The Parish

by Clare Midgley

  She was perfect, too perfect.

  After showering Eve run around throwing on her clothes, standing in front of the mirror, she adjusted the halter neck black top and smoothed down her black trousers.

  “Stay here no one will come in or out of my quarters do you understand, no one knows you are here and that’s how it needs to stay if they knew then I wouldn’t……just stay.” Holding onto his hand the sincerity of her character was in abundance, almost devout, but the darkness of her eyes screamed in pain.

  Running up the winding staircase Eve crept through the gap. Her morning duties had become almost a ritual knowing every movement her mistress made. Even now feeling the presence of Cara made the well of fear build inside. On more than one occasion she had exercised her authority over her staff, and Cara didn't like to be disobeyed.

  Cara was the Elder Matriarch of the Font de Dieu family, and their presence at The Parish had been around centuries. Inlands Brow was built in the early fourteenth century and as the reliance on outsiders to help and provide for the family increased so did the dependence of the Brow to the Parish and the Parish to the Brow. During the early 1900’s as all that was left was the elderly and infirm as all who served the Parish were orphaned or alone by choice and Eve was no different. As the Inlands Brow community had started to decrease, the Parish had to look further afield to find willing and acceptable helpers to bid their tasks. Cara had stumbled across Eve as a teenager and under her guidance had made her into a sort of Equerry to Font de Dieu family. Eve knew all too well of the cruelties inflicted on eager to please young servants, and under Cara, Eve had been beaten the most.

  Trying to grasp hold tight of her emotions Eve needed to bury the fear deep inside her if she was to perform her daily tasks and as she brushed Neith she knew her fate would be sealed if Cara ever found out about her visitor. Eve had been thrown in front of the elder's council six months previous and wasn’t willing to retake the same punishment.

  Neith all too forgiving nuzzled into Eve’s side knowing she was in need of some comfort and as she patted her gently, Eve knew there was no escape from her habitual duties.

  As Eve entered the kitchen, the quarterstaff had already started to gather for the morning meeting. Usually, Eve would have prepared, however, because the events which had disturbed the night she was still trying to reassure herself and the Doctor that no one would know. Giving her orders Eve scattered the staff accordingly, nodding gently towards Doc the relief seem to lift from his chest like a balloon. Looking at the clock Eve knew she needed to prepare herself for Cara.

  Cara and Reuben occupied the main quarters of the house, being the Elders and the only Font De Dieu’s to produce offspring they took control of all the day to day running of the manor. While Cara’s brother occupied the West and Reuben's sister occupied the East, Jacob was the only son and heir, and he was free to do as pleased.

  He took what he wanted when he wanted it.

  Entering the main hall Eve proceeded up towards the long marble staircase. The massive crystal chandelier had been hanging in the building since the 1600’s, and the bright dazzle of light shimmered throughout. The panelled doorway and dark corridors of the servant’s quarters seemed different worlds from the opulence within the rooms. Entering the bedroom Eve drew the curtains, and as the light hit crystal and glass writing desk, it shimmered like a mirror ball in the glimmer of the morning sun. The large four poster bed filled the room with its dark oak presence and Eve silently paraded around tidying the night’s activities away. Her stealthy silences not making even the floorboards creak under her weight. The bathroom in contrast to the bedroom was a stark white, and the bathtub sat in pride of place in front of the bay window. The colossal tub looked like a prominent oval swimming pool rather than a bath and knowing her mistress would soon be rising she made a start on filling it. Eve had been beaten severely before for a single ripple forming within the waters and learning quickly from her mistakes Eve made sure not even her footsteps made an indentation in the pool.

  Feeling Cara’s presence Eve instantly bent to one knee making sure her head pointed to the floor at the side of the tub, and on holding out her hand, Cara grip placed firm within.

  “I know you’re up to something Eve; I can smell it on you,” Cara’s breath bore down and Eve still holding her nerve continued to look at the floor. Seeing Cara’s robe drop Eve started to help her descend into the waters.

