The Bride Absconded (closed for cumnchat)

[cumnchat]

Down at the stables Roger found James and asked for an up to date report on Thunder guessing that Clarissa would question him about her stallion.

"'E's doin' alroight Sir, a bit restless but e's eatin' 'is feed and sometoimes 'e whinnies 'n tosses 'is 'ead loike 'e's lookin' fer sumwun. Could be 'e's missing 'er Ladyship Sir, ow is 'er Ladyship Sir? She looked roight poorly yes'day wen we found 'er."

"Thank you James, her Ladyship wil be so pleased that you're taking such good care of him, as for her Ladyship she woke and had something to eat but she is very tired and may be confined to bed for a couple of days, As you know she dotes on Thunder and loves to ride him hard but when she is back on her feet and wants to take Thunder out you must tell her that you have my express orders to not allow it, no matter what she threatens you with I will back you."

Two hours later Roger went back up the stairs and saw Bea hovering outside the master bedroom. On seeing him Bea rushed up to him and dropped a quick curtsey.

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

"No Bea, that will not be necessary, the Doctor assured me that it will pass, allow me to thank you for your devotion to her Ladyship, I will stay with her for now so you find something else to do, I will send for you if I need you."

Clarissa looked so peaceful and angelic as she lay there fast asleep with a smile on her face and her little pink tongue peeking out from between her cherry red lips and Roger bent over to kiss her and it woke her, her eyes fluttered open and before she could speak Roger calmed her thoughts,

"I have just returned from the stables, Thunder is doing fine, I thought he might be missing you as much you are missing him so I gave him a comforter of sorts, a pair of your old pantaloons which you no longer wear but now adorn his head, and very handsome he looks too, I washed and groomed him myself and I have brought you the cloth with which I wiped him down so now he can smell you and you can smell him. When you are back on your feet we will visit him together, it is just not practical to bring him to visit you."

Clarissa's face broke into a bright shining smile as she buried her nose in the cloth he gave her.

 

[Opensesame54321]

She was sound asleep when, like Sleeping Beauty and her Prince Charming, he awoke her with a kiss. It was a sweet kiss and as she wiped the sleep from her eyes, he immediately began his explanation.

I have just returned from the stables, Thunder is doing fine, I thought he might be missing you as much you are missing him so I gave him a comforter of sorts, a pair of your old pantaloons which you no longer wear but now adorn his head, and very handsome he looks too, I washed and groomed him myself and I have brought you the cloth with which I wiped him down so now he can smell you and you can smell him. When you are back on your feet we will visit him together, it is just not practical to bring him to visit you.

She could not help laughing at the thought of Thunder out in his stall wearing her pantaloons on his head, though the idea of her pantaloons being flashed around where just anyone could see them was a bit embarrassing.

And then, he handed her the cloth that he had used, and she buried her face in it, smelling her Thunder. The odor filled her senses, reminding her of her last ride across the English countryside. She already missed riding him.

Looking up at her husband, she asked him, “when can I ride him? See, I am better already.”

She tried to get up but Roger gently stopped her from getting out of bed.

“If I am pregnant, surely I am not expected to not ride at all.” And she buried her nose again in the towel that smelled of her Thunder.

Roger tried keeping her mind off of things, spending the afternoon with her. He called Bea and ordered some light food for her and helped her eat. She was a bit weak as she had not eaten much and most of it had been thrown up.

After a while he gently rubbed her stomach trying to soothe it. Eventually she fell asleep in his arms and it seemed to calm down things.

*****

Bea worried all day, afraid that Her Ladyship might be dying. But the Master seemed sure that she would be just fine. He had called for some food for her and Bea had rushed right down and quickly brought back a tray with a creamy soup and some dry toast. But once that she had delivered it, he had sent her away.

She she now waited around just in case he called for her. She was sitting there when James came up to her.

“She any better?”

Bea shook her head. “Oi don’t fink so.”

James put an arm around Bea’s shoulders. “Don’t worry. Sir Roger knows w’at ‘e’s doin’.”

 

[cumnchat]

Clarissa tried her hardest to persuade him to see Thunder but he was adamant that she was not yet well enough and must stay in bed,

'When can I ride him? See, I am better already.'

He just shook his head firm in his saying 'NO'

'If I am pregnant, surely I am not expected to not ride at all.'

Her nose buried in the towel that smelled of Thunder she looked plaintively up at him,

"We must get this clear and fixed in your pretty little head my love, ONE, you ARE pregnant, there's no two ways about that, TWO, Doctor Perkins advises against you riding at all for the time being, THREE, you are in my care and loving you as I do I will not allow you to risk your health or that of our child."

He did not wish to upset her further by telling her that he was thinking of putting the temptation to ride Thunder out of reach by loaning him to a neighbouring estate until Clarissa received the all clear. He spent the rest of the day with Clarissa, ordering her a little lunch that she hardly touched and playing draughts with her and reading from Charles Dickens's 'Pickwick Papers'. As evening drew in he gently rubbed Clarissa's tummy and called out, making Clarissa laugh,

"Hello there, this is Papa, behave, and stop making Momma poorly."

With Clarissa in his arms he let her fall asleep and then laid her down and pulled the bedclothes over her, all thoughts of playing with her as they usually did were forgotten and he went downstairs to the library to read some more about pregnancy.

 

[Opensesame54321]

“All I ever seem to do is sleep and throw up. Couldn’t it be something that I caught?”

Doctor Perkins gave a chuckle as he examined Clarissa. Roger waited to one side, arms folded and a somewhat triumphant look on his face. The husband seemed a lot more accepting of the facts.

“Yes, you could say that it was something that you caught. And in less than 8 months, you will see the results of just what you caught. You, my dear Lady DeCoverly, are ‘with child’.”

A big grin broke out on Sir DeCoverly’s face. But the Doctor dreaded what he was going to have to say next.

“There is a problem, however. Though you are normally a healthy woman, some women have problems getting pregnant and staying pregnant. That is you.”

Clarissa could feel the bottom falling out of her life. She had a feeling that she knew what was coming up next.

“I am afraid that riding a horse, any horse, could cause you to lose the baby. In fact, you are going to have to spend a lot more time in bed than you are used to. No heavy lifting, and...” the doctor turned to speak to Roger. “...as a matter of fact, she should not lift anything heavier than about a book. And at least for the time being, I don’t want her going up and down the stairs without aid. At least until we see how her body accepts this baby.”

Clarissa was starting to get irritated, as the doctor was treating her as if she wasn’t there.

“She also looks a little thin to me so if we could get her to eat 4 to 5 times a day. Small meals...”

“I beg your pardon but I am still in the room and am totally conscious and alert.” Clarissa was getting very irritated at how they were treating her as if she were a child, or dead.

