You berk." Edward growled as he lunged for Jonathan. To know one's surprise, both lords maladroitly fell to the floor.

"Pardon me, Pastry." Edward groaned as Jonathan tried to buck him off.

"Barbarians." Albert commented in ennui as he picked at a nonexistent lint on his cuff. Annabelle rolled her eyes at their tactics before searching across the plates of food. She needed something...

"I beg your pardon?" Katherine said wide eyed as she glanced away from the tumbling pair.

"Lord Barbarian one and two." Albert pointed.

"In my humble opinion they're berserkers." Annabelle teased. She smirked evilly as she spotted a bowl of fresh cream and threw it on the pair.

"What the devil..." They both barked as their faces were covered in with the substance.

"That was costly, Annie." Albert stared at the empty in dismay.

"What of our clothing?" The lords shouted in union as the cream trailed lower still to their trousers.

"You would have ruined it one way or another." Albert replied offhandedly. "Now I need to find more cream for Cook."

"It was your precious Annie's fault." Jonathan grumbled.

"Johnathan, stop your foolishness and mind your manners." Albert indicated to Katherine as he spoke. Jonathan rolled his eyes as he and Edward took their seats, knowing fair well Albert was trying to distract him, he would get Annabelle.

"Albert, this is Kitten. Kitten, this is Albert."

"I doubt 'Kitten' is her name, Johnathan." Albert sounded exasperated even to himself. Jonathan blew him a kiss. Katherine watched the exchanged, a bemused expression on her usually stoic face.

"Excuse his behavior, he's..." Albert trailed off helplessly.

Katherine smiled reassuringly. "Tis alright, you did your best."

"You." Jonathan growled at Annabelle, "You threw the cream on us." He accused. He had almost, almost forgot. 

"Aye, she did. Whatever shall we do?" Edward said thoughtfully.

Annabelle squealed, quickly leaving her seat to hide behind Albert. None of them noticed the man who had just entered the kitchens, fury clear in his frigid eyes, nor the way his gaze skipped over everyone but the three for whom he searched.

"Darling, there's no escape." Edward taunted as he and Jonathan advanced with food of their own to throw.

"Katherine, you must help me!" Annabelle pleaded.

"I...uhh..."

"There shall be no food thrown around in the kitchens."

All three froze at the harsh voice before Edward and Jonathan quickly blocked Katherine from view and Annabelle turned to face their intruder.

"Food is to be respected, not used in your childish games!" Lord Rivers snarled. "Annabelle, you need to start acting more of a lady. And Albert, I had expected you of all people to prevent this from happening."

"He did," Annabelle quickly assured, "we ignored him."

"If you three do not stop this childish behavior-"

"You'll what, father?" Jonathan questioned dangerously.

Lord Rivers let out a breath, halting his harsh words, instead, he turned to Albert. "Take these two above stairs and have them cleaned posthaste. There is a dinner party tonight. Annabelle, you need to spend more time with the ladies, I trust Jonathan has informed you of my request."

"Aye." Annabelle answered testily.

"Very well." Lord Rivers turned on his heal and left, the door slamming shut with a loud bang.

8"We apologize, Albert." The three friends mumbled ashen faced. Past their adolescent years, and even now, they were treated like brainless puppets. 

"No need, I was expecting his lordship to arrive sooner." Albert smiled, looking pointedly behind the trio. 

The three turned to a stunned Katherine. "Finish your plate." The three commanded before Edward and Jonathan headed out the kitchens, and Annabelle took a seat next to Katherine.

"I hate dinner parties." Annabelle sighed as if all well.

"They can be tedious." Katherine agreed.

Annabelle smiled at her new found friend. "Eat, Kastry."

"As if Kitten and Pastry were not enough you had to add Kastry?" Katherine raised a sardonic brow.

"Tis better than 'belly.' Edward would call me the horrid name before he realized how much he loved me."

Katherine laughed genuinely for the first time in years.

"Would you tell me how you two came together, if tis alright?"

"As long as you finish your trencher." Annabelle agreed.

&&&

SORRYYYYY! I know im late..

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