The ball...
Angel smiled as the guests began to arrive. Hannah had taken great care with her hair, and there were midnight blue roses mixed with white dripping from her curls. The matching blue velvet gown Hannah had designed fit her perfectly. The day had been spent full of jitters at having the ball, but as she glanced up into Geoffrey’s face, she knew things would be all right. He had assured her he would be there.
He would always be there.
Their first guest was Miss Letty Scott, who had just entered the dormitory the day before. She was a piano and voice teacher, and Angel asked her to play and sing as the guests arrived, hoping they would notice her talent. Next to arrive were the players in the orchestra and their families.
Geoffrey kept his arm around her as they greeted the guests who came next. Angel felt at ease as he called them by name. He was easing her stress at trying to remember them, and she knew it.
After a few moments of greeting, however, Angel realized that the citizens of Shenandoah County had instantly put her at ease. Little by little, she began to relax. Geoffrey seemed to realize it, too, but still kept her tucked closely under his arm.
“How are you, my love?” his deep voice spoke into her ear when there was a lull in the arrival of guests. She looked up into his eyes, seeing the concern there, and smiled.
“Better, sir.”
“You’re not sick?”
She shook her head slightly.
He drew her gently closer.
But suddenly she realized his embrace had tightened around her. He had instantly become alert, and she looked for the cause.
She found it. Charles Ashwirth stood in front of them, his mother on his arm.
“Hello, Charles,” Geoffrey said, stiffly. “Lady Ashwirth. We’re honored to see you.”
“Are you?” Charles asked smugly. “I noticed we didn’t receive an invitation. However, Mother and I were sure it was an oversight.”
“Indeed? You’re right, Charles. We didn’t send one. Since your father so recently passed, we assumed you would be in mourning.”
Angel watched the exchange tensely.
However, Lady Ashwirth broke the silence, leaning forward. “A pleasure, my dear,” she said, ignoring the glares passed between Charles and Geoffrey.
Angel tiptoed to kiss her cheek. “Indeed, Lady Ashwirth. Geoffrey’s right. It is good to see you.” Angel’s smile at her was warm, but when she moved her gaze to Charles, her expression became suspicious.
Lady Ashwirth’s smile, however, seemed genuine. She leaned forward and spoke into Angelica’s ear. “My son has promised to behave himself tonight, my dear. Don’t worry.”
Angel suddenly wanted to giggle, but managed to refrain. Charles was staring at her, and Geoffrey’s hold on her was all the warning she needed.
“I shall command a dance, Lady Angel,” he said in a low tone.
“Sorry, Charles,” Geoffrey returned firmly. “I’m allowing Lady Wellington to dance only with me this evening. Perhaps next time.”
Charles frowned. “Perhaps.” He bowed toward Angel and moved away.
“Breathe, my love,” Geoffrey said in her ear. “It’s all right.”
“Oh, Geoffrey,” she said finally, taking a deep breath. “I don’t wish to be near him.”
“It won’t be necessary. You shall be by my side.”
“Angel!” A familiar and friendly voice called out, and arms went flying about her neck. Angelica looked up to see Merrie and Francis, and a wide smile crossed her face.
“Oh Merrie, I can’t tell you how good it is to see you just now,” Angel whispered.
“Then we must catch up!” Merrie returned.
“Not tonight, I’m afraid,” Geoffrey smiled patiently down at Merrie. “I’m keeping my wife under my wing this evening. You two may catch up over tea next week.”
Merrie’s lower lip extended in a playful pout, and Francis rolled his eyes.
“Behave yourself, little brat. Or I shall take you back to the coach for a discussion.”
But Merrie only giggled, and dragged him further into the room, waving at Angel and Geoffrey.
Angel’s gaze rested on the guests who were now mingling; some having refreshments; some listening to Miss Letty play; some were gathered in clusters catching up on local gossip. It was as her gaze traveled further that she saw it. As she did, she stared in alarm.
Charles was standing by his mother, looking back; but he wasn’t looking at her. His gaze was like a vulture upon its prey. And it was resting upon Merrie.
