Diamonds Fall

by Rebecca Gibson

The sedative in her veins took a long time to wear off. Annabel was first aware of a gentle breeze caressing her skin and she smiled thinking of Daniel and the night beside the stream. Her finger twitched as she moved her hand towards her love but, instead of meeting the warm comfort of Daniel, her fingers took purchase on a feather stuffed pillow. Her eyes fluttered open, taking in her expensive surroundings.

  Annabel sat bolt upright. Her head spun as her stomach lurched. She swallowed, waiting for her vision to come back then lowered her feet onto the soft carpet and stood up, swaying for several seconds before she was able to take a step forwards.

  Eventually finding her way into her bathroom she splashed her face with ice cold water, somewhat waking herself up. In her closet she pulled out the first clothes she came across, fighting for several minutes with the hooks on the front of her corset.

  She stumbled as she stepped into her stockings, ripping three before she eventually succeeded in placing a pair on her legs. Her pale pink dress, the garment having been freshly sewn and hung up that evening, was easier to assemble. It took an hour in total for her to dress herself. The medicine still clogged her mind, making her movements slow and fuzzy. She twisted her hair up simply, shoving a hat on her head to cover the poor craftsmanship before stumbling out of the door and down the stairs as quickly as possible, without appearing improper and thus attracting attention.

  She tiptoed down the stairs as quietly as she could, choosing not to take the back stairs as there would surely be hundreds of servants through those passages. The foyer, thankfully, was empty so she fled across the polished floor, skidding out of the entrance and into the blinding sun.

  "Annabel, stop this instance."

  Annabel squeezed her eyes shut in exasperation.

  "No Mother, you don't control me," she slurred, her tongue still numb in her mouth from the sedative.

  The elder woman grabbed Annabel's arm, her nails digging into her daughter's skin through the thin material of her dress.

  "You will not take one more step out of this house young lady. I refuse to let you destroy everything we have built up for one ridiculous infatuation."

  "I don't care what you want. This is my life. I love him Mother."

  "You don't know the first thing about love. This is not love my child, love is providing for your family. That thug cannot give you anything."

  "He can give me happiness. How can you deny me that?"

  "Theodore will provide you with everything you need."

  "You cannot condemn an innocent man!"

  "It has already been done."

  Annabel's face fell, her eyes roamed over her mother's stern face for some signs of false truth.

  "No. You wouldn't."

  "He is to be sentenced without trial. Your father has already signed the paperwork Annabel, the money changed hands last night. I will not let that boy's hold on you risk my - our, bright future. My family's fate will not be left to chance Annabel, that boy will not marry you. You will do as you're told and you will marry Theodore."

  "You - you witch. I hope you rot in hell!"

  With that her mother let go of Annabel's arm. Annabel stumbled backwards, out into the sun. The second she made it outside another, colder hand grabbed her shoulder.

  "No Miss, you are under doctor's orders to stay inside. You have had quite the upset, you mustn't over exert yourself."

  Annabel clawed at the man's white coat, trying desperately to break free. She screamed like she was deranged. Once she was restrained a sharp pain entered her neck and her limbs grew sluggish. As the medicine burnt its way into her veins her vision faded.

  "I'm sorry my child but it's for the best. I'm only thinking of your future."

  Chapter Twenty

  Annabel spent the rest of that day in and out of consciousness, her body unresponsive to even the simplest of movements.

  When she finally woke the room was swathed in darkness and she was alone.

  Looking around her she noticed the window was still slightly ajar, letting in a cool breeze. The oil lamp was turned on low. The light glinted off of a silver tray housing dry bread and water.

  Annabel turned her face away from the sustenance. If her parents were going to play this game, she would play it right back.

  Shifting until she was in a seated position Annabel pulled open the drawer in her bedside cabinet. Removing the carving she cradled it in her palm, tip toeing to the window seat where she sat amongst the cushions, tracing her fingertip over Daniel's tiny features. She imagined him sat beside her, his warm breath on her face, his earthy smell surrounding her completely.