“I am sorry, Your Ladyship, but I just want to make certain that you and your husband understand just how dangerous it could be to do some of these things. There is every possibility that you had been pregnant earlier but lost the child because of riding a horse.”

She closed her eyes. Maybe when they were staying at the shore and she had her flow, did she lose a baby then? She felt sick.

Roger must have noticed that she looked a bit pale as he rushed to help her over to the chamber pot where she spent the next couple of minutes throwing up.

“Tsk tsk tsk.” As Roger helped her back into bed, Doctor Perkins shook his head, reached into his bag and handed Roger a small vial once her husband got her settled back down.

“Just two drops five times a day in weak tea should help the nausea. And here...” he handed Roger a piece of paper, “...is a list of foods that will help her tummy.”

As he gathered his things together, he made one last statement.

“And, if you were worried, gentle lovemaking should be fine, provided that she feels like it. Just make sure that she gets plenty of rest.”

Roger left to show the doctor to the door.” Alone in her room, she carefully rubbed her tummy in an effort to feel the baby. They had been trying to get her pregnant, and it seemed that they had finally succeeded. She knew that Roger was anxious to let everyone know the good news. And she was happy to be pregnant. She just couldn’t believe that it had happened.

But not ride Thunder? And possibly not for 8 months? How would both she and Thunder make it through this?

 

[cumnchat]

For the next three days after Clarissa's fall from Thunder Roger kept her confined to the bedroom, bearing all her complaints of it being unnecessary with determination and stoicism. Secretly he worried about her throwing up each morning and her lack of appetite, to his mind the two did not sit well with each other. Hence he called Doctor Perkins and stood to one side as the doctor examined Clarissa, the good news was that he confirmed what they all suspected, Clarissa was 'with child'. Roger folded his arms and smiled triumphantly at a job well done.

Unfortunately from then on the news was depressing, it seemed that Clarissa, through no fault of her own, was susceptible to being unable to go full term unless she took great care, meaning that of the many things she liked to do some were dangerous and were forbidden, foremost among these was being unable to ride Thunder.

While the doctor was explaining it all to Roger, Clarissa broke in irritably,

'I beg your pardon but I am still in the room and am totally conscious and alert.'

'I am sorry, Your Ladyship, but I just want to make certain that you and your husband understand just how dangerous it could be to do some of these things. There is every possibility that you had been pregnant earlier but lost the child because of riding a horse.'

All of a sudden it appeared that Clarissa was going to be sick, her face went deathly pale, Roger recognised the signs and quickly helped her to the chamberpot. A few minutes later he helped her back into bed. Doctor Perkins said he could do no more for now but he gave Roger some medicine and a list of helpful foods. There was one question that Roger wanted to ask but was afraid of what the doctor might think of him, not to mention Clarissa, however the good doctor must have read his thoughts,

'And, if you were worried, gentle lovemaking should be fine, provided that she feels like it. Just make sure that she gets plenty of rest.'

Roger tried to hide the look of relief on his face as he showed the doctor to the door. Before returning to Clarissa he took the list of foodstuffs to the kitchen and handed them to cook who looked them over and her chubby face broke into a big smile,

"When is t'lil one due then Sir? I knew here was sommat afoot wiv nah sign of 'er Ladyship fer days an the doctor comin' 'n goin' away wiv a big grin on 'is face."

"How did you know that Her Ladyship was expecting then, cook? The doctor could have been here for any number of reasons." He was mystified at how it was so difficult to keep anything from the servants.

"'T'weren't too difficult Sir, both you 'n t'doctor lookin' pleased as Punch, then this list o'food for 'er Ladyship, Oi seen lists loike this afore n' always there were a babby on t'way." The cook hoisted her ample bosom and assured Roger that Clarissa would be fed 'proper loike'

Shaking his head in bemused amusement he went back to Clarissa who was looking as if she was about to burst into tears and guessed that the news about no riding had upset her.

"Cheer up my love it won't last forever and there is some good news, you can ride my cock horse." He flopped down on the bed beside her and laid his head on her still flat belly.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Clarissa lay there, frustrated and worried. Poor Thunder would not understand just why he was not being ridden. He would need to run, hard and fast - the stallion had hot blood in him. Since he was a colt he had been that way.

As for herself, she was chafing, eager to be up and doing things. She had seen plenty of women in all stages of pregnancy, working around the house, working in the fields, and even riding a horse. And she was usually a very healthy person. So it was frustrating to suddenly be a woman that she had always turned her nose up at, a helpless female.

Roger, on the other hand, seemed pleased with himself. He had gotten her pregnant. And yes, she had wanted to get pregnant too. But she didn’t know that she was going to be tied to the bed. She didn’t know that she would be unable to ride Thunder for 8 months.

Thunder would not let anyone but herself herself ride him. That time that he had been stolen, he had just been led away. But if anyone had had tried to ride him, they would have ended up on the ground. Now what?

Roger was gone for a bit, seeing the doctor out and probably strutting around the place like a proud peacock. She almost didn’t hear the knock on the door it was so timid. It had to be Bea.

“Come in, Bea,” she called out and the door slowly opened. The young maid stuck her head in and looked hesitantly at her before stepping into the room.

“Can Oi fetch yew anyfing, yer Loidyship?”

Clarissa just shook her head and instead looked as if the poor thing would start crying. Bea was about to start crying out of sympathy so instead she gave a curtsy and told the woman, “if’n yew needs anyfing, just ring.”

*****

Bea burst into tears as she headed down the back staircase. She ran into no one until reaching the kitchen where she sat down at the table and cried. The cook gave her a funny look as she was busy preparing something, cooking away at the stove.

“An’ just w’at be rong wif yew?” The big bosomy cook glanced over at her.

“Oi fink t’at ‘er Loidyship’s di-ing. She loiks so sad an’ pale.”

The cook gave a snort and burst out laughing. “Tha fam’ly yew werked fer ‘for ‘ere wuz an elderly couple, rite?” Bea nodded. “No babbies bein’ born there?” Bea shook her head before what the cook was saying sunk in.

“Oooooohhhhhh!”

“Yes, so yew are goin’ ya be busy fer a w’ile. Best get wif tha Master and find out w’at yew ‘ave ta do. An’ be careful ‘bout start in’ rumors.”

*****

Roger came back in obviously pleased with himself as he crossed to the bed. Climbing up beside her and laying his head on her stomach, he talked to her.

Cheer up my love it won't last forever and there is some good news, you can ride my cock horse.

She gave a half-hearted smile. It was not that she didn’t like the idea, but right now she was ordered to bed. Couldn’t get up and go downstairs whenever she wanted. Or even go to the chamberpot when she needed to.

Absentmindedly she ran her fingers through his hair. She was worried.