  “I still smell him on you. I still smell him near you, my girl...” Seeing the water ripple Eve continued to move Cara’s clothes.

  “Eve! Eve” throwing the robe quickly into the wash shoot she answered cautiously.

  “Yes my lady” Cara’s disgust was evident; she loathed her servant but also knew she was the best they had ever had at the manor.

  “The pin Eve” Knowing she was no longer needed Eve placed the clothes perfectly on the bed, the Font De Dieu pin poised in pride of position on the lapel. Tidying quickly Eve opened the large oak fitted wardrobes, and on feeling hands running up the inside of her thigh, she knew Reuben was behind. Wrapping his fingers around her throat, he pushed her high against the doors.

  “I understand why my son wants you so much. If he hadn’t have spoiled you I would have taken you for myself.” As he cocked his head to one side, his dark eyes bore into her chest as he devoured every ounce of her in his sight. Trying to breathe Eve’s legs kicked as he raised her off the floor.

  “You should have known I wanted you first Cara is just playing with me keeping you here!” His face seemed to twist and mangle as he spat out his words and as he squeezed tighter the long extension of his fingers embedded deeper around her throat. Using his serrated nails he picked open the buttons, one after another until the curve of her breast was exposed. As her flesh fell from the garment, the flash of eyes widened as he longed for more. Running his fingers over her nipple Eve bit down hard knowing there was nothing she could do.

  “I will taste you, regardless of my son.” As he threw her to the floor, he turned as if he had thrown away a paper bag. Now coughing and choking Eve clambered for breath, but knowing there wasn’t much time she elevated quickly pulling her top back over her the best she could and walked briskly down the corridor. As the door slammed Cara’s screams emanated from the chamber as Reuben took what he wanted, however, hearing her cries Eve had little sympathy knowing if it weren't Cara it would have been her. Reaching the end of the hallway, she felt her heart pounding in her chest, and as the blood flowed, she felt light headed. Making the last push, she clenched at her top trying to hide the wound and trying to escape with at least some dignity. Whispers circulated everywhere, and servants could see Reuben was closing in.

  Entering her quarters, she could hear the shower knowing Paul must be feeling better. Throwing on a black t-shirt and rummaging around in her cupboard she searched for her boots knowing the only way she was going to escape today was with Neith. Paul on hearing the noise stood at the bathroom door, seeing her frantic and hearing the screams he knew something had happened

  “Are you ok? I heard lots of noises from upstairs and….” As she turned to face him, Paul could see the bruises on her throat had already started to appear.

  “I’m fine Paul please don’t ask you will never understand this place all you need to know is your safe in here.” As she ran from the room, it was apparent she needed to escape and seeing Paul's bemused expression Eve also realised she wouldn't get away without some explanation. As he looked through the large window, he felt the isolation and sadness wash over him and knowing Eve was part of it make him curious to why she stayed.

  Feeling the guilt of leaving him behind she raced into the courtyard and to the stables. Reuben's advances had started to become more violent, and she clung tightly to the scar on her neck got the feeling she was no longer alone. As the cold rush of air and the stillness settled within the stabled she felt the heavy burden of eyes pierce her spine, picking up the pitchfork ready she waited as the dark figure adv
anced from the corner.

  “I needed to see you; I needed to know your where ok?” Tearful and angry Eve stepped back not wanting to engage in any conversation.

  “I don’t need your help Jacob, you just being here puts both of us in more danger than I can justify, and I think you better go.”

  “I heard what he did to you, my own father. Eve. Why can’t you understand that the thought of another man even touching you hurts me? I love you why don’t you understand.” As Eve threw the fork in front of him it stood up straight as if she had thrown a spear.

  “You….you and your kind Jacob don’t know what love is please just go. I have work to do.” Placing his hands tentatively on her shoulders, Eve shuddered.

