Author's Note #1: Before I hear about the ages of the two protagonists in my story, I want to remind those reading the story that this is mid-eighteen century. At this time young ladies were married and with children by the time they were Jane's age. Noblewomen Maura's age were either married or engaged. So, I don't want to hear about how young the two young women are.
You have to know that the average life expectancy of white females in America in 1850 was 40.5 years old and 38.3 for white males. Compare that to the average life expectancy of white females today of 81.2 years old, a bit more than twice that of 1850. This extrapolates to mean a 21 year old of today would be 10.45 in 1850, which is the main reason everyone had to grow up faster then than now. By the way, the numbers come from the United States Census of 1850 and 2010.
#2: A short discourse on accents, the Texas Twang had not developed at the time my narrative takes place. Texas was a pioneer area at this time consisting of pioneers from the East. In Texas's case they mainly came from Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee and Kentucky. In Jane's particular case, her accent is a combination of Louisiana Creole/Cajun from her parents, Georgia from Korsak and Tennessee from the Wakefield Brothers; all of whom had a hand in raising young Jane. I tried hard to balance out the three differing accents. You notice lexicon from all three. I debated substituting the 'd' sound for all 'th' sounds, as per Cajun dialect, but decided against it. I hope this clears up why I choose the dialect I chose. Please also note that sometimes Jane forgets her accent. Her obsession with books has given her a wider vocabulary than she wants to admit. She tries to stay within her jumble dialect, but sometimes fails when she is trying to make her intellectual points. This is going to become a plot point in this chapter. I had already written the dialect conversation in this chapter before I read the review on my misuse of accent. Funny huh?
I hope this heads off all the comments about the young age of the two protagonists of my story.
Chapter 9: Road to London
After Doyle finished his tale of sorrow and happiness, of love and hate, he said, "Now ya kin why we must keep the Baron away from his granddaughter."
Jane didn't understand why the obviously loving father kept this love a secret from his daughter, so she asked, "Why don't y'all tell y'all's daughter? She should know."
Doyle tried to explain, "Ya gots ta keep our secret. She kint know cause the girl will wont to tell everybody and I'm a man wit a lot of enemies, who woult prey on her ta git ta me."
The rowdy Texan understand protecting those you love from your enemies and agreed, "Alrait, I'll kep ya secret, but y'all gots to promise me that y'all tell her iffin it comes up."
Doyle nodded his consent and asked, "Now, tell me about ya and me daughter. I know bout Lady Constance and her whore. Ere ya ruining me daughter?"
Calling the sweet Gina a whore was too much for the sensitive Texan and she was across the desk with a knife to the surprised smuggler's throat before he realized the girl had even moved, as she warned, "Mister, y'all gots two seconds to apologize about Miss Gina or I's gonna end this here conversation now."
Still in shock about the viciousness and swiftness of the attack, the veteran killer desperately tried to recall his words, so he asked to stall for time, "Wat did I say?"
Hugh chuckled and interjected, "Ya called Miss Gina a whore and I think Jane took offense ta it. I would apologize iffin I war ya cause she won't back down and I wouldn't wont her to. I like Miss Gina, too."
Doyle stammered, "I apologize about that, but I won't apologize about knowin whether ya've despoiled my daughter."
Blood began to trickle down the cut that the sharp blade was inflecting on the Irishman's neck, as the dangerous Texan growled, "Y'all're tryin my patience, Mister. I ain't done more than kiss her, but that's between her and me. Iffin y'all wont more say then tell her who y'all is and I'll listen. I won't heed y'all none, but I wilt listen."
Hugh was afraid of where this was heading. He had seen this hardened killer in action. The dark American had killed four men today and fifth wasn't beyond her. So the diplomatic bodyguard interrupted, "Mr. Doyle, Lady Isles's in love with this beautiful young woman and'd not take kindly ta ya interference even if she knew ya war her father."
Doyle's mind struggled with his morality until self-preservation, as he responded, "I'm sorry. I'd no idea how me daughter felt boutcha. I kint say I approve, but I've no rait ta interfere. But hear me Girlie Girl, if ya hurt me daughter or threaten me agin, I'll keel ya."
Jane removed her knife and placed it back in her scabbard. The agile fighter leaped from the table and smiled as she replied, "Mister, y'all open the ball and I'll finish the dance."
***SE***
Lady Maura sat quietly as she listened to Jane and Hugh explain what was happening. Not for a moment did the honey blonde believe the attack came from Patrick Doyle. The dark Irishman had been a longtime friend of her father and had operated with his total blessing.
The name Martine meant nothing to the young noblewoman. However, the fact that he was French triggered long held suspicions. So the teenage heiress said, "I have an idea why this man wants me. My father operated an extensive espionage ring in France. The information he gathered was to help the Queen in her dealings with Louis-Napoleon. I have continued to operate the agents.
I have recently confirmed that Louis-Napoleon has designs on Mexico. He is looking for a way to neutralize the United States. The Monroe Doctrine would force the United States to come to the aid of Mexicans. Together they are more than a match for the French.
However, should the United States somehow be neutralize, then Mexico would be vulnerable. I have been endeavoring to uncover how they plan to do it."
France's plans for Mexico peaked Jane's interest, "Y'all mean that the Frenchies wont to take Mexico. Mexico has fought Texas twict. I don't like that at all. I need to write Pa a letter on this."
***SE***
Letters were still difficult to deliver quickly and the best that could be done was for the letter to be sent with the next Isles ship leaving for America, which was going to Savannah, Georgia. From there a messenger was to take the letter to Big Frank overland by the quickest route. Jane was beside herself in worry over what was happening at home, while as she put was lounging about.
Maura didn't want her friend to leave, but could see no way of keeping the wild Texan, if she didn't want to stay. The only scheme, the teenage blonde could conceive was to make the lovely brunette want to stay with her for a least a little longer. The inexperienced teenager just wasn't sure as how to accomplish the task.
