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And I'll Grant You Hers

By: Nakod Apa



1. AT THE HUNT BALL

Unremarked by the ladies in their crinolines or the gentlemen in their frock-coats, the two aristocrats slipped though the French windows onto the balcony. Behind them the music of a gavotte echoed from the ballroom.

While the young, slim man gazed down into the dark evening, attempting to make out the shapes of the knot garden, the older, stout man with the stiff pepper and salt beard took a small silver box from his pocket of his tail coat. He offered it to his companion. 'Snuff, Sir John?'

'I thank thee, My Lord, but 'tis an indulgence that doth not sit well with me.'

'As thou will.' Lord Wray took a pinch and inhaled it up one nostril, sneezed hard, then repeated the performance with the other nostril. After wiping his prominent nose with a large bandanna he continued, 'I would speak plain, Sir John.'

'If that be thy wish, My Lord.'

'Thy cousin, the Mistress Alexandra. She has grown into a fine young woman whom, I am given to believe, retains still her virginity.'

'Such is also my understanding, My Lord.'

'Then if I may be bold. . . I find myself much taken with her and entertain a desire to be possessed of her maidenhead.'

'Hmm. . . I will allow 'tis possible, though I had reserved to myself the pleasure of her deflowering.'

'Perhaps if a sufficient consideration were to be furnished, Sir John? I warrant she would be worthy of a goodly contribution toward her dowry.'

'Nay, My Lord, guineas are not an issue. I incline toward a quid pro quo. Say one cherry for another.'

'In principle. Yet maidenheads are so seldom to be met with at this season.' 

'They have indeed became unusual scarce since thy Lordship has so diligently undertaken their harvesting. 

'That is but the envenomed tongue of slander. Though I do confess I know of no pleasure equal to the parting of a wench from her cherry.'

'Egad sir, but thou hast the truth of it. Howsoever I am mindful of one that would suit.'

'Speak plainly Sir John, for I know of none within my estates.'

'There is thy ward, the Lady Matilda. Verily she is ripe for plucking.'

'Thou art insolent, sir.'

'And thou, sir, apply thy droit de seigneur to excess. My requital is not for chaffering.'

Lord Wray thought long. 'Thou drive a hard bargain, Sir John. But methinks thee has the right of the matter. Let us not dispute. I will admit of thy design if Mistress Alexandra sojourn with me at Wray Castle.'

'I can foresee no objection. But if I might recommend an alternate proceeding that mayhap will prove propitious.'

'Speak to thy suggestion.'

'Know thee, My Lord, that I was preparing to host a small party at Laydown House come next month. It would present an ideal opportunity to mutually facilitate our desires.'

'Whom dost thou propose to entertain?'

'If thou wilt countenance them, I think just three others. Ye may recall Colonel Browser. He lost his spouse in childbirth some year and a half past and has recently taken to himself a new wife from out of the country. The tattle has it she is hardly got clear of infancy, yet verily I gather he is already strenuously engaged in instructing her as to her rightful duties within the bed chamber. 

'Also, I have a well seasoned accord with a distant relative - the Bishop of Meak. On a quondam visit he became so enamored of a certain housemaid that I felt obligated to retain her services solely to satisfy his sporadic desires. Now when the need is upon him to exercise his manhood he avails himself of my hospitality. To the world he avers that he is on retreat and, indeed, ostensibly he spends his hours here contemplating diocesan matters - truly, however, what he mostly contemplates is my housemaid.'  

'Ah, yes, one had heard rumour to that effect. But come, we digress. I find thy design most agreeable, Sir John. I look forward to receiving thy bidding. In the meantime I suggest we apprise the ladies of their obligations.'

2. LAYDOWN HOUSE - THE NEXT DAY

'That is barbaric John. You men treat us as objects to be taken and used at thy will. It is intolerable. I shall not comply.' She stamped a delicate foot and tossed her blonde ringlets, nearly dislodging her mob cap.

'Desist, Alex. Berating me will not alter the situation. We are both culpable. Several moons past I beseeched thee to freely attend me in my bed but, despite my importunity, thou declined to service me. So now it is Lord Wray who will first enjoy thy cunni. And my lapse? I should not have accepted thy refusal, but enforced my righteous possession of thy body.'

'It is my right to decide to whom I relinquish my maidenhead.'

'In principle mayhap, but hast thou forgot the proverb - beggars have no right to be choosers. I would that I might grant thee the right, but it would prove impolitic. Lord Wray has many friends at court and I dare not risk his ire.'

'Know thee not that he is notorious amongst gentlewomen for his immoderate appetites and his brutal use of the housemaids in his employ. Droit de seigneur or no, I will not submit. Come, plough my furrow thyself and pre-empt the matter.'

