The ancient vampire, Saraqael, is free, the owl thought as it turned upon the air currents, towards London. He will seek human flesh and blood. He will kill indiscriminately. And no matter what Raziel may advise, Sara will eventually seek vengeance, for he is dangerous and decidedly evil.
Samael the powerful elohim, Angel of Death, Poison of God, sailed easily through the cold night air, traversing invisible doorways that connected the hidden realm to the human one, returning at last to the manicured park of a west London mansion, where he kept watch upon the duchess until long after the sun had risen.
Chapter Thirteen
11:31 am – Saturday, 10th November, 1888
“Charles, over here!”
The embattled marquess stepped off the Aubrey train and walked towards a tall man wearing a long, burnished leather overcoat but no hat. Two black Labradors flanked the returning policeman, who held a braided dog leash in each hand.
“I’d not expected anyone to meet me, though I’m always pleased to see you,” Sinclair greeted his cousin. “I’ve brought two of the best companions a man might have. I hope Beth approves.”
“Of course, she will. Elizabeth loves both of these dogs. Well, hello there, Bella,” Aubrey said as the animal sniffed his gloves. “Yes, I’ve been petting another dog. I’m sure you remember Samson.” He rubbed the male’s ears affectionately. “Tory’s dog may have to fight Briar when it comes to any rats wandering the grounds. He’s the best hunter on the Branham estate. I imagine Powers will be at a great loss, though he has three other dogs for company. Briar’s own sons, in fact. Charles, are those bruises on your face? Did you get into a spat with Beth’s cook?”
“Actually, Mrs. Stephens and I get along quite well, thank you. No, my battle scars result from a scuffle in the middle of the night. I’ll explain it at the meeting,” Sinclair replied, wincing, for his entire body ached along with his head. “You know, Paul, I don’t recall ever seeing you sporting outerwear. Are you expecting snow?”
“Actually, no, but I thought the coat prudent,” he replied mysteriously. “You might say it’s part of my customary attire when anticipating danger. One of James’s men reported a break-in at our rail shed, and I’ve spent the past hour there, inspecting the damage. Hello, Sparks,” he said to the pleasant-faced porter carrying Sinclair’s overnight bag. “How fares your good lady?”
“Mrs. Sparks keeps busy, my lord,” the amiable servant replied with a broken-toothed grin. “We’ve just had our third grandchild, in fact. My son’s named him James Stuart Sparks, after the duke, o’ course, as His Grace has been gen’rous enough to let us lodge on Drummond property more ‘n ten year now. I don’ see a coach, sirs. Where might it be parked?”
“Two streets over,” the earl replied, taking the bag into his right hand. “Allow me, Sparks. You go back to the train and tell our intrepid engineer to put her into the rail shed for a few days, but number three rather than one. We’re repairing the locks on that shed. I don’t think anyone in the family will be travelling again until after the wedding, so you can both take a few days off and spend them with your families,” Aubrey added, handing the silver-haired grandfather three, five-pound notes. “A fiver for each of those precious grandchildren. Invite us to young Master James’s christening, won’t you? I’m sure the duke will want to see his namesake’s special day.”
The man bowed and placed the notes carefully into a tooled leather wallet. “You’re a great gentleman, my lord. Mrs. Sparks reckons it’ll be sometime after Christmas. Maybe even first o’ next year, but we’ll send you an invitation, my lord—soon as the date’s been set. Pleasure seein’ you again, Lord Haimsbury,” he said, tipping his hat. “Best o’ wishes to you and the little duchess, sir, as you begin your wedded life together. I hope it’s as joyful as mine’s been with my dear Emma.”
“Thank you, Sparks,” Sinclair answered, pressing twenty pounds into the porter’s hand. “Consider this an early Christmas gift. Buy your wife something nice.”
The man gasped. “You are both too kind, sirs! But I shall put it all to good use. I promise!” He then turned about and headed back towards the Aubrey train.
“We’re parked on Gillingham,” Paul said as Sinclair accompanied him past a long line of travellers, several of them with small children, bound for points north. Several of the youths smiled at the two dogs, and one lad tugged at his mother’s coat sleeve, begging to pet them.