  “You know there is a way we can be together, Grandfather taught you well I know it. I’m out of favour because of the actions of my parents, but you…you could bring us together Eve I feel it, I’ve always felt it. All I want to do is love you…please, just let me in.” Pushing him away she paced the stable feeling trapped, her nightmares were coming true, and no matter how far she ran Jacob seemed to follow. As she pulled down her collar, she exposed the marks which Reuben's actions had left behind. Jacob feeling her anger tried to touch her hoping her could provide at least some comfort.

  “He was going to kill me Jacob because of what I did, look…look at it! His fingers elongated into my throat, and just for the pleasure he decided to grope me while choking me do you think this makes a basis for a loving, happy family cause I believe you're deluding yourself.” The same dark eyes stared back at her, except Jacob's had sadness that she couldn’t quite place. His jet black hair gleamed in the dim light and if in other circumstances, physically in appearance they would have been a good match.

  Seeing the scars, his family had made pained him deeply. The only thing he wanted from her was her love.

  “You said you loved me once on the Brow the night we made love under the waterfall; you were the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. Feeling you near me having you close makes me feel almost human Eve. I've never felt that before, and I don’t want to ever feel it again with anyone else. Do you understand?” Wrapping her arms around herself, she remembered the night they had met and the connection she had when he touched her. She knew she would have died for him that night, but now just being together in the same room put them at risk.

  “Jacob, it was different then…..I….please just go.”

  As she closed her eyes, the rush of cold air departed.

  He was gone.

  Chapter 3

  Eve had sat on her window ledge waiting for the dawn and as the sun rose she expected another day of pain. Whispers had also circulated throughout the night, and not a word had been spoken at breakfast. Doc sat opposite observing the marks around her throat unable to comprehend the senseless attack. The other servants had also worriedly scattered after Eve delivered the mornings orders and still no word had been spoken about the incident. Sewing her buttons back on her top she stared into the Doc’s eyes as if she was looking through an open window.

  “I don’t understand what went on yesterday Eve; Reuben is…he’s never done this to a senior member of the quarters.” Eve sat in silence continuing to sew and trying to forget.

  “Eve talk to me please, he’s always had an eye for you but...” Throwing the blouse at him, she tried to finish the conversation but felt the words stick in her throat.

  “But what Doc? I know what went on after I left and I know for a fact she will make him pay for it. I have to service that room today, and that could easily have been me! Just be glad that you’re not cleaning my blood off the walls.” Throwing off her t-shirt, she placed on the newly sewn top, and as she began to fasten herself in, she tried ready herself for the usual morning ritual. As she stormed towards the door, Doc stood holding out his hand.

  “She knows Eve” placing her hand on the door she bowed her head.

  “How long…”

  “This morning Jacob” As she patted his hand she now knew that yesterday was just the start of things to come.

  Shadows congregated around the halls and Eve could feel Jacob’s lingering presence almost slowing her down as she reached the top of the stairs Eve breathed deep trying to take back control and catch her nerve. The hallways unusually quiet and dark presences hanging in the corner had almost written Eve's story by the time she reached the main bedroom. Creeping forward Eve knew she had to step into her routine and as she ran the tub, Cara stood at the door watching her every move. As she mopped up Cara's blood, she couldn’t criticise how proficient Eve was in her work.

  “I’ve been hearing stories about you and my son again.” Eve bowed as low to floor as she could but noticing Cara’s Font de Dieu pin placed firmly in her grasp. Cold chills ran through her body knowing her punishment would be inevitable.

  “I told you before your nothing to me.” Eve waited for the pain, and as the pin plunged deep into her shoulder, Cara ran it along stabbing her repeatedly making sure each time it ripped deeper into her body. Admiring her work Cara sat and swung her legs while the blood flowed from Eve’s body as she gasped quietly in pain she twisted her hands in the water as if she was lazily bathing on a summer’s day. Dragging herself to her feet Eve stood tall

  “Is that everything Ms.” Cara laughed as the blood dripped off her fingers.

  “Without an elder Eve, you’ll be dead in two hours go and wish my son well as it will be your final time.” Dragging her fingers along the hallway Eve seemed to feel her way back to the kitchen. Cara wanted revenge, and a simple stabbing wouldn’t have satisfied that need. Eve knew the pin had been poisoned. As she felt her way through the passageway, she started to whisper for help.

