The Bride Absconded (closed for cumnchat)

[Opensesame54321]

Clarissa was surprised when as they prepared to dress for his birthday party, Roger gave her a brand new dress. She was so touched and when Bea came to help her get dressed for the dinner and party, the girl was very impressed with the new dress.

Meanwhile, after giving Clarissa a particularly amorous kiss and a whispered promise to continue things later, Roger headed to his dressing room and left Bea to help Clarissa into her new gown.

Rather than having her hair falling down all evening and making her look like a mess, she had Bea just leave her hair trailing down her back, though the maid did brush her blonde hair until it shone bright and shiny.

Finally it was time for the big celebration as Roger escorted her down to his birthday party. Everyone else awaited their arrival and her father had promised to make the pre-dinner toast. Everyone stood and applauded Roger’s entrance, and he grinned and looked embarrassed. She noticed Prudence glancing at her several time, probably noting that her hair was not properly coiffed, but she really didn’t care.

During the meal, Ada regaled the assembled with a particularly amusing episode when Roger had visited her some years earlier and had eaten a bug by mistake. She had them all laughing whereupon Roger proceeded to explain how the mistake had happened.

All of Roger’s favorite dishes had been prepared and Clarissa had been promised by the cook that she knew just the cake to prepare for the master. The room seemed awash with candles lit everywhere and the table practically groaned with food and drink.

Finally the meal ended, with Clarissa full and happy to see that everyone else seemed to have enjoyed the meal. She smiled and looked around the table, announcing, “We can now take a half hour rest and meet in the sitting room for cake and to give Roger any birthday gifts that we may have for him. I am sure that the gentlemen may wish to head for the study for a very small brandy, but just save room for some cake.”

She watched Roger rise and proudly lead the men off to his study. While the women headed off to gather their gifts, and Clarissa left to arrange for Roger’s gift to be ready to be brought in the sitting room when the time was ready.

Some thirty minutes later she headed for the sitting room. About five minutes later, or so, the women began to enter, carrying various gifts wrapped for Roger. They sat about, chattering about general things as they waited for the men to join them.

 

[cumnchat]

Roger and Clarissa took time out as they dressed for dinner to tell each other how much they loved each other, Roger thanked Clarissa for the birthday party and complimented her on how beautiful she was. When Bea arrived Roger took Clarissa into his arms ad kissed her gently but amorously, promising her that there would be many more forthcoming tonight, then he left so that Bea could dress her and prepare her for their grand entrance before all the guests.

When she was finally ready he was called back in and he exclaimed,

"How wonderful you look my sweet, positively radiant. I swear that if I were not already married to you I would fall in love all over again."

He took her hand as they waked down the stairs together with the guests gathered to greet them both and applauding, Roger was not particularly fond of being in the spotlight and felt slightly embarrassed at being the centre of attention when he felt it should be HIS Clarissa that that should have all the plaudits.

Lord Fernwood made a pre-dinner speech and toasted them both saying that he had doubted at first whether Roger and Clarissa would ever be in the same room together never mind the same bed which drew some jocular remarks from some of the men.

The meal went exceptionally well with all of his favourites on the table that was groaning under the weight.

Roger had insisted that each guest should have a copy of the dishes on offer to show to their friends when they returned home

MENU​

Savoury

Braised ox heart in aspic

Roast quail with glazed grapes

Parmesan mould

Braised pheasant and pork pies

Braised belly pork

Slow cooked pigs hearts in red wine

Red currant glazed ham

Braun stuffed, marmalade slow roasted pigs head with caramelised oranges and pork sausages

Pudding

Mussel jelly

Coffee and almond blancmange

Black cherry and rose jelly

Brandy cake petit fours

Gilded marzipan peacock with sugared almonds and meringues

​

With the meal finished Clarissa as the hostess, declared,

'We can now take a half hour rest and meet in the sitting room for cake and to give Roger any birthday gifts that we may have for him. I am sure that the gentlemen may wish to head for the study for a very small brandy, but just save room for some cake.'

Roger led the group of men to the study and once out of earshot of the ladies he said gleefully,

"Hang the very small brandies, we shall drink to my health with well filled glasses." and proceeded to fill each glass three quarters full of his best french brandy. They all raised their glasses to him and then a distant cousin asked,

"There is nothing wrong with you or Clarissa is there? You have been married more than a month now and no children in sight."

Roger was more than a little miffed that he should be asked such a personal question and gave a short reply.

"No, we are both in good health, as to the other matter you refer to, we are working on it not that it's any of your damned business."

The atmosphere cooled after that exchange and they finished their brandies and filed into the sitting room where the women had collected ready to present their gifts.

 

[Opensesame54321]

After a good 45 minutes, the men sauntered in jovial and smelling of cigars and French brandy though Clarissa thought that Roger didn’t look exactly happy. That worried her. She didn’t think that it was that it was the meal as he as well as everyone else had certainly overeaten on the rich food. And he had seemed happy when he headed off with the men to the study. Therefore, something must have happened in the study but she wasn’t sure what but she would ask him later just what had happened.

Nevertheless, he crossed over to where she sat and bent down to give her a rather passionate kiss despite the awkward angle before sitting in the chair that she had designated the Chair of Honor. All around his feet were the gifts from his guests.

She had informed that staff that they could present the Master with any gifts that they might have after the guests had given their gifts. She figured that any guests that didn’t want to wait around for the servant’s presentation could head on to bed, besides which, that was really just between Roger and the servants.

Ada, never one to be shy or retiring, pointed to a fair sized package at Roger’s feet. “That one, my dear friend, is from me.” It was obvious that it was a bit weighty and when Roger opened her found a set of books, including a copy of Sketch of the Analytical Engine, a book on phrenology and another on mesmerism.

Since Lady Lovelace was not feeling too well, she made her good nights to the rest of the guest and headed off to bed. Clarissa started to escort her to her bedroom but she waived Clarissa away as her personal maid rushed forward to help her out of the room and up the stairs.

“My dear, don’t worry about me. I have just overindulged in the festivities and will need to leave tomorrow morning to head home. Roger, my dear, I wish you all the best of birthdays.”

Clarissa was really worried about Ada but she was called back into room as Roger started opening other gifts. Her father had given him a box of his favorite cigars and a bottle of rather expensive port. And there was a new scarf from Roger’s cousin Leslie and wife Prudence. “One never knows what to get a man,” Prudence said rather weakly and Leslie just smiled and gave an ineffectual laugh. There were several other gifts and while they were being opened, Clarissa gave the signal and Bea slipped away and found James waiting nearby.

“‘er Loidyship says ta bring it in noiw.”

James grinned and nodded and, with Bea opening the doors and clearing the way, James came in carrying a brand new leather saddle for Roger, complete with his initials discreetly tooled amongst all the scrollwork.

“Happy Birthday, love.”

 

[cumnchat]

Although Roger was annoyed at his cousin Leslie for asking such personal, impertinent questions about what went on between him and Clarissa he tried not to show it and made all the appropriate noises as he opened his gifts, the set of books from Ada, but he didn't know when he would have time to read them and understanding them he was sure was beyond him but then Ada was a brilliant woman, way ahead of her years. There was the more practical gift from his Father-in-law of cigars and an excellent bottle of vintage port, typically his cousin Leslie and his wife Prudence hadn't exactly been generous with just a scarf, Prudence made a weak excuse for the parsimonious gift,

'One never knows what to get a man.'

Roger however took it with good grace and wrapped it around his neck,

"I am pleased that you have my wellbeing in mind, I am sure to keep winter's chill well away, thank you."

He opened all his gifts but was surprised that there was nothing from Clarissa, he felt a little down in the dumps until Bea opened the doors and James brought in a most beautifully made saddle with his initials carved into the fine shiny leather.

'Happy Birthday, love.'

