Anna adjusted the cloak and hurried to where the hearing was being held. She had witnessed trials before, but only when she hid in the very back of the room and did not utter a peep. She slid carefully into the room and spied Lord William sitting near the front; it would only be a matter of time before he saw her.
Anna waited until Lord William asked if there were anyone to speak on behalf of her father’s defense. Anna stood up and kept her eyes focused on her parents, which were throwing off the little courage she had left. There were murmurs all around her and for a brief moment she wondered what had given her enough courage to be there at all.
He called her to the front of the room. “Why do you wish to speak on behalf of this man?”
Anna took a deep breath and pulled back the hood. “I am his eldest daughter.”
Lord William glared daggers at her. “I give you the right to speak, but I doubt whatever it is you wish to say will change my mind.”
She heard her father cough, “Let the damn wench speak. She is greatly damaged and no honorable man would risk taking her into his house.”
Anna looked over at her mother who was also glaring at her. She moved her eyes to her father, who kept his eyes squarely on Lord William. She took a deep breath, and in that moment she wished him to live only for Emma. “My Father did not protect me, that is true, but what hurt me the most, My Lord, was that I became my parents’ slave. They continued to save for my sister’s dowry and forced me to do all the chores of the house. I was no longer allowed to stay in their house and they beat me whenever they saw fit.”
Lord William raised an eyebrow as she returned her focus to him. “I am baffled, as I was under the impression you were going to ask for me to spare this creature’s life.”
Anna looked down at her feet. He was correct that it had been her original intention. Anna was now fighting the thoughts that were bouncing around in her head. She took another breath and gathered the strength to look back up at Lord William. “My Father was not good to me, but I have a younger sister. She needs my parents until she has a husband.”
He gave a nod as his focus was now over her shoulder. “Sir John, you are from this man’s village, what could you possibly wish to say?”
Sir John walked up to Anna. “I need to tell Anna something before you decide.”
“Speak quickly; this woman is already on borrowed time.” He added a chill to the last line and Anna shuddered. She knew at that moment that she was in way over her head.
Sir John took her hand. “I know what you meant to do here but there is something I have to say.” He let go and turned towards Anna’s parents. “I mean no disgrace, but your daughter Emma and I are already wed. I do not want her dowry, as I know that this year has been rough on you.”
Anna’s mother screamed and threw herself on the ground. “No! No! You lie!”
“Every word I say is true. Emma no longer requires the protection of her parents.” Sir John turned back towards Lord William. “I have a respectable job, Lord William, and I have saved enough coin to allow Emma’s mother to be taken care of for the rest of her life. I also wish to add that Emma is to bear our first born within the year.”
Lord William let out at breath as the woman on the floor began to sob. “Well then, I thank you for your testimony.” He focused his attention back to Anna’s father. “Do you have anything else to say in your defense?”
“If these be my last words, my only hope is that the wench that stands there in the guise of lady will never bear any fruit of her own.” He spat in Anna’s direction and pulled his wife to the small bench.
“If you were truly an honorable Lord you would have come to my village and given me coin to take that repulsive wench off our hands. She has been nothing but a stain on our family.”
Anna felt as if she had been struck. She blinked back the tears that threatened to fall from the sting of her father’s harsh tongue. How dare he speak of such ill matters! She had come here with full intent to beg for him to be spared and he showed not one speck of remorse for his failure as a parent. “I know that you have granted me a very rare opportunity, Lord William, may I please hear your decision?”
Lord William gave her a nod though his eyes were darker than she had ever seen them, and held promise as to what he would do once they were back in their chambers. “As this added information has been brought to my attention, I can see that both of your daughters are in very capable hands. You are no longer in a position to watch over your youngest and therefore your sentence shall be carried through immediately. For the crimes of neglect and maltreatment and complete disregard in righting the wrongs done unto your eldest daughter, it is my proclamation that you shall be hanged at dawn.” He took a breath. “I will also tell you that I shall take better care of your daughter than you or the woman who cries for you ever could imagine.”
Her mother began to sob again but Anna’s focus was now on Sir John. She opened her mouth to acknowledge him when she was grabbed around the waist. Anna knew without looking that Lord William had reached her. She bent her head back and whispered. “I know that - ”
He titled her chin to meet his eyes. “You know nothing.”
Anna bit her lip “I just need - ”
“You will cease speaking immediately.” He had her against his side as he bent at the waist to bow toward Sir John. “You are welcome in my village as my brother any time you like, but you must never speak of this day again.”
Sir John gave the same gesture. “I am very pleased that you have saved my friend, now sister, from the life for which she was headed. I do hope that I can bring my bride and our babe at first chance.”
“Of course you may. We are family now.” Lord William did not ease his grip on her waist, and Anna was more than worried about what was in store for her.
Sir John looked to Anna. “I do promise that I will take care of your sister, and give you my word that nothing bad shall happen to the woman that bore you.”
Anna gave a curtsy, though it was awkward, and wisely kept her mouth shut.
