The Samurai's Lady (12 page)

“So, Karashima has spoiled our plans.”
“I fear so, Haratoda-Sama.”
“And just when he was going to know the wrath of the Shogun.”
“But the girl wasn‟t with him, Sama.”
“No. Shimota told me he‟d had to let her go.” He lamented.
“If the other guard had been there….”
“Yes, well. There‟s no use in crying over spilt
sake
. What we have to do next is figure out where they‟ve gone. That fool magistrate gave him a horse. But Shimota doesn‟t know where he was going.”
Haratoda hated to be thwarted. That had been the second time. His plan had not gone right, not at all.
He had heard about the murder and knew where Fujito and the girl were. And he‟d known the approximate day when they‟d be crossing at the Hakone checkpoint. It would be necessary to do so. The Tokaido stretched from Edo to Kyoto. They would have had to cross it at some point along the way. He had alerted all the checkpoints, but the most probable had been Hakone. Then Karashima, magistrate in Yokohama had to put the word out that the murderer had been caught. Of course, as soon as the news reached his counterpart in Hakone the prisoner was let go, spoiling his plans. But to offer the man a horse! He picked up a brush and threw it across the room in frustration.

The next day they went to the Hot Springs. They were the only ones there at that early hour, yet Katharine was embarrassed at the thought of communal bathing. “What‟s the matter?” Fujito asked. “You‟re not self-conscious are you?” He smiled.
Katharine turned her eyes away from his gaze, blushing.
“You are.” Fujito chuckled softly. He turned her face to his. “You‟re not still thinking of the bath incident, are you?”
“No, but—She couldn‟t tell him about the beating she‟d received at the hands of Hosako‟s son.
“I‟ll tell you what. I‟ll turn my head and you can get in first, all right?” She nodded. When his back was turned she disrobed quickly and slid into the hot water.
“Ready?” He asked turning slightly.
“Yes.”
She watched him undo his kimono and pull it off one shoulder, taking note of his muscles and what they were doing to her senses. But this time she didn‟t mind. If being with him made her this happy, she would enjoy it, until they reached Hirado. She closed her eyes until she heard him step into the water and heard his low chuckle. The hot water eased her aching muscles and relaxed her taut nerves. Closing her eyes, she heard Fujito hum the lullaby. It brought a slow smile to her lips and she sighed.
“That‟s your favorite, isn‟t it,
koibito
?”
“Yes.”
He hummed the song again.
She knew the song so well and, despite her best intentions to forget, had hummed it many times in Hosako‟s village. She had been able to compose a harmony to it. She hummed along with him.
“That was beautiful.” Fujito whispered. “And so are you.” He smiled. When it was time to get out of the water, Fujito climbed out first while she kept her eyes closed. He stood behind her while she eased her way out. She was so intent on exiting the deep tub without causing herself too much pain that she forgot that he might be close by.
When they returned to the house, she changed and was about to go into the garden, when he stopped her.
“Katsuko?” He asked very softly.
“Yes, Fujito-Sama?”
He knew that she was using the honorific to pretend ignorance.
“You know better than that, Katharine. Come here. Please?”
She stood before him, head down.
He raised her head so that her eyes met his own. “How did you get those welts on your back?” He asked very quietly, making his words more ominous. His brows were pulled together in a frown, his mouth set. She knew she must answer. As she told him, memories came flooding back, filling her eyes with tears. But he waited until she‟d finished the whole story before he took her in his arms. Mindful of the pain she was likely feeling he barely touched the tips of his fingers to her back.
The next morning, shortly after dawn they went to the springs again. This time Fujito brought along a salve and after soaking in the soothing heated water she sat at thewater‟s edge while he massaged it into the hot skin of her aching shoulders. “We have to go back to the village, Katsuko.” He told her on the way back to the house.
“Why?”
“We have to settle your debt with Hosako‟s son.”
“But I don‟t owe anything.”
“When you stayed there and began to work for him, you indentured yourself as his servant. Even though his mother died, he is the head of that household. He considersyou to be his property.”
“Property?” She spat. “But what good will going back there do?”
He took her hand and raised it to his lips. Kissing the knuckles, he said, “I‟m going to buy you back.”
“Buy me back?” She stared at him nonplussed. “But I—”
It brought a tiny smile to his lips. He remembered the old days in Kagoshima. “I know I don‟t own you. But he doesn‟t.” He smiled.
