‘Lord de Vale, I did not hear you knock,’ Lisette said as she stiffened in her chair.
‘Apologises, it slipped my mind.’
He took a step closer and Lisette felt the tension rise within her. She wondered if she should stand and try and get past him. At the moment he was standing between her and her only route of escape. She took a breath, trying to calm herself. Losing one’s head would not help her situation at all.
‘What do you wish to speak with me about?’
‘Ah, I see you are direct — just like your aunt. Very good. I always did admire that about her.’
‘Did? I believe you mean “do”?’
‘Yes, yes...of course. Forgive me. It was merely a turn of a phrase.’
Lisette nodded and resumed unpinning her hair. Outwardly she appeared relaxed but inside her mind reeled at de Vale’s slip. Was it a slip? Did he know where Aunt Marie was? Or, more to the point, was he responsible for her disappearance?
‘I am glad that you dropped by, my lord.’
‘Oh?’ he said as he sat down.
Lisette wasn’t sure if that made her more uncomfortable, for now he was only an arm’s length away. ‘Yes. I wonder if you have seen my aunt? I know that you have long been acquaintances and I just wondered if she has been in touch?’
‘Marie is not here?’
He frowned and there was a look of concern on his aristocratic face. However, the concern did not reach his eyes. Lisette suppressed a shudder and the dawning realisation that de Vale knew far more than he ought.
‘No. In fact, no one has seen her in days. I am more than worried. So much so I have enlisted the constabulary’s help in trying to locate her. I just thought that perhaps she had mentioned to you that she had planned to take a trip?’ Lisette tried to keep her voice light and even.
‘No, she said nothing. But this is terrible, Lisette. I am at your service, my dear. If I can help in any way you must allow me to do so.’
He reached over and snatched up her hand and Lisette willed herself not to pull it from his grasp. She noticed that the scars across the back of his hand were beginning to fade. He watched her, his eyes following her every movement and nuance that crossed her face. She felt as if she was his prey and he was merely toying with her.
‘Thank you, Lord de Vale.’
‘Not at all, my dear. I will do all I can to find Madame Devoré. She is my dearest of friends. However, that distressing news aside, I do have something I must discuss with you.’
Lisette raised her head. ‘What is it?’
He held her hand a little tighter. ‘I have been thinking about the future, particularly since the accident. If I had died that day, there would have been no heir to carry on the de Vale title. Not to be morbid or dwell on one’s mortality, but it got me thinking. I am no longer a young man and I wish to secure the de Vale line. I need an heir... I need a wife... I need you, Lisette.’
She pulled her hand from his grasp as she leaned back in her chair. Revulsion, panic and shock coursed and spiralled through her. Of all the things she thought he would ask, a proposal was not it. ‘I, I... I am honoured my lord, that you would think highly enough of me to offer marriage. But I cannot accept.’
‘Don’t be ridiculous. Of course you will accept.’
‘No, I cannot. I thank you for the honour but I cannot. I will not be your wife. My heart is already given to another.’
‘To that pup, Evander Gainswith!’
‘Yes, I love him.’
‘You will throw away my proposal? To be his mistress?’
‘I would renounce everything to be his.’
‘He will not marry you. He will use you and when he has lost interest he will cast you aside as a child does a broken toy.’
‘Mayhap, but I am already his and nothing will make me turn from his side.’
‘You are your mother’s daughter,’ Vincent sneered. ‘She too was always turned by a pretty face. She said that love transcended money, position and power. Mélisande said love was the only important thing and it had the ability to shape and change a person.’
‘Did she really say that?’
‘Yes, and look where her heart led her... To the very doors of death. Don’t be a fool. Marry me, Lisette. You need a man, not a spoiled boy. I can give you anything your heart desires.’
Lisette shook her head and stood up, putting the chair between herself and Vincent. ‘I think my mother was very clever. She understood the one thing that you and Aunt Marie never grasped: that love is everything.’
‘Love is for paupers and fools! Love ends in death!’ he exclaimed as he stood up and took a step towards her. ‘You will be mine, Lisette — never doubt it!’
The dressing room door banged open and Evander stood on the threshold. Relief swept through Lisette at the sight of her husband.
‘Lisette, is all well? I thought I heard raised voices,’ Evander said as he crossed the room and took her in his arms.
‘No, everything is fine. Lord de Vale was just leaving.’ She willed herself from shaking. ‘He was just voicing his concern for Aunt Marie.’
Lord de Vale stood still for a moment, seething before he gathered himself and dipped into a stiff bow. ‘We will continue this at a later date,’ he said before he turned and swiftly exited the room.
Lisette allowed herself to relax and snuggle closer to Evander.
‘He scared you?’
‘Always,’ she admitted as his arms tightened around her.
‘What did he want?’
‘To be my husband. He came here to propose.’
‘Dear Lord!’
‘I’m worried, Evander. I’m sure he knows something about Aunt Marie’s disappearance but, more than that... No one ever refuses Lord de Vale. I am terrified of the repercussions of refusing him.’
