Chapter 29

Dedication: Thank you for the useful constructive criticism rather than horrible biased ones, you gave me a burst of confidence and I elongated this chapter because of your advice.

Dominic returned to the balcony after his bath. He felt fresh. His aching muscles were now relaxed. He sniffed his pine scented shirt and he knew he had tipped Dermont well for his work. Dermont had shaved him and he felt his cheek with content. He loved feeling smooth. He detested hair on his face.

It made him feel younger, not like a nobleman burdened with problems, like a child who could have whatever his heart desires. Even if he couldn't be entirely happy. But who was?

He yawned lazily, and plopped the items he was carrying onto the cold tiled floor. He brought with him a blanket, a book and a bowl of soup. The blanket made of the thickest fur he could find, the book not his, and the soup steaming hot. He was with nature, he was with the sky and the wind which calmed him so much. It was Dominic's paradise.

He felt simple and that's exact what he needed. He needed to get away from the bowing, curtsying and money. He needed to get away from his lavish life style and the court. Even if he had to stay there his whole aura would be of peasant, relaxed and unchained peasant.

Including his clothing. He was now wearing a black hose and white shirt. He decided not to wear a doublet but for modesty's sake, a ruff. He crossed his legs and opened the book he had found in Jacqueline's room.

The covers underneath him warmed him and he sipped the bowl of soup he had brought with him. He began the book. A romance, it was a tale of two lovers. Dominic was quickly engrossed and he sipped his soup and read.

He wondered, as he read, if his wife adored romance and affection as much as the woman in this book. The lady cried for her love as he went off to war. Fighting for his country, he fought for England in the war that had been flowing for a good hundred years. When he returned injured, she treated him with love and indifference to his wounds. Even when he lost the use of his limbs she never wanted to let go.

Dominic snorted. Women were picky, and as fickle as he was. He remembered when Lord Wilson had cut his knee and Anna refused to see him, granted they were ten but the message was that he needed to be perfect, because that's what she wanted.

Unlike his wife. He acknowledged that. His wife was not a picky mistress, she was calm and did not demand that much of Alice, and the errand boy Dominic had hired for her. He was also Dominic's 'spy' and told Dominic of Jacqueline's day and her behaviour.

She had told the boy that she felt like staying inside today. Which gave Dominic the reassurance no one would hur her and he could have a day to himself. He wondered if she was well though. He could go downstairs and find out: but there were two problems with that. Firstly, he was suppose to be out and if her or the servants saw, he would be rumbled. Secondly, he would have to move from this comfortable arrangement, and he didn't feel like doing that.

Sighing at his life he began reading another's.

+++

Jacqueline remembered the nights before, as she sat on the window pane. It was a crisp afternoon right now, the sunset was slowly going down and soon it would be night, evening. She loved the night but she couldn't get several images out of her head.

Anna's begging and James detached face. The only emotion he showed was a single tear as her things were taken away by the horse. Anna had cried and screamed, begging for her husbands forgiveness. Telling him she had nowhere to go.

Jacqueline wanted to rip her hair out, James was clearly in love with her. He could of disgraced her in front of everyone, blackened her name. Instead he had told the king Anna was pregnant and wished to return to the estate for the birth and the growing of the child in her womb.

It would give them time. If she was indeed pregnant she would bare the bastard and no one could be none the wiser apart from James and Anna, the midwife as well. If she was not she could claim she is unable to produce heirs and James could request a divorce. He wished to do neither but there was nothing else he could do apart from scream she had fucked another man.

But Jacqueline felt sorrow. She knew James was unable to forgive and she clutched her bible and sneaked out of the library. Dominic had been out all day and he had said he would meet with Lord Wilson for port that evening until then he would be out of the palace.

As she wondered she thought if Dominic would be so kind, if it was her in his eyes. He would probably, unable to forgive her, throw her to the streets and flounce off with a better wife.

Getting up she looked at the ceiling and decided to go on a walk. There was a guard at the door and she asked him to escort her before heading out the west wing. As she walked she saw Mr Thomas. He bowed low and called her name. Her guard tensed and for the first time spoke to her."My lady, do you wish to speak to him?" His voice was gruff and slightly hoarse.

