The Prisoners of Wyvern Castle

Lady Wyvern and Graviton gloat over their prisoners

When they went downstairs to break their fast, Rupert proclaimed himself keen to show Madeline the smoothness of his freshly shaven cheeks, and she found herself sitting on his knee, popping pieces of fruit, bread roll, and bacon into his mouth, or her own, in between kisses.

How strange at this time yesterday, she and Graviton were on the mainland, in a carriage to the wharf, where a boat waited to bring them to Wyvern Island. She had not even met Rupert! She could scarcely believe they were so comfortable with one another in such a short time.

She spoke her thoughts out loud, and he agreed. "I only thought of keeping my lady safe," he confessed. "I never thought of what marriage would mean."

Madeline blushed, thinking he meant their intimacies. She could not have imagined how peculiar and awkward the activity would be—nice though it was.

Rupert, though, had another pleasure in mind. "I have not had a companion of my own age since the accident when I lost my sight," he confided. "I think we shall be friends, Madeline. I would like that."

She blushed still more, and hid her hot face against his neck. "I would like that, too. I have never had a friend. Except for my dogs."

They were interrupted by the sound of bolts being drawn back on the door below them. Madeline wriggled, and Rupert let her out of his arms to take her own seat, next to him, around the corner of the table.

Lady Wyvern swept into the room, Graviton sauntering behind her. "Well, Penworth? Did you do your duty?" she demanded.

Under the table top, Madeline slipped her hand into Rupert's, and he pressed it reassuringly.

"You are early, sister," he said, his chin lifted and jaw rigid.

"No need for concern, Louisa," Graviton soothed. He smirked at Madeline and Robert. "Our newly-weds are holding hands under the table. It is rather sweet."

Lady Wyvern was not amused. "But did he bed her, James? Holding hands won't fill her belly."

"He did, my lady." It was the maid, Polly, shrinking a little as she drew the attention of everyone in the room.

"Explain," Lady Wyvern demanded, and Polly shrank still further, looking around as if for support. Her uncle spoke for her. "Blood on the sheets, my lady. He popped her cherry, right enough."

Lady Wyvern glared, and her voice was cold, "You shall speak to and of the earl and countess with all due respect, Morris, or I will replace you and your niece."

"Beg pardon, my lady." Morris said something else, but Madeline was not listening. Turning to Rupert as the grip on her hand tightened, she found his face white. "I made you bleed?" he asked, in a low voice meant for her ears only.

But Graviton heard. "No need to fuss, Penworth. She'll be fine next time." Madeline blushed and instinctively turned to Rupert, searching his still-anxious face. Graviton began to snigger. "Ah. Next time has been. From the looks of my dear little sister, Louisa, he bedded her several times."

"Curse you, Graviton." The earl's voice was harsh and imperious, making him sound much older. "Hold your tongue. You are being offensive."

Madeline flinched. Graviton's temper was uncertain, and though Rupert was tall, Graviton had a man's full growth. But Graviton only laughed. "The puppy thinks he is a man, now," he observed.

"Do not tease them, James," Lady Wyvern commanded. "We are pleased, are we not? You shall have a reward, Penworth, you and your countess. I shall instruct the servants to make your stay here comfortable. You may ask for anything, within reason."

"Our freedom," Rupert said, but that made Lord Graviton chortle still harder and Lady Wyvern frown.

"Within reason, Penworth. Music, perhaps, so you don't have to pick out your own on your infernal violin? The countess has been trained to read music, James, I take it?"

"Mad has been trained as a lady, Louisa; of course she reads music. She plays tolerably well, too." Madeline had had the best of teachers while Papa was alive, though nothing these last five years. Graviton had fired them all, saying he had no intention of parading her on the marriage market, but would place her where suited him best.

"There, Penworth. You shall have some sheet music, and your little wife shall play for you. Come, James. We do not wish to miss the boat."

As the couple started to leave, Rupert stopped them with a word: "Wait."

Lady Wyvern turned back, slapping the gloves she held in one hand impatiently against the other. "Well? Be quick, Penworth."

"Lady Penworth's spinet, access to Lord Wyvern's library, Lady Penworth's favourite dog, a walk outside in clement weather. And the music."

Lady Wyvern exchanged looks with Graviton. "The countess may have her spinet. You and she shall not leave the tower. A servant shall fetch whatever books she desires. I have already agreed to the music."

"And the dog?" Rupert insisted.

"James? What think you?"

Graviton was shaking his head. "No, Louisa. A dog in this tower? With those stairs? We would not wish any harm to come to the earl."

"Maera would never trip my husband," Madeline protested. "Never."

"No dog," Lady Wyvern decreed. "Morris, we will send the other things. See to it the earl and countess are treated as befits their station."

She left as abruptly as she had arrived, and Graviton followed her, turning in the doorway to grin at Madeline. "You were worth keeping after all, Mad," he said. "I did think about selling you when Father died, but this is much better."