The other thing that needed to be taken care of was going to London to find out more about this Martine person. Jane wanted to find the man and end it. The less violent heiress explained, "Jane, we need to find out what the man knows before we do anything rash. Honey, I need you to promise me that you will consider your actions before you act. This is England, not the unsettled America. You are the product of where you were born and raised. The violence in you is what had made you strong and served you well in the wild untamed lands of pioneer country, but here in England I know what is best to achieve what we want. Will you give me a chance and if my methods are not enough, then you may do what you think is best? Will you do this for me, please?"
The violent brunette knew more about the situation than her friend did, but was bound by oaths not to reveal everything, so there was no way to tell the young teen that finding all the answers would only cause her pain. The tall Texan didn't want this small young woman to know pain in any fashion. So, the cautious older teen replied, "Alritty, I'll do her fer y'all, but iffin I think I has ta, I'll step in and finish the ball."
***SE***
That night after dinner, Maura went to her friend's room and stared at the door summoning the nerve to enter the room and do what she had planned on doing. The lonely shy young woman didn't want her dearest friend to run back to America just yet. So, the lovely teenager had donned her best and sexiest night dress and wondered the halls trying to find the courage to ignite the plan.
The frightened heiress wasn't sure her friend would be receptive to romance. The indications were there and the young Texan had raced across the world to get to her, but was the wild American ready for more than friendship. If the young noblewoman were a man, she knew that there would be no impediment, but the honey blonde was all woman; as was the beautiful American.
The question that haunted her was whether her advances would be welcome or scorned. Would the vital brunette be so offended as to reject the serious young noblewoman completely? That fear was paralyzing her when she needed resolve.
It was Gina, who determined what was to come. The older woman was on her way to the young heiress's mother's room, when they encountered each other before Jane's door. The vibrant Frenchwoman asked, "Pourquoi attendez-vous l'enfant de mon coeur ?" (Why do you wait child of my heart?)
The anxious young woman answered, "Je suis incertain que ce soit la bonne action. Je ne souhaite pas perdre mon ami en faisant la chose fausse." (I am unsure that this is the right action. I do not wish to lose my friend by doing the wrong thing.)
The gentle mother sagely said, "Avez-vous vu comment elle vous regarde ? Que la fille est ainsi dans l'amour avec vous elle a peur de vous perdre qu'elle est de perdre sa propre vie. Je n'ai jamais vu un amour comme le sien et moi vous connaissent sentir les mêmes. Votre mère et moi ont fait beaucoup d'erreurs en nos vies, mais l'admission de notre amour n'était jamais l'une d'entre elles."(Have you not seen how she looks at you? That girl is so in love with you she is more afraid of losing you than she is of losing her own life. I have never seen a love like hers and I know you feel the same. Your mother and I have made many mistakes in our lives, but confessing our love was never one of them.)
The scared teenager asked timidly, "Que devrait je ?" (What should I?)
The kindly soul replied, "Il y a seulement une chose à faire. Vous devez entrer là et lui dire que vous sentez et laissez vos émotions vous porter chacun des deux à où vous voulez être. Si Jane étaient un mâle, y aurait-il un doute ? Non, vous l'épouseriez et avez laissé tout se produire comme il faudrait. Mais parce qu'elle est une femme, vous hésitez. Ne laissez pas votre crainte détruire votre coeur." (There is only one thing to do. You must go in there and tell her how you feel and let your emotions take you both to where you want to be. If Jane were a male, would there be any doubt? No, you would marry her and let everything happen as it should. But because she is a woman, you hesitate. Don't let your fear destroy your heart.)
Maura no longer had any doubts as to what needed to be done. The young heiress set her soul and knocked on the bedroom door. Her heart fluttered as she heard, "Come on in. The door's open."
***SE***
Maura shut the door as she entered and stood shyly at the closed doorway. Jane was sitting in her bed dressed lovely in a satin nightgown with the covers gently around her. The beautiful young woman had been reading and looked so soft and glowing in the gas light. The lovely Texan asked, "Why ere y'all chere, Maura. Ain't y'all's maw gonna be mad at me fer y'all bein chere?"
The honey blonde's resolve began to melt and only fear kept her from dashing from the room. Fear of what the wild Texan would think, fear of losing her heart, fear of what Gina would think, fear of being afraid were all raging within her, but her biggest fear was the loneliness that would empty her if this lovely creature rejected her.
All that fear vanished, when the curly haired brunette said, "Come chere and set by me. I wonts to talk bout us. I'm skeered, but thar be no other way to do her."
Like the younger teen was being pulled by some invisible force, the panicky noblewoman edged toward the bed and sat where the dark American patted the bed. Then the equally frightened Texan declared, "I love y'all mo than I's ever loved anything afore. Y'all skeer me and I don't git skeered. I've been shot stabbed horned and bitten, but I always gits up. But y'all could put me down permanent. I knows it my heart, y'all could tell me to git and I'd git, but I'd jest go and die someplace alone."
All Maura's fears had been summed up in that simple heartfelt speech. The elegance of her words brought tears and enlightenment to the no longer lonely noblewoman. Tears flowed down her cheek as the honey blonde flung herself into the strong rancher's arms and said, "I feel the same way. I stood outside that door for the longest time trying to muster the courage to talk to you. Now, all I want to do is hold you and never let you go."
The two young women held each other for what seemed like an eternity. Then by mutual consent they broke the embrace and looked into each other's eyes. Jane tried to pull back the cover to let Maura under them, but with the honey blonde sitting on the blankets, there was no moving them. Catching on to what the lovely American wanted, the English noblewoman jumped up and jumped under the now upturned covers.
The strong hunter pulled the blonde beauty into her arms and kissed her with all the passion she could muster. The older teenager was totally inexperienced in what to do as the willing heiress opened her mouth in anticipation of the other's woman's tongue. The Englishwoman had seen this exchange many times and how read about its affects, but had never experienced it.
And she waited and waited and waited, without any lingual invasion. Finally, realizing that the older teen didn't know what to do, the brilliant heiress resolved to take action and pushed her tongue into the brunette's surprised mouth. The dark Texan trying to mimic the action pushed her tongue into the blonde's eager mouth.
Maura, seizing the initiative started suckling on the invading tongue. The sensation was glorious and soon the couple were wriggling and battling with their tongues in an effort to gain more pleasure. Jane's hand was the first to seek flesh as it involuntarily slipped inside the younger woman's night gown. Neither of them knew how the draws of her gown came undone, but the convenience of it was quickly exploited.
