George buckled his belt. “You’re a charlatan.”
“You’re so tight your boots squeak.”
“Hey, less of that you rascal I told you I’d give you a toffee.”
“You’re a tight bastard.”
“The language!” George ground his teeth. “In fact, come here. I’m taking you to the police station. Maybe they’ll teach you some respect.”
“No. Get off.”
“No it’s for your own good. Typical bloody Northerner.”
The young boy began to scream, kicking his legs while George picked him up. “Help!”
“Stop it.”
“Lads! I’m being kidnapped by a dirty pervert.”
“What did you just call me?”The alleyway suddenly became blocked at the end with young dirt covered children, brandishing stove pipes and broken bricks. George turned back and noticed the other end was also blocked by a second angry mob. “Oh... shit.”
“Not giving me a penny has cost you your wallet.”
“I’m not going to get bullied by a bunch of half-starved scallies...”
“Get him, lads!”
A stove pipe across the back of George’s legs brought him tumbling to the damp ground where he was then promptly jumped on by several boys. He tried to crawl out of the mass of bodies while being kicked and punched but eventually succumbed to the vicious assault.
Half naked and bloodied, George stumbled onto the high street into the arms of a surprised policeman.
Chapter 9
In the pale morning light the virgin mist clung to the dewy grass. George yawned while parting the mist as he strolled towards the waiting carriage. He then doffed his top hat towards the driver who sat upon his seat with the reins in his hand. “Morning, Driver. Albert will be out shortly.” George suddenly stopped in his tracks as he felt Edward’s eyes upon him. “What is it, Boy?”
“Nothing. Sorry, Sir.”
George suddenly felt conscious of his bruised face. “It’s your kind who did this to me.” He placed his hand on the brass handle of the carriage door. “Bloody scum, the lot of you.”
“I hope your wounds mend well, Sir.”
“Words, just words.”
Edward’s stared ahead while he whispered under his breath. “Words yes... but they’re sincere.”
~
Albert stepped inside the carriage before closing the door behind him. He smiled as he sat on the leather bench seat opposite George. “Lovely crisp morning.” Noticing George’s mood, Albert asked, "So, why do you look so flustered?”
“Your driver, I want him vetted. He looks young and full on mischief.”
“He is young. But when Bill retired, he recommended Edward. Told me he used to volunteer in the stables as a child, is trustworthy and of good character. Anyway, he is leaving at the end of the month.”
“Why?”
“Nothing of note.”
“No commoner is trustworthy. They’re not that different to vermin.”
Albert fingered his neatly trimmed moustache. “George. I know what happened to you was rather frightful.” His face then cracked a wry smile. “But you shouldn’t tar them all with the same brush. You know that.”
“Albert, they beat me and left me for dead. Edward could easily do the same.”
“I don’t think the grim reaper was sharpening his scythe in anticipation of your untimely arrival, George. You have a few bumps and bruises... I think you’re shaken up more than anything.”
George clenched his fists while he burned with indignation. “Worse has happened to me at the Moghul’s dungeons. But what scares is this... Just imagine if it was Isabel who was attacked instead of me.”
“I would rather not think about it.”
“You should. It’s the lack of law and order here that makes me want to take her back to London.”
“The company is based here... and will remain so. You were unlucky, that’s all.”
“I hope your stubbornness doesn’t cost you.” George held Albert within his stare. “Please tell me you never let her travel alone?”
“Of course not. My daughter’s safety is paramount. She always has an escort, whether it’s me, you or a trusted member of the house.”
“After my experience last week, I’m going to start carry arms... if it’s OK with you.”
Albert raised his eyebrows then froze in disbelief. “Arms?”
“I want to protect both me and your daughter.”
“What do you mean by arms exactly?”
“A pistol.”
Albert searched George’s face for a hint of jest... but found none. His sight then dropped to George’s open blazer where the butt of a pistol perturbed. “A pistol? Don’t you think this is an overreaction to your unfortunate episode?”
“There’s no overreaction when it comes to Isabel’s safety.”
“You have a point, I suppose. Just, I hope you never have to use it.”
Chapter 10
Isabel could not stop admiring the blue diamond that lay encased on a band of white gold. Her eyes finally peeled away from the engagement ring to find the smiling face of her fiancée. “George... it’s perfect. I almost want to cry.”
“The perfect ring for a perfect woman.”
“I can’t thank you enough.”
“Well, apart from your love. All I ask in return is to accompany me on a visit to parents so I can invite them to the official engagement party which your father is organising.”
Isabel glanced down at the ring on her delicate finger. “Of course.”
“I’ve had your luggage prepared and packed on to the carriage.” George took out his tin of tobacco from the inside pocket of his frock coat. “But before we set off I just want to discuss some business with your father.”
“Sure, but don’t drink... I can tell you’ve already had a whiskey.”
George appeared annoyed, but swallowed his anger. “Just a tipple after lunch.”
“Sorry. Just, I don’t want you to sleep for the whole journey.”
“I will keep you company, my love.”
Isabel squeezed the fingers of George’s hand. “George.”
