Standard disclaimers apply
***CHAPTER 11***
Kaoru closed her eyes, frozen with horror. That evil man was here, in the Suizenji Garden! Had he seen her with Kenshin? Was it possible that he had deliberately followed her all the way here?
Fearfully, she forced herself to open her eyes and look once more toward the garden. He was gone. She cast around the music room, searching face after face, but there was no sight of him.
â??Kaoru is anything the matter? You look dreadfully pale.â??
Kaoru smiled faintly. â??I thoughtâ?|I imaginedâ?|no, I am perfectly fine, Misao. I expect I am simply suffering from the shock of saying goodbye to Kenshin.â??
â??Of course, how thoughtless of me,â?? exclaimed Misao. â??Come, we will go home directly.â??
Still there was no sign of Shogu Amakusa, and Kaoru was almost ready to believe that her fevered mind was deceiving her. As for the notion that he had followed her, why, that was clearly fanciful, for how could he know that she was in Kyoto?
And yetâ?|Kaoru could not shake from her mind the memory of those chilling green eyes, boring into her across the crowded music room and claiming her for his own.
For the next few days, Misao devoted herself to the task of distracting Kaoru from thoughts of Kenshin. They walked the streets of Kyoto and enjoyed delightful riverside drives along the Yodo River. Misao introduced Kaoru to her friends, and there were tea parties, outings, and visits to the Kabuki theater.
One morning, Aoshi accompanied the ladies on a shopping expedition. Although not normally given to outward displays of emotion, even Aoshi had been unable to suppress a surge of pride at the realization that in November he would become a father. Accordingly, with Misao and Kaoru in attendance, he could not resist, on that sunny June day, buying a splendid perambulator for his son.
â??It is absolutely charming, Aoshi,â?? declared Misao, as they gazed on the dark blue carriage, with its smart white shafts ready for the small pony which would draw the vehicle.
Then the party strolled on until they reached the cabinetmakers. Kaoru was intrigued by the cabinetmakerâ??s style of displaying his waresâ??neatly arranged outside his shop were perfect miniature models of the wardrobes, tables and bookcases for sale inside.
Aoshi, of course, had a ready explanation for this. â??It is because of the small panes of glass in the window,â?? he told Kaoru, â??which would somewhat obscure our view of his wares if he displayed them as do other traders. Instead of causing us to squint through the glass, he makes small models of the items he has for sale and places them outside his establishment.â??
Misao was not listening. She seized Kaoruâ??s arm and pointed out a model of a shallow writing desk, with a high, elegantly carved back to it. â??See, it is a screen writing table. Would it not be ideal for your Mama?â??
Kaoru smiled. â??Yes, it is just the thing! She is always complaining that if she brings her writing table near the fire, then her face becomes scorched, but if she sits away from the hearth, her poor feet freeze!â??
â??This solves her problems,â?? declared Misao. â??See, her feet will keep warm, while the tall back of the table will screen her complexion from the heat of the fire. Aoshi, may we order it for your mother?â??
Aoshi, in an amiable mood, was all agreement, and the three returned to the mansion well satisfied with their morningsâ?? purchases.
As they approached the house, however, their smiles turned to expressions of amazement. Blocking the gate was a carriage. Descending from it, looking extremely hot and bothered, was Yumi Kamiya herself.
Aoshi hurried forward to assist her.
â??Dear me, Mama looks thoroughly agitated,â?? murmured Misao. â??Now, Kaoru, kindly refrain from asking her any questions until she is seated in the drawing room and calmed and refreshed.â??
The next twenty minutes were agonizing for Kaoru. Whatever was her mother doing in Kyoto? How had her father come to allow it? Clearly, something was seriously wrong, but Misao was wise in not allowing any questions until Yumi had composed herself.
While the servants brought in the luggage and Misao quietly gave instructions to her housekeeper about her mother-in-lawâ??s rooms, Kaoru and Aoshi sat with their mother, listening to her account of the dreadful journey on badly rutted roads.
At last, Aoshi, who was obviously as curious as Kaoru about their motherâ??s unexpected arrival, leaned forward and said gently, â??It is of course delightful to see you, Mama. We are, unfortunately, a little unpreparedâ??â??