The tough rancher's rough and calloused hand kneaded the soft yielding flesh of the virginal noblewoman. A soft moan escaped the honey blonde's lips, only to be captured by the hungry brunette's waiting mouth. A strange and powerful flushness pulsed through the two teenagers.
Soon Jane's ties were loosened and soft tender hands began to return the lovely caresses. Moisture began to flow between the legs of both women. Instincts began to take hold of the young women, as they both began to explore each other's bosoms. Unable to contain the heat any longer, Jane slipped her nightgown over her head and tossed it to the floor. Maura's nightgown soon followed.
Maura hoarsely exclaimed, "I need to see you…all of you."
All the covers were thrown back and bloomers, shifts and stockings soon joined the nightgowns in a growing piled. The now naked women ogled each other's forms and hands, fingers and lips began to touch bare skin and heated parts.
A puddle of fluid formed in the silk sheets between Jane's legs. The wild Texan had never felt so much before and was quickly becoming overwhelmed by the emotions. Long ago, Maura had witnessed her mother stroking Gina between her legs and suddenly began to copy the action.
The blonde's long delicate fingers began to fondle the damp bare lips of the young woman vagina. The act set waves of pleasure racing through Jane's body as she arched her back and pushed off the bed with her toes. A deep groan echoed through the room.
Seeing the magnificent Texan's nipple stand erect caused the eager English noblewoman to capture one in her lips and teeth. This new sensation caused the tanned teenager to buck against the tweaking fingers. Unprepared for the action, made the young heiress's hand to drift and brush strongly against the Italian's swollen clitoris. A bolt of lightning boomed from the contact and the impassioned American shuttered at the glorious feel.
The honey blonde smiled as she asked, "Did you like that? Would you like me to do that again?"
The older teenager uttered only, "Yeah."
Not really knowing what she had done, the tender teen took the moist swollen bud between her thumb and forefinger and gently pinched it. The surge of passion in Jane exploded into a wave of carnal energy that vibrated through her. A second squeeze lifted the electrified young woman off the bed causing her to spasm with pleasure. Perspiration beaded down her body as the inflamed Texan's heels dug deeply into the bed.
Now, emboldened by the success of her actions, the blonde heiress replaced her fingers with her lips and tongue. The golden Englishwoman licked the length of the swollen nether lips ending at the bud of flesh concealed by them. Fluid poured from the throbbing American's core, as her hands knotted themselves in blankets and her mouth emitted moans of ecstasy.
The blonde lover captured the clit between her lips and massaged it; her tongue occasionally darting out and flicking the swollen flesh. Taking her forefinger, the honey blonde pushed into the wet hole up to the first knuckle. The small hole was tight but yielded to the slight pressure. It was all that the excited teen needed to reach her Nirvana, as Jane's body released all its stored sexual passion in one glorious climax, only to be followed by another, then another, then once more for emphasis.
The spent young woman collapsed in her bed with short panting breaths. Her satin sheets were damp and soiled by all her body fluids. Hazel eyes met chocolate ones and smiled, "I love you."
The lovely brunette weakly smiled back as she responded, "Y'all give me a second and I'll show y'all how much I kin learn."
***SE***
Jane rolled over and faced her new lover. With her left hand, the tough Texan began to lightly rubbed the golden heiress's swollen breast. The nipple tightened and grew hard from the action. The wild American leaned forward and captured the hardened flesh with her teeth and bit gently. Alternating between suckling the heaving breast and gently biting its swollen nipple, the brunette vixen was sending waves of pleasure throughout the English noblewoman's body.
Slowly the tanned Italian pink tongue trailed moisture from one breast to the other, where she started treating it to duplicate sensations. The honey blonde teen's breathing became short and panting, as her whole body began to react to the new stimulation.
The untamed Texan ran her right hand down gentle noblewoman's right side. The left hand massaged her new lover's left breast as she passionately suckled and bit the right one. Maura's hands were locked around the head of her slender naked girlfriend. Jane's sex straddled her younger sexual partner's leg as the honey blonde teen rubbed her damp vagina against her dark lover's leg.
As the heat between the golden heiress's love canal increased, the strong Texan began to run her left hand down her partner's left side toward her moist sex. Jane's right hand slipped behind the younger woman's nether region as it began to massage her soft twin globes. Without entering the blonde, the cool American's left hand gently rubbed her love bud.
A gasp escaped the younger woman's lips as her companion's warm fingers brushed her swollen flesh. The inflamed teenager bucked against the gentle fingers that were leading her to ecstasy. Breaking free of their kiss the slinky Texan's tongue trailed over her blonde beauty's stomach and stopping only to lick and tongue the noblewoman's bellybutton.
The lanky brunette's teeth bit her lover's stomach lightly, while her left hand pinched the now throbbing, pulsing and swollen bud, which sent a couple of pleasing minor orgasms through the younger teen's body.
However Jane was not finished. Sliding between her lover's sleek well toned legs, the considerate American guided her head between the writhing teen's legs as lips and teeth seized the young woman's wet and swollen vaginal lips. Again a couple of spasms racked the innocent blonde's body.
While sucking the escaping moisture, Jane's long warm tongue pierced the virginal hole of the younger teenager. Lavishly the determined hunter's pistoned the hole of the honey blonde's honey pot. Spouts of thick vaginal fluid burst into the inexperienced brunette's eager mouth.
After only a few strokes, her beloved blonde arched her back and exploded into a long sequence of gushing orgasms. Sucking the young noblewoman dry and draining all her reserves, the sleek tender female looked up and caught her lover's hazel eyes and smirked at how she had just sated the younger teen.
***SE***
The next morning the maids entered Jane's bedroom to open the drapes to let in the morning, but was stopped by a naked Texan. The wily hunter was a very light sleeper. Years of range living had taught the cagy teenager to be totally aware of her surroundings. When the cautious American felt the morning and heard the maids stirring, she remember their daily ritual.
