Hard To Get

On an errand for Lady Anne, Katherine glanced out the castle window and paused, seeing her brother in the courtyard below. William was putting his squire through his paces, working with the lad on his swordsmanship. The dull thwack of the wooden practice swords reached Katherine even on the second floor. She winced in sympathy for Jonathan as she saw the squire give Will an opening, knowing what would come next. She was right. Will took advantage of Jon’s weakness to give him a solid whack in the side with his practice sword. Even with the cloth armor they both were wearing, that was probably going to leave a bruise.
“And just what is it that has the beautiful Katherine so enthralled?” a voice wondered, making Katherine jump.
She turned quickly, feeling guilty for getting caught dawdling. Seeing who addressed her, she stiffened. “Good day, Sir Jerrod,” she said politely.
The knight standing in the doorway sauntered over to the window and peered out. “Ah. Your brother and his squire. Well, I assure you, my dear, that there are far better things inside the castle to look at.” He put a gloved hand under her chin and turned her head so she was forced to meet his blue eyes. “Like me.”
Katherine stifled her revulsion and broke free of his grip, seeing anger flash briefly across Jerrod’s face as she did. “Be that as it may, Sir Jerrod, I must be going,” she said, turning to leave.
His hand shot out and grabbed her long blond braid. “Not before I get a kiss,” he said savagely, bringing his mouth down on hers.
Katherine was so shocked that he managed to force her lips open and get his tongue inside her mouth before she reacted. She struggled fiercely, but he had her pinned to his chest and she couldn’t break free. Knowing that he would find a way to get her back for this later, but finding no other choice, she stamped hard on his instep. He thrust her away, swearing, as he grabbed his foot. Katherine stumbled and nearly fell, but once she regained her balance, she fled, terrified he would come after her once more. But he did not, and she shakily finished her errand.

Katherine was relieved when she did not see Jerrod for the rest of the day. She finally got a chance to talk to her brother at dinner, a dinner at which Jerrod was conspicuously absent. In Lord Edward Archer’s castle, the lord and lady ate with only the nobles, a mixed collection of relatives, fosterlings (of which Katherine was one) and the knights who served Lord Archer. Though the girls fostering with Lady Anne sat at a different part of the long table than the knights, Katherine was able to whisper, “Talk to me later?” to her brother as she passed.
He nodded, hazel eyes curious, as she moved on to stand behind her seat. Lord and Lady Archer entered in a swirl of brocade and fine cloth, and took their seats at the head of the table. Everyone else followed suit, and after Father Thomas blessed the food, the meal began.

Later that night, Will sought out Katherine in her room, one of the smaller ones as befitted a family of lower nobility such as theirs.
“What is it that you wished to tell me?” Glancing around, he hooked a foot around the leg of a nearby stool, dragged it to him, and sat.
“Sir Jerrod is still pursuing me.” Katherine followed her brother’s example and sat on the edge of her bed. “Today in the corridor, he forced me to kiss him.”
Will’s face grew dark as she explained what had happened. “This must not continue.” He shifted on the stool, which creaked under his weight. “Sir Jerrod thinks that because his family is distantly related to King Henry that he can get away with everything.” He scowled.
“But what can we do?” Katherine asked. “We may have noble blood, but his ‘tis nobler. He does not even serve Lord Archer directly- he is a vassal of the Duke!”
Her older brother frowned. “I know this. But I shall speak to Lord Archer anyway. Perhaps he can talk some reason into Sir Jerrod’s lustful head. And if not, he may be willing to send a message to the Duke.”
Katherine had her doubts about that, but she agreed with Will. They ought to at least try to speak to Lord Archer. “Let me come with you. Perhaps if Lord Archer were to hear it from me--”
“No,” Will cut her off with a curt shake of his head. “The lord will not wish to meet with a girl. I shall speak to him on your behalf. You just try to stay out of Sir Jerrod’s path.” He stood up. “It grows late. I shall speak to the lord on the morrow if I can.” He smiled at her. “Never fear, little sister. Your problem is in the hands of men now, and we shall take care of it. Sleep well.” He leaned over and kissed her on the forehead, then left.

Katherine sighed. He still treats me like a little girl, and all because I am not married yet. I am nearly fourteen, nearly a woman. She flopped back on the bed. I do wish he would take me with him to speak with Lord Archer. Something occurred to her, and she sat upright again. He may not take me, but that does not mean I cannot follow. A slow smile spread across her face.

