Chapter 23

The carriage had been travelling since the previous day's evening. Dominic returning to his home to find his wife and staff ready for their departure. Trunks packed and the horses saddeled. She had made sure Storm was well groomed and feed.

A white horse, for her, was saddeled and ready. The staff quickly, under the Countess' orders had taken the Earl to his chambers and bathed him. He had a warm meal waiting and his clothes pressed for their journey.

Dominic startled by the efficeny she had displayed, was irritated, he wanted her to fail and she hadn't. And it dawned to him she may of been somewhat capable of something. He ignored her for the rest of the day and as they were about to depart, decided to travel in the carriage.

She had not complained or spoken to him. They had travelled all night, Dominic uncaring of highway men and theives. A knife was in his pocket and he would not hesistate to use it. But as they had travelled through the night, they had been undisturbed.

The evening sunset of the second day was now approaching and they had almost arrived.

Dominic shook off his apprehension his new wife sitting down next to him, her head bent in her bible."I-" Dominic began.

She looked up trying to search in the hooded eyes. He kept slient and she returned to reading. Her long brown hair cloaked most of her face, she wore a veil and a hat on her head.

The carriage stopped. The lurching motion that had almost made Dominic throw up. Stopped."My lord" His driver opened the door. Dominic sighed.

"What is it Edwards?" Dominic snapped. Jacqueline looked up at the grey haired man. His shoulder length grey hair made him seem knowledgable and the pinched expression meant he had been daring himself to do this for a while.

"I was just wondering if you and the Countess would like to break for lunch?" The driver asked, glancing at the exhausted Countess, the carriage had already been stopped twice for her to throw up and she had not had a drink.

"If I wanted a meal I would order you to stop we will continue we are fine." Dominic concluded.

The driver, a fatherly man in his thirtes nodded but he fidgeted with his sleeve."The Madame Countess looks weary, my lord." He mumbled.

He looked at Jacqueline. She was pale, the journey making her tired and the long green carriage jacket she wore could not hide the slumped posture of her back, Neither could the veil which she wore covering some of her face, she removed it and placed it next to her.

Although two men were argueing about her, she had no strength to argue. She could feel the bile rising in her throat and she rubbed the pink bruise of Dominic's slap. He always seemed to hit her in the same place and she knew that the area was already brusing.

Dominic seethed" Is it your business Edwards I suggest you do your job and drive I wish to arrive by sunset?"

The driver sighed"Yes, my lord, I apologise for my forwardness."

"I don't want a apology I want you to do what you are paid for," He snapped slamming the door shut.

Jacqueline was uncomfortable, her stomach rumbled and she scowled."My lord?"

"What?"He spat

"I-I wish to eat, my lord"She kept her head bent. Gently shutting the book shut, she stared at the cover.

She had said to herself that she would not bow down to him anymore. But the expression of her husband made her sliently shiver.

His blond hair although it flopped on his face, was perfectly brushed. It covered the angry face whose lips had been pursed and eyes blazing with thought for a whole day. He had been silent, and continuing he looked out the window of the carriage. It continued to drive."I am to sleep."

She ignored him and nestled into her book again, how she longed for a poem or some science works instead she was stuck with the bible which she had finished may times.

The coach stopped brutally as Jacqueline banged angrily awaking Dominic."Edward I wish to eat please find a local tavern that will give me and his lordship a priavete room maybe one with a bed so I can rest before we continue."

Dominic was about to protest but the driver nodded and shut the door before he could."You disobedient little witch,"

Jacqueline had expected an insult, even as they had gotten the dresses the previous day he had criticised her simple choices and picked lavish lady of the court dresses. Adding the others and glaring at him she knew his patience was there. Limited but he had some and she would use it to her advantage for now.

"I am hungry and so are you is your pride so much you will starve yourself to overpower me," She retorted.

Dominic's stomach rumbled, and he hit his stomach but Jacqueline had heard and smirking she got out of the stopped carriage.

Dominic grumbled and stayed behind her then thinking what that might mean to others he grabbed her elbow and strode quickly inside the warm tavern."Two drinks Edwards."

The driver nodded and headed towards the bar to order they just looked at each other."I have missed William, and Miss Amelia it will be a great pleasure to see happiness for a while."

Dominic kept quiet and Jacqueline sighed in relief as the food was brought and they began to eat."Edward."

"Yes, my lady."

"Please eat," She found a crown in her pocket."You and the rest of the servants must eat. Order something."

Edwards eyes glittered with gratitude, he had not eaten in three days, his punishment from Dominic for driving too slow a week ago and he thanked her and scurried out before Dominic could complain."Who is that money from?"

"I use to work, for some money and I will spend it how I wish."

Dominic huffed and drank more of his wine, he itched to hit her again, show her she couldn't spend it how she wished and instead clenched his hands and took the bill offered."Let's go."

Jacqueline did not follow straight away, her eyes focused on two youth, most likely their age of seventeen and sixteen. The girl held the boys doublet and he was fondling her necklace before he kissed her.

She got up and went back to the carriage."I have missed court. My mistress must be desperate for my attention." Dominic lied.

She would of known this was a lie if she lived at court. Francis had made sure whenever women were around, Dominic was not. It was only as he grew older that Francis allowed him to talk to the women of the court. Many seeking a husband they looked at the new Earl for a mate.

However, Francis had ceased this by ordering Dominic to never touch a woman unless she was his wife. Dominic had promised his soverign he would but he also knew the hatred of wives and their husband's mistresses.

"I am glad you are able to please them my lord. It is more than you do for me, I have felt your physical touch almost every day. I will be happy for a break."

"I do not beat my lovers."

"But your wife." She cut in, prepared for another slap. And she got one, her cheek glowed red but it didn't bother her and she continued."You are a sick bastard, I curse the day I was married to you."

Dominic turned away, and did not speak to her for the rest of the journey.

+++

"Dominic. How good to see you, and the lady too."

Dominic bowed formally and accepted the two kisses Francis planted on his cheek, doing the same for Jacqueline and watching as she winced when he touched her cheek. He would investigate later.

Make up went onto Francis' gloved hands and he looked at Jacqueline who was now trying to put a veil on her head."Leave the veil Lady DeFleur, you look most beautiful."Francis complimented.

She obeyed and a maid took the veil to her chamber, Dominic scowled and Jacqueline kept her head down, trying to hide her bruise.

"Dominic what hastens your arrival to court?"Francis asked.

"Nothing, my lord, the countess and I decided we were bored of the quiet estate. Isn't it, my lady?"

"Yes,"She looked away from the ground and up to the sky.

"Well I am glad to see you are finally getting along," Francis commented.

Dominic nodded and Jacqueline just looked away."We have been travelling for two days non stop sire, pray you pardon us to rest?"

Francis nodded and sent them off.

Author's note: Thank you very much for reading, commenting and voting. I have been really upset and confused lately but managed to plot out the whole of this novel. It ends on chapter 50. I just need to get it typed up and onto Wattpad. I hope you are enjoying it and thanks for reading.