“Yes?”
“I can’t wait to see your parents.”
George’s smile appeared broken. As if he didn’t believe his own words. “I’m sure you’ll find them delightful.”
Isabel wondered out to the waiting carriage. She couldn’t stop examining her ring until her eyes finally lifted from the jewel to find a familiar face. “Morning. How are you?”
“Good, Ma’am. Thank you.”
“Eddie! What are you still doing here if you’re not going to act normal? Plus, I’m moving on, and I think you should venture to new pastures.”
“Don’t worry, Ma’am. It’s my last week.”
Even though she remained resolute, Edward’s admission rocked Isabel. “What will you do next?”
“I’ll be OK.” Albert’s keen eyes had spotted the gold ring. “Congratulations.”
“I’m sorry, Edward. If things were different...”
Edward appeared empty. “But they’re not, are they? So no need to apologise.” His tired smile placed a huge burden on his wounded heart. “I wish you both well.”
~
Isabel could smell the telltale scent of whiskey on George breath once he closed the door of the carriage. She let out a small sigh as the carriage began its journey to the railway station. “I do believe that you’ve been drinking, George. I don’t mean to go on... but it’s not even lunchtime. That’s just plain wrong.”
“Spend one day with my parents and you’ll understand why I’m drinking.”
“I’m sure they’ll be delightful.”
George took out hip flask and took another swig. “Then prepare to be disappointed.”
“George, put it away... you couldn’t even walk straight to the carriage.”
“I’ll sleep it off during the journey.”
“How far is it again?”
“She can’t be that bad.”
“If she wasn’t... then I wouldn’t feel the need for getting blotted.”
“You’ve had a drink virtually every time I’ve seen you.”
George yawned into his hand. “I want to relax and sleep before the stress of seeing my parents.”
“Don’t sleep... I want to talk.”
“I think it’s best I sleep. If not, I tend to do things I regret.”
Isabel stood from the bench seat then stepped across the cabin to sit beside George. “Thank you for the ring.” She leaned against George then rested her lips on his cheek. “I can’t wait to be Mrs Coldstone. Wife of the famous explorer.” Her heart raced as George met her with a smile.
“Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?”
“On numerous occasions. But it’s always nice to hear.”
“You could be a Goddess... a Goddess so beautiful, that even Venus would pale in comparison.”
Isabel blushed under such compliments. “George, please. I think it’s the drink speaking.”
“I mean it.”
“Then thank you.”
“Isabel? I want to ask something of you.”
Isabel could feel George’s stare upon her. “George stop it... you’re making me blush.”
“I can’t wait to marry you... let’s wed this weekend.”
“This summer, George. We’ve already agreed the date.”
“But I want to plough you.”
Isabel gasped, her ears where unused to such language. “Plough me?” She then slapped his shoulder. “You filthy man... such words should be left for the bedroom... or a brothel.”
“Don’t blame me. It’s you who inspire my tongue.”
“Don’t talk nonsense, George. I am a woman of high moral and much virtue. I should only inspire the greatest of gentlemanly conduct.”
“I am a gentleman and you are indeed a lady of virtue.” George then, grinned menacingly. “But a completely beddable one.”
“George. Now that’s enough. Seriously. Wanting to plough me like a randy farmer is one thing. But the F word is truly repulsive. Now go to sleep.”
“At least give your fiancé a little teaser. Something for me to hang on to until the wedding night.”
Isabel rolled her eyes while peering out the window as the carriage travelled the country lane. “George... the sooner you start snoring the better.”
“Do you love me?”
Isabel felt George’s Scotch scent breath on her cheek as his arms brought her closer. “Of course I do... If I didn’t, would I put up with such rude behaviour.”
“Then, please show me just a little bit of the beauty God bestowed you with.”
“My face and my heart has all the beauty to keep you happy for now. My nakedness will come once we are wed.”
“But that fantastic bosom needs to see the light of day.”
“My bosom often sees daylight.”
“When? I thought you said you were a virgin?”
Isabel chuckled. “My breast sees the light of day every morning... when I dress.”
“You tease... you have had my cock solid as a broom handle.”
“What do you mean?”
George gestured down to his lap. “Have a look.”
Isabel’s glance naively dropped, she then covered her mouth with her hand. “For God sake, George. Put it away!”
“It won’t go back in.”
“Well at least cover it with your hat.”
“What do you think? Greek like, don’t you think?”
Isabel sat rigidly and looked directly ahead while she searched for her words. “One thinks it’s sufficient for its intended use.” She then pleaded, “George! You sound like a randy school boy. Please. You’re making me feel more uncomfortable now.”
“Once thing I found on my travels is that love and sex go hand in hand. It’s the same the world over. No need to worry, just follow your heart... let it loose and come and join me.”
“Not a chance George. Honestly where have you discovered such atrocious behaviour..? You’re worrying me.”
“Really? But I thought you were enjoying it.”
Isabel shuffled over to the far side of the bench and gazed out of the window. She felt that the train station couldn’t come quick enough. “All this scandalous talk is guilty pleasure for a moment or two. But you’ve pushed it too far now. Now put your manhood away and sleep off the alcohol.”