The following morning, Katherine sat in the solar working on her stitching with Lady Anne and the other three girls fostering at Castle Archer. Some knights, her brother included, were in the training yard outside the window, working either with their squires or by themselves. She watched them for a bit until Lady Anne tapped her.
“Katherine, if you are going to finish that hem today, your attention needs to be on your stitches, not on the knights outside,” she admonished. The other girls giggled, and Katherine blushed.
“Yes, my lady,” she murmured, bending attentively to the shirt in her lap. The girls were released a little later to complete additional minor chores.
“So, who was it that you were watching out there, Katherine?” Sarah asked slyly as they left the solar. Agnes and Elizabeth laughed.
“I know who it was,” Agnes teased. “You were watching your brother’s squire, were you not?”
“Jonathan?” Katherine gasped indignantly. “I never!” In truth, she had been watching to make sure her brother did not slip away to see Lord Archer whilst she was penned up in the solar.
“No?” Sarah stopped and crossed her arms skeptically. “Then whom?”
Katherine sighed, shaking her head. “No one, I tell you! I was a little distracted, and that is all.” She pushed past Sarah and continued down the hall.
Elizabeth sighed. “I know who would distract me.” She paused dramatically.
“Well?” Agnes asked impatiently, turning to look at her. “Who?”
“Sir William himself. Not his gangly squire.” Elizabeth cocked her head, considering. “Or Sir Jerrod. He is rather a handsome fellow himself.” She caught up with Katherine as they resumed walking.
“Ugh!” Katherine wrinkled her nose at Elizabeth. “My brother? And Sir Jerrod?”
“Whyever not, Katherine?” asked Sarah in surprise. “Well, I understand not thinking of your brother that way,” she conceded, “but I agree with Elizabeth, Sir Jerrod is quite good-looking.”
“Have you spoken with the man?” Katherine glanced at Sarah, her eyebrows raised. “Sir Jerrod is crude, vulgar, coarse, rude, and, well, simply everything you would not want.”
Elizabeth sniffed. “Well, he has never been anything but polite to me,” she said, slightly put out. “I think you are making it up to keep us away.”
“Heavens, why would I want to do such a thing as that?” Katherine stopped in the middle of the hallway. “I do not even like the man.” The other girls also stopped, facing her.
“You must admit, Katherine, that it does almost sound as if you are,” Agnes pointed out. Katherine was momentarily caught speechless. How could they think that she was lying? She opened her mouth to defend herself when suddenly, Jerrod himself rounded the corner. She quickly moved behind Sarah as he stopped upon seeing them.
“Why, good afternoon, ladies.” He gave a small bow. “Let me see. It is Agnes, Sarah, and Elizabeth, no?”
“And Katherine.” Sarah gave Katherine a too-sweet smile as she stepped aside.
“Oh, my apologies, my lady. I did not see you standing there.”
“That was the point,” Katherine muttered, shooting an evil glare Sarah’s way.
“I beg your pardon?” Jerrod raised an eyebrow elegantly.
“Oh, I said, ‘How is your foot?’” She smiled just as sweetly as Sarah had. “I noticed that you seemed to be limping yesterday.”
Jerrod flushed angrily, but his words, though strained, were polite. “Better, thank you.”
Elizabeth leaned forward, concerned. “Why my lord, what happened?”
“Ah, I er, got too close to a skittish horse,” the knight improvised quickly. “Stepped on my foot.”
“Well, perhaps you should avoid that horse in the future, good sir.” Katherine did her best to look innocent.
“Nay, my lady, I do believe that she can be tamed.” He leered at her. “By force, if necessary.”
Katherine swallowed, unnerved. “I see,” she said softly.
Elizabeth, not understanding the reason for the tension that laced their conversation, but not liking it either, chose that moment to try to get Jerrod’s attention on her. She launched into an account of their morning, and Katherine took it as an opportunity to escape.

