Neither said a word, uncertain, scared, ever so scared. Eloise’s eyes flared at Gairden. Keep control. Do not react. He is playing a game.
“Citizen, what outrage now are you reeking down upon me?” Miranda walked, almost strolled up, in front of her children.
“I’m doing nothing except to respond to a request,” he answered her sternly. “Citizeness Ashwin is a true patriot of France. All of France should follow her lead. She has asked for the release of her husband’s children fathered by a whore.”
“You lie!” Miranda cried. “Gerard would never stoop so low as to marry a French woman! What lies are you fostering upon me?”
“He does not lie,” Eloise said softly. “I am Lord Gerard Lenister’s wife, Lady Eloise Lenister. Here in France, I use my husband’s family name, Ashwin. I have returned to France with my husband. My lord has come to France to request the release of his children. It is quite simple.”
“Simple!” she protested. “Nothing is simple in France. How long have I proclaimed I’m English! I want nothing more to do with France. Send me home back to my father!”
“The children…” Eloise began, but was interrupted by the frantic woman.
“What of me? He can’t leave me here. No, my Lord Gerard would never do so. He loved me so. If not for that dreadful Comte de Dubois, we would be together now. Tell him. Tell him…”
“Control yourself, Citizeness. You made your bed when you lay with the Comte de Dubois. You made no protest then.” He waved his arm to one of the guards. “I was only showing Citizeness Ashwin what she is so valiantly requesting. How many do you know would campaign for their husband’s illegitimate children? Ask yourself. You want only to free yourself.”
He laughed a terrifying, horrible laugh that echoed in the chamber at her husband's former mistress. “I was just about to inform Citizeness Ashwin that the only requests for the children's release has come from your former lover. You yourself have only requested amnesty for them through your life. Never have I once heard you say take them, send them to England. For in truth,” he paused and gazed back at Eloise, “the argument has merit.”
Startled at his words, Eloise looked at Gairden, confused. “What are you saying, Citizen Gairden?”
“I’m saying that your husband is right in his argument. I listened and found myself quite sympathetic to your request. I was touched. The children are British and have had no say in their movements. I’m certain they will be well looked after by their stepmother, so I’m releasing them to your care, Citizeness Ashwin. You have convinced me. There is no need for the children to stand trial. Their only crime is having a whore for a mother.”
“You are serious?” Eloise’s voice rose, finding all difficult to comprehend.
“I do not jest, Citizeness Ashwin.”
Miranda screamed and lunged at Citizen Gairden. Eloise stepped in front of her and grabbed her by her arms. Instantly, the children grasped tightly to their mother’s skirt.
“Don’t,” Eloise whispered in her ear. “Let them go if he lets. For God’s sake, woman, you are their mother.”
Miranda jerked back from Eloise with hatred illuminating from her eyes. “How dare you? I can’t let go of my children.”
The children cried and screamed loudly, but Gairden immediately motioned for the guard to take the boy and the girl. Eloise watched in horror as the two were dragged out the chamber doors, not even allowed to say good-bye. She stood motionless alongside Gairden.
“May your soul rot in hell!” Miranda screeched. Her hands gripped his arm.
“Now, now, Citizeness, is that the way to talk to someone who pardoned your children’s lives?” He peeled her fingers from his jacket.
“Come now, Citizeness Ashwin,” he said solemnly, staring intensely at Miranda. “I’m certain your husband will be pleased with what you accomplished today.”
Eloise nodded. On the tip of her tongue lay a plea for the small boy standing in a state of confusion, wondering where his siblings were taken. He looked so sad, for his mother made no move toward him. But the plea would go unheeded today. She was no fool. The child was the comte’s.
Gairden made no move without a reason. She walked swiftly beside him in an attempt to keep up to his pace, but glanced back at the young one still caught in the web of terror of the prison walls. His mother collapsed, crying sorrowfully.
No, tomorrow she would plead for their lives. Tomorrow she would learn the price she would have to pay for their freedom. Today, today she would take the frightened and scared children back to their father, away from this dreadful place, far away.
* * * *
Now, more than ever, Eloise felt the walls closing in on her. She sat on the sofa with her eyes fixed on the man across from her. His confident pose scared her beyond measure. He sipped his wine and gestured for her to do the same.
“Do enjoy the wine, Citizeness. It is the best in Paris, I assure you.” Giarden sat sideways, studying her expression.
“I do not doubt you,” she said, desperately trying to regain a semblance of control. Her mind swirled with the events of the day. Try as she might, she had yet to come to some solution to the dilemma that she now faced. She knew only one thing for certain. Gairden was a dangerous man, not only to herself but to everyone around her.
“Ah, then should I take offense that it is the company you keep that makes you uncomfortable? And after all the pains I have taken to ensure your well-being, as well as the children’s.”
“No, Citizen Gairden. These accommodations have been more than acceptable.” Her eyes glanced to the bedroom door.
The children’s immediate needs had been met, a far cry from the care they had received over the last few months. Bathed and fed, they slept in clean clothing and bedding. Shy and withdrawn, neither said much, nor did they question where they were or when their father would appear. Eloise was certain the children held their fears deep within…for their mother, their brother…themselves. She herself held many…wondering if perchance the children had exchanged one prison for another, but at the moment she told herself they were safe.
