The sequel to 'His Word Is Law' and 'Her Shaming'
Bess is homesick and longs for some freedom from the castle as it prepares for winter. She sees a kindred spirit in the peregrine falcon which her husband Raoul, Lord of the Castle, is having trained by his falconers. Although Raoul has expressly forbidden her to visit the mews except in his company, she disobeys him and he finds out. Unusually, he allows her to choose her punishment, and the choice she makes leads her on to a further and far more serious act of disobedience – one which brings her life into danger.
When Raoul’s search party rescues her, Bess is so proud of her bravery during her ordeal that she defies Raoul, suggesting he should be congratulating rather than punishing her.
This, however, is not a wise move on her part.
Sample text:
Ralph continued quietly, almost gently, but to Bess his words were chilling.
“Do you remember that I forbade you to go to the mews on your own?”
“Yes,” Bess admitted in a whisper.
“So you disobeyed me.”
“Yes,” even quieter.
“Not only that, but the falconers are aware that their Lord has been disobeyed by his Lady.” Pause. “Why do I punish you, Bess?”
“So that I'm afraid to do things again?”
“Partly that. But also to set things right. When a man steals a sheep he is hanged not so much to prevent him from doing it again, but to re-establish the right order of things. Also so that others may be afraid to commit the same crime, although that isn't relevant here.”
Raoul paused a moment. Bess was nervously twisting her wedding band round and round her finger.
“So I need to deal with you harshly even though I may not wish to, and even though I may be convinced that you will never do the deed again. Do you have anything you wish to say in your defence?”
Bess looked at her husband. There was no warmth in his eyes but there was patience; he would listen to her.
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