“Whatever you require for a safe journey back will be provided. In the mean time I must have a discussion with my bride-to-be,” Lord William nodded.
“Thank you for your offer, and I do hope that your conversation ends well.” Sir John gave a grin to them, and Anna knew her face was turning crimson. Could he already know what was on Lord William’s mind?
Lord William was now guiding her out of the hearing room, and Anna was having trouble staying ahead of his feet.
“You cannot even comprehend the sort of trouble that you are in at this moment.” He scooped her up into his arms as if she weighed nothing and continued up the hall.
Anna felt goosebumps prickle up and down her arms. She was still wearing a man’s uniform, but the cloak had been discarded. Her only hope was that he would hear her explanation before she received her punishment.
“I told you specifically not to leave the chambers. I posted guards’ outside-”
Lord William gave pause in the journey back up their chambers. “Wait, just a moment, who was guarding your door today?” He grabbed her chin and forced it up to meet his eyes when she did not give a reply. “Who was guarding your door?”
“Your guard had a trick played on him; please My Lord, do not be angry with him.” Anna gave a cry of alarm as he set her firmly on her feet and bent to her level.
“Of the things that you are, trickery is not in your arsenal. I want the guard’s name and the name of whomever assisted you and I want that information now.” Lord William was patient but not today.
“She was trying to help me!” Anna gave another cry. The situation was deteriorating rapidly.
Lord William had a wave of shock overtake his face before running his hand through his hair. “Lynna? You expect me to believe that your little maid devised a plan to trick my guard into leaving his post? Anna gave no reply.
“I want the name of the guard now.”
Anna did not want S
ir Talon to get into any trouble, as truly Lynna had caused such a scene. “It was Sir Talon, but please, My Lord - “
“Sir Talon? He is my second-in-command!” Lord William shook his head and gave a pull on his beard. “What of the outfit you stole?”
“I only borrowed it, My Lord, I do so intend - ”
“I do not want to hear your intentions!” Lord William’s tone was beginning to turn nasty. He took her arm, and began to pull her up the hallway. “You deliberately disobeyed my direct order to you. Do you not understand how much I have risked in keeping you safe?” He gave a sound that sounded like a snort. “Perhaps I was foolish to think that a wench like you could be a lady.”
“You do not mean that!” Anna began to cry hard. “Please, My Lord! I will prove I can be a lady! Please do not say such a thing!” She threw herself at his feet.
“Then you will accept the punishment I give to you. After that, you shall work hard in the kitchen until I see an improvement in your behavior, but first we are going to visit your maid.” Lord William gave a tug on her arm and they were on their way again.
“Oh! Please, do not get rid of Lynna. She has been ever so kind to me!” Anna was sobbing now. She loved her maid as dearly as she did her sister.
Lord William let go of her arm and tapped once upon the servant’s quarters. He stepped inside and quickly returned holding the arm of Lynna. Her blue eyes were wide in fear as she took in the sight of Anna in a man’s uniform.
“I did not tell her to do such a thing!” Lynna gave a cry of protest and she began to click her tongue at Anna.
“What made Sir Talon leave his post?” He had each woman by the arm and was leading them towards his chambers.
“It was my idea, My Lord, please . . . .” Anna began again.
“Shhh, Miss, you did not know until I was standing there at your door.” Lynna was shooting looks to her and pleading with her eyes.
“How the idea came about is no longer of importance. I want to know what happened and I want to know right now.” Lord William brought both women inside the chambers as he had promised earlier.
“I told Sir Talon that the cook had gone mad, My Lord, but I did not intend this,” Lynna began to sob.
Lord William released his hold on the two and barred the door. “What possessed you to do so?”
“I only know that miss wanted a chance to plead for her father’s life. I did not mean any disrespect you, My Lord.”
“Did you know that I specifically sent Sir Talon to stand guard so that Anna would not attempt to involve herself with her father’s trial?” Lord William crossed his arms in front of him.
Lynna let out a small cry. “Yes, My Lord.”
“Those beasts neglected your miss for years without any remorse! Why should they be shown any mercy at all?” Lord William was looking down at Lynna, and Anna wondered what he meant to do.
Lynna knelt down at Lord William’s feet. “Please, My Lord, I have nowhere to go if I am not here!”
Chapter Seven:
“Do you think that I am going to cast you away because of your choices?”
“Many lords would do so. I have disobeyed you.” Lynna kept her head down.
“Have you known me to be a fair lord?” His words were pointed but his features no longer appeared angry.
“Oh, yes, My Lord, you have been most just in your decisions. You alone pleaded for me to be kept here in the village after my father was killed. If Lord Wendel had not had you in his ear, I fear that I would be out on my own and surely dead by now.” Lynna raised her head and Anna stepped closer. “I already owe my life to you.”
“That is true, but I was not aware that you were told of such information.”
Lynna’s cheeks colored. “I do not mean to hear private conversations but at times my ears are quite useful.”
“I expect that if you ever question a decision I have made again, that this night will keep you quiet and obedient.”
“Yes, My Lord, of course I will!” Lynna stood slowly.
