Ballad of the Innocents

by Monroe, Jennifer

  “I will not,” she said as she studied the ring. “Are there any other pieces of jewelry for me?”

  For a brief moment, anger rose in Hugh. Was she ungrateful for his gift? Was her greed that great? Then he realized that this was what he had wanted, the Juliet he knew before the stable boy had gotten his grubby, dirty hands on her. Of course she would want more.

  “In due time,” he replied. “But for now you must wait until after we are married.”

  Her pout was nearly his undoing, for he was tempted to take his marital rights right then. Yet, he pushed down the desire and smiled.

  “Now, allow me to show you the balcony.”

  As they stood side by side overlooking the garden and off at the horizon, a sense of contentment filled him. Much had changed in the past month, and more would change in the days ahead.

  Juliet sighed and leaned against him. “Jewelry, fine dresses, and this estate,” she whispered. “I am eager for our wedding next week.”

  He glanced down at her. “Is that so?”

  Her dark eyes shone and her lips held that mischievous grin he had always adored. “Of course,” she replied. “For I will finally be able to put my past behind me.”

  ***

  Dusk descended upon Scarlett Hall as Eleanor looked out over the gardens from the veranda, the last rays of the sun casting their light upon her.

  She recalled the first time she had laid eyes on the grand estate, her heart filled with joy and happiness at the thought of spending her life there. In those days, her future held such promise, for she had been in love. Yet, those had been the thoughts of a naive girl who had not yet become a woman.

  As the years passed and troubles came, she had always been able to handle whatever problems that arose. Yet, this issue concerning Juliet remained unsettled. Failing to help her daughter had left her with a sense of burden that weighed heavily on her shoulders. If she did not find a solution, Juliet would be married in one week’s time.

  Yet, her heart also carried a heaviness for Daniel, the innocent young man held for the simple crime of loving a woman above his station. He had been barely able to read, yet his heart was pure and the love he had for Juliet was great.

  “Would you like me to bring you something to drink?”

  She turned and smiled. “No thank you, Forbes,” she replied. “Will you walk with me?”

  The butler nodded and offered her his arm. Side by side, they walked along the pathway, past the perfectly trimmed hedges and well-tended beds.

  “I must apologize to you,” she said after a while.

  “You are a lady and I am but a servant,” Forbes replied. “There is never a reason for you to apologize to the likes of me.”

  “You are wrong. I have spoken harsh words to you over the past month, and they were uncalled for. Friends do not speak to one another in that way.” She stopped and turned toward him. “You are my friend, are you not?”

  “You need never ask such a question,” he said. “I have always been and will always be your friend.”

  Eleanor nodded. “Then I ask you again to forgive me.”

  Forbes raised his chin. “There is a divide between us whether we are friends or not. A lady must…”

  “Do as she feels right,” she finished for him. “Yes, yes, I am all too aware of decorum and propriety. But, Bernard, please, do not make me beg.”

  He chuckled. “Then I accept your apology, but there was never a grievance held against you. After all, what kind of friend would do such a thing?”

  His words made her smile. Forbes had always been dear to her, someone on whom she could always depend. His loyalty to her and her children could never be matched, and not once had he ever betrayed her. “You most certainly would not,” she replied. “And although I have said differently in anger, I must once more request your aid.”

  “If this concerns Lord parsons, then say no more. I can make that problem disappear.”

  She placed a hand on his arm. “It may come to that, but I am going to speak to Reverend Creassey this weekend.” She ignored Forbes’ sudden intake of breath. “If I can delay the wedding, perhaps…”

  “You will only buy time and not the life of the boy. If I were able to help Daniel, I would, but you must accept that no one can intervene with what fate has dealt him.”

  Eleanor sighed. “That is what frightens me. Even if Lord Parsons were to perish in some way, Juliet would never be the same because Daniel would still remain in prison. Or be hanged.”

  “Time is not our friend at the moment,” Forbes said, removing a handkerchief from his breast pocket and offering it to her. “And what is Juliet’s plan concerning all this? I assume she has one.”

  “I fear her plan to have Lord Parsons and my brother harm one another is dangerous and has little chance for success. Yet, what other choice does she have? Whether or not it is successful, it is something I cannot allow her to do alone. The girl does not understand what it will require.” She wiped at her eyes and looked up at Forbes. “Yet, we do.”

  Quiet fell between them as the sun dipped below the horizon, the faint light calling an end to another day. How many sunsets had fallen over her home over the years, taking the pain of the day with it?

  A sense of overwhelming sadness descended upon her. She was tired, tired of being strong every moment of every day, and without thought, she rested her head against Forbes’ chest.

  “Eleanor, it is unwise to do such a thing,” he said with light chastisement.

  “I do not care,” she whispered. “I need to be held.”

  And, as he had always done without argument, he did as she asked.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Daniel had never taken heavier steps in all his life until today as he made his way through the jail and out to the courthouse. With each step, fear coursed through him, threatening to burst his heart. Today was the day of his trial – Friday, he thought but was uncertain. All of his days had melded together until he could not tell one from the other – and he was on his way to stand before the magistrates.