The protective girlfriend had no intention of letting anyone know of their tryst until Maura wanted them to know. So as the efficient maid went to open the door, Jane had already bounded across the room to lock it. Using her naked body as a shield, the hard lean Texan effectively blocked the door, as she said, "I'm already awake, so y'all kin go do sometin else. Don't y'all be comin back chere til after breakfast, hear?"
The confused maid curtsied and retreated from the door, all the time wondering what man was in the wild Texan's bed. The rumors were wild with speculation, but none of that speculation centered on young Lady Isles.
Jane crawled back into bed and pulled her new lover into a tender embrace. The golden noblewoman purred as she drifted back into blissful slumber, dreaming of her wild Texan lover.
***SE***
Lady Constance Isles summoned Jane into her study for an interview. The savvy Texan didn't quite know what was meant by the word interview, but she did know what the topic was going to be…Maura.
Jane had her own code in life and the top rule in her personal code was honesty. The tough rancher was nothing other than brutally honest. The half Comanche warrior believed in being honest and straightforward. You snuck up on prey when hunting, but when dealing with people, the hardened westerner didn't sneak.
So, the above board American marched into the Lady's study wearing her best rawhide tunic and pants with her shiniest boots. If the Lady wanted to talk about Maura, the totally scrupulous Texan was going to be comfortable and at ease. Jane didn't have it in her makeup to be deceitful.
The lovely and graceful noblewoman offered, "Please have a seat Miss Rizzoli. I think we need to talk about my daughter."
The anxious American took the offered seat and replied, "Y'all ere rait bout that. We'uns needs to pallaber bout MY GAL."
At that moment, an angry honey blonde terror burst into the study shouting, "Mother, you have no right to interrogate my girlfriend. You have your life and now I want mine. I love Jane and will not have you try and intimidate her."
The fine Lady laughed gaily as she responded, "Dear, I do not think the Lord thy God could intimidate this young woman. As for interrogating her, what makes you think I am going to interrogate her? I just want to meet and get to know my daughter's lover. I knew about you two from the minute Miss Rizzoli arrived. I'm just surprised it took you this long to see for yourselves. Gina told me about last night, so I thought I should get to know the person who has captured my daughter's affection. She can take care of herself and you for that matter from what I have heard."
Somewhat embarrassed the young heiress answered, "Then why did you send for her without consulting me, Mother. Why would you not want to talk to the two of us together?"
Jane interrupted, "It is alrait, Sweetlin. I expect y'all's maw jest wonts to know my intentions and war atryin to find out widout embarrassin me. I kin tell y'all both I intends on bein around forever. Iffin I could I would mar-ry her tomorry. Seeins how that ain't possible, I'll jest haveta figger sometin else out. I knows I's got to git back home someday but fer now I jest wonts my Darlin."
All Maura heard was that her love wanted to stay and was ecstatic, because her leaving was the noblewoman's biggest fear. Constance heard the rest. Someday this young woman would be called to America and the Lady knew her daughter would find a reason to follow. So the older Lady asked, "How long do you think you have before you have to leave?"
Maura needed that answer as well, so she hardened her heart against the answer. The tall Texan replied, "I raitly don't know. I expect my Paw'll be acallin me home when he writes, but I'll ignore it as long as I am able. I don't wont to go atall. I's got mo chere than I does thar. I expect no less than two yarns ."
The younger Lady knew that she could do a lot to bind the wild Texan to her in two years and the mother knew that the lovely American could do a lot to bind her daughter to her in that same two years. Constance resolved herself to lose her daughter to young hellion in two short years.
***SE***
Jane and Hugh were discussing the upcoming trip to London. Jane asked, "Do y'all trains yit?"
The big man answered, "We have rail service from Swansea to Cardiff and from Cardiff they have several services, but with all the transferring and going from one service to the next, it would take longer than if we used the carriage. You have to understand, we just started standardizing the rail widths. As of now not all locomotives can run on every track. Additionally, each service is jealous of the other and they do not cooperate very well."
The tall Texan shook her head in exasperation and asked, "That don't make no sense, but we jest has to deal wit it. How fur is it to London?"
The tough man thought for a bit and replied, "It's about 40 to 45 hours to London, depending on how often we can change horses. We can do about ten hours a day, maybe eleven. So you're looking at a minimum of four days. I would plan on five for safety.
Lord Isles travelled extensively between Swansea and London and for his safety and convenience; he purchased several inns from which to change horses and rest. They are approximately five hours apart. We might also find fresh horse between these inns."
The savvy American thought for a minute then said, "Alrait, how clear be the roads and how safe be they?"
The experienced bodyguard responded, "The Queen has keeps the road fairly clear and safe. Highwaymen and bandits used to a terrible problem under King George, but Queen Victoria have military patrols ride up and down the roads. However, they keep a very routine schedule and some enterprising rogues have taken advantage of the intervals in between patrols."
The calculating brunette explained, "I be worried this Martine guy will try sometin on the road. I know I'd try her, iffin I twere out to git Maura. So, we'uns has to plan on thar bein a raid of some kind. I figger we need at least five men to fit off any trouble."
The dark behemoth calculated, "I can get Percy and Barry, they can act as driver and footman. I can also get Mario and Louis as outriders to flank the coach and act as scouts. I'll ride in the box with Barry and you will protect out Lady within the coach."
The veteran warrior demanded, "I wont y'all to put a lockable trapdoor in the coach floor, so's I kin git out iffin I needs ta."
The experienced protector answered, "Okay, I can get the smith to outfit the coach this evening before he gets a wink of sleep. We leave first light day after tomorrow?"
The expert fighter replied, "No, we'uns'll leave one hour afore first light. I figger by the time we leave Swansea and tother large settlements, it'll be full daylight."
Hugh saw the wisdom and experience in this suggestion and readily agreed. The wily bodyguard saw the passion and violence that was barely controlled in this young woman and pitied anyone that went against her. There was one thing that was obvious, Jane Rizzoli was a force onto herself and was no one with whom to trifle. The tough Texan didn't fear death as much as she feared failure.