  She figured she must have fallen asleep for the sound of the wind, bending the trees into dangerous angles in the forest, snapped Annabel back to consciousness. It must have been early morning as there was a dim light attempting to force its way through the heavy clouds. Torrential rain now hammered down whilst her curtains ballooned into the bedroom. The window was smacking rhythmically into the wall as the wind blew it off the latch. Annabel jumped up and forced the window into place. She stepped back, her entire body shivering.

  "Nice night ain't it."

  Annabel's heart stopped.

  "Knew you'd forget `bout the idiots soon as you got `ome."

  His voice was more steady than usual, the smell of liquor not quite as strong. Whirling around Annabel came face to face with Tom.

  Rain dripped off of his scraggily hair and beard, leaving muddy marks on the cream carpet. His face was set into the hard expression of rage.

  "Ya think you could jus' run away an' I'd not find ya? You're stupider than I thought."

  Annabel didn't say a word, her mind had gone blank and nothing in this useless room of finery would make so much a cut on him. The oil lamp was the only thing of substance but that would surely burn down the whole house.

  She staggered back, her body still trembling.

  "I - I have maids right outside my door. You won't be able to lay so much a finger on me without being arrested."

  Tom laughed but the sound was anything but pleasant. His lips sneered, whilst the laughter came out dull and menacing.

  "I've checked, stupid! It's jus' you and me, all alone."

  The room was suddenly illuminated as a bolt of lightning pulsed through the air, quickly followed by a deep rumble of thunder. The lightning glinted off the golden rope beside Annabel's bed which was attached to a wall of bells in the kitchen. She dived to the side, catching hold of it just before Tom grabbed her from behind. In the far distance the bell jangled at her touch, Tom growled. He let go of her, smashing his fist into the side of her face. Her mouth filled with the coppery taste of blood as he threw her to the ground. Red droplets landed on the pale carpet from her split lip, to the same rhythm as the rain pounding the ground outside. She let out a yell which was quickly followed by the sound of running feet.

  "Wha've you done?" Tom screamed. "Who's comin'?"

  Annabel said nothing, remaining crouched on the floor. Just as Tom reached out for her again a maid, in a thin nightgown and slippers, burst through the door. Seeing the foul man standing over her bleeding mistress she let out a loud, chilling scream and ran back down the corridor at break neck speed.

  Tom laughed. "See, told ya we're alone."

  However, within seconds a stampede of feet could be heard. It was Annabel's time to smile now as she saw Tom, from the corner of her eye, surveying the room for a hiding place. Before he had the chance to pick one at least ten male servants, all still in their pyjamas, flew into the room. Without missing a beat a black haired, Italian looking man, grabbed hold of Tom's broad shoulders, throwing him to the ground. There was a pistol in his hand which he pointed square between Tom's eyes. Tom froze, genuine fear on his features for the first time, though he tried his hardest to hide it with another menacing grin.

  Annabel rolled onto her back, her breathing heavy. The hot trickle of blood was still leaking from her lip, running down her chin and spreading across the neck of her n
ightgown.

  "Miss Annabel!"

  She heard her name called several times but seemed to be listening to the voices from a distance. She squeezed her eyes closed as tears leaked down from the corners of her eyes. Someone touched her shoulder and her eyes snapped open.

  "We have sent for the police already Miss. Should I get a doctor?"

  "No, please -"

  "What on earth is all this ridiculous commotion?" She heard her father's voice boom through the halls before she had a chance to reply. "Does anyone in this house possess a watch? It is four in the bloody morning!"

  The elder man rounded the corner into his daughter's bedchamber and froze, taking in the scene in front of him with wide eyes. Lord Hoddington simply stood in the doorway, his gaze flitting between his daughter, bleeding on the floor and Tom pinned at the other end of the room.

