CHAPTER SIX

"T'was quite rude of him do behave in such a manner." Katherine said scandalized.

Annabelle shrugged. "Poor man didn't understand his own feelings. I still have the scar." Annabelle lifted the sleeve of her gown until her elbow was exposed. Katherine peered at the crescent shaped mark, even now, years later, it looked less than pleasant.

"It looks like it would have been quite painful." Katherine remarked, moving away. Annabelle pulled her sleeve back down.

"Aye, t'was very painful, but not nearly as painful as Lockhart's beating." Annabelle grimaced at the memory. Edward had been furious. But he hadn't meant to hurt her, he had meant to harm the man who dared to court her, insolent man. She had tried to prevent it, resulting in her scar.

"All ended well, Lockhart had smirked in Edward's direction and had left, never boring a grudge. If it weren't for him Edward would never have come to accept or understand his feelings for me." Annabelle recalled Edward's face when she had hurt herself, he had been devastated.

"If Lord Dracmore hadn't discovered his feeling's you would not have told him or pursued your own?" Katherine inquired curiously.

"Nay, I wouldn't have. I knew I had liked him, but I doubted he liked me. I always had assumed he loathed me. After Jonathan had left, Edward was angry all the time, he wouldn't speak to anyone. He locked me out." Annabelle shrugged sadly. She remembered all too well why he had secluded himself. His parent's death in a carriage accident a year prior to Jonathan's sudden departure had left Edward in a despondent state. Jonathan leaving hadn't helped the matter.

"When he finally began accepting company he wouldn't speak to me. And if he did, he would quickly catch himself, as if he had forgotten himself. When Lockhart proposed, I thought Edward hadn't cared, until he began hitting Lockhart for taking me out to the gardens."

"Why would that anger Lord Dracmore to such extent he had to resort to violence?" Katherine frowned. Annabelle smirked mischievously. "Unbeknown to my innocent self, gardens are a place of debauchery, well, according to Edward anyway."

"That sounds..."

"I know." Annabelle rolled her eyes heavenward. "When I told Edward gardens were made for walking, he grabbed me and..." Annabelle trailed of blushing furiously.

Katherine scrunched her brows in confusion. "He grabbed you and?"

"He kissed me." Annabelle quickly said when the silence stretched.

"Oh, well..." Katherine blushed, at a loss for words.

"That occurred five years ago." Annabelle sighed.

"And you still haven't married?" Katherine questioned incredulously. "Tis, just, it seems as if the two of you care very deeply for one another." Katherine hastily assured at Annabelle's fallen expression.

"We were waiting for Jonathan's return. The berk finally decided to come back." Annabelle snorted.

"Why had he left?"

"You'd have to ask him yourself, Kastry." Annabelle smirked.

"A story for another time perhaps." Katherine smiled.

***

"Mind your manners." Edward growled.

"As if I have any." Jonathan grunted as he shoved Edward into a wall.

"Why you..." Edward snarled as he pushed Jonathan into a painting.

"I apologize! I didn't mean to hit you so hard." Edward panicked as the painting began to fall. It was comical really, a six foot something man panicking over a painting. Jonathan tried to steady the painting with one hand while the other was used to steady himself.

"Well, do stand there and not help me." Sarcasm was clear in his voice. The painting was one of his father's priceless masterpieces, if anything happened to it, him and Edward could start preparing their respected funerals.

"My apologies." Edward grimaced as they both managed to save the heavy painting.

"Honestly, don't you two ever get tired?" Albert said in exasperation, one of his eyebrows raised slightly. He had walked a good distance in front of them before realizing they hadn't been following.

Edward and Jonathan stared at each other before shaking their head no.

"Follow me. We have to have you two presentable before the dinner party."

Edward and Jonathan grumbled along the way. Once inside the safety of Jonathan's chambers, their bickering began once again.

"Tis because of you we're in this mess. Being dressed as if we were cows up for inspection." Jonathan muttered.

"Technically, my lord, you are a cow up for inspection." Albert drawled.

"And if you hadn't taken my cake, we wouldn't be in this mess." Edward added, beginning to undress.

"I trust I do not have to dress the two of you?"

"Aye, you do not have to." Jonathan assured him. Albert left them then, mistakenly trusting the two lords to behave.

"Edward, I know how to make our evening more amusing."

"Wonderful, let me finish pulling on my trousers. It better not involve anything gruesome." Edward warned.