She looked at his face. He was much older than her, he had long flowing brown hair with several slivers of white hair. He had several wrinkles etched into his face and his blue eyes twinkled when he smiled at her. She cleared her throat and spoke quietly."I would like you to stay close, but I want to confront him:"

"You sound like Dominic, ever the strategic." He guffawed and bowed. Jacqueline looked away and Thomas was offering him his hand. She placed here and he kissed it with a smirk.

She could feel the arrogance raidating through him. She wouldn't flinch in front of him and she would show him that she was above the toerag. She curtised and he bowed. Jacqueline made an excuse that she had to take afternoon tea with Lord Wilson.

Knowing the relationship between Dominic and James and there was a guard right next to them, Thomas accepted the excuse and offered to escort her. She had no excuse to refuse him and allowed him to take her to the door.

"You can go sir, please return in an hour," The guard nodded and offered to stay till she was in. Thomas stood watching icily.

Her guard knocked onto Wilson's study. Announcing her a butler opened the door and James let her in, she bobbed low. Not looking up. She curtsied again and bit her lip, as if it was her fault and she was not sure if the Duke felt the same."Is there a problem, my lady?"

Jacqueline looked up and took the seat he invited her too. He poured two cups of tea into cups and motioned for the servants to layout some more refreshments."You have come to beg on my wife's behalf?"

Jacqueline took the tea and sipped it. She looked at the man in front of her. This was not thoughtful Lord Wilson she had met on her first night or the gentleman that had escorted her to find her wife was cavorting with another. Instead, this was a lost boy.

He had shaved his face, like Dominic did, giving him a youthful look. His dark long hair was clipped to the back and his clothes sober. Dull colours: Peasant colours. Greys and browns. His clothes showed no wealth apart from the thick gold clasp at his head, and the thick cotton shirt and brown hose.

She avoided his question. "Your grace, I have come only to talk to you about bitterness," Jacqueline began and she took a cake to her lips. The many smells of the orient filled her nose as she smelt the cake and the tea.

He copied her actions and then frowned getting up. His office faced the sea. His desk away from the window he turned to the sea for his answers."Bitterness, my lady? Her's or mine?"

"Your's, of course,"

"But what about her's? I failed her as a husband. I am a busy man, I do not have the strength at twenty and five to keep a watchful eye on my wife everywhere she goes."

He took a deep breath feeling at comfort with the priest's sister."I fell in love with her, it was a dangerous thing but I did. She was so beautiful and when she accepted my marriage proposal I thought of It on her own free will. I did not ask her, it was a dream and I wanted to stay in it for as long as possible."

He took a deep breath."Love is a dangerous thing, my lady. I pray you do not make the same mistake I did."

"Fall in love?" She asked the older man.

"NO!" He looked at her tears selling him out."Never surrender to it. Never live in the moment. Instead open your eyes because if I knew how unhappy she was I wouldn't of married her. I would of used another deal to support her family. But not marriage. I am alone now, because I surrendered to love. It stabbed me right in the heart and in the groin."

She chuckled."I'm sure you are accomplished in bed, your grace. Maybe the Duchess wished for more and you were not always around."

"She is not the Duchess anymore. She is Lady Anna Russell, I have divorced her in mind, body and soul. Even if not in life."

Jacqueline shook her head"That's an ill way of thinking!"

"But a true one." James paused in thinking."Tell me countess, does your husband hit you?"Jacqueline kept quiet."Does he slap you or punch you?"

She ignored him and put the cup down."TELL ME!"

"He hit me, he slaps me." She said quietly.

"He hurts you but you stay with him. You obey him and I didn't and look what she did!" He slammed his fist onto the desk."Wretched daughters of Eve!"

He laughed, he cupped his hand which was now throbbing red. His knuckles which were clenched started to pale but then he held them and they darkened into red again. "I'm leaving court." He assured himself."I'm leaving court,"

He took heavy breaths and cursed Anna to the pits of hell for her deceit. Tears streaming down his face as he spoke. He spoke of his wife."I suggest you leave, my lady. I am not fit for company."

Thomas smirked. Delicious. The beauty of the mental breakdown. He chuckled and hearing the door disengage he slid into the shadows.