Evander place his hand under her chin and gently tilted her head. ‘Whatever happens, my love, I am here and I will never let him hurt you,’ he said before he dipped his head and kissed her.
A wave of relief swept through Bessie as she felt the tiny window finally give. Her hand shook as she gingerly pushed it open. The opening was small. She just hoped and prayed to God above that she would be able to fit through it. She had to be silent and quick. She had heard Vincent leave the house earlier but it was getting late, which meant he would return soon. Fear spiked through her again. Escape now, or be subjected to another night of debauchery at the cruel hands of Vincent. But what if he came back early? What would he do to her if he caught her trying to escape? Bessie shuddered. In her heart she knew. No one ever defied Vincent.
She wiped away the tears that had began to fall. Crying would not save her. She looked about the small room that had been her prison as she gathered what little courage she possessed. No, she would not die in this room and she would not let him take her again. She drew in a breath and tried to focus on the task at hand.
As silently as she could she opened the window and poked her head out. The wind touched her face. It was cold and smelt of faraway rain. She closed her eyes momentarily as it swept over her, cleansing her and reviving her spirit. Opening her eyes, she waited until they adjusted to the night.
It was only then that she saw she had been turned around. She had spent so much time in this room and always thought she was being held up in the attic. But as she looked out the window, she could see that she was somewhere in the cellar. The little window opened up to a narrow path along the side of Vincent’s house. Bessie had thought that she would have to find a way to climb down but in reality she had to climb up and out of her prison.
Without another moment’s hesitation she wiggled through the opening. She pushed and strained, her hands grasping at the red brick path in the hope of finding something to hold onto. The red brick scratched and cut into her flesh but she didn’t care. A voice inside her egged her on, warning her that this was her only chance of escape. The minutes dragged and she was terrified that she would be discovered.
She w
as halfway there when her hips caught on the window frame. A surge of defeat and hopelessness washed over her and for a minute she sagged with the futility of it all. She placed her cheek on the unforgiving brick path and wondered what Vincent would say when he discovered her.
It was then that she noticed a small cherry tree not far away. With one last burst of energy, Bessie reached with her bloodied fingers. She strained and stretched until both her hands were wrapped around the six-inch trunk. Twisting her hips, she pulled with all her might. The wood of the window frame dug and cut into her skin, but she bit down the scream and wrenched herself free.
She lay panting in the darkness, like a dog on a hot summer’s day. Her hands were still clasped around the tree. Carefully, slowly, she let go and rolled onto her back. The night sky was filled with dark, ominous clouds swirling above. She lay there for an instant as she tried to breathe through the pain. Fear nipped at her, she was out of the house but far from safety.
Bessie pushed herself up and hurried as fast as she could down the path. She ducked down in the shadows and listened. The street was silent, and in that instant when freedom was at hand, she almost faltered. Terror had her frozen as if she was a marble statue. She had made it this far but walking through the gate seemed almost beyond her. Fighting back the tears and the panic, Bessie steeled herself and with one flick she opened the wrought iron gate. She limped down the fashionable Belgravia Street, hugging the shadows as she went towards the only safe haven she ever had: The Imperial.
CHAPTER NINE
Vincent’s mood was dark and dangerous. He almost jumped out of the carriage before it came to a stop. He flicked a coin to the driver, but his thoughts were with Lisette. He felt the frustration welling up inside of him. She had refused him! The chit had the audacity to refuse his offer of marriage, all for that pup of a boy. His hands balled into fists by his sides as he walked up the steps of his residence. The door opened, pre-empted by the butler. Vincent gave him his hat and shrugged out of his coat without a word. The butler, sensing his master’s mood, had the good sense to remain silent.
‘You are dismissed. I will not need you for the rest of the evening,’ Vincent said with a wave of his hand and he walked down the corridor to his study. He walked straight over to the crystal decanter, poured himself a brandy and drained it in one gulp. He stood and stared unseeing at the ornately carved fireplace, brooding and replaying Lisette’s words.
‘Yes, I love him.’
‘You will throw away my proposal? To be his mistress?’
‘I would renounce everything to be his.’
‘He will not marry you. He will use you and when he has lost interest he will cast you aside as a child does a broken toy.’
‘Mayhap, but I am already his and nothing will make me turn from his side.’
She had already given herself to Lord Gainswith. Vincent felt the fury bubble from within. He flung the brandy balloon at the fire. Glass shattered over the floor and the flames flared tall as they consumed a few drops of the liquid.
Damn her and damn me for caring.
He strode out of the study. He needed to expel Lisette from his mind. He opened a small door at the end of the corridor and descended down a flight of stairs. When he reached the bottom he stopped at the nearest door on the left. From his waistcoat pocket, he took out a key and slid it into the lock. With a twist the door opened.
‘Good evening my pet, I thought —’ But the rest of the words stuck in his throat as he scanned the empty room. ‘Bessie! Bessie are you there?’ For a moment he thought that the girl might be hiding from him, but then he spied the tiny broken window. How on earth had she managed to escape from such a small space? As he neared he saw the window frame was broken and several drops of blood had run down the white wall. He peered out the opening, but there was no sign of her.
