Tea...
Merrie was her usual bubbly self on Tuesday when Angel arrived for tea. Merrie spoke of Geoffrey, and told stories about him as a boy, and insisted on telling Angel about the last prank they had played on Miss Hazel, which involved putting a garden snake in the drawer of her desk. It had resulted in her passing out cold when she opened the drawer.
Miss Hazel hated snakes.
Angel was still laughing at Merrie’s stories when Geoffrey came to pick her up.
But he seemed quiet as he put her back into the coach, and Angel noticed.
“Sir?” she said finally. “Something is bothering you?”
He gazed at her for a moment. “Yes, my love. I visited Giles this morning after I left you at Merrie’s. The hearing is scheduled for tomorrow morning at ten. The Judge has agreed for it to be private as Giles requested, however, he insists that you be there.”
“I see.” She was frowning. “Must I testify?”
“I don’t know, sweetheart. We shall see. I wish I could spare you this, but I can’t.”
“But you’ll be there with me, Geoffrey,” she said quietly, looking up into his face. “As long as you’re with me, I’ll be all right.”
“I won’t leave you, my love.” He caressed her cheek softly. “Ever.”
The news however, disturbed her. Angelica felt at odds all afternoon. When they finished tea, she asked if she could play the piano.
“Of course you may, Angel. You need never ask. It is yours now.”
She rose and kissed him on the cheek, before moving over to the Grand Piano that sat in the corner. She at first ran her hands up and down the keyboard as she sat.
But Geoffrey was unprepared for what happened next. The depth and the intensity which followed caused him to sit up straight, listening as the music poured forth. More than once the staff, including Miss Hazel, came to listen at the door, making sure Angel was all right. Her eyes were not closed this time and the intensity in her gaze showed her depth of emotion. Geoffrey was fascinated as he watched her face.
But her music was to calm eventually; by the third piece it had become softer and more soothing; by the fifth, sweet and comforting. Finally she finished, folding her hands in her lap. Looking across the room at him, she giggled at his expression.
“I feel better now.”
He grinned. “I hope so. I found myself wondering if I might need to call someone to come and tune it again.”
“I’m sorry. I was getting rid of frustration.”
“Good. Because I’m taking you to bed. And perhaps I shall be able to relieve some of my frustration.” He grinned at her delightful giggle and lifted her into his arms, striding toward the stairs.
A moment later he set her on her feet in front of him by the bed and began undoing each tiny button on her gown. He brought it off her shoulders and drew her arms out of it, allowing it to fall to the floor, and smacked her bottom playfully.
“Ow.” She scowled up at him.
The undergarments came next. When her hands automatically came up to cover her, he captured them in his. “No. No hiding.” He leaned forward, kissing her ear, and then trailed his way down her neck, getting lower with each kiss. He trapped her wrists behind her back, pulling her closer. “You, my love,” he said, leaning into her ear, “may stop struggling before I bend you over my knee.”
“Geoffrey,” she protested, trying to wiggle away, “let me go.” Within a few seconds, however, she realized that she was lying face down over his lap with her bottom high in the air. “Geoffrey!”
“What did I tell you, my love? Do you not believe me when I give you warnings?”
“No—yes! But—” She was trying to look back over her shoulder; her hair cascading down to the floor.
“But?”
A large hand descended, hard, on her bottom, and she squealed again.
“Promise me you will be good and obey me?” he continued, grinning. “I’m waiting, Angel.”
“Yes sir, I promise—Ow!” She cried out as his hand came down once again.
He rubbed her bottom to relieve the sting, and then reached in further between her legs, unsurprised when she gasped and was silent. When he lifted her back up to her feet, her eyes were wide and dilated.
They stared, deep, into each other’s eyes for a moment. Angel was silent as she breathed heavily; then she suddenly launched toward him and flung both arms around his neck. “Geoffrey…”
Geoffrey lifted her off the ground and brought her legs up around his waist. In less than a minute he had pinned her down into the pillows. Still holding her with his eyes, he plunged deeply inside her.
* * *
When she awakened she was lying face down on his chest. His arms held her firmly to him across the small of her back, and she raised her head and looked to see his smile.
