In the Shadows (The Blaisdell Chronicles) (16 page)

“Good night, Lucy. Sleep well.”

But I couldn’t sleep. I’d been trying to for over an hour, but excitement ran hot through my body. I was desperate to be closer to him, but knew he wouldn’t succumb. Not tonight, anyway. Perhaps some of Mum’s lavender bubble bath would help me slumber. I removed my clothes and stepped in, sighing in contentment when the warm water and bubbles covered my body.

Water flooded into my lungs, and cold hands grabbed me, pushing me further in. My legs kicked unseen attackers, but it didn’t help. Just as I thought I’d succumb to my watery grave, I was yanked out, my lungs desperately reaching out for oxygen. I coughed up water when I was dropped to the ground, as two pairs of heavy boots circled me. Voices spoke in
French, but they were too low to comprehend. One moved away to a wooden table, removing a tatty sheet. He reappeared with a knife in his hand. They laughed menacingly, revealing their rotten teeth. They weren’t done with me yet.

I jumped up; almost slipping, not realising I was still in the bath. My hands touched my body, wincing when I’d anticipated what those men were about to do. I’d witnessed someone’s torture. And I suddenly became painfully aware whose it had been. I heard a loud groan downstairs. I wouldn’t let them hurt him. Without wasting a moment, I threw on my nightdress and hurried downstairs. Worry arrested me when I peered into the living room and saw Nathan on the sofa, his body twitching, his hands wrestling some invisible being. I hurried closer, kneeling beside him.

“Nathan?”

My body screamed in silent pain, and their blade cut through my flesh. Something hot scorched near my heart, and my body convulsed.

“
Réponds-moi!” he repeated, but I refused again. I’d take my orders to the grave. The heat pierced deeper into my chest, my chains rattling as I tried to free myself.

“Nathan?” I touched his face, urging him to wake. His hands roughly clamped my wrists, and I gasped. His eyes opened wide, but he didn’t see me. Terror flashed over his features, the dark shadows making him appear more menacing.

“Nathan, it’s me. Lucy.”

He blinked a few times, the fury in his eyes now changing to shame. Releasing me, he sat up, hiding his face in his hands.

“Did I hurt you?”

This was no time for the truth. “Nathan
—,”

“Tell me, damn it, did I hurt you?”

“Of course not. Nathan, I know what happened to you. Please, let me help you.” I touched his shoulder, feeling his tension.

“It’s my own personal problem, Lucy. I’ll deal with it myself.”

I touched my neck, realising I hadn’t put the scarf back on yet. Feeling brave, I moved my hands away, hoping he’d do the same. “I trusted you. Won’t you do the same?”

“I tried to stay awake, especially since I was here, but I was tired, and the sofa was so comfortable...”

I was suddenly aware of Nathan’s sleeping problems. How long had he been suffering from these nightmares?

“There’s only so much of being awake a man can allow. But when I do fall asleep...” Nathan’s head lowered. “I think I’m being punished for what I’ve done in the past.”

“No, Nathan. You’ve always been a good person. You were only doing your duty.”

My arms encompassed his body, throwing all of my reassurance into my embrace. He broke free and moved towards the fireplace, one arm behind his back, staring morosely at the flames long gone.

“You should go back to bed. You’ll catch a chill.”

I remembered my state of dress. My cotton nightdress was damp from my bath, clinging to parts of my body I wished to conceal.

“Will you be all right?”

He stared straight ahead, although I was certain his cheek was tinged slightly. “I won’t sleep now I’ve had that dream. Don’t worry. I’ll be fine. It’s best that I’m awake anyway. I’m more able to protect you.”

Reluctantly, I said good night.

After drying myself off and changing into dry nightwear, I sat on the edge of my bed brushing out my hair and thought over Nathan’s dreams. My heart had lurched when I realised his pain. He’d done so much for me, yet I’d never been able to repay him. He’d always been the hero and I was the damsel in distress. I lay back on the bed, expelling a wistful sigh. I knew I had to help him, but I didn’t know how. A thought floated inside my head. If Nathan forgot his war past, then he’d have no more nightmares. But how could a memory be erased? And if it were possible, would he also forget our past together? My heart sank. Perhaps it would be better to work out why he had these memories. I refused to believe that he was being punished. Jonathan had been such a kind man. Something must have happened to make him that way. His nightmares were an emotional scar he had to live with, just as I had this mysterious scar on my neck. There must be reasons why we had these things. Nathan was unwilling to discuss it. Perhaps it was my turn now to help him.