He looked up at Clarissa and saw her eyes shining with love for him. He curled an arm around her waist and pulled her down to sit on his knee and was sure that she deliberately wiggled her tiny bottom on his manhood.

"'Tis magnificent my dear, Cloudy will be so happy that she is now on a par with Thunder."

Saying that, he unashamedly tilted her back so she lay in his arms and he kissed her soundly to the cheers and applause of his guests.

The guest dispersed slowly just one or two remained to see what the servants had for him. They were all small items, handcrafted mostly but Roger treasured them as he understood the time and effort that had been put in on his behalf.

Bea was the last one to approach him with a small parcel carefully wrapped in brightly coloured paper.

What have we here Bea? You have taken so much trouble to wrap it in such delightful paper it almost seems a shame to open it.

Bea blushed and looked around as if looking for a quick exit.

"Oi fink yew might 'ave bin lukin for it Sir but it musta got mixed up wiv me cloves when we moved 'ere Sir."

Intrigued by Bea's words Roger opened the parcel and found his favourite cravat washed and neatly pressed.

"Bea, you are a wonder, I thought it was gone forever, but how long have you had it? You could have brought it straight to me."

Bea panicked she wasn't expecting to be asked these awkward questions.

"Oi ain't rightly shor Sir, but it were in a terribul tate an' Oi 'ad t'wash it three times before oi cud gi'it ye back Sir."

I am most grateful Bea, you look after me almost as if you were in love with me."

Bea blushed scarlet, "No oi ain't Sir even if oi saw yer that noit."

"What are you talking about, saw me where, what night?"

"Don't matter Sir oi've forgot all abaht it."

Bea turned and rushed from the room almost crying.

"Clarissa, be a dear, go and see that she is alright, we know what she saw and when, I think I teased her too much."

 

[Opensesame54321]

In embarrassment and shame, Bea went running from the room. He knew! He knew!!!

Unshed tears welled up in her eyes as she ran through the house. Turning a corner, she ran blindly into James who was waiting around to remove the saddle to the stables. His arms automatically went around Bea as she burst into tears.

“Here now. Here now. Just why is my girl crying? Did someone upset you?”

He held her in his arms and let her cry herself out. His hand gently rubbed her back as Bea’s sobs tore at his heart. As he stood there holding her, he noticed Her Ladyship looking around the corner. Smiling at her, he nodded to let her know that he would take care of things.

“Don’t you worry, Bea. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

He kissed the top of her head as Clarissa nodded at him and quietly turned and left, and he knew that Her Ladyship was trusting him. He valued that trust. Bea leaned into him, crying her heart out and wetting the whole front of his shirt. He slowly rocked back and forth as he let her cry, realizing that she needed to.

Finally her crying wound down until she gave a couple of muffled hiccups and snuffles against his chest. When she pulled back and looked up at him, her eyes were red and her face was splotchy and she looked a bit forlorn, and yet, James found her so endearing. Despite her brave attempts at appearing independent and not needing anything, she did indeed need him.

“Now, just who has hurt you?”

She looked up at him, finally realizing what he had said. “Did yew coill me yore gurl?”

“Well, of course I did. You are, aren’t you? My girl? My pretty Bea?”

Bea slowly nodded and James kissed the tip of her nose before asking her, “Now, did someone hurt you. Cause I’ll protect you.”

“No! No! It were me own ‘tupidity.” She looked down, embarrassed.

“Stupidity? Not my Bea.” He placed a finger beneath her chin and lifted her face up to look him in the eyes.

The kiss he gave her was gentle and sweet and full of promise. She looked up at him and he gave her a smile. “Now, will you give me a smile?”

Shyly Bea smiled at him. “James, would you kiss me again?”

Giving her a smile, he did just that.

*****

Clarissa returned to find Roger looking over his new saddle. He looked up when she entered.

“You don’t need to worry. James is drying her tears.” She saw the look that he gave her. “Not that way, Roger. James promised me that he would behave.”

She watched him looking over his new saddle. “Does it please you?”

Whereupon, Roger escorted her upstairs and celebrated his birthday by showing her just how much it pleased him.

 

[cumnchat]

' Does it please you?'

The question was completely unnecessary but Roger felt it deserved a proper reply,

"YOU please me every day my love, perhaps I should thank you in the privacy of our bedchamber."

He put his arm around Clarissa's slim waist and escorted her up the stairs with Clarissa giggling like a schoolgirl.

Once the door closed Roger was on her like a hungry wolf, burying his head into the hollow of her neck and loosening the bodice of her dress. In a trice it was loose and slid down her body, leaving her in just her silk stockings and slippers. Roger stepped back to look at his wife panting and clearly in heat, her bosom heaving as she reached out to fondle his bulging breeches.

"You don't need to ask permission just get on your knees and make love to it." He commanded, pressing her down with his hands on her shoulders, he grinned in satisfaction as Clarissa's sweet red lips o'ed and encircled his rampant shaft.

"I love the saddle but the only riding we will be doing today will be here." He chuckled and smiled in ecstasy as her tongue slid along his shaft and her dainty fingers circled his girth and her head began bobbing up and down.

"THAT'S IT, THAT'S IT!" He gasped as the beginnings of an ejaculation pulsed into her throat.

"QUICK, ON THE BED!" He cried lifting her up bodily and spreading her on her back and was between her legs pumping his seed into her.

"Your,,,,father,,, cannot,,, say,,,,we,,, are,,,not,,,,trying."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Bea felt much better when James kissed her and she opened her mouth to his probing tongue and found comfort in it although the memory of his Lordship's manhood was fresh in her mind and the inevitable happened, she felt the wetness trickling down her leg and her nipples ached, James wasn't his Lordship but he was here now when she realised that these urges needed to be attended to.

She broke the kiss and avoiding looking at James she asked shyly,

"Wud yew loike t'see more James?" She blushed as she said it then took the next giant step for her,

"Yew can tuch me there if yew loike, oi don't know if oi'll loike it or not but oi wants yew tew."

James was flabbergasted, he had been thinking for days how he could broach the subject and yet here was Bea asking him to do it.

"Oh Bea, If'n yew wants me tew 'ow can oi say nay? Not here tho' someone moight see us an we'll be trouble, let's go to moi room and yew can show me there, as much as yew want tew."

Bea paused, she hadn't reckoned on going to James's room but it did make sense, nobody would see them there.

"Alright then but yew got t'promise if oi says stop yew'll stop."

"Of corse Bea, yore moi girl an' oi don' wanner spoil it."

They joined hands and made their way to James's pokey little room for the new adventure for both of them.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Bea shyly looked around James’s bedroom. It was about the size of hers, with a little bed, a small dresser for his clothes, and a little table by his bed with a lamp on it. On the wall was a picture of a horse, which really didn’t surprise her. But it was a clean room and the lamp afforded enough light to make the atmosphere sort of romantic but not to make her feel in danger.

“Dew yew mind if Oi kiss yew?”

“If’n Oi’m yer girl, then Oi guess so.”

Her heart was just thumping away in her breast as he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. She was glad that he didn’t try to touch any other part of her as she really wanted to be the one to decide just when he touched her. At least at this time.

Still, his kiss was exciting and she opened her mouth as an invitation and he understood it as she slowly leaned into him. His tongue slipped into her mouth and it all gave her a funny feeling in the pit of her tummy. Slowly he tentatively slid his arms around her giving her a nice, warm feeling and she wondered if this was what Her Ladyship felt each time that the Master kissed her, it was it different for each person.

Finally, the kiss ended and as James pulled back, he was smiling as her looked down into her eyes.

“That was nice,” was all he said for the moment and Bea nodded in agreement, unsure of how or what to do next. She had mentioned, it rather offered to do this and she tried to accomplish what she set out to do. After a moment, she took a deep breath and then decided to set things straight.