'I would that I could, but the time is past.'

'Then I have no other recourse but to flee to foreign parts.'

'And how wilt thou live? It is my charity that supports thee.'

'I shall seek the post of a governess.'

'In a country of whose language and customs thou art unversed? Nay, 'tis a pipe dream. Thou art certain, as that maid who decamped last autumn, to conclude in a bawdy-house selling for pence what thee so highly prize, and for which thee could parlay a goodly reward.'

'Death before dishonour.'

'A romantic absurdity. What signify a loss that is inevitable, albeit in an unpleasant measure, against the joy of life and hope of an upstanding husband.'

'For a certainty, John, thou art the voice of reason and wisdom. Yet I cannot espouse thy way of thinking.'

'There is yet some days. Reflect upon what I have said and we will discuss it anew.' 

3. WRAY CASTLE - THE SAME DAY

'A moment Matilda. I must advise thee of an arrangement I have made for thy entertainment.'

'Indeed, My Lord, and what is that?' she raised dark eyes from her embroidery.

'Sir John FitzJohn is urging us to partake of his hospitality at Laydown House for several days, and I would fain accept.'

'Indeed that sounds most agreeable. Sir John is an amiable gentleman.'

'I am glad to hear thy opinion, for he has also made representation that, during our sojourn, he be granted the privilege of introducing thee to womanhood. Since I am somewhat beholden to him in an other matter I am of a mind to vouchsafe his request.'

'Oh!' her full bosom heaved. 'Tis a consummation I had anticipated these last months, though I guessed not with whom. Sir John is one of the handsomest of men and I doubt not that he will prove an acceptable personage for the commission. As usual, I submit to thy wisdom, my lord.'

'For thy acquiescence, much thanks.' satisfied that she had, once more, yielded to his authority Lord Wray left the withdrawing room. 

4. LAYDOWN HOUSE - ONE MONTH LATER

'I trust thou will find thy accommodations satisfactory, Lady Matilda,' Alexandra said, tucking an errant curl in place.

'Yes, indeed. I surmise I shall find all to my liking. But how is it that thou attend on me - hast thee no housekeeper?' Of less than medium height she looked up at her hostess.

'Yes, My Lady. However, Sir John being as yet without wife, I act as chatelaine in recompense for his custodianship. . . . Also I wished to speak privily. Hast thou heard the tattle of a pact betwixt our mentors?'

'Yes, Alexandra. I may call thee Alexandra mayn't I?' her smile disclosed white, even teeth. 

'Yes, yes. Call me Alex if thou wish. What hast thou heard?' impatiently she brushed strong hands over her tight buns.

'And thou will call me Mattie. Now what I have heard is that our mentors have reached an arrangement that we are to be deflowered. Me by Sir John, for which I am grateful, and thou by my guardian. I do so pity thee.'

'How may we forfend them, Mattie?'

'I know not, Alex. Indeed I have no wish to deflect my fortune. I had long feared that, one day when he could find no other to satisfy him, my guardian would take his pleasure of me. I believe the only reason for his forbearance was his previous intent that I wed his heir. Though 'tis moot which of the two, father or son, would prove least propitious.'

'But that . . . ' 

'Nay, speak it low, but 'tis now evident his son is inclined in another direction than our fair sex. So, my dearest Alex, much as I feel for thee, I vow I am overjoyed that it is Sir John whom I shall first admit to my private parts. I am fully resolved to reward his time between my thighs by giving him every pleasure to which he may aspire.'

Alexandra's head fell and her eyes filled with tears. 'What then am I to do, Mattie?'

'I know not. As women we can but accept our lot and pray for good fortune. Thou could postpone thy fate for a day or so by averring that the curse is upon thee. Happenstance some event may conspire to save thee from Lord Wray's attentions. If it be God so wills.'

5. THE TERRACE, LAYDOWN HOUSE - THE NEXT MORNING

'And hast thou advised Mistress Alexandra of our undertaking Sir John?

'Assuredly, My Lord. And thou also has addressed the Lady Matilda?' 

'Indubitably. She spake most highly of the arrangement. But wait, here comes thy cousin.' 

Lord Wray made a leg and doffed his cap. 'Ah! Well met, Mistress Alexandra. I was contemplating a turn around the gardens. May I entreat to the pleasure of thy conversation.'

'Why, that is most considerate, My Lord. I would welcome a gentle perambulation, but on another occasion. For now I regret that I must minister to household affairs.'

'And are thee well disposed to our purpose this coming eventide, my dear?'