  "Is this him? This is the brute you wish to marry over the most eligible bachelor in the country? I can't say I'm surprised that he's hit you Annabel." Looking now at Tom he said, "I do not know how you escaped prison but let me make this clear now, you will never see the light of day again, understand?"

  "Father - no, it's not-"

  "I've heard and seen enough Annabel. Be quiet." He looked around the room, glancing at the staff. "Are you all incompetent? Someone send for the police!"

  "It's - it's already been done Sir," came a shy voice from the corner.

  "Right, well-"

  "Father, this is not Daniel!" Annabel shouted, unable to stay quiet anymore. "This is my captor. This man kidnapped me. Daniel helped me escape."

  Her father took another step back from the room. He didn't like being proved wrong.

  "Still," he said. "That's not the sort of family we are to be associated with. Daniel is staying where he is. This man will hang."

  In reply Tom simply spat in the general direction of Annabel's father, laughing as the saliva landed on his velvet slippers.

  It was an excruciating half an hour of near silence as they awaited the police. Annabel's father barked orders from a safe distance, as a maid tried to press a wet cloth to Annabel's face. Tom tried to fight, screaming out a string of profanities as he did so. He was overpowered every time.

  Finally, the sound of hurried hooves filtered up from the drive, alerting everyone to the arrival of the police. Moments later Sergeant Link strode into the room, wielding a truncheon as if he were performing in a pantomime.

  "That man, arrest him!" Annabel's father exclaimed, a look of disgust on his face. "And for God sake can someone get this damn room cleaned up, it looks a state!"

  Annabel rose shakily to her feet as her father left the room. Approaching one of the officers she spoke in a whisper.

  "This man is the one who kidnapped me, the one who took me on the thirtieth of May. The man you hold, Daniel Prince, he is innocent. Please believe me."

  Tom screamed as he was placed roughly in handcuffs. He threw his weight around like a bull in a china shop, knocking over the officers in his attempt to break free. Some of Annabel's maids had now changed into their uniform and were clearing up around the struggle, studiously ignoring Tom. There was fear on all of their faces but they daren't disobey Lord Hoddington by ceasing their house work. One of them yawned and, catching Annabel's eye, quickly looked away as if ashamed.

  "Here - I'll write it down," Annabel continued to plead with the officer, unfazed. She rifled through her bedside cabinet, pulling out a pen and small pad of embossed paper. She scribbled furiously until she had filled most of the pages in a matter of minutes. When she looked up the officers had gone. Fresh blood had now dried on her face, making the skin tight but she ignored her discomfort and ran down the hall.

  "Officer!" she called desperately from the top of the stairs. Sergeant Link, who had been deep in conversation with Annabel's father, was the only one left. He turned around slowly, looking up at the young girl standing in a thin, blood splattered nightgown.

  "Take this." Annabel shoved the paper into his hand. "I've signed it, it's my official statement. I will be prepared to testify in court if necessary. I know Daniel's not meant to have a trial but it's simply barbaric. Please see to it that he is released with all due haste."

  The sergeant glanced at Lord Hoddington who gave him a pointed look. Link nodded and continued on his way. Annabel watched him leave. The spring in his step seemed strange. It was as if he had just received some good news. As if, perhaps, he had just made a particularly fortuitous deal. Annabel turned to her father.

  "What have you done?" she whispered, her expression incredulous, whilst his was entirely passive. "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?"

  Chapter Twenty-One

  As the dim sunlight, fighting against the grey rain clouds, pilfered through the window the next day, Annabel only vaguely recalled how her father's hand had struck her cheek. She had been shocked. Fury raged inside her like an inferno. Not long afterwards the same elderly doctor had bustled up the steps. No matter how hard she fought she was still too weak to throw off the doctor, her father and an army of butlers before the sedative was forced into her veins.