“All right, let me be clear ‘bout this. Oi will not lay wif yew. Me mum taught me that a gud girl didn’t dew that sort of fing.”

James nodded his head in agreement. “Oi woodn’t ‘ave it any other way. My girl is special.”

Bea paused, happy with his answer. His girl. Taking a deep breath, Bea carefully began to undress. She was a bit nervous as she had always been a bit on the plumpish side. Her mother had always assured her that she had what was called a Rubenesque figure, whatever that meant, but her Mother had just said that it meant that she was curvy.

Still it was with some trepidation that she slowly undressed, prepared to quickly dress and run from the room at the first snigger from James.

James could not believe this. Since he had first met Bea he had thought her beautiful, her face like an angel. And her figure, as it was slowly revealed to him, was also beautiful. It was the figure of a woman, with curves and dimples that he looked forward to exploring eventually.

To date, all he had ever seen or touched were her breast, but he had been extremely happy with their large and heavy appearance. Now he watched as her nipped in waist was followed by curvy hips. They would be soft to hold.

Finally she stood before him, naked and in all her beauty. There was a thick thatch of curly brown hair, just a bit darker than what graced her head, that hid her womanhood from his eyes. Her thighs were shapely and yet strong and well shaped.

It felt strange, and yet exciting standing there naked in front of James and for a moment she feared that he would start laughing at her. Yet he was quiet, just looking at her. Now that she had done it, she was nervous. Perhaps this was a mistake.

She stood there not knowing what to do with her hands.

 

[cumnchat]

James couldn't take his eyes off Bea as she shyly undressed in front of him, revealing her heavenly body to him, he felt so privileged to be the first to see her like this and he wanted to make the most of it but he realised that he would need to proceed slowly if there was ever going to be a repeat.

Try as he might he couldn't keep himself entirely under control and his cock just kept growing and growing, it was sure to be noticed by Bea and might frighten her so he spoke soothingly to her.

"See how yore beau'y makes ma pal jump about? 'E really likes yew, don't yew?" He spoke to his cock and it twitched in reply almost as if bowing to her.

Bea had noticed how James had grown and was becoming fearful that he might jump on her and ravish her but when he began being silly and making his 'thingy' bow to her she clapped her hands in delight.

"OOOH James! That's so clever, 'ow d'ya do that? Can oi stroke 'im agen?"

"Oi reckon E'd loike that a great deal Bea, oi knows oi wud an' in return, can oi touch you darn there?"

James's request took Bea by surprise, when she had asked him if he wanted to see more that was all she intended, for him to see her naked, she had no intention of anything else but she felt her tummy flip at the thought of his hand between her legs and was she being fair, touching 'im like that and denying him the same?

"Yew can, but no funny business yew 'ear?"

As she spoke her nipples grew taut with anticipation and James moved closer, her hand sped up with her stroking and she began to pant as his hand slid across her belly and into the thatch of dark hair on her mound.

James was really close now his hand cupped her mons and Bea gasped as his fingers brushed across the top of her slit just on that sensitive spot she had recently discovered herself. His fingers gently circled the spot and he suddenly felt wet on his other fingers and Bea was panting really hard.

James suddenly realised how close he was to Bea and her beautiful breasts, without thinking he dipped his head and sucked one succulent nipple into his mouth. Suddenly his head was being buffeted by an angry Bea who shouted at him,

"OI SED NO FUNNY BUSINESS, OI WUZ LOIKING WOT YOU WERE DOIN' THEN YEW 'AD TO SPOIL IT AN' KISS ME HERE."

Bea covered her breasts with one hand and struggled into her clothes and left James dumbfounded as she slammed the door behind her.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Roger and Clarissa had a very active night, with him making love to her until they were both exhausted. And when she awoke the next morning, it was to find Roger’s naked body half on top of her naked body, an arm and leg thrown across her as if to keep her from running away. His face was just inches away from hers on the pillow and she lay there looking at him.

This man. Her husband. This man that she fought so not to marry. This man that chased her all over the countryside. Why had she resisted it so much? It was now hard to remember just what her reasons were.

It was nice to have the house once again to themselves and Bea was finally learning not to rush in at the crack of dawn unannounced. As she lay there, she wondered if perhaps she was pregnant. During the past week of guest at the manor there had been more than one inquiry as to were there any chance that a baby could be on the way, or were they even trying. And her father had not been the least bit helpful.

It was really none of their business and in the past she would have told them so in no uncertain terms. Marriage had changed her in that aspect, but she felt that the next time that someone asked, she would not be so gracious and would probably be quite blunt about the whole thing.

She needed to go ride Thunder. Quietly so as not to wake Roger, she slipped out from underneath him and quickly dressed. Within twenty minutes she was heading down the stairs and off to the stables.

James looked up at her and appeared a bit flustered as she headed towards Thunder’s stall. “Please saddle him for me”, she told the groomsman and noted his expression. “Is something wrong?”

“No, ma’am. I’ll ‘ave ‘im ready right away.”

She had too much on her mind to question the lad further and soon she was bent over in the saddle, the wind whipping her hair as Thunder’s black mane stung her face. She whispered the word that the stallion had been waiting for as he seemed to fly over the countryside, horse and rider one. The wind felt as if it were tearing at her thoughts, her eyes watering as cobwebs were grabbed and dragged from her mind. The pounding of the horses hooves beat in time to the pounding of her heart, blood racing through both horse and rider till she felt as if she could hear Thunder’s heart beating and he could hear hers.

As if phantoms of the early morning light, the two almost seemed to waiver between this world and another time when life was mysterious and mystical. A time of centaurs and sprites and elves and creatures spoken of in hushed tones.

Finally they slowed, though she had not told him to, they both seemed to know that it was time. Long ago they had left sight of the manor and in a grassy meadow Thunder headed towards a huge tree that stood at the top of a hill. He stopped and Clarissa slid from his back. Thunder snorted and gave a soft whinny and the woman threw her arms around his neck and cried into the neck of her horse.

As if understanding, Thunder stood still, his black tail swishing away flies. Her tears wet his coat, his skin and the horse gave a shudder as his owner pulled back and pet him.

Clarissa reached in her pocket and found a lump of sugar for the steed and the horse happily crunched it before he wandered away a bit and grazed. Clarissa threw herself down on the grass and leaned back against the trunk of the tree, her tears cooling on her cheeks.

Perhaps she was barren. What if she were unable to give Roger the children that he so wanted? Roger would claim that it did not bother him, but she knew that it would. And in the eyes of the world she would be less of a woman. That did not bother her. Instead it would bother her that it would bother him. She certainly enjoyed the trying to get pregnant, but she knew that eventually their marriage would change.

Looking up at the morning sky, she realized that she should be heading back. Thunder too seemed to be ready to turn back home. Rising to her feet, she took hold of the reins and started to get up in the saddle when her stomach lurched. Quickly she ran to the tree and leaned against it as she threw up.

After a minute she straightened up and took a deep breath. Her heart was pounding and her mind was racing. It could not be so, could it?

Thunder seemed sympathetic and nudged her and she pet him before climbing back up in the saddle and turning the stallion back towards home. Their pace this time was slower. They had gone only about a mile or so when she suddenly felt lightheaded. She tried to clear her vision but the world suddenly went dark and she tipped over, falling off the horse.

Thunder stopped. He knew that something was wrong. Very wrong. He went back and nudged her with his nose but she did not move. Snorting, he watched the hair around her face move to the air but she didn’t reach up to pet him or to stand. He couldn’t leave her as there were animal here that could hurt her. But he would protect her.

As the morning sun rose up, the stallion stood over the figure unconscious in the tall grass.

 

[cumnchat]

Still half asleep Roger flung his arm out to capture his wife for an early morning romp between the sheets which was fast becoming a morning ritual but his arm found only a cold empty space, he snorted with derision and called out in the hope that it would be an incentive for her to return to bed,

"Clarissa, stop teasing and come out wherever you are, your husband needs you,"

Instead there was only silence.

