Doves Migration (37 page)

As Felicity stood listening pensively to James going over the last
details to free Gilbert, she felt no joy or relief that the elaborate cover-up
that had involved so many was nearly over. It made little difference to her
now, that if it had not been for her and Miranda, an innocent man would
have probably died at the hands of those who had actually framed him for
murder. Or, that those of power and wealth risked public ridicule and
possibly jail time themselves if discovered they had been harboring a
fugitive.

What concerned Felicity now was that after tonight, it was quite
possible a friend she had grown to love like a sister might be the next
victim in a series of good intentions gone bad.

In her heart, Felicity knew that what she and Miranda had begun that
fateful afternoon months earlier, protecting Gilbert from his hunters, was
the right thing to do. Yet now, knowing all that had transpired from that one
act of kindness, Felicity couldn’t help but wonder if given the chance to do
it again--knowing the end result--would she still be willing to help. And
that’s what troubled Felicity the most.

From the moment she woke that morning, a sense of doom plagued
her. Flashes of the fire that had taken her parent’s life while aiding runaway slaves had flashed before her eyes. The image of her beloved Aunt
Gwen on her deathbed haunted her. Felicity knew her aunt’s life had been
shortened by traveling to America so that she and Benjamin would be
brought together. And as grateful as she was to her aunt for making such a
sacrifice, even now several years later, Felicity felt guilty.

All three of her loved ones had risked their own lives to help others
and what Felicity feared most,
Was history repeating itself again
? Could it
be possible that she was destined to lose yet another loved one out of her
need to help others?

Unable to bear another hardship, and fearful she was the cause for the
loss of their lives, she asked James timidly, “Surely, there must be someone
else that could be used as a ruse for Miranda? Someone far more
experienced or shrewder in such matters than I am. Not that I am backing
out mind you, because I’m not. It’s just I can’t help but wonder if there
might be a simpler way to free Gilbert.”

Seeing the look of disappointment in James eyes, she hastily added. “It
just seems to me, simplicity would be wiser with so much at stake. Mind
you, I’m hardly in a position to know such matters, but why is it necessary
for Miranda’s excuse to leave the party be my sole responsibility? What if
I’m not convincing enough? You, yourself know that Elise already suspects
Miranda is hiding something and has been badgering me for answers ever
since she returned.”

Sensing her tension and realizing Felicity was on the verge of hysteria,
James interrupted her. “What better excuse for Miranda to be excused from
this social event than for her to escort you home and tend to you? Just as
you have been presumably been caring for her these past few weeks. Trust
me, it is the most natural thing in the world for her to help you. Especially,
since Benjamin will need to stay behind to represent family unity.
Otherwise, if Benjamin left to escort you home, chances are Rupert, being
as devoted to you as he is, might feel the need to leave as well. Which
hardly seems appropriate, since this little function is partially in his honor.”

“Precisely my point. Rupert is my cousin. A very important part of my
life and I would no sooner disappoint him or dear Annabelle at such an
important occasion.”

Interrupting her once more, he said calmly, “Of course you wouldn’t,
unless you were truly ill. Don’t you see Felicity, no one would fault you in
leaving early or be suspicious either. Even if Tad, Elise and Lavinia, for
that matter, have suspected something peculiar in Miranda’s need for
seclusion these past few weeks, you becoming mysteriously ill too, should
ease even the most cynical mind. You really need to trust both Alfred and
me on this. It really is the most logical and safest way.”

Need to trust
. . . James words haunted Felicity. For an instant she
heard her father’s voice saying those exact words to her mother who had
been apprehensive in harboring runners in the abandoned barn on their
property. Even his wealth or influential position in the community hadn’t
protected them from being killed. Again, she relived in her mind the sights
and sounds of that afternoon as she watched her parents murdered at the
hands of their longtime trusted friends. She began to shake.
If only you
knew . . . Nothing is ever fail-proof. Good decent people can still be killed.

Hearing Benjamin’s familiar cough from the next room, and realizing
he needed silence if he were to complete his resignation to hand it to the
bishop this evening, Felicity stepped closer to James. Pushing her
tormenting memories from her mind, she whispered, “I do trust you and
Alfred, James. Honestly, I do . . . I’m just being a ninny, I suppose.”

Taking a deep breath to help settle her nerves, she continued. “Forgive
me for being so contrary. The plan is well thought out. Perfect in fact. You
and Alfred truly have thought of everything. By the time anyone even
suspects that Miranda is missing, she and her beloved Gilbert will be miles
away from here. Far from the clutches of Tad and his fiendish friend, I
know that . . . It’s just I feel so strange--foreboding almost about tonight.”

“Nonsense! What possibly could go wrong? I think what you are
feeling is premature anxiety at the thought of never seeing a dear friend
again. Besides, Benjamin has agreed as well.”