”Love, the way the doctor talked, it sounded as if I was lucky to even be pregnant. What are we going to do?” Her stomach was in a turmoil and she was hoping that Roger didn’t bounce on the bed too much or she just might throw up on him.

 

[cumnchat]

As he lay with his head on his wife's belly he could both feel and hear her insides churning and frowned, it didn't seem right or fair that Clarissa who was usually bright and active should be laid low and confined to bed. He tried to lift her spirits by telling her,

'Cheer up my love it won't last forever and there is some good news, you can ride my cock horse.'

Clarissa's weak smile told him that the idea wasn't entirely unwelcome but she looked so pale and wan that he could see that she wasn't up to even the gentlest of lovemaking. He could feel her fingers in his hair, he loved that, it was one of her many ways of telling him that she loved him, to show his appreciation he kissed her belly and listened as she told him

'Love, the way the doctor talked, it sounded as if I was lucky to even be pregnant. What are we going to do?'

"WE,,,,,, you and I are going to face this together, 'tis inconvenient I know but I rather doubt that you will be confined to bed for the duration, the morning sickness will pass and when you have regained your strength you can go about your normal activities EXCEPT...................."

He raised a warning finger to emphasise his point.

"EXCEPT you will not ride Thunder, I will allow you to go and see him of course and maybe groom him, Between us we must think of a way he can have his gallops, we will need to think about that."

Bea knocked on the door and waited for the 'come in' and approached Clarissa with a look of awe on her face,

"Can oi git owt fer yew ma Ladyship? Oh 'n congratulations, when's it comin' then?"

Roger put his hands up, "I never spoke out of turn, cook guessed soon as she saw your list of foodstuff, no doubt she told Bea and anyone else within earshot."

Bea stood and stared at Clarissa and suddenly realised what she was doing, all flustered she said,

"Oi'm sorry fer starin' yer Ladyship but I ain't never seen anyone havin' a baby afore, what do a do if it comes all of a sudden loike."

Roger chuckled and was tempted to have a joke at Bea's expense but thought better of it and replied "We have plenty of time before we need to worry about that Bea, in the meantime it's carry on as normal."

Bea blushed and curtseyed, took note of what Clarissa asked for and scurried off.

 

[Opensesame54321]

WE,,,,,, you and I are going to face this together, 'tis inconvenient I know but I rather doubt that you will be confined to bed for the duration, the morning sickness will pass and when you have regained your strength you can go about your normal activities EXCEPT....................

She knew what was coming but nevertheless she dreaded hearing the words.

EXCEPT you will not ride Thunder, I will allow you to go and see him of course and maybe groom him, Between us we must think of a way he can have his gallops, we will need to think about that.

Of course she did not want to harm the baby, nor herself when it came down to it. It is just that she really was used to getting her own way. Her father had never really ever had the moral fiber to deny her anything that she had wanted. Roger was really the first one to stand up to Clarissa and not back down. And deep down in the back of her mind...

She looked like a petulant child being scolded for getting caught with her hand in the cookie jar. But before they could continue on there was a knock on the door.

Bea stuck her head in before stepping into the room with a funny look on her face.

Can oi git owt fer yew ma Ladyship? Oh 'n congratulations, when's it comin' then?

Would keep thing quiet for the time being, eh? Couldn’t wait to go announcing it from the rooftop. Had probably already sent a runner to her Father to give him the good news.

Roger seemed to correctly read the look that she gave him, throwing his hands up in surrender?

I never spoke out of turn, cook guessed soon as she saw your list of foodstuff, no doubt she told Bea and anyone else within earshot.

Clarissa rolled her eyes. She didn’t really look pregnant so deep down inside there was the fear that Doctor Perkins was wrong.

Suddenly Bea started wringing her hands and looking all worried.

Oi'm sorry fer starin' yer Ladyship but I ain't never seen anyone havin' a baby afore, what do a do if it comes all of a sudden loike.

Roger answered before Clarissa could come back with some smart-mouthed remark so she just stayed quiet and let him handle things.

We have plenty of time before we need to worry about that Bea, in the meantime it's carry on as normal.

Bea gave a curtsy and looked to Clarissa.

“Just bring me some tea to drink. I’m not really hungry.”

Before Bea could leave, Roger interjected, reminding her that the Doctor had ordered her to eat specific small meals. He told Bea that the cook was probably preparing a meal for Her Ladyship at this moment.

Bea nodded and rushed right off. In about fifteen minutes or so, Bea returned with a tray. The meal was light and relatively boring and Clarissa found it unappetizing. After she picked at her food, Roger stayed with her until she fell asleep.

*****

“James! James! W’are are ya?” Bea came hurrying into the stables looking for the lad.

“‘ere, Bea. Sumptun wrong?”

“No! It’s gud news. ‘er Ladyship’s expectin’ ah baby!”

James grinned real big. “Well, now, t’at gud news! No wunder she passed out!”

 

[cumnchat]

Double Post

 

[cumnchat]

The news of Clarissa's pregnancy spread like wildfire throughout the household and as Roger went about his business he was greeted with smiling faces and congratulations from all he met. It was clear that was Clarissa was well liked by his servants, one day a manservant named Hugh asked him if he would give something to 'The Mistress' that he thought would brighten her life. Roger wondered what on earth a manservant could give Clarissa that would brighten her life and asked to see the gift, Hugh unrolled a large piece of paper and showed Roger,

"James t'stable lad wuz tellin' us at supper 'ow 'e 'elped yew when t'mistress fainted Sir 'n 'e sed 'ow much she luved 'er 'orse, so I got t'thinkin' n' did this for 'er Sir, yew fink Her Ladyship'll loike it?"

Roger gasped in wonder as Hugh unrolled the paper to reveal a pen and ink drawing of a black stallion that was instantly recognisable as Thunder.

"Hugh my boy, you are a lifesaver, Her Ladyship is feeling a little down and missing her rides and seeing Thunder, this will surely lift her spirits but first go see Jethro the carpenter and tell him I said he is to frame your drawing in the best wood he can find, when he's done you come and find me and I'll take you to her Ladyship and you can give it to her yourself."

Roger left Hugh to get the drawing framed and went to see Clarissa who was improving slowly and throwing up less which Roger put down to the diet that she was on.

He gave her a hug and a kiss and before she could start complaining that she was feeling well enough to get up and go to see Thunder he put a finger on her lips and kept her silent,

"SSSHHHHH my dear, you will be having a visitor shortly so make yourself pretty if you can make yourself prettier than you already are."

About an hour later a knock came at the door and on getting the all clear to come in Bea entered.

"Oi dunno that this is proper Sir but young Hugh says 'e 'as what yew wanted an' can 'e come in?"

"It's perfectly alright Bea, show the lad in."

