“Very good, then we will be on our way, ladies, if you would please.” Assisting each of us into the rig, he saluted us before closing the door. Then giving a distinct rap on the carriage he signaled the driver to pull out.
Three hours into our leisurely carriage ride my bottom had fallen asleep and I was in need of facilities. Mother signaled out the window with her red cloth and the general was gracious enough to acquiesce to our requests for mercy.
Three armed men went ahead to check out the inn before we arrived. As the line of carriages pulled up, we were informed that there was no danger present and that we were free to go in.
General Moore personally opened the carriage door and assisted us down the step, and another young man flanked each of us as we entered the inn doors.
One of the men sent ahead secured a table in the corner strategically situated for full view of the front door. Mother, Sarah, and I took a seat as four of the men stood at attention on each corner of the table. One man was posted just inside the door, and the remaining men were posted outside.
If I had not been so anxious about my feelings of impending doom, I might have laughed about the zealousness of our traveling companions.
Tea was ordered and a light tray of cheeses, breads and fruit were brought to the table after passing inspection first. I was not very talkative thus far, and Sarah was beginning to notice.
“Is everything all right with you, Angelina? You have been so quiet for days,” Mother finally asked.
“It’s nothing. I’m just tired lately. I haven’t been sleeping well,” I said, trying to smile pleasantly. “I really need to visit the privy. Excuse me, Mother.” Standing, I headed for the facilities provided for the customers near the back of the inn.
“Oh, me too! Wait for me.” Sarah stood and followed rushing to catch up.
One young man followed us while the other three men lined up across the hallway preventing anyone else from entering the corridor leading to the privies.
“I truly think the detail to the privy is a bit excessive, if anyone were to inquire of my opinion,” I called over my shoulder as I closed the door.
“Really, Angelina, you do like to stir the pot,” Sarah added, as she used the pot first.
“A ten-man detail and people following me to the bathroom, honestly it is too much!”
“Are you not scared after your ordeal just a few weeks ago?” Sarah asked, her eyes large and wide.
“I can take care of myself, Sarah.” With a glint of self-assurance, I patted my side where the dagger rested.
“Well, I am scared enough for us both,” Sarah said as she finished up.
“I will not live my life fearing shadows and things in the night.” That was a complete lie. I was afraid of things I could not see or touch, and I had an overwhelming feeling that it was coming for me.
“Surely there must be something you are afraid of,” she asked.
“Yes, of course, I am afraid of something. I just haven’t come across it yet,” I said with bravado. But, truth be told, I was afraid. The evening Jude and I left the hunting lodge the hair on my neck stood up on end most of the way home. The one constant, my solid ground was gone, and I had this secret I could not tell anyone, not even my best friend.
We left the privy, heading back down the hall as the men lined up, escorting us as if we were royalty. I felt silly and a bit conspicuous.
Mother had called one of the young men over. “Would you please ask General Moore how much longer until we reach the city?”
“Yes, Lady Stewart. When we leave the inn that will be possible. But right now, I can’t leave my post,” the young man informed her.
“Well, they are certainly thorough,” Mother said, looking at me.
The general walked in, saying something to the man at the door. I saw him nod as General Moore walked over to our table.
“I trust you ladies have had a nice stretch, but we really do need to get back on the road now,” he said in his usual air of formality.
Waiting for Mother to stand, the general escorted her as Sarah and I followed behind, giggling like schoolgirls. He then helped us climb into the carriage as one of the young men walked up to the general and spoke into his ear.
“Ladies, I need you to settle in and hang on, it is going to be a bumpy ride,” he informed us, trying to keep his tone light.
“What has happened, General?” Mother asked, concern straining her voice.
“One of my men is reporting some sort of disturbance down the road. Nothing to worry about, my lady, but we are going to move swiftly the rest of the way,” he advised, trying to be as vague as possible.
Three men rode far ahead of the party while four men surrounded the carriage. One man rode directly in front of our party and the last two hung back some to make sure we didn’t have anyone trying to sneak up from behind.
When the general told us to hold on, he wasn’t exaggerating. The three of us bounced around like coins in a gentleman’s pouch.
We had traveled about three miles when I happened to peek out the window to see three of the guards detailed, standing over three men on the ground. Two of the men on the ground appeared to be dead from injuries sustained in a sword fight, and one man was lying face down with a guard’s foot in the middle of his back, his sword discarded.
By the time we made London, none of us wanted to see the inside of a carriage for a very long time. I had bruises in places that should never bruise. Sarah stepped down from the rig and lost her afternoon meal. Mother, the consummate gracious lady, climbed down from the carriage and promptly thanked the general for delivering us safely. She then proceeded to invite all ten men to supper that night. All I wanted was a quiet night and a very soft bed.
Father arrived home a few hours later just before dinner. After our dinner had been served and every men had eaten their fill, Father invited them into the study for a scotch, a smoke and a full report of the day’s occurrences.
I used this opportunity to slip away, using the excuse of extreme exhaustion. Slipping upstairs and away from the chaos, I retired to my room.
“Anna, I am in dire need, nay, in desperate need of a hot soak for my bruised posterior area,” I called out as I entered my room.