Gairden had brought the children to a house not far from the prison, a brick building that sat back behind a high wall guarded by ill-dressed soldiers, seeming more of a fortress than a home. Eloise assumed it was some sort of official building of the new government. She did not ask and Gairden did not offer the information.
The children huddled close to each other, confused and scared, walking into the once grand foyer. Eloise walked behind the children, along the corridor and into a large suite. Surprisingly, the room held elegance within it that Eloise had not seen since the Revolution began in France. A gilded mirror graced the wall alongside paintings of the French landscape. Velvet covered high back chairs with matching sofas sat upon a thick plush rug. She noticed a fruit basket on top of a mahogany table. The children hesitated only until Gairden gestured for them to eat to their hearts content.
“Within those doors, you will find baths for the children and clean clothing. Afterwards, a hot meal will be served. I believe you will find all acceptable,” Gairden stated in a stern voice, one that would not be questioned. “I will return.”
Eloise felt relief when he exited and her attention turned to the children; thankful, also, Seamus had been allowed to stay with them. The whole of the day passed swiftly, busying herself with the children’s needs.
Then to her dismay, Gairden had kept his word and reappeared after dinner had been served. Her mind had raced with possibilities on getting word to Gerard of their predicament, but Seamus urged caution, suggesting waiting to see the hand Gairden played.
Eloise comprehended she would not have to wait long to discover Gairden’s intent. Upon his appearance, he had dismissed everyone to talk to her in private. Arrogance and conceit oozed from his being.
“I have to apologize. I meant to return for dinner with you and the children, but there was more paperwork with your stepchildren’s release than I realized. A
formality only, I assure you, but it seems that they won’t officially be freed until tomorrow. After discussing your case with my friends, we decided it best to tell your husband when it does become official. I’m afraid I will have to try your patience for only a little while longer. But think of the joy you will have given your husband when he is reunited with his children.”
“I know he will be thrilled, Citizen Giarden. But perhaps a little confused as you sent him upon an obviously unnecessary task.”
“Not so!” His hand waved in front of him. “His appeal through diplomatic channels was necessary. It was as you must have already deduced when I released the children to your care. All eyes have been upon France since the revolt. Unfortunately, all those have died have been a necessary evil. Crimes against God and state have to have consequences, no matter the sex of the offender. In the eyes of all, France can never be seen as weak. Now both sides can claim victory.”
“I do not think that is a possibility,” she said pointedly. Tired of being played as a pawn in chess, she pressed, “As I believe you have something in mind at this moment. I do not believe that you would allow Lord Lenister to simply leave openly.”
“You do not trust me. It is not a bad thing to distrust all around you here in Paris. You wonder what I have in mind.” He took a large sip of wine, finishing off the last of his glass. He sat the glass down on the table next to him and moved to the sofa beside Eloise.
His hand reached over, taking a fallen tress of her hair in his finger.
She drew back. “Do not touch me, Citizen!”
“Come, my dear Citizeness, you are a very desirable woman. Of course, Citizeness Ralston is quite a beauty. Some men, like your husband, find her irresistible. Not of my taste, you understand, but I can see their stance.”
“You make no sense,” Eloise said under her breath. “This has no bearing on the children’s case…”
“Oh, I beg to differ,” he said with a malevolent tone to his voice that cut to her core. His hand reached out and pulled her next to his face, his hand tight against the back of her head. “Let us not quarrel. It is a waste of time. So, listen carefully, Citizeness Ashwin, I believe we understand each other quite well. You understand fully that the children’s freedom comes with a price.
“Tomorrow Citizeness Ralston will be called before the Tribunal, along with her young son. There are only two options. One—she is found guilty and is dead within twenty-four hours. Guillotined. It would be a shame because the way I see the headlines reading is that Lord Lenister, in his grief over losing his beloved mistress, took his life as well as the children he shared with her.”
“You wouldn’t dare!” Eloise exclaimed in disbelief.
“Spare me the dramatics. The outcome is totally within your hands. There is a simple happy ending. Here is what you will do.”
“What do you mean?”
“The second option—it will be concluded that Comte de Dubois kidnapped the beautiful Miranda Ralston and used her dreadfully. The Tribunal, in its mercy, will acquit the lovely lady and find mercy on her young son if…”
She looked at him and drew in a deep breath. “If what?”
“If she has one respected member of the Republic to stand up for her. One to stand for her character. You, Citizeness Ashwin.”
“Me? What can I do?”
“It is simple, as I said. You stand up for her. Of course, you will need to recount how we know of your loyalty to the Republic. Have you told Lord Lenister? Does he know what the woman he married is capable of doing?”
Her mind raced rapidly. He knew. She uttered, “The viscomte.”
“Yes. If the Tribunal sees the length you have gone for the Republic, they would indeed be touched, especially when you decide upon staying within France. Everyone will be happy. Your husband has his children and I might add, his mistress. After your marriage is terminated, she will be free to become his wife.”
“Why would I terminate my marriage?”
