A Devilish Slumber

by Shereen Vedam

  “That would be a misuse of our talents,” she said. “The alliance would not condone such behavior among its members. Our talents are not to be used for self-interest.”

  “Hmm, I see your point,” Eve said. “As adults, you have developed a code of ethics. How about the children? What if they were taken and trained to work as spies?”

  Rose’s gaze slid to Hope. The child’s tears slid unheeded, her terror ignored. She sat shaking, her gaze pleading with Rose to help her. Rose could not allow Hope to be taken. Nor any of the others. The picture of the future Eve painted was one of pain and horror for the most innocent of the alliance members.

  “I see you finally comprehend.” Eve strolled to the window and pushed the curtain aside to look out into the moonlit night. She dropped her façade as Mrs. Rochester and her reflection in the glass appeared a macabre replica of a harbinger of death, all darkness and shadows, without a shred of compassion in her makeup. A dragon in the throes of bloodlust.

  “Have you thought about how those who are more ruthless might react to the news?” Eve’s voice vibrated with menace. “Men with money and power who can clearly envision how your talents could be used to acquire more of the same? What of them? Would they be scrupulous enough to leave all of you alone?”

  As each vile word followed the other, and the alliance’s disastrous future spilled out of Eve’s mouth, Rose hugged herself to control her shaking.

  How could she stop this? Her only salvation had been the arrival of Phillip, but what could he do to stop Eve? He did not know about the Rue Alliance, who they were, how much Rose cared for them. As long as Eve had that list in her possession, she would be untouchable.

  Would he put the alliance’s needs ahead of seeing Eve incarcerated? Would any action he took jeopardize them more than help them? Even if she convinced Phillip to allow Eve to go free, how would that stop her sister from selling the names of the alliance members to whomever she pleased? With that listing in Eve’s care, none of them had a chance to fight her.

  All her life, Rose had stood by helplessly as those she loved were taken from her. Ice spread like a numbing fire through her body. She would sacrifice everything to keep those she loved safe. “What is it you want from me?”

  Eve ran back to her. Light of triumph shone from her gaze as if a spark had been lit inside those cadaverous depths. “Then we understand each other?”

  How had she ever thought Eve to be anything but evil? Her sister’s body reflected the darkness of her soul as surely as that looking glass in Mrs. Weatheringham’s house had displayed the depths of Rose’s grief. A tendril of pity stirred.

  “Look at yourself, Eve. You are a shadow of the beautiful woman you once were. Can you not see that your deeds consume you? Stop this madness now.”

  “But sister, that is what I plan. It is time for Evelyn Ravenstock to atone for her sins, while Roselyn Ravenstock reclaims her life as society’s first diamond. Thank you, by the bye, for readying my residence and acquiring such talented servants.”

  Rose was lost in Eve’s rambling logic.

  “Still in the dark?” Eve asked.

  “I merely ponder your sanity.”

  “Ah, you have yet to discern the brilliance of my plan.” She came closer until her fetid breath brushed Rose’s chin. “Let me give you details. You and I will do what we should have done three years ago. We will switch places.”

  Rose’s mouth opened in surprise. “Why?”

  “So that you may confess to Eve’s sins, of course.”

  “You cannot be serious?”

  “Very serious.” Eve spread her bony arms wide to indicate the room. Her dress hung loose off her skeletal arms. “All of this is rightfully mine.”

  Eve intended to take over Rose’s life. Step into it as if she were putting on a morning dress. Or another one of her disguises. Did she think no one would notice? “Phillip will not allow you to carry this out!”

  “He will assist me. But do not fear, sister, I will treat him well in your absence. For you are right about what has happened to me. My body has wasted away while I struggled to survive in France. It is time I acquired a new one. I mean to have yours. If you agree to my plan, I promise not to harm anyone else, especially not your Phillip. Is saving his life, and that of your friends, not worthy of your sacrifice?”

  Rose stared at her in stunned silence. “Why should I believe in your promises?”

