The Samurai's Lady Read Free Page A

it would work. No. I will teach you our language.”
“It could take a long time.” She pointed out. The sound of his laughter did something to her senses and she strove for the return of inner calmness. “Perhaps.” He acknowledged with a smile. “But you are a very bright woman. I am sure you will pick it up very quickly”
Katharine knew she was blushing at the complement and it annoyed her. She lowered her eyes and heard his deep chuckle.
“Lessons will begin tomorrow morning after breakfast, Katsuko.”
“Katsuko?”
“Yes. It will be your name from now on.” He told her. You‟ll get used to it.” He smiled. “Tonight Michiko will show you how to have a bath.”
“I believe I can bathe quite well on my own, thank you.”
“Not in the O-furo.” He said, unoffended at her attempt at haughtiness. After the evening meal he explained to her that in Japan one soaped and rinsed first so that no suds would be taken into the deep, round barrel tub they used for soaking.
Then he went out to the veranda, leaving the women alone.
“Imperious twit.” Katharine muttered under her breath as he left. Had she heard him laugh quietly as he stepped outside, she wondered as she followed the older woman to the bathhouse at the back of the complex.
Later he came in to get his flute. He was the only one in the house to hear her scream.
He ran down the corridor and unceremoniously flung open the door. She jumped halfway out of the tub on seeing him and not the servant woman; blistering water splashed over her making the pain worse.
“What is it? What‟s all the commotion?” The last thing he needed was for her to be discovered.
Suddenly his fear and anger dissolved when he saw the young, defenseless woman, half-standing half sitting in the tub of steaming water. He should have warned her. Of course, the water would be scalding hot against her skin; she was not used to the high temperature to which the water had been heated. “Sit still.” He told her. “Relax.” He added in a softer tone. “Let your body get used to it. The more you move around the more pain it will cause.” “What are you doing here?” She asked.
There was no towel within reach. The only way to regain her composure and a semblance of modesty was to do as he said and cover herself with the water. “Your servant did this.” She shot at him. “She hates me. In fact, the more I think about it, you probably told her to heat that water so high.”
“I assure you I didn‟t, although you probably won‟t believe me. But to satisfy myself I shall ask Michiko. If she has done this, she will answer for it. Finish your bath.” He commanded and strode out of the room.
She hated this place, and the man who was keeping her here. Its beauty was deceptive. Behind its subtle charm, its men were poisonous, as sharp as adder‟s tongues.
He found Michiko tending her orchids.
“Fujito Sama.” She turned. “Komban wa. Good evening.”
“Komban wa.” He answered stiffly. “Michiko?” He asked.
She turned from her work to look him in the eye.
“Lady Davenport has the idea you deliberately overheated the water. Did you?” “Of course not. If she cannot stand the heat perhaps she shouldn‟t be here.” Her eyes flashed controlled fire.
“Thank you.” He smiled. He knew she would have liked to do just what he had accused her of, but he also knew she respected him enough not to hurt those whom he had placed under his protection.
Twenty minutes later Katharine stood up and painfully climbed out of the tub. Her skin was red and pruned; she was sure she would blister.
Slowly, achingly, she lifted the kimono from the stool beside the bath and painfully placed it around her , with scorching fingers she tied the narrow obi around her waist.
The smooth cotton was cool against her burning skin. Silently, on scorched feet, she made her way to her bedroom where, sure she wouldn‟t be heard she lay on the futon and cried tears of bitterness, full of misery and shame.