They left the following morning. The horse was swift and Katharine loved the feel of her hair blowing behind her. She had left it unbound since leaving him in Hakone;she‟d had no reason or desire to look beautiful. And hired help could not afford the luxury.
As they neared the village, they changed places Katharine holding the reigns and Fujito holding on to her waist. He felt her muscles tense; it had nothing to do with the way the horse was behaving.
Leaning forward he hooked her hair behind her ear andwhispered, “Easy. It‟ll be all right.”
The touch of his fingers on her skin made her senses tingle and she had to hang onto the saddle horn to keep from falling.
“What are you going to use for exchange?” She asked when they stopped to rest just outside the village confines.
“The horse.”
“Oh no, you can‟t!”
“I know you like him,
koibito
. But he‟ll be of no use on the water when we cross to the small islands.”
She realized he was right. Ferrying him over would be impossible, too. “But you can‟t give it to him. He‟ll mistreat it.”
Fujito had anticipated this argument. “No he won‟t.” He smiled. “He is a farmer. I am samurai, remember? My word is law to anyone lower in rank. “I‟m going to make him sign a paper that says I will run him through if he mistreats theanimal.” “But you are from Kyushu. He‟ll know you won‟t be around to keep an eye on him.”
“I won‟t be. But I now have a friend in the magistrate. Even though he‟s off duty, he‟ll still have authority.” He squeezed her hand to reassure her and give her strength.
Katharine saw the change in the rice crop as soon as they entered the village. Instead of water there were now fine shoots growing up out of the flooded paddies. Hosako‟s house was a shock to her. Weeds encroached on the well-kept garden; the ledge leading inside was full of dust as if the outer doors had never been closed against the elements. The walls were torn here and there as if from a fight. Fujito rapped on one of the support beams.
There was no one about. She hoped there was no one home, that the man had deserted the residence.
They heard a noise from the back of the house and Hosako‟s son ambled out. “Yes, what do you want?” He recognized Katharine and his eyes lit up; the man had found his property and had come to return it. Then he noticed the two swords of the
samurai. “Excuse me, samurai. What can I do for you?”
“I understand this is your servant?” Fujito said evenly.
“Yes, thank you for bringing her back. She will be severely punished for her insolence and disobedience.”
“I‟m afraid you misunderstand me.” Fujito‟s voice was like gravel. His iron stare was fixed on the man. His mouth a thin line.
“What?”
“I have come to ask you to release her.”
What was he doing, thought Katharine. He knew the man would never do that. The farmer laughed, then remembered the swords and cleared his throat. His reaction was what Fujito had expected. “I‟m willing to bargain.” He said evenly.
“All right. Name your price samurai.”
“I have a few coins.” He named the denominations.
“Bah!”
“All right. The horse.” He nodded toward the stallion.
The farmer‟s eyes lit with anticipation.
“Is that all you require, the girl?”
“That‟s all.” Fujito answered, keeping the emotion out of his voice deliberately. If the farmer knew she meant more to him than a servant, he would exact a higher price.
“Oh, one other thing.”
“Oh?” The farmer asked, his eyes narrowing. He saw his good fortune vanishing before his eyes.
“Yes. You must sign this.” He handed him the paper he‟d written. “Read it.” He ordered.
The farmer read it and lookedready to reject it. “If you want the horse, those are my terms.” Fujito told him. The tone of his voice was familiar to Katharine. She knew hewouldn‟t back down.
“All right. You win samurai.”
Fujito produced a brush and bottle of ink. He wouldn‟t leave without seeing it signed.
The farmer took the paper over to the door ledge, dusted off a space and sat down. Fujito dipped he brush in the ink and handed it to him. Hosako‟s son wrote the characters for his name and handed it back to him along with the paper. A few moments later he and Katharine were walking toward the Hakone checkpoint.
When the magistrate‟s servant saw them he smiled and let them in. Then went to fetch his master.
The magistrate was happy to see Fujito again and delighted to meet his companion. He called for sake.
“Will you be able to stay long?‟
“Perhaps a day.” Fujito told him.
“Good.” He smiled. “And is this the reason you needed to reach Atami so quickly?” He nodded and smiled at Katharine.
“Yes.” Fujito smiled.
“She is very beautiful. I don‟t blame you.” He said to Fujito. He was even more pleased that the mistake had been uncovered before anything happened to the young samurai. They stayed the night and part of the following day with him. Before they left,
Fujito had a chance to explain about the horse and ask that he keep an eye on it for him
“Of course. I will require it again soon.” He assured him with a smile. The magistrate insisted they take a palanquin. Fujito helped her inside and climbed in beside her.