“I know, he told me earlier this made perfect sense.” Seeing the
concerned look on James’ face, Felicity tried to smile as reassuringly as she
possibly could. “It’s funny you should say that, because Benjamin said
nearly the same thing to me just this very morning. As a matter of fact, he’s
suggested that perhaps before the weather turned too bad for traveling, we
might make a trip to San Francisco to see Miranda and Gilbert.”

“Really? Why I would have thought by now, good old Rupert and
Annabelle would have convinced you both that England was where you
two should be and go back with them on their return passage.”

Shocked by his astuteness, Felicity blushed and wondered,
How could
he possibly know that Benjamin and I are intending to return to England
with them?

To mask her apprehension, she asked softly, “Return passage, you say?
Why I hadn’t heard that Annabelle and Rupert had already planned a date.”
Mistaking her uneasiness with concern at the thought of Rupert and
Annabelle leaving, James quickly went to her side. “Forgive me, Felicity.
My intention was not to upset you further. On the contrary, I’m here today
simply to help ease your mind. In answer to your question, I’ve heard no
mention as to when the Robbins’ intend to return to England. However, I
should think they would want to stay here in America for several months.
After all, this is such a vast country with much to see. Certainly since they
are on their honeymoon, there should be no hurry in returning to England.”
Realizing she had managed to conceal her and Benjamin’s secret from
him for the time being, Felicity smiled fondly at James. “Yes. I’m sure
you’re right.”
Glancing at her and seeing her trembling fingers, James leaned closer
and placed her petite hands in his. “As you know Felicity, I’m not in favor
of women partaking frequently in the consumption of spirits--having a lush
for a wife--however, I do feel there are particular circumstances that a few
nips at some brandy might be welcoming to steady one’s nerves. This
being one of them, since this whole affair with Miranda has obviously
upset you more than you are saying.”
“Surely, you can’t be suggesting I use alcohol to get through this
evening, James? Why, that is completely irrational and I would think you
and Alfred would want me in top form rather then dimmed by the effects of
brandy.”
At times like this, when James had the opportunity of being alone with
her and capable of seeing just what an extraordinarily fine woman she
really was, he found it exceedingly difficult not to exhibit his true feelings
for her. Especially when she reacted in such a manner as she just had, using
logic while not being overbearing. Admiring this quality in her, he smiled
adoringly at her.
“Dearest Felicity, I’m not suggesting anything more than we take a few
nips at Benjamin’s finest brandy for medicinal purposes, and who knows-if we are lucky--we might find it a fine elixir.”
Shocked by him making such an innuendo that they should share in a
magic potion together, Felicity pulled her hands from his grasp feeling
suddenly uncomfortable by his nearness. Seeing the hurt look in his eyes
and surmising the strain of tonight’s events must be putting them both
under a great strain, she asked sweetly, “Do you really think it wise? What
I mean to say is, if you honestly think a few sips of brandy might steady
my nerves then of course I will consider it.”
“Absolutely, it would help. And if it lessens your guilt, perhaps you
would pour me one too.”
Smiling at how skillful he was at convincing her to share a drink with
him, which she normally reserved only to indulge in the privacy of her
home with her husband, Felicity turned to retrieve Benjamin’s only vice.
As she walked the few steps across the small room, so deep in thought
about the risk they all faced if caught trying to free Gilbert, Felicity was
unaware that James watched her every move.
With every minute that passed, James knew the time was drawing
nearer to when he would finally take this woman from Benjamin and claim
her as his. If only for the moment that he would bed her.
As Felicity bent down to retrieve the crystal decanter from the locked
cupboard, James’ breathing became irregular. Standing in the small lounge
of the orphanage, with Benjamin only a few feet from them, James
fantasized what it would feel like to come up from behind Felicity and pull
her naked flesh next to his.
Even watching her delicate fingers pry open the lid of the bottle to pour
some of the contents into a glass was an aphrodisiac to him. As Felicity
innocently glanced at him for his approval, his craving for her grew. He
became acutely aware he had a full erection, and immediately took a seat.
Still drinking in her every move while pouring a second brandy, he warned
himself,
Pace yourself, old boy. Don’t spoil it now, like some over-zealous
schoolboy out of control, or all that you have done to win her confidence,
was for not.
As Felicity, took a seat beside him, James, aware of how nervous she
was acting in his presence, calmly suggested she take a sip of the brandy to
help settle her nerves. Obliging, after several minutes of polite
conversations and another round of drinks to help prime his unsuspecting
victim, James watched with keen interest as the seemingly shy and always
pristine Felicity began to feel the effect of the drink and slowly let down
her defenses.
“I’m so grateful for all the help you’ve given to Miranda and Gilbert.