Jacqueline did as she was told and left the room. She would go riding, get some air. Away from all these people and the court and ride.

+++

William knocked on the door again, there was no reply furrowing his eyebrows in confusion he knocked on it again. Trying at the door handle he slammed it as it didn't open and headed towards the dark corridor that held Samuel's room.

He had been looking around for the servant that had got him Amelia's hand to thank him. And he hadn't been able to find him. He wanted to take him shopping with the small coin he had, and after pick Amelia a pretty wedding gift to give to her.

"Samuel!" His strong voice called out for the young lad and no reply he repeated it again, before he heard a click of a door and running he headed towards it.

There was a locked door"Hello?" William called, there was a Shh and then afterwards silence.

Angry and tired, William slammed into the door. Repeating the action and the door flew open.

"What on earth is going on here ?" William snarled, his eyes were soaked in terror."What what the hell is going on?" He fumed.

The room was empty, cold with a small cellar window letting in a harsh breeze. Which must of been torturers for the child who was naked red tears streaming down his back, eyes fluttering between fainting and staying awake.

The man was whipping Samuel, blood dripping from the child's back. "I'm punishing the little shit as he deserves sir, do not worry yourself he will be punished for his outburst," The an whipped again.

Samuel whimpered,"I told you to be quiet." Tears slid down his cheek and he begged an apology.

"What on earth are you doing?" William entered the room and shut the door completely. He hoped he had blocked off all exists. This man would rot in prison and he would make sure he did."What outburst?"

The man's soiled brown hair touched his forehead again as he concentrated in slapping Samuel again. William had enough and he stepped forward with attentiveness to collect the child. The man growled in response and held up a golden locket."He says it's his mothers. His mother be a white. I doubt it unless she was a thief and she stole it from her master it was hers."

"Give me the child,"

The man cocked an eyebrow. His eyes twinkled, this man was a good man and he wouldn't take the suffering of a child. Maybe he would get some money for a night with the boy. Many men at court seemed to be deciding to fondle their own sex. For whatever reason, it made the slave owner a couple of extra coinage as slaves were quiet and afraid.

William wanted to break down in front of this. The man pushed Samuel towards him like an animal. A sword resting firmly on the back of his head. The boy shuffled and William knew this was a warning towards William rather than Samuel who looked ready to pass out rather than disobey orders.

He touched his trousers and the man with a crude expression asked William."How long do you want him for?"

"I do not want him for sex. I am betrothed and not queer."

"He'll be good. Won't you Samuel?"

The child whimpered and William stepped back. "Give me the child sir and no one has to know about this."

The man laughed and picked up Samuel, flinging him onto his shoulders and carrying him like a horse to a cart. He looked at the air before seeing something out the window and winking at William."A new batch as arrived."

William looked out the window and saw a boat. Oh God."More for the picking. I can dispose of this useless thieving maggot."

The man unlocked a door beside him and ran out. William's eyes widened as he realised this was another exit and he dashed out to follow the pair.

++++

Jacqueline soaked her muscles in the luxurious water that had been brought to her. She felt like she could just drift away. Drown in the water which she relaxed in.

She hadn't thought of James' as she rode, or Dominic or her father. She didnt think of men because all they did was hurt and underestimate her. She has felt so free as she rode. And now she sat relaxing as her lesson with Emily had been complete.

She could hear Dominic's angry voice as he swore in French and she had returned to her room. She wouldn't mind if he caught her. She was only there for pleasure and child bearing. She would do what he said and nothing more.

This man was loveless and he held no affection for her. The beatings proved it. No matter how much they annoyed you, love would overshadow it. And she knew her lord has not learnt that. Derek's words rang through her mind as she used the soap to lather her overworked body.

"JACQUELINE!"

She got out the water. Now knowing the anger directed at her she was slightly fearful. She wrapped her body with a towel and waited for Dominic to burst in. He did not but he instead flung the door open and strode in.

"What is this about Wilson?" He got straight to the point throwing the book which was in his hand onto the floor. A blanket was carelessly thrown on top.

"Me and Lord Wilson?" Jacqueline looked at the blanket and then Dominic's raging face and swallowed. Why was he always mad at her? Why did he always seem disappointed in her? "Nothing, my lord." She said softly.