  Although he had doubts as he passed the other prisoners, he held onto the hope that Juliet had been right. That perhaps this nightmare would soon come to an end.

  “This way,” one of the guards that flanked him said, nudging him through a door at the back of the courthouse. He was led down a dark corridor, the chains around his legs clanging with each step.

  “Hurry along,” the second guard growled. “And be respectful of the magistrates.”

  They reached another door, which led to the large courtroom. Daniel had heard such rooms described but he had never seen one, and it was more intimidating than he expected.

  A high desk sat at the front of the room atop a dais. Two older men and one younger, all wearing powdered wigs and black robes, sat behind it as they whispered to one another and shuffled through several documents before them. One of the older men took a moment to glare down at Daniel from his great height and then returned to his perusal.

  Before the magistrates were two long benches, and behind them was a balcony where those who came to witness the proceedings sat. In one of those chairs sat Lady Lambert, who gave him an encouraging smile. He was glad Juliet had not attended.

  His smile fell when he saw Lord Parsons’ arrogant grin as he peered down at Daniel. How he wanted to beat the man until he would never be able to smile again!

  “Where’s my barrister?” he asked. Surely, he would have some sort of representation!

  “Quiet or I’ll give you a wallop upside your head!” The guard pushed down on Daniel’s shoulder, forcing him onto one of the benches.

  “Daniel Haskins,” the same magistrate who had glared down at him said, his voice echoing in the room.

  The guard who had pushed Daniel onto the bench only moments before pulled him back to his feet. “Get up, you oaf!”

  Daniel did not bother to argue.

  “I see here that you are accused of assaulting and stealing from a man of th
e peerage,” the magistrate said as he looked over the papers. Then he turned accusing eyes on Daniel once more. “These are terrible crimes. How do you plead?”

  Daniel remained silent, and the guard cuffed him on the back of the head. “Not guilty, my lord,” Daniel replied, giving the guard a glare.

  The magistrate gave a snort and shifted through the documents. “According to the written testimony of Lord Hugh Parsons, Viscount of Tantom, that is untrue. Have you any evidence to prove your innocence?”

  “No, my lord,” Daniel murmured, his heart dropping to his feet. Even if he had proof, it was unlikely to be accepted as evidence.

  “Then I have no other choice than to find you guilty of the charges against you,” the magistrate said. “However, the very man you have wronged has come forward asking that you be granted mercy. You should be grateful for this, boy.”

  A glimmer of hope rose in Daniel. Yet, why would Lord Parsons wish to show him mercy?

  “Although the Crown does not typically honor such requests,” somehow Daniel doubted the man spoke the truth, “I felt that the request was appropriate for the crimes, and therefore agree to the recommendation.”

  Daniel tried to ease his pounding heart as he glanced up at Lady Lambert, whose features revealed nothing as to her thoughts.

  “Therefore, it is this court’s ruling that, come Wednesday next, for the crimes you have committed, you will hang from the gallows in a quick and merciful death in accordance with the request put forth by Lord Parsons.”

  All air escaped Daniel’s lungs and his legs grew weak. He found himself unable to understand anything more the magistrate said, but before he knew it, the gavel struck and he was being led back to his cell by the same two guards who had ushered him to the courthouse.

  As he collapsed upon the straw, he made every attempt to comprehend what had taken place. Had he truly believed that Lord Parsons would have chosen any other recourse? A hysterical laugh sounded in his ears before he realized it was he who gave it. Then his mind turned to Juliet and his heart threatened to crumble. How would she take the news of his sentencing?

  What a silly question! he thought. He knew exactly how she would take it, and he hurt for her.

  Would he be allowed to tell her one more time that he loved her? That it was she who he had lived for? That he regretted he would be unable to keep the vows he had made to her?

  The door opened and Lord Parsons entered. “You heard the man,” he said with a laugh. “I made a request that he extend you mercy.”

  Daniel looked up at the man he hated, the man who had ruined the life of the woman he loved.

  “You crossed me, boy,” the viscount said with a sneer. “Now you will be used as an example so others of your station will not consider doing the same.”

  Rage filled Daniel. “You’re an evil, evil man,” he said. “One day all will learn what you’ve done.”

  Lord Parsons threw his head back and laughed. “That is impossible. I am far too powerful, and the ton respects me. You see? I have won. That is why, while you swing by a rope, Juliet will become my bride. In fact, as the clock strikes four, she will be in my arms, our vows sealed with a kiss.”

  Daniel leaped to his feet with every intention of pummeling the man before him, but when he saw the guard standing behind the viscount, he stopped himself. If he hoped to speak to Juliet before he hanged, she could not see him battered and bruised because he had been foolish. If he had any luck remaining, Lord Parsons would visit him one last time before the sentence was carried out, and then he would pounce on him.

  “Know that one day I will exact my revenge on you,” Daniel said through clenched teeth. “You will pay for what you have done.”

  Lord Parsons laughed again. “Do you hear this boy?” he asked the guard. “He believes he will be alive long enough to harm me.” The guard laughed in response. “If you were hoping to have one final moment with Juliet, you will be sadly mistaken. I have forbidden her to see you ever again, and she has become a quite obedient fiancée.” With that, the viscount turned and left the room, and the door closed with a resounding clang.

