The Untouched Bride

CHAPTER 1

Unexpected news

Mother I don’t understand the meaning of this? Eliza said as she stared at her mother who sat just across her, drinking her tea.

There is nothing to understand Eliza. You are to marry Sir Daniel Thorton. It has been decided. Do you wish to go against the King? Her mother Lady Camille Rosawell asked her with a raised eyebrow.

Eliza held her tongue, not wanting to respond. Camille Rosawell was no one to fight with. There was no way that Eliza could displease her mother.

No mother. I do not wish to displease you or the King. But mother, father wouldn’t want this. You must remember his last wish? Eliza pleaded, trying to make her mother reconsider.

I know what your father’s last wish was Eliza. But I cannot do anything in this matter. I cannot go against the King Camille said looking drained all of a sudden.

Eliza looked away from her mother and took a deep breath. Her father Sir Richard Rosawell had been one of the most respected men in the society. He had also been the King’s very dear friend and a knight.

Eliza Her mother’s voice brought her back to the present. Eliza took a deep breath and looked at her mother in vain.

I will do as you say mother Eliza whispered and got up from the table, making her way to her bedchamber. She did not wish to fight with her mother, but neither did she wish to marry one of the King’s knights.

It was her father’s wish on his death bed that Eliza was to never marry a knight. He did not wish for her to get involved with a man whose life was always in danger.

There was a light knock on the door and Eliza straightened her dress and sat straighter on the bed.

Come in Eliza said in a clear voice and the door to the bedchamber opened and Sarah, Eliza’s maid came strolling in and gasped as her eyes fell on Eliza’s appearance.

Lady Eliza. You need to dress. The King is coming to our house. You have to look presentable Sarah said and Eliza lifted herself from her bed and smiled at Sarah.

Sarah was more of a friend to Eliza than a maid. They had both grown up together in this very house. Eliza’s father never agreed to the friendship that Eliza had with the maids, but Eliza never listened.

I did not know. Sarah, will you please get the bathing water ready and pick out a dress and jewellery that goes along with it Eliza said, Sarah nodded and hurriedly ran to the bath chamber to get Eliza’s bath water ready.

Eliza sat on the bed thinking about whatever her mother had told her. She was needed to marry Sir Daniel Thorton. He was one of the King’s most trusted knights, but why did the King want Eliza to marry him?

My Lady your bath water is ready Sarah said and Eliza looked over at her and smiled once again.

Help me she said and turned her back to Sarah so that she could remove her dress and help her off with the corset that helped moulding her body together. The corsets were made longer and more restrictive than before and Eliza hated them. She took a deep breath of relief as Sarah removed her corset.

Once everything was undone, Eliza submerged her body into the water and let it soak every inch of hers. Sarah stepped forward and started to scrub Eliza’s body.

Tell me Sarah did you know about my marriage proposal? Eliza asked and felt Sarah’s hands go still.

Yes, My Lady. Lady Rosawell spoke to me about it and told me not to inform you Sarah whispered and Eliza felt a weird pain in her chest.

Will you miss me Sarah? Eliza asked and felt the maid’s hands shake on her back.

Yes, My Lady Sarah whispered and Eliza smiled.

Oh! Don’t worry Sarah. You are to come with me Eliza said and Sarah became silent.

Once Eliza had finished bathing, Sarah handed her the wrap.

Have you taken out my clothes? Eliza asked in a clear voice and Sarah nodded and followed Eliza back to the room.

The dress that lay on the bed was a dress that was gifted to Eliza by her father. It was made of pure silk and was red in colour. The dress matched Eliza’s black hair and green eyes and complimented her body. The dress had a jacket-bodice with draped and trimmed skirts in the back. Ruffles and pleated frills were characteristic trimming.

Sarah hurriedly dressed Eliza’s silhouette with her corset. The skirt of the dress was supported with the help of bustle and crinoline. The structure was attached to the waist and extended down to the ground. The crinoline was suspended by the bustle, which was sufficient for supporting the drapery and train at the back of the skirt. Once she was done, she started to work on Eliza’s hair.