“Only if this gentleman approves, Mickey,” she told him.
Charles overheard the exchange and stopped to smile at the boy. “Mickey, is it? How old are you, young man?”
“Seven and a half, sir. Are these your dogs?”
“They are my fiancée’s dogs, but soon we’ll share them, as we’re about to get married. Do you like dogs, Master Mickey?”
“Oh, yes, sir! Very much, but I can’t have one, cause o’ the cost. Might I touch them, sir?”
Charles nodded. Bella’s tail wagged happily as the boy tentatively reached for her head. “Careful now,” the detective cautioned. “When meeting a new animal, one must always proceed slowly. Show her the back of your hand first. Let her sniff it, to show that you mean her no harm.”
The boy complied, his eyes wide. “Now what, sir?”
“Slowly overturn your hand and touch the top of her head. Avoid a dog’s mouth until she knows you are safe.”
“Safe, sir? I wouldn’t hurt a dog.”
“I’m sure you wouldn’t, Master Mickey, but some would. Some men find no issue with injuring or abusing an animal.” He thought of the dead horse, and of the sheep; eleven in all, according to Baxter. “She likes you. See her tail wag? Now, try it with Briar. He’s Bella’s husband.”
The boy used the same procedure to acquaint himself with the male, grinning with delight.
“You are a natural with animals, young sir. Tell me, where are you and your mother headed?”
“Nowhere, sir,” he told the marquess. “We’re waitin’ for my pa. He’s been up north with the railroad.”
“That’s enough, Mickey. We mustn’t delay these gentlemen any longer,” the mother said, gently pulling him backwards, closer to her skirts. “Forgive my son’s impertinence, my lord. You’re him, aren’t you? Lord Haimsbury, I mean. I recognise you from the newspapers, sir.”
“Yes, I’m Haimsbury,” Sinclair answered, removing two gold sovereigns from his pocket and handing both to the boy. “For you, Master Mickey. Perhaps, they might help with finding a dog—if your parents approve, of course. It was very nice to meet you. And if ever you and your family are close to Haimsbury House, I hope you will stop and say hello.”
The boy’s fist closed ‘round the coins. “Blimey, sir! Thank you!”
“Take care of him,” the marquess admonished the woman. “He’s a lovely boy.”
“Thank you, my lord. You’re kind to say so.”
The two cousins left the platform and continued on their way. Aubrey reached for Briar’s lead. “Let me help, Cousin. You’re limping,” he said as they headed towards the main exit. “Are you sure you’re all right?”
“Yes, I’m fine, Paul. Just weary. We had a long night.”
“I see,” the earl remarked, deciding to let it drop for the moment. “You packed light,” he added, jostling the overnight bag.
The detective laughed. “Unlike you, I don’t carry an arsenal with me. Is Beth feeling well today?”
“She slept late and was just finishing breakfast when I left an hour ago, but yes, she’s fine, though somewhat tired. The circle meeting commences as soon as you and I return. Tory’s promised to keep Elizabeth occupied whilst we meet.”
“Good. I admire her enthusiasm and bravery, but it often leads to trouble. I prefer she not overhear our conversation.”
Hamish Granger met the cousins at the coach and took the leather bag, placing it into the boot. “Welcome back, m
y lord,” he said. “I trust all is well in Kent.”
“As well as one might expect,” Sinclair answered cryptically. “Granger, I’d like you to attend part of our meeting this afternoon, if you can spare the time. And Miles, as well.”
“Lord Aubrey had already suggested it, sir, so we’ve arranged to join you after luncheon, if that suits.”
The marquess smiled. “As usual, I’m dragging far behind the earl. Yes, that suits quite well. Thank you.”
Once the cousins had settled into the rich leather seats, Stuart grew serious. “Charles, I decided to meet you, because I needed to speak to you in private. Before we join the others.”
Sinclair felt weary from lack of sleep, and every muscle and joint ached as if his entire body wore a massive bruise, but he discerned deep strain in Paul’s voice that surprised him. “What’s wrong?”
The earl took a deep breath to steel his resolve. “I know.”
Sinclair’s dark brows rose together in confusion. “I don’t understand. What is it that you know?”