Roger turned to Clarissa and told her,

"Clarissa this is Hugh, he has something that we hope will bring you great pleasure."

He then stood to one side while Hugh shuffled towards the bed with the framed picture clasped to his chest.

"Mornin' yer Ladyship , ere, this is fer yew."

He thrust the drawing into Clarissa's hands and blushed bright red as their hands touched.

 

[Opensesame54321]

The next week or so seemed to settle down to a routine. Roger was very attentive, very rarely letting her get out of bed unless he was there demanding that she lean on him.

Bea too was very diligent, making sure that Clarissa ate her meals on time, and fussed at her if she failed to clean her plate. And any time that she threw up, both Roger and Bea would cluck over her like a couple of mother hens.

Neither would let her go downstairs. One afternoon Clarissa managed to make it as far as the staircase leading downstairs before getting caught. She was still on the top landing and looked down to find Roger coming up the stair. She had to admit that she had not seem him move that fast in some time. He took the stairs two at a time and the look on his face was thunderous.

“I just wanted to check on Thunder!” She tried to tell him her reasoning but instead her husband just slipped his arm around her waist and ushered her back to bed. Once he had her firmly ensconced in bed, he started to scold her, until she started crying.

He must have felt bad about it because he stopped, drying her tears and kissing and holding her. It was just that Clarissa had always been active and was not used to laying around in bed for more that a couple of days at a time.

There was one change. After a couple of weeks, she noticed that there was a slight swell to her tummy. Slight, but there nevertheless. She noticed more than once Roger’s hand stroking it, as if proud of his creation. As they slept at night, he held her against him as if providing protection over her and the baby.

Several days later, after the incident on the stairs, he came into the bedroom acting pleased as punch. Giving her a hug and a kiss, he hushed her before she could ask about going out to the stables.

SSSHHHHH my dear, you will be having a visitor shortly so make yourself pretty if can make yourself prettier than you already are.

That was all that he would say. Instead he helped her over to her dressing table where she brushed her hair and plaited it and tied a ribbon on its end. She made sure that she looked good, and slipped into a wrapper before getting back in bed, wondering just what Roger had planned.

In a while, Bea entered, waffling and saying that she was unsure about the propriety of this but one of the workers wished to see her. After Roger’s assurance, the man was led inside.

She had seen Hugh several times though she really did not know the man. Still, Roger introduced Hugh to her and stem stepped to one side as the man stepped forward. He seemed to be very nervous as he held a framed picture against his chest.

Mornin' yer Ladyship , ere, this is fer yew.

What she was handed was absolutely the most touching thing. Obviously a drawing of Thunder, Clarissa was thrilled to see this. It was hard to take her eyes off her horse.

“Hugh, did you draw this?” The man, apparently to nervous to answer, just nodded.

“Hugh, I shall cherish this all my life. You have a great talent. Thank you so very much.” And with that she stood up and crossed over to the man. Roger was right there at her elbow lest she felt dizzy.

She lightly kissed Hugh’s cheek and was afraid that the poor man would pass out. While Roger helped her back to the bed, Hugh left. Then for the next half hour, Roger proceeded to get the picture hung where she could see it any time that she wished.

 

[cumnchat]

Roger was so happy to see Clarissa with a happy smile on her face he forgave her choosing half a dozen places to position the framed drawing of Thunder eventually he just held it up and asked,

"Is this alright? I shall stand here and hold it for evermore if it keeps that smile on your pretty face, one would think you think more of that stallion than you do of your husband your very own stallion who has put you in the family way."

He dodged the pillow that Clarissa threw at him and gave her a cheeky grin and and simulated a fucking motion with his hips and hands.

"Could I be lucky enough for some petting tonight my love? I can barely keep my hands off you as it is"

His tone was hopeful as it had been several days since they had been any closer other than a gentle cuddle and goodnight kiss. He got his answer as Clarissa threw back the bedclothes and patted the empty space beside her.

"Two minutes dear that is all I ask," Roger cried out as he dashed for the WC as it was now called.

When he stepped out of the WC with his breeches in his hands and just his loose shirt flapping he found Bea sitting where he should have been and Clarissa was proudly showing her the picture of Thunder.

"Hmmmph, I'll come back later." he grunted clearly riled at being deprived yet again.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Roger was only gone for a couple of minutes but while he was gone, Bea stuck her head in once Hugh had left the room. The girl was naturally curious and Clarissa really didn’t want to shoo her off by saying that she and Roger wanted to get close to each other. The poor thing had been run ragged by her and it was only fair.

Roger looked very downhearted but she would try to make it up to him tonight. He went back into the WC and redressed. When he came back out he gave her a quick kiss and then left her with Bea while he was busy around the grounds.

That evening Bea brought her last meal of the day. She had to admit that she was getting tired of soups and broths and things like that but at least it seemed to stay on her stomach better than other things.

She was starting to drift off to sleep when she heard her husband sneaking into the bedroom. Opening one eye, she looked across the room at him as he tried to undress quietly.

“I’m sorry that Bea usurped your place on the bed.”

He mumbled something, not really rude but more like showing his disappointment.

“Of course, we could always make up for it now.”

She had never seen him get undressed so quickly. It seemed that one minute he was standing there with his shirt in his hands, and suddenly he was naked and climbing in bed beside her.

He took her in his arms and kissed her tenderly but passionately, leaving her breathless.

“You still move my world, love.” She stroked his cheek while his hand reached under her gown and rubbed her slightly swollen belly. Actually, only if you saw her naked would you have any idea that she might be pregnant. But Roger appeared to be proud of himself and her and their upcoming family addition.

She knew that Roger had already contacted her father, who had wanted to come for a visit but Roger had told the man that it would be best if he waited. She was definitely thankful for that.

With her arms around his neck, she kissed him between words as she seduced him.

“Now, (kiss) can you (kiss) think of (kiss) anything (kiss) else (kiss) that we (kiss) could do?”

 

[cumnchat]

Roger was so disgruntled at being ousted from the marital bed by a maid no less he snapped at everyone he met, word soon got round and any servants who saw him coming disappeared in the opposite direction, the one servant he didn't snap at was Hugh and Roger spoke to him conspiratorially,

"So you'll do that for me Hugh, that's a good fellow." He pressed half a guinea into Hugh's hand a waved away his refusal of payment,

"You did that for Her Ladyship out of the goodness of your heart, I am asking you to do something that is not among your normal duties, of course you should be paid and unless I am very wrong there will be more work coming your way shortly after my wife gives birth,"

He chuckled at Hugh's mortified expression.

"Nay lad not the babe, or babes, I suspect that Thunder and Cloudy are rather more than stablemates, the horse doctor is coming soon to confirm, but not a word to anyone."