Eliza’s hair was pulled back at the sides and was worn in a cluster of ringlets, with fringe over the forehead.

My Lady you look very beautiful Sarah said and Eliza turned towards her and smiled.

Thank you Sarah. Now when do I need to go down Eliza asked and Sarah looked at the watch.

It is going to be seven in a few minutes, My Lady. We must go now Sarah said and Eliza rose gracefully.

Eliza walked down the stairs and made her way into the dining hall. She noticed her mother giving instructions to the cook and smiled.

The dining hall was lit with lights and a huge chandelier hung in the middle, showcasing the beauty of everything around. The walls were shadowed with dull lights and had fresh flowers attached along them giving the entire place a very light aromatic smell.

Eliza knew that her mother always wanted things to be perfect.

Lady Rosawell wore a dress similar to Eliza, but it was a light green dress which had the skirt trimmed a little more than it was in Eliza’s. Eliza walked towards her mother and waited to grab her attention.

Mother Eliza said in a timid voice as Lady Rosawell turned to look at her.

Lady Rosawell gasped as she took in Eliza’s appearance. Oh my Eliza you look beautiful my child Her mother said as she embraced Eliza.

Eliza pulled back from the hug and smiled at her mother. She was going to miss everything about her house. But mostly she would miss her mother.

Mother, when is the King to arrive? Eliza asked as she helped her mother with the arrangements.

He must be arriving any moment along with his knights Lady Rosawell smiled.

Eliza stiffened as her mother told her this. The knights were supposed to come too? Did that mean Sir Daniel was also coming?

Mother, is Sir Daniel coming too? Eliza asked as she held her breath and waited for her mother to answer.

Oh! No dear child. Sir Daniel is busy with some work. You do know about those rebels that have been creating some problems, don’t you? Lady Rosawell asked her daughter.

Yes, I do mother Eliza said and suddenly prayed that Sir Daniel would be all right. Even though she did not wish to marry, she couldn’t change her fate. It was her duty as the future Lady Thorton to pray for her soon to be husband.

Lady Rosawell A servant called running towards them.

The King is here

Eliza looked at her mother and followed after her. She could tell by the stiff posture of her mother’s back that she was tense.

Eliza wished that her mother could somehow stop Eliza from leaving, but she knew that was foolish. Her mother couldn’t do anything and neither could Eliza.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

This cannot be happening Sir Daniel cursed as he strode out of the training ground. His men continued to train as he passed them by.

He was supposed to marry Sir Richard Rosawell’s daughter. It was the King’s order and he was helpless.

Damn! Sir Daniel cursed as he hit a piece of log with bare foot.

My Lord A loud voice spoke from besides him and his head snapped towards Thomas, who was one of his knights.

Yes, Thomas? Sir Daniel asked through his teeth. He was in mood of talking.

My Lord, I heard about the King’s decision. But please do not hurt yourself over it Thomas said as he looked at Sir Daniel’s foot.

Daniel ignored what Thomas was saying and strode to his temporary bedchamber. He would have to stay at the King’s castle before he could go back home.

He sat in his bedchamber as he thought of the discussion he had had with the King.

"You are to marry Lady Eliza Rosawell, daughter of Sir Richard Rosawell" The King spoke as Sir Daniel looked at him shocked.

"Marriage? But sire, I do not wish to marry. You must know that." Sir Daniel said as he looked at the King.

"I know that very well Sir Daniel. But you need to marry now. I am afraid I worry for you. You have crossed the age, when normal people marry. I want you to remain happy dear friend and I know that Lady Eliza is that person who can keep you happy" The King spoke as he smiled at Daniel.

"If you are my friend then why force me into this? I do not know who Lady Eliza is. I have met her father and had the honour to work with him, but other than that I know nothing of her or her family." Sir Daniel said as he spoke, looking directly at the King

"Aren’t I your friend Daniel? I may be the King but you are one of my most trusted men. That is why you are the leader towards the West, where the rebels are the strongest. I wish to see you happy and have children. I wish for your happiness" The King said and Sir Daniel remained unmoved.