â??I know,â?? said Yumi, still a little breathless, â??but there was no time to inform you. In fact, there is so little time to arrange everything.â??
â??Arrange, what Mama?â?? pressed Aoshi.
â??Why, Kaoruâ??s wedding, of course,â?? declared Yumi. â??Her father has given his consent for her marriage to Mr. Amakusa to take place this coming Saturday!â??
Kaoru gripped the arms of her chair, her face drained of color.
â??Youâ?|you canâ??t mean it, Mama,â?? she whispered. She felt Misaoâ??s cool hand on her shoulder and drew a measure of strength from her sisterâ??s reassuring presence.
Yumi nodded. â??Mr. Amakusa came to visit your father two days ago. They were in the library for over an hour. It appears that the lawyers investigating his claim to the title of Battousai have given him an assurance that the whole matter will be resolved in the autumn. But, as Mr. Amakusa pointed out, we will all be very much involved, then, making ready for the birth of our first grandchild. Mr. Amakusa felt it would be too much of a burden for me, preparing for a birth and a wedding all at the same time. He was extremely concerned that the strain on me would be to great.â??
â??How considerate of him,â?? murmured Kaoru.
â??So the upshot of it was, your father agreed that you should marry him at once, before the end of the season.â??
Kaoru could hardly believe her ears. â??You mean I am to be married in Kyoto? Papa is coming to the capital?â??
â??It seemed more convenient,â?? said Yumi. â??After all, your father is due to make his annual visit here to sign all those boring financial papers with Aoshi. Mr. Amakusa will shortly be back in Kyoto. You are here visiting Misao, and I have come to arrange you wedding kimono, so there seems little point in us all going back to Tokyo for the wedding.â??
A wave of despair swept over Kaoru. So Shogu Amakusa had outwitted her! Somehow, he must have heard that she was in the capital. He had followed her to Suizenji and, yes, she was positive he had seen her with Kenshin!
Then how swiftly he had acted. He must have set forth immediately for Tokyo and talked with her father. Kaoru had no doubt that the story about the legal wrangles was a bunch of lies. Shogu Amakusa was clearly prepared to use any low means at his disposal to marry her and carry her off back to Shimabara with all due speed.
Misao inquired quietly, â??Mama, where is Mr. Amakusa now?â??
â??He has returned to his Shimabara estates, to prepare his household for the arrival of his bride,â?? smiled Yumi.
Aoshi frowned. â??But surely, Mama, you did not travel to Kyoto unescorted? I did not observe our servant, Chou, in the coach with you.â??
â??No, Mr. Amakusa very considerately lent me his own manservant, Enishi, as escort. Would you be so kind as to give him some room here, Aoshi, until the wedding on Saturday? Mr. Amakusa felt Enishi could be of great help to me, running errands and suchlike. There will be much to arrange, and Mr. Amakusa said it would be unfair to impose upon your own servants and upset Misaoâ??s domestic arrangements.â??
Misao and Kaoru exchanged a swift glance. So Shogu Amakusa had invented yet another alibi! By installing his own manservant in Misaoâ??s household , he had cleverly forestalled any attempt of Kaoruâ??s to run away before the wedding. There was no doubt in either of the girlsâ?? mind that Enishi was totally loyal to his master, and that he would have received instructions to keep Kaoru under close watch every minute of the day until Saturday.
It was not until the following morning that the opportunity arose for Kaoru to have a confidential word with Misao. In the green and gold morning room, as the sun streamed in through the windows, Kaoru gave vent to her despair.
â??What am I going to do, Misao? Is there any way we may send word to Kenshin?â??
Misao shook her dark head. â??Iâ??m afraid not, Kaoru. We have no idea where he resides in Kyoto. And in any event, he will surely have departed for the war by now.â??
The two girls stared at one another, utterly dismayed. â??I would help you if I could, Kaoru,â?? whispered Misao, â??but I am completely at a loss to know what to do.â??
â??I am trapped,â?? murmured Kaoru. â??Today is Tuesday. In four daysâ?? time I will be married to Shogu Amakusa! And there seems to be no way in the world I can avoid it!â??
Before Misao could reply, Yumi swept into the room.