  “Do you have a choice?”

  Rose clamped her lips tight. If she could believe Eve, she would willingly sacrifice everything for the sake of the alliance’s future well-being and Phillip’s safety. Her heart ached at the thought of leaving him. Of never having him touch her again.

  It brought to mind the years she had spent in this house, alone, her heart frozen. Her sister wanted her to pretend to be Eve and confess to murder, a hanging offense. Would death be any different than the years she had spent away from Phillip? She covered her mouth with her hands to keep her cry in. She had made her decision.

  “Wonderful.” Triumph flared brightly in Eve’s gaze. “Take off your clothes and jewelry.”

  Eve stripped off her dress and gestured for Rose to hurry.

  Rose glanced at Gervais who watched them with interest.

  “Go on,” Eve said. “You have no time for modesty.”

  With cold fingers and trembling hands, Rose undid her gown and let it drop to the floor.

  Eve pushed her aside, putting on the dress and diamond necklace and earrings, then signaled to Rose to do the same with the other gown.

  “Face me.” Eve moved Rose so they stood arm’s length apart.

  Then in one quick movement, Rose stood before her double wearing her lavender evening gown. Eve was a hair shorter.

  “Now you,” her sister said.

  Could Eve succeed with this outlandish plan?

  “Go on,” Eve said. “Quickly.”

  Rose remembered Eve’s hollow cheeks, the shadowed sunken eyes and her sister’s bony neck and arms. Try as she might though, she could not dislodge the Eve she had once known and loved. Had her sister forgotten who she used to be? Would a reminder snap her back to sanity?

  Bit by bit, Rose resurrected the Eve she remembered. The bright blue green eyes, the full face, and lighter blond hair that reflected the sun in daylight and the fire at night. Her body molded itself to the more slender figure of her sister, the fuller bosom, curved hips and tiny waist. To compensate for the reduction in weight, she added to her height.

  When Rose was finished, Eve sucked in her breath. Her sister touched Rose’s face. “I was so beautiful.”

  “You can be again. Put aside your hate and thirst for power.”

  Eve dropped her hand. “I will.” She twirled about the room, arms raised. “My future in this healthy body will be as insipid as yours, Rose. But I intend to show the world what you did not have the courage to embrace. I will rule my life and those about me as if every day were my last and everyone present, there to ensure my pleasure.”

  There would be no return of sanity on her sister’s part. Yet, despite her shaky hold on reality, Eve’s plan was brilliant. Except, Miss Wood possessed Rose’s amulet and should be able to tell by its heat that the two women were not whom they seemed to be.

  Eve approached her. “You seem unusually quiet, Rose. Do you perhaps still harbor hopes of a rescue? That someone will tell us apart? For that, they would need an amulet.” She held hers up. “But I have mine back.”

  Rose did not care for Eve’s complacent smile.

  “And where is your amulet, Rose? Did you give yours into someone else’s keeping? Very foolish.” Her hand dived into her stays and brought out another.

  “My Cimaruta,” Rose said.

  “It was kind of Miss Wood to leave it on the writing desk in the library along w
ith her sketches. I reclaimed it for you and burned the depictions. What are sisters for, after all, except to do each other these little favors? Do not worry. Your amulet will be safe in my care.”

  So no one would know of this exchange but for those in this room. She glanced from Gervais to Hope and back to her sister. Would Eve allow any of them to live much longer?

  “Yes, I see your thoughts reflect my own.” Eve grabbed the knife from Gervais and squatted before Hope.

  “No.” Rose seized her sister’s arm. “You promised you would not kill again.”

  Gervais pulled Rose away.

  “Let me go.” She squirmed, beating at him.

  “Calm yourself. I only wish to speak with the child.” Her sister’s gaze fastened on the little girl. “Hope.”

  The child started.

  “You have been quiet.” Eve touched the dagger to the child’s throat until Hope cringed back. “It would indeed be wise, Hope, if you kept your tongue still about what you have seen and heard tonight. No one must know that Rose and I have switched places. Do you understand?”