  Coming back to the present Annabel shivered and finally swung her legs onto the carpet, imagining Billy, Patsy and Genevieve sleeping outside in this weather. Not thinking about the fact she was still in her nightclothes, her hair loose around her shoulders, she strode down the corridor, climbing down the east stairs and back up the west ones into her father's huge office. The office had two separate rooms to it, the first was a small sitting room housing two leather sofas, one on either side of a dark fireplace. Annabel pushed open a door to her left, finding her father seated behind an enormous, solid mahogany desk. The olive green walls were covered in books and files relating to various aspects of business Annabel had never inquired about. There were two leather armchairs on Annabel's side of the desk, matching the sofas in the sitting room. Her father was sat with raised eyebrows. He gestured for her to sit, leaning back in his own chair to give her his full attention. He crossed his hands over his rotund belly. His wedding ring shone as it caught the flickering light of his candle. There were no windows or electricity in this room of the house. Her father preferred to work in the dark, gloomy atmosphere.

  "Have you quite recovered?" He looked her up and down as she sat there in her night clothes, her bare feet resting on the hard wood floor. She nodded although she could feel the throb of a bruise covering the lower portion of her face and knew her lip had swollen to twice its original size.

  "Quite, I just took a slight turn is all. Being confronted with the man that kidnapped me Father, it was frightening. Anybody would have reacted the same way. He could have killed me, I hope you're aware of that. I was wondering though, about the friends I told you about."

  He sighed in exasperation, not even acknowledging the information that she could have been murdered. He seemed under the impression the last few weeks had been a voluntary expedition for Annabel.

  "If this is about that boy, we've already been over it Annabel. There is no chance of him being freed. I have paid off some officers and they have agreed to keep him comfortable. When his time is served he'll be given a job in the army. That's a respectable career for any man, especially one of hisºbackground."

  Annabel swallowed all of her foul retorts and tried to remember the current purpose of her visit.

  "I wished to discuss Patsy and her brother Billy. They had a baby named Genevieve with them. I wanted to know what has become of them and I want them to have rooms in the manor."

  "How did I create such an insufferable daughter? There is no way peasants can have rooms here unless they are employed-"

  "Then see to it that they are." Annabel stood up. "Billy would work best with horses. Those people are the single reason I am alive Father, remember that when you are judging them so harshly."

  He rubbed his hand over his eyes in a fake expression of exhaustion.

  "I'll set some people on it at once but do get some rest Annabel, you look a fright."


  "Summon me as soon as they are found and make sure it is prompt."

  Lord Hoddington closed the door behind her with a little more force than was necessary when Annabel was ushered out only seconds later. She immediately made her way back to the east wing to bathe and dress. The maids laid out a white cotton gown with thin pink pinstripes. The fabric reached up to her neck and down to her wrists. Once she was dressed she made her way back downstairs and into her own writing room. In contrast to her mother and father's dingy domains this room was filled with pale furniture, fur rugs overlapping each other on the wooden floor. She sat behind her desk somewhat tentatively and composed a letter to the only person she could think of, Daniel. His face, as he was dragged away, trying to hold it together whilst he was clearly frightened and confused, filled her mind's eye constantly. Annabel knew there were no words to express all that had happened to them both in the last few weeks but after several attempts, she settled on this:

  My dear Daniel,

  I feel as if I have led you into a trap from which you cannot escape. I have been careless and selfish. For that, I must apologise from the very bottom of my soul.

  I cannot even begin to fathom the idea of forming a life outside of you, especially when you are suffering so many unknown horrors. Have you not suffered enough? What kind of God would condemn such a beautiful man to this life?

  I have sent Father to look for Billy and Patsy. I assure you I will find them as soon as possible. The entire town will be looking for them if I have my way. I will let them stay here; to live with all the riches they could ever want – especially Genevieve, she’ll be spoiled more than any child ever was. I will fight for you to be a part of our lives with every ounce of my own. I have tried to tell the police everything about Tom and Trevor, in the hope they will see you for the innocent man you are, but I fear the statement will deliberately go astray. Nothing I do now can right the wrongs I have done you but regardless I will keep trying. Until we next meet, which I hope to be soon, I give you my whole heart.