Chapter 34

Author's note: A bit of romance, I'm getting there. Slowly... Feedback appreciated.

Jacqueline paced, she had been pacing since the morning rise. Biting her lip she paced in the same room she had been in. For so... So long. She did not count the days that she had been in here. She took deep breaths and stopped. She needed to talk to Dominic!

Her legs felt weak, since her imprisonment she had used pacing to think. She wouldn't surrender to him, she was just as stubborn as he but after her meals, she felt too tired to do anything. Her muscles felt sore and she ached all over. The only part of her body which did not ache was her ankle. It was a dull ache rather than a shooting pain.

The festivities of the week before had disappeared as William and Amelia had been offered a week away from court instead of a honey moon. William had accepted on the grounds he return to court and as soon as Francis leave for Paris, he would return back to his parish. With Amelia on his side.

After she had returned they had talked quietly. It had turned into a full blown argument and she had slapped him again. He had dared her to do it again and she had. Then the room had gone silent and he had sat down quietly on the bed. She had turned away from him and stared out the window."You once said you were in prison." Was his beginning words. She had replied in the positive and he had continued his speech."I have never actually locked you up, so it's unusual. But I guess I get it. I won't touch you, but I will lock you up. You will learn that I remember everything you say." She had ignored him and stuck his chin up, staring at the window. He was so stupid, he would never do that.

After he had left her. Locked the room, and apart from the scared servants, she had seen no one. And she sunk down with defeat. She was so confused. He had promised to please her and he had locked her in this room like a prisoner.

But then as she sunk down with defeat, she reflected. She had treated him just as coldly, and now he was just fed up. There were some good times, she supposed and she hadn't thought of that at all.

Sitting down in her chair she looked out the window, she could see the court laughing and smiling, whilst she was stuck here waiting for her husband. She looked at the sky and wondered how she had come to this.

Lord Rochford's words rang in her mind. They had been ringing for so long. Even a week ago when Dominic had left her alone in the balcony she had thought about it. After an hour standing in the chill without a shawl she motioned for the guard to return her to her chambers but still couldn't stop thinking.

She was a broodmare, one of the finest broodmares for her husbands pleasure. But he had barely talked of children, heirs or sex. It seemed her body repulsed her. Maybe that's why now he locked her away. She had not been out since after the wedding and she decided she would do something to occupy her time.

Deciding to sleep again. Maybe dream of a tale the maids use to tell her Jacqueline shuffled into the bed. Closing her see she took deep breath and let her mind take her away... Far far away.

Too far! Her body heaved upright and she clenched the sweat stained sheets. She loosened herself and decided she would not knock on the door yet. She got out the bed and paced around the desk, Dominic's desk.

She heard the bolts disengage and she breathed deeply and looked at her husband as he entered the room. She curtsied, her head bent down hair running down her back."My lord,"

He grunted and went to his desk, the servant following him with a pile of paper and put it onto his desk."My lord," The servant bowed and scuttled out.

Jacqueline looked at Dominic as he began writing on his paper. He opened a book and began reading it intently."My lord," She curtsied.

Dominic looked up again but continued to read his book afterwards. Jacqueline took her time and she went to his desk."Please talk to me," She begged. Feeling sick at her desperation she held her breath as he looked at her.

Glassy blue eyes watched her and he sniffed the air."What is it?"

"I wish to talk to you,"

"Really? Whenever you decide you can be pleasant but when I try I get a sharp slap to the face."

"I'm sorry, I know you have tried." She admitted.

She waited for his reply, feeling guilter when she heard it."Tried Jacqueline? I would do anything, to make you happy. I hate myself when I look in the mirror, or see your face. Why? Because I can't stand what I've done to you, and all I ask is for a little co-operation. And you can't even give me that."

He looked down and swallowed. He was getting too emotional.

"Besides I have no time for womanly issues, the latest gown is not in my interest." He snapped. Ignoring her he continued to read his book and writing onto the paper.

Jacqueline took a deep breath and knelt in front of him. Her knees gently touched the ground and she touched his knee."My lord,"

He looked down and felt a pang of pity."What's the matter?"

"Please take me out, I beg of your forgiveness. I'm desperate. Please sir," She started to hyperventilate. Stroking his warm soft hose. It felt soft on her finger tips and she knelt her head into his lap.

"I told you, when you are well. If you go out now and the wound gets infected the doctor will amputate and it it's not worth it."

Jacqueline ignored him and continued begging."Jacqueline, I know yesterday I made it seem to prove a point but, dear, I do it for you. I do it so your leg heals, you feel better and you can live your life. Independently."

She ignored him again and continued to cry. Dominic tolerated it. He counted to ten and ignored her cries. Until his Patience ran out.

"Get off me!" He shouted.