  The child did not respond.

  “Do you understand?”

  “Answer her, Hope,” Rose said. “Promise her that you will not breathe a word to anyone about what you have seen.”

  She would have approached the child again, but Gervais barred her way and began to reload his spent pistol.

  The child’s scared gaze flicked from Eve to Rose.

  “If you speak of these matters,” Eve said, “I will cut off your tongue and feed it to your grandmother until she chokes on it and dies.”

  Hope covered her ears with her hands. “No!”

  “No, what, dear?”

  The child took a couple of hiccupping breaths and tears covered her cheeks. “I will not tell, I promise.”

  “What a good child. The unfortunate thing is that I do not believe you.” Eve grabbed Hope by her hair and holding her steady, raised her knife.

  Rose tore past Gervais and wrested the knife from Eve.

  The door flew open and Phillip charged in.

  Chapter Fifteen

  PHILLIP TOOK IN the situation in one glance. Eve stood holding a dagger in one hand and Rose was crouched protectively beside a little girl on the settee. His main concern, though, was the heavyset man with the pistol aimed at the women, so Phillip turned his weapon on the man and used his free hand to pull the hammer in readiness to fire. “Drop that gun, or I shall shoot.”

  Shouting in French, the man charged at Phillip, gun raised overhead.

  Discerning his weapon was empty, Phillip said, “Arrêtez! Stop.”

  The man hesitated.

  Rose dashed to Phillip’s side. Her hand clasped his trigger finger and squeezed. The Frenchman crashed to the ground like a felled tree, wearing a surprised expression.

  “Oh, Phillip,” she cried and hugged him, “you came just in time. She almost killed that child.”

  The gunshot brought several servants rushing into the room.

  Phillip dropped his spent weapon, pulled out the other loaded one he had tucked at his waist, and aimed it at Eve Ravenstock. He had scarce believed it when Miss Wood found him at his mother’s home just as he was about to leave for Ravenstock manor. She claimed that Lady Roselyn’s sister was in Rose’s home and intended to kill them all. And here Eve stood not three feet away, wielding a dagger.

  “Drop that blade and move away from the child.”

  Eve looked at her hand, as if surprised to find the dagger there. It crashed to the floor and she stepped back.

  The child immediately let out a keening cry and pointed at Rose. Miss Wood ran past Phillip, picked up the hysterical little girl, and carried her out of the room.

  Eve Ravenstock appeared unchanged from when he had last seen her. Still as beautiful, though her frightened stance did not suit her. By the state of Rose and the little girl, he did not doubt that the crazed woman had terrified them both. Her innocent look, meant to entreat him, failed. She would not find him soft.

  Phillip rubbed Rose on her back as she huddled against him. He ordered two servants to tie up the captive. Only after they had secured Eve to a chair, her arms firmly bound, did he put away his pistol at his back.

  He kissed Rose’s forehead. It was hot and moist. The poor darling must have been overjoyed to discover her sister alive and then devastated to learn of her evil core.

  Eve belonged on the gallows with a noose around her neck. However, if he pursued that course, it would break Rose’s heart.

  “You have much to explain,” he said in a harsh voice to Evelyn Ravenstock.

  Miss Wood returned to the room and requested that the prisoner be searched for Lady Roselyn’s amulet, one stolen from the library.

  Phillip hesitated at the request, but the normally calm librarian who had come to fetch him seemed terribly agitated by the missing article. He relented and searched Eve, but she did not possess the necklace. Nor was it on the corpse of her manservant.

  “If either of them took the amulet, they have disposed of it,” he said. “Come morning, I promise you, we will do a more thorough inspection of the house and grounds.”

  He ordered the corpse to be removed to a storage room while the matter of Lady Evelyn was decided.

  The housekeeper came in to report that although Trenton, who had been shot and had lost a great deal of blood, was now resting comfortably. She added that the bullet had been cleanly removed by her son, Stony, and that she had stitched the butler’s wound. She gave him some laudanum to help him rest but he refused it.