“I know the truth,” Stuart said.
“I’m still not following, Cousin. What truth do you mean?”
“I know that Beth is pregnant.”
Sinclair’s mouth dropped open, and he grew quiet, his azure eyes still. The earl, too, sat silently, anticipating his friend’s response. “Who told you?”
“Beth did, but don’t scold her, Charles. I think it’s been burning a painful hole in her heart, and though it was a relief for her to get it all out, she now feels as if she’s betrayed you, because she disobeyed your admonition to say nothing.”
“That admonition wasn’t intended to exclude you, Paul, but to spare you. James is the one who asked me to keep silent.”
“Yes, he’s admitted that to me.”
“And how do you feel about it?” Charles asked, leaning forward slightly.
“I’m adjusting.”
“Paul, I wanted to tell you at once, but Beth insisted she do it,” his cousin explained.
“Yes, I know all that. She told me everything, and I’m embarrassed to say that I reacted quite badly.”
Charles sighed. “If it’s any consolation, I’d have reacted quite badly were our positions reversed, but neither Beth nor I chose to betray your trust. Please, do not for one second imagine that we did! The night in the cottage forever altered us all, but it was Redwing’s intent that it do so. I beg you not to think any differently of Beth.”
“But she is different, Charles, and there is no going back,” the earl insisted. “Hear me out, please. I hadn’t realised it until last night, but I’ve foolishly been clinging to a vain hope that Beth might change her mind and agree to become my wife. Yes, I know that I gave her up to you in Scotland, but surely you understand how difficult, how impossible such a concession is! I’ve loved her far longer than you have, Charles; known her longer, and her image and name are engraved upon my very soul!”
The detective touched his cousin’s hand to offer strength. “Paul, I understand. I do. It’s why James advised me to keep Beth’s pregnancy a secret until after the wedding—not because we feared telling you, but because we feared hurting you. You are my dearest friend in all the world. As much as the prospect of a child thrills me, it means that your heart is endangered because of it. I would never willingly have done that to you, nor would Elizabeth. I hope you know that.”
Aubrey grew silent, his eyes on the passing scenery. “Mentally, I do,” he admitted, “but I fear that my heart lags far behind my head. I spent all last night praying about it whilst Beth slept—or nearly slept. She had some disturbing dreams, I think, for she seemed restless, calling out the word snow over and over. I found her window open once, which may explain it. I’d heard Samson scratching at the door and left the room to bring him inside, and when I returned it had blown open. We had flurries overnight, and the room had grown quite cold because of it.”
“Her window was open? Did Samson act disturbed by it?”
Aubrey seemed confused. “By what? The wind? It was only that, Charles. Nothing more. No, the dog had been ill, and he wanted comforting, I think. I put him into bed with Beth, and both she and Samson grew quiet after that. If there’s blame to be assigned for her dreams, then look to me. My anger and disappointment almost overwhelmed me, and it caused her great sadness.”
“I can imagine it would. Elizabeth loves you dearly.”
“So she does,” he whispered. “Far more than I deserve. Hoping to make sense of what she’d confessed, I read through several psalms, seeking the Lord’s comfort, and as dawn broke through the windows, an indescribable peace filled my heart. I’ve never experienced anything like it before in all my life,” he continued, tears filling his clear, blue eyes. “To my surprise, all the anger, all the guilt had vanished. Do not think me cured of my jealousies. I am human, after all, but God has accomplished in one night what men could not achieve in ten lifetimes.”
Charles thought of the visitor who’d brought the same kind of peace to him aboard the coach the previous day. “The Lord’s messengers are beyond our capacity to comprehend or describe. I’m very glad our Saviour brought you this peace, Cousin.”
“As am I, and I promise you this, my dearest friend: I shall do all within my power to protect you both from this moment on. I only pray that you can forgive my selfishness. It is to my shame that I admit it.”
“I could forgive you anything, Paul. Anything. Our friendship is formed from an insoluble, inscrutable bond. I’m only sorry that I didn’t tell you what happened right away.”