I turned on my side, and in the heavily shadowed room, a light flashed on my bedside table, followed by a rumble. It was a text message from a number I didn’t recognise, although the sender had unfortunately left their name.

I can help you. Come and see me.
Ellen.

A loud thump outside halts my tears, and a string of curses makes me get to my feet. I move towards the balcony doors, and gasp when I see two men roughly grabbing Jonathan. He tries to fight them, but they are too strong, and mock his attempts.

“Release him at once!” I say, with as much authority as I can, but they ignore my request.

I run towards them, only to trip over the hem of my long nightgown, my knees landing on the stone floor. The men laugh, but I ignore the stinging sensation, and try lunging forward again, only for one of them to backhand my face.

As I get to my feet again, my attention snaps back to my bedroom. The door opens with such force it slams against the wall and two figures burst through, one ordering the men to bring Jonathan in. The terror gripping my heart makes me shudder. I am already aware of who they are, and have no need of the light now being held up by my father. His breath reeks of whiskey, and he’s unwilling to meet my gaze. The taller, well dressed gentleman, whose hands are too keen, circles Jonathan.

“Did you think I wouldn’t find out?” snaps Lord Sulis.

I look to my father, but he’s shaking his head, his lips thinned. “I told the lady she must be mistaken. My daughter isn’t a whore.”

I try to ignore the word and raise my head. “Father, who—?”

“I did,” announces a familiar, yet unfriendly, voice. Behind my father steps the woman with the most beautiful of
faces, and the ugliest of souls. Lady Stark’s expression is filled with amusement.

The Earl of Sulis stands in front of Jonathan, regarding us both with an air of supercilious contempt. His long shadow spreads up the wall behind him, making his presence fill the room.

“Have you nothing to say?” asks Lord Sulis.

“Nothing happened,” I say in a rush. “I don’t know what Lady
Stark has said—”

“Check him,” Lady
Stark orders, fingers massaging her temples. “I sense there is proof of their infidelity on his person.”

The Earl of
Sulis’ hands dig into Jonathan’s pockets, the noise from a crinkle in his overcoat pocket making him still. Lord Sulis’ head tilts questioningly, but Jonathan looks at Lady Stark, who’s smiling proudly.

When he brings out the papers, he unfolds them, his gaze flickering over the images.

My images.

Lord
Sulis crushes them in his hand.

“I told you I spoke truth,” Lady
Stark chants in a sweet voice.

“Damn you,
Eleanor!” Jonathan hisses at her.

Sucking the air through his teeth, Sulis lands a blow across Jonathan’s cheek.

I gasp, but Jonathan quickly rebounds and faces him. Sulis pushes his weight forward, his face almost clashing with Jonathan’s. “You tried to steal her, didn’t you? Like you did my inheritance. I won’t share what’s rightfully mine.”

“I’m not yours!” I shout. “And never will be!”

Sulis ignores my cry of protest and continues to taunt Jonathan.

“You really should have been drowned at birth.”

“Leave him alone!” I cry, only for Lady Stark to march over and slap my cheek, knocking my head to the side.

“
Lucia!” Jonathan tries to rush forward, but his captor is quick and holds him back. Lord Sulis pulls out his sword, blocking him. Jonathan’s nostrils flare, bearing his white teeth, as he directs his anger towards Lord Sulis. “I won’t let you get away with this.”

Lord
Sulis raises his sword, directing it towards Jonathan’s throat. “I have done no wrong. You’re the one who’s seduced my fiancée, and for that, I shall have my justice.”

“No!” I wail, struggling for the captor to release me. “Can’t we discuss this?”

Lord Sulis shakes his head. “I’m afraid not, dearling.”

“Let her go, Alexander. It’s me you want,” Jonathan says.