'I fear there also I must displease thee, My Lord. The Goddess Selene has decreed that the time is not opportune.'

Sir John FitzJohn looked aghast at his cousin's lie. 

'What! How can a . . .' Lord Wray's face grew dark with anger then cleared. 'Ah! I see. The goddess of the moon, the month. Thou art saying this time of the month is not propitious for thee.'

'Thee have the right of the matter, My Lord.'

'No doubt the delay will be but a day.'

'Two to be certain, sir,' Alexandra said.

'Ah, well, such are the vicissitudes of life. One has learned to take them like a man.' He turned to Sir John. 'To sleep unaccompanied is held by my physician to be most unhealthy and deleterious to my constitution. Mayhap thou can arrange some nubile wench to attend to my needs pending Mistress Alexandra's return to full fettle.'

Still glaring at his cousin Sir John's rejoinder was somewhat sharp, 'Assuredly, My Lord, the pick of my housemaids shall humour thy fancy.'

'Many thanks for thy indulgence, Sir John. I confess that whilst a delay is not to my liking it will, however, ensure I am much rested and ready to have a merry gallop with Mistress Alexandra.' He leered at Alex causing her to cringe.

'Good morn to thee gentlemen, and ladies.' 

A tall man with an upright, military bearing came round the corner of the house, on his arm a young woman who, withal she could scarce have known a score of summers, was clearly a maid to please any man, with a sweet featured visage above two enchanting, ripe breasts so round and firm they needed not the aid of whalebone to present them for the admiration of gentlemen.

'Good morrow, Colonel,' Sir John replied. 'If I may introduce thee. My Lord, may I present Colonel and Mrs. Browser.'

The men bowed to each to the other. Then, as the young woman curtsied to him, her face demure, Lord Wray said, 'My dear Madame, thy most obedient servant. Colonel, how is't with thee Sir. How dost thee this sun bless'd day?'

'Moderate fine, My Lord,' he turned to his host. 'Howsoever Sir John, on my way hither I chanced to visit the stables. I was most vexed to discover that my stallion has shed a shoe.'

'Concern thyself not, Colonel. It is my intention to directly have recourse to the farrier on another matter. If thou wilt attend to me he may minister to thy mount instanter'. Sir John replied.

'But certainly, sir.' The Colonel turned to his wife, 'My dear, it seems I must withdraw from our perambulation. Mayhap on another occasion.'

Meanwhile Lord Wray stood motionless, gazing enraptured upon the lady's slender figure with its waist which, imprisoned by her corset, one could imagine easily encompassed by two hands. Above it the upthrust, creamy bosom was riven by a deep, dividing gully, and below a long skirt swelled over curved hips and admirable derriere before falling to shroud long legs. Stirring, he inclining his head toward the soldier, 'Prithee, Browser, might I presume to act as locum tenens and for a short while enjoy the privilege of accompanying Mistress Browser on a meander about the gardens?'

The Colonel frowned, clearly unhappy with the suggestion but unable to object without giving offence. 'The thought is kind. I cannot deny thee, My Lord. I leave the lady in thy care.' 

He caught his wife by the sleeve. 'Goodwife, I leave thee to his Lordship's mercy. Now thee may walk about the garden, but see that thee do not tire him with idle tattle.'

6. THE GAZEBO - LATER

'Look thee there, Madame,' Lord Wray said pointing to a small round building half hidden at the end of the grassy ride. ''Tis a gazebo. The view of the country beyond is said to be most entertaining. Let us hasten and explore.'

Adele Browser fluttered her fan. 'Efaith sir, thy enthusiasms are like to a schoolboy.'

Taking her arm he led her up the three shallow steps into an octagonal summer house furnished with a table, an ottoman and several cushioned chairs.

'Indeed, My Lord, it is a capital outlook, most beauteous and instructive for a student of painting to peruse.'

'Fie Madame, and no artist 'ere more studied the beauty that doth reside in thy countenance. Heaven could no other ways look upon thee than to behold thy perfections'

Gallantly he assisted her to spread her high-waisted day-gown of powder-blue cambric and sit on the ottoman. Kneeling before her, he took her hand in his saying, 'And provided thou are not displeased of me, may I presume, Madam, to entreat the favour of thy lips. I do assure thee - upon mine honour - upon thy least intimation of uneasiness, I will not fail of doing myself the violence to withdraw.'

Replying not, she coloured most becomingly.

Caressing her fingers the aristocrat continued, 'Efaith Madam, in my mind, there is nothing on earth so impudent as a blush. Thus bashfulness is a very pretty thing to view; but come now, one kiss, and be quiet.' 