Mumbling something about having to leave, she fled back down the corridor from whence they had come. She could feel Jerrod’s gaze on her back all the way. Why was he so determined to have her? Couldn’t he see that there were other girls, like Elizabeth, who were actually interested in him? She eventually reached the training yard only to find that her brother was no longer there. She frowned, and muttered an epithet she had picked up from the guards.
“Katherine!” a voice from behind her said in shocked disapproval. She whirled to see Lady Anne in the doorway. “That is not proper language for a lady,” Anne scolded. “And why are you out here? You are supposed to be inside, straightening up the storage room.”
“My apologies, my lady.” Katherine ducked her head and hurried past Lady Anne before she could ask any more questions. It looked as if she weren’t going to be able to follow Will after all.
As she headed for the storage room, she tried to come up with ways to get Jerrod’s attention off of her. What if I make myself really ugly, or sick even? She shook her head to herself. No, that will not work. If I get sick, he shall just come after me again once I am well, and that is presuming I do get well. And I refuse to change my appearance just to get away from him. I shall not let him dictate my life. She sighed as she turned the corner. There just didn’t seem to be an easy way out of this mess. Reaching the door to the storage room, her eyes fell on Elizabeth folding the extra linens. Elizabeth! Of course! Why did I not think of that before?

Elizabeth greeted her with a small frown. “There you are.” She placed a neatly folded sheet on the shelf behind her. “I was wondering if you were going to show up.”
“Sorry.” Katherine moved to help the other girl with one of the larger sheets. “Listen, Elizabeth, I think I have a solution to the Sir Jerrod problem that will be agreeable to both of us.”
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, and Katherine hurried to explain her idea. “You see, you are similar in appearance to me—we both have long hair and are slender. Well, in the dark, how is Jerrod to tell if he is holding me, or you?”
Elizabeth looked surprised. “You really were telling the truth then. About not liking him, that is.” She placed the sheet they had both folded on top of the other one as Katherine nodded.
“Yes. Will you help me? I do not desire his attentions, and you do. So why not prove that to him?” She picked up the broom and began to sweep.
Folding the last piece of linen, Elizabeth smiled. “I certainly cannot refuse an offer such as this.” She crossed the room to where a pile of torches lay in a jumbled heap on the floor. “What did you have in mind? How shall we switch?”
“We must get him alone with me at night. So I shall have to pretend to be interested in him. He will likely have only one thing in mind, and will try to get me in bed as soon as he can.” Katherine leaned on the broom, thinking. “You should be hiding somewhere nearby, and before he can go too far, I shall excuse myself to use the privy. But instead of me slipping back into the room--”
“I shall instead,” Elizabeth finished, arranging the torches on the shelf. “It could work, it really could.”
Katherine began sweeping again. “I wonder if I could make him behave better towards girls while I do it.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, since I have to pretend to like him, I could give him some subtle hints on how to woo a lady properly.” Finished with the floor, Katherine leaned the broom back against the wall and turned to Elizabeth. “Tell him that if he wants my affection, he should bring me flowers or the like.”
“Oh, by all means, do so!” Elizabeth laughed. “Heaven knows, all men could use a lesson like that.”
Katherine nodded her agreement, helping Elizabeth put the rest of the loose torches away. Finally done with their job, they left the small storage room to go enjoy the rest of the day and their free time.

That evening, Will came to her room once again to tell her that, as expected, Lord Archer had told him he could do nothing about Sir Jerrod.
Katherine shrugged. “It really does not matter any more,” she told her brother. “Elizabeth and I have discovered a way to solve the problem ourselves.”
Will glanced sharply at her. “Nothing…bad, is it?”
“Never fear, Will. It is a harmless plan. You needn’t fret so much.”
He warily agreed to let the two of them try to handle the problem themselves, though he looked suspicious still.

