She says nothing

Charlotte walked swiftly through the woods, the trail she followed had once been a well-traveled path when the surrounding villages had been fully populated with farmers working their fields. Now, after so many of the younger generation had fled the homes of their fathers to make their way in the great industrial cities, the once thriving villages were half empty and the farm-land had been turned over to pastures for sheep. It was just as well, Charlotte knew that the high price of English wool was a far more profitable way to use the land than the old small plot farms that her grandfather oversaw, but she found the abandoned cottages with their peeling paint and missing thatching depressing.

She was almost out of the old forest when she heard the sounds of searchers looking for her. Charlotte lay down on the old road and pretended to be ****, it was a cowardly decision but she could think of nothing better under the circumstances. Once she had an opportunity to think over the terrifying encounter she would still be able to tell her father everything she knew if she chose to. Less than a minute after she arranged herself on the soft pine needles she heard the shouts of surprise and fear as the searchers saw her still form lying on the forest floor.

“Lady Marlton!” A strong voice called her name. Opening her eyes slightly she saw the broad shoulders of the village smith - Jackson or Johnson or something like that. Deliberately she rolled her eyes up and slumped again into the muscled arms of the smith noting as she did the strong scent of charcoal and sweat. Soon a rough stretcher was rigged, the smith gently lowered her onto the frame and a rough cloak was tucked around her shoulders covering most of her body. Charlotte heard one of the search party sent ahead with the good news and then felt the stretcher lifted and carried gently along the path.

By the time the search party had reached the old stone bridge in Marlton center they were joined by a throng of other well-wishers as the news of Charlotte’s safe return spread. Most of the voices belonged to the village folk, but she heard Jason Worthington and Priscilla Dunning push their way through the crowd flanking the stretcher. Priscilla rested her hand on Charlotte’s shoulder and Jase took the liberty of kissing her cheek and brow before urging the pair bearing the stretcher to be gentle with his beloved. Thankfully the cloak covered her hands as they clenched into fists outraged by the liberties that Jason was taking. It was nearly dinner time by the time she was placed on her bed and all but her aunts and maid were sent from the room.

She heard Aunt Elizabeth send Sarah to fetch the smelling salts and rather than wait for the foul smelling concoction she moaned softly and allowed her eyes to open slowly careful not to focus on anyone as she continued her pretense.

“Where am I?” She asked softly looking around in confusion and then moaning again placed her hand on her temple.

“You’re safe darling.” Aunt Jane assured her catching her hand and clasping it between her thin hands. “You’re safe at home in your own room.”

“Do you remember what happened, Dearest?” Aunt Elizabeth was as plump as Jane was lean but her words and eyes were sharply suspicious as she took in the torn dress and barely laced boots. It was almost like she could see through her clothing and take note of the missing small clothes and the swollen redness of her violated sex.

Charlotte decided again that the less she said the better. “I fell ... Copper landed awkwardly and I was ... jolted from my saddle.” Aunt Jane murmured in sympathy but Charlotte could see Elizabeth starting to form a follow up question. Deciding to deflect the questions that were sure to come she asked instead.

“Could I have some tea please?”