Feeling grumpy and frustrated Roger dressed and ate his breakfast alone, wondering where his wife might be. He saw Bea and asked her if she had seen her Ladyship to which she replied that she hadn't but it could be that her ladyship 'Moight 've tuk that big black 'orse out for a run.'

It seemed that Bea couldn't get away quick enough so he just told her,

"If you see the Mistress tell her that I require her presence in the study."

He immersed himself in paperwork in the study sorting out bills and invoices into separate piles. He was an avid reader of the author of the time, Charles Dickens, and was particularly taken with one of his quotes through the mouth of a character called Mr. Micawber,

'Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen [pounds] nineteen [shillings] and six [pence], result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery.'

That was how he ran the estate, ensuring it was always in profit.

The time was approaching eleven o'clock and still no sign of Clarissa and Roger began to get an uneasy feeling that something was wrong. He remembered what Bea had said about perhaps Clarissa had taken Thunder for a run and went to the stables to check.

"James" he called out and James ran up to him his cap in hand and blurted out,

"Oi dunno wot she's tol' ye Sir but oi dint mean t frighten 'er."

"I don't have the faintest idea what you are talking about boy, now have you seen Her Ladyship this morning?"

"Why yessir, she tuk Thunder out for a run, real early it were sun not even up proper."

"She hasn't returned so we must look for her, perhaps she is injured, Thunder would not leave her so we find Thunder we find Her Ladyship. Quickly, saddle up a horse for yourself I will saddle Cloudy myself."

Twenty minutes later the two of them were on their way, James had seen the direction Clarissa had taken and Roger guessed that she had been heading for what had become one of her favourite spots, a huge Oak tree atop a hill with magnificent views over the countryside.

They had travelled barely two miles when James pointed excitedly,

"Lookee thar Sir, it be Thunder."

Sure enough Thunder was standing in some long grass and seemed to be guarding something laying on the ground. As they drew closer Roger's heart sank, it was Clarissa and she wasn't moving. He slid from his horse and knelt beside her cradling her in his arms,

"Water James, she's breathing but whether she is hurt I don't know, take the horse and ride like the wind and bring the doctor, I dare not move her for fear of making matters worse."

James sped off while Roger bathed Clarissa's pale face with a dampened handkerchief and wet her lips. While he was waiting for the doctor Roger loosened the bodice of her riding habit, not for any purpose other than allowing her to breathe more easily.

Within an hour he heard the sound of James returning with the doctor close behind.

 

[Opensesame54321]

“Sumptin ‘appended to ’er Ladyship. Oi fink that she fell off ‘er ‘rose.”

The doctor somehow was not surprised that Clarissa was in need. Everyone in the area was well aware of the new Lady DeCoverly and her stallion. That horse of her was a wild one and he didn’t know how she kept control of it. And if she had fallen off, she could have hit her head on a rock or something.

So now he was racing across the countryside following this young fellow. Off in the distance she could see the large black stallion standing guard over something while a smaller horse stood over to the side. As they got closer he could pick out Sir DeCoverly kneeling down as he cradled Lady DeCoverly in his arms.

One look at his face told him that Sir DeCoverly was very much in love with his wife. His wife was motionless in his arms. Doctor Perkins climbed down from his horse and walked towards the couple.

“Well now, what have we got here,” he asked as he knelt down and began to check the patient.

If her head had hit a rock, he saw no sign of it. No blood. No cuts. Feeling along her arms and legs, he could feel no broken bones. So what was her problem?

“I really can’t look her over out here in the open. We need to get her home so I can examine her. If the lad and I pass her up to you, can you get her home? Just take it easy until I find out what’s wrong.”

DeCoverly was a tall man, big and strong, and he easily swung up onto the back of his horse. Carefully the young lad and he passed her Ladyship up to her husband before they too climbed back up on their horses, with the lad holding onto that black stallion’s reins.

Slowly and carefully the party headed back to the mansion.

 

[cumnchat]

Sir Roger DeCoverly wasn't a man who cried easily but with his dear wife slumped on Cloudy's back he almost succumbed to a most unmanly show of emotion, tears stung his eyes as he held her firmly around her waist on the way back to The Gables, he thought he heard her mumble something and halted in the hope that she was coming round but if she had regained consciousness then she had slipped back again. It took almost an hour at the slow pace before they reached the mansion and Roger lowered the still unconscious form of Clarissa to Doctor Perkins,

"Hold her if you will please doctor while I dismount, I will carry her indoors."

He carried her limp form in his arms like a baby, her long golden hair hanging almost to the floor having come loose. He insisted on staying while Doctor Perkins carried out a thorough examination. When he had finished he asked if Clarissa had vomited at all recently but Roger shook his head,

"Well Sir Roger, I detected a smell of vomit on her breath as I was examining her so it would appear that sometime prior to collapsing her Ladyship was unwell. You say she went out riding early this morning? Possibly with no breakfast?"

Roger nodded his head trying to fathom what the doctor was getting at.

"Well do you know what is wrong with her?"

"No I do not know for certain but I could hazard a guess."

"What is it Doctor? Will she recover? It's not fatal is it, I could not bear to lose her."

"Oh yes she will recover, it will quite possibly take around nine months,"

His face broke into a broad smile,

"She has a case of Infant's Disease."

"What is that Doctor I have not heard of that before."

"Sir Roger think! I have given you all the clues, nine months,,,, infants,,,,, early morning sickness, what more do you need?"

The Doctor's meaning suddenly dawned on him and he began beaming, then he asked

"What about now? She is still not compos mentis, what can I do?"

"She has no injuries from her fall, she probably just fainted, let her sleep and when she wakes plenty of fluids, I will examine her again in a few days but I have to warn you, to avoid a repeat of today she must not go riding."

They both heard a moan from the bed, "NOOOO"

 

[Opensesame54321]

She was in darkness yet she still felt safe. She thought that she felt the gentle motion of a horse yet before she could claw her way from the darkness it swallowed her back up.

So soft and soothing and safe.

*****

Bea stood there wringing her hands as she watched as the Master carried Her Ladyship up the stairs. The woman was pale and lifeless looking and Bea was afraid that she was dead. Tears began to run down her cheeks as she watched Sir Roger carry his wife up the stair followed by the doctor and she turned and ran out the front door, burying her face into her hands and sobbing uncontrollably.

James was starting to take the horses out to the stables but stopped when he heard Bea crying. He quickly crossed to her and comforted her.

“Bea, she be okay.”

“She’s dead!” Bea wailed and turned to cry on James’ chest.

“No, she ain’t. She’s jest passed out and fell off Thunder. Now, yew got ta pull yerself together. Tha Master will prob’ly need yew ta look after ‘er. Now, buck up an’ be the good lady’s maid that Oi know ye are.”

James kissed the tip of her nose before he turned to lead the horses to the stables. Bea hic-upped a few times as she wiped away the tears from her eyes before she turned and headed back into the house, wondering what she should do next.

*****

Suddenly she was comfortable. There were voices talking and she tried to fight the darkness so that she could hear what they were saying. Something told her that she needed to know.

She recognized her husband’s voice but the second one was unknown.

...probably just fainted, let her sleep and when she wakes plenty of fluids, I will examine her again in a few days but I have to warn you, to avoid a repeat of today she must not go riding.

“NOOOOO”

She knew not why but she could not have heard this man correctly. Not ride Thunder? She opened her eyes and found Roger standing there talking to another man that she did not know.

“Roger, who is...” but he didn’t let her finish as he rushed to her side, smiling.

The unknown man stepped forward and introduced himself.

“Lady DeCoverly, I am Doctor Perkins. Your husband sent for me when you were found unconscious after having fallen from your horse.”

She blinked fast, remembering the ride out on Thunder. “It wasn’t his fault!”