While the caravan wound its way along he dirt roads back to Atami, he explained that he hadn‟t out and out sold the horse to the farmer.
“What I gave him to sign said in essence that he was to look after the horse until my return, or until the magistrate who gave it to me requiredit back.” He smiled. “Oh Isamu, thank you!” She threw her arms about his neck. “I love you.” He held her away from him. “Do you realize what you just said,
koibito
?” He asked gently with a smile.
The Samurai‟s Lady

Chapter Twelve
Had she said she loved him? With a start, she realized that she had. But she only meant because of what he‟d done for the horse, hadn‟t she?
As the litter was set gently, in front of the gate, Fujito opened the curtains of the palanquin.
“I have just heard from my daughter who lives in Ito.” The magistrate told them excitedly as he ran up to it. “Her husband has allowed her to visit me with her children.
He obtained special permission for her to have her baby at home; she is very delicate and the spring waters there would be of benefit. She is on her way back to Edo but will stayfor a few weeks before sending the children back with her servant.”
“That‟s wonderful.” Fujito smiled.
“How did your venture go?” The magistrate asked as they walked toward the house.
“Very well.” Fujito smiled. “I thought he would put up a fight. But he gave in quickly enough.”
“Perhaps it was the swords that persuaded him?” The magistrate smiled knowingly.
“Perhaps.”
Katharine knew it had also been the hard set of his mouth and the tone of his voice that had helped steer the farmer away from a fight he would not have been able to win.
“I imagine the magistrate of Hakone will be requiring the horse very soon.” “He assures me he will.” Fujito turned to smile at Katharine.
The next day they went to the springs before the magistrate‟s family arrived. Sitting beside her at the water‟s edge, Fujito gazed at her fondly.
“What are you looking at?” Katharine asked.
“I‟m discovering all over again how beautiful you are
koibito
.” He smiled. “And how much I love you.”
She lowered her eyes and heard him chuckle. She knew she was blushing. “Please don‟t.” She begged.
“Why not?” He rubbed her cheek with the side of his thumb.
“Because we‟re almost home and then I‟ll be gone and will never see you again.” Tears misted her eyes. A tiny droplet landed on her cheek.
“Shhh, don‟t talk about it. The time we have is now.” He whispered, brushing it away with the backs of his fingers.
“But I—”
He put his index finger on her lips. “Shimasen.” He whispered before he replaced his finger with his lips. Easing away from her he said, “Let‟s go and see if the magistrate‟s daughter has arrived.” He smiled.
The magistrate‟s daughter Yokiko was a tiny lady, a little shorter than Katharine but petite of build. She brought her children seven year old Masao and five year old Meiko and the new born, Aritomo who was just six months. Katharine fell in love with the baby at first sight.
The children loved being indulged by their grandfather, who in turn loved indulging them. Yukiko and Katharine liked each other from the first and she allowed her to take little Aritomo on her lap while she tended to her older children. Fujito had been looking at the garden with the magistrate. When he came inside, he found her cradling the babe in her arms humming the lullaby he had taught her. His heart jumped into his mouth when he saw them. In his mind‟s eye, he saw her with his own child; he was standing over them, smiling down at her. He shook his head to banish the thought. Although he would not allow her to talk of it earlier, he knew they would need to eventually. Not until we reach Beppu, he told himself. “Hello.” He said entering the room.
“Hello.” Katharine answered looking up with a smile. She had not heard him enter. The look in his eyes disturbed her, but she couldn‟t have said why. “There you are.” Yukiko said coming in just then. She took her son gently from Katharine‟s raised arms. “Oh good, you‟re asleep. Maybe you should be with Katsuko allthe time.” She smiled at her and Fujito who was smiling down at Katharine, his hand on her back.
The young mother carried her son away to be fed.
Kneeling he whispered into her hair “You didn‟t tell me you were good with children,
koibito
.”
“I hadn‟t realized I was until now. I was the youngest in my family and there weren‟t any baby‟s around to practice on.”
“Maybe you‟ll have one of your own one day.” She looked up to ask him what he meant by that, but the look in his eyes made her change her mind.
The evening meal was a celebration for his visiting daughter and grand- children.
Sake
was drunk before the meal and more served afterward.
When the magistrate wished there were entertainment his daughter suggested they make their own.
“You still have mother‟s koto, Father; and your flute. And I have my koto here too.
“Yes!” The magistrate smiled. Summoning his servant he had them brought out of storage.
