Ghosts from the Past (Wiggons' School for Elegant Young Ladies)

by Charles, Jane

  “This isn’t a social call, Mrs. Zobard, but thank you,” Natalie insisted.

  “A brandy would be lovely, thank you,” Anton grinned.

  Natalie glared at him. Anton had to know she wanted him away.

  He grinned and settled in the seat across from her. “What do you think they were really after?”

  “I am sure part of it was hoping to find the invitation,” Natalie admitted. Why didn’t she just make him leave?

  Anton furrowed his brow.

  Natalie explained the strange relationship between Eliza and the rest of her family. “I feel sorry for her and suspect it explains much of her behavior.”

  “I can’t imagine what it would be like to have your family completely ignore your existence and go about their lives,” he said when she was finished.

  Mrs. Zobard entered a moment later with a decanter of brandy and two glasses. She poured one for each of them then quietly exited the room, closing the door behind her. Natalie took a sip of the dark liquid and enjoyed the warmth that spread through her.

  “I believe the girls were under the impression I take documents when I stop carriages,” Anton said after a moment.

  She frowned. “Don’t you?”

  “No,” he answered flatly.

  Natalie stiffened. She was not about to sit here and let him lie to her. He had stopped their carriage and she had shot him. Did he think her to be as naive as she had been two years ago, when she thought she could trust her husband and brother? “We had heard rumors that the Ghost took documents as well as kissed a lady. I am assuming you expected we carried nothing of importance when you stopped us once you saw who was inside the carriage.”

  “I’ve never taken documents,” he insisted. “I had heard of it happening, but assumed those I stopped made up the tale for one reason or another.”

  “Could there be two?” Natalie wasn’t sure why she was even giving it any consideration. Why would two men go by the same name, stop carriages and kiss a lady? It was ridiculous to even consider.

  “It is what Vanko and I suspect.”

  “Vanko?” Who was he talking about?

  Anton blew out a breath. “Vanko Michalovic. He shared a cell with me in Sankt Peterburg. When I escaped, he came with me.”

  “Is he here now?”

  “He is at the manor.”

  “Where was he when you had me locked up?” If that man stood back and did nothing while Anton put her in that cellar, she wasn’t certain she even wanted to meet him.

  “He was at the celebration and then in town.” He glanced up sheepishly at her. “He strongly cautioned against my plan and insisted I should hear your explanation first. He didn’t return to the manor until Atwood had brought you back here.”

  Perhaps this Michalovic wasn’t such a bad sort after all.

  Anton quickly explained what Vanko had heard. “He does the same thing I did in Sankt Peterburg with the exception of breaking into homes.”

  Natalie slumped back and took another sip. By newspaper accounts, more than a dozen men claimed to have had important documents stolen. Not that they explained what those documents were, nor were names given, other than Lord M or Lord S or whatever. She had assumed it was to protect their identity. But why would so many lie about documents? If it were a few, she might believe it was to save face or a way to explain why something might have gone missing.

  “Even if he is connected to Russia, I don’t understand what difference it makes to you,” she said once he had finished with what he and Vanko knew of the other ghost.

  “What if he is the one who betrayed us?”

  She hadn’t even considered the possibility, but it was also be bit farfetched. “Or, he simply heard the stories from diplomats who returned from Sankt Peterburg and decided to use the same methods to obtain what he wants.”

  “I have thought about that as well.” Anton took another drink. “But, until we find him, we won’t know for certain.”

  Natalie studied Anton, so handsome it made her heart ache. “How do you intend to find him?”

  “That, we don’t know yet. But, if the information Vanko has is correct, he should be in the area soon.”

  The last thing any of them needed was another Ghost. But, if Anton was looking for the man, he wouldn’t be here being a bother to her. Maybe in his absence she could figure out what she was going to do. She was Anton’s wife, after all, though she wasn’t sure what that meant any longer.

  In addition, if Anton was correct in that the Ghost in England could somehow be connected to what happened in Russia, Anton deserved to have his retribution.

  “I would have never thought it possible, but you are even more beautiful now than on the day we married.”

  Natalie blinked. She would not be swayed by his words. He could charm all he wished, but she would not succumb to the hitch in her heart or the longing to draw him to her.

  She could also claim that he had grown more handsome. His face may be thinner, but it only enhanced the bone structure. The dark stubble added a seductiveness to his face she had not noticed before. Natalie longed to run her hand along his jaw to feel the rough texture against the tips of her fingers. Instead, she clenched her fists to keep her hands from acting on their own accord.

  When she said nothing, Anton tipped the glass back and drained the contents before he stood. “I know it is too soon to hope for forgiveness, but be assured, I will not give up, Natasha.”

  “I need time.” She came to her feet. “Your return to my life has been a shock, as was your treatment of me.”

  “I can’t apologize enough,” he offered sincerely.

  “Time, Anton. That is all I ask and then I will inform you of my decision.”

  He took a step in her direction, then another and another. If she were wise she would back away from him, but her feet would not move. Anton pulled her against him and lowered his mouth to hers. Natalie willed her body not to react. She would not embrace him or be melted by his touch even if she could not keep herself from returning this kiss.