Why I still cannot imagine why you would risk harboring a fugitive from
the authorities as you have. All I can say is, you have no idea what your
kindness has meant to both Benjamin and me. We shall never forget it.”
“Dear Felicity, as I told you before. I was only too happy to help.”
Hearing Benjamin stir from his office and realizing the lateness of the
hour, James stood as his host entered the room. “Old Man, not only have I
overstayed my welcome this afternoon, I’ve taken the liberties of
introducing the nectar of the Gods to my fair hostess.”
James paused to raise his glass to Benjamin and nod his head to
Felicity before continuing. “Who was overwrought with anticipation and
anxiety, but thanks to this fine vintage, has since found herself to be quite
relaxed.”
Disgusted at watching Benjamin lean over the back of the chair where
Felicity sat and tenderly kiss the crown of her head, James lifted his glass
and belted back the remaining contents of the glass. The brandy quickly
soured in his mouth hearing Benjamin speak softly to his wife.
“My poor darling. I’ve neglected you, haven't I?”
Felicity leaned further into her chair and stretched her neck back while
looking up at her husband lovingly. “Never,” she exclaimed.
From where James stood, never had he heard her voice sound so
seductive, and he became hypnotized by the contours of Felicity’s long
slender neck. Shamelessly he stared at the woman he hungered, as she
gingerly raised her arm and caressed the side of Benjamin’s face and beard.
“I trust you were inspired to complete the task at hand, my dearest?”
Felicity asked warmly, knowing how difficult it was for Benjamin to write
a letter asking the Bishop to find someone else to replace him at the
orphanage as soon as possible.
Nodding, he smiled knowingly at her. “Indeed. I had guidance from
above.”
“Good.” Aware that they were being watched, Benjamin coughed and
pulled on the gold chain dangling from his front waist pocket to retrieve his
watch. Glancing down at it, he raised his head in disbelief. “My, but the
party is in less than two hours.”
Shocked, Felicity bolted from her seat. “You can’t be serious, Ben.
Why, I haven’t even freshened up, let alone fix my hair . . .” She mumbled,
feeling to see if her hair was still tightly curled from this morning.
Obviously flustered, Felicity then turned to James. “Please do forgive me. I
really must excuse myself this very moment. Thank you for keeping me
company this afternoon and calming my nerves. You really are such a dear
man...”
Not finishing her sentence, she dashed from the room leaving
Benjamin and James chuckling amongst themselves. Noticing Felicity had
reached their bedchamber, Benjamin lovingly called to her. “I’ll be in
shortly to help you, my dear.”
Turning to James, he added. “With only hours to go until Gilbert is
finally a free man, I would be amiss if I didn’t convey to you, my heartfelt
gratitude in all your efforts regarding Miranda and Gilbert. You’re
unselfish kindness means more to Felicity than mere words can say.”
Before James had a chance to respond, Felicity called out to her
husband. “Oh Ben, please do excuse the interruption. Dearest, were you
intending to wear your blue or brown suit this evening?”
Smiling at James, Benjamin turned and called to her. “Neither darling.
I thought we agreed on the black silk that you commissioned for me.”
Hearing Benjamin’s words of how Felicity had spent money from her
inheritance to have a suit specially tailored for him, James’ back stiffened,
fighting the impulse of glaring at the man before him that he had come to
loath. Thinking Benjamin no better than some educated, peasant Gigolo,
who preyed on rich women pretending to be God-like, James pasted a
smile to his lips to cover up the contempt he felt.
“Of course! How silly of me.” Felicity called from behind the closed
door. There was no mistaking the tension in Felicity’s voice, and James
looked at Benjamin wondering why such a fine woman allowed this man to
use her as he did.
“Well, I’m sure you too need to freshen up too, so I won’t keep you by
rambling on about our gratitude for all you’ve done, James. Just one quick
thing before you go. Speaking for both Felicity and myself, I can honestly
say that both of us value your friendship, more than you know. And, if
there is anything we can do for you in the future, don’t hesitate to ask.”
Accepting Benjamin’s hand, he shook it cordially all the while
thinking,
You phony bastard! Let’s see how superior you act when a second
wife of yours discovers what it’s like to be with a real man.
Such thoughts caused him to smile and James said, “Right. Since
there’s little time to spare, I should be making my leave.”
“Indeed.” Benjamin nodded, while gesturing his guest to the door.
Hearing the door close, Felicity, still anxious over tonight and unable
to shake this feeling of pending doom, pulled back the lace curtains to see
James enter his coach. Closing her eyes, still feeling the effects of the
brandy, she leaned against the window and said a silent prayer.
Dear Lord,
please protect Gilbert and Miranda and help them find the peace and
happiness they deserve.
Caught up in her own thoughts and fears, Felicity had no idea that
James, leaning back into the seat of his hansom cab, eyes glistening with
anticipation, watched her like that of a hunter, as he spotted his prey.
Whispering to himself, he said, “Yes, indeed! Tonight you will be mine!”
Then with a sinister chuckle, he taped the roof of the cab signaling his
driver to commence.