"Do not test my patience Jacqueline, I was away on his Majesty's business but I have heard rumours and I want to know. Refuse to tell me and I won't hesitate to punish you as I see fit. Adulterous wench."

"Wha- I have been anything but adulterous! Lord Wilson caught his wife in the lewd act of sex with another man. That was all." She said quickly."I have done nothing to disgrace you, my lord."

Dominic unclenched his fists. His quiet, meek little wife, had respect for him. He couldn't comprehend it and focused on the matter at hand."So why are you in the rumours?"

"I have befriended Lord Wilson," She looked at him."And I am a new comer, everyone would love to see me betray my wedding vows like that."

He growled at himself. How could he actually believe she would do such a thing. The slick little bastard was going to pay. But for now he had a bigger problem.

"Where is he now?"

"I'm unsure, he says he wishes to go to his townhouse, I'm unsure if he would leave now."

Dominic brushed his finger on his cheek as he thought. He knew that lustful little bitch wasn't the perfect wife she seemed to be. Jacqueline hadn't denied her sleeping with the Marquis of Petersberg. The same man who he had treated like a friend, an equal. James and Peter had also been good friends. The disgrace would be too much, he would be at his town house.

He looked at his wife who was shivering, she wasn't clothed and her arm was lined up with goosebumps. He took off his cloak and wrapped it around her."Sit down,"

She did as he said. Sitting on the bed she wondered what he wanted. How much he would degrade her until he left for James', it was obvious there would be some. He walked to the fire and lit it, the flames began and he shut the window.

"Why do you hate me?" She blurted out."Why do you doubt me?"

He looked at her. The pain hit him, squarely in the heart. Hate. She blushed and her eyes began to water."I do not doubt you,"

"But you do, I hear it in your voice. You hate me as your wife,"

He swallowed his saliva and ran a hand through his hair."I do not hate you."

She got up and he wanted to push her back down but held himself as she stepped closer and poked him in the chest. He did not know why, he didn't know why he didn't slap her or restrain her but allowed her to press her warm fingertips on his chest.

"But you do. You have no faith in me, you believe I would whore with another man. I would not! But you come in here angry and ready to punish me for something I couldn't do. That shows your hate for me, that you think so low of the one who is suppose to be at your side for the rest of your life!"

She continued poking him as she got more fustrated. Dominic felt pain. He had caused her so much hurt and he realised he was like his father. His father had no faith in his only son to be successful. Just like Dominic had a lack of faith in his only wife.

He couldn't take that revelation. And she continued. She said how he ruined her, turned her upside down and showed her no affection."ENOUGH!"

She stopped and he caught onto her wrist. He didn't know what to do. How to keep her quiet, keep her happy."I am sorry for disturbing your bathe, I will arrange for some more water to be brought up."

He let go of her hand. It throbbed red and she cradeled it."And your a violent bastard." She added the icing on the cake.

He held his anger and shot her an icy look."Be careful wife," He left the room and shut the door. He needed to find Wilson, because at this rate he was the only man that was as confused as he was.

He saddled his horse quickly and headed to James' town house. He needed to help him, emotionally but the reputation he had needed to be saved. If Edward Thomas knew by the end of the day, the rest of the court would too.

He arrived."Good afternoon, my lord."

"Where is your master?"

A young maid came out of a room. She rubbed her stomach and curtised at the unexpected guest. Before the butler could intervene she spoke."His grace is in the study, through here my lord."

Dominic nodded and allowed her to direct her to the room. She took his black riding cloak and gloves. She said she would bring some refreshments but the lord hadnt eaten all day and may seem weaker. Curstying again, she left.

"James?"

He lay on the floor, the room smelling of sweet herbs and oak. Dominic sat next to him and asked him a very simple question."What's wrong?"

Honestly, Dominic did not care. He still thought of Jacqueline's words. They ran through his head as fast as him and Storm on a hot summers day. She had stung him, thrust a sword through his chest and made him feel more emotive than he had in years. He was everything she said, but he couldn't tell her that. Men that revealed too much would burn, like James.

A violent bastard.

Dominic's head ached. It had done so much in the past three hours. Talking, listening and thinking. He wasn't talking to a man, he was talking to a three year old child. James had started mumbling, grumbling, groaning and crying and the fact was he just wouldn't stop.