  Daniel lowered himself to the floor and buried his face in his hands, cursing the day he was born and cursing Lord Parsons. Yet, even as he thought this and despair filled him, an image of his lovely Juliet and the words she had said to him came to mind.

  Was there still hope? He was unsure, but Juliet would never give up, and therefore, neither would he.

  ***

  Juliet paced in front of the large oak tree in the gardens of Scarlett Hall, the blades of grass tickling her ankles through her stockings. Her mind was consumed with worry, for Daniel’s trial was taking place even as she waited here.

  She had wanted to attend, of course, but Lord Parsons had made it clear that she could not, even going so far as to threaten to repeal his request for mercy.

  In fact, he had forbidden Juliet to see Daniel at all, and although he would never learn about her visit at his window, she had no way of sneaking into the courthouse unseen.

  Now she waited for her mother’s return, and patience had never been one of her strengths.

  “Juliet?”

  She stopped her pacing and turned to see Isabel approaching. “Has Mother returned?”

  Isabel shook her head. “Not yet, but I wondered if you needed someone to whom you could speak.”

  Behind Isabel came Hannah and Annabel, and Juliet sighed. They had all come outside to be with her. “I am so worried,” she said. “Mother has not returned, and I am uncertain how to feel about that.”

  No sooner had she said the words than her mother appeared. Her face was stoic, and tears filled Juliet’s eyes.

  “We must speak about Daniel,” her mother said. She glanced at the other women. “Do you wish to discuss the outcome of his trial out here in the open and in front of everyone?”

  “Yes,” Juliet managed to say. “My sisters will know soon enough.”

  Her mother raised herself to her full height and took a deep breath before replying, “He is to hang from the gallows on Wednesday next.”

  The last thing Juliet remembered was everything growing dark as the ground rose up to meet her.

  ***

  When Juliet opened her eyes, her head lay in Isabel’s lap and Hannah and Annabel were fanning her with their hands. What a fool she had been believing that Lord Parsons would allow Daniel to live! Now her husband would die and the time needed to get away had run out.

  “I am so sorry.”

  She looked up at her mother, whose eyes glistened with tears. “I wish I could have done something, anything, to stop this from happening.”

  Juliet sat with the help of her sisters and accepted the handkerchief Annabel offered her.

  “To know he is to die, and for a crime he never committed…My heart is forever broken.”

  Her mother gathered her close and Juliet sobbed into her breast. Never in her life had she felt so defeated, so dispirited. She had always had a plan for any troubles she encountered, but now she had none.

  “What am I to do?” she asked once she was able to speak again. “I cannot imagine life without him, and I certainly cannot imagine a life with Lord Parsons. I have botched up this entire fiasco!”

  Hannah took her hand and gave her a stern look. “We made a promise, as sisters, bound by both blood and spirit. We will not leave until that promise is honored.”

  Isabel and Annabel nodded their agreement, Annabel taking Juliet’s other hand and Isabel completing the circle.

  “I took no such oath,” their mother said, “but I wish to join you. There is nothing I would not do for any of you.”

  Blinking back tears, Juliet nodded. Her mother joined hands with Isabel and Annabel.

  “I know this firsthand, Mother,” Isabel said with a smile. “Your advice, your strength, has always guided us.”

  “It was you who looked after me all my life,” Annabel said.

  Hannah smiled. “It was you who sh
owed me that life can be what I want it to be.”

  Juliet nodded. “And it was you who accepted and loved me as your own daughter,” she said, absorbing the strength of the women around her. “You showed me a lady’s true worth.”

  “We have but a few days left before Daniel meets his fate,” their mother said. “If any of you has an idea, speak it now.”

  “I only know what to do if he was freed,” Juliet said with a sigh. “Beyond that, I have no idea. Lord Parsons’ reach is far.”

  “What Juliet says is true,” Isabel said. “I received a letter this morning - I did not want to say anything, Juliet, I hope you understand - but Laurence heard that one of the magistrates who had taken the case was a close friend of Lord Parsons. He said he was sorry he had not known this sooner, or he would have brought it before the right people to have the man replaced. Unfortunately, by the time he learned the information, it was too late.”

  Juliet squeezed her sister’s hand. “Tell him that I appreciate the thought and that the fault is not his. All of the blame lies with Lord Parsons.” Then she noticed Hannah’s frown. “Hannah? What is it?”

  “I believe we are looking at this the wrong way,” Hannah said. “Do you not see? That has been the problem this entire time.”

  “I do not understand,” Juliet replied. “What do you mean?”

  “We are all strong women,” Hannah said, “with a vast array of skills. Isabel, like Mother, has always watched over us and can command the attention of anyone, be it duke or servant. Annabel is deft with a needle; she can craft anything to which she puts her mind. And you,” she looked at Juliet, “have a gift for making people believe anything you tell them. Plus, you are keen to observe and recall every minute detail of anywhere you have been.”

  “But how will these skills be of use to us, or to Daniel?” Isabel asked. “Are we to sew him a handkerchief and tell him of days past?”