He then his daughter showed their proficiency on the instruments.
“Do you play, Fujito-Sama?”
“A little.” He said humbly, smiling.
“I would be honored if you would use my flute.” The magistrate handed it to him. “Domo.” Fujito bowed. Taking the flute, he set it to his lips and looking into Katharine‟s eyes played the lullaby.
If she could only see the way she looks at me. He thought as he moved his fingers expertly over he holes. Then I might be able to convince her to stay. “Katsuko can play too.” He told them proudly, when the song ended. He smiled tenderly at her.
“Oh, but I‟m really not that good.” She protested.
“Oh please play something? You know Sakura?” Everyone knew Sakura. “She can sing it too.” Fujito added, earning him a meue from Katharine. He chuckled.
Taking the proffered koto, she began to play. Her voice rose strong and sure to the highest notes. Fujito put the flute to his lips and played along in harmony with the cords.
Father and daughter exchanged glances. They saw what Fujito already knew, and what Katharine had yet to admit to herself.
By the end of the evening, Katharine felt dizzy, faint, and very tired from the strong
sake.
By the time she and Fujito retired to their rooms, she had trouble walking.
“Easy.” Fujito chuckled. He took her arm and helped her to her futon. It was when he was closing the screen to his own room that he remembered he hadn‟t watered the drinks down for her as he had done in Kagoshima. She had become soJapanese to him that he‟d overlooked it. She hadn‟t had any rice wine since leaving his villa and anything stronger than what she had been used to would have a great effect on her.
He felt immediate remorse and went to apologize, but she was already asleep. He watched her for a few minutes then returned to his own pallet.
She came to breakfast late the next morning; her head felt twice its actual size. Even the normal volume of voices pounded in her ears.
“Ohaiyo gozaimasu.” Yukiko said.
“Ohaiyo gozaimasu.” Katharine answered then inexplicably burst into tears and ran out of the room.
Fujito got up from his place. “I think I know what‟s wrong.” He told them. “Sumimasen, excuse me”
He found her on the floor of her room head on her arm, which was resting on the lowest shelf on one wall.
“Katsu-ko, are you all right?” He asked softly.
She shook her head, not wanting to face him.
He crossed the room and was beside her in a trice.
“I made a complete fool of myself, crying like that. What ever will they think of me?” She sobbed into his shoulder.
“Hey come on,” He smiled tenderly. “So you had a little too much to drink last night.” He blotted a tear with his knuckle. “It‟s not he end of the world.” She smiled tremulously. Then began to cry again.
“Ohh, there now.” He took her in his arms. “Shhh. It‟s all right.” He stroked her hair, entwining his fingers in the tresses. “You can hit me if you want.” Easing her away,
he offered his cheek.
“Why?” She sniffed.
“Because I forgot you‟re not Japanese and I didn‟t water down the
sake
like I used to at home.”
She raised her hand but before it connected with his face he took it and held it to his lips. “I‟m sorry. Will you forgive me?”
“Yes.” She was moved that he had forgotten.
Yukiko peeped her headaround the door. “Is everything all right?” Fujito looked at Katharine and smiled.
“Yes.” She answered. “Everything‟s fine.”
“Good.” She smiled. “There‟s some tea made, Kastsu-ko.”
“Domo arigato o gozaimasu.”
The woman left them alone again.
“We‟ll go for a walk afterward, all right?” Fujito asked.
“Yes.” She smiled
When she returned to the table Fujito helped her to sit.
“Allow me to apologize for the strong wine last night.” The magistrate said. “Oh, it‟s all right, really.” Katharine told him, accepting the cup from Yukiko. “Arigato o gozaimasu.”
“Do itashimasite.” Yukiko smiled.
When she had finished her tea and eaten a little she dressed and joined Fujito in the garden. He was sitting on the bench where he‟d found her.
“Do you have a headache? I could fix you something?”
“The air is helping. Let‟s take that walk first.”
“All right.” He smiled. Rising, he took her hand and they began to walk down the small incline that led to the tree filled hill and the bay beyond.
They found the dirt path through the trees. When they stopped to watch a bird he turned his head and kissed her. Unexpectedly she burst into tears.
“Katsuko, what is it?” He asked.
“It‟s nothing. Just the wine, I imagine. Please don‟t let me do that again. I get much too emotional when I drink.” She sniffed, wiping away her tears with her kimono sleeve.
