Lashed into One

Chapter 19: Lashed into One

It was not usual to have to travel several hours to church for your wedding but such was the bride’s father’s demand. Caroline had made a trip to Whitby with Fanny the previous week and Francis had arrived with the wedding and bridesmaids’ dresses the previous night. Everyone but Nathaniel was very excited and the house was to be deserted for the first time since they moved in. At Castleton the 4 family members entered their coach, while Fanny and Francis followed behind with the cart.

As they approached the drawbridge over the river the eyes of one twin, the witness to the flogging, stared from her side at the ruined abbey on the hill whereas the other gazed at the harbour, the boats and out to the sea. Within the most exhilarating day of their lives so far this was the moment which reflected their different futures. They followed their sister and father in his best frock suit dressed in their luxurious green satin outfits into the Church of St Mary, passing the graveyard that would later become famous through Bram Stoker.

But this was Caroline’s day. She looked resplendent in her elaborately decorated golden wedding dress and glided down the aisle to many complements and whispers, although truthfully they were mainly about her sisters. Her hair was powdered to be even more golden than usual. She thought her father looked ever so handsome with his blue eyes and his golden mane. Then Thomas turned to look at her also dressed in a stunning gold and cream coat with matching waistcoat and white neck ruffles. His dark hair was only lightly powdered.

After the ceremony, which ran smoothly, the newly married couple led a procession of several coaches to The Fox and Hounds Inn in Ainthorpe, a short walk from Castleton, where a hearty meal awaited the guests. The remains of the Hawksby family sat at the table with the newly formed Squires family and the Viscount of Thirsk, who found that he actually got on well with Nathaniel. For the first time since they were little girls the daughters were actually allowed to speak with men. The other set of twins, Fanny and Francis, were sat at a table with coachmen, Andrew and Bernard, at which the conversation was rather coarser.

Michael had by this time recognised Fanny from all those years ago in Whitby and when he gave his toned down speech, there was a knowing glance made in a sly reference to the incident only those 2 remembered. He would probably tell Bernard about that later. Sadly for the driver who had taken a shine to the maid, she had other duties to perform that night. Although some drinking of **** was allowed, a few stares from Nathaniel ensured nothing got out of hand.

The Hawksbys returned home enlivened with Fanny, but most of the rest of the wedding party were staying at the inn. The exceptions were Thomas, Caroline and Andrew. The bride had insisted she wanted to spend her wedding night in her new home. Even when the husband had pointed out the dangers of travelling the moors in the dark, she told him now they were married nothing bad could happen to them.

They made one stop at The Lion, just to let the horses drink, but otherwise sped at a great pace to Gillamoor Court. Andrew stopped at the gatehouse partly so the staff could greet their new mistress but mainly to pick up the maid so she could make them a hot beverage as they warmed up in front of the fire.

“I never dreamt you had such a home. Weren’t you lonely? I mean, yes we are cut off, but there’s 5 of us.”

“4 of you now. The jewel has been prized away.”

Caroline blushed just as she had at their first meeting. “I’m warm now. Can I take my dress off? What about the serving girl?”

“She won’t come unless I summon her.” Thomas replied indicating a bell. “Let me help you undress.”

The outer layer came off and then the petticoat until she was left with only the stay, the shift and the golden silk stockings brought especially for the wedding with garters made of golden thread. If had been the custom at the time Thomas would have thought it inopportune to remove them under Nathaniel’s watching eye, and in any case her stockings would gradually have rolled down.

“What about the stay?” she requested.

“I like the thought of restrai … you being restrained” He had nearly said “restraining women” but checked himself in time.

“So do I, but last time I fainted.”

He sat up from caressing her “Really, what happened?”

“Oh I cannot tell you.”

“Sorry you are married now. A wife must have no secrets from her husband … if she truly loves him.”

“Please, Thomas, don’t make me tell you.”

“Just for tonight, I will not press you.” He soothed as his hand wandered up her stocking.

She turned her back and he undid her stay. Immediately it was off, he grabbed her and climbed on top.

“No, no, not here. Anyway you are still dressed.”

She took off all his upper clothing leaving him bare chested as she ran her fingers through his hair and on to his torso. He bent over to kiss her hands landing on her breasts as he did so.

“Oh Thomas, carry me to bed.”