The Secret Life of Lady Evangeline

by Jan Davis Warren

  “Come in, Lady Evangeline.” Millicent’s voice dripped with contempt. She leaned out, then disappeared behind the heavy tapestry that surrounded Lord Brighton’s large four-poster bed.

  Readied for battle, Evangeline searched the perimeter, checking for any of her adversary’s henchmen waiting to attack.

  No sign of anyone else, she hastened forward. The heavy curtains that surrounded the four-poster were loosed on three sides effectively blocking her view until she reached the opened side.

  At the head of the bed, Millicent sat beside Lord Brighton with one arm tightly around his neck and the other clutching a dagger at his throat.

  “Let him go at once!” Evangeline raised her sword and pointed it at her nemesis.

  “Stop! Drop that sword or I’ll slit him ear to ear.” Millicent grinned and pressed the blade against his flesh. A trickle of blood appeared.

  Evangeline dropped the sword. Her hand clutched her cross ready to release its blade.

  “I will exchange his life for your vow to provide for my free passage away from this vile land. I want a carriage and horses for my guards…well, any that have survived.”

  “You can’t get away. There is no place in all the kingdom where you can hide. The king will issue an edict for your arrest.” Evangeline’s thoughts raced for a solution to save her father. He remained silent, his body relaxed and a smile curving his lips. How could he be so calm at a time like this? Every scripture for protection she had memorized escaped her. All she could think to pray was, help us, Lord Jesus, as she edged nearer. If only she could move fast enough to disarm her enemy without the risk of hurting her father.

  “Thanks to my dear departed father’s many connections and his ill-gotten gains, I have other countries where I may go and live like a queen.” Millicent tugged Lord Brighton closer. “I will need gold and jewels to take with me. Hiring brigands is quite expensive.” Her eyes narrowed, and her mouth pinched into an angry line. “If you do not comply, this worthless old man will die before your eyes.” She grinned. “Where he will die quickly, my wretched father died slowly and violently from a powerful poison I put into his wine. I watched him thrash about for almost an hour before the end.” Lost in her thoughts, she relaxed her grip on the knife. A maniacal laughter erupted from her. “My only regret is that I hadn’t learned the use of such potions sooner to rid me of my tormentors.”

  “Why?” Evangeline shifted from one foot to the other, ready to spring. If she could keep her talking she might…

  “I had the misfortune of being born a lowly girl.” She tightened her grip again. Her eyes narrowed in anger, and she pointed the knife at Evangeline before again placing it against Lord Brighton’s throat. “My father was furious that his firstborn was not a son. As the story goes, in a drunken state, he fled the castle in the physician’s carriage to be consoled by his mistress and was nearly killed when the carriage lost a wheel and crashed, pinning him beneath. His injuries kept him from fathering more children. My poor weak mother was so terrified of the man, she could never stand up to him, no matter how many times he humiliated her . . . or me.” Deep in thought, her gaze strayed to the bed’s heavy coverlet. With the tip of her dagger, she traced the intricately embroidered silk hearts that covered the surface. “She died of a weak heart, or so I bribed the physician to say, but the truth was, I couldn’t bear to watch her grovel another day.” With a vicious stab, she plunged the dagger into the bedding, but her free arm remained tightly around Lord Brighton’s throat. Her voice dropped to the low babble of the insane.

  “After that wench stole Henry, my father threatened to sell me like a prize cow to the highest bidder if I didn’t marry that stupid brother of his.” She glanced up at Evangeline as if she didn’t recognize her and edged the blade up and down the coverlet, cutting each heart-shaped swirl of the pattern. “They all deserved to die.”

  Lord Brighton remained still, his breathing shallow.

  “Henry’s brother adored me, of course. I might have let poor ole Robert live if he hadn’t found my journal of poisons and my list of victims. He was going to have me locked away.” With a flick of her wrist, she sliced another vicious cut of the delicate fabric, shredding the coverlet inch by inch. The goose down filler floated out and covered the room like snow. “He died in my arms. Poor man. He looked very much like Henry. I might have learned to love him.”