Spreading her fan, she lowered flushed cheeks and hid behind it. 'Know thee, sir, I am a gently reared Christian woman and my consideration is only for my husband. It would be most improper for me to grant my lips to any other beau, even one as well favoured as thy lordship.' 

'Thy virtuousness is most becoming, my dear. Yet constancy is a very unfashionable quality in a lady. . . Methinks the only male tool of pleasure thou has been privileged to know is that of thy husband. Wouldst thou care to look upon a real man and discover joys of which thou art yet ignorant?'

Her cheeks first paled at his forwardness then flushed a dark rose. Being not long from the country she was confused by the importuning of such an eminent lord, yet some mischief caused her to say, 'Art thou then so eager to display one for me?'

'Come indulge me but with a moment of thy time, and I will satisfy thy every curiosity,' the roué urged.

Her body stiff she lowered her fan. Taking this to signify agreement Lord Wray firmly gripped her waist, staring into her eyes. Then he tilted his head and captured her soft lips with his mouth.

The contact of his lips dizzied her as, for several moments, he enjoyed her taste. Finally his persistent tongue prevailed upon her to welcome him into her hot sweetness, searching and exploring. 

As he sought and sucked upon her, his hands climbed the undercurve of her breasts to caress their firm flesh. Dropping her fan onto the floor she gave a deep sigh and raised her arms, twining them about his neck, her body becoming soft and yielding as he eased her back to lie upon the ottoman.

Raising his mouth from her, he admitted, 'I must confess myself guilty of a presumption. Abandon thyself to my fancy and willingly I will submit to any punishment thou intend: for though it be an aggravation of a crime to persevere in its justification, yet I cannot help but thirst to know thy beauty.'

Flustered, she giggled. 'Wouldst My Lord make a cuckold of my husband? Wouldst debauch my purity and pervert me from the path of virtue in which I have ever trod. Maybe thou think it not a sin - they do say many gentlemen don't think it a sin. But still mine honour that thou should so provoke my frailty.'

Bearing down, his lips found the hollow of her throat. 

'Alas!' She moaned, 'I am feeble, heav'n knows so very feeble, and unable to refuse thy importunate desires.' 

His roving hands clutching her neat rump he drew her close, that she might feel the press of his rampant manhood against her coveted mound. His mouth joined fiercely to her's as if to consume her. Rolling her on her face he unlaced her corset then turning her back he took up her petticoat and shift and laid open her hot centre ready for his invasion.

Confused, she submitted to her innate desires by unfastening his doublet and loosening the lace of his collar. She moaned with need as she toyed with his nipples, yet her thighs remained tight closed. Howsoever the touch of a lordly hand insinuated betwixt their smooth softness pried apart those loyal defenders of chastity and disclosed the way sufficient that he could thrust his unbending shaft within her tender folds.

Driving his pizzle full up to its head he gave her cause to lose all restraint and push back at him, groaning with strong effusions of pleasure. 

Soon his thrusts become more and more furious. Until, after divers licentious minutes, deep sighs and a strong shudder announced the approach of his ecstatic climax. With a hoarse cry he filled her with his seed while, yielding to her nature, she joined him in joyous orgasm.

Rising from her contented curves he prepared to adjust his dress. 'My regards to thy husband, mam. He hath schooled thee most satisfactorily.'

'Hades Hounds! Have I indeed! What, Sirrah, is the meaning of this?' Standing in the entry was Colonel Browser.

'Fie sir, I but entertain the lady.'

'Have I ever given encouragement for such liberties? Upon my oath thou presume too much upon thy rank. Aristocrat thou may be, gentleman thou art not.'

'Impudent capon - thou art a pert and insolent fellow.'

'Thou cad, sir! 'Tis an insult that must be washed in blood. I demand satisfaction.'

'I am at thy disposal, thou barnyard jackanapes.'

'A plague confound thee. I will have the favour of thy company at dawn on the morrow in the lower meadow. Name thy weapon.'

'Small swords!'

7. THE MASTER'S STUDY - MID AFTERNOON

'God rot their bones for an infernal pair of odious varlets.' Sir John threw himself into a velvet covered chair. 

'How so, Cousin? What ails thee?' Alexandra said.

'The good Colonel is enraged upon some provocation of Lord Wray, and they are determined on measuring swords, come the morn.'

'Oh, John. It must be a most grievous trial for thee.'

'Tis most improper and I would fain have Lord Wray withdraw.'

'How so? Would the Colonel not then have him posted.'

'Whereabouts could he cause a notice to be posted. The only spot that might give society occasion to consider his failure to fight a stain upon his character would be at Court or his club. And the Colonel hath no access. Indeed the Code of Honour is clear - the parties must be of equal standing and tho' he be an upright citizen a colonel is not of the quality of a lord, so Lord Wray has no necessity to risk injury.'