â??Come now, Kaoru, you know we have a busy day ahead of us. Run along and change your kimono.â??
As Kaoru left the room, Yumi commented to Misao, â??Really, you would imagine a young girl would be delighted at the prospect of going out to choose her bridal kimono and be fitted for her wedding dress. But to look at Kaoru you would think she was going to her own execution!â??
â??Perhaps,â?? said Misao cautiously, â??she is having doubts about the marriage. After all, the arrangements have been made so swiftly.â??
Yumi sighed. â??Of course, all brides-to-be have fits of nerves. I did myself. It is only natural. I must endeavor to be more patient with Kaoru. I must show her more understanding.â??
Misao tried again. â??It does seem a pity, though, that she will be marrying a mere mister. I fee so guilty. If only my baby were not due in November, you would have the pride and pleasure of seeing your daughter marry the legendary warrior.â??
â??I only wish I had been present when Mr. Amakusa saw Saitou,â?? confessed Kaoruâ??s mother. â??Of course the birth of your child and a wedding would not be too much for me to cope with. But I was out attending to a sick village girl when Mr. Amakusa arrived, and I returned to the house to find the whole affair was settled.â??
Misao looked thoughtful. Mr. Amakusa must have been at his most persuasive that morning, she reflected. She felt intensely sorry for Kaoru, but although she wracked her brains all day for a solution, she could think of none. Despite all their efforts, Kaoru it seemed, was doomed to marry a man she loathed.
As Saturday approached, Kaoru could not bring herself to express any interest in the preparations for her wedding. By Thursday, her mother had totally lost patience with her.
â??Really, Kaoru, you must stop looking so uninterested,â?? she protested, as they returned from yet another shopping expedition. â??You would not stand still for a minute while the dressmaker was trying to fit your wedding kimono. And when she asked you what color you would prefer, why, you gazed out of the window and refused to make any choice at all! Youâ??re embarrassing me!â??
Kaoru glanced behind, at Enishi, who was walking behind carrying the parcels of silk lingerie that would comprise part of her wedding dress. Wherever she and her mother had gone, Enishi had accompanied them. Watchful, outwardly respectful, always obliging.
Kaoru hated Enishi. Not for a moment had he allowed her out of his sight. When she left the house, he accompanied her. When she was inside the house, she often saw him strolling up and down the estate, cutting off all means of escape.
She could sense the walls of fate closing in on her. She felt breathless, and slightly unreal, as if she were living in the midst of a nightmare. Her tortured mind was quite unable to accept that on Saturday, at eleven oâ??clock in the morning, she would become Mrs. Shogu Amakusa. She could notâ??would notâ??accept it!
Accordingly, she drifted like a person in a dream, taking no notice of what was happening around her. Saturday, she was convinced, would never come. It could not come. It must not!
But on Friday evening Kaoru was jerked harshly back into the world of reality by the arrival of her father at the mansion. Saitou was, of course, thoroughly out of temper and already complaining that the foul Kyoto air was sending him to an early grave. His teeth ached, his bones hurt, his dinner disagreed with him. In short, he could not wait for the wedding to be over, and his business finished, so he could return to his beloved Tokyo.
After dinner, Aoshi suggested that they pay a visit to his club, to discuss the familyâ??s financial business. The expedition caused a moment of light relief for Kaoru as Saitou announced his intention of traveling to the club in a sedan chair.
*think of a smaller version of a rickshaw without wheels being carried by two people*
Even Aoshi, traditionalist as he was, showed shock at this. â??Father, no one employs that mode of travel nowadays! Why, it is hopelessly out of style.â??
â??A sedan is the right and proper way for a gentleman to travel when in town,â?? insisted Saitou.
Trying to be helpful, Yumi intervened, â??Why not compromise, dear?â?? she suggested. â??Is there not one kind of sedan which is set on wheels instead of being carried along by two footmen?â??
Saitou snorted. â??I never heard of anything so undignified! I refuse to be pushed along on wheels, like a load of compost on a gardenerâ??s barrow. Aoshi, be so kind as to order your footman to call me a traditional sedan!â??
Aoshi, still muttering that he would be the laughingstock of all the club, had no choice but to comply.