“I am convinced, sir,” she said, “you never sleep.”
“It’s because I’m incapable of taking my eyes off you,” he said, fisting his hand into her hair and bringing her mouth up to his.
It was only a moment before he flipped her over onto her back and took her once again.
* * *
Geoffrey kept his arm around his wife during the hours of the hearing on Wednesday morning. She seemed calmer than he expected. Madam Rubye, the owner of the brothel was there, as well as Marie. Both of them testified against Mrs. Grimm, who remained solemn throughout the ordeal. Judge Clark called on both Angel and Geoffrey to stand before him, but only asked a few questions of Angel.
Questions asked of Mrs. Grimm were met with stony silence. Her only statement throughout the entire ordeal was “Not guilty.” She glared, first, at Rubye and Marie, and then at Angel, with hatred on her face. Geoffrey noticed Angel followed his instructions, and did not look at her at all.
At the end, the Judge found Grimm in contempt and declared that she would go to trial, and remain in custody until then without bail. Giles Kidd led her away in handcuffs. Judge Clark called Rubye before him before dismissing them.
“There are charges that could be brought against you as well, Rubye Bailey. You have admitted to hiring Elva Grimm to work for you. And although you have testified that you didn’t know these girls were brought against their will, there is evidence that suggests otherwise.” He folded his hands, staring down at her. “I believe you know that the people of this town would be very pleased to see the back of you. And it would be wise of you to find another location in which to set up your… business.”
Rubye had nodded, and when the Judge dismissed everyone and left, she came over to stand before Angel and Geoffrey.
“I’m sorry for what happened to you, Lady Wellington,” she said, before moving toward the door. As she reached it, she turned back once more. “I shall look into moving.”
Angel looked up at Geoffrey, not knowing what to say. But he only shook his head slightly so she didn’t speak. She watched as Rubye disappeared through the door.
Marie, obviously shaken, had hurried, pale, from the room.
They were alone in the courtroom now. But as they rose to leave they heard a disturbance from the street below. Angel ran to the window to look out, Geoffrey right behind her. Several horses could be seen giving chase. The people of Strasburg had moved out into the street, attempting to see as far as they could.
Even as they disappeared from view, the plummeting of her heart told her instantly what had happened.
Elva Grimm had gotten away.
* * *
“I don’t believe it,” Angel whispered a few moments later from inside the coach. Geoffrey had taken advantage of the commotion to whisk her out of the courtroom and away. “How did she get away from them?”
“I don’t know, but it can’t be long before they locate her. Giles is good at tracking; Henson is even better. And I’ll be happy to send Isaac to help.”
But Giles came to Pembroke that afternoon after giving up the chase, dismayed. “There were so many people and horses in the way today,” he explained, “it was impossible to go after her in time. She almost trampled Dr. Craig as he crossed the street to his office. The wagon she stole belonged to a family that lives on your land, Geoffrey. Henson is dreadfully sorry, Lady Wellington. Not sorry to have her out of the jail; the woman is wretched. But sorry that we lost her before the trial.”
“But you found the Johnson’s wagon and the horses?” Geoffrey stood to his feet, settling Angel into his desk chair, and began pacing.
“We did, in a house not far from the Kennedy place. The wagon was abandoned. Zeke took it back to town so Robert could get home. We all lost the tracks there; even Isaac. They just disappeared.” He rose and moved toward the door, but paused to look back. “You are still planning on holding the Ball a week from Friday?”
“Yes. Should we cancel it?”
“That’s up to you, Geoffrey. My men and I will be here. But I advise that you be extremely cautious with regard to Lady Angel’s safety. Grimm is a bulldog when she perceives—please note that I said perceives—she’s been wronged. She doesn’t give up until she thinks she has been avenged.” Giles looked from Geoffrey to Angel. “Look after her, Geoffrey.”
Angelica felt Geoffrey’s hands tighten about her shoulders. “I shall, Giles.”
It was after Giles departed that Geoffrey said, softly, into her ear. “I swear, my darling little Angel. I may not even allow you to be alone in the bath after this.”
* * *
The dormitory...