“Yes I can see that.” He turned to her with a smile and brushed away the last remaining tear on her cheek with his thumb. “Tell me?” He whispered. “Could it be it‟s getting harder to convince yourself you want to go home to England?” She looked away for a moment, telling him he was right. When she returned her gaze to his face, she almost cried again at the tender look she saw in his eyes. Holding her face in his hands, he lowered his mouth to hers.
He was slowly banishing all thought as his lips moved deliberately over hers. She was powerless against the force behind her eyes, closing them, as if they had a will of their own.
The heady scent of his cologne mingled with the fragrance of the leaves and moss.
Leaving her mouth, he trailed a line of kisses down her cheek, her neck and just above the collarbone.
“Oh, Isamu!” She breathed.
He returned to her lips for one last kiss before easing himself away. As he looked into her slowly opening eyes he saw a love reflected there that he knew she might never voice.
The bay was beautiful this time of the morning. Sunlight danced with yellow shoes on top of the tiny waves.
Hand in hand, they walked on the beach near the water‟s edge. The air cleared her head and she no longer felt it pounding. The bay was deserted except for a few boats not far away. They found a boulder and sat down.
“What a pity there isn‟t any music.” She said sadly.
Drawing her close, he kissed the top of her head. “Why don‟t you sing me that Welsh lullaby? You know the one you sang at the celebration for Michiko‟s recovery?”
He suggested with a smile.
She put her head on his shoulder and began to sing very softly so that only the two of them could hear.
“That was beautiful.” Fujito whispered, moved again by her voice and thankful to the Lord for allowing him to hear it again. “And so are you.” He smiled down at her and
kissed her cheek. “Come.” He stood and gave her his hand. They continued to walk along
the shore until they found the path leading back up the hill.
When they returned Yukiko was just preparing a snack.
“It was supposed to be for the children.” She smiled. “But I seem to have made too much. Please share it with us?”
“Domo.” Fujito answered for them both.
Katharine‟s appetite had returned something he was glad to see.
Later that afternoon Yukiko came into the living room. “Well, Father is resting with Aritomo. He is upset. I must travel on tomorrow and the children must return to Itowith the servants.”
Katharine would be sorry to see them go.
After dinner, the magistrate took Fujito out on the veranda.
“Your daughter tells me the children must return home tomorrow.” Fujito said. “Yes, I am afraid life will become sad again.” He answered with a smile. „Although not quite so much as memories of recent events will fill its walls.” “Domo.” Fujito bowed.
“This brings me to the reason for bringing you outside. I understand that you and Katsuko will be traveling on to Ito soon as well, now your wounds have healed.” “That‟s right.”
“Well, my daughter has suggested that you and she travel with the servants. It will save you the walk or fare for hiring someone.”
“That is a good idea.” Fujito said. “Domo. And thank your daughter also.” The next morning they were ready to leave after a final meal together, they bid their farewells to the magistrate. Leaving his daughter and her children to say their goodbyes
in private, they went outside to where the palanquin was waiting.
When she joined them, Yukiko had a note, which she folded and handed to Fujito. “Give this to my husband.” She told him. “It explains everything and he will see that you are made to feel comfortable.”
“All right.” He smiled.
Standing beside him Katharine felt her heart jump as once again she realized how deadly that smile could be to her rationale.
She was glad to have the chance to look after Aritomo all the way to Ito. She had grown to love the newborn. What bothered her were the thoughts that she would like to have a child of her own, with Fujito.
It is impossible. She told herself silently. You will be home in a few months and your mother will find you a nice young Gentleman to settle down and raise a family with.
Yet, somehow the prospect did not make her as happy as it once did. They were almost at the outskirts of Ito when Fujito spotted the horse and rider black against the lightening eastern sky. Katharine was asleep beside him her head restingon his lap; the children were asleep on the other side of the caravan. He tried to lean out
to get a closer look but did not go too far for fear of waking her.
He told himself that he was being too cautious after Hakone. But he would keep watch, just in case.
As they entered the town, the rider appeared again. Glad that Katharine was occupied with the baby he was able to get a good look.
The man wore the colors of the Shogun; Fujito‟s heart sank. They would not be able to stay here long but would have to move on to Shimoda where they could get the ferry to Shikoku.
Yukiko‟s husband was a friendly man, around Fujito‟s age and they took to each other on sight. By the end of the first evening they were using each other‟s given names.
Katharine was putting the baby to bed and Fujito had gone out to the veranda. “It looks like rain.” Hiru said.
“Yes.” Fujito concurred.
“Yukiko told me that her father asked me to make sure you got this.” He handed him a folded sheet of parchment.