  “Doc, Doc can.” As the haunting figure of the bloodied and mutilated Eve stood in the doorway, Doc dropped his cup unable to comprehend image before him. Jenny screamed as the mutilated Eve walked into the kitchen.

  “Dear child, what has happened to you?”

  Eve fell to the floor, her body twitching as the poison took hold. Doc wrapped a napkin around his hand pulling the pin from the wound. He knew immediately it was Cara’s and knowing Cara's hatred for Eve he also realised Eve didn't have long left without help. Jenny still in shock held her head as Eve started to take shorter and shorter breaths.

  “Doc…Charlotte we need Charlotte” Eve gasped clawing at his coat for assistance.

  “Jenny go to the east wing speak to Amy…she’s Charlotte’s attendant now...” Holding her hand, Doc saw the panic in Eve’s eyes, and as he stroked her hair, he felt responsible.

  “I’m sorry my darling it’s all my fault.”

  Jenny covered in Eve’s blood, ran out into the courtyard as quickly as she could and as the droplets took shape on her apron, the marks seemed to contort again with the scattering of her tears. Jenny ran straight into Jacob and on seeing the vision in front of him took a step back wondering what had happened.

  “Apologies sir. Amy Eve needs you she said something about bringing Charlotte.” On seeing the blood and tears, Jacobs look turned to panic.

  “Where’s Eve Jenny” Jenny couldn’t get her breath, and all her effort seemed to be taken up by trying to keep her emotions in check. Jacob’s insistence had also scared her, and as she sought to deliver the news, the intensity seemed to overwhelm her again.

  “I’m sorry sir…..I…” Jacob smiled graciously and took hold of her hands.

  “I’m sorry I didn't mean to frighten you. Where’s Eve Jenny?” Seeing how gentle his touch was Jenny calmed enough to talk. “She’s on the kitchen floor in the central quarter's sir Doc said something about poison and Eve said she needed an elder, she told me to get Charlotte, sir.” Understanding her plight, Jacob started to run.

  “Amy stay with Jen I will sort this” As he sprinted into the main building Jacob twisted around the winding staircases running his hands along the dark mahogany boards. As he counted the doorways, he reached the pool of blood knowing he was in the right p
lace. Seeing the grim image Jacob’s heart pounded louder in his chest.

  “Doc get out I will sort this”

  “We need Charlotte, your mother...” Jacob exercising his authority stared at the Doctor.

  “My mother has done enough Doctor now let go and let me sort this...”

  “Ok Jacob…but” As the glare continued the Doctor dropped hold of Eve and backed towards the doorway and as the door shut Jacob placed Eve on the long wooden dining table. Her skin so pale and her breath so short he feared for the worst.

  With her blood trickling between the slats Jacob kissed her forehead, and as he took a knife from the draw and drew a mark exposing his vein.

  “I’m sorry my darling….this is going to hurt.” As the dark black liquid spilt from his body, he knew it would feel like acid against her skin.

  The screams from the kitchen echoed around the passageways and Eve’s blood-curdling cries filled every nook and cranny. After thirty minutes the noises from within the room had quieted and as the doctor entered Eve still pale and frightened was wrapped in Jacobs embrace.

  “You need to leave Jacob put her down and go before your mother finds out you’ve helped her.” Still holding her tight, the wound had miraculously started to seal itself.

  “My mother’s gone too far Doctor, and I intend to tell her...” Eve drifted in and out of consciousness, however as she lifted her hand her faint voice rose up from his hold.

  “Go Jacob…please” her fingers still covered in blood gently patted against his skin as if to give him the ok.

  “I’m not leaving you; I can’t not now!” Gently kissing her he pulled her closer feeling her heartbeat quicken as she lay in his embrace.

  ”I love you too much to let you go” Doc sat at the table with his head in his hands unable to comprehend his actions and knowing the consequences and the retribution this would cause.