She slowly let go, hanging her head."Dermont!"Dominic's voice bellowed and he pushed Jacqueline off him completely. She shook but kept her head down as he spoke and his servant entered the room.

"Yes, my lord?"

"Have some food sent up for the countess, she is hungry. And a doctor, she is not well."

Dermont looked at a crying Jacqueline, He would speak to the cook. She needed comfort but for now Dermont would do his job."Yes, my lord." He shut the door and Dominic continued writing his sheet.

Jacqueline trembled and sat in her kneeling position. Her white nightgown clung onto her body and became transparent at her neck as her tears touched them."My lord. Please!"

"Jacqueline, please stop. You act foolish." He looked at the time, it was getting late."The wound is still there, if it opens you may lose your leg."

"But i would go outside!"

Dominic shook his head and stared at her face, thinking what to do next. Dominic lifted her up, like a doll and placed her gently on the bed. He tucked her body in with indifference, like dealing with an unruly child. She screamed and cried but he ignored her and dabbed her cheeks with his silk hankercheif.

As she breathed heavily, he shut the windows and the shutter."My lord?" The doctor entered the room. He smiled gently at Jacqueline and he bowed.

"Look after her, I'll be here for any enquiries."

"Yes, my lord." He answered as he began taking his instruments out of his bag."Madame countess have you eaten today?"

He touched her pale skin and he smiled fatherly as she shook her head weakily. He brought out a cold stone and touched it to her neck, touching her face he frowned and looked as she trembled in her bed. Her body went cold as he touched the rock onto her face.

"You have a chill, you should eat and heal."

"Yes doctor, thank you." Dominic snapped. Even he could deduce that.

"And a tonic, a strong port would help her lady ship sleep, my lord."

"Thank you doctor." Dominic continued writing and paid him. Dropping three gold coins into the man's hand he wrote him a note of recommendation. The doctor waited patiently silently praying the countess would survive. He bowed deeply and left the room.

Jacqueline lay motionless, her legs feeling numb. The door knocked and a servant entered the room. A tray filled with foods, drinks and sweets from the content."From His Majesty, my lord."

Dominic looked at and thanked his master, allowing him to place the food on the table he left. Jacqueline felt no want for food and Dominic got up."Would you like a servant to feed you, my lady?"

Jacqueline turned her head, the sweet smell making her feel uncomfortable."Please, my lord. Open the window."

Dominic grumbled and opened it allowing a load of sunlight to stream his face. He looked away from the light to see Jacqueline wiggling under the thick covers. Her forehead covered in a thick border of sweat.

Dominic looked slightly concerned and brought the food towards his wife.

He placed the tray on the floor and wiped the sweat off her face. Then he brushed a dark long lock from her face, before gently kissing her forehead.

Jacqueline felt nervous all over again. His kiss was so soft, his lips almost freezing cold but they were warmer than how she felt.

He put the tray onto the bed and cut some food. The meat on his knife he offered it to her. Jacqueline felt sick, the smell over powered her and she breathed into her pillow. It smelt sweet. Too sweet. The lavender scented pillow it made her feel sick but not as much as the food before her."You need to eat,"

"You'll become weak, it will be harder to heal."

"I do not wish to eat,"

"Please, for yourself, cherie."

She ignored him and continued to breath in her pillow. She clung onto her pillow, her knuckles turning paler Dominic yanked her around. Her body rose and pounded into his hard chest."Eat, Jacqueline!" His command shook her but she felt like her body was on fire.

"My lord, kill me now!" She screamed. She wanted to die. Her body was weak. She was not a broodmare. She was not good enough to bear heirs when she couldn't even keep her own body in check."Let me to, leave me alone."

"Never, cherie, breath." She didn't calm down and tears started pouring down her face. Dominic panicked, and then composed himself."Eat now!"

She started to breath through her mouth and he shoved the food into her mouth. His words chilled her and she chewed the meat slowly. He cut another portion of meat and the beef slowly dripped in juices and brought it to her lips."Eat mademoiselle," He said softly.

She opened her mouth and allowed him to feed her the rest of the meal. He looked at her painfully and wondered, was this how is mother died? Had her maids fed her till she closed her eyes. His father told him to never love a woman. Never look after her. It was her duty to look after him.

"You just feel broken down." He murmured into her ear.

She nodded with tears still on her face, enjoying the food she ate. "My mother would of loved you, I can feel it."

When she had died she had ordered Dominic out the room. He had never been allowed in it, but he knew what had happened, she had died from childbirth.

He brought the port to her lips and she took it eagerly. Her mouth was dry and she licked her lips, scooping up several drops."Don't tell me you want to die again, Jacqueline, I won't allow it."

She was too thirsty to hear his words but she could feel his cold glare, he was serious."Yes, my lord." She whispered quietly, too afraid to look into his face again.