"I do not wish to marry" Sir Daniel said in a cold voice and turned away from the King.

"Stop" The King roared no longer being nice.

"If you do not wish to Daniel, then don’t. But I give you no choice. You will marry Lady Eliza. It is an order" The King asserted and Daniel walked out of the room, without a word.

A light knock on the door brought Daniel back to the present. He got up and walked towards the door.

Who is it? Sir Daniel asked in a loud booming voice.

My Lord, it is me. I have a message from the King said Thomas.

Daniel took a deep breath and opened the door.

What is it that you want Thomas? Sir Daniel asked in a cold voice. He did not wish to speak to anyone in this foul mood.

The King has requested for you to dress. He wants you to look presentable as there is a feast at Lady Rosawell’s house Thomas said, holding his breath.

He did not want to anger Sir Daniel as he knew that wouldn’t be good for him.

Tell him Sir Daniel is busy Daniel spoke through his teeth as he looked at Thomas.

I am sorry Sir Daniel, but I cannot do that. Your presence is demanded Thomas said and quickly retreated.

Sir Daniel closed the door behind him and pulled at his hair. He did not wish to marry. He loved his present life. He was a free man, a man who had mistresses and worried about no one. This marriage was nothing but a burden for him.

He knew he had no choice but to carry this burden. He felt bad for Lady Eliza who was to be his wife.

This marriage will not change anything for me Daniel vowed to himself and prepared for his leave

CHAPTER 2

Surprise

Lady Rosawell looked at the King as he strode towards the entrance of the house, with his men following behind.

Mother, are you sure that Sir Daniel is not coming? Eliza asked from next to Lady Rosawell.

Yes, I am very sure my dear child. Now behave well in front of the King. I do not wish for you to get into trouble Lady Rosawell said and Eliza nodded and turned to look at the King.

He hadn’t changed since the time Eliza had seen him. He was very much the same. He was of Eliza’s father’s age, but had a completely different personality. His black hair was swept back and plastered to his head. His blue eyes were as striking as usual. He wore a three piece suit consisting of a high-buttoned sack coat with a matching waistcoat and trousers. King Stephen had his sword resting along his hip.

Lady Rosawell the King said once he saw Lady Rosawell standing at the entrance along with Eliza.

Sire Lady Rosawell said bowing her head. No need for such formalities. I am Stephen to you dear The King said catching hold of Lady Rosawell’s hand and brought it to his lips.

It is a pleasure to meet you as ever King Stephen said and smiled at her brightly.

As it is for me Stephen Lady Rosawell said and smiled at him fondly.

I would like you to meet my daughter, Eliza Lady Rosawell said as she introduced her daughter.

Eliza! You sure have become a beauty. Daniel is going to be lucky to have you King Stephen said and kissed Eliza’s hand.

Thank you Sire Eliza said as she bowed her head in front of him.

Come on, let us all go in Lady Rosawell said and strode towards the inside of the house, sensing her daughters discomfort.

Eliza followed after her mother in a hurry. She suddenly felt like running back into her room and locking herself.

She loved King Stephen like a father and knew that he wished the best for her, but she wasn’t ready for this. She was glad about the fact that Sir Daniel hadn’t come along, she couldn’t face him. Not yet, at least.

So Eliza, Tell me what do you think of the marriage? King Stephen asked once all of them sat at the dining table.

Eliza opened her mouth to answer and caught her mother’s warning glance. She knew that she had to be careful.

Well Sire, I am very much overwhelmed at the moment. I did not expect to get married and that too without my knowledge or choice. I had chosen to live my life with my mother and follow my father’s wish. If you do not know of it, let me tell you. My father wished that I was never to marry a knight. But I cannot go against you, not because I am scared but because my mother pleads me so. I respect you Sire, but I really wish that you would have spoken to me on this matter Eliza said and closed her eyes taking a deep breath.

She knew that she shouldn’t have said whatever she said, but now it was done. She couldn’t do anything about it.

I am sorry Eliza King Stephen whispered and Eliza opened her eyes to look at him. She was shocked that he was apologising to her.

