Yesterday I had to go down to London on my own; Abel is due to join me this afternoon. He teased me on the phone about being in trouble for running away from home, and I can’t get the idea out of my head.

I would be a new bride, freshly delivered to her husband’s estate. I had no wish to marry him, I hardly know him! But my parents insisted. Well, I have a better idea: I steal a boy’s suit from a page, and set off to London: to audition for a theatre troupe, perhaps, or even to join a convent. Anything is better than being married off against my will!

However, I haven’t reckoned on my husband’s connections, or on his determination. He has me followed, and comes after me personally, austere and magnificent, cutting across my way on his horse, as I run along an unfamiliar London lane. Oh no! he is clutching a riding whip. Whatever will happen to me now?

-------

Now you can buy a book of the best entries from "The Spanking Writers".