"Why would I do such a thing?" Jonathan asked cheekily as he finished pulling his tunic over his head.

Both friends quickly finished donning their clothing and headed out the door. Jonathan led the way while Edward followed. They both ran, slowing down to a brisk walk once any being came into view.

"Where are we headed?" Edward grunted, his side beginning to pain.

"To the fields." Jonathan answered as he threw flowers behind him at Edward. Who knew the flowers his father insisted on would come in handy?

"You berk!" Edward laughed as he looked for something to throw.

"Aye, but I am your berk." Jonathan chuckled. They turned a corner, not bothering to slow down upon spotting a maid. She dropped whatever she was holding, moving out their way.

"Aye, how I love you so." Edward crooned.

"You are an imbecile." Jonathan snickered.

"HALT!"

Jonathan skidded to a stop, Edward bumping into him.

"When will you two learn?" Dillon Rivers hissed a vein in his forehead throbbing.

"I have told you countless times, Jonathan, you must stop behaving like a child." Lord Rivers said coldly as he eyed his son with distaste.

"Mayhap if I had a childhood I wouldn't behave in such a manner." Jonathan sneered.

"Jonathan-"

"I think you have said enough, my lord. We did no harm. You told us to prepare for dinner, and we are following your requests." Edward said dangerously softly, his sapphire orbs so dark they almost looked black.

"Jonathan, mayhap you should carry along, I'll join you shortly." Jonathan hesitated briefly before nodding slightly and walking away.

Edward stared at Lord Rivers until his friend was safely away before turning to leave.

"Wait."

Edward turned, raising his brow to let the older lord know he didn't have much time.

"I need your help."

Edward remained quiet, waiting for the older man to explain himself.

"I need to make amends with my son." And in that moment, for the first time, Edward saw the fatigue and wariness in Lord Rivers face. As well as signs of his age. He saw the despair, the emptiness, but along with it, he saw something else, hidden, but there nevertheless.

"You can begin by not despising him. You can start by treating him the way he deserves to be treated. You can set out by forgoing your pride." Edward lashed out.

Lord Rivers bristled, his demeanor becoming hostile. "I am trying to the best of my ability."

Edward snickered. "Until you do not let your pride go, and see what is before you, until you do not stop using your son as a pawn, it's not called trying." Edward snarled. Lord Rivers took a step back, his hands clenched. "You do not understand, I need proof." There it was, the emotion, the feeling he so desperately tried to keep hidden.

"Look in a sarding mirror with him standing beside you." Edward ground out, turning on his heal.

"I am not done as yet, where are you going?"

"I am done." Edward answered without turning. He needed to find Jonathan. The git couldn't have all the fun.

It took Edward no more than ten minutes to locate Jonathan. His friend was seated in the kitchens, cake in hand. Edward grinned evilly, this time, he would get his cake. Slowly, he walked up behind Jonathan. Before the bloke could have guessed, Edward had the cake away from Jonathan and in his mouth.

"You sarding bugger."

Edward grinned. "Fate has a clever way to give you what you deserve."

"Took you long enough." Jonathan grunted.

Edward shrugged, pointing towards the bundle atop the table. "You have found what you had sought, I presume?

"Aye." Jonathan leered. Looking around the kitchens, he spotted Henry chatting up a pretty maid.

"Henry!" Henry looked towards the voice, smiling when he spotted Jonathan and Edward. He walked towards them. "Aye, m'lord?

"Henry, I need you to stand guard while Edward and I tend to some matters."

"With pleasure." Henry smirked.

***

Kathrine tried not to fidget as she entered the room behind her parents. After Annabelle had left, her mother had made an appearance with Leslie in tow. Suffice to say, her preparations for dinner hadn't exactly been pleasant. Here she stood in a gown which was bolder than the last, with hues of deep blue and black. It seemed to Katherine her mother hadn't had a single pastel colored gown made.

Katherine watched as her father stepped away, chatting to a group of gentlemen before dinner started. She expected her mother to do the same, but it seemed as if mother dearest had plans of her own. "Do you think Lord Dracmore would bother to seek your company or shall I have to fend for myself?"

Katherine felt a bitter taste coat her mouth, her father stood not even ten feet away.

"He is betrothed, mother." Katherine answered testily.