“Don’t ever call me by my first name again,” he says through gritted teeth. “Do you understand? I’m the son! You’re the bastard!”

Lord
Sulis turns his head towards me, a scowl darkening his features. “And you, Lady Lucia. I cannot comprehend your behaviour. Do you really care not a fig for your reputation? My reputation? All for him?”

“I’ve never wanted to be your wife. Father knows this.”

But my father ignores my words and turns towards Lord Sulis. “I apologise for my daughter’s behaviour. She must have been forced. It’s not like her.”

“I was not!” I bite back.

Lord Sulis’s attention is on Jonathan, hands clenching at his sides. “I’ll make you pay for touching what belongs to me!”

Jonathan smiles coolly. “Are you really going to gut me whilst I’m unarmed? It hardly seems fair, does it?”

“What you have done to me isn’t fair!” bellows Lord Sulis, his body bristling in irritation.

“If that is true, then fight me as a true, honourable gentleman would. I challenge you to a duel. Pistols at dawn.”

“Can’t we kill ’im yet?” one of the henchmen asks, struggling to suppress a yawn.

Lord
Sulis points a finger at Jonathan, his anger making his stance unsteady. “You have no right to speak to me about behaving like a gentleman.”

Lord
Sulis calms himself and moves towards me, one hand reaching for my face, but I evade his touch.

“It’s a pity you’re no longer a maid,”
Lord Sulis speaks in a low voice. “I’ve been looking forward to our wedding night.”

Sickness fills my belly as my father reaches out for
Lord Sulis. “My lord. Do as you wish with that gentleman. But please, won’t you uphold your word to wed my daughter?”

“She is no longer a maid!”
Lord Sulis retorts, removing his arm from Father’s touch. “I will not have his spoils.”

“My daughter must have been led astray. She isn’t a —”

“Silence!” Lord Sulis commands, his tone making my father stop quite abruptly. He pales, his skin looking paler against the grey shadows in the room. Father withdraws into them and Lord Sulis regards Jonathan again, long fingers rubbing his chin. “Mr Macey, you have brought this on yourself. Now you must pay for what you have done.”

Sulis nods at the henchmen, who throw Jonathan into the corner of the room, and before he can rise, their meaty fists pummel into him.

“You’ll kill him!” I cry out, rushing forward, only for Lord Sulis to hold me back. I kick and struggle, but Lord Sulis is too strong, reminding me of his strength in the gardens. I wish I could cover my ears to block out the sounds of Jonathan’s moans, hating myself for not being able to help him. The henchmen pause and bring out their swords, directing the blades towards Jonathan. Suddenly, a thought enters my mind. Perhaps I can save Jonathan in another way.

“Don’t do it!” I say in a rush, turning to face
Lord Sulis. “I’m still untouched!”

Lord
Sulis orders the henchmen to stop, and they do, although reluctantly, but their blades remain poised. I feel Lord Sulis’ gaze scrutinising me, but I try not to focus on that. I swallow my growing fear and look directly into his brown eyes, praying he’ll believe me.

“We’ve shared kisses, but nothing else.” My voice lowers, stealing a glance at Jonathan.

Lord Sulis considers this a few moments. Cold hands clamp on my face, and my body urges me to move, but my feet have turned to stone.

“I hope you speak the truth, as I’m not a forgiving man.”

“I do.”

His thumbs move over my cheekbones. “Perhaps one day, you’ll love me as you do him.”

I cast a sideways glance at Jonathan, my blood freezing in my veins when the henchman presses the knife more firmly against his stomach. Jonathan’s eyes are panicked, his head shaking, as if silently ordering me not to comply.

“Very well. You will marry me tomorrow or I’ll have him killed.”

Jonathan suddenly grabs the henchman’s wrists, trying to pry the blade away. I gasp, when the henchman refuses to surrender so easily. Turning in my direction, he speaks in a rush. “Don’t marry him, Lucia. I’m sorry I caused you pain—”

The henchman uses this distraction to kick Jonathan in the belly. He coils over, grasping his body, his face wincing in pain. The henchman reaches for the sword, directing it towards him. I have to end this.