***SE***
As predicted the party just cleared the last large settlement on the road about one hour after dawn on the first day. They pushed their horses hard in those first two plus hours and were looking for a place to exchange teams in order to get fresh horses. After a few more minutes knowing that they would soon have to slow to crawl or kill the horses, they came to a large busy inn. Seeing an opportunity, Hugh stopped at the inn knowing this was the type of place they were supposed to avoid. However, the cagy bodyguard calculated, if they couldn't find a new team, at the very least they could rest them.
Hugh went to the coach door and opened it to an upset Texan warily holding a pistol pointing at him. When the wary young woman saw it was her Lady's dark protector, she shrugged apologetically and asked, "Why ere we astoppin chere? This ain't a good place fer the Lady, too many strangers."
The experience warrior nodded his acceptance of this truth, but answered, "I know, but we need fresh horses and this place is likely to have them for a price. I want you to stay with the Lady, while I go and negotiate with the innkeeper."
Jane nodded her acceptance and Hugh shut the door of the carriage. Maura, who was fanning herself exclaimed, "I need to get out of this infernal hot box. I need some fresh air and a cool drink. Can I not enter that tavern for refreshment?"
The tough Texan had one weakness, Maura. The wild American couldn't refuse the smaller younger honey blonde a single thing. So, reluctantly, the tall brunette relented and said, "K, we'uns kin go and git sometin cool. I expects this place has cool drinks, cause I sees an ice house out back over thar."
So, Jane hopped out of the cab and put down the carriage steps and helped the young noblewoman out of the stuffy cabin. The fresh air slapped the tired rider in the face, as a cool breeze refreshed her weary body. Jane was dressed in a typical Victorian traveling dress, but under it wasn't typical Victorian undergarments. Under the dress, the wily warrior was wearing her buckskin hunting clothes, complete with all her available weapons.
It was deep into 1851 and summer would soon be over, but the hot air was still stifling and Jane reckoned it would be a kindness to get her young lover a cool drink. The rowdy atmosphere of the inn quieted to a murmur when the pair of beautiful and finely dress young ladies entered the building.
Hugh was shocked that the veteran Indian fighter would expose the Lady to such danger. The tall bodyguard bowed to the young noblewoman and asked, "Milady, do you know the dangers of this place? And Lady Jane, I thought we agreed that such a large establishment was too dangerous for the Lady."
Somewhat reluctant to admit her weakness for anything Maura, the wary American replied, "The Lady said she needed some air and sometin cool to drink. How'd I deny her that?"
The worried defender was about to protest again, when the Lady commanded, "Hugh find me a table and something cool to drink and maybe some fresh food. It has been a difficult morning and I need some refreshments."
There was no longer a debate. The Lady's word was law in his heart and by English law. So, grudgingly, the big man was off to demand a table from the innkeeper. When the graying tavern owner was informed of the Lady's identity and demand of a table, the warm friendly man went into action. The large overweight man told a party of two near the largest open window that they would be welcome to stay in the kitchen or leave, whatever their choice.
They were about to protest when the large behemoth of a bodyguard approached and said, "You next words could be your last. The Lady Isles needs your table, would you deny a Lord of the Realm."
The two farmers knew their place. This young woman and her companion were obvious nobility by their dress and their manor and to deny them was to court prison and disaster. So the friendly party left for the kitchen, where they were treated to a banquet to be paid by the grateful Lady.
The small blonde had witnessed the exchange and felt guilty about using her power over less fortunate men. So, the young noblewoman handed the groveling innkeeper a gold sovereign and commanded, "I see you have a ice house. I want two pitchers of iced limeade and a plate of ice fruit. Additionally, been a selection of cheese and fresh bread. And I think a bottle of chilled port. Also see that those men have anything they want and I will give you a like coin when we leave."
The wily proprietor seized the coin and the opportunity that presenting itself. It was widely know that the Isles keep their own chain of inns along key roads to London, York, Kent and Glasgow, so the young noblewoman was blessing his inn with her very presence. Word would get out, especially as he was going to tell it, that this inn was good enough for nobility. So, the opportunist rushed off to make his wealthy guests comfortable.
Once seated the couple smiled and took in the cool breeze that was wafting in through the window. This was obviously the coolest table in the inn. No sooner had they been seated when two cool pitcher of limeade with ice floating in it where served with two cooled glasses. Not forgetting her lesson from their previous adventure in a tavern, the lovely Lady ordered, "My men require refreshment as well see to it."
Hugh, Barry, Percy, Mario and Louis had all stationed themselves about the young Lady's table in order to keep danger from the young women. Jane, nervous over their exposure, had slipped one of her pistols under the napkin in her lap. After a bow, the tart barmaid, who had delivered the limeade rushed off to get the tall handsome men some ale. The bright wench knew men would want the strong beverage over anything so tame of limeade.
A second barmaid came with an assortment of fresh cheeses and four steaming loaves of bread. The waitress could be no older than the Lady and was obviously nervous. The fear of making a mistake was apparent, so the Lady smiled and said, "Lass, just do your job and there will be no problem. I promise I mean no harm to anyone here. Now, be off and get me my cool fruit."
The first barmaid came back with five tankards of ale and distributed them among her protectors. Hugh only sipped his, not wanting to cloud his mind with drink, while the others downed theirs with relish. After delivering the pints to the party, the pert servant winked at the men and was off to serve another table.
The younger girl came with a pewter platter that was full of sliced apple, pears, plums and a few strawberries. Ice was placed around the fruit and around a fresh bowl of cream. The young teenagers smiled at the prospect of the cool treat and started selecting morsels and dipping them in the cream.
After thirty minutes of feasting the Lady cried mercy, "I am sated. Have the innkeeper come here, Hugh."
Within seconds the proprietor magically appeared and asked, "What else can I do for Milady?"
The smiling blonde replied, "Well, have my horses been exchanged?"
The tubby man wrapped a towel around his hands and responded, "Yes, milady, I had a team ready for the evening stage to Swansea, but I can use your horses for that. Your man has given me a bill of sale for your team in exchange for mine. Is that satisfactory?"
The gay young noblewoman exclaimed, "This is a fine and worthy establishment and I will tell anyone who asks that this is a fine place to stay. Here is the payment I promised. Now, Hugh, let us be off."