"Do not speak to me in such a manner." Savannah snarled behind her fan, "Obviously he is betrothed, Katherine, have you seen the man?"

Katherine gritted her teeth, willing herself to be calm. She didn't know why, perhaps because she had spent the greater part of her time today with Annabelle, either way, she seemed acutely irritated with her mother.

"If he is betrothed, and you married, why must you pursue him?" Katherine tried to keep her voice lite, peering around for her new found friends.

Lady Atkins scoffed. "I pity you when you shall marry, Katherine. Such naivetés will only be your downfall."

Katherine shrugged one delicate shoulder. The anger she currently felt for her mother was disarming.

"Ah, there he is. Such a handsome man." Savannah purred.

Katherine felt sick. Lord Dracmore walked towards her, a handsome smile adorning his face as he greeted her first and then her mother, his smile slipping ever so slightly.

"My lord, what a pleasant surprise." Lady Atkins smiled lavishly from beneath her lashes.

"Lady Atkins, it seems I keep stealing your daughter away from you." Edward grinned roguishly, Savannah almost dropped her fan. For being a woman twice her age, she was behaving like an untried lass in the illusions of love.

"Why would you want my daughter when you can have my company?" Her meaning was clear, Edward stiffened, his cobalt gaze turning to ice. Katherine blanched, not able to tear her gaze away from her mother and her lewd invitations.

"There you are, Edward. I've been looking for you." Annabelle smiled as she came from behind.

"Pardon me, I was unaware you were with company." Annabelle apologized, offering a warm smile to Katherine and her mother. Savanah eyed Annabelle with distaste.

"Annabelle, may I introduce you to Lady Atkins and her daughter, Miss Katherine. My lady, this is Lady Annabelle Davidson, my fiancé." Edward put a hand around her waist, pulling her close.

"A pleasure." Annabelle smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she glanced at Katherine.

"Likewise." Savannah said evenly, not at all pleased with the turn of events.

"Come along, dear. I have a mind to introduce you to some lovely guests. Excuse us." Lady Atkins said as she pulled Katherine away. Katherine offered a small smile over her shoulder before turning back around.

"I can understand why Jonathan dislikes her." Edward growled.

"Do not be absurd, Edward. She was polite enough." Annabelle chided.

"She was polite alright, polite in her favors." He muttered darkly to himself.

"I'm afraid I didn't catch that." Annabelle frowned. "No need, love. It seems Jonathan was given private invitation duty." Edward chuckled.

Annabelle's confused gaze followed Edward's. Soon enough, her confusion gave room to amusement as she spotted Jonathan.

"Shall we make him more miserable?"

"Have I told you just how much I love you?" Edward grinned while looking down at Annabelle.

Annabelle's gaze softened, her expression becoming serious. "Not recently you haven't, my lord." She whispered.

Edward's eyes, too, grew serious as he took in her expression. His thumb grazed her lower lip. Uncaring of listening ears, of the prying eyes, of wagging tongues, he pulled her closer. His fingers grazed slightly lower until it grasped her chin, tilting it upward. "I love you, Annabelle Dracmore, and I shall love you until the day my breath leaves my body and even beyond that. I would rather die than live a second without you, for that second will contain such darkness, it shall tarnish my already dead being, but even such darkness is more beloved to me than life without you." He whispered as he sealed his vow with a sweet kiss. Annabelle's eyes teared slightly.

"How am I to compete with something such as that?"

"You aren't. You're only to be loved."

Annabelle stood on the tips of her toes, intending to kiss him.

"Could you two behave? Must I chaperone you all the time?" Jonathan smirked as he sandwiched himself in between the lovers. "I beg of you, think of my innocence which you have un-doubtfully ruined."

Annabelle scowled. Insolent man!

"If you're an innocent, I must be Virgin Mary." Edward scoffed.

Jonathan peered at him closely. "I don't know, with those feminine lashes, you might as well be."

"Aren't you supposed to be directing everyone for dinner?" Annabelle scowled.

"I am, you two love lovebirds are the last ones. I daresay, if it was not for my quick thinking, you two would have had quite the audience." Jonathan informed. Surely enough, they glanced around the ballroom to see it empty.

Annabelle reddened. Edward scowled. "I cannot wait for this event to end. The first thing we are doing is saying our vows."

"You do not have to wait for me."

"Sod off, Jonathan." Edward growled as the trio headed toward the dining room.