“Stop! Please, I’ll do anything! Just don’t hurt him!”

Upon my words,
Lord Sulis orders the henchman to halt, who complies, but keeps the blade near. Jonathan rises slowly, pressing a hand over his heart.

Lady
Stark rushes to Lord Sulis’s side. “Don’t be ridiculous. You cannot spare him. What if he tries to take her away?”

Lord
Sulis contemplates this for a moment and nods in agreement. “Very well then. Macey will be coming with us.”

Lady
Stark’s eyes widen. “You can’t let him live. The man deserves to—”

“He hasn’t bedded my fiancée,”
Lord Sulis interrupts, “so he shall live. For now.”

A terrible foreboding sweeps through my mind. Although on his feet, Jonathan’s head hangs low, his dishevelled hair hiding his face. My fingers tremble with the need to tilt his chin up, look into his icy blue eyes and kiss away his pain.

Lady Stark clenches her fists, anger seeping from her skin. “But what about what he did to me? That alone should—”

“Enough,
Lady Stark!” Lord Sulis growls. He regards his henchmen. “Garrison, watch him. Mullins, find something to tie this man up with. Lord Briggstow?” Father takes a step forward, not quite meeting Lord Sulis’ gaze. “Ensure your daughter remains locked in her room until it’s time for our wedding. I shall send word.”

Jonathan, look at me. Please, look.

His eyes flicker to mine, his face etching sorrow.

I ignore the need to dissolve into tears, and press on.

Jonathan, listen to me. You won’t like what I’m about to do, but it’s the only way I can save you. No matter what happens, I’ll always love you.

In these moments, I curse myself for never having the strength to have told him of my love. Father, Sulis and Lady
Stark turn to leave and I notice Father bringing out a key from his pocket. My attention reverts to Mullins, who edges nearer to Jonathan with the tieback rope. As Garrison steps aside, I notice my porcelain washbasin on the nightstand, right by my side. With their backs turned, I grab it and smash it over Garrison’s head. He stumbles to the floor, unmoving, just as Sulis, Lady Stark and Father turn around by the door. Jonathan doesn’t hesitate, and lunges at Mullins, tumbling him to the floor and grabs the rope off him. Mullins regains and tries to take a swing at Jonathan, only for Jonathan to move aside and punch him in the jaw. Mullins crashes into a glass table behind him, the shards of glass raining in all directions.

Lady
Stark launches herself over me, and when her hand is poised high, ready to strike again, it takes a lot of effort from Sulis to pull her off, just as her elaborately piled hair slips from its pins. Furious, she curses loudly. Her hair is in disarray, making her look wild. Sulis grabs my hand and pulls me out of the room and down the dimly lit stairs.

“Let me go!” I urge, trying to shake him off, only for my feet to stumble over the hem of my gown again. Sulis shouts for help and Lady
Stark appears at my side, dragging me up. With someone on each side grasping my arm, I have no hope to free myself.

“
Lucia!”

Over my shoulder, I can make out Jonathan rushing past my father, leaning over the top of the stairs, searching.

“Help me, Jonathan!”

As we reach the bottom, Sulis wrestles with the door, but Lady
Stark releases me, just as Jonathan’s halfway down the stairs. Suddenly, Lady Stark pulls out a pistol from under her gown and fires.

Jonathan’s head whips back, his body falling the rest of the way to the bottom of the stairs. Deadly silence spreads, chilling me to the bone. I break it with a scream, just as Sulis manages to open the door, allowing moonlight to spill inside the house. Tears burn my eyes when I see blood seeping from Jonathan’s forehead, his eyes closed.

Sulis turns on Lady Stark, tension bristling his body. “What the hell have you done?!”

Lady
Stark lowers her pistol and puts it away. Her expression is cool, as she meets Sulis’s gaze. “Only what should have been done in the first place.”

The only noise is the sound of Father’s footmen rushing in, the lights from their candles revealing their shock. As father strolls casually downstairs, he orders
two of them to remove Jonathan. The last one holds me back, as I watch Jonathan being bundled into a waiting carriage.

My howls echo in my bedchamber long after I’ve been
locked in my room.