However, before the party could clear the inn, a young woman in rags with two young children stopped her and begged, "Milady, me an mine err starvin'. My man went to sea fer ye two years past and has not returned, nor have we seen a penny of the promise from yer man."
Lady Maura looked to Hugh questionably, who said, "Milady, it is a common practice for a ship's captain to recruit young men from such areas. They are promised one silver piece for signing and another for the family each month, while they serve. I have no idea why this woman has not received any money, unless the husband has abandoned her."
The shocked noblewoman asked, "How could he do such a thing?"
The worried bodyguard replied, "All he would have to do is sign in the ship's log that he was unmarried and he would get the money and not his family. Some men are so based."
Anger surged in the outraged Lady, as she declared, "Find this man. I want him brought to me in chains if necessary."
Taking out four gold coins, the wealthy blonde placed them in the woman's hands and exclaimed, "This woman and her children are now my wards. I will not have men in my employ who will abandon their responsibilities. If they will abandon their family, they are unreliable and would abandon their duty for their own self-interest. Innkeeper, see to it that this woman is housed here at my expense. You are to see to her comfort and needs. Send the bill to Swansea."
The happy proprietor bowed deeply and was impressed by the fire and compassion in this Lady. The honey blonde teen was truly worthy of her title. So, he happily said, "Your wish is my command, Milady. I will see to their comfort. And, Milady, might I be so bold as to say you are the most gracious noblewoman I have ever met or heard of."
The Lady nodded her acceptance of the compliment in keeping with her station and let the building feeling better about herself.
***SE***
They rode hard to the first of Isles way stations and made it in under five hours despite the half hour rest stop. It was only half past eight when they arrived and weren't due until quarter past nine, so Jane decided to give Maura another rest and leave at quarter past nine, which would still put them twenty minutes ahead of schedule. The pamper Lady was not used to such arduous travel and the carriage needed new springs, which was first on Jane's agenda when they reached London. The trip back was going to easier.
The inn was a simple place in the middle of a small village that raised sheep. The sheep in the meadow behind the inn and the meadow for that matter belonged to the Lady. The inn raised goats and sheep for mutton and cheese for which they were famous. It seemed the local tenant was a wizard at making cheese and raising fat sheep. After eating a fresh bowl of mutton stew with fresh bread and goat cheese, the couple knew the rumors were true, the man was a wizard.
Not only did he and his family raise sheep and goats, make cheese and their own ale from barley and hops they grew in another Isles meadow, but they also ran the inn, which was very tidy and clean. The anxious innkeeper demanded that the Lady or one of her servants examine his books, as he was an honest man and eager to prove it. Jane didn't trust honest men, so she offered to have a look.
The hefty and strong family man was not sure of the skill of one that talked so ruggedly. The tall Texan took no insult because none was intended. The intelligent rancher knew that many people from her part of Texas could neither read nor write. So to insure the man her skill she said, "Would you be more comfortable if I talk like this? I'll have you know good man I run a ranch in Texas that is bigger than all of Wales. I run about ten thousand head of longhorns, five hundred horses, a sugar beet plantation, two sugar mills, a trading post and a general store. Does that secure my expertise?"
The man was shocked and looked to the good Lady, who responded to his silent inquiry by saying, "She speaks the truth. She is visiting me from America. I met her at the Inaugural Ball for their president. Her family is quite rich and powerful in West Texas and as for the size of her ranch, I have not seen it, but my man Hugh has."
Hugh smiled at the memory as he said, "All I can tell you is, I only rode across half of it and it took me two days to get across that. I would venture to say that it is not only bigger than Wales, but probably as big as all of Britain."
The man relented and opened his books. After a half hour of examining the books, the savvy businesswoman asked, "Why is your wool yield so low? From the herd you have in your account book, you should be getting fifty to seventy-five percent more yield. So where is it?"
The older man fidgeted a bit before he answered, "I lose fifty percent every year to the clippers. I don't have the expertise or the hands to clip the sheep, so I have to hire a traveling band of clippers, who demand half the yield for their services."
Jane shook her head and responded, "Not only are they overcharging you, they are shorting you on the count. I would say they are taking stealing one out of every four or five bales. Are they local?"
The man answered, "They do their business in the fall, when the weather is still fair and the sheep's wool is thickening for the winter. Right now they are five leagues to the east readying for the new season."
The cold Texan locked eyes with the man and demanded, "Give me directions."
***SE***
The drive to the clipper's camp took the better part of an hour. When the party arrived at the camp, Jane exited the carriage and said to Maura, "Please stay put. I 've bisness to decuss and I don't wonta have ta hurt somebody atryin ta stop 'em frem insultin y'all."
Maura frowned, she had heard the tough Texan's speech pattern with the innkeeper and knew that this accent was just for show, so she said, "Janie, I know you can speak the Queen's English when you want, so please speak it around me. I know it's part of your charm, but save it for the people who do not know you."
Jane smirked and replied, "For you, I will do this. I don't have a formal education. I only know what I have read."
The honey blonde noblewoman responded simply, "I will stay in the coach, just do not be long. I do worry so."
The hardened American blew her love a kiss and turned on her prey with a hard stare and will. The young hellion walked boldly up to the man who had come to greet her. He never finished his bow, as the angry Texan used her pistol to whip him across the side of his face. The startled man collapsed in a growing pool of blood. Another man stepped forward with his hands extended sputtering, "Who are you and what do you want?"
Jane walked up to the man with her gun to his belly and said, "Be y'all the man of this here village?"
A man and woman walked from a tent and responded, "I am the man and this is my woman. We speak for the camp."
With her off hand Jane pulled a knife from her collar scabbard and hurled between the standing man's two legs, as Jane said, "That'sta git y'all's attention. Now, I'm chere fer Lady Isles. Seems y'all been acheatin' her. I seen the books at the Isles way station and not only ere y'all over charging her, but y'all're also stealing frem her."
The man thought he was tough when he said, "Ya kaint prove athang. The law kaint touch me."
Jane locked hard brown eyes on the man and replied, "I ain't the law and I ain't gotta prove nuttin. Iffin I don't git what I wont, I'll take her out of all y'all's hides."