"Seating arrangements?" Edward blanched as he had a look around.

"Aye, but I managed to have us placed together."

"Along with Pastry?" Edward asked hopefully.

Jonathan smirked. "Are we growing fond of her?"

"Aye, I love the way she speaks."

"She's different." Jonathan agreed.

They walked towards the long table which had been set up for the event. Edward's face darkened. "I thought you said we were seated together." Edward hissed.

"Father." Jonathan gritted.

"Not father, I." Albert intruded.

"Why would you do such a thing?" Jonathan almost shouted.

"In my humble opinion, the two of you have managed to cause enough mayhem today. You have to at least pretend to follow your father's wishes, my lord. And that includes mingling with the guests." Albert all but hissed in the measly minutes he had while walking past them, albeit very slowly.

"He is correct."

Jonathan swore low and harsh. He did not like it at all, but Albert was right. He needed to interact with his guests.

"Very well." He grumbled like a petulant child.

They both separated, looking for their respected seats. Jonathan cursed Albert to the pits of hell. He was surrounded by ladies, Edward was placed on the opposite end from Jonathan, Annabelle somewhere in between. His eyes sought out his pupil, at least she would be in peace. Albert had placed her next to Annabelle.

Jonathan resigned himself to his fate as the meal began. Along with the fluttering of lashes and fans. A lady to his right began a conversation as the first course was placed. Jonathan risked a glance at his father, he seemed pleased. At least something was working in his favor.

***

"Why are you not eating?"

Katherine looked towards Annabelle at the question. "I ate to my full this afternoon, I do not find myself very hungry." Katherine explained.

"Nonsense, darling. They served only refreshments earlier, you must eat." Her father smiled as he took the empty seat across from her. Annabelle peered at the man curiously.

"This is my father, Lord Atkins. Father, this is Lady Annabelle Davidson."

"A pleasure." Annabelle smiled.

"I'm glad my daughter has taken a liking to you. Perhaps now she shall eat." Lord Atkins beamed at Annabelle before giving his daughter a warm smile. Katherine felt confusion wash over her.

"You look lovely, darling."

Katherine's enormous eyes widened further at the compliment. She wasn't used to them, especially from her father, then again, her mother hardly had allowed her to spend much time with her father.

"Thank you, papa." Katherine said softly. Her Father's smile widened before he turned his attention to Annabelle. "So tell me, my lady, what have you done to gain my daughter's approval?"

Annabelle laughed as Lord Atkins gave her an exaggerated wink. "I highly doubt I gave her a choice my lord."

"Nonsense, my daughter would have given you a piece of her mind."

"Father, you think me the arguing type?" Katherine questioned, dismayed.

"No, my darling, I merely think you wouldn't let someone force you into anything you wouldn't want to do."

Katherine smiled tentatively, taking in his words. Her father believed in her? More so.... he gave her...freedom...a choice.

"Worry not my lord, I shan't let that happen." Annabelle promised.

"My daughter may be fragile, but she is stronger than she perceives herself." Lord Atkins said quietly as he looked directly at said daughter. Katherine felt uncomfortable under his scrutiny. He hadn't paid her much mind before, why now?

"Would you care to tell me stories of Katherine from when she was younger?" Annabelle tried to steer the conversation to lighter grounds, failing rather helplessly.

"I'm afraid I do not know any. I was rarely at my estate. I have just begun to start staying at the estate."

"Oh..." Annabelle was at a loss for words until an idea struck.

"Well, we shall rectify the situation. I shall indulge you in one."

Katherine peered at Annabelle curiously.

"Her first morn here she was telling Jonathan the difference between pastry and pasty."

Lord Atkins chuckled. "Is that so? What did this Jonathan fellow do?"

"He took the pastry or pasty, whichever it was, right out of her trencher." Annabelle laughed. "Suffice to say he earned himself another lecture on propriety. "

Lord Atkins laughed, drawing the attention of the women around him as well some of the men. "Did she now?"

Katherine turned red.

"Aye she did."

"In my defense, he was trying to eat from my trencher, and he tried to feed me, without introductions no less."

"I have to meet this fellow. My darling is only recalling the tale and she's flushed with irritation." Lord Atkins observed in amusement.

"I... well... he was quite irksome, papa." Katherine stumbled for words, she had never been in such a situation before, she didn't know what to do, how to react, she had never been prepared for such a situation.