"No Sir, not a wurrrd, I'll have Cloudy dun ferye in a cuppla days."

The evening was drawing to a close when he crept quietly in so as not to wake Clarissa.

'I’m sorry that Bea usurped your place on the bed.'

She startled him and he mumbled something of no consequence,

'Of course, we could always make up for it now.'

He needed no further invitation and he was naked and in bed before you could say 'toast'.

Clarissa was clasped in his arms and he kissed her with such fervour she became breathless. His hand stole under her nightdress and rested on her belly, he swore he could feel it was not as flat as it was a week ago.

'You still move my world, love,' They were such sweet words she said with such feeling he could feel himself growing hard even though he had no expectations. Clarissa's arms went around his neck and he grew even harder as she seduced him.

'Now, (kiss) can you (kiss) think of (kiss) anything (kiss) else (kiss) that we (kiss) could do?'

"Indeed (kiss) I (kiss) can (kiss) think (kiss) of (kiss) several (kiss) things (kiss) that (kiss) involve (kiss) being (kiss) so (kiss) very (kiss) very (kiss) naughty."

Then he rolled her on her back and said "The first thing we are going to do is get rid of this damned nightdress."

 

[Opensesame54321]

For the next several days things settled down around the manor. The drawing of Thunder seemed to calm Clarissa down a bit though she knew that soon Thunder would need to be ridden hard.

Every morning Roger checked her belly, pointing out that bit by bit her tummy was getting bigger though with her clothes on, she still looked that same and she really didn’t notice that much of a change.

She was expecting! She was actually going to have a baby! They had been trying so hard yet it did not seem possible. The special diet that she had been put on appeared to be successful in slowing down the nausea. Still, Clarissa was chafing at the bit and really longed to get downstairs and out to the stables.

Bea and Roger seemed to keep a eye on her between the two and Clarissa had not managed to get as far as she had that day that she made it to the staircase.

Today the doctor was supposed to come and Clarissa was hoping that he would lift the ban on her riding Thunder. She had missed seeing the horse, and she was sure that the stallion missed her too.

Around 10:00, Roger escorted Doctor Perkins into the bedroom. The man seemed jovial enough.

“So, how is our patient today?”

“Well, “Our Patient” is ready to get out of this room once and a while.”

The Doctor gave a chuckle and then turned to Roger and asked about Clarissa’s nausea, as if she were not in the room. After a moment, Roger seemed to notice that his wife sat there in bed, arms folded, the look on her face telling him that she was close to losing her temper.

Doctor Perkins seemed to notice it too and turned to Clarissa.

“Well, let me check you over and see what we have.”

Roger stayed right beside her, holding her hand when things got a bit uncomfortable and embarrassing. Finally he covered her back up and washed his hands.

“Well, Lady DeCoverly, in less that 8 months you should give birth to your baby. The problem is that I understand that you are used to being very active. Horseback riding, running the house, etc. But doing such things could cause you to lose this baby. I am afraid that until the baby is born, I really do not even want you riding in a carriage. This baby is precious to you both, and I understand this and want to make sure that both you and the baby remain healthy.”

Clarissa felt the enormity of it all as Roger gave her hand a squeeze of reassurance.

“Continue for the time being with the special diet and make sure that she eats these small meals 5-6 times a day. You are eating for two now. Once a day, you need to take a slow, gentle walk. Not too fast and not too far. And should you start cramping, I want her carried back to bed and send for me immediately. No going up and down the stairs alone. I know that this is probably not what you wanted to hear, but this is all for the good of the baby and for you.”

Clarissa nodded, afraid to speak lest she start crying. She did want the baby, and she knew that Roger wanted the baby too. She just didn’t think that it would cost her her freedom.

“Now, as to relations, what you have been doing so far is fine. Nothing too strenuous, and by all means make sure that she gets her sleep. And if you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask. I will be back in about 3 weeks.”

It felt as if she were in a dream. Roger escorted the Doctor out and almost immediately Bea came in fluffing up her pillows and chattering about nothing in particular. She really didn’t hear what the girl said. It was definite. Somehow she thought that the Doctor would come in and examine her and say that he had made a mistake. But he hadn’t. She really was pregnant. That should make her father happy. Maybe she should write to Ada and give her the news.

 

[cumnchat]

Roger noticed that Clarissa looked longingly at the drawing of Thunder and warned Bea to keep an eye on her and not let her out of the bedroom until the doctor had been and left instructions as he was sure that given the chance Clarissa would ignore them all and take Thunder out for a run, to make doubly sure he instructed James to ignore any instructions from Her Ladyship to saddle up Thunder.
After a few days the doctor came again to examine Clarissa and seemed satisfied that she was progressing well although he did have an annoying habit of talking to Roger about Clarissa as though she were not there. Clarissa bristled when he did that and Roger had to act as peacemaker by including her in the conversation. The examination was of necessity of an intimate nature and Roger stayed to hold Clarissa's hand throughout.

The news was not good, to ensure that the baby and Clarissa were kept safe she was banned from doing most of the activities she enjoyed most, walking in the grounds even unless someone was with her, although mostly it would be Roger.

There was one piece of good news which made both Roger and Clarissa smile,

'Now, as to relations, what you have been doing so far is fine. Nothing too strenuous, and by all means make sure that she gets her sleep.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, '

Roger thanked the doctor and escorted him out only to return almost immediately,

"You heard what the doctor said, 'nothing too strenuous', I will be very gentle my love and if you find yourself getting carried away I will remind you and if you are a good girl I will escort you to the stables in a day or so, would you like that?"

 

[Opensesame54321]

Between Bea and Roger, the two of them managed to keep her taken care of, not hardly giving her a moment alone. Oh, it could be because they hated to not be near her but she suspected that the real reason was she couldn’t be trusted to not try to sneak out when left unattended.

Like now. For some reason, Roger was taking care of some estate business and Bea had stepped away. Quite truthfully, she was tempted to make a break for downstairs and see if she could reach the stables. She knew Thunder and it had been almost a month since she had fallen off the stallion. The horse was bound to be nipping at any and everyone.

As to Clarissa herself, her stomach was now actually starting to show. She had to admit that it was a small showing, but the doctor would probably let them know more during his next visit.

Meanwhile there was Roger. The man was over the moon, so happy at his impending fatherhood. He had even written to her father to give him the good news. Every time that he would climb into bed beside her, or even if he came to check on her, her would rub her belly as if stroking a good luck charm. It was sweet and endearing.

Still he had promised her that soon she would be escorted to the stables and she was getting antsy. She had been good, but everyone had a limit as to how long they could behave. Clarissa was starting to wonder if she could make it there alone.

He had let her walk around the room and in the hall for the last couple of days but always with him right at her side. And yesterday she was allowed to go down the stairs to the first landing before he demanded that they return to the bedroom.