  “Loose Lord Brighton at once!” Henry erupted into the room and rushed to Evangeline’s side.

  “Really, darling, must you be so…hostile?” She waved the dagger in the air then let it again settle against Lord Brighton’s throat. “I’ll gladly let the old man live…if you kill that wench. Then we can leave the kingdom together.”

  Three more of the king’s guard burst into the room and surrounded the bed, jerking down the heavy curtains, which gave them a clear vantage.

  “Now look what you’ve done. You’ve ruined our lovely privacy.” She pushed up against the heavy carved headboard. “Leave the room or…” With a swift movement, she stabbed Lord Brighton in the arm. He gasped with pain.

  “See what you made me do?” She pressed the blood-stained blade against his neck. “I can keep stabbing him until he has no life left, or I can leave the castle with him, and Henry can bandage his wounds in the carriage along the way.” She pointed the blade at each of the guards. “If you take another step closer, you will be responsible for Lord Brighton’s death.”

  “Stop! Don’t hurt my father.” Evangeline touched Henry’s arm. “Let her leave.” Regret tainted her words even as her body shook with restrained rage. “Please.”

  “No.” A clear command erupted from her father. With a burst of strength, he grabbed Millicent’s arm and shoved her away. The guards pounced on the bed. One pulled Lord Brighton to safety while the other two wrestled with Millicent. She fought like a maniac, thrusting her dagger fruitlessly against their chainmail until they disarmed her.

  “Let me go at once!” Millicent’s screams and curses grew more hysterical. She writhed against the guard’s firm hold as they dragged her from the room. “I have great wealth. Loose me, and I’ll make you rich.”

  Henry followed the guards to the door. “I will return after I make sure Millicent is securely locked in the dungeon. I will also make sure no misguided soul is tempted to take her up on her generous offer.” Henry met Evangeline’s gaze. With that one look, she knew without a doubt she was loved and she in turn had sent him the same silent message. He grinned and gave her a wink of acknowledgement, then followed the sounds of the guards hauling their protesting prisoner down the back stairs toward the dungeon.

  Evangeline followed the guard as he carried her father to the outer chamber and eased him into a chair near the fireplace. Expecting the worst, Evangeline was surprised to see, instead of her father anguished with pain, his face was ruddy with excitement. A servant rushed forward to wrap his wound with a linen napkin that had been discarded on a nearby table.

  “Was she injured?” By Lord Brighton’s flushed cheeks and the sparkle in his cloudy eyes, he had actually enjoyed the excitement.

  “She is unharmed and the king’s guards have taken her to the dungeon.” She reached out to him, and he clasped her hand. “Are you well, father?”

  “Useless old man indeed!” His voice was strong and confident. He patted her hand. “I’m fine, child.”

  “Thank God.” Only God could have produced such an outcome with no further bloodshed. Watching helplessly as her father was held by a madwoman was not an experience she ever wished to repeat.

  “Other than a minor bloodletting, I’m quite well.” He chuckled. “Actually it was quite invigorating.”

  Evangeline buried her face into his shoulder and clung to him. Drawing a calming breath she wiped her tears and motioned for a young servant to come near. Several hovered in the doorway eager to be of help.

  “Rodney, please fetch Elsa and have her bring the herbs.” Evangeline waved the young man off to do her bidding. W
ith a nod, he disappeared, his footsteps echoed as he ran down the corridor.

  Elsa had been a faithful servant for as long as Evangeline could remember. She had run the household with a minimal fuss in spite of Evangeline’s aunt’s bitter interference.

  “Be gone. Back to your jobs. As you can see, his Lordship is fine.” Elsa hurried in with two servants close behind. The last one paused only long enough to close the door.

  “Bring that fresh water and set it beside the chair.” Elsa waved forward the servant who carried a large bucket, then motioned to a second servant, who carried an arm full of folded cloths. “Now, what have you gotten yourself into this time, milord?” She tsk-tsked, as she removed the napkin tied around his arm, and cut away the sleeve of his nightshirt to reveal the dagger wound.

  “Tis only a flesh wound, unless you would like to do the doctoring.” Elsa glanced up at Evangeline awaiting her answer.