Angel smiled as Geoffrey introduced her to Drew Carson, the builder in charge of the dormitory project. He was holding the set of plans she had drawn in one hand as he held out a hand of greeting.
“We hope to be finished with all the framing for the dormitory and have the roof on by the end of the week, my lady. Then, hopefully, you’ll be free to do the decorating. After the ovens and the toilets are installed it will be complete. And I must tell you, this town will owe you a great debt of gratitude when girls have a place to go that’s safe.”
“Geoffrey’s the one who deserves the praise,” she returned, as her husband drew her outside and into the family coach.
But on Saturday morning she couldn’t believe how much progress had been made. The pump had yet to be installed for the kitchen and bathroom, but the windows were in. The rough sawn oak table was in progress, and the hearth was almost finished in the large shared room. Geoffrey agreed to have furniture brought over from storage at Pembroke. and the ovens and toilets had already been ordered.
“I can’t believe it’s happening so fast!” Angelica was almost bouncing up and down with delight.
He smiled. “Come, my love. Let’s see if we can find Louisa.”
* * *
Louisa Graham was eager to see them, but Mrs. Baxter, the owner of the boardinghouse, was not.
“Louisa is busy.” She quipped.
As soon as she had spoken, however, another female voice spoke from behind her. “No, Mrs. Baxter. I’m finished.” A woman with curly reddish hair leaned around the owner of the door. “Good afternoon, my lord. My lady.”
Geoffrey nodded, turning to Louisa. “Louisa, this is my wife, Angel. We wondered if you could spare us a few moments of your time.”
“Certainly.” Louisa stepped outdoors. However, behind her, Mrs. Baxter remained, as if determined to listen to the conversation.
Angel noticed, returning Louisa’s friendly expression. “It’s nice to meet you, Louisa. Geoffrey has spoken so kindly of you.”
“Ladies,” Geoffrey motioned toward the dormitory and escorted Louisa and Angel across the street and inside, leaving a fuming Mrs. Baxter standing on the steps of her boardinghouse.
“This,” he said, when the door was closed behind them, “is to be the new dormitory for ladies. Hopefully it will be finished by the end of next week. Angel designed it, and the whole thing was her idea. What we would like to discuss with you, is running it. Would you like to see it?”
“Yes!” Louisa’s smile lit the room in excitement.
He smiled down at Angel. “My love, would you kindly lead the way?”
Angel nodded eagerly, and Louisa wordlessly followed. She was still speechless when they had finished the tour and were standing in the kitchen.
Angel turned to her. “Well? What do you think, Louisa?”
“I think you, my lady, are more excited than I am. And I’m very excited!” Louisa was laughing as well. “This is a lovely opportunity. I can’t thank you enough for thinking of me.”
“So, we may take that as a definite yes?” Angel was dancing from one foot to the other now.
“Don’t press her, my love,” Geoffrey said quietly.
But Louisa wasted no time in answering. “Yes!” She was crying and laughing simultaneously. “I can’t wait!”
“You’ll be in charge here, Louisa,” Geoffrey said, a serious tone to his voice. He reached into his pocket and retrieved a handful of bills. “And I suspect Mrs. Baxter may give you a hard time over moving out, so here is your first month’s salary. If she throws you out in the street, or makes it too difficult for you to stay there, you can come to Pembroke. I shall tell Miss Hazel to expect you, and if you need a way to get there go to the sheriff’s office. He’ll send for the coach and Isaac will bring you out.”
“Thank you, my lord. If I’m forced out, I’ll do exactly as you say. And I’ll take this to the back. It wouldn’t surprise me if Mrs. Baxter tried to steal it.”
He nodded. “Good. We’ll be seeing you again in the next few days. If you get a chance tomorrow afternoon, Angelica and I shall celebrate our vows at St. Mary’s at two. Father Michael will be officiating.”
“I’ll be there. Congratulations, both of you! And now I’ll go straight to my room to write out my notice.”
They walked her back across the street and said a polite goodbye to Mrs. Baxter, who said nothing. She looked toward Louisa as if waiting on an explanation, but Louisa offered none. Instead she bade Geoffrey and Angel goodbye and went to her room.