And I'll Grant You Hers



'But surely he . . . '

'Our brave and noble Lord keeps his brains firmly 'tween his thighs.' 

'Yet do they not have to send challenges and appoint seconds to attend them?'

'Aye, such are the demands of protocol. But they have determined to a pox on protocol and will make do with such attendants as I can muster.'

'Wherefore dost thou . . . '

'I have commanded young Jenkins to take the chaise post haste to Hightor village to collect Jolly Murmers - if he be not in his cups; you may recall he keeps telling tales of his days as a sawbones on a ship 'o the line. And since the pestilential Lord demands I be his second, the Colonel has fixed to send to Robble House where a brother officer is residing with Sir Jason. The Bishop has consented to act as Master of Ceremonies.'

'Lud, John, you are so apprehensive for nothing. All is righteously arranged.'

'Is't? I'll give a guinea to a shilling it ends in ill fortune.'

Alexandra's countenance brightened, 'I could wish it so. That Lord - I am so enraged against the villain I wouldst see him gone - his mortgage on life revoked.'

'Nay, y'r logic is overborne by a mandamus from the King. A wounding, mayhap he will allow ignored, but he hath ruled a death be treated as murder - and those who facilitate such duels equally culpable as those who strike the mortal blow.'

'Then for a simple pig sticking I shall pray. A mischief that will see the end of his monstrous wenching, and keep the louse from my bed.'

'Aye, then mayhap thy lie this morn may keep him from laying thee.'

8. ALEXANDRA'S BEDCHAMBER - LATE EVENING

Alone in her chamber Alexandra anxiously reflected on the duel to come. Whilst not a maid to wish ill of any person, still she fervently prayed that come the morn her molester should receive a wound sufficient to force his retirement to his own abode. Then, mayhap, she could remain undefiled until the knight of her dreams appeared to gallop her away to some distant paradise.

But shortly came a quiet, sharp knock. Giving Alexandra no time to respond the door opened to admit her bête noire. In the light from his candle she could see that he was attired in a long night-robe. On his feet were soft slippers.

'Methinks thou hast been factitious, madam. That thy chronicle is amiss.' Lord Wray said abruptly. 

'This is unseemly, my lord.' 

He ignored her. 'I quizzed the chambermaid thy guardian furnished to minister to my recreation, and she avowed that the curse was upon thee but a sennight past.' 

His dark eyes stared into her's until she lowered her gaze, admitting to the accuracy of his advice. 

'Know ye, these many moons have I coveted thy beauteous body. At last 'tis opportune that I plough thy furrow and satisfy my thirst for thy maidenhead. So, how say thee? Wilt thou give thy cherry willingly? Art those soft thighs eager to receive the blessing of my acclaimed weapon?'

'Nay, My Lord,' she whispered, her voice trembling. 'I beseech thee apply not thy measure, eminent though it be, to my undefiled rift. Use me not!'

Angrily he retorted, 'A plague confound thee, for an impudent trollop. Thy cousin hath pledged me thy innocence. Thou shalt not refuse me thy sweet delight. Come, have thee I will.'' 

Without more ado he furiously hauled the coverings from the bed. 'Yea, hide not all thy enchanting treasures from my sight. My eyes as well as my touch, would feast upon the firm, white flesh of your fair form.' Pushing Alexandra to lie on her back he avidly grasped the hem of her night-gown and roughly yanked it up and her head. 

Naked the comely, nubile girl lay spread before him. He gazed exultantly at the full, firm swell of a pair of pale young breasts topped with hard, pink buds, and at the pale round belly adorned with soft curls - such as may well be imagined of a maid fresh come to a man's bed and never before handled. All a-tremble and alluring she was everything he coveted.

One blurred motion and his robe dropped from his shoulders and was cast aside. Incontinently he fell upon her. 

Grasping her hands he pushed them to the mattress and lowered his thickset body onto her yielding curves. She could see the lust in his eyes, smell his arousal, feel his white haired chest heavy upon her soft bosoms and the rigid evidence of his maleness press hard against her belly.

Sharply he nipped her lower lip, making her gasp and open her mouth wider. Hungrily he clamped his lips to her's and pushed his tongue deep inside.

Bringing her wrists together above her head he pinned them with one hand while the other ardently roved her innocent form, found her ripe breasts and roughly clasped them, fingers digging hard into their sensitive firmness. She groaned as his restless palm cupped their pleasing resistance to his touch, squeezed their long tender buds. 

