“The ways of a wife?” said Lady Marjorie, her eyes brightening for the first time since the start of the journey. “You mean intimate matters…the plainspoken truth?”
Janet’s lips twitched. “I cannot expect it without providing it. So yes, I would explain wifely duties. With enough detail to curl your toes, because knowledge is power, and young women are all too often kept ignorant. That is what you want, yes?”
Her ward nodded eagerly, her blue eyes shining with such hope that Janet’s heart clenched a little. That Lady Marjorie could still feel such emotion after her long imprisonment was a miracle in itself. In truth there were places in the Highlands so bleak, so isolated, that not even travelers wished to tarry long. But to live in such a place for sixteen years…
How different her own life had been. Mistress to the king, a blissful but too-short marriage, adventures, feasts and entertainment, debating law and learning with indulgent scholars, all the court influence she might wish for…simply because she’d been caught bedding a woman.
Aileen. Her first love.
Just one long ago summer, but unforgettable. The days where she’d first discovered a fondness for dominating a lover; the power of touch and withholding or granting pleasure; of wicked words; the sweetness of soft lips, taut nipples, and dripping cunt. After they’d been caught, Aileen was hastily wed and sent away. Her own father wanted her locked in a convent, but Mother, infinitely wiser and more practical, arranged for her to go to court and meet the young and infamously lusty King James. The king graciously received his gift and in turn showed her family great favor. While he’d always maintained control in the bedchamber, and his wandering cock irritated her to no end, James had been a good lover. Generous. Affectionate.
Occasionally she wondered what life might have been like if her affair with Aileen had continued. Would it have eventually ended? Or would they be living together somewhere as dearest friends? There were so many questions left unanswered, and she’d not seen Aileen since that fateful day. Nor had she been tempted by another woman since.
Until Lady Marjorie.
Sweet and innocent yet eager to learn. Ready to be conquered yet forbidden.
“How did you bear it?” Janet asked abruptly, pressing her thighs together to ease the burgeoning ache in her cunt. “Imprisonment in a convent, I mean.”
Lady Marjorie stared at her hands. “I had no choice. And I can’t remember much of life before it. My mother died when I was three, my father was always at court, and I had no brothers or sisters. But…”
“Tell me. Plainspoken truth,” she reminded. “And may I add, while I love the king dearly, you’ll not hear defense of his decision from me. It was wrong.”
“The convent always felt wrong,” replied Lady Marjorie hoarsely. “It wasn’t my home. I was an unwanted guest, just as I was at Stirling Castle. I never had a choice about anything—not what I wore or ate or how I spent my time. There were a great many women, but I was always alone. They wanted to be there, to serve God in a certain way, but I’ve never felt the calling to be a nun. I know the king will choose my husband, but at least as a wife, I will have a say in certain matters. Even a little say…”
Janet bit her lip so she wouldn’t launch a tirade. Lady Marjorie had been taught to expect naught but crumbs from the table, to be grateful for them, even. And she’d had her spirit crushed. Well. She would find new direction at St. Andrews. A new beginning. “I swear, my dear, you shall have choices under my guardianship. And learn a great many things before you wed.”
“Thank you. May I ask…did you choose your husband? That is, if you wish to share such a personal matter,” her ward finished awkwardly.
“I did not choose Fergus Fraser. The king selected him after our long affair ended. But it was an inspired choice, and that is why you must not give up hope for a happy marriage. The king is a practical man but also a romantic at heart.”
“You loved Master Fraser? Really loved him?”
Janet closed her eyes briefly against the stab of pain. “I did. I miss him a great deal. He was such a scholar, always reading. And as a privy councillor, he shared the best court chatter. I heard the scandals before most—although in fairness, I caused many of them. My unruly temper or sinful boldness.”
Lady Marjorie gasped. “He did not beat you for that?”
“Saints alive, no. He wasn’t that sort of man. Just a gentle soul with a talented tongue and nimble fingers that did not tire.”
“What?”
Janet laughed. “Forgive me; that was far too bawdy for virgin ears. I have no desire to disgust or frighten you.”
“I’m not,” her ward denied quickly. “Just surprised…and curious. I know it’s sinful to be, but it feels like I’ve been standing outside in the cold forever, and at last the door has opened. Please tell me. Please. I don’t have anyone else to ask. And we’re in a wagon. Sir Lachlan rides ahead, and the driver won’t hear. Do you mean he kissed you? Touched you? ”
“Lady Marjorie—”
“Just Marjorie. I mean, if you like.”
Janet nodded. “Very well. Then I’m just Janet. To answer your question, yes he kissed and touched me. Everywhere I desired. I always enjoyed my neck being massaged, but my favorite times were when he sucked my nipples and stroked between my legs until I coated his fingers in honey…oh dear. Your cheeks are as red as my gown. Should I stop?”
“No,” whispered Marjorie, squirming on her seat, her nipples now visibly pressing against the bodice of her gray gown. “Please don’t stop.”
…
This was wicked talk. The most scandalous of conversations.
Yet after a taste, Marjorie wanted so much
