The Lady in the Tower by Marie-Louise Jensen Read Free Book Online

and began to unbuckle his belt. There was a look of hard anger on his face. I felt my legs give way in fear and I fell once more to my knees. I had never been thrashed. Surely he would not do so?
    ‘Father, please. Sir Walter, I mean. I’m sorry if I’ve angered you.’
    He took hold of the buckle end of the belt and twisted it firmly around his right hand, drawing the leather through his left hand in a menacing way. Cold terror gripped me.
    ‘Please, please, don’t hit me,’ I begged him, despising myself even as I spoke the words.
    My father said not a word. As the blows began to rain down on me I could not help crying out, though I stifled my cries as much as possible, gritting my teeth together and clenching my fists. I tried to turn from him, to evade the lashes, but he pursued me relentlessly, delivering blow after blow. He struck me hard on my back, my arms, and my legs—I had never felt such pain. The stinging leather struck every part of me except my face. Even at the time I noticed that he avoided my face.
    Eventually I lay curled in a tight ball on the floor, my arms over my head, whimpering like a baby. I am ashamed to admit it, but I fear it’s the truth. At last the blows ceased and I dared look up. Sir Walter was leaning against his desk, panting and sweating, his face a contorted mask of hate and rage. The disgust I felt for him gave me a little strength.
    ‘Get up!’ he snarled. I struggled to my feet, hurting and smarting all over. The floor swayed under me and my legs felt unsteady.
    Sir Walter passed a hand over his face, and his mood changed abruptly once more.
    ‘Do you understand now, Eleanor?’ he asked, and his tone was haunted. ‘I did not want to hurt you. But I cannot have you turning out like your mother.’ Sir Walter’s tone was pleading, like a small child who had been naughty. I felt a wave of sickness sweep over me, and recoiled from him. My father approached me closer and took my hand. My skin crawled at his touch. I forced myself to remain still and neither flinch nor look at him. When he got no response, he flung me from him. Sir Walter unlocked the door and threw it open. ‘Go,’ he snarled, his voice surly.
    I did not need telling twice.

CHAPTER SIX

     
    My dearest Eleanor,
    I hope you have not been punished for what you did last night. I shall not be easy until I have heard you are well. It was wonderful to see you and I shall pass many days enjoying the memory of holding my dear daughter in my arms once more. But please, Eleanor. Never take such a risk again.
    Elizabeth
    I lay face down on my palliasse for two days after that fateful night. My body was bruised and cut and I could not move without grievous pain. No one knew what had occurred and so no one came to tend me.
    Eventually, thirst and my fear for Mother drove me downstairs.
    ‘Mercy, Mistress, whatever happened to you?’ cried Betsey as she saw me limping, stooped and faint, into the kitchen. I knew I must look a sight. I had not washed nor even put a brush to my hair in two days. My mouth and skin felt parched from lack of water.
    As briefly as possible I told Betsey what had occurred and she threw her hands up in horror. She made me sit down on a footstool and drink some milk, fussing over me like a mother hen.
    ‘What about Mother?’ I asked. ‘She’s had nothing for two days either.’
    Betsey looked concerned, but said, ‘Perhaps that’s just as well, Mistress, if they’re watching her at the moment. You could have put her in real danger with that jaunt of yours.’
    ‘I was trying to help,’ I murmured.
    ‘I knows that,’ said Betsey, grasping my shoulder. I winced and she released me.
    ‘Perhaps I can take something to Alice today,’ offered Betsey.
    ‘No,’ I cried. ‘Do not! If I am caught leaving the castle with food, it is alms for the poor. If you are caught, it would be stealing.’
    Betsey acknowledged this with a reluctant nod.
    ‘But you’re not well enough, Mistress,’