Kaoru retired early that night, unable to face an evening of polite drawing room conversation with her mother. Her bedroom overlooked the street, and there below, patrolling up and down, was Enishi. Kaoru hastily drew across the silk curtain, unable to bear the sight of him.
Oh, how different this was from all her girlhood dreams of the night before her wedding! As she stood poised on the threshold of a new life, these last few hours between girlhood and womanhood were such a special time.
Taking Kenshinâ??s ring from her jewel case she reflected how joyful she would have felt had she been marrying him! With what excitement and anticipation would she have prepared herself, confident in the knowledge that in the morning she would become his wife. That tomorrow night he would come to her, and take her into his arms, and embrace her as a husband should.
Kaoruâ??s hands flew to her face. But it would be the hateful Shogu Amakusa who would come to her! It would be he to whom she would be compelled to submit. She would belong to him, body and soul. He could do with her as he willed, and no one in the whole world would have the power to stop him.
Her eyes filled with hot, angry tears. Then there came a tap on the door. Quickly, Kaoru dried her eyes as her mother came softly into the room. Yumi seemed extremely ill at ease. She sat down in the chair by the window and fiddled with the fringe on her shawl.
â??So, my daughter. Tomorrow you will be married. I felt it was only right, you know, that we should have a little talk before you go to the shrine.â??
Despite her inner misery, Kaoruâ??s sense of humor asserted itself. She was forced to bit her lip to prevent herself from laughing. She remembered her times with Kenshin, when he had held her in his arms and kissed herâ?|the desire, the tumultuous passion they had shared.
Now, here was her mother, pink-cheeked, about to explain her duties as a wife. Kaoru knew she must stop her.
â??Mama, it is very kind of youâ?|but I believe I already know what you have come to tell me. Misao and I have grown very close, you know andâ??â??
Yumi sighed with relief. â??Ah, yes. Dearest Misao has no doubt been a great example to you as a dutiful wife.â?? She stood up and took her daughterâ??s hand. â??Marriage is never easy, my dear. Just remember to be obedient and willing, and it will soften the way for you. I hope you will be happy.â??
Kaoru kissed her mother on the cheek. â??Thank you, Mama.â?? Happy? With Shogu Amakusa? Oh, how impossible!
Kaoru managed to contain herself until the door had closed behind her mother. Then, clutching Kenshinâ??s ring, she flung herself down upon the bed and gave way to the tears she had held back for so long.
By ten oâ??clock on Saturday morning, Kaoru stood dressed in her wedding kimono. She was alone in her room. Misao and two maids had helped her to dress, making sure there are no wrinkles in her kimono.
While her hair was being brushed, she had watched the hateful Enishi leave for his masterâ??s lodgings in Rakuto Street. Shogu Amakusa had planned to arrive back from Shimabara last night, and now Enishi had gone to prepare the bridegroom for his wedding. Shogu Amakusa had taken no chances, Kaoru thought wryly. He had ordered his manservant to remain in Kyoto until the last possible moment, just in case his reluctant bride should attempt to escape.
But this time, thought Kaoru, there was no hope of any rescue. She gazed at herself in the mirror. She looked enchanting.
â??But oh, Kenshin,â?? she whispered, â??this dress, this brideâ?|all should have been for you.â??
In the dying moments of her girlhood, Kaoru relieved her adventures with the man she loved. The rides through the nightâ?|the passionate embracesâ?|the warmth of his lips on hers. Now it was over. She would never see him again. For once the vow was exchange, she knew he would never allow her to wander at will. If Shogu was not there to guard her, then the sly Enishi would be watching.
Kaoru reflected that at least she would have her memories of Kenshin. It was more than many girls had. They at least would give her comfort during the bleak years ahead.
At the door she paused and looked back on the room. It occurred to her then that she had slept alone for the last time. Tonight, and on all the other nights for the rest of her life, Shogu Amakusa, her husband, would have the right to enter her room and her bed.
Kaoru shuddered. Hastily, she closed the door behind her and walked down to the drawing room, where her family were assembled. Yumi was dressed in gray kimono, with Misao beside her elegant in dark blue. The men stood stiffly in their gi and hakama.
Saitou cleared his throat as he regarded Kaoru. â??My word, you look lovely, my dear. Though why so sad? You should be radiant with joy on your wedding day.â??