"I don't know my lord, what if you want to see him and only give him a nice bruise for acting in such a way towards your daughter?" Annabelle asked with a raise of her brow.

"Fair point well made." Lord Atkins chuckled, "but I shall find him."

Katherine turned wide eyed from her father to Annabelle. Where had the conversation gone?

"Don't look so scared, darling, I won't harm the boy."

"I don't care what you do with the lord, father." Katherine informed him.

"I'm only jesting with you, darling. Apparently I'm not very good at it." Lord Atkins mumbled.

Katherine surreptitiously looked for her lout. She couldn't find him without craning her head, something she wasn't too keen on doing.

"Darling, you must eat." Lord Atkins chided her upon seeing her still full plate.

"I will." Katherine smiled slightly. This was foreign to her but welcomed nonetheless.

***

"And then I simply shot my arrow, father was very proud."

Jonathan nodded his head, keeping a smile pasted on his face. "That was quite a tale."

"Thank you, my lord. But I believe you have more interesting tales to tell." The lady fluttered her lashes, seductively placing the fork in her mouth. Jonathan was oblivious.

"On the contrary. I am a simple man who likes a quiet life. I would probably bore you ladies to tears."

The women surrounding him all giggled. Jonathan smiled for their benefit. The meal was almost over and then he could retire for the night. But before that he had to speak to Kitten. Where was she? Jonathan glanced around, quickly spotting her. She was with Annabelle, he had forgotten. Thankfully her mother was away from her. Jonathan peered at the man she and Annabelle were laughing with. He seemed older. He had never met the git, who was he? He couldn't be that awful if he was making them laugh. As long as he didn't try to get under their skirt's Jonathan was fine with him. If he did... well let's just say he would be acquainted with his sword collection sooner rather than later.

Jonathan was considering how he would speak to Kitten when dinner came to an end. His father stood up, glass in hand. "I thank you all for joining us tonight. For those of you who are not tired, you are more than welcomed to join us in the ballroom for some drinks, ladies you are more than welcomed to indulge us with your company."

Everyone rose to head towards the ballroom. Jonathan searched for Katherine, he only had a precious few moments to talk to her; he needed to leave posthaste. He spotted Katherine a moment before seeing Edward. Giving Edward a nod to let him know he would be along shortly, Jonathan made his way towards Katherine. Henry walked over to Albert, the two whispered quietly to each other, no one paid the servants any mind. Albert scowled but nodded nevertheless.

"Kitten, is it alright if we do your lessons today after everyone has retired for the night?"

"I would love to learn, my lord. But don't you think tis improper for you to come to my room alone at night?"

Jonathan snorted, "We're beyond propriety, Kitten. I shall see you then." Jonathan winked just as Lady Atkins joined her daughter.

"I believe we haven't been introduced." Her eyes took in the man before her.

"Perhaps another time, my lady, I'm afraid I have to leave at the moment, it's quite urgent." Jonathan grinned wolfishly before quickly leaving the ballroom.

"My, my Katherine, since when do such handsome men converse with you?" Savannah sneered. Katherine willed her tears back, this was not the time nor the place.

"I mean look at you, there isn't anything remarkable to look at."

Katherine kept her gaze on the floor, ignoring the shadow over her.

"Have you been kind with your favors? You couldn't possibly know how to please a man."

"Enough, Savannah." Edmund snarled.

Katherine glanced up, startled to find her father standing there, championing her no less.

"My lord, I..."

"I would like a word with my daughter."

Lady Atkins quickly hurried away.

"Has she always been this way towards you?"

"I...uh..."

"I have my answer, darling, why didn't you tell me?"

Before Katherine could answer, there was a commotion at the entrance to the ballroom.

"I will not stand for this, Rivers." Abbot shouted, practically foaming at the mouth.

"First your son strikes me-"

"You had tripped, my lord, I think the fall has addled your brain." Adair interjected not at all remorseful.

"What happened?" Lord Rivers interjected.

"I decided to retire for the night, when I entered my chambers there was mutilated rat carcass all over my furs and linens." Abbot spat, clearly furious.

"I want your son, I know he is the one responsible for this."

"What makes you so certain it was my son? That's a hefty accusation."

"Your son is not present at the moment, who else good it be?" Abbot smarted.

"If I may my lord, his lordship is not feeling well, he retired as soon as dinner was finished." Albert said, his face devoid of any emotion.