  Phillip thanked her and then dismissed all the servants. On Stony’s return downstairs, he set him to stand guard outside the drawing room, before he closed the door and faced its occupants.

  Mrs. Weatheringham looked tired. Miss Wood appeared worried, pacing about the chamber as if that missing amulet still preyed on her mind. She stopped suddenly and rubbed at her forehead as if it ached as she gazed at a portrait that had been shredded. Rose appeared the calmest, considering the terrifying events that had transpired this night.

  Watching her, he could not help but wonder . . . could she truly shape-shift? Was she Ben? They had so much to talk about, but not in front of the others.

  The carpet where Trenton must have lain was wet with his blood, a stark reminder of the danger Eve posed.

  Eve remained trussed up in an armchair facing the ladies. She had not spoken a word since Phillip arrived and looked unbelievably docile. He began his questioning of the prisoner. Surprisingly, without any hesitation, she admitted to killing Mrs. Beaumont and the sailor on the Lady Tourville.

  What did she hope to gain by cooperating so freely?

  “How much longer must we remain here?” Rose asked in a bored tone. “She has confessed to all. Why not take her to Newgate and be done with it?”

  Why the rush? Phillip had expected Rose to be more upset about the possibility of her sister going to prison. After all, that was the reason she had refused to forgive him these past three years. He had a feeling that something was wrong here.

  During much of this case, the wool had been pulled over his eyes and he had been oblivious to what was really happing. But suddenly, he felt its coarse texture clinging to the edges of his eyelashes. “There are still some unanswered questions.”

  “Such as?” Rose said.

  It was time to bring up the shape-shifting. After all, Rose seemed to implicitly trust Mrs. Weatheringham and Miss Wood. So they should be able to discuss this matter before those two ladies. “I wish to know how Eve managed to look like you, Rose, when she killed Mrs. Beaumont. Although you are sisters, your resemblance to each other is not acute. As well, how did she manage to pretend to be a sailor for weeks onboard the Lady Tourville?”

  Rose sighed aloud. “What
difference does it make?” She studied Eve in silence for a moment and then said, “All that matters is that she is caught and will pay for her crimes.”

  Was that satisfaction in her voice? Beside her, Mrs. Weatheringham looked pale and shaken. It was time to finish this. He came around the settee. Noticing the dagger still on the floor where Eve had dropped it, he picked it up and placed it on the center table before facing his prisoner.

  “Tell me how you impersonated those people and we will be done with this interrogation.”

  Not once had she looked up during his questioning. She had remained with her head bowed, her fingers entwined, her thumbs furiously twirling about each other. So, when her head came up now, he was startled. “I have the ability to change my features.”

  Excitement coursed through Phillip at that bold admission. Now they were getting somewhere. He came over to examine her at close range. “Show me.”

  For the first time, Eve glanced at him and her face softened.

  Rose stood. “I tire of this conversation. How can you expect her to tell us the truth about anything?”

  “Pray, be seated, child,” Mrs. Weatheringham said. “It is past time the truth came out. Best we do it quickly. You too, Miss Wood.”

  The librarian still standing near the hearth shifted her focus slowly from the torn portrait to Eve. Her pupils widened as if something surprised her, but she came over without a word and took the chair Mrs. Weatheringham indicated.

  So he had guessed correctly in this at least. They were all in on this secret.

  “Why is she here?” Rose pointed to the older woman. “Should she not be in bed? She seemed tired enough earlier.”

  Mrs. Weatheringham appeared taken aback by this direct speech, and so was Phillip. Rose, no doubt realizing how rude she had sounded, said, “I, too, am overtired.”

  “Perhaps you should retire, my dear?” Mrs. Weatheringham said in a gentle voice. “You have had a most upsetting evening.”

  “Yes, that is it precisely. I would like this night to end. We can continue this questioning tomorrow, if necessary.”