Finishing the drink she sighed in content and closed her eyes. He put the tray down, realising it was for two but she had eaten it all. He plumped the pillow beside her and placed it behind her head.

She was already snoring lightly and he smiled at her peaceful expression. Her eyes fluttered but the red blush into her cheek made her seem so sweet. Dominic went to the door and looked at the guard."You won't be needed, go back to your chambers."

The guard nodded and Dominic shoved the tray into his hand and slammed the door.

++++

Jacqueline's eyes fluttered around the room. It was the same prison. Hell hole, her... Their chambers.

She realised her body was not aching as much, her head was now not hurting. Her body a small throbbing. She wriggled around and found that her husband was sitting waiting."You have been asleep for two days." He said that as a statement but it sounded like a question.

"Aye," She yawned and looked at his face. His eyes ran onto her face and he got up."What is in my food?"

"Nothing, there was a sleeping powder but I ordered it to be stopped once the doctor came,"

"I do feel better."

"Good." He said simply, just as cold as his previous responses. He hit a woman who was asleep in the chair and motioned to Jacqueline."Make her ready."

"Yes, my lord."

"For what ?" Jacqueline asked.

"You said you wanted to go out. The doctor says you are well enough, the wound is a scar. I do not mind accompanying you. Besides, you deserve it. It should be fun and I hope you will like it."

He touched her face, smiling, pressing his lip to her forehead. Dominic closed his eyes as he did so, he didn't want to see her face of rejection to his kiss. Her head was so warm and her brown hair tickled his cheek.

Dominic paused and then stepped back. He blushed a little and left the room.

"Bastard." She spat getting out of her bed, rubbing her forehead in confusion.

"His lordship has been watching you all night your lady, my husband would not be as devote as yours."

"He hits me, locks me in a room." Jacqueline mumbled and allowed the lady to sink her into the bath. Rubbing the herbs into her the lady washed her."The pain I have suffered being married to him, and then he kisses me."

"He watched you longer than I, he had been praying at your feet he told me since two sunsets, my lady."

"That makes up for nothing!" She tilted her head as the woman washed her face.

"Forgiveness is one of the greatest things, my lady. He compressed the towel to your body, he administered

your port, my lady with the most gentle care I have seen in a man,"

"He ordered you the finest food from the kitchen, made by my hands, for when you would awaken."

Jacqueline ignored her and got out the water. The lady wrapped a towel around Jacqueline's body and passed her a dress. Dressing Jacqueline in a carriage dress she sung softly. "Be quiet!"

The cook ceased her singing and the ringing in Jacqueline's head ceased. She didn't want to hear joy when she had none herself.

Dominic stood hearing their whole conversation. She really hated him. She couldn't stand him. She wasn't happy, and he couldn't do this anymore. His ear pressed to the door he listened to the slience. Shaking his head. She was too upset, she was too sad. His heart broke in two, she hadn't forgiven him.

The lady dried her damp hair and lotioned it generously. She dressed her hair and curtised before leaving the room. Jacqueline took her gloves and walked to the door, she could run away but she was not strong enough and decided against it and returned to the carriage.

Dominic sat watching her and his gaze and attention on her. He tapped the carriage to move and it lurched into motion. "I wish to take you shopping. For our upcoming nuptials. I have prolonged it for too long."

She listened with a glare at his face. She had no care for material things. If she could be free that would be he greatest item she could have."You will pick the dress but not today. A seamstress will be brought to you closer to our wedding. For now the accessories."

She listened to his words with his eyes closed. He should of just picked it himself. It would save her a heck load of time. Time she did not have find a good person underneath the possessive bastard. Time till death consumed her."Don't worry, what I said still stands. I don't care Jacqueline, do what you want. Pick a pretty accessory, pick nothing, dismiss every dress, pick every dress. I wouldn't even care if you came dressed as a harlot."

Jacqueline swallowed. She knew this was his way of submitting to her wishes, but it hurt. She hit her head as the carriage began to slow down and she nursed it as she thought. The wind blew into the carriage and she enjoyed its fresh fragrance."I wish we could be friends,"

Dominic was quiet. He wished that too, he knew although there was no love he could try with friendship. He looked up and smiled."Would you like to play a game?"

"A game, my lord?" She looked up, ladylike from her eyelashes.

"Yes. A guessing game, we can take alternative guessing game. About each other?"

"What type of stupidity is this?"

He shrugged and put his head on the cushion."I found it in that book you have,"

"Which one?"

"Let's play."

Dominic closed his eyes and Jacqueline copied him. They both didn't know who should begin and Dominic knowing more rules, went first.

"You love the air, the outside."

"Yes,"

"Its refreshing in a woman. Most women hate going outside in fear of ruining their latest gown."

Jacqueline nodded and he continued his care free manner."Or having a speck of mud on their pristine white gloves."