The lack of activity made her feel fat and sluggish. And already several of her dresses she knew would not fit. She was going to need some clothes that she could wear during her pregnancy. But if she had been forbidden from even riding in a carriage, there was no chance of her getting into the village to the seamstress so a seamstress would need to come out here. What a bother. She was eyeing the door, determined to make a break for it, when suddenly the door flung open and Bea rushed in looking all flustered and her cheeks flushed.

“‘ow are yew doin’, ma’am?” Bea kept looking back over her shoulders as if she expected the devil to follow her in.

“Fine, but...” was all that she managed to get out before her father, Sir Wilford Fernwood pushed his way into the room.

“Daughter, I understand that congratulations are in order. My dear little girl is to become a mother.”

Her father approached the bed and bent down to hug her and kiss her cheek.

“Well, I see that you have taken time out from all the gambling and skirt chasing to come visit me? Yes, father, you are to be a grandfather.”

Wilford winced at her words. “Daughter, I do believe that you enjoy injuring me.”

Clarissa shrugged. “The truth hurts.”

“So why are you still in bed? ‘Tis the middle of the day.”

“Thank you for reminding me. I had not noticed the sun shining.”

“And you have not answered my question.”

“Apparently there is a problem and ...” She loathed this discussion. “The doctor fears that I might lose the baby should I become too active at this time.” She waved her hand and frowned at her father. “Oh, bother! Ask Roger. Perhaps he can explain it in terms that you can understand.”

“Hrumph!” Wilford shook his head and began pacing back and forth. “Sounds like poppycock to me. Who is the doctor?”

“Perkins. Doctor Perkins. Why do you ask? You don’t live in the area. You don’t know the man, do you?”

“No. I was just curious. Can’t a father inquire about his daughter’s health?”

She looked at him questioningly. “Said the man that gave away his daughter on the turn of a card.” Her father had the grace to look embarrassed and she smiled at him. “You lucked out this time. This time you made a good deal. I have a husband that I love and that loves me.”

“And yet he keeps you locked away here in your room. When last did you ride Thunder? You look pale. Are you sure that you are pregnant? You don’t look so?”

The door opened and in strode Roger.

“Father, I’m tired of arguing with you about it. Let my husband explain it all to you.”

Apparently her husband feared that Father was upsetting her a bit too much as he quickly ushered the man from the room with a promise of spirits. Her father grumbled something about traveling all the way there and not allowed to talk to his own daughter, but she noticed that the man left, anxious for a glass of whatever his son-in-law would give him.

 

[cumnchat]

When Roger returned from an outpost on the estate he was met by a worried looking and agitated Bea,

"Er ladyship 'as a visitor Sir an' there's some sharp wurds goine on, oi'm worried fer 'er Ladyship."

"Where is this rogue who presumes to visit my wife alone in her bedchamber? I'll toss him out myself, do you know him? Who is he?"

"Yessir, oi knows 'im, so does 'er Ladyship, it's 'er faver."

"WHAT? Wilford, here? I have to get him away, he'll upset Lady Fernwood-DeCoverly and undo all the good work we've done, she'll wind him round her little finger like always and get him to take her for a walk to the stables, mark my words Bea, the man is a menace, a well meaning menace but no more sense than he was born with."

Roger took the stairs three at a time with Bea lifting her skirts and scurrying after him, anxious not to miss any of the building fracas.

Before he opened the door he heard Wilford say,

'And yet he keeps you locked away here in your room. When last did you ride Thunder? You look pale. Are you sure that you are pregnant? You don’t look so?'

Roger strode into his and Clarissa's bedchamber his face like thunder, Clarissa smiled sweetly and spoke to her father,

'Father, I’m tired of arguing with you about it. Let my husband explain it all to you.'

When he saw that Clarissa didn't appear to be at all distressed Roger calmed down and just took Wilford's arm and ushered him from the bedroom saying,

"You have taken us rather by surprise Wilford now come to the library, I have an excellent bottle of vintage port just crying out to be drunk by a discerning palate such as yours. I will tell you all about Clarissa and her condition, you need not worry she is being well looked after by her maid, Bea."

At the mention of vintage port Wilford immediately became affable and followed Roger to the library hovering close to Roger as he opened the port.

"Now my boy, you finally did it eh? Never thought I'd see the day when Clarissa was with child, in fact it was quite a surprise when she agreed to marry you after the misunderstanding when you two first met, you both thinking that I would gamble my daughter's future on the turn of a card."

Roger smiled sardonically,

"But you did didn't you?"

 

[Opensesame54321]

Now my boy, you finally did it eh? Never thought I'd see the day when Clarissa was with child, in fact it was quite a surprise when she agreed to marry you after the misunderstanding when you two first met, you both thinking that I would gamble my daughter's future on the turn of a card.

His son-in-law smiled at him as if knowing a secret.

But you did didn't you?

“My son, you wound me to the core.” Wilford took a health swig on the port in his glass, giving a sigh at its taste. His son-in-law did have great taste in spirits.

“Now, why are you keeping my poor daughter a virtual prisoner in her own house. I, of course, will be the first to admit that it takes a strong hand to keep a rein over her strong-willed nature. I remember all too well how the lass led you a merry chase all over the place.” Wilford chuckled as her took another healthy swig and held out his glass for more. “But keeping her locked up isn’t the way. And that horse of hers will be an absolute devil not being ridden on a regular basis. And no one can ride the beast but her. Almost broke my leg when I once tried to do it. Pure hell on a hoof, I say. Still, she dotes on the creature.” He took another mouthful before interrupting Roger, as if her hadn’t noticed that the man was speaking.

“And, about this...this...Peeking fella. This Doctor Peeking...what an unusual name, Peking, Asian fella is he? Don’t you let him go giving Clarissa opium. Nasty stuff. I saw a man once sell his wife...” another large swig before holding out the empty glass for more. “...his wives and child...child...kiddies all for more of that evil flower. You stay away from that stuff. Don’t let it grab hold of her. Whew! You certainly keep it warm in here. Need to window up an open and let the sumner air frew.” The man stumbled a bit as he crossed to the window only to find to already open. “There now...” as if he had opened the window himself, he downed the last of the port in his glass and sat down on the sofa, motioning for Roger to join him.

“Come let us shit and...pardon me, let us shit and...” Wilford finally gave up trying to say the elusive word and just motioned for Roger to sit. “And bring that fine pert wif yuse.”

“Thought I...I...”. The man stopped in mid thought and instead made a big deal of sniffing the empty glass. “Fine pert! Staying for seberal days. Went ta see me grinchild. My... my... w’at did she ‘ave, a boy or a girl?”