  “Please continue. I don’t think I can.” Evangeline’s voice quivered. She drew a steady breath and leaned in to get a better look.

  “Then, I need you to step out of my light so I can do a proper job, Lady Evangeline…or is it still, Sister Margaret Mary?” Elsa glanced up and grinned.

  “Does everyone know my real identity?” She shook her head in disbelief.

  “No, just Gertrude, me, and a few others, but we’ve kept your secret.” She turned her attention back to treating Lord Brighton’s wound. “You look no worse for the excitement, your Lordship.”

  “I haven’t felt so alive since my little girl came back to me.” Lord Brighton’s voice was strong and vibrant.

  “I have a surprise for you, father.” Evangeline stood and smiled.

  A firm knock sounded on the door, and the servant nearest opened it.

  “I have a wee one who is missing her mum.” Gertrude stepped inside with little Sarah on her hip. The little girl spotted Evangeline and reached out for her.

  “Mum, mum, mum.” Her childish demand brooked no refusal.

  “Thank you, Gertrude for keeping her safe.” Evangeline accepted Sarah into her arms. “Come, my sweet baby.” She nuzzled her daughter’s neck until she giggled.

  “Father, I have someone who wants to meet you.” She walked over to where he sat straight and regal, a new bandage wrapped around his right arm. Unable to see them, he tilted his head and listened.

  “This is Lady Sarah, your granddaughter.” She handed her daughter down into his outstretched arms.

  “My granddaughter?” His voice quivered with emotion. “I wasn’t sure I would live to see this day.” Tears ran down his wrinkled cheeks.

  Little Sarah somehow understood the importance of the man who held her. She patted her grandfather’s cheek then jabbered the serious but incoherent language of toddlers.

  “You are indeed your mother’s daughter.” Lord Brighton gathered the child into a hug and laughed.

  Another knock sounded, and loud whispers erupted when the servant opened the door. A scuffle ensued, and an intruder pushed his way inside the room. A king’s guard stepped forward, sword raised.

  “Wait!” Elsa rushed forward. “This is my grandson, Fred.” She put a hand on the young man’s shoulder. “What’s wrong?”

  “The crowd outside is threatening to break down the gates unless Lord Brighton shows himself.” He knelt beside his grandmother. Fear filled his gaze as he raised his eyes to meet Evangeline. “Please, yur Ladyship, I fear they’ll be killed, for they’re no match for the armed guards. They be only concerned for Lord Brighton’s safety, not to do ’im harm. They want to help.”

  “Lead me to them.” Lord Brighton handed the child to Evangeline and stood.

  “Here, yur Lordship.” Elsa helped him slip on his finest robe and slippers then ran a quick brush through his wispy white hair.

  Evangeline placed her father’s hand on her arm to lead him. He held his head high. His gait was slow but steady. Together, they reached the castle’s outer gates. The angry shouts of the crowd silenced when Lord Brighton raised his hand.

  “My loyal friends, thank you for your support during the long days of this siege. As you can see, I am well, and the enemy has been subdued.” Lord Brighton smiled as the crowd cheered. He raised his hand again and waited for the people to quiet. He turned and put an arm around Evangeline’s shoulder.

  “Let me officially announce the return of my beloved daughter, Lady Evangeline, and introduce my grandchild, Lady Sarah.”

  The people clapped and cheered.

  “I heard she died.” Murmurs of agreement continued. “Why didn’t she return sooner?”

  Evangeline fought the guilt of her deception as the whispers and speculation replaced the cheers and circulated through the crowd at her father’s announcement. She couldn’t fault them. Hadn’t they mourned with Lord Brighton at the news of her death?

  There would be much discussion around their campfires this evening as to where she had been all of this time.

  Henry appeared and took his place on the opposite side of Lord Brighton putting a supporting hand under his Lordship’s bandaged arm.

  “And she has brought her husband, Lord Henry Stanton, who has come to put right the injustices that…”

  “You be too late. The Fox’s done what the royals have not,” a peasant shouted from the throng of people. The crowd roared their agreement. Lord Brighton raised his hand again until the crowd calmed.