  Anton pulled away and looked down into her eyes. “I will give you time, but know that you are mine.” He turned abruptly and strode for the door.

  “Mr. Kazakov, wait.”

  Anton jerked to the voice calling to him from the top of the stairs. It was the blonde, Sophia, rushing toward him.

  “I thought you were to be locked in your room,” Natasha chastised as she came into the foyer.

  “I need to speak with Mr. Kazakov before he leaves.”

  What could this slip of a girl have to tell him?

  “Hurry and then return upstairs,” Natasha said with little patience.

  “First, I would like to apologize for trespassing in your house. I promise to try and keep Eliza and Rosemary from doing so again.”

  “Did you at least try to stop them this time?” Natasha demanded.

  A blush formed on Sophia’s cheeks. “You know I did, but probably not as strongly as I should have. Eliza was so upset…”

  “I know,” Natasha offered softly. “But do try to have a stronger influence, Sophia.”

  “Your apology is accepted,” Anton finally said. They were girls. Hadn’t he gotten up to much mischief when he was that age? He and Dimitri had done many things they should not have, including searching the chambers of an instructor in hopes of having a test before anyone else.

  “You may return to your room, Sophia,” Natasha directed.

  “But there is more,” she blurted out.

  Anton studied her. What else could there be?

  The young lady blinked up at Anton and her blush deepened. “I overheard how you want to catch the other Ghost.”

  “It shouldn’t concern you.” The last thing he needed was the help from a young girl.

  “I can help,” she insisted. “Well, not me, but my father.”

  Anton stilled and studied her. “How?”

  “He is to return to London within the week,” she began to explain. “Fat
her is in Parliament and sits on a number of committees.”

  This information piqued Anton’s interest.

  “He always carries important documents and I am surprised he hasn’t yet been stopped. I bet if you and your friend asked, he would assist you in catching this other Ghost.”

  Anton simply stared at her. Could he trust this man? Was she really aware of her father’s position or had he filled her head with importance when it wasn’t the truth?

  “Of course,” Natasha gasped. “Lord Hopkins would want this man stopped more than most.” She turned to Anton. “He is important and probably knows more about the policies and security of England than the monarch.”

  He jerked toward her. “Lord Hopkins? That is the man the last gentleman was traveling to when he was stopped by the Ghost.”

  “Father has many visitors when he is not in London. I don’t know who they are, but they are usually very secretive during the visits.” She paused, pursing her lips. “Or maybe they are only that way when I am at home.”

  If what Natasha was saying was true, then the man could be exactly who they needed. But, would he allow Anton and Vanko to use him? “When will he arrive?”

  “I don’t have the date yet,” Sophia answered. “We can send word when he arrives so you can come speak with him.”

  He glanced at Natasha, who nodded. “Very well, I will wait to hear from you.”

  20

  “...From this moment let me banish every vestige of sorrow; —let me dry those

  tears, gently pressing her cheek with his lips, ‘never to spring again.”

  A Sicilian Romance

  Ann Radcliffe

  Natasha paced through Atwood Manor, not sure what to do with herself. She wished to walk in the gardens, or better yet, work with the plants or pull the weeds. Being outside left her vulnerable to any visitors they may have, yet she needed to be out of the house and in the fresh air so she could think. But what if Anton visited again? She wasn’t ready to speak with him. It was bad enough she had allowed Anton to kiss her last night.

  How could she after what he had done? Was her heart so weak that she would fall into the same trap of loving and wanting a man who did not deserve her heart?

  Did she want a husband who could be so cruel to her and what would keep him from punishing her in the future if he suspected she did something wrong? Could she live in fear or trust that it would never happen again

  Natalie wandered into the sitting room and sank down on the settee. What was she to do?

  “Excuse me,” Wesley announced as he came through the door. “Mr. Vanko Michalovic is requesting an audience.”

  She frowned. Wasn’t he the man who had escaped with Anton? Why was he calling on her?

  “Shall I tell him you are not at home?”

  She blinked at Wesley. Perhaps this was the distraction she needed. “No. Please send him in.”

  As Mr. Michalovic entered, Natalie stood.

  “Thank you for seeing me,” he greeted as he came forward.

  She turned to Wesley. “Could you please have tea delivered?”

  Wesley gave a quick bow and backed out of the room as Natalie turned back to her guest. “Please, come in and be seated.” She sank down onto the settee and Mr. Michalovic took the chair opposite her.

  “I escaped prison with your husband,” he blurted out.

  Anton had already informed her of that fact the night before. She just wasn’t sure why the man was calling on her now, unless it was to plead Anton’s case, which she was not interested in hearing. She already had too much to think on and consider with regard to her marriage.

  A maid entered a moment later followed by Wesley. He supervised as she placed the tea service in the center of the table and stood back when she exited. “Will you require anything further?”

  “No, thank you,” Natalie answered.

  “I will close the door so the students are not privy to your discussion.”

  She smiled at the valet. “Thank you.” She filled the tea cups after the door closed. “Milk? Sugar?”

  “Nyet. Spasleba,” Mr. Michalovic answered and accept the cup and saucer from her.