"That's why I wear brown or black."

"Smart choice, from an academic woman."

Dominic opened his eyes and she smiled."Open your eyes,"

She peered into his face and he knew that she had felt uncomfortable last time they had been intimate. He didn't want to scare the good mood they were in.

"Hello darling," He flipped his hand gayily and she smiled. He winked and tossed his blond hair over his shoulder"Oh no! My dress." He giggled and brushed a non existent piece of dust off his carriage hose.

Jacqueline laughed and Dominic smiled. They looked outside the window but now it was a comfortable slience. The carriage rocked gently towards the shop, through the town.

The carriage stopped at the shop and Dominic took Jacqueline's hand. The carriage door opened and they got out.

"Good afternoon, my lord and lady."

"Good afternoon. Is there a wedding section of this store?" Joseph spoke for the couple and the woman nodded leading them upstairs. They bound up the stairs to a open floor.

Jacqueline gasped and looked around the room with awe clutching Dominic's hand. Seeing the particular feeling of normality she looked around the room, touching everything and asking to see particular items as if she lived there. The jeweller took his time to keep up and he asked Jacqueline questions which she ignored.

Members of the nobility looked at the mysterious members of the court. She wore a carriage jacket with the high necked brown carriage cloak that was now favoured by the ton. Her husband wore a similar darker brown riding outfit. The finest leather boots and velveted hat.

They bought white gloves. The finest silk and no jewels. Afterwards, Dominic purchased a sapphire set in gold necklace. They chose together white heeled shoes and various other accessories.

When they went towards undergarments Jacqueline blushed furiously whilst Dominic offered several garments. He picked various designs with ease and she couldn't look him in the eye as she made a choice. As she felt more uncomfortable Dominic decided to leave that area and ask for a seamstress.

"Madam, what about the veil?"

Dominic asked. Jacqueline paused herself. She had gotten too eager. Her excitement, her village girl routes had taken over. The girl who dreamed of simple kisses and a simple wedding. A peasant wedding. With the man of her dreams.

"We'll look at the veils now."

"Yes, my lord." Dominic's servant asked for the veil section and they were led towards a smaller and more isolated section of the store.

Veils hung around the area on wooden hooks. Flimsy material, no design and they would go up to the bride's shoulder blades. Cheap veils. And by the looks of the abundance of veils around, the summer festivities had yet to be corrected. Maybe in the summer there would be more weddings. And those veils would be the only ones they could afford.

On the other hand, there was the richer veils. Jewellery adorned the veils. Dew drops, pink muslin and silks. Grains of gold scattered in veils."Ma Cherie, You should look around,"

"Yes." Ma Cherie. Again, it made her blush madly. But she took a deep breath. She hated him for the pain and joy she brought. She replied and followed the seller's wife to an assortments.

Dominic walked away from the women and allows then to look at the expensive veils. His fingers trailed on different veils but he always found fault. He looked at one that he admired, it was simple enough. An transparent net had a pretty blue flower stone dangling at the end. It was a firm piece of stone but it stood out from the plain veil.

"Excuse me?"

"Yes, my lord." Another worker came and curtised to him.

"Have this boxed up,"

"Yes, my lord. Right away." She took the veil from him and went to do his bidding.

"My lord!" Jacqueline's voice rang out and Dominic walked to where she was. They stood at the longest table of veils. Some were on the floor, whilst others had been scrunched up. Jacqueline was a picky shopper Dominic concluded.

"I-I cannot find one," She said sadly, almost childlike. Dominic couldn't understand why he didn't just walk always. He had told her he didn't care. But deep down he knew that's all he was doing, he did care. That's why he was here even though someone else could have been.

The servant returned with the veil in a box."My lord,"

"How much?"

"I-I'm not sure."

"Here, I will give you three crowns and one for yourself." Dominic said.

The girl looked at him with wide eyes but Dominic impaitently shooed her away."I hope this would please you,"

He opened it and let her look at the veil."You normally wear simple gowns, so I thought a simple veil."

"Oh, it's very pretty. I love the stone." She brushed her finger tips on the blue."Thank you,"

Dominic felt proud of himself. He had brought her some joy, and for that it made him smile. And she could be polite too. But he wouldn't hold it lasting long and he just wanted a strong glass of cider. He knew he still had a long way to go. But he knew that the back up plan he had, in case things got too bad for her, would make her truly happy.

She didn't look at his face, instead continued looking at the veil in her hand. It was very beautiful, not too adorned and the blue was as beautiful as a melting frozen pond.

"Oui, We'll leave now then." He commanded with a quick flick of his wrist to have the servants pack their purchases.

Dominic would miss this. He swallowed looking as she continued to brush the fabric. She was like a child, she had an innocence not even he could taint. He wouldn't risk tainting it at all. He needed to be apart from her.