“I have anticipated your need and lit a fire,” she added, coming out of the dressing area.
“When was the last time I told you I really truly loved you?” I asked as I pulled pins from my hair and Anna unlaced my gown.
“Do you think you can fix me one of your sleeping tonics tonight?” I pleaded with my eyes.
“I will get it for you as soon as you are safely in the bath.”
“You are truly an angel from above the way you take such good care of me. Promise you will never leave me,” I said as I brought her hand to my cheek.
“Oh, go on now. You do carry on so.” Anna’s cheeks turned red as she blushed and took the gown into the other room.
Climbing into the tub I sunk completely down till my hair was under the water. Holding my breath I just wanted to see how long I could stand it before panic set in; twenty seconds then thirty eight seconds.
Sitting up sputtering water from my mouth and nose I took in a couple of deep breaths of air trying to slow my racing heart. At some point, I know that I will get over my fear of being under the water.
“Have you received any word from Lord Deveraux?” Anna inquired as she came out of the dressing room causing me to jump, sloshing water from the tub.
“My goodness, you certainly have been jumpy these past few days,” Anna said as she came over to wash my hair.
“You just caught me by surprise, that’s all. I really should put a bell about your neck, sneaking up on me like that,” I teased. “To answer your question, no I have not heard from him.
“Let me get your hair washed and I will get that sleeping tonic for you. That will do the trick.” That was my Anna. Nothing ruffled her feathers, always so cheery. I sometimes wish I could be more like that.
“I think that would be splendid, thank you, Anna. I will just sit here and soak until I get cold.” And I will obsess over why I haven’t heard from Jude and where he might be. And think and think and think.
Sinking low in the bath to ensure the hot water would get all my bruised and battered parts, I placed a hot cloth over my eyes as I lay my head against the rim.
I heard a clinking noise like something hitting the balcony door, but that just couldn’t be. My mind must be playing tricks on me again. Then I heard it again. Stepping from the tub, I wrapped a clean sheet about me and went to see what it could be.
I opened the drapes then cautiously unlatched the door that led onto my balcony. Curiosity got the better of me as I ventured further out onto the balcony to see what that noise might have been. Stepping to the ivy covered railing, I looked as far as I dared without actually leaning over the edge.
“Is someone there?” I quietly called, still afraid of what might be lurking in those shadows. Nobody called back, and I figured it must have been my mind playing tricks on me again.
I turned away just as a hand reached over the ledge, grabbing ahold of my wrist. I screamed and jumped back, fear gripping me by the throat. I would have made it to the door except my feet got tangled up in the sheet and I tripped.
Paralyzed with fear I was unable to call out. Frantically trying to untangle myself and stand proved to be difficult. I was frozen with terror as someone climbed over the balcony ledge, landing in front of me with a thud.
Covering my face with my hands, I cowered beneath my thin sheet. Two strong hands picked me up, and I began flailing my fist against my attacker, guttural growls coming from my throat.
“Don’t touch me, you filthy pig! Unhand me,” I demanded pushing against his chest whilst holding tightly to my sheet.
“What a little spit fire you are, my love,” Jude purred the words at me.
Relief rushed through me like a waterfall. “Damn you, Jude. You scared ten years off my life,” I said, snatching my sheet up. “Leave my sheet alone. What do you think you are doing?” I hissed, slapping his hand away as he tugged at the top of it. “Anna will be back any minute now. She cannot see you.”
“Send her away. I have been on the road for days and I need you, ma amour.” Jude smiled slyly down at me.
“A fine invitation, mon amour. But I have bruises in places that shouldn’t bruise and I ache all over. Your sweet talk won’t work on me,” I said, looking at him placidly. His beard had started to grow and he looked ruggedly handsome. My resolve would melt away if he kept looking at me that way much longer.
“I would be happy to kiss away every bruise of yours, my love,” Jude said, his eyes pleading his case. “You know you want me to stay.” Smiling down at me, he tenderly kissed my lips as his hunger began to build.
Putting me down Jude turned me about, giving me a slight push toward the open doorway. Once I was through the threshold, he pulled the drapery closed and partially closed the door.
I sat down by the fire to dry my hair when Anna came back with my tonic.
“Here you go, drink this down while I brush out your hair,” Anna said, handing me the glass.
“I am really tired, Anna. Could we brush out my hair in the morning?” I asked.
“It will only take me a minute, Angelina.” Taking the brush from my hand Anna began. I could tell by the look in her eye she would not take no for an answer.
Anna finished my hair, and I finished my tonic and handed the glass back to her.
“Thank you, Anna, I am so very tired now. I won’t need you anymore tonight,” I said while still sitting in front of the fire.
“Would you like me to get you a night gown or a slip?” she asked.
“If you want to leave me a slip and robe at the foot of the bed I would be thankful. And I might want to sleep in late tomorrow, so please don’t wake me,” I said, looking at her hoping she didn’t see through my ploy.
Coming back into the room with a slip and robe she lay them out.
“I feel a breeze just let me close that door for you.”