The tall thin man laughed as his twelve men and fourteen women formed a loose group behind him with axes and knives, "Ya ere outnumber."
Suddenly five men appeared with firearms with Hugh saying, "But we got the guns."
Jane put her pistol away and draw her second toothpick and walked up the tall gent and explained, "As I were asayin. I needs to be satisfied. Now the way I see her, y'all owe my friend over there about five hundred pounds fer jest the skimmin y'all did and tother five hundred fer the outrageous rates y'all been demanding.
From this point on, y'all work fer my Lady, until this debt is paid. Y'all clip her sheep fer room and board for five years, then y'all be paid twenty-five percent of the yield."
To emphasis her words, the callous Texan sliced a gash along the man's chest drawing a little blood. The cold warrior locked eyes with the man and smiled, "Iffin, y'all wont to open the ball, I'll dance the jig witcha."
The tough man looked into cold hard eyes and saw his death there. It was all he could to say, "Yes, Milady. We'll do ya first."
The strong American smiled a terrifying grin and responded, "Good, now y'all stay at Isles Inn until the sheep ere done and I will look at the accountin. Iffin I find anytin wrong, I'll find ya and gut ya proper."
Without another word, Jane turned her back to the man and strode back to the carriage."
***SE***
The next station was only three more hours away. It was only a little past one when they arrived. They had originally planned on staying at this way station, but with sunset almost six hours away, they knew if they pushed through with no further stops, they could make it.
Buoyed by the experience from the previous station, the crafty Texan asked to see the books, as if that her primary function. It was good business for the hired help to know that they could be inspected by the owner at any time. Jane found no discrepancies, though this man was not as good a manager as the previous innkeeper. The tough American warned, "I give you notice. If things don't improve in the next three months, you will be replaced. You are lazy and not doing your job properly. Your sheep are either being stolen or they are wandering. I don't care which, it will stop. I expect to see an increased yield from both the barley and hops fields. I see you buy ale from a local brewer. Why? You raise all you need."
The man replied worriedly, "I don't know how to brew ale."
The exasperated Texan responded, "Then trade your raw goods for it. You sell to him at a low price and pay premium for his ale. That stops. I want you to get in trade twice what you were getting in cash. He'll try to crawfish out of it, but you have the stuff he needs, so he'll dicker. I mean it, if you don't get this done right, you will be fired, sacked, canned, whatever you say over here."
The message was clear and the man merely nodded.
***SE***
When they arrived at the next way station, they were tired and hungry. This station was a little further than the others. The horses were in a lather when they reached their destination and they were sadly disappointed. The place was a disaster.
The stable stank of horse and pig manure. The fences for the sheep meadows were in disrepair and the sheep were running wild on the road. The main house was in total disrepair. The roof hadn't seen a tool in years. The door was hanging wrong and the windows were greasy and dirty. Maura was appalled. No one was going to stay at an inn in this condition. Jane had just help the smaller blonde off the coach steps when the angry noblewoman broke out into a hard stride toward the main house.
Maura called out, "I want to see the proprietor here."
A dirty smelly man soaked with drink and soiled with grime came from a back room and cried out, "The proprietor is not here, I manage this inn. How may I help you?"
Maura was carrying a parasol and it was the only weapon she had, but the fiery blonde used it with purpose, as she pummeled the disgusting man over and over yelling, "I am the proprietor you lout. Now get out before I find a horse whip and use it on you."
Hugh and Jane looked at each other with huge grins and nearly laughed at the spectacle they had never seen her so angry. They didn't know if it was the long drive or the decay of her property, but the diminutive woman was furious.
The man was about to retaliate when Jane pulled a pistol and cocked it saying, "I wouldn't iffin y'all wont to walk out of chere on y'all's own feet. We kin carry y'all to the hog pen iffin y'all wonts. Y'all's choice."
The cowardly man saw the gun and the large man standing next to the young woman with the pistol and ran from the inn screaming. An hour later, the five men were cleaning the inn with the two ladies cooking in the kitchen. Maura had insisted on cleaning the place before they retired for the night. Fortunately, there was no rain so the damaged roof wasn't going to be a problem.
As inn proprietor, the honey blonde heiress was going to needed to hire a new manager. Additionally, the young noblewoman could spare no time to do it immediately, so she was going to have to lock the place up and give the keys to the constable in the area until she could make arrangements.
As it turned out she needed have worried about contacting the constable, because a few minutes later, the coward came back with a constable. The constable was a small middle-aged man with a balding head and few grey hairs. He wore a badge of identification and carried a large walking stick, which Jane assumed was his favorite weapon.
With practiced authority the law officer demanded, "Who ere ye people and what ere ye doin chere?"
The properly dressed younger woman answered for the group, "I am the Lady Maura Isles and these are my protectors and traveling companions. I was here to stay the night on my way to London, when I came across this disaster. This man has let my property go to ruin. So, I sacked him and ordered him to leave."
The constable knew his authority over a noblewoman was non-existent and her crew of men could tear him apart. Besides the lawman hated John Jones, he was a lazy no-account and had let this place go to seed, but the officer had his duty to perform. So, he continued, "I understand he was forced out by gun point."
Before Jane could endanger herself, Maura burst in and replied, "The man threatened me, so I retaliated to protect my person. However, I am glad you are here. I have sacked this man and will be needing a replacement. If you would be so kind as to hold the key for the new manager until such time as he should arrive, I would appreciate it. As a matter of fact, Mr. Jones, please return the keys. You may retrieve your personal belongings."
Jane growled, "And nuttin else. I'm awatchin y'all."
The constable answered, "I happen to know a couple that needs a position. They just lost their farm and need a place to stay. They are hardworking people, who lost three straight crops to bad luck. They have two sons and a daughter, all of working age."
Maura smiled and said, "Thank you. Can you have them here by morning?"
As the dirty man grumbled his way to the door with a sack over his shoulder, the constable responded, "They'll be there before morning."
The honey blonde heiress said, "Thank you again. When we reopen, I want you and your family to be my guest."
The savvy constable nodded and replied, "We'll be thar, thankee kindly."