“I have not given you a reason to be quiet and obedient yet.”
Lynna paled, and frantically looked at Anna.
Anna raised her eyebrows as Lord William turned around. “Go and sit on the chaise.” She nodded, completely unsure of what was occurring. Surely, he could not mean to spank Lynna? Anna sat down and put her hands down at her sides.
Lord William pointed to the chaise. “Go and lie over Anna’s lap.”
Lynna took a breath. Anna knew that she had seen her backside the night that was supposed to be their wedding night. She had come to the door with tea and biscuit after Lord William had left; Anna had been so uncomfortable that Lynna had helped her change into a nightgown. She had touched her welts and returned that next morning with more soothing balm. She had also teased her the day after the stable. Why then did she look so terrified?
Lynna nodded, though Anna could see that she was trembling. She walked carefully to the chair and laid herself over Anna’s knees. Anna touched her face but did not risk even a whisper.
Lord William removed his belt and Anna stifled a gasp. To her knowledge, her maid had never been spanked before, and the thought frightened her. He had never caused her actual harm; surely he could have just fired the poor maid.
“Lift her skirt.”
Anna nodded and raised the skirt. If she had not been so nervous for her own punishment, she might have enjoyed the view of Lynna’s bottom, bared as it was in front of her.
Lord William began to strike with his hand. Anna watched as he expertly smacked each buttock. She felt Lynna tense with each pause and she patted her head. After delivering several dozen spanks to each cheek, he straightened. Anna continued to soothe her maid; she saw that her bottom was now a deep shade of pink.
Lynna had tears streaming down her face but she had not cried out. Anna suddenly began to wonder, “Have you spanked her before?”
Lord William glared down at her. “You do not have permission to speak.”
Anna looked down and wiped Lynna’s eyes. Her tears were leaving small blots all over Anna’s stolen tabard.
“I will tell you that the way I handle your disobedience is the way that all of the women in this village are handled. If they have no father or husband, then it is now my duty as lord to keep them in line.” Lynna had spoken the truth then. “It is also true that I have never had to spank your maid.” He leaned towards her and whispered. “To this point, you are the only woman who has ever been over my knees.”
Normally that thought would have made Anna blush and tingle, but today, with the events that had occurred, Anna felt lightheaded as he straightened. She nodded to him and squeezed Lynna’s hand.
Lord William brought down the hand that held the belt. Lynna cried out and hissed as it seared her bottom. Anna continued to hold her hand. He brought it down several more times while Anna kissed Lynna’s head and offered comfort. She knew that Lynna was being punished because of her direct disobedience.
Lynna finally screamed out. “My Lord, I am so very sorry!”
Lord William landed one more stripe upon each cheek before fastening the belt back around his waist. “I can see that.”
Anna moved her hair away from her face and looked up at Lord William.
“Fix her skirt.”
Anna nodded as she adjusted Lynna’s skirts as directed. The woman’s bottom was flaming red now and covered in welts.
“Can you stand?”
“Na-no, My Lord, I cannot.” Lynna was adjusted so that she was upright again.
Lord William took her into his arms and shot a look at Anna. “I will be right back.” He threw a glance about the room. “You had better be in this spot when I return.”
Anna nodded and watched as he handed Lynna a cloth. He walked out and Anna immediately felt a knot in her stomach. Though Lynna had given her the chance to sneak out, it was she who had actually accomplished it. She remained on the chaise and tried to calm her nerves. She had just start
ed to calm when the door opened and Lord William reentered. Anna took a breath as he strode over to her.
“I appreciate what your maid did for you. She was punished for disobeying my orders, not for helping you.”
Anna nodded as he reached the chaise.
“Stand up and take off your clothes.”
Anna pulled the tabard over her head and took a breath. She really should have considered the outcome before now. “May I have permission to tell you what happened first, My Lord?”
“It will not change the punishment you are about to endure.” He motioned with his hands. “Take off all of your clothes, now.”
Anna nodded and pulled off the uniform. “I understand that you granted Lynna a favor. I will not forget that, My Lord.”
Lord William removed his belt and sat down on the chaise. “That is not the only thing you will not forget.” He patted his thigh. “Get over my knee.”
Anna bit her lip. She was completely naked and exposed, which was bad enough, but to go over his lap in such a state? She took a breath and did as he commanded. “Please be gentle.”
“I have been extremely patient with you. I do not expect to ever have to punish you so severely again.” He rested one hand on the small of her back.
Anna curled her toes at his words. “I am so very sorry.”
“I am about to believe you.” Lord William began smacking her bottom and the very tops of her thighs with his hand. He was not striking harder than any other spanking but Anna found herself crying already. Since she had sneaked out, but not followed through with her original plan, what had the point been? Lord William increased the speed and Anna began to cry out. After several minutes he stopped.
Anna sniffled and wiped her tears. She knew that the belt was about to come next. She took a few deep breaths. “Do you no longer wish for me to become your wife?” She was immediately righted.
Becoming a Lady Page 8