DISCLAIMER: The Young Riders is the creation of Ed Spielman, and the property of Ogiens/Kane productions in association with MGM/UA television. This Story is created for entertainment purposes only, no infringement intended. Not to be copied without permission from the author.
Bernice moved quickly back into the house her skin pale and clammy, her eyes fear glazed as she thought about greeting her husband. Isabella followed at a distance and when she was sure that Bernie was inside she slipped around the back of the house and through the kitchen entry. Bernie had barely made it into the front door before he was standing before her his hands on his hips, his face a mask of fury.
“Where the hell have you been you little tramp?” he bellowed
“I’m sorry Jefferson” she murmured her eyes down cast, he cruelly grabbed her by the chin and turned her face to his. “I didn’t mean to be outside so long”
“You’ve been crying again” he released her face and slapped her so hard that she nearly fell “How many times have I told you that I don’t want you crying for your bastard child’s father.” He slapped her again, her ears ringing, her eyes stinging with sharp tears “How many times do I have to hit you to make you stop it” he raised his arm and slapped her across the side of her head, the force of his blow knocking her off her feet and slamming her head against the cold marble floor as her hands automatically moved to cradle and protect her precious cargo, sliding into unconsciousness.
“Etienne” Jefferson screamed for his manservant and Isabella’s older brother, and as he saw him entering the room Jefferson spoke again “take her up to her bedchamber and get your sister to attend to her” he spoke harshly and stormed from the room into his study.
This was a scene that had been replayed often in the weeks since Bernie’s pregnancy had confined her to the house, almost daily after Jefferson had taken out his filthy temper on his tiny wife, he summoned Etienne to carry her to the bedroom and Isabella to clean up the damage he had created with his fists. Etienne itched to hit the arrogant man who used his size and power to hurt and frighten the young and vulnerable women in his life and employ, but to do that would find him not only imprisoned but unable to protect his baby sister from the danger she would be in, should he not be there to protect her.
Lifting the unconscious Bernice, gently into his arms he carried her up the winding staircase and laid her on the huge bed that made her appear even more tiny and vulnerable. Even heavily pregnant she weighed less than a feather, he knew she wasn’t eating much and he knew that she was losing weight. If she had been born to a different family, he would already be in love with her, but he knew his station, just like he knew that her heart belonged to another, all he could do for her was try to keep her safe. Kneeling at her side, he pushed the copper coloured ringlets back from her face and traced the darkening marks on the side of her face, knowing that this time she would bruise. He shrugged his sleeve further down his arm and used the corner of his white cuff to wipe the trickle of blood from the corner of her mouth.
So engrossed was he in Bernice he hadn’t heard the door open behind him until he heard the fury of his masters voice behind him.
“Get your hands off my wife” he roared as he stalked across the room and shoved Etienne in the back, knocking him to the ground.
“I’m sorry sir” Etienne knew his best defence against his master was submission, not wanting to anger him further he tried to apologise before he tried to rise
Eccles kicked his manservant savagely in the chest, his hard leather riding boots surely breaking his victims ribs.
“Never ever touch her like that again.” He continued to kick Etienne savagely, as he yelled threats and abuse at his faithful servant. Etienne tried his best to defend himself against his master, as he pulled him to his feet and pushed him towards the door “Get out of my sight” he pushed him towards the door laughing as his head hit the doorjamb. Dazed Etienne pulled himself back to his feet and staggered out into the hallway, his glassy eyes meeting those of his terrified sister.
“Help her Is” he murmured as she moved to help her brother
“But” she whispered as she reached to trace the bruise already forming on his face
“I’ll be alright Is, he’s beaten me worse then this before, go, she needs you more” he gently pushed his sister towards the room, hoping that Eccles would leave her alone.
Isabella walked tentatively into the room, seeing him standing against the window, watching the falling sun she moved to the side of Bernie’s bed and took her tiny hand in her own, knowing that she must be courageous for her friends sake, even though her master terrified her.
“Make sure she is clean, and she has her nightgown on” he spoke not looking at her, not waiting for a response he turned and walked through the heavy oak door to his own chambers.
Isabella watched as he left then moved to soak a cloth in the bowl of water on the bedside chest. Returning to Bernie’s side she gently bathed her friends face, before starting to undress her. She stripped her to her underwear and slipped a simple white nightgown over her head. Hearing a noise behind her as she was tucking Bernie under the blankets, she turned her eyes wide with fear.
“It’s alright it’s only me” Etienne whispered as he moved to the side of the bed, watching Bernie’s slight frame
“You frightened me” she scolded him gently, watching as he sat on the side of the bed and took Bernie’s hand in his
“Is she alright?” he asked his other hand gently stroking her face.
“She will be, We have to get her away from here Ti” Isabella spoke worried about her brother’s affection for Bernie, hoping that he wasn’t about to have his heart broken.
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