“I am certain some reason can be called upon for the dissolution of your marriage, an annulment. Fraud comes to mind. The hated aristocrat trapped you into an unwanted marriage. I can quickly see to the process.” He released her for a moment. He swiped his hands together as if wiping off dirt from his hands. He paused. His voice turned deadly cold. “In reality, you don’t want their deaths on your hands.”
“Why? Why would you do so?”
“Simple. Can you not understand I like everything simple? What better propaganda for the Republic! A mistreated soul, abandoned by her father for years, living in the poverty of the region, forced to protect herself, a true patriot. Then on her own accord, returning to France and renouncing her marriage for the Republic.”
Eloise caught her breath. Then sudden fury burst forth from her. “How dare you press upon me your ambitions! You do not know me well at all, Citizen Giarden. I survived far worse. I may be a patriot to the cause, but I will not be forced to give up my marriage because it would promote you within the government.”
“You can and will.” He raised his voice and grasped hold of her once more. “In time, you will forget all before. Think of the France you will help create!”
He took her by her shoulders and kissed her. She fought back vigorously and bit him. Muttering an oath, he quickly raised his open hand and struck her swiftly, sending her sprawling on the floor. He bent down and seized her by the arm. In one quick motion, he pulled her to her feet.
“You will learn and quickly I’m not a man to say no to.” Gairden released her and straightened his jacket.
Holding the side of her face, Eloise refused to look upon him. She could feel his eyes upon her.
“I am no brute. I will give you to the morning.” He walked toward the door and cast her one last look. “You know what is expected, Citizeness Ashwin. It is your decision and yours to live with.”
* * * *
Eloise had no concept of the time. She stood, staring blankly out the window into a darkness—not of the night but the darkness of a heartless man. Once before she had dealt with a man such as Gairden. Not even the Marquis de Mortiere compared to his son.
Henri, Vicomte de Calognac. It was not often she allowed herself the remembrance, but when Gairden stared into her eyes, the fear returned. His eyes reflected a knowledge that sent the same terror surging through her. He had the eyes that held no soul.
Comprehension sank deep within her that the man did not make veiled threats, as Calognac had not. His words would not go unheeded as Giarden well understood, but as Calognac before him, he underestimated her if he thought she would meekly accept the fate he designed. Deep in thought, she didn’t hear footsteps behind her.
“You have not slept, I see.”
Startled only momentarily, she glanced over her shoulder to see Seamus exiting from the children’s room. “The children?”
“Are sleeping soundly,” he answered slowly, almost gently. “I thought perchance it would be a good opportunity to talk. This morning…”
“Yes, we do need to talk of the proceeding before us.” She peered at him, wondering what he had heard of her conversation with Giarden. Her answer came as soon as she looked into his eyes. He had eavesdropped, but she hadn’t expected less of her husband’s cousin. “You heard.”
Unlike her husband who refused to acknowledge the immediate danger, Seamus seemed not to have the same reservations. He sighed heavily. “I fear our options are few.”
“I assume you have taken in the layout of this building,” she asked, knowing she had wasted her breath. Her husband had not brought his cousin on this mission to enjoy his company.
“It is well guarded. I have not been allowed to roam freely. I could not even begin to formulate an escape, especially with the children. Our best opportunity will come when he comes for his answer. If he believes that you are willing to go through with his plan, he will have you escorted in some manner to the courthouse. I believe he will also have the children moved to another location. It w
ould be the time to make a move.”
The strain of the long day and night showed in her face. Her features were drawn and tight, her eyes downcast as she tried to think of a solution to the problem they faced.
“Lady Lenister?”
A startled look came at the use of her name. At that moment, she had quite forgotten it was her name. Here in this room…in this city…it seemed a world away. “Eloise, please. I don’t believe there is a need for formalities,” she said solemnly. Biting her lip in a nervous habit from her youth, she hesitated before she continued. “You are close to my husband. I mean, he trusts you.”
“We are as brothers,” Seamus acknowledged. “I would die for him, if that is what you are asking, as he would for me.” His voice trailed off. He eyed her curiously. “I am unsure what you know of his youth, but he was raised on an estate north of Limerick in Ireland. Never will you find a more beautiful place in this world. Luscious and green as the eyes can see. Killashare is his now from his mother’s side.
“When Gerard was around three, his mother, Lady Aileen, returned to her home. Lady Aileen was the sole heiress to one of the barons of the Irish Exchequer. Gerard’s grandfather, Lord Lenister, wasn’t pleased that Gerard was taken to Ireland, but Gerard wasn’t the heir apparent to his English title at the time.
“Lady Aileen could take no more of the English hospitality. Stubborn lot we Irish are. She disregarded the old earl’s wishes and brought Gerard to be raised among his kin. My mother was a cousin of Gerard’s mother. I was the youngest of twelve. I’m not sure if Lady Aileen wanted a companion for Gerard, but we became inseparable. To the point Gerard bought my commission in the army.”
“So you know this Miranda,” Eloise said and bowed her head, not wanting Seamus to see the emotions that the thought evoked within her. “Gerard must have loved her well.”
Broken Legacy (Secret Lives Series) Page 15