Chapter Six
1392 Words
Chapter Six
The next day for Elise dawned bright and early, thank you to the Lord above who made sure she didn't have to see her cursed husband's face first thing in the morning.
He was not in the room and she couldn't be more happier.
With new resolve and stubborn determination she decided to be what her new husband wanted her to be and her nothing less than good in laws expected of her; to be the mistress of the house. Something she was good at. He had violated her, treated her like she was one of those women of easy virtue and most sadly he had never apologized properly.
The arrogance of the man!
But she knew husbands had it in their minds that silly notion that they could use their wives whenever they deemed appropriate and it was their right to do so? Ha! What pseudo thinking was that?
She didn't believe on all that hogwash.
Nor will she ever.
There was a knock on the door and she granted permission to the person on the other side.
A young girl who looked about fifteen came in carrying a breakfast tray.
"Morning to you milady, here's some food to break yer fast. Is there anything you need me for, milady? Just ask milady. Do you need me lay out your clothes milady? Will you be wanting apple nectar? Oh, dear I'm rambling again, I'm so sorry milady." She recognized the Irish lilt instantly, Elise's face brightened and her day just got better. The girl had all the enthusiasm of a new born puppy, she was all over the place righting this and that, Elise laughed gleefully and gave her a affectionate pet, she was already fond of her. She was from home.
"What's your name, lassie?" She questioned, the girl gave a dazzling smile, "I am Lizzy, milady. And I'll be a good maid." Lizzy had heard their new Queen was a English woman and God Almighty, she was! Lizzy hopped before hurrying to kiss her hands, "I'm so glad I have someone from home! Milady! It's dreadful here!" Lizzy's eyes filled. "Don't tell that to the Jarl."
"Lizzy don't you worry, I'm here now. Nothing to worry about. And I shall not." Elise gave the girl a reassuring smile and Lizzy's mood lightened, theatrically she whispered in her ear, "I hate your Jarl too." Lizzy stifled a giggle. "Nay, Milady, he's kind." Elise ignored what Lizzy said.
"Yer good indeed, now Lizzy see here I need your help."
And with that Elise started setting her schedule. She'll show that stupid Viking. She'll show that monster.
"I need to wake up early."
"Ye shall call all the servants in my attendance so I'll know the faces."
"Tis' sad that there are no flowers in the garden, I will plant some immediately."
"The cook and I will have a session."
"The cleaning maids and I must discuss the condition of the furs. They need a more thorough washing."
"I need some gowns so if you people are having a seamstress in yer village, ye must call her."
"Lizzy and I need to see yer doctor. Must."
She donned a beautiful gown that screamed it's cost. Elise took her place in the big hall and waited for her meetings, her mother in law and sister in law had supported her decision with great gusto, there was her gullible and adoring personality to thank for that. Elise tried not to let bad memories overcome her determination room demean Thorkel, she was trying to make a life here so when she escaped she would do so with the element of surprise.
"Child, I really appreciate what you do here with this castle. My bones have gone weak and I..." Mother had a grateful expression on her face, she finished her sentence in norse which Erika translated for her. As long as she was here, Elise vowed, she'd be good to these two women. They were kind people.
"Would you know where my husband is?" She asked the question only because she wanted to avoid him at all costs.
"Oh, he's at the grounds. The neighboring Jarl might have supper with us." Erika blushed and stammered. Elise knew that look! Dear.
Interesting.
"And this Jarl? Who might that be?" Elise raised a eyebrow and winked at her.
"Oh...uh...um he..." The poor girl visibly jumped, Elise would have continued the conversation but the great halls opened. The hair on her nape spiked and a eerie silence descended in the room.
A lady graced in fine clothes moved in and took purposeful strides towards her, she knew that pose and Elise forgot all jesting too, chin tilted and back straight like a bowstring, Elise took the posture of the lady of the Manor.
"So this is the Saxon woman your son has disgraced us by marrying?" The woman who Elise could say once was very attractive threw the accusation at her mother in law. Her seething and snarling making her ugly beyond words.
"Petra...." Abbe didn't get to finish her sentence, her new daughter interrupted, "I see that in your grooming, manners were overlooked. I'm Elise, Lady Of Cheshire and now Lady Of Ragnavaldson Manor, which I must inform ye your standing in so I'd suggest ye to keep your voice down with my mother and with me or that's the door, you can leave." She made a arrow of her arm that pointed towards the large gold doors, her eyes didn't waver and her tone didn't soften.
She looked right on into the older woman's eyes.
She heard gasps and snickers but she saw two blonde belles move forward indignantly. Their faces a unattractive red.
"How dare you speak to our mother like that!" The first one had a long braid swinging by her shoulder, the other one had a braid crown. They were well endowed and their hourglass figures swayed with their movements.
"I'm your Jarl's wife." With cool control, Elise stated.
She saw their mouths open and close, their mouths tightening. Their also eyes widened and for a moment Elise thought she might shout like a toddler who couldn't have her own way.
"Liar. Where is Thorkel, I will speak to him!" The woman ran outside the hall. Elise just pursued her lips. Well, that sure went well. So Thorkel had jilted a bride by marrying her? Spoke for his character, that sure did. And for his taste as well. Elise grimaced.
She stole a glance at the older woman and she looked as if everything that was happening around her was disbelieving. Shock had her stunned to her core and all her freckles popped out.
Then Elise observed that this had happened since she had announced she was Lady of The Manor.
The other sister was also looking at her with exposed hostility.
"Your son broke the betrothal.....he was to marry my daughter!" Alas the woman shrieked and sadly lunged for her face. Elise felt the burn of the woman's nails and stopped herself from showing pain. People pushed her off but Elise's temper wasn't tampering down now. She hadn't taken care of one of England's biggest estates by being a ninny and simpering debutante. If she didn't show this woman her place, that mercy would come back to bite her in her rear.
Everything that happened within the week boiled together like water evaporating into nothing, she sent her apologies to God before dumping her dessert on the woman.
"Throw her out to where are pigs reside, Now." She knew this action would have consequences but to her surprise the good slave obeyed. The daughter by now was shouting at her in a very unladylike manner.
To her shock her sister in law and mother in law laughed.
She also smiled then joined them.
Strange family. She'd been expected their outrage.
"One daughter of hers was to marry Leif and the other was to marry Thorkel. She must have thought Thorkel wouldn't break the tradition so it must have been Lief but her worst nightmare came true. She's my aunt and we all despise her." Erika explained everything to her. It looked as if both of them were glad Thorkel didn't marry their relative. Oh but Elise wasn't.
Well, he will be all yers once I disappear, Elise silently thought.
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- Writer