***SE***
By the end of the second day the Isles party had shaved half a day off its schedule and to top it off there had been no raids despite Jane's worst fears.
It was late on the third day. They had an extended stop at the last way station as one of the wheels had developed cracks in several of its spokes and needed to be replaced. So they had to wait while the changed the wheel and repaired the old one as its spare.
Lady Maura slept with her head on Jane's shoulder. The group was trying to make up some lost time and riding to the next way station at a good canter. If something was going to happen, it would have to happen soon, as they were entering more populated areas of the English countryside. So, Jane refused to let sleep overtake her.
The wily Texan was ever vigilant and alert. The tough fighter knew the dangers of the road and though there no Indians in England, there were thieves, cut throats, and highwaymen. Hugh rode the box with a shotgun loaded with double aught buck and Percy the driver had two flint lock saddle pistols, inaccurate but deadly with their seventy caliber balls. Barry the footman, a former marine and long time bodyguard, carried a twin barrel forty caliber flint lock pistol and matching rifle from his soldiering days.
Jane as she had throughout the trip was wearing a travel dress over her native buckskins and fully armed with her array of pistols, knives and tomahawk, her Spencer was tied to the top of the coach. The two outriders were scouting the flanks deep into the woods. The canny Texan expected an attack, she knew Maura's maternal grandfather wasn't going to let the honey blonde teenager get to London and ruin all his carefully laid plans, whatever they were.
Suddenly a shot sounded to their right followed by a second to their left. Jane hated it when she was right. Gently she woke her sleeping lover and said, "The party's starting, Sweetheart. Get down and stay down."
Before the young noblewoman could protest, the angry brunette pushed the younger teen to the floor between the cabin benches and drew two Le Mats.
Out of the brush, four riders broke into the roadway behind the carriage. A tree fell in front of the coach to block it from running away. The experience Indian fighter had no intention of running. Running never worked, it only left live enemies behind you.
The hardened warrior looked carefully out the rear cabin window and fired three quick shots at the trailing horses. Two of the riders were blown from their horses and lay motionless on the ground. The other two riders headed for the trees, but didn't make it. Hugh and Barry downed the other two men as they scrambled for cover. Shots rained from the brush and from behind the downed tree.
Slipping out of her travel dress, Jane was quickly in her fighting array of buckskins and sturdy boots. The experience combatant reloaded her three shots and holstered her two pistols. As the expert killer opened the cabin's trapdoor and readied to leave, she said to her frightened girlfriend, "Stay put."
The veteran warrior dropped through the opening and quickly analyzed the location of the enemy forces. The wily Texan counted six to nine shooters with positions to their left and from behind the downed tree. Keeping low to the ground, the cagy Indian fighter took to the woods, her natural environment. The silent ghost moved toward the nearest gunfire.
With a Bowie in each hand, the deadly wrath found one of the opposition quickly. The quiet killer came up behind the man, grabbed a hand of hair and yanked his head back to slit his exposed throat. A nearby adversary saw her and started to turn his musket toward her, only to find an Arkansas toothpick sticking out his chest. As he collapsed, the forest demon blended back into the woods, none the wiser as to her position.
A third foe had just fired his musket and reloading when a tomahawk sail through the air and buried itself in his forehead. The man next to him gapped in horror before recovering enough to see a knife slashing at his eyes. Blinded and bleeding the man stumbled from the brush and was killed by a musket fire from the carriage.
The last four men where firing from behind the fallen trees. Jane could see that Percy was down. Hugh was firing from under the wagon and Barry was behind the wagon. It was his shot that had downed the blinded enemy. There was no sign of Maura and the coach door was still open, all good signs. One of the coach horses was down, obviously shot, so the wagon was anchored in place.
Knowing there was no time for niceties. Jane pulled two of her Le Mats and opened the ball, firing shot after shot with either hand, while walking calmly from the trees at her surprised foes. Twice the experienced warrior had to change weapons and did it with such practiced smoothness that there was hardly any change to the rhythm of the shots. In seconds it was over, all four opponents were down before they had the slightest chance of reacting to her sudden attack. They were not getting up, their bodies riddled with bleeding holes.
Hugh and Barry raced from cover to find any stray fighters. The experience warrior reloaded her guns as she scanned the area for other enemies. The anxious girlfriend strode forcefully toward the carriage, all the time her heart racing with fear for her young lover. Jane tore open the door to hind Maura huddled close to the floor with her arms over her head. To the relieved girlfriend, it was the loveliest sight she had ever seen.
The honey blonde teenager looked up to see her tender lover and leaped into her arms, showering her with kisses, while asking, "Are you hurt?"
The loving brunette returned the embrace and replied, "Not a scratch or a bruise."
Maura held the older teenager for several moments before she asked, "How is everyone else?"
Jane shrugged her shoulders and answered, "I don't know for sure, but we paid a price. I just have to see how much the tab was."
***SE***
Mario and Louis had been shot and left for dead. Hugh and Barry had found the horses and shot riders at their flanks. As carefully as they could the pair brought their wounded comrades back to the wagon. Maura was busy patching up Percy, who took two shots to his legs. Jane was out in the woods scouting for the enemies' mounts.
A few minutes after Hugh and Barry returned, the weary warrior came out of the woods leading nine horses. All the dark American said was, "We missed one."
***SE***
The weary party arrived in London with two very wounded men and one dead one. Mario had not made it back to camp alive, his wound had been too severe. The group's first stop was to find a good doctor to accompany them to Maura's London Villa in Notting Hill.
After rushing the good doctor from his office and into the Lady's coach, Hugh and Barry took the girls to Notting Hill. Servants had already been alerted to their mistress's arrival. The men dropped the couple at the front door and took their precious cargo and the good doctor to the servant's quarters. After getting the two wounded men to their beds and insuring the doctor had everything he needed to treat them, the two bodyguards took the carriage horses and the recovered mounts to the stables.
Jane, an ever cautious soul told Maura, "You wait here and let me see if everything is as it should be."
Before yesterday's violence, Maura would have been impatient with such precautions, but now they made excellent sense. After several anxious minutes, Jane returned with the all clear to take her honey blonde girlfriend inside. Their long trip was over.