“Clare was born a few weeks after her father died. I am her godfather. Juliana, my wife, was her godmother. We would see Clare occasionally, when Eleanor would come here for feast days and the like. I was away at the emperor’s court when a messenger arrived here with the news that Eleanor was ill.I was to learn later that she had been caught in a downpour and took a chill, which turned to a fever. Despite the tension that had always existed between them, Juliana insisted it was her Christian duty to care for her cousin, so she left for the manor house. Perhaps if I had been here I might have dissuaded her. Still, her mission was to no avail, and Eleanor was dead within a couple of days. Tragically, Juliana was not far behind her. My wife contracted the same fever, and did not recover either.
“I returned to Richtenholst to find my household in confusion, my boys motherless, and an orphaned Clare awaiting me. The messenger who brought the news of their deaths had brought Clare to Richtenholst with him, a tiny girl aged just two. Up to that point I had left the parenting to Juliana. She was good at it and ran my household with an efficiency that left me in awe. Otto and Helena were doing all they could, but their new responsibilities in the wake of Juliana’s sudden demise were overwhelming. No one knew what Clare’s future might be, whether she would remain here or not, and I suppose she became lost in the chaos. Had I been here her security would have been confirmed at once and she would have been adopted into my family. By the time I arrived home, she was already withdrawn, a silent, timid little presence. As her godfather, it is my responsibility to care for her. I do my best but she is only now starting to regain her confidence and she is easily upset.”
“You are a good father.”
“I try to be, though I confess it is not always easy. I am improving with practice.”
“I will help, my lord.”
I scan Tally’s features, and I am somewhat surprised to see tears in her eyes. She is clearly moved by Clare’s story, and I hope this bodes well for their future relationship. I cannot demand genuine affection between my wife and my adopted child, but that will not deter me from hoping.
“I know, and I appreciate it. I will welcome your aid with Clare. She is not an easy child, but I have sworn to care for her, and I will.”
“That is very kind of you, especially as she is not a blood relative.”
“You are not the first to offer such an observation, and it never fails to baffle me. I am not Clare’s sire, but she is my responsibility as I was the liege lord of her parents. Her father died in my service, her mother was related by marriage. I swore to Sir Edmund that I would care for his family and I intend to keep my word.” I meet her gaze, and hold it. “You need to understand, Tally, I will protect those who rely on me. This includes you now. All my children are very dear to me, my sons and this little girl who ended up in my care. Mine is a close family and as my wife you will be at the heart of it. I will not insist you love my children as I do, I realise that would be futile. But in time, perhaps you might grow close.”
“I apologise. I meant no offence. It is just that…” Her words trail off, though I wonder if perhaps she has more to say on the matter. I wait, but nothing is forthcoming. I trust I have made my position clear as far as my children are concerned. Now, it is time for a shift in the mood.
“I will send for Helena soon, to take Clare to her chamber. Then you and I may retire, Tally.”
My bride’s startled expression suggests she has not forgotten my promise to redden her bottom at the first opportunity. I know what she is anticipating, a hard spanking followed by an equally hard fucking. A pleasant enough prospect to be sure, but not exactly what I have in mind.
As my cock starts to stir in readiness, my need for Helena becomes more urgent. It is one of the qualities of a fine servant that she would anticipate her lord’s needs and Helena does not disappoint. I get to my feet, Clare still cradled in my arms, at the very moment the cook appears from the kitchens. She hurries over to my side.
“Ah, the poor little poppet. She must be exhausted. Shall I take her, my lord?”
“Thank you.” I relinquish my burden. “See her safe to bed. And Helena, would you assign a maid to watch over her for the next few weeks. If she awakens in the night and has a wish to go wandering around, I prefer that she does not do so unescorted. And she is to have a light.”
“Of course, my lord. Mathilde will be well suited to the task. I will see to it.”
I wait until the pair have disappeared up the narrow staircase before turning my attention back to my two sons, bickering as ever.
“You two should seek your beds also. I expect to see both of you out in the courtyard soon after first light tomorrow. I will be ready to inspect your progress with the sword and the longbow so I hope your performance lives up to your boasts earlier.”
I have had this conversation with my sons on many occasions and I know what is to come. I halt the answering rush of enthusiastic assurances with a raised hand. “Enough. Let your actions speak for you. Now, ‘tis late so away to your chamber.”
They know when not to press me further. Both get to their feet and start to make their way across the hall, after Helena. Halfway to the staircase Fabian stops. He turns, then rushes back to fling his arms around my neck.
“I missed you so much. I am pleased you are home.”
I fear my attempt at a stern demeanour slips a little as I hug him in return. “It is good to be back, my son. Though you and I still need to have a conversation about what you said to your cousin. You know how timid Clare is, how easily frightened. I rely on you and Alex to take care of her when I cannot be here.”
“I never meant to upset her. But itwasyour favourite mirror. It belonged to our mother.”
“I appreciate that. But as your mother would have been the first to point out, things can be replaced. People cannot. Clare is a part of our family now and we must all take care of her. Will you help me with that?”
Fabian nods, earning himself a final pat between the shoulder blades.
“Off with you. I will see you in the morning. Do not be late.” He scampers after this brother. I watch him trot across the hall and cannot conceal my smile. He is a good lad and I am proud of my children, all of them.
But now, I am at last alone at the table with Tally.
“I meant what I said. I will help, with Clare I mean. I thought perhaps I might clean the mirrors with her in the morning. Otto must have other matters to occupy him.” She is smiling at me, her expression uncertain, as though she still doubts her place here. I aim to dispel those fears. But first…
“I expected nothing less but still I am pleased to hear you say it. I am sure Otto will appreciate the help and I want you to get to know Clare. Now though, I think I should make you acquainted with our bedchamber.” I lean in, my next words are intended for her ears alone. “How is your bottom, sweetheart? Not still sore I trust?”
Her face flushes, the redness creeping from her neck upwards. I love it when she does that. My cock swells in my chausses at the mere anticipation of seeing that gorgeous bottom displayed for my punishment once more. Soon. Very soon.