“I’m not saying that it was. From what I understand, he was keeping watch over you. Very unusual I might say.”

“Then I can ride him after all.” She sat up quickly and started to get out of bed but Roger held her back. Doctor Perkins held up his hands trying to calm her down.

“Just a minute, Your Ladyship. Let me ask you a few questions.”

Clarissa stopped, for she really could not get out of bed as Roger firmly held her back.

“Were you recently sick to your stomach?” She nodded. “You threw up earlier this morning?” Again she nodded, this time slower. “Is this the first time that has happened?” She could see Roger looking at her, watching her. “I figured it was because I was under a lot of stress, what with the guest and the birthday celebrations. And maybe the meal just didn’t set well with me. But riding Thunder didn’t make me sick.”

The Doctor raised an eyebrow and looked at Roger, giving him a nod. Then he smiled and told her, “I think that your husband can explain exactly what I believe it is. I will return later in the week and I may be able to tell better then.”

He slapped Roger on the back. “Good luck, sir.”

Grabbing his case, the doctor left and Clarissa sat there in bed, looking at her husband. Her arm and side were a bit sore from where she had hit the ground, and her face was smudged with dirt and there was grass and leaves still caught in her hair, but other than that, she felt fine.

Clarissa crossed her arms and looked at Roger.

“Well, sir?

 

[cumnchat]

Roger wanted to just blurt it out to Clarissa that she was, or rather, might well be, with child but he understood the doctor's caution, nothing was certain but the Doctor seemed convinced so he sat on the bed next to Clarissa and wiped the smudge of dirt from her face and began picking out the twigs and leaves caught up in her hair.

"Clarissa you gave us all a fright laying out there in the field, you have Thunder to thank for staying with you, if it hadn't been for him it might have taken us all day to find you. The Doctor says that you are not ill in the real sense of the word but he is most insistent that you do not ride."

Clarissa started to interrupt but Roger shushed her,

"Ssssshhhhhh and listen to me my love, I know how much you love Thunder and he loves you but it is too dangerous for you to ride him especially at the madcap pace you set. No one is saying that it was Thunder's fault or yours but the fact remains that you fainted and fell, alone and miles from anywhere with no one knowing where you had gone."

Again she started to speak but he pressed a finger to her lips to silence her,

"I know what you are going to say, you'll always say where you are going and how long you will be, that is all well and good but it does not change the fact that you are taking a risk everytime you mount any horse, not just Thunder."

He knew from her questioning look that he would have to tell her even if it was not yet certain.

"There is a very good reason for imposing this restriction on you my sweet, it may come as somewhat of a surprise but Doctor Perkins suspects, that is ,strongly suspects that you are with child and after today's events precautions need to be taken."

He then kept silent and let the news sink in.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Roger hemmed and hawed as he spoke, seeming to know all her arguments and answering them before she had a chance to use them. She was sick but not sick. Was he saying that she was pregnant? Not pregnant? Maybe just what?

Finally, he told her. There is a very good reason for imposing this restriction on you my sweet, it may come as somewhat of a surprise but Doctor Perkins suspects, that is ,strongly suspects that you are with child and after today's events precautions need to be taken.

He paused and waited for her reaction. After all, they had been trying for this very thing, especially since their trip to the shore, and that was almost 2 months ago. She could tell that he was excited. Not ride Thunder until the baby was born? Was that what he was saying? ANY horse?

“But he is not certain, correct?” Roger nodded. “So he could be wrong, correct?” Again, Roger nodded though she could tell that he didn’t want to. She looked down at her stomach still hidden by her clothes. Someone had loosened her bodice but otherwise she looked like she always did, covered with grass stains and leaving a trail of grass and stuff. Even the bed was now filled with some of the dirt and stuff that had fallen off of her.

She placed her hand on where the baby may be nestled inside of her. She could detect no real change in her body. No swelling of her tummy, no change at all.

“You would think that I would know if I am pregnant, or merely tired. But nothing feels different.” She paused, thinking. Her mind quickly working things out.

“I think that it is wishful thinking by the doctor. Because I throw up, or faint. Because we are fairly newly wed, I think that the doctor has assumed that I may be pregnant. But he doesn’t know for sure. And if it turn out that I am not, then I become your barren wife, that merely ate something that did not agree with her.”

Before he could stop her, she threw back the covers and climbed off the other side of the bed. The room spun around a bit and Roger caught her before she hit the floor.

Quickly he laid her back on the bed, clucking over her like a mother hen. She didn’t faint this time but the room still seemed tilted a bit and she closed her eyes to stop the motion.

“Oh Roger, I’m not dying. But I cannot lay in this bed all dirty. Even the bedding is now filthy and needs to be changed. I need to bathe and change.”

Before he could call for Bea, she stopped him.

“But you cannot tell anyone that I might be pregnant. No one! Not even Bea. Just say that I...” she paused, thinking. “...that I have some infection or something that makes me dizzy and nauseous. I mean it, Roger!”

She crossed her arms and glared at him, daring him to contradict her edict.

“Right now, I am a bit thirsty.”

 

[cumnchat]

Clarissa's reaction was not what he had expected or hoped for, she seemed to be denying the fact that she might be with child which seemed at odds with the frequency of them making love and the passion and energy that they both put into it. Everything that she said pointed to her not wanting to have a child.

'But he is not certain, correct? Roger nodded he could not deny that the doctor had said that he wasn't certain,

'So he could be wrong, correct?'

Again he had to agree even though he knew in his heart that the Doctor was right and Clarissa was indeed pregnant, but how was he to convince her to be careful?

As if to prove to him that she was not in the family way she placed her hands on her belly and looked at him defiantly,

'You would think that I would know if I am pregnant, or merely tired. But nothing feels different, I think that it is wishful thinking by the doctor. Because I throw up, or faint. Because we are fairly newly wed, I think that the doctor has assumed that I may be pregnant. But he doesn’t know for sure. And if it turns out that I am not, then I become your barren wife, that merely ate something that did not agree with her.'

Without warning Clarissa threw back the bedclothes and began to climb out of the bed on the opposite side, Roger was quick to see that all was not well and leapt over the bed and caught Clarissa before she hit the floor, for the second time that day he held her in his arms like a baby. He laid her back down, worry lining his brow, but still she kept denying that there was anything wrong,

'Oh Roger, I’m not dying. But I cannot lay in this bed all dirty. Even the bedding is now filthy and needs to be changed. I need to bathe and change. But you cannot tell anyone that I might be pregnant. No one! Not even Bea. Just say that I......that I have some infection or something that makes me dizzy and nauseous. I mean it, Roger!'

She put on her determined face and crossed her arms under her breasts that had worked their way out of her loosened bodice.

Roger sighed, he knew that with Clarissa in this mood he might as well be talking to the stable door

'Right now, I am a bit thirsty.'

"At least you take the Doctor's advice, he said to give you plenty to drink, I will call Bea to draw you a bath then when the bed is changed with clean sheets in you go and this time there will be no argument."

He rang for Bea who must have been close by as she scurried in before the tones of the bell had faded away, she paid attention to her instructions and left to get everything organised. Roger had had time to think and come up with a solution to getting Clarissa to do as he asked, it may be a little heavy handed but if it worked he could put up with Clarissa's petulance for a few days.

"Clarissa my love, you remember our marriage vows, I vowed to love, honour and cherish you which I believe I have done, you vowed to love, honour and obey, I have no complaint about the first two but it seems to me you are set on defying me and so I tell you now, I WILL NOT HAVE IT, you will do as I say, from today you are banned from the stables and riding, is that clear? When Doctor Perkins is certain about your condition we will abide by his advice."