You do not need to apologise Sire. I know that you wish to see me happy. You were my father’s very dear friend and I do not hate you or despise you. Eliza whispered softly, just soft enough for him to hear.

I wish I could do something Eliza. But believe me, Sir Daniel is the perfect man for you and I know you will be happy with him. If he ever does something to displease you, you can always tell me. You are of age Eliza. If I might dare to say, you have crossed the age. I promise you that you will be happy in this marriage. I would not have given you away to anyone. Sir Daniel is one of my most trusted and respected men King Stephen said smiling at someone across the room.

Eliza followed his gaze, confused and froze.

A man sitting across her was watching her, more like analysing her.

Colour rose to her cheek and she tried to look away but couldn’t.

He was a man like no other. Eliza had met her fair share of men in her life from nice to a rake. But this man was different. He gave out a vibe that sent a clear message to the people watching him. He wasn’t the one to be messed with.

His dark blue eyes studied her face. His brown hair was messed up and sticking in all different places. Eliza’s breath got caught in her throat as his eyes met hers. She couldn’t pull away. She was captured in his gaze.

Eliza King Stephen’s voice brought her back to reality. She pulled her eyes away from the man across and looked at the King.

Forgive me Sire. Eliza said and looked down into her lap. Her hands were folded as she fidgeted with them. Here she was, promised to some other man and thinking of another.

Do you wish to meet Sir Daniel Eliza? King Stephen asked her and she felt her eyes going wide.

Eliza looked at the King and froze. Her mother had assured her that Sir Daniel wouldn’t be present here today. Did that mean he was here? Sitting here? Watching her?

Sire, I do not feel so well. Do you mind if I go to my bedchamber Eliza pleaded as she looked at the King, wanting to get away at this instant.

She did not care about what King Stephen or Sir Daniel would think. She needed to get away. She could not face him.

King Stephen watched Eliza confused. What had happened to the poor girl all of a sudden? She seemed to be fine before.

I do not have a problem if you wish to leave Eliza. Pray do take care The King said and rose from his place.

Eliza wait Lady Rosawell spoke sternly, stopping Eliza in her tracks. She knew that her daughter was faking illness and she wouldn’t let her get away. Lady Rosawell hadn’t known that Sir Daniel would be coming today. It was as much of a shock to her as it was to Eliza.

Yes mother? Eliza replied, her voice quivering slightly.

Lady Rosawell crossed the room and reached for her daughter. Catching her by her hand Lady Rosawell turned Eliza to face her. I know you are just fine. Now I wish for you to sit here and finish your food. If you do not wish to meet Sir Daniel, I will ask Stephen not to. But do not act this way in front of the King Lady Rosawell said in a sharp voice and Eliza bit her lip. Lady Rosawell made sure that her words weren’t loud enough for King Stephen and the other men to hear. Her mother’s words had hurt her. She did not know why, but they had.

Eliza nodded her head and walked back towards the table and sat down.

Are you alright Eliza? If you wish to retire pray do. I do not wish to keep you here when you are ill The King asked curiously as he looked at Eliza’s pale face.

Yes Sire. I am all right. Do not worry. I must eat something. I will feel better Eliza said and Lady Rosawell announced for the food to be served. Eliza felt the stranger’s eyes on her while she ate her food and it made her uncomfortable. She was used to people looking at her, but that man, he made her insides quiver and she did not like the feeling at all.

Once the feast was over, Eliza was proud of herself. She had managed to keep her eyes on the plate and not let it wander towards the stranger.

I think it is time that you meet your future husband Eliza King Stephen said and Eliza felt her body shake. She started to feel light headed and took a deep breath to keep herself calm.

Stephen I think it is better if Eliza doesn’t meet Sir Daniel. She isn’t well as you can see Lady Rosawell said looking at her daughter concerned.

But Camille, I have invited Sir Daniel and I think it will be rude to keep him waiting" King Stephen said and looked at Lady Rosawell sternly.

Please Sire. I pray to go to the bedchamber Eliza whispered and closed her eyes, balling her hands into a fist to stop her from shaking.

If that is what you wish Eliza. Then we must wait here. We will stay for the night