“No! It’s fine, Anna. I opened it because I was warm. I promise to close it before I go to sleep.” Trying to appear nonchalant and keep my breathing normal. I could feel my heart racing in anticipation of Jude’s kisses.
“If you are sure you don’t need anything else?” Anna asked one last time as she walked to the door.
“I will call for you in the morning when I get up. Thank you, Anna, that will do.” I listened for the door to close. Getting up, I nearly ran to the door flipping the lock as I released the breath I had been holding.
Taking the left corner of my sheet, I twisted it bringing it across my chest then around my neck. Next, I twisted the right corner of the sheet, tying it to the left forming a kind of Grecian look.
Turning around I found Jude standing just inside of the drapes watching me, and my heart skipped a beat. Oh, how I had missed him.
Gathering the sheet up from the bottom, I ran across the room throwing myself into his arms. “I have missed you,” his words filled with emotion and passion as he kissed my lips ravenously.
“I can’t believe your boldness, sir. Scaling walls and scaring the life out of me.” I tried to sound stern, but I was so happy to see him. The evidence was written all over my face as his wandering hand began its exploration of my sheet.
Patting his riding coat, a cloud of dust flew from it. “You, sir, need a bath first. Now unhand me.” This time my voice was stern.
He put me down, then gave me a courtly bow. “As the lady orders I am obligated to obey,” he said. Removing his riding coat, he placed it on the back of the nearest chair. Then taking a seat, he removed his boots and socks.
I went to retrieve a fresh bath sheet and soap from the cabinet in the dressing room, returning to find him in nothing but a white linen shirt. What an appealing sight he made. My breath caught in my lungs, and my pulse quickened as a sly smile played on his lips.
“It was very fortuitous of you to order me a bath,” he loudly whispered as he boldly looked me up and down dressed in my stylish sheet.
“Yes, good sir, how fortuitous indeed,” I replied and curtsied with my hands full of bath supplies.
Removing his shirt, his eyes boldly assessed me as I slowly looked him up and down. “Will you join me?” His hand held out in invitation.
“I am afraid I will forgo another bath as I have already had mine. But please enjoy yours,” I quipped playfully.
Stepping into the tub, he gave a shiver from the coolness of the water as he sat down. “Good mistress, this water has gone cold.” His face showed dissatisfaction for the condition of his bath water.
“Then you won’t tarry long,” I said, pouring water over his head to wet his hair.
“Not if you wish me to perform this night.” He shivered again as I doused him with the cold water.
“I do believe you gain pleasure from your duties,” he said, reaching around to capture my hand that was busy soaping his hair.
“Yes, pleasure indeed, good sir,” I whispered in his ear while soaping a rag. Scrubbing the dirt from his neck and ears I pushed him forward so I could reach his back.
“Now I am the one enjoying your duties, madam,” he quietly said, relaxing from his long ride.
Soaping the rag again, I pulled him back against the tub. Boldly looking at him, I began scrubbing his chest and arms as he leaned his head back against the tub’s rim. I slowly moved my rag farther down as his eyes slowly opened, a look of surprise on his face at my sheer boldness.
“I truly missed you while I was away.” Jude’s sincere words were evident by his hushed tone.
“And I you,” I replied as I leaned down to kiss his lips. “Tell me what happened with your father? What was so urgent?” I asked as I retrieved the water warming by the fire to rinse him with.
“Honore and I arrived in Manchester and went to meet Father at the Greyhound Inn as instructed. When we arrive
d, there were six thugs waiting instead.”
“Did you get hurt?” I said as I almost dropping the bucket of water I was carrying.
“No, they were untrained thugs, not really committed to the task. We dispensed with them rather quickly. I was just worried that something had happened to my parents so I had to check in on them before returning. They were fine and the whole thing was a ruse.”
“Who would do such a thing? What would someone have to gain by luring you into a trap?” I asked, wondering more to myself than actually expecting an answer, also considering if that could have been the reason for the knot in my stomach. Or was something else coming for me?
“What is it? You have a funny look on your face,” he said, puzzled.
“It’s nothing really. I have had a knot in my stomach for days. And now that you are here it is gone,” as I continued with the pail in hand. Lifting it over his head, I rinsed the soap from his hair and chest.
“Ma amour, that is wonderful.” He sighed with satisfaction as the warm water slid down his body.
I was lost in thought, pondering who would want to hurt him and why. I put the pail on the floor and retrieved the sheet to dry Jude as he climbed out of the tub.
“I thought we could share this one, no need to soil a second sheet.” He snatched my makeshift dress before I could turn around.
“You, sir, are simply scandalous,” I teased as I found myself pulled up against his front while his nimble fingers worked at the knot I had tied.
Before I could blink twice, my sheet was on the floor and he had lifted me into his wet arms.
“Jude you are still wet,” I protested, trying to push against his solid chest.
“Don’t worry, love, I won’t be for long,” his bold words whispered in my ear as he carried me to the bed.
“You cad!” I retorted as he tossed me unceremoniously onto the bed causing me to squeal in surprise.
“Don’t forget the other names I am called by,” he said as he crawled across the bed on all fours like a leopard stocking prey.
“And pray tell what name would that be?” I replied with a seductive tone as his bold look made my blood boil.
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