Her tantalizing torso firmly trapped beneath him by the weight of his hips, he slowly ran his lips down her throat, across her collarbone and on to seize a hard nipple between ragged teeth. He sucked heartily on it while his fingers flicked the other. Then, after a few minutes, he reversed his attentions. Voraciously he tasted and savoured each tender bud in turn, feeling them thicken and rise. 

Despite her loathing her body was becoming aroused, 'Nay, my lord!' She gasped, yet arched her back to assist a fine tit into his greedy mouth. She quivered as the shocks ran down her belly to her plump nether lips while his hot hand forced between soft thighs in search of her pristine cunni. A finger probed inside her soft slit. Instinctively her muscles gripped it, tried to take it deeper. She moaned, whether with need or dread was unclear.

He wanted to hear her confess to her desire for him, to admit she yearned for his seed as much as he craved to bestow it. He rubbed a hard thumb across her erect clit. As ardent flesh defeated her mind's dismay at his brute ravishing, she could but groan, 'Please. Please.'

Urgent knees between her thighs spread wider the way to her craving core. In a trice a sharp, savage lunge of his substantial tool tore her hymen; stretched her; filled her barely wet tunnel and defiled her innocent chastity. She screamed at the sharp pain.

Gradually she grew damper as he eagerly rode her. Torn tender folds yielded him admission to drive and withdraw again and again along her pristine passage with a rhythm that was slow, hard and deep. Now she was wet, now she wanted release, now she was lost in the passion, no longer aware of who was so brutally enjoying her fresh, innocent form. 

She moaned and instinctively lifted her arse to take his deliberate, forceful thrusts. Her legs tightened around his hips. He pulled her hips even higher draping her legs over his shoulders the better to thrust deep. She could take no more. Groaning, her hands raked down his back. Her cunni muscles clenched tightly around his ample shaft. To her eternal shame she climaxed.

Her ravisher was in no rush. His pounding gathered pace becoming faster, harder and deeper. Hungrily he bit her neck. 'Oh, sweet Virgin Mother, help me,' she gasped. She could only dig her nails into his shoulders as a final, violent lunge emptied his balls into her saturated cavity and he collapsed on top of her.

Tormented, breathing heavily, she lay beneath him, muscles spasmodically squeezing the softening weapon buried in her depth. 

Lifting his weight from her pillaged virtue he said, 'I confess 'tis many a moon since I have known a pleasure equal to that of thy taut entrance, my dear.' He wiped his now flaccid weapon upon her lush bush. 'I wouldst have more of thee but I must prepare for the dawn. But rest content, after I have dealt with that coxcomb I will return and we shall continue our sport.'

Dressed once more in his gown, he took his candle and left her boudoir leaving a distressed and shamed Alexandra naked upon the covers.

Quietly she sobbed until dawn lightened the sky.

9. THE HOME MEADOW - DAWN 

Figures ghostly in the dull light of an overcast, bird clamorous dawn, their voices subdued, six men gathered in the middle of Home Meadow. Adjacent to the hedges at the edge of the field, three carriages awaited, their horse's breaths misty plumes in the cool air. 

Lord Wray stood to one side conferring with Sir John, while on the other Colonel Browser could be seen in deep conversation with a Captain Corlyton - who had arrived poste haste from Robble House to act as his second. Between the two pairs - seemingly acting as a buffer - the Bishop of Meak stood idly by the surgeon, Jolly Murmers.

After some minutes Sir John approached Captain Corlyton. Then, following a few brief words, together they paced out a rectangle twenty paces long and twenty paces wide - dropping fine, white linen kerchiefs to mark the corners. Returning to their principals they assisted them from their long coats and wigs and led them, ruffled shirts palely gleaming, to the centre of the square and the waiting Bishop. 

Silently he offered a pair of swords that each might take his pick. A few squats and lunges to loosen tight muscles and the two antagonist faced each other, swords extended, points touching.

The Bishop looked at each in turn. 'I adjure thee to engage with honour. Thou shalt remain within the ground marked by the cloths or be accounted a fleeing coward. . . . If one be well-blooded, disabled or disarmed, or if having received a wound and on blood being drawn begs pardon, honour shall deem to have been satisfied and the engagement shall cease forthwith.' 

They crouched on the balls of their feet, knees bent, free arms behind their backs, blades crossed taking the first pressure.

'En Garde!' the Bishop ordered. 'Engage!'