A minute later Bea poked her head round the door and announced the bath was ready

 

[Opensesame54321]

Clarissa my love, you remember our marriage vows, I vowed to love, honour and cherish you which I believe I have done, you vowed to love, honour and obey, I have no complaint about the first two but it seems to me you are set on defying me and so I tell you now, I WILL NOT HAVE IT, you will do as I say, from today you are banned from the stables and riding, is that clear? When Doctor Perkins is certain about your condition we will abide by his advice.

Once Bea popped in to tell them that her bath was ready, Roger quickly scooped her up in his arms and carried her into the bathing chamber before Clarissa could stand. He told Bea to go change the sheets and get the bed ready as Clarissa would be spending a few days in bed.

Clarissa frowned at him.

Meanwhile he stood her up and had her hold onto a chair while he undressed her. Clarissa felt like a child being punished for something. The room still spun a bit but not as bad as it had been. And she noticed that he was particularly gentle around her abdomen, repeatedly glancing at it probably to see if he could see the gentle swell of a baby.

He did find bruises on her right hip and shoulder and her right elbow was bruised too. After he had finished looking her over and seeing no cuts that the doctor might have overlooked, he picked her up and carried her over to the bath, lowering her into the warm water.

“I probably could have gotten in on my own,” she mumbled to herself but he must have heard her as he dropped the soap and washing cloth in the water in front of her. Meanwhile, he started washing her hair as he told her about how they had found Thunder standing watch over her.

At one point, it sounded as if he were going to cry and she suddenly reached up and grabbed his hand.

“Love, I didn’t mean to worry you. I love you too much for that. It just happened.” He tipped her face up to his and kissed her before he continued washing her hair.

She didn’t know why she continued. There had never been any plans to tell him this next bit.

“You know, I went out there and cried.” His hands slowed down and she knew that he was listening. “I only want to make you happy. Happy that you had married me. But if I can’t give you a child, then...”. She paused, feeling that if she said something else, she would start crying and she didn’t want that.

He seemed to understand and didn’t say anything, giving her the time to work through things.

When she was finally able to speak again without crying, she continued.

“I’m afraid that I’m not pregnant, that it is just some something that I’ve caught. Maybe that I’m not abl... able to have children. And then you...”. She took a deep breath and paused.

“Until we are sure, until the doctor is certain, I really do not want anyone knowing.”

Once the bath was finished and she needed to rinse off, he helped her stand and poured the pitcher of warm water over her while she held onto his arm. Then he lifted her out of the tub and set her down so she could hold onto the chair while he carefully dried her off.

For a minute he rested his hand over her abdomen as if hoping to feel what she could not. His hand splayed over the area, fingertips reaching from hipbone to hipbone. She held her breath, waiting, but all he did was kiss her before slipping her gown on her.

Suddenly she was in his arms, his lips crushing hers as if he were afraid of losing her. Arms strong around her, yet treating her gentle as if she might break.

Tightly she held onto him with her arms wrapped around his neck.

And then she swooned. That had to be it for one minute they were kissing and the next thing she knew, she was in bed and he was sitting beside her gently stroking her forehead, her damp hair spread across the pillow. And she felt frustrated and weak and mad at herself.

 

[cumnchat]

There, he had done it, laid down the law to his wife, he had not wanted to claim that she should obey him but it was for her own good, wasn't it? Now he wasn't so sure, he knew how stubborn she could be and did not take kindly to being told what she could and could not do, one thing was certain she would do anything to get around his orders even go so far as to openly defy him.

Bea announced that her bath was ready and he left Bea free to change the bedsheets while he carried Clarissa to the bathroom and had her hold on to a chair while he undressed her. He looked her over closely for anything the doctor might have overlooked and only found a couple of minor bruises on her right hip and her elbow, he also looked for any sign of her belly being swollen at all even though he knew that it was too early for there to be any outward signs, all the changes were happening inside, preparing her body for carrying a child for the next nine months.
He picked her up again as though she were as light as a feather and lowered her into the warm steaming water at which she mumbled to herself,

'I probably could have gotten in on my own,'

"And you could possibly have fainted again," He retorted, dropping the soap and washcloth in the water so she could wash herself, he then began to wash her luxuriant blonde hair which had half a field in it or so it seemed. As he soaped, massaged and squeezed the dirt from her hair he told her how they had found her and how Thunder had stood guard over her. It was only as he was telling the tale that he realised how close he had been to losing her altogether, if Thunder had not stayed with her they could have ridden by her, unseen, with her not twenty paces away, His emotions got the better of him and his voice cracked. Clarissa reached up and took his hand , gently stroking the back.

'Love, I didn’t mean to worry you. I love you too much for that. It just happened.'

Roger bent down, lifted her chin up and kissed her as if to say ' I know you love me and I love you too,'

Then he continued washing her hair,

'You know, I went out there and cried. I only want to make you happy. Happy that you had married me. But if I can’t give you a child, then..'

Clarissa stopped and it seemed to Roger that she was choosing her words, so he kept silent and waited for her to speak again. after a few moments she continued,

'I’m afraid that I’m not pregnant, that it is just some something that I’ve caught. Maybe that I’m not abl... able to have children. And then you...

She paused again 'Until we are sure, until the doctor is certain, I really do not want anyone knowing.'

Roger now had questions of his own but felt they could wait a while longer as Clarissa was looking pale and frail, he needed to get her into bed, resting, as quickly as possible, quickly but surely he lifted her out of the bath and he dried her with a big fluffy towel as she held onto a chair. As he dried her, unconsciously his hand felt her belly for any telltale sign but it was so brief as to go unnoticed, he slipped her night gown on and then all his emotions surfaced and he pulled her into his arms feverishly kissing her neck and face finally her lips, her arms went around his neck then in mid kiss she went limp, he almost ran to the bed with her in his arms and tucked her in amongst the bedclothes and sat on the bed clasping her hand in his until she woke up.

"Whatever you do my love do not apologise, 'tis my duty to take care of you, we will talk when yo are rested and more like your normal, stubborn, self opinionated self."

He smiled and brushed her hair back and kissed her.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Whatever you do my love do not apologise, 'tis my duty to take care of you, we will talk when yo are rested and more like your normal, stubborn, self opinionated self.

He kissed her and gave her a smile.

What surprised her was that she was actually tired. Perhaps it was the fall, or maybe she was actually pregnant, but she soon found it hard to keep her eyes open as Roger continued to speak. Something about the records that he had been going through or something like that but soon she drifted off to sleep.

When she awoke later, she could tell by the light in the window that it was just after sunset. She stretched and rubbed her eyes, feeling a bit stiff and sore from the fall off of Thunder.

She started to throw back the covers when in bustled Bea, looking almost professional and carrying a glass of water. The woman quickly threw the covers back over her.

“Oh no yew don’t! Oi ‘as me orders and they is that yew are not ta git out of bed fer any reason! If’n yew need ta...”. Bea dropped her voice for the next few words, “...relieve yerself...” The young maid blushed before she continued at normal volume, “...then tha Master and Oi will ‘elp ya. Right now, yer s’posed ta drink plenty uv fluids. Can ya sit up ‘ere in bed and drink this?”

Bea gave her a look. “Bea, I don’t know what you were told...”

“Oi wuz told that yew wuz not ta get out uv bed fer any reason. ‘ere, drink yer water.”

The young thing had the gall to stand there with her arms crossed, like some dragoon from the army.

“ You know, I hired you, Bea.”

“Oi ‘as me orders and orders they is. Drink!”

Clarissa pouted as Bea grabbed the brush and began to brush Clarissa’s long hair to get the snarls out of it.

“It’s grown so long. Maybe I should cut it off.”

“Oh, no ma’am. It is so beautiful!” Carefully the young woman plaited it into one long braid, chattering about nothing in particular. And then she made a mistake.

“...and James says that T’under ‘as been...”

Bea suddenly hushed and turned white before she started talking fast.

“What is wrong with him? TELL ME, Bea!”