“Please? How about a kiss and some heavy petting?”
“Sleep, George. Or you’ll force me to ride with the driver and leave you here... with only your rude ways for company.”
George’s eyes lit up. “But you did say guilty pleasure?”
“A little flirtation is good for the soul, yes.”
“So you admit it... you do have a dirty side to you.”
“George, sleep.”
George’s voice sounded low and threatening. “You do want a bit of George... don’t you?”
“Only when we’re married.”
George swooped across the bench and pushed up against Isabel, forcing her against the wall of the carriage. “Just let yourself free, and experience what it’s like to be with a real man.”
“I am with you, committed to you.”
“Then give us fuck.”
Isabel slapped both George’s shoulders. “Get off me!”
“Stop being a prude and spread those long legs of yours.”
~
Isabel’s harrowing screams caused Edward to sit straight on his driving seat. He brought his horses to a stop and applied the break of the carriage. He jumped down onto the dirt covered ground and ran to the door where he threw it open. The sight of George forcing himself onto a tearful Isabel caused him much disgust. “Sir, I must ask you stop.”
“Piss off. Continue your duty. We mustn’t be late for the train.”
“Sir.”
“Do as you’re told. Or I will dismiss you immediately.”
Edward closed his eyes then raised his voice. “Let the lady go. Or...”
“Or what? What are you going to do?”
“I will forcibly remove you from the carriage.”
“Alas, this is not your carriage to throw me out of. And this fair lady is my property... meaning I do as I please. So, one should kindly close the door and return to his duty.”
Edward stood tall and firm. “Sir... the lady is clearly distressed. As a gentleman, I can’t ignore this fact. Let her go, or I will be forced to act.”
“You know what..? I’ve had enough of this. You’re both about as much fun as a severe case of piles.” George climbed off a dishevelled Isabel. “We can all be friends, can’t we, Edward?”
“I hope so.”
“Then be a good chap, and understand that I’m drunk as a brewery rat.”
“Please Sir, ride up front with me. The fresh air will do you good, cool you down and clear your head.”
“I will remain here.”
Edward glanced at Isabel who slowly shook her head. “I’m afraid I can’t let you, Sir.”
George sighed. “Edward, you’re dismissed.” He then pulled a pistol from his inside breast pocket. “Permanently, so.”
“No!” Isabel threw her leg in the air, kicking George’s arm and causing him to skew his shoot. The gunfire alarmed the horses, causing them to bolt. Unbalanced inside the moving carriage, George stumbled towards the door before being kicked out headfirst by Isabel.
Edward stood to one side while George fell to the ground. He quickly picked up the pistol while a dazed George gingerly picked himself up from the road. “Sorry, George.”
“It should be me who apologise.”
“It’s too late for you.” Edward held the pistol by its warm barrel, and then smashed its butt across the b
ack of George’s head, rendering him unconscious. However, he had no time to think about what he had just done as he heard the cry of his horses and crunching of wood. “Isabel!”
Edward rolled George into the field drain before racing over to the carriage which sat overturned in a field drain. His heart pounded as he inspected the wreckage. Staring through the broken window of the door, he found inside a tearful Isabel lying prone against the far wall. “Isabel, are you hurt?”
“I’m hurt all over... but what is in total ruin is my pride.”
“Let’s not worry about that now. Come on, let’s get you out.”
“Take my hand.” Isabel felt her bones ache as she reached out to take hold of Edward’s hand. “I don’t know what to do. All I know is that I want to get away from here... away from George. I never want to see him again.”
“Run back to your father.”
“I want to. I really want to. But father will only send me back to George.”
Without thinking, Edward spoke from his heart. “Then come with me.”
“You think it’s the right thing to do?”
“Yes. But be quick. We must go right now. George will stir at any moment.”
Isabel yelled in pain while Edward pulled her out through the empty window space. “But where will we go?”
“Wherever out feet take us.”
“And where will that be?”
“We will find out when we get there?”
Free from the carriage, Isabel complained as she dusted herself down. “Edward... you talk in riddles.” She then broke into a smile and embraced her rescuer. “Talk to me like the gentleman you clearly are.”
“Isabel. I’m not talking in riddles.” Edward glanced around the open fields that were planted with an autumn crop which was yet to reach maturity. “The truth is I have no idea where to run. But I know we have to get as far away from George as possible, or end up in prison. I’m now a fugitive.”
“Then I am a fugitive too. We shall run together.”
“I can think of worse partners in crime.”
“The feeling is mutual.” Isabel felt worried, but could not ignore the excitement. “But we need a plan.”
“For now just have to keep moving.”
“But which direction”
“Aye, we do.” Edward returned to the carriage where he uncovered the saddle that was packed amongst the luggage. “Luckily for us, George was a keen rider. I packed his saddle this morning.”
ROMANCE: CLEAN ROMANCE: Summer Splash! (Sweet Inspirational Contemporary Romance) (New Adult Clean Fantasy Short Stories) Page 106