Immediately they went at each other, the ring of clashing blades loud over the dawn chorus of the birds. Their mutual contempt was evident in the way powerful lunges and the occasional slash were mixed with skillful thrusts and parries. With a rapid series of attacks Lord Wray attempted to force the Colonel to retreat. He lunged, the Colonel flicked the blade wide of his body, parrying in tierce and for a moment they were face to face, their blades locked. Pushing him back hard the Colonel attempted a riposte to the ribs - his blade was beaten down as Lord Wray recovered his balance and, his blade a blur, again forced the Colonel backward. But as the minutes passed Lord Wray's breathing became laboured, his movements somewhat ragged, he had not the fitness and stamina of his opponent - he had clearly gambled on a quick hit.

The end came suddenly. Lord Wray again lunged and again his sword was parried, then Colonel Browser put all his weight on his front foot and, starting to thrust, picked up his rear foot and took a stride forward. As his foot landed, faster than a snake's tongue, his straight arm sent his sword inside Lord Wray's guard and into his chest. 

Slowly, almost in slow motion, the injured lord fell to the turf. His opponent stopped and withdrew his stained weapon which was followed by a spurt of bright red, arterial blood.

Victorious, Colonel Browser looked down on his fallen foe and knew the triumph of a fighting man, 'Die and be damned. Here be an end to thy odious quim-sticking.'

Jolly Murmers rushed forward and knelt beside the injured lord. Unlacing his doublet he drew back the damaged cloth and inspected the wound. 'He lives still, tho' is well blooded. He cannot continue.'

The Bishop gave a snort of relief and called to the attendants with the carriages. 'Bear him back to the house.'

10. EARLY AFTERNOON - LADY MATILDA'S CHAMBER

The response to Sir John's knock on the door to Lady Matilda's chamber was a quiet but controlled, 'Enter.' In the gloom he could dimly make her out reclining on the bed for, as is customary when suffering visits a house, the drapes were tight closed. 

'I come to . . . offer my condolences. Nay, that is not the truth of it. My reason knows not why I came, but may I be so bold as to offer any assistance thou shouldst require?'

She looked at him steadily. 'My thanks. Needs must I give a public appearance of calmness and concern Sir John, but between us let there be no confusion. He is a hateful man and I cannot grieve for his misfortune.'

'But he is thy guardian. And if he should die what will become of thee?'

She patted the bed beside her. 'Please sit, sir. It discomfort me to look up so.'

Seated beside her he felt his manhood pulse, echoing the rise and fall of her bosom neath its velvet bodice. 'If he should perish wilt the new Lord Wray become thy protector?'

'Mayhap. It matters not since his successor has no interest in me. He cares for little but bedding his comely boys. If, nay when, he comes into his inheritance no doubt he will marry me off to whichever beau first presents himself. My sole regret is that this calamity set to naught thy arrangement.'

'I must admit that I could wish it otherwise for I would fain have breached thy reserve of modesty which is the poison of pleasure.'

She laid her hand on his chest, 'Yet . . . but must it be?'

'Efaith, yes! The wisdom is with thee. Cousin Alexandra swears he had his pleasure of her - am I not then, by right of our contract, entitled have my joy of thee?' 

'Indeed, Sir John, be assured that I will offer no objection to any liberties thou feel inclined to take . . . I beseech thee, do not spare me, good sir.'

'Then come fair mistress, let me bestow on thee the delights of a practical instruction lik'd well enough of all pretty women.'

A wild, joyous beating in his chest Sir John rose and barred the door. 

His hands claimed her soft white ones and urged her to her feet. In a trice her morning gown was loosened and she divested of it. Her rapidly unlaced stay dropped from her - reducing her upper covering to but a shift, the open bosom of which gave liberty to his roving hands to caress and explore her maidenly delights.

Here she imagin'd her unveiling was to stop, but she reckoned short, for her suitor was loath to let the little that remained rob him of the alluring view of this tender conquest. In an instant her shift was fair tore open and her under-petticoat untied and at her feet. While her gleaming hair lay in loose disorderly ringlets about her neck and shoulders.

At last, his charming antagonist before him in all the truth of nature, Sir John could but look in wonder at the health and beauty of her constitution for, though wanting some months of nineteen, her charms were yet grown into full and open bloom. 

Tall and as slim-shaped as could be consistent with all that juicy plumpness of flesh - ever the most grateful to a lover's senses of sight and touch - she proudly exposed her assets. 

Her bosom, in no more than graceful plenitude, maintained a firmness and steady independence of support that dared invite men's touch. Whilst, at the bottom of the smoothest, roundest, whitest belly, that sweet intersection, the central furrow of two soft, pouting ridges, over arched with a downy spring-moss of curly hair, awaited the joyful intrusion of his male member.