  She took a sip and studied him. It was odd, yet familiar hearing her native language. “Did Anton send you?”

  “Nyet! He does not know I am here. He would not be happy.”

  “Then what is the purpose of your visit, Mr. Michalovic?”

  “I fear it is my fault he behaved the way he has.”

  “How so?” Natalie set her teacup down. “I don’t recall you being present when he locked me in the cellar.”

  Mr. Michalovic cleared his throat and pulled at his cravat. “I need to explain how it was, what I did, and why Anton behaved the way he did.”

  “If you are here to make excuses for my husband, you can leave now.”

  He lifted his hands. “No, I assure you.”

  Natalie watched him through narrowed eyes. “Very well, but I doubt there is anything you can say that will excuse his behavior toward me.”

  He pushed to his feet and began to pace as he quickly explained how his imprisonment came about and that he was placed in the cell with Anton.

  She nodded.

  “Anton was beaten mercilessly more times than I can remember.” He turned and paced back the opposite direction and continued with how Anton had held on to the belief that she, nor Dimitri, would ever betray him, despite everything that was told to him. “I’ve never saw a man so in love.” Mr. Michalovic gave a dry laugh. “Visitors were allowed, but you never come, not once. Gaurds claimed you never loved him. Were finished with him.”

  As she had been in England and thought him dead, she wouldn’t have visited. If only she had known. “He said Yuri visited?” She wasn’t sure why she wanted to know of if it mattered.

  “He reported on trial and that you and your brother testified against him.” Mr. Michalovic sighed and sank back into his chair. “Anton had been in prison for eight months. The guards had beaten him severely again.” He looked up at her. “It wasn’t the first time, but it was certainly worst.” He glanced away and Natalie recalled the scars on Anton’s back that first morning she had awakened at the manor.

  “I was not certain Anton would survive this time. He was depressed. You had left him to die. He had been betrayed with no hope of leaving that cell. He no longer had reason to live.”

  Her heart ached for what Anton must have endured, but did it excuse his treatment of her?

  “This time guards broke rib or two, or I assume by bruising. Anton had difficulty breathing. His eyes were swollen shut and his back was nearly shredded so badly he had to lie on his stomach for days. When he was giving up I suggested that perhaps Yuri and the officers were correct.”

  Natalie straightened. “Why?”

  “Revenge is powerful motivation.” Michalovic swallowed before he continued. “If he died, you won.”

  Her heart stilled for a moment before her pulse began to race.

  “He begged me let him die.”

  Did she have this man to blame for Anton’s treatment of her?

  “Each day I encouraged revenge and as he began to recover, the need for vengeance grew. I encouraged Anton find you, punish you and Dimitri. We planned our escape. Once we were free, he was ready to make you pay for what happened to him.”

  The blood chilled in her veins.

  “I make no apologies for my actions.”

  Natalie brought a hand up to cover her mouth. Anton had believed her until this Yuri and Michalovic convinced him otherwise. “I never betrayed my husband.”

  “I never believed you did,” he responded.

  She stood and wandered away, her back to him. What must Anton have been thinking in the prison? Being beaten and told it was because of her coupled with the fact she didn’t visit him. Would she have been able to hold on to her convictions and remain confident everyone else was lying. Would she have finally given in as well? Would she have sought vengeance and puni
shed him in the end?

  She scrubbed her hands over her face. She honestly didn’t know what she would have done in the same situation. “You did nothing to stop him when he took me.” Natalie turned to face Michalovic.

  “I had hoped once he saw you again he would realize truth.”

  “He didn’t,” she bit out.

  “My biggest regret.” He stood. “I cautioned him to speak with you before deciding your fate. I fear the seeds, constant talk of revenge while still imprisoned, were planted too deep.”

  “How did he know I was in England?” Or had he been searching in Sankt Peterburg?

  “Yuri told him you come here.”

  Natalie sighed and returned to the settee. “I don’t know what to think.” She sank down.

  “Please consider what I have told you before you decide if you can forgive Anton or not.”

  Natalie blinked up at him.

  “He fears he lost you.”

  “He told you this?”

  “Not in so many words. I believe his heartache is nearly as deep as it was in prison.”

  Natalie had a hard time believing Michalovic’s words, but could she really know what her husband was feeling? “I will think on what you have told me.”

  “That is all I ask.” He nodded. “Thank you for the tea. I will take my leave now.”

  Natalie simply watched as he walked out of the room. So many lies have been told. Where was the truth? Was Michalovic telling her a story to soften her heart to Anton? Had Anton put him up to this even though Michalovic denied it? Yet, she had seen the many scars on Anton’s back. The one truth was he had been beaten in prison. How many times had he suffered?

  He had denied the truth for eight months. Could she have lasted that long? Would she have begun to doubt Anton eventually?

  She closed her eyes and lowered her head to her hands. Could she have survived such a betrayal?

  Anton placed the door to the cell against the far wall. He would tear the entire structure down, but it had been bolted into the stone walls of the manor. At least it could no longer be used as a cage. Not that he had any intention of ever doing so again, but given how angry Natasha had been, or her friends, he didn’t want to leave the option available for someone locking him inside.