He had left home after speaking to Jacqueline and several other servants to James' town house. He had found his closest friend, apart from Francis, who was more like a brother, crying like a goodwife.

His well furnished parlour room was as perfect as the maids cleaning it had made it. But the room was still apart from the forlorn James' on the red Russian fur rug.

"I loved her Dominic I really did" He cried out again, wiping a tear from his face, he sipped some of the broth that had been brought to him. The bowl had been steaming and James' took miniature sips before stopping each hour. The servants would bring a fresh bowl and he would repeat the process and leave the food.

"I thought she loved me. We were good together." He continued his most depressing moans. His ring was now lying on the floor beside it's owner. It was a pink jewel, Anna's choice. The finest metal clutched rightly at a rose tinted diamond. It was extremely expensive and James' had regretted buying it for such an outstanding price, now he really wished he hadn't.

"You need a wife Wilson," Dominic stated coldly. He had told him about the charming little snake.

Too lost for Dominic's taste. She seemingly adored James' with all her heart. A man who was eight years her elder, to the court, she had displayed only affection. But as James' sucked in all the love from the girl, Dominic had kept a wary eye.

The Duchess mainly played sports. The men's sports and sometimes, with the men. She shot almost as good as Francis', much better than her husband. But her talent was in the field, or more recently discovered, her bed. She used the bow and arrow with precision and focus. Even when practicing she would miss dinner, be escorted by other men, sleep in other chambers as she decided she didn't want to see Jame' face. It was a dangerous game that she played. But she always dared to do more. Do more than what other women did.

No matter how many times James hit her, slapped her which wasn't enough in many men's opinion including Francis, she would do as she pleased and Dominic, frankly, wasn't surprised. But Dominic could slightly see why he wouldn't want to hit his wife. He didn't want the fear that was in Jacqueline's.

"A docile one this time one who is obedient someone that respects you," James nodded, tears brushed his face and he got up."You will be happier,"

"I need a drink," He grumbled."A warm whore in my bed and to gamble my estates away. Maybe one of those will numb my hurt. I cannot obtain happiness."

"No you don't, you need some sleep," Dominic grabbed his friend's shoulder, and steered him towards his room. "Let him sleep, no distractions, I'll return tomorrow."

The butler thanked him and took a confused James to bed. He cursed Anna to the fiery pits of England with her foreign lover. Luckily, the town house was full of a small selection of loyal servants and it wouldn't be a problem if James' had to use his plan of childbirth for Anna later.

Unless Thomas used his overused mouth. Shit.

Glancing at the clock, Dominic sulked slightly too lazy to ride so late but he didn't want to say here either and headed for the stables. He would help solve this problem.

+++

"Put him down," William shouted, the wind blowing furiously on the cliffs edge he stepped closer tentatively and the man dangled Samuel closer to the rocks edge.

"He's not worth anything now I've got a new batch and he won't fetch a good price so I can do as I wish."

William sighed, his fingernails digging into his palm, he was nervous, scared and more but he needed to get Samuel off that cliff.

"How much?"

"Huh?" The man turned around slowly.

"How much for the boy?" William repeated.

The man laughed "You don't want him he's useless."

"No ones useless. Now how much?" William snapped tightly, his anger increasing this man was an imbecile. A racist, immoral imbecile.

"I want him to die"!" The child whimpered as his master started clamping his hand on his neck

"Ten pounds for the child," The priest compromised.

"You wouldn't pay me. You nobles are all the same. Now say goodbye Samuel,"

The child closed his eyes tightly"Goodbye Samuel," he whispered.

William cried out as the man dropped him.

And then it went quiet...

Author's note: I have had some free time so I decided to type about three chapters. I'm hoping my next chapter will be about the same length because I prefer it. However, if you prefer the shorter uploads because of a shorter read please tell me and I'll stick to that. My first history exam (worth 30%) is on Monday, previous mock exams are in my favour at A's however I will not be on this weekend as I am revising. Thank you for reading and all the feedback I've been receiving. The last chapter had about five votes which compared to the last is quite shocking. Please please vote and comment. Another iPod written chapter so apologies for the mistakes.