  “I am deeply grateful for the Fox’s help in the manner of capturing the real outlaws who have reigned terror over our land. I will issue an order of amnesty for the Fox and his gang.” Lord Brighton waited until the cheers died down. “With the provision that they cease their activities immediately.”

  The crowd’s response was a mixture of cheers and boos.

  “The King has sent soldiers and will send as many more as necessary to insure order and safety to your land.” Henry raised his voice to be heard and stepped forward. “I will remain until this is done. You have my word.” He straightened and spread his feet, sword in his hand. “Please, go back to your homes. We will continue to hunt down the last of our enemies to see none escape justice.”

  The crowd continued to voice their doubts, but began to disperse.

  The castle servants came with a chair to carry Lord Brighton back inside. His strength depleted, he eased down and grasped the arms of the carrier, releasing a sigh.

  “Please, take me to the garden. I’ve been captive far too long. I want to breathe in the fresh air of freedom.” Lord Brighton raised his face to the bright sunlight and smiled.

  The servants turned to Henry, who nodded his approval. That the servants already looked to Henry as the authority sent strange feelings surging through Evangeline. Fear that they thought her father was no longer capable to be in charge, or was it that Henry had stepped in? With the need to ponder the situation more, she adjusted Sarah on her hip and turned to follow her father. Henry placed a restraining hand on her arm, his expression serious.

  “I’ll be along shortly, Father.” She turned to Elsa, who hovered nearby. “Would you take Sarah and stay with them until I join you?”

  With a grin and a curtsey, the woman gathered the child into her arms and followed Lord Brighton to the rose garden.

  Henry stepped close and placed his arm around Evangeline. He guided her from the gates to a stone bench away from prying eyes. Two guards stayed far enough to give Henry and Evangeline privacy yet remained close enough to protect them if necessary.

  “What is it, Henry?” Evangeline saw the worry in his stern expression and furrowed brow, but also the tension and restlessness of his every gesture, a sure sign he pondered a problem of utmost importance. Dread quickened her heartbeat.

  “No one has seen nor heard of the capture of that imposter Urso Hemming.” As if unable to stay seated, he stood and rubbed a hand over the hilt of his sword. “That man must be brought to justice if we want any chance of regaining the confidence of the people.”

  She knew him we
ll enough to understand his need to do what was right. A warmth like sweet butter melting on a slice of fresh bread spread throughout her thawing another portion of the hurt frozen in her heart. Placing a hand on his arm, she stopped him.

  “He will not escape. With the generous reward you offered for his capture, the fake Earl of Evanwood will find it difficult to flee.” She dropped her hand and clasped them before her. “I know of some places that a fugitive might hide in the area.” She smiled at his surprise. “I’ll send a servant, who is familiar with the area, to go with you.”

  Henry hesitated.

  “Go. I’ll stay here and organize a search within the castle walls in case the fugitive is still waiting for a chance to escape.”

  “Hopefully this matter will be dealt with by the eve, and then perhaps we can finally resolve more private issues.” He ran his fingers down her cheek then pulled her into an embrace. A deep longing to regain what they once had stirred within her. She stepped out of his reach, her face flushed.

  “Until then.” She turned away and headed toward the garden, her heart pounding with the doubt of her decision to remain behind when she’d rather ride at Henry’s side and pursue Hemming.

  A shout stopped her as she passed the sentry’s post.

  A familiar voice came from the gates, which remained closed. “Help! He stole my baby.”

  Chapter 26

  “What’s wrong?” Evangeline rushed to the gate where Anna stood crying and wringing her hands.

  Henry stepped up behind his wife.

  “He stole Angus.” The young girl’s sobs made it hard to understand the rest.

  “Open the gates.” Henry shouted to the gate guards. Excruciatingly slow, the gates rose until there was room for Anna to duck under and scurry inside. She bobbed a quick curtsey then threw herself at Evangeline’s feet.

  “Please, your ladyship. My son. He took my Angus.” Anna’s words came in a rushing raspy plea.

  Evangeline put a hand under the young woman’s arm and helped her to stand. Henry issued orders and had horses brought forth.