The foster girls were given the whole of the next day to themselves, and they arranged for that afternoon a picnic outside the castle walls. That morning, Katherine wandered out to the gardens next to the training yard with her embroidery and sat on a marble bench that faced the knights who were working. She saw Jerrod with a clump of others at the quintain, practicing their jousting for the tournament next month. She thought he had seen her come outside and was proven right when he nodded in her direction. She steeled herself and smiled at him, then bent her head industriously over her embroidery.
His turn at the quintain came a few minutes later. “Look, Richard, this is how a real knight does it!” he called loudly to the knight who had just gone.
Katherine stifled a smile, knowing he had said it to attract her attention. Obliging, she looked up, curious to see if his boasts were true or not.
Jerrod brought his horse, a beautiful chestnut gelding, around to the starting line and paused, adjusting his lance. He kicked his horse into a canter and charged the quintain. Striking it in the center of the painted target, he rode underneath without getting hit by the sandbag, a feat that the unfortunate Richard had not managed. He brought his horse around and rode back to the clustered knights, bowing from the saddle elaborately. Richard looked disgruntled, and Katherine couldn’t blame him. Jerrod was just so arrogant sometimes.
Jerrod rode over to where Katherine was sitting and smiled at her. “Lady Katherine. Are you enjoying the show?”
“But of course, Sir Jerrod. Who could not enjoy such a fine display of skill?” Inside, Katherine cringed at her words. A comment like that certainly wouldn’t help his humility any.
He looked surprised at her compliment. “Why thank you, my lady. I do not often get the chance to practice my skills in front of such a beautiful audience.”
Katherine blushed despite herself. “Sir Jerrod, my friends and I have arranged for a picnic this afternoon and I would love your company. After all, we are going outside the castle walls, and surely a man of your abilities would be able to protect us.” She looked up at him from under lowered eyelashes, pretending modesty.
Jerrod smoothed his hair. “My lady, I would be honored.”
Unsure of what to say next, Katherine was relieved when one of the other knights interrupted, yelling across the yard.
“Jerrod! Stop flirting with the lady and come over here to defend your reputation. James just questioned your mother’s honor!”
Jerrod sat up straight on his horse. “What? James, you bastard, I’ll trounce you for that!” He rode off without another word to Katherine.
She shook her head in disgust. Men. Sighing, she went back to her embroidery.

Katherine held the large basket as the cook placed food inside for their picnic. She peered inside at the contents, her stomach rumbling.
Elizabeth, standing nearby, leaned over. “Well? Did he agree?”
Katherine smiled. “Of course. I think he was shocked that I complimented him at all, let alone invited him to come with us.”
The other girl chuckled. “That does not surprise me. Compliment a man and he is ready to do anything for you, especially if you are lucky enough to be pretty.”
“That is most certainly the truth.” Katherine shook her head. “Men never fail to confuse me.”
Once all the food was put in the basket, the two girls called a servant over to carry it to the courtyard. Agnes, Sarah, Jerrod, and a few other knights were waiting for them there. One of the knights—Katherine thought his name was Michael—took the basket from the servant and the little group crossed the drawbridge.
Katherine linked arms with Agnes and Sarah. “Well, ladies? Where shall we go?”
“Can we go to that little hill by the creek?” Agnes asked wistfully. “It is so beautiful there.”
Sarah nodded agreement. “Oh, yes, that spot is absolutely enchanting, perfect for a picnic. Katherine? Elizabeth? What do you say?”
They both approved, and headed for the suggested spot, a small hill shaded by trees. At the bottom, a generously-sized creek cut a line through the countryside. The girls spread a worn sheet on the hillside and sat down, unpacking the food. Once it was divided into portions, Sarah called the knights over.
“Sir Michael, Sir Jerrod, Sir Andrew, come join us.”
The knights conferred briefly, and then Michael and Andrew came over.
“One of us needs to stand watch at all times,” Michael explained. “The country is dangerous. You never know where bandits may be hiding.” He and Andrew sat on the cloth with the girls, but at a respectable distance. They ate quickly and went to stand watch, allowing Jerrod to join the girls. He sat down and slung an arm around Katherine’s shoulders in a proprietary manner.
She nearly shrugged him off, but Elizabeth caught her eye, and she remembered their plan. Biting back a sigh, she endured it. Get it over with as soon as I can. She gritted her teeth and snuggled up against him, nestling under his arm. She heard his incredulous intake of breath as he registered what she was doing, and then his arm tightened around her. If he really wants it, why not give it to him? “Oh Sir Jerrod. You are so strong and brave for coming out here to protect us,” she simpered. “I simply do not know what I would do if we were attacked. I think I should faint.” Certain he could not see her face from his position, she rolled her eyes at Elizabeth. Not bloody likely. I think I would grab the nearest weapon and fight back.
Jerrod chuckled. “Now, now, do not fret. You are perfectly safe with me here.” He seemed to remember something. “And Michael and Andrew, of course.”
Agnes, Sarah, and Elizabeth, having finished their meal, got up to explore the area a bit, Elizabeth winking at Katherine as she did so. When they had left, Jerrod shifted to face Katherine.
“Perhaps you can explain something to me, my lady.”
Katherine cocked her head to the side coyly. “And what is that?”
“This sudden change in attitude. I thought you disliked me.”
“Ah, Sir Jerrod. Kind words can go far in changing a maiden’s mind.” She sat up. “Threats and violence are no way to win a lady’s heart. It takes charm, genteel manners, compliments, flowers…that sort of thing.” Katherine smoothed her dress. “You showed you were capable of that this morning, so I thought I would invite you along this afternoon as a test.”
“A test? I see.” He glanced around. “I shall be right back. Stay here.” He got up and walked a short distance away.
Katherine smiled when she saw him picking wildflowers. This is too easy.