In an extreme of haste he ripped away the confining cloth of his coat and waistcoat; and at his motion, she unbuttoned his breeches, drawing them quite down to his knees, and rolled up his shirt above his waist thus of a consequence directing her eyes to that handsome shaft of flesh, in whose favour all these dispositions were being made, which seemed to spring in high plight, bandied and ready for action. Without more ado he slipped his shirt over his head and his breeches over his feet. 

Each having sufficiently feasted their eyes he pressed forward that by great ease and enjoyment of the naked touch he might take possession of his delicious prize. He consumed her red bows with kisses of the highest delight, discovered with urgent hands her sublime mounds and with probing fingers the sweet buds of beauty that crown'd those firm hills. When he had feasted upon those all-delicious twin orbs with kisses of the highest relish, his lips proceeded downwards in search of her mossy mount.

Then he stood up fore-right against her and, straining her close to his chest, grasped her by the full globes of her arse, lifted and canted her thighs over his naked hips. Lowering her inch by inch he applied his instrument to her virgin niche till finally it was wholly embedded in her soft grotto of love. The meanwhile, her bosom glew'd to his, she was clinging round his neck. 

Her face hid in his hair he carried to the bed, on which he then, without dischannelling his pleasure-pivot, laid her down, and began the rapture-grind. 

So primed were they by the tight accord of his weapon with her sheath that upon the instant they erupted together. However so enamored and desirous was each of the other that they continued with undying vigour the sweet motions of bliss, he laying at her with repeated thrusts, making the meeting flesh on both sides resound with the violence as he drove inside, up to the guard.

Kisses, squeezes, tender murmurs, all came into play, till their delights, growing more turbulent and riotous, raged and bore them into an ocean of boundless pleasures. Finally for many blissful instants they lay overpowered, still and languid. 

He slipped out of her and applauded his extreme satisfaction of her by the tenderest kiss and embrace, as well as by the most cordial of expressions. At which she gave a deep drawn sigh, greatly pleas'd at how he'd endeavoured to accommodate the needs of her sensitive soul, had lifted her to that utmost pitch of joy and sent his whole being down to fill her delicious passage.

For a myriad of moments did they stay, each locked in the arms of the other, until Matilda quietly said, 'I would crave a boon, good sir.'

'Nay ask not, for already it be granted. State promptly what thou will.'

'That I may here remain, in thy abode, for the most span as my circumstances may permit. And that nightly thou visit me in my chamber that my ardent slit may entertain thy gallant manhood.' 

'Ah! My sweet, sublime, Matilda, thy wish is my command.'

11. LAYDOWN HOUSE -TWO MONTHS LATER.

'Oh, I have news, Alex. Come hither that none may overhear us. Oh, Alex, I can tell you news - pure news.'

'I know, I know Matilda. My cousin himself apprised me with the news you were to marry - that you had owned thy love to him.'

'Ay, tho' I had long determined to accept the first moneyed man that would have me I am overjoyed that it should be Sir John. Yet, my dear, we must keep it secret till my late guardian's affairs be settled and I come into my inheritance; for you know, marrying without an estate is like sailing in a ship without a keel.'

'And has thy new guardian indulged thee with his consent, Mattie?' 

'He hath not been told, there being no need, for after the duel Sir John prevailed upon my late guardian to agree. Sir John maintained that I was with child by the commission of their arrangement to plunder our virginities; that it must rest hard on a lord's conscience having led his ward to this straight; and that he should set his soul aright before he departed his life. Which he did, the day before he died from his wound, by reluctantly consenting to my being wed.'

'Verily then I am doubly happy for thee, Mattie.'

'I thank thee, tho' your cousin and I did but anticipate the event. Many times.' 

'So we are both indebted to Colonel Bowser, thou for a husband and me for the acquaintance of Captain Corlyton. But wait, did His Majesty not rule the Colonel offending for the death of the libertine?'

'Ay, nearly, but since he lingered for nigh on two moons it could not be held he died directly of the wound. Nor was he held in any great esteem at the palace. So the King accepted there was no misdeed. But tell me what of the good Captain?' 

'Oh, I too would have a husband; and if my protector won't get me one why, I'll get one for myself. Captain Corlyton is a handsome man and says he loves me, so I warrant he'll be my husband - else I'll take our butler to the altar.'




And I'll Grant You Hers



'But if thy cousin not agree?'

'I know not but that the brave Captain and I shall steal out of the house and marry one another, without consideration or the fear of repentance, for I'm determined he'll be my husband, and thank me too, for he told me so.'

'So what profit their bargain to debauch our purity, Alex?'

'Why, nought but death to an odious, quim-sticking libertine, Mattie.'

'And husbands to a pair of fine, obedient maids, Alex. Oh, heav'n knows! Men may seduce our feeble frailty, yet all's well that ends well.'