Vincent stepped back and ran his hand through his hair. Bessie would find help; she may even go to the police. The whole situation would probably be no more than bothersome. What authority would believe her over him? She was nothing, a dancer, a step away from being a prostitute. No, there would be little trouble from Bessie. However, the authorities would find Marie’s body soon. It was only a matter of time. Things could become difficult. Perhaps it was time for a holiday. A little jaunt around Italy could be the ticket. He could disappear for a time; maybe stay away until the next season. Just until everything blew over.
But if he left, he would lose Lisette forever. She had refused him and if he left she would have won. And that would be unacceptable. No one ever refuses Lord de Vale. A delicious idea began to take form. He would have her yet. Lisette would be his wife and mother of his children. He would take her with him. He would get what he wanted and in the process teach that upstart Gainswith a lesson.
Vincent ran upstairs. ‘Jacobs... Jacobs, where are you man? I’m going on a journey. Quickly, come help me pack!’
As Lisette neared the chorus dressing room she heard muted but agitated voices coming from within. Frowning, she gave Evander a questioning look before opening the door. The two figures inside jumped with fright and one of them then scurried under one of the dressing tables.
‘Sorry Sally, I did not mean to give you a fright,’ Lisette said as she stepped into the room, Evander right behind her.
‘Thank God you are both here. I don’t know what I should do.’
‘Whatever is the matter?’ Lisette asked.
Sally walked over to the dressing table and crouched down. ‘It’s Bessie, and she’s in a terrible state.’
Lisette knelt down next to her friend. ‘Bessie, everything will be all right. Please come out and we will send for a physician.’ She held out her hand and gave the girl an encouraging smile. Without taking her eyes off Bessie she asked, ‘When did she arrive?’
‘Only a few minutes ago. I barely recognised her. She ran in here like a wild thing and hid under here,’ Sally replied.
‘Shall I fetch a doctor?’
‘In a little while, Evander. I think we should try and coax her out of hiding and try and establish what exactly has happened,’ Lisette answered. ‘Won’t you come out, Bessie, and tell us what has happened?’
Bessie’s head snapped back and forth as she scanned the room. She looked like a panicked animal that was desperately looking for an escape. Gingerly, she reached out and took Lisette’s outstretched hand.
‘You were right, Lisette... I should never have gone with him. The man is a monster,’ Bessie whispered as she crept from her hiding place.
‘You lied when I came to de Vale’s house to see if you were well, didn’t you?’
‘Yes. He said that I would regret it if I didn’t do exactly as he said. I was meant to pretend that I was happy and wanted to be there. Vincent said that if you suspected otherwise I would be punished.’
‘I’m so sorry that I didn’t see through your performance. I’m so sorry that I didn’t rescue you.’
‘It’s not your fault — you tried to warn me and I wouldn’t listen. He’ll be so angry when he realises I have escaped. Please don’t let him find me... Please.’
‘You’re safe,’ Sally said as she helped Bessie to the nearest chair. ‘We won’t let him hurt you, I promise.’
A great bang and commotion came from the stage door.
‘Here, Lord de Vale, you can’t come in here now. Everyone has gone,’ Tommy shouted.
‘Out of my way, you old fool!’
Bessie began to tremble. ‘Oh dear God, he’s here. He’s here and he will kill me this time,’ she whimpered.
‘Nonsense,’ Lisette said. ‘Sally, take Bessie and hide. When all is clear go to the constabulary as quick as you can and ask for Detective Constable Reeves.’
From the darkened corridor came Tommy’s voice. ‘As I said, you can’t be here, my lord. I’m sorry, but —’ Tommy never got to finish his sentence. There was a crash and a thud of a body hitting the floor.
‘Tommy! We must see if he’s all right,’ Lise
tte said.
‘Soon, but for now we must go. Come Lisette, we will draw him away from the girls,’ Evander said as he grabbed Lisette’s hand and pulled her to her feet. ‘Sally, do as she said. Be silent and hide.’
Evander and Lisette hurried from the room. Looking down the corridor, Lisette could see Lord de Vale striding towards them. Hand in hand, Lisette and Evander ran back towards the stage.
‘You can’t hide from me, Lisette. Come to me now, and I might let the young pup live,’ de Vale taunted as he twirled his cane.
Lisette looked over her shoulder as Evander urged her on. As she turned her head she caught a glimpse of the walking stick in de Vale’s hand. The realisation settled in her stomach like an icy stone. She always suspected that Vincent was dangerous, but in that instant she knew that he was capable of anything, including murder.
‘Come Lisette, we must hurry. I do not wish to face him in this narrow hall. Besides, we must give Sally space and time enough to escape.’ Evander looked down at his love. ‘What is it?’
‘My aunt is dead.’
‘How do you know? She may have just gone on a journey.’ Evander helped her through a jumble of props.
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