“Oh, Oi culd cut me tongue orf an’ fro it away. Nuffing is wrong wif ‘im but it’s like ‘e’s worried ‘bout yew. ‘e’s restless.”

Clarissa was quiet, drinking her water as Bea busied herself around the room. After a while she finished her water and asked if she could have something else to drink and maybe some food. Bea fairly beamed as she looked at Clarissa and gave a little bob.

“Oi’ll go see w’at Oi can git fer ya.”

She watched the girl head out and she waited a minute. Poor Thunder! That horse loved her and she wanted him to know that she was fine.

Throwing back the covers, she took a deep breath as she worked her way over to the edge of the bed. She didn’t feel lightheaded, just a bit sore. If she could just let Thunder know that she was all right...

The floor felt good under her bare feet as she slowly stood. She didn’t feel like she might faint or sick, and she took that as a good sign. Holding onto the bed, slowly walking towards the wardrobe.

The walk across the floor was slow but determined and she felt fine as she reached a hand out and opened the wardrobe door.

Pausing, she heard a sound behind her and Clarissa slowly turned to find the door opening and Roger entering the bedroom.

Damn!, she thought as she faced her husband. “Love, I feel better.” She smiled at him.

 

[cumnchat]

The uncertainty about Clarissa's condition, whether or not she was with child led Roger to the library while Clarissa was sleeping, before he went he gave Bea firm instructions , she was to look in on The Mistress every fifteen minutes or so and get her to drink plenty of water when she woke but, and he was adamant about this, under no circumstances other than fire was she to get out of bed.

Ensconced in the library he found a heavy tome on pregnancy and childbirth written by a prominent female physician, Matilda Chaplin Ayrton. Roger was of the opinion that a woman would have more practical knowledge of pregnancy and childbirth than a man even though women physicians were frowned upon merely because they were women. The sun had gone down when he finished reading, now convinced more than ever that Clarissa was indeed with child. She had all the symptoms described in the book and was weak and tired possibly due to the stress of organising his birthday party.

"Time I looked in on her, see if she is feeling any better," He thought as he made his way to their bedchamber, when he opened the door the first thing he saw was the empty bed then he saw Clariss standing by the wardrobe with the door open.

"Just where do you think you are going? You are supposed to be resting." He said sternly, frowning at her. Clarissa turned to face him looking rather guilty,

'Love, I feel better.' She smiled disarmingly at him.

"Maybe you do and maybe you don't but you should not be out of bed, I instructed Bea to keep you in bed no matter what, I believe that you think I am being overly cautious but I assure you I am not, I have been reading up on the subject and if it eases your mind any then let me inform you that you are almost certainly carrying our child. What did you do? Trick Bea into going on some errand so you could sneak out like a thief in the night? Back into bed you go, this minute."

Seeing that Clarissa was wearing her defiant face he tried a little incentive for her.

"Just because you are almost certain to be with child it does not mean that we cannot love one another as usual, I wanted you when I woke this morning and the want is still there, I will count to three and if you are not back in bed ready to receive me I will put you over my knee and THEN we will make love."

He began to undo his breeches and said "ONE...."

Taking a step forward and unbuttoning his shirt, "TWO"

 

[Opensesame54321]

Maybe you do and maybe you don't but you should not be out of bed, I instructed Bea to keep you in bed no matter what, I believe that you think I am being overly cautious but I assure you I am not, I have been reading up on the subject and if it eases your mind any then let me inform you that you are almost certainly carrying our child. What did you do? Trick Bea into going on some errand so you could sneak out like a thief in the night? Back into bed you go, this minute.

She had to go check on Thunder, to show him that she was just fine. Hang it all, Roger would just have to let her go do this one thing and then she would come back up and get into bed. She stood there looking back at him defiantly. But Roger stood there, large as life and apparently unwilling to back down too. And her was a lot larger then her.

Just because you are almost certain to be with child it does not mean that we cannot love one another as usual, I wanted you when I woke this morning and the want is still there, I will count to three and if you are not back in bed ready to receive me I will put you over my knee and THEN we will make love.

As if to drive home his point, he began to undress as he took step towards her. A smile played around her lips as a thought crossed her mind.

“Love, you may want to delay your actions and button back up. I sent Bea to bring me back some food and unless you want her to fall in love with you all over again, I suggest that you change your mind.

A giggle slipped from between her lips as she saw the frustration play across her husband’s face. He paused, and then quickly buttoned back up and with large strides had finished the cross across the room to where she stood. Before she could protest, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her back to the bed, gently depositing her in it.

Pulling the covers up over her, the look that he gave her was a promise of later. The kiss that he gave her was also a promise of more to come.

It was not five minutes later that Bea came bustling into the room with a tray. She was a bit surprised to find Roger in the room sitting beside Clarissa on the bed with the two holding hands.

“ Oi’m sory, sir. Oi didn’t know yew wuz in ‘ere. Oi jest ‘as sum food ‘ere fer ‘er. Oi know that it ain’t much but it’ll ‘elp ‘er.”

Bea put the tray down on Clarissa’s lap and Clarissa looked at it. The tray was rather meager with some clear broth, dry toast and weak tea.

She looked at the food, a bit disappointed as Roger got off the bed and escorted the young maid out into the hall. He pulled the door to and she hoped that he was not scolding the poor thing. After all, it really was not Bea’s fault.

When he came back in the room she looked at him.

“Roger, love, you didn’t get on to her, did you? It wasn’t her fault. I tricked her. She really was working hard to keep me in bed.”

In a couple of minutes there was a knock on the door and Roger answered it, admitting Bea back into the room carrying Roger’s supper. She grinned as she set the tray down and then turned to leave. The scent of what was on his plate smelled wonderful - much better that what was on her tray.

At the door, Bea turned and smiled, giving a bob and saying, “Sleep gud an’ Oi‘ll see ya in the morn’.”

And then she was gone leaving just the two of them. Clarissa thought that the broth and toast would not be enough food. Sniffing over at the food on her husband’s tray, she had hopes that perhaps he would share with her but to her surprise, she could not even finish the food on her own tray, leaving half of the broth and eating most of the toast.

 

[cumnchat]

He was quite prepared to do what he had threatened, Clarissa looked so beautiful, a little pale perhaps but he had no doubt that he would put some colour back in her cheeks. His manhood was beginning to grow, hard and thick, it twitched in his breeches in anticipation of his wife's warm, wet pussy providing a welcoming home for him. Clarissa smiled sweetly at him and then the hammer blow fell, crushing his plans in one fell swoop,

'Love, you may want to delay your actions and button back up. I sent Bea to bring me back some food and unless you want her to fall in love with you all over again, I suggest that you change your mind.'

His face dropped and Clarissa gave a giggle of triumph, she had won that round but as an ex soldier he always had a plan 'B'. He crossed the room in two long strides and scooped her up in his arms and deposited her gently on the bed and threw the covers over her making sure that she could see the determination in his eyes and he sealed it with a long lingering kiss that she returned. When Bea returned a few minutes later with a tray for Clarissa she expressed some surprise at finding him there sitting beside Clarissa holding her hands.

'Oi’m sorry, sir. Oi didn’t know yew wuz in ‘ere. Oi jest ‘as sum food ‘ere fer ‘er. Oi know that it ain’t much but it’ll ‘elp ‘er.'

The food on the tray did not look at all appetising so Roger gave up all thoughts of sharing it with Clarissa and followed Bea out to the landing closing the door behind him returning just a couple of minutes later,

'Roger, love, you didn’t get on to her, did you? It wasn’t her fault. I tricked her. She really was working hard to keep me in bed.'

"Unsuccessfully though it would seem, 'twas a stroke of good fortune I caught you before you disappeared into the night."

That was all he said and then Bea came in again with a tray full of delicious food and wonderful aromas. Bea wished them goodnight and left them alone.