The earl smiled at last. “Then, let’s make a pact. No secrets from now on. Not amongst the three of us. Tis a mystery indeed, but for God’s reasons, you, Beth, and I form a strange sort of triangle, and our love for one another makes each of us stronger. Victoria called you and me ‘twin arrows in God’s quiver’, but it is Beth’s love for us that provides the delicate fletching that enables us to fly truer and farther.”
“Well put,” Sinclair said, also smiling. “No more secrets. Beth and I would be lost without your friendship.”
“And I without yours, but let’s speak no more about it,” the earl insisted as the coach turned off Grosvenor and onto Queen Anne Walk. They passed through the great gates, and in less than five minutes, the two cousins entered the magnificent foyer.
“Welcome home, my lord,” John Miles said as he took the marquess’s overcoat and hat. “I see you’ve brought reinforcements. Shall I take the dogs for you?”
“I’ll keep them for now. I want to surprise the duchess first. Where is she?”
“In the dining hall, sir. She and the other ladies are working with floral decorations, I believe.”
“Sounds quite dull. Paul, tell Uncle James that I shan’t be long,” the detective said as he and the animals headed towards the northwest end of the mansion’s main floor. Along the way, he passed three maids who dusted portraits, vases, and mirrors within the smaller of two galleries. One such maid was Agatha MacGowan.
“Hello there, Aggie. Meet Bella and Briar. Ordinarily, they keep order at Branham Hall, but I’ve brought them here as a surprise for the duchess. I understand she’s in the dining hall.”
“She is, my lord,” the Scottish servant said with a slight curtsy. “Such lovely dogs, there are, too. Bella reminds me of a bird dog we had at the castle some years back. I suppose you heard about last night, sir.”
He tugged on Bella’s lead, for the animal seemed to know her mistress was nearby and strained to be released. “Patience, Bella! Last night?”
“I’m sure it was the cocoa what done it, sir. Lady Victoria’s dog got right sick. He’s better this mornin’; though sleepy.”
“The earl mentioned that the dog was ill, but what’s all this about cocoa?”
“That’s what Lady Victoria thinks, my lord. The cocoa, I mean. Samson licked it up
after the duchess spilt it. Alicia told us at breakfast this mornin’, tha’ my lady were all aflutter last evenin’.”
“Whatever do you mean?”
“Only tha’ with all the company ‘ere las’ night, I reckon she were a wee bi’ off kilter. Might she be gettin’ these measles, sir?”
“I don’t know, but I doubt it. Thank you, Agatha. If you’ll excuse me,” he said, hastening towards the dining hall. As he entered the grand chamber, he found Della, Mary Wilsham, Victoria, and Elizabeth seated around the mahogany table, now protected by a cloth of waxed linen. Each was fastening dried blossoms, berries, and ivy cuttings to straw and wire forms. Samson lay quietly near his mistress’s side, his manner subdued, but he perked up and began to bark when the Labradors appeared.
“Do be quiet, Samson!” Tory commanded the animal. “You remember Bella and Briar. Hello, Nephew. It’s time you got back.”
“And so it is, Aunt. I’ve never seen such a beautiful collection of blossoms all in one place,” he said. “And the flowers are lovely, too.”
“Charles!” Elizabeth exclaimed as she jumped to her feet and threw her arms ‘round his waist, her head against his chest. “Oh, my darling Captain, you’re home—and safe. Promise you won’t leave like that again!”
“I promise, little one,” he whispered, kissing the top of her head. “I’ve missed you far too much even to consider it,”
The dogs tugged at the leads, and Beth bent to greet them. “And you’ve brought my dogs! What a wonderful surprise. Is this the reason you left so suddenly for Branham?”
“Partly,” he said honestly.
“Hello, Bella! Hello, Briar!” she said, scratching each animal’s ears and head. Both offered a flurry of kisses, and Elizabeth laughed and laughed, sitting at last on the flagstone floor to receive their affection. “Now, now, you mustn’t undo my hair,” she warned them, referring to the fashionable, fishbone braid Alicia had arranged in her dark curls. “It is intended as practise for the wedding, so you mustn’t pull at it. Thank you so much, Charles,” she said, glancing up at the marquess. “I’ve missed these dogs so very much.”
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