"Someone ruined my room and I demand retribution." Abbot barked, his pudgy face turning purple.

"I shall prove it to you all. The Rivers name will be dragged in dirt. You shall be sorry you ever crossed me." Abbot threatened as he took his leave. It was silent, tense, journey towards Abbot's chambers. Once there, Abbot flung the door open, stepping aside so they may enter first and see. "See for yourself. No respect, no regard for privacy..."

Lord Rivers along with several other men entered the chamber. A blazing torch allowed them to survey the room.

"Do you see?"

"We see nothing, Abbot. I am fairly positive the fall has addled your brain." Adair drawled.

"Nonsense!" Abbot spluttered entering the room but came to a halt by his bed. His neat, clean, blood and carcass free bed, that is.

"I know what I saw. There was mutilated rat carcass on my linens!"

"I shall fetch for the healer, head wounds are tricky."

"There is naught wrong with me. I need to see your son."

"That is the third time you have slandered my son, one more word and I shall have you thrown out the manor." Lord Rivers said in an eerily calm voice. Abbot bristled, insulted. He had seen the blood with his very eyes, and now it was as if...

"There shall be no need for such behavior."

Lord Rivers nodded. "Now if you'll excuse me, I shall fetch for the healer."

Lord Rivers left the chambers, heading to the right wing of the manor, straight towards his son's chambers.

"Albert." Dillon Rivers called curtly.

"Aye, my lord?" His expression impassive.

"Follow me. What did Jonathan say was wrong with him exactly?"

"He did not mention what was wrong with him. He said he was feeling ill and if his lordship shall ask, he had retired early."

"And you didn't think to call a healer?" Dillon questioned testify.

"The young lord said he did not require one, he simply wanted to sleep." Albert answered coldly.

They had reached Jonathan's chambers. Lord Rivers tried the handle, the door was locked. "I presume you have the keys?"

"Aye." Albert stepped forward, unlocking the door. Quietly, so to not disturb Jonathan, he opened the door. The room was engulfed in darkness, not a single candle was lit. Albert stepped to the side, retrieving a candle, and stepped into the hall, lighting it with a torch.

"Young lord?" Albert whispered as he stepped towards the bed. Jonathan groaned, turning away. "My lord, your father would like a word with you."

"Albert?" Jonathan sat up in bed, rubbing his eyes slightly.

"Aye, my lord." Albert said gently, his gaze softening as he took in Jonathan's disheveled hair.

"I was told you were unwell, Jonathan."

"Nothing sleep could not cure, father." There was a slight pause before Jonathan spoke. "Why are you really here, father?"

"I thought I had made myself clear, I was told you were unwell." Dillon answered his son.

"You never bothered to check on me before, father. Why now?" Jonathan pushed, wanting to hear the truth he already knew. After all, that was why he was in his own bed.

"I do not understand, Jonathan."

"Forget I mentioned anything. You've seen me, now you may leave."

"Jonathan." Albert chided softly.

Jonathan rolled his eyes but said, "I thank you for your concern, father. But as you can see, I am well. Please do not let me hold you from more important matters, I bid you a good sleep."

Dillon Rivers left the room without another word. "We will speak of this tomorrow." Albert warned before quickly going after his lordship. He didn't have to walk long. Albert closed the chamber doors, locking them.

"He treats you more of a father than me."

Albert stayed quiet, refusing to speak. Instead, he said, "Good sleep, my lord."

Lord Rivers laughed without humor. "He learned that line from you, didn't he." It wasn't a question, simply a statement.

Albert remained mute.

"How do I get closer to my son?" Desperation laced his voice.

"By treating him as your son and not like a means to an end. Good sleep, my lord." And Albert walked away not wanting to stay there any longer.

***

"I thought he'd never leave." Edward grumbled as he came out from beneath the bed. He placed the candle Albert had left on Jonathan's desk.

"Nor did I." Jonathan chuckled as he kicked off his linens, walking towards the fireplace.

"I wish we could have seen Abbot's face, it would have been priceless."

"We shall hear the tale from the servants on the morrow. What had you done with our clothing?"

"I gave them to Cook."

Jonathan nodded, "I hope she has them washed instead of burned."

Edward motioned towards the wall. "Shall we?"

"With pleasure." Jonathan pulled the lever, engulfing themselves in darkness once more.

&&&&

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