Roger tucked into his food while Clarissa just picked at hers, leaving most of it. When they had both finished Roger gave her a big grin, undressing as he spoke,

"Before we were interrupted I was going to put you over my knee if you didn't get into bed and since you are here there is no point in spanking you, unless of course you wish me to do so. You seem to have lost your appetite for food but I suspect and hope that you have an appetite for some play."

He slid beneath the covers, naked, with his cock hard and rigid, his hand began on her her knees and slid up the inside of her thigh pushing the bottom of her nightdress up to her waist, with his free hand he pulled her to him to kiss her and undid the strings on the neck of her nightdress. Slowly he bared her freckled shoulders and worked the top down so it was around her waist.

"We have all night and will remain undisturbed, I have told Bea not to come back until morning even if you are screaming, we will know they will be screams of passion, don't we my love?"

His fingers found her wetness and he spread the wet juices all around her entrance and rolled on top of her gently pushing her legs apart and impaling her on his rod, filling her with smooth thrusts and kissing her face, neck and lips.

Roger woke the next morning to the sound of Clarissa throwing up into the wash bowl. He leapt out of bed and full of concern he rubbed Clarissa's naked back.

"You should put on a nightdress or a wrapper, I don't think it will be long before Bea turns up wanting to know how you are."

 

[Opensesame54321]

After he had finished, Roger set both trays on the table across the room from the bed. She watched as he grinned, removing his clothes and talking to her as he walked back over to her.

Before we were interrupted I was going to put you over my knee if you didn't get into bed and since you are here there is no point in spanking you, unless of course you wish me to do so. You seem to have lost your appetite food but I suspect and hope that you have an appetite for some play.

She could see that his cock was hard and ready for her as he slipped underneath the covers. She gave a giggle as he reached out for her, his hand on her knee. While that hand sought its goal, pushing the bottom of her nightgown up as it went, his other hand took hold of her by the back of her neck and drew her face to his, kissing her long and hard. As he finished, he untied the top of her gown and pushed it down over her shoulders. Eventually she lay there with the material bunched around her waist.

We have all night and will remain undisturbed, I have told Bea not to come back until morning even if you are screaming, we will know they will be screams of passion, don't we my love?

Knowing the way well, his fingers found their goal and parted the folds of her sex. The sound of her wetness told him that his wife was as eager and receptive as was he and he smiled as he rolled her on her back, nudging her legs apart.

Yet with the chance that she might already carry his child, Roger was gentle but determined as he thrusted up into her. It was fevered kisses that he gave her, on her lips, her face, her neck, and back to her lips. Her freckled body lay beneath him, the sound of skin slapping against skin, of moans and groans and pants and sighs until finally he thrusted hard up into her, his creamy seed filling her.

He finally let out one last groan before he rolled over on his back and started to pull her on top of him. But her bunched up gown got in the way so he helped her take it off, pitching it over on the floor where his clothes were scattered.

“Was that just in case I’m not with child?” She teased him and he kissed her hard and then gently held her against him, kissing and murmuring sweet words to her until she’s fell asleep.

The next morning nausea woke her, she was still in his arms, laying on top of him.

She almost didn’t make it in time, slipping out from his sleeping grasp and hurrying to the chamber pot before she heaved up what little food was left on her stomach. Suddenly Roger was there rubbing her bare back and holding her long braid out of her way. Keeping her steady on her feet.

You should put on a nightdress or a wrapper, I don't think it will be long before Bea turns up wanting to know how you are.

He tried to ease her discomfort and eventually it was just dry heaves. The way that she felt at the moment, she didn’t care who saw her naked and she wanted to point out to her husband that he too was naked and he was the one that should get dressed.

She was weak from all this and leaned against Roger. He took things in his hands and picked her up, carrying her back to the bed and tucking her back under the covers.

”I probably could have made it back over by myself.” Her complaint was weak and for some reason she suspected that he didn’t believe her. Instead he bent down and kissed her forehead.

The last thing that she remembered before falling asleep was watching Roger get dressed. She loved his body, especially his bouncing cock. And his cute buttocks.

By the time that Bea knocked on the door, Clarissa was sound asleep.

 

[cumnchat]

It tore at his heartstrings to see his wife in such wretched state, retching into the chamber pot and he did his best to help by rubbing her back and holding her while she leaned over emptying her stomach. When she was done he mentioned that she was naked and Bea would be here any minute,

'You should put on a nightdress or a wrapper, I don't think it will be long before Bea turns up wanting to know how you are.'

It was only then he realised that he too was naked so he carried Clarissa back to bed and tucked her up in the bedclothes,

'I probably could have made it back over by myself' Clarissa protested weakly,

"And if you couldn't you could have fallen and done some damage to either yourself or the child." He retorted.

He could feel Clarissa's eyes on him as he dressed so to try to lift her spirits he made sure that she had a good sighting of his rear and his cock which while not hard it was most certainly not flaccid.
He was dressed by the time Bea arrived and informed her that the mistress was still off colour and was to remain in bed.

"Oi'll see to it that she stays roight whar she is Sir, she ain't goin' nowhere wivaht you say so Sir"

"That's the spirit Bea you can tie her down if necessary, beware though she is very good at getting out of ropes." His eyes twinkled as Bea's eyes widened at that, not understanding it was a joke.

Roger knew that Clarissa would be fretting over Thunder and went down to the stables to get a report from James.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Clarissa awoke to the sound of a bird trilling right outside her window. The morning sun spilled across the room like a bucket full of sunshine that had been tipped over and it’s contents had poured out into the room. She attempted to sit up and fought off the wave of nausea that came over her.

Alone in the room, she decided not to try and get up at this moment, but the call of the chamber pot was too strong. Throwing back the covers, she put her feet on the floor and started to stand, still totally naked.

Talk about timing! It was then that Bea entered the room and began to scold her as she crossed to the wobbly woman holding onto the bed.

“No! Noiw back in bed wif yew! Yew know that yew...”

“Unless you prefer the contents of my stomach on you....” Bea finally noticed the paleness of Clarissa’s face, plus the fact that she had her hand pressed to her mouth to try and stop being sick.

Wrapping her arm around Her Ladyship’s waist, she helped get the nude woman to the chamber pot in time.

They almost made it. Almost. It wasn’t much but it still wasn’t pleasant as it did get on Clarissa, and the rug. A bit did make it into the basin, and some even splashed on Bea. The young maid wrinkled her nose but worked hard to keep her cool.

Finally the missus seemed through and Bea helped Her Ladyship back over to the bed, quickly cleaning the woman and grabbing a night gown to slip over the woman’s nude body. Then she helped her climb back into bed and tucked her in.

“I’m very sorry for causing you so much work, Bea.” The poor woman sounded so sick.

“Noiw, don’t yew werry yer poor ‘ead ‘bout a fing. Jest lay there an’ rest.”

For the next hour Bea cleaned up the room and the floor and finally herself. It worried her that the woman was so sick. Was she dying? Oh no, that could not be. It would just about kill the Master as he was so in love with his wife.

A quick glance over at the bed told her that Her Ladyship was sound asleep again. Bea quietly checked on the ill woman, looking at the missus pale and sickly face. She choked down the tears that threatened to spill out. Maybe the doctor needed to come back and check on the poor thing.

Sneaking out of the room, she waited around out in the hall listening with one ear for any noise coming from the Master Bedroom while hoping that the Master would soon return. He had said something about heading out to the stables. What if Her Ladyship died while she was taking cate of her. Would they blame her?

Occasionally Bea would stick her head in and check on Her Ladyship. The woman was softly sleeping and Bea was thankful that she at least was not throwing up.

Finally she heard heavy footsteps on the stairs. Rushing to the landing, she curtsied and gave a worried look to Sir Roger.

“Sir, ‘er Ladyship ‘as been ever so sick. Dew yew fink that we should send for tha Doctor again?”