Laura Joh Rowland - The Cloud Pavilion: A Novel (Sano Ichiro Novels)

The rain turned into a downpour while Reiko and her escorts traveled to Asakusa. By the time they reached Major Kumazawas estate, the roof of her palanquin was leaking and her cloak was damp. She alighted in the courtyard, under a roof that was supported on pillars and covered a path leading up the steps of the mansion. Shed been curious to see Sanos clans ancestral home, but the streaming rain obscured the buildings.

An old woman met her on the veranda, bowed, and said, Welcome, Honorable Lady Reiko. Weve been expecting you. She was in her sixties, gray-haired, modestly dressed. Her plain, somber face was shadowed under the eyes, as if from a sleepless night. My name is Yasuko. I am Chiyos mother. She ushered Reiko into the mansions entryway, where Reiko removed her shoes and cloak. Im sorry you had to make such a long journey in this weather. She seemed genuinely regretful. It would have been easier for you to see Chiyo at her home in town, but she is unable to return there. Her husband has cast her off.

Reiko was shocked, although she realized she shouldnt be. Society viewed a woman whod been violated as disgraced and contaminated. Rape was considered akin to adultery, even though the victim wasnt to blame.

When he came last night to fetch Chiyo, he found out what had happened to her, Yasuko explained. He no longer wants her as his wife. He means to get a divorce.

How terrible, Reiko said as the woman escorted her through the mansions dim, dank corridors.

Her husband could divorce Chiyo by simply picking up a brush and inking three and a half straight lines on a piece of paper. And that was a mild punishment. He could have sent her to work in a brothel if he so chose.

What is worse, her husband has kept their children, and he wont even let her see them, Yasuko said. She is very upset.

She slid open a door, called inside, Lady Reiko is here, and stood aside for Reiko to enter.

Chiyo was sitting up in bed, propped by pillows. A quilt covered her from bosom to toes, even though the room was warm and stuffy. Her lank hair spilled from the bandage that swathed her head. Her features were so swollen from crying that Reiko couldnt tell what she looked like under normal circumstances. Chiyos mouth quivered and her chest heaved with sobs.

Reiko knew that state of profound grief that possesses mind and body like an uncontrollable force. Shed experienced it once in Miyako, when shed thought Sano had been killed, and again when shed gone north to rescue Masahiro and found evidence that he was dead. Now Reiko faced a woman whod lost her husband and children even though they were still alive. She forgot that shed once been ready to dislike Sanos relatives because they cared more for social customs than for their blood kin. Her heart went out to Chiyo.

She knelt beside Chiyo, bowed, and said, I am so sorry about what happened. She felt inadequate, unable to think of anything else to say but, Please accept my sympathy.

Many thanks. Chiyos voice broke on a sob. Youre very kind.

Her mother offered Reiko refreshments. Reiko politely refused, was pressed, then accepted. The social routine gave Chiyo time to compose herself. Yasuko went off to see about the food. Reiko sensed that she didnt want to listen while Reiko questioned Chiyo and hear disturbing answers.

Honorable Lady Reiko, I appreciate your coming to talk to me, Chiyo said humbly.

Theres no need to call me by my title, Reiko said. My name will do.

Very well, Reiko-san. A thousand apologies for causing you so much trouble.

Reiko liked Chiyo for caring about other peoples feelings even after her terrible ordeal. Im sorry we had to meet under such circumstances.

Chiyos face crumpled.

Reiko had to force herself to say, My husband wants me to ask you about what happened. Can you bear it?

Chiyo nodded meekly. A tremulous sigh issued from her. But what good will it do?

It will help my husband catch the man who hurt you.

Tears trickled down Chiyos drenched face. Her eyes were so red that she looked as if she were weeping blood. Suppose he does. Nothing will change. My husband wont take me back. Last night he told me I was dead to him, dead to our children. Once he loved me, but he doesnt anymore. He looked so stern, so hateful. She wailed, Ill never see my babies again!

Reiko could hardly bear to imagine her own children ripped away from her. Alarmed at Chiyos suffering, she urged, Wait a while. Your husband may feel differently.

No, he wont, Chiyo insisted. Reikos sympathy and family connection made Chiyo speak more frankly than she might have with another stranger. Hes a good man, but once he makes up his mind, he never changes it.

How Reiko deplored male obstinacy and pride!

He thinks Ive dishonored our family. Chiyo sobbed. I think maybe hes right.

Why?

Because I brought it on myself.

No, you didnt, Reiko said firmly. My husband told me what you said happened at the shrine. You left your group because your baby was upset. You got kidnapped. That wasnt your fault.

That isnt all that happened. I remember more than I told your husband. Its coming back to me in bits and pieces.

Controlling her eagerness for information, Reiko spoke gently: What else do you remember?

I took my baby into the garden, and I nursed him. Chiyos arms crept out from under the quilt and cradled around the infant who should have been there but wasnt. I heard someone moaning behind a grove of bamboo. He called for help. I went to see what was wrong.

Women were taught from an early age to put themselves at the service of others, and Chiyo had an obliging nature. Reiko understood what must have happened, and she burned with anger at the rapist. He lured you to him by playing on your kindness.

But I was stupid! Chiyo cried. I fell for the trick. I deserve for my husband to divorce me and take our children.

Women were also taught to be humble and accept responsibility for whatever ills came their way. No! Reiko said. You couldnt have known it was a trick. Neither could anybody else. Dont blame yourself.

Weeping contorted Chiyos face. My husband does.

So would most other people, Reiko thought sadly. Your husband is wrong.

Im fortunate that my father hasnt cast me off, too.

Most fathers probably would shun a daughter whod been violated. The fact that Major Kumazawa hadnt bespoke his love for Chiyo. Perhaps Sanos picture of him as a rigid, tradition-bound samurai wasnt completely accurate.

Your father has put the blame exactly where it belongson the man who hurt you, Reiko said. He wants to catch him and punish him. So do I. She felt her own taste for vengeance. Dont you?

Oh, I dont know. Chiyo looked worried at the thought of taking direct action against anyone. She probably didnt have a vengeful bone in her body, Reiko thought. But if thats what everyone else wants...

We want justice for you. But we need your help.

All right. Chiyo was clearly used to obeying authority. What do you want me to do?

Tell me everything you can remember about the kidnapping and the attack. Lets begin with the man who tricked you. What did he look like?

Chiyo pondered, frowned, then shook her head. I dont know. I recall walking up to the bamboo grove. After that, everything is a blank until... A shudder wracked her body. Until I woke up. Chiyo turned her face into the pillow, as if hiding from the recollection.

Reiko speculated that Chiyo had been grabbed, then forced to drink a potion that rendered her unconscious and erased memories. She leaned forward, bracing herself to hear the awful details of the rape. She spoke quietly, trying not to pressure Chiyo. Then what happened?