Note- This is in no way truthful and is all made up by myself.
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Kate Beckinsale had been influenced by two things recently. One, her love of English movies from the thirties and forties. And two, her discovery of the website known as Literotica. There she had read and enjoyed several stories by other celebrities, in particular those that portrayed historical themes, like Scarlett Johansson and Emma Watson's entries. The acclaimed actress was in her home in London whilst on a break between filming and had found herself at a loose end. There and then she decided to attempt a story of her own and submit to as well. Having just viewed the terrific 'The Wicked Lady' with James Mason and Margaret Lockwood, Kate chose to write a story about a female highwayman based on the movie. Featuring herself as Lady Kate Bee the English actress did some research on the period on google and set about writing her tall tale.
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It was common, even in the 18th Century to romanticise the highwayman and give them euphemisms such as 'knights of the road' or 'gentleman thieves.' This particular type usually travelled and robbed by horse and targeted public stagecoaches for their loot. In the year of Queen Anne's reign, 1710, Captain Jerry Jackson was the most current and most notorious in England and a price of three hundred pounds was the handsome reward for his capture.
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Lady Kate had not been married a year and was bored and stifled by her marriage to Sir Ralph. The brunette beauty had the face of an angel, but a wicked spirit that had found her stealing her best friends betrothed and squandering the wealthy landowners inheritance to boot. She so adored fine food and the most extravagant of dresses. At the same time, by bad luck and judgement, Kate had lost her jewels, including her late mother's ruby brooch, in an ill advised game of Ombre.
"By all that's holy my dear Kate, you must take up arms and become a female highwayman in order to regain your lost wealth. Just like Captain Jackson! I hear he is about these parts."
"You really must stay for the remainder of the week. That way I will be permitted to win my brooch back."
"Sorry my dear, I have a supper date tomorrow evening. We must away before sunset."
Lady Henrietta poured scorn on Kate as she collected her winnings and laughed heartily as she planned to leave the large rural estate of Kate and Sir Ralph that same day. The sister in law usually rubbed Kate the wrong way and this was just about the limit. That whole bitter evening Kate mused and considered the cold words spoken to her and an idea began to take shape in her mind. She WOULD masquerade as Jackson and, in an exquisite twist, hold up Lady Henrietta and her party and take back what was hers. Not only would she get back what was rightfully hers it would provide the excitement and intoxication she so craved.
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Kate waited until the four wheeled carriage with falling top pulled out of the gravel courtyard and trundled on its way tugged along by the two horses. Inside were Lady Henrietta, her husband and young niece Elizabeth. All that evening Kate had prepared and had kitted herself out in an outfit of white shirt tucked into fawn breeches, cinched in by a black belt. She threw a long flowing cape over her back and covered her features with a thick scarf. Her grey mare Bess was ready and saddled as the daring young woman boldly rode out into the night.
"Here I go."
Night time in the past was different than the modern day, being much darker and more hazardous. All bad things happened in the night it seemed and this night would be no different. With bosom heaving Kate rode swiftly along the craggy countryside and green roadsides as a strong wind whipped in her face.
"There, at last."
Kate exhaled as she spied the rickety carriage as it wound along the dirt road. She drew level with the two horses that lead the way and then raised her right arm and fired off a shot from her brown flint lock pistol, borrowed from her husband. The thrill of the chase had her adrenalin going as the driver pulled on the reins and stopped the carriage. Three heads peeked out of the windows in bewilderment.
"Stand and deliver!" Kate demanded loudly, making sure to yell in as masculine a voice as she could muster.
"Heavens! I do believe it is none other than Captain Jackson!"
Kate pulled on her tri corn hat so that only her deep brown eyes were visible in the pale moonlight.
"Hand over the jewels!"
"Oh, but Captain Jackson, have pity on a defenceless woman!"
"Quickly, you waste time!"
Kate swiped the ruby brooch from the pale neck of Lady Henrietta and put it in the pocket of her coat.
"Thanks very much!"
Kate rode off with great happiness in her heart after retrieving her beloved mothers brooch. As she rode her mare at speed she also felt an enormous exhilaration and excitement, not to mention the thrill of the possible danger she had out herself in.
"Life is so tame and insipid, now I have taken to the road I don't see why I should give it up. Riches and jewellery will be mine for the taking!"
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Two nights later Kate laid in wait for the mail coach that took the same winding road to London. She waited patiently, her scarf around her face to protect from the biting chill in the midnight air. The carriage appeared, moving at a steady rate and Kate leapt out from hiding and kept pace.
"Pull over, driver!"
Kate yelled over the sound of the hooves and the driver tugged on the reins of the horses and looked on agog.
"Hands in the air the both of you, lest I shoot!" She said briskly.
The driver and his mate complied as they looked at the figure on horseback, a pistol being waved in their faces.
"It must be Captain Jackson!" Whispered one to the other.
"Oh, really? Then who is that?" The driver pointed a gnarly finger to the near distance.
Indeed a dark figure loomed over the road upon the top of a hillock, dressed all in black on a large stallion that was as dark as midnight. The person rode down and joined Kate who looked decidedly nervous before this obviously genuine highwayman. Under a tri corn hat and Venetian eye mask his face was hidden from view. A long black coat came over his velvet breeches and he wore a 36 inch cape about his shoulders.
"Step down the pair of you. And everybody get out of the coach."
The occupants all disembarked with hands in the air as they stared down the octagon barrel of the gun. Kate was frozen and stayed motionless and speechless on her mare. The new man looked on amused as he pointed his flint lock pistol with the gold accents.
"What's the matter? Got highwayman's cramp?" He scoffed at Kate.
Kate came to her senses. He was not going to give the game away it seemed.
"Come on, hand over the loot. Quickly mind!" She barked at the dismayed passengers.
"Finished?" Asked the man in black.
Kate held up a fistful of jewels and rings as the stranger smacked the horses that drew the carriage and they both watched them bolt.
"You'll both swing at Tyburn for this!" Yelled one of the distressed passengers.
"With me!" The highwayman yelled and he and Kate rode off at speed into the night.
They covered a half mile before he stopped and grabbed the reins of Kate's mare.
"Now let me see who dares to trespass on Captain Jackson's turf!"
He snatched Kate's scarf from her face as she turned her head which also caused her hat to tumble to the ground. Her wavy hair, the colour of chocolate, came loose and framed her face. Dark red lips contrasted with her pale complexion and her bold lashes fluttered under the groomed brows that resembled flattering arches.
"By my stars! A skirt!"
"Apparently! Do you always take a woman by the throat?"
"No. I just take them." He stated as a matter of fact.
Kate felt a surge of a thrill down her spine as she locked eyes with the handsome scoundrel. His dark brooding stare gleamed triumphantly from behind his mask and his mouth pulled back into a cruel smile. Boots planted wide he crossed his broad chest with his arms and stood tall.
"So, you must be Captain Jackson?" Said the woman as she retrieved her hat.
"You know of me then. Well remember this, I have the right of way on this road and those who would approach there do so at their peril."
"I shan't forget your warning, though l may ignore it." Kate raised her chin defiantly.
He laughed out loud at the attractive woman's gumption and slapped his thigh.
"I like your spirit. I know of an Inn nearby that serves the best wine in Buckinghamshire. Would you do me the honour of joining me in a late supper? They remain open just for me. For a modest fee of course."
"Why not." Kate shrugged, the idea od some respite from the cold air sounded welcoming.
They rode on to the Leaping Stag Inn where they saw the lights were aglow. Still masked they both sat at a table by the open fire as the friendly landlord brought over a jug of red wine and warm bread.