*****

“Thank god Roger is taking care of Father. Otherwise I would cheerfully strangle the man. Now, Bea, I want to get dressed.”

“But ma’am....”

“I mean it, Bea. Now!” Clarissa was starting to get agitated and it had been stressed to the maid to keep her mistress calm.

Clarissa threw back the covers and swung her legs over the side of the bed. She was determined and Bea could see that she would have to think quick or she would have a fight on her hands.

“But, ma’am, yew kant. The only fing that will fit yer tummy right now is yer nightgown an’ yer wrapper,” Bea lied and silently prayed that Clarissa wouldn’t test her.

“Argh!” Clarissa growled. “Then help me to the chamber pot. I need to pee.”

 

[cumnchat]

The man had only been in the house an hour and already he was halfway through a bottle of Roger's best vintage port and threequarters cut. Roger looked with considerable distaste at the fat little man, his father in law, he quietly prised the best port from Wilford's chubby fingers and replaced it with a half empty bottle from the kitchen that cook used in her trifles. Wilford's eyes were glazed and slurring his words and not making a great deal sense so he left him where he was to finish off the port from the kitchen he then made his way up to see Clarissa. Bea waylaid him just outside the door.

"Oi 'ad t'loi to 'er Sir, she wuz all fer gittin' dressed an' goin' t'see that 'oss of 'ers, but oi told 'er nun of 'er clothes wud fit, did oi do roit Sir? Oi don' loike lyin' to 'er."

Roger patted her cheek

"Yes Bea you did quite right and many thanks for telling me."

Roger squared his shoulders and marched in to Clarissa,

"Have you no care for how your servants love you? Forcing them to lie to you so they do not disobey my orders, you should be ashamed of yourself."

He saw that Clarissa had no idea what he was talking about and was on the verge of tears at his harsh words.

"Find something warm to wear and I will escort you to the stables so you can talk to Thunder and you must tell him that I have your permission to ride him each morning and we will ride past your window so you can see him each morning, if all goes well and you behave yourself we can increase your visits but absolutely no riding."

 

[Opensesame54321]

It seemed that Bea had no sooner helped her back into bed before Roger seemed to burst into the room, and in three large strides had crossed over to the bed. Towering over her he began to scold her like she was some wayward child.

Have you no care for how your servants love you? Forcing them to lie to you so they do not disobey my orders, you should be ashamed of yourself.

What was he talking about? Her face started to screw up and for the first time since she was a child, she thought that she would cry. Why was he so angry? Who had lied? Bea? About what? When Roger spoke again, his manner was much calmer.

Find something warm to wear and I will escort you to the stables so you can talk to Thunder and you must tell him that I have your permission to ride him each morning and we will ride past your window so you can see him each morning, if all goes well and you behave yourself we can increase your visits but absolutely no riding.

“Oh!!! I love you!” Her response was immediate and the most enthusiasm that Roger had seen for some time now. She started scrambling out of bed despite Roger trying to calm her down and when he was in reach of her, Clarissa threw her arms around him, kissing Roger repeatedly all over his face in a flurry of little pecks.

“Thank you Thank you Thank you!” She finally found his lips and kissed him long and hard and his arms automatically went around her waist. When finally she broke the kiss Roger seemed happy too.

Before he could stop her Clarissa rushed over to ring for Bea but he managed to catch up with his wife and stop her, promising to help her dress. For the next half hour they searched through her clothes. She really wanted to wear her old scruffy riding pants and top but Roger was quick to point out that they were entirely too fitted and certainly would not accommodate her starting to show tummy.

Finally they found an old worn dress that would work this time, though the thing was very snug and would certainly not accommodate her much longer. She would just have to make sure that the hem of her dress didn’t drag through any manure.

Poor Roger was busy trying to keep her calm and quiet and get her dressed. After a while he was probably starting to wish that he had told her no. But Clarissa was more like a force of nature, with Roger constantly reminding her to take it easy and Clarissa hurrying up.

Once dressed, the trip just down the stairs was work. Clarissa was so happy to be getting outside after having been kept in bed for so long. It seemed to her that almost every other word out of her husband’s mouth was a word of caution. She certainly understood the caution but to tell the truth, she felt fine. She found that she longed to run around and fling her arms out and embrace the outdoors. She longed to rush out to the stables and jump on Thunder’s back and ride the stallion hard until the wind pulled this sick room smell from her nostrils.

All along the way, various staff and servants would stop their work and give a curtsy or bow and wish her a good day. More than one would cut their eyes down to her tummy, noting the ever so slight show of her condition. They would smile and seemed happy that she was up and about.

Bea ran along behind Clarissa and Roger, trying her best to make sure that she was there should she be needed. Already she had plans to open all the bedroom windows when they were back upstairs. Her Ladyship seemed to be more of her old self, excitable and cheerful though it looked to her as if the Master had his hands full.

Roger kept a firm grip around her waist and she became even more excited as the stables came into view. And standing out in front was James holding tight to Thunder’s reins.

What happened next was amazing. Thunder saw her and took off galloping towards the approaching group. What was actually amusing was that the horse starting to drag James, who tried to control the Stallion but gave up once he wound up on the ground. Turning loose of the reins, the horse came barreling towards her, a wild look in his eyes. Clarissa felt Roger’s grip tighten around her waist but she whispered to him, It’s all right.

It seemed impossible but the horse stopped mere inches from her. She reached out her hand and pet the soft nose and Thunder snorted into it before sniffing it. Happy to see her, Thunder carefully nuzzled her and she threw her arms around his neck.

“I’m okay, boy. I’m okay. Good boy.” The smell of him filled her nostrils, of horse and sweat and leather. He snorted and seemed glad to see her and the horse was incredibly gentle with Clarissa.

 

[cumnchat]

'Find something warm to wear and I will escort you to the stables so you can talk to Thunder and you must tell him that I have your permission to ride him each morning and we will ride past your window so you can see him each morning, if all goes well and you behave yourself we can increase your visits but absolutely no riding.

It was as though lightning had struck, Clarissa's face lit up as if she could hardly believe her ears

Oh!!! I love you!'

If Roger needed further affirmation of that Clarissa threw her arms around him, kissing him repeatedly all over his face in a flurry of little pecks.

'Thank you Thank you Thank you!' She finally found his lips and kissed him long and hard and his arms automatically went around her waist. When finally she broke the kiss Roger seemed happy too.

"I must treat you more often my dear," Wishing that he had not said they were going straight away as Clarissa's body pressed close to him had lit a fire inside him that would need to be quenched soon. After a hunt through Clarissa's multitude of dresses they finally found one that would fit her reasonably well if a little tight.