Returning to the picnic spot, he presented her with a bouquet of daisies. “For the lady whose beauty surpasses all flowers.”
She laughed and accepted them.
Over the next week, Jerrod actually put effort into wooing Katherine instead of forcing her. Katherine spent the week fawning over Jerrod and trying not to throw up. She abandoned her normal headstrong attitude and became as empty-headed as the court beauties that had come here once with the Duke. “I should have become a Player,” she said to Elizabeth one day. “Jerrod certainly thinks this acting is real.” But as the days wore on, he stopped arranging times for them to meet. Finally, Katherine set up a nocturnal rendezvous herself, tired of waiting for Jerrod to think of the idea. They were walking in the gardens outside, Katherine clinging to Jerrod’s arm.
“Jerrod, darling, I am busy all day tomorrow. I shan’t get to see you at all.” She pouted.
He patted her hand absently. “We can meet the following day, never fear.”
“But I simply cannot go an entire day without seeing you!” Katherine sighed melodramatically. “I have an idea. How about we meet here, in the garden, after the evening meal?” Not giving him a chance to respond, she plowed on. “We could watch the stars come out and it would be so romantic.” She glanced up at the position of the sun. “Oh dear, I really have to be going. I shall see you tomorrow night.” With that, she skipped off. Once inside the castle, she hurried to find Elizabeth. She found her in the solar with her embroidery. Katherine paused in the doorway and announced, “I have finally done it.”
Elizabeth looked up. “Oh, good. When are you meeting him?”
“Tomorrow evening, after the meal. We shall meet out in the gardens, and then come inside.” She crossed the room to one of the large windows. “Yes, you can see the gardens from here.” She turned to Elizabeth. “You watch from here. When we go inside, come down and watch where we go, then wait outside the door for me to come out.”
“That sounds like it would work,” Elizabeth said.
“I most certainly hope so.”

The next day passed in a blur for Katherine. She was nervous about that night, and kept thinking of new ways their plan could go wrong. The evening meal was pure torture to sit through. But eventually the time came to meet Jerrod. Her heart in her throat, Katherine went outside to the gardens. Jerrod had not arrived yet, so she sat on a bench and tucked her feet up under her, hugging her knees. It was very dark out, but the stars were shining brightly. Crickets and other bugs chirped and hummed around her, and she shivered when a light breeze began to blow. Long minutes passed, and still Jerrod did not show. Where can he be? Of all the dire outcomes I was predicting, this certainly wasn’t one. She sighed and shifted on the hard bench. I wonder if Elizabeth is watching? Turning, she looked up at the solar window. Elizabeth must have lit the torches inside, because Katherine could clearly see her silhouette, looking down at the gardens. Suddenly, another silhouette joined the first. Is that…Jerrod? What is going on? The two moved away from the window, and Katherine was filled with alarm for her friend. She hurriedly got up and left the gardens. Entering the castle, she swiftly climbed the stairs and struck off down the hall to the solar. When she reached it, Jerrod was gone.
“Elizabeth?” she asked. “What just happened?”
Elizabeth was seated, a silly grin on her face. “He gave me flowers.” She held up a bouquet of wildflowers. “He said I was beautiful.”
“Jerrod did?”
Elizabeth nodded, still grinning crazily.
Katherine burst into laughter. “All this plotting and planning, when I had already pushed him away. Oh my, but that is quite humorous.” She sat next to Elizabeth. “Do you want some advice?”
“What is it?”
“Play hard to get.”