â??It is only natural that she should feel nervous,â?? said Yumi, coming across to arrange Kaoruâ??s wedding kimono.
Aoshi glanced at his pocket watch. â??I think we should be setting out for the shrine. The carriages are waiting.â??
Saitou turned to his daughter. â??Are you ready Kaoru?â??
â??Yes, Papa.â?? Her face was deathly pale.
â??Mother, Misao and I will travel in the first carriage,â?? declared Aoshi, â??to arrive at the shrine shortly ahead of you and Kaoru, Father. The servants-â??
Aoshi broke off in surprise as the manservant Enishi burst unceremoniously into the drawing room.
â??Sir!â?? he gasped, his face flushed and perspiring.
â??Compose yourself!â?? ordered Saitou. â??How dare you enter this drawing room unannounced, and in such a disorderly fashion? Can you not see that we are about to set forth for my daughterâ??s wedding?â??
â??Yes Sir,â?? blurted Enishi, â??but thatâ??s what I hastened to tell you. My master, Mr. Amakusa. Heâ?|well, heâ??s gone!â??
â??Gone! What do you mean gone?â??
â??He is not at his lodgings, sir. There is no sign of him.â??
As Saitouâ??s face turned purple, Misao quietly drew Kaoru into a chair. She found she was holding her breath, hardly daring to hope.
Aoshi paced the room. â??I imagine he has been delayed on the way back from his country estates. What a nuisance!â??
â??I beg your pardon, sir,â?? went on Enishi, â??but the arrangement was that Mr. Amakusa would return to Rakuto Street to collect some personal items before he went up to Shimabara. But I can see no sign of him having come to Rakuto Street at all.â??
â??Strange,â?? mused Aoshi. â??Perhaps he decided to go straight to Shimabara from Tokyo and miss Kyoto altogether.â??
Yumi subsided into the chair beside Kaoru. â??We must discover where he is! It is too annoying of Mr. Amakusa to be late, on his wedding day. I never heard of such a thing!â??
â??It is certainly unforgivably rude,â?? murmured Misao.
Aoshi was all action. â??The wedding will have to be postponed. I will send my servant to the shrine to explain the delay. Meanwhile, Enishi, you will ride posthaste to the Tokaido Inn at Kiyomizu. If Amakusa was riding north from either Kyoto or Tokyo, heâ??d have been sure to stop there to change horses. They will know when he was last seen, and when-if-he is expected again.â??
Saitou agreed to these plans, and Enishi departed. Then Saitou came across to Kaoru. â??I am so very sorry, my dear,â?? he murmured. â??This must be a great disappointment to you.â??
Kaoruâ??s heart was singing. â??Yes, Papa,â?? she whispered.
He patted her hand. â??Donâ??t worry. There is bound to be a reasonable explanation for the delay,â?? He scowled. â??But damn, if there is not, then sure as death Mr. Amakusa will have to answer to me!â??
Misao pressed a glass of wine into Kaoruâ??s trembling hand. She sipped it gratefully. Could it be that, after all, Kenshin had not let her down? He had promised her faithfully that she would not marry Shogu Amakusa. Trust me, he had said. She knew not how, but in some mysterious circumstances he had acted and once more come to her aid. She was convinced of it!
Even so, a chill struck her bones as she remembered Shogu Amakusaâ??s evil, ruthless face. So Kenshin had managed to delay her wedding. But surely even he could not intervene forever?
Misao took Kaoru upstairs, assisted her out of her wedding kimono, and suggested she should rest. But that Kaoru could not do. Every moment she expected to hear a resounding knock on the door, heralding the arrival of the bridegroomâ?|Shogu Amakusa, furious at the delay, but come to take her, willing or no, to the shrine to make her his wife.
AUTHORâ??S NOTES:
Hmmmâ?|.will Shogu show up for the wedding? Youâ??ll find out in the next and hopefully last chapter. THANKS SO MUCH TO EVERYONE WHO READ AND REVIEWED MY FIC ::hugs & kisses:: Suggestions, comments, criticisms are very much welcome.
Dora-chan â?? About Kenshinâ??s cross-shaped scar, I would not give the details on how he got that. Just use your imagination.
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