The walk was almost a trot as Clarissa was wildly excited and kept wanting to run on ahead but Roger kept a tight grip on her and restrained her,

"Time is not of the essence my love, Thunder will still be there when we arrive and will not disappear in a puff of smoke." Roger chided her gently, he was so happy to see her happy and thought perhaps he had been too severe in restricting her to her bed for so long, but time would tell.

The stables came into view and sure enough there was James holding Thunder's reins, to everyone's surprise Thunder seemed to sense Clarissa's presence, his ears pricked up and he gave a short whinny and began charging towards them, James had no chance of holding him and after being pulled over he wisely let go.

Roger was prepared to stand in Thunder's way to protect Clarissa but she assured him that she was perfectly safe. Sure enough Thunder halted his charge and Clarissa stretched out a hand to pet his big soft nose, to which he snorted and sniffed, unable to restrain herself any longer Clarissa threw her arms around his neck talking excitedly while Roger and Bea who had followed at a distance stood back smiling at the reunion,

"Dear Bea, I fear that your mistress will be spending a great deal of time down here now, it seems to have cheered her no end."

Suddenly he put his arm around Clarissa waist and gave her a stern look but then spoke gently to her,

" No, no, no do not even think about riding him, we have an agreement, you persuade Thunder to let me ride him and give him a good run each morning and you can come down and groom him when we return."

 

[Opensesame54321]

Thunder was certainly glad to see her, the huge beast suddenly as tame and gentle as could be. Did he know if she carried a child? If he did he must have known it before the doctor told them. They had told her that the stallion had practically stood guard over her when she had fainted and fallen from his back, and the fact that she had fallen in tall, lush grass instead of hard ground had protected her and the baby.

Gradually she became aware of Roger’s arm around her waist, and the stern look that he gave her made her suspect that he was going to scold her. Yet when he spoke, it was in a firm yet gentle tone, letting her know that he would brook no arguments.

No, no, no do not even think about riding him, we have an agreement, you persuade Thunder to let me ride him and give him a good run each morning and you can come down and groom him when we return.

She nodded however hesitantly and whispered against Thunder’s ear. She knew that this would not be easy and she tried to stay calm and keep Thunder calm too.

James had already saddled the stallion and she well knew that the horse sorely needed to be ridden. He had grown used to not being ridden once a month for several days while she was on her monthly. But this time it had been about 3 weeks and the horse was itching to run. And she needed to impart that to Roger.

“Dear, you need not ever have to use your heels on him. T’will only anger him. That is what father did and he almost broke his leg. Once he becomes used to you, the further forward that you lean, the faster he runs. Though right now, the important thing is to get him to let you on his back.”

She held the horse’s head and spoke softly to him, saying words that she had told him all the stallion’s life.

*****

He nuzzled her. She was his whole life. She understood him and his need to run. His need for her.

The man’s horse, the pretty thing that they called Cloudy, was sweet and certainly just the thing for a dalliance after a bucket of oats and a nice currying, for what stallion would turn down the chance to mount her and leave his seed inside of her. But once all was said and done, the woman understood him and his needs.

Yet now, his master spoke words that were strange. He wanted her to climb up on his back and together they would ride like the wind. To let the smells of the earth rush through his nostrils - of earth and leaves and bark and sweet grass. Of fox and bird and hound and man. And yet, in a crowd he would be able to find her. HER!

She stood talking and petting but he felt the saddle fill with a weight more than her. Oh, not that he could not carry it for he was strong and could easily carry more. The woman was light, like the wind that they sought to outrun. Light like the feather of the bird the flies high. This had to be the man.

He laid his ears back and would have kicked and bit and rushed to knock off the figure, but she was in the way, and he would never harm her. Still his ears stayed back, ready for the chance to rid himself of the man.

*****

Clarissa noted how Thunder’s ears drew back, and knew that Roger may be in for a bad ride. She continued to quietly talk to the horse, trying to keep him calm while Roger sat on the horse’s back.

“Love, he is not happy. Do you wish to continue or get down and try again tomorrow?”

 

[cumnchat]

Roger could tell by the way that Thunder's ears lay flat that the stallion was not happy about him being being astride his back. The stallion was tense and seemed to be preparing to kick and buck, he thanked his lucky stars that Clarissa was there holding Thunder's head and talking to him.

'Love, he is not happy. Do you wish to continue or get down and try again tomorrow?'

"I can see that he is not happy, 'tis unsurprising as you are the only person who has ever ridden him, you have an affinity with him that unfortunately not too many people have with their animals. You talk to him and he listens that is clear so please tell him that I wish him no harm and he must put up with me until you are well enough to ride him yourself. Perhaps if you told him the reason you cannot go galloping over hill and dale he will see that I am only a temporary nuisance and only wish to let him stretch his legs, maybe he would be more at ease if Cloudy came with us, James can ride Cloudy and wait for us while Thunder shows his paces and if you are well enough you can be here when we return to groom him, I'm sure he would like that just as I enjoy you washing me when we bathe."

Roger gave a cheeky grin and a broad wink at that thought.

"I do not expect miracles so if you feel up to it why don't you hold his bridle and walk us round the yard a couple of times, but you must promise me that you will tell me if it becomes too much."

 

[Opensesame54321]

I do not expect miracles so if you feel up to it why don't you hold his bridle and walk us round the yard a couple of times, but you must promise me that you will tell me if it becomes too much.

Clarissa nodded as she continued to talk to Thunder. The stallion felt like a volcano waiting to erupt and she feared that just turning loose of him might result in harm or death to Roger or Thunder, or both of them.

Keeping right beside the horse’s head, she continued to talk to him, petting and assuring him that this was just temporary until after the baby was born. Still holding the cheek piece of the bridle, she began to walk Thunder, talking to him all the while.

“Boy, this is just for a while. You know that it has to be important or I would be up there on your back, racing the wind. But you know Roger. He loves you too. He will let you race and stretch your legs. Please be a good boy and let him ride. And remember that I love you.”

Holding the cheek piece, she gave his cheek a kiss and the horse snorted and seemed to nod his head. Eventually his ears had come back up and she began to think that this was going to work. After a bit, she stopped and Thunder bent his head down so she could whisper in his ear.

“And thank you for saving my life. I love you.”

Tears filled her eyes, and as if he understood, Thunder nuzzled her face, his soft hair wet as she hugged him.

“He should let you ride. But he doesn’t go slow very often. If you lean over more until you are used to each other, you can take the speed better.”

She kept her hand on Thunder’s head and looked up into her husband’s eyes, so in love with him at this moment. It was wonderful of him to do this - to go to all this trouble for Thunder. She placed her other hand on his leg and told him, “Dear, I love you so much. Thank you for doing this for me, and Thunder.”

Out of the corner of her eye she could see James on Cloudy patiently waiting. With one last assurance to the horse, she stepped back and waited.