Angel inhaled sharply. Francis was staring back at Charles; so was Geoffrey. Merrie, the last to see him, gasped. Her eyes became large and fearful, as she looked up at her husband, who suddenly drew her closer into his arms.
Charles, now realizing that all four of them were staring at him, turned away.
“Charles Ashwirth.” Merrie’s voice was tremulous.
Not far away, Geoffrey answered. “Yes. I’m sorry, Merrie. I suggest that you stay as close to Francis as Angel will to me this evening. Charles is not to be trusted.”
Merrie looked fearfully up into Francis’ face. “But how audacious, for him to stare at me so! He knows you are with me.”
Francis kept his arm firmly about his wife. “Stay with me, my darling. Closely. You won’t be dancing with anyone but me tonight.”
Only a few more people were left. Marie and Louisa had entered, and were chattering away. Louisa leaned forward. “We’ve had five more ladies enter the dormitory since yesterday, Lady Angel,” she said with a smile. “Several came from Mrs. Baxter’s place. There is only one girl left there now, and I’m trying to talk her into coming.”
“Perhaps she will, soon. I’m thrilled you have so many already.”
Louisa nodded. Looking behind her, however, she leaned forward. “Here come the Baxters. I think I shall go on inside.”
As she moved away, Angel nodded. “I understand. Enjoy your evening.”
The Baxters were followed by Ellie Barton, the new school teacher, who greeted them. Angel wondered if Ellie was the one Louisa had referred to. She looked slightly lonely as she following behind the Baxters.
Then, however, the familiar voice of Father Michael rang through the hall.
“Good evening, Lord and Lady Wellington. It’s a delight to be here.”
“And a delight to have you come, Father,” Geoffrey said warmly.
He grinned. “Point me toward anyone you see that may seem left out. I’ll do my best to see they get a chance to dance.” He leaned forward, his eyes crinkling at the corners mischievously, “and besides, I’ll get a chance before these knees get any older.”
Angel leaned forward. “Ellie Barton is here, Father, and she would probably love a dance or two.”
The priest nodded. “I’ll see to it.”
Geoffrey’s laughter pierced the room, and Angel grinned. His laugh warmed her.
“Well, my love? I hear music beginning in the ballroom. Are you ready?”
She took a deep breath. “Oh, Geoffrey, I don’t know about this.”
He leaned down to her ear. “You told me once what your mother said to do when you played the piano,” he said.
She nodded. “Play as if only God himself is listening?”
“Yes. But for now, just pretend that we are the only two in the room, just as we were when we practiced. Look into my eyes and mirror my steps.”
He tucked her under his arm and led her into the ballroom to the applause of the guests. Letty left the piano and Sydney stepped forward, his violin ready. Ellie was standing across from Father Michael. The room echoed with a pregnant pause as the guests waited.
Sydney began melodiously moving the bow across the strings, and Angel and Geoffrey faced each other on opposite sides of the room. As the rest of the orchestra joined in Angel curtsied, and Geoffrey bowed deeply, and they began to move toward each other.
It was Geoffrey’s wide smile that put her at ease. Angel relaxed, and they began to go through their steps. Within a few moments, the others in the room began to follow, mimicking the steps of their host and hostess. Angel no longer felt the stress of everyone’s eyes upon her as their guests seemed caught up in their own worlds.
Geoffrey hugged her as they finished, leaning down into her ear. “I’m so proud of you, my love. You were perfect. Now, the next one should be easy for you.”
She giggled. “May I sit one out after the next one, Geoffrey?”
He looked down. “Are you all right?”
“Yes. I just wish to watch the others dance for a few moments.”
“Then we shall do that.”
The second dance was slow and easier for her. She took a deep breath as she glanced up at Geoffrey, marveling at how handsome he was. A memory surfaced, reminding her of the first day she had seen him walking across the street outside Uncle Thomas’s office. Never on that day had she envisioned being so happy.
“What are you thinking?” His voice brought her back to the present.
“I’m thinking how happy I am, here with you.”
He leaned forward, and brought her lips to his, in the middle of the ballroom.
“Ah, Angel,” his whisper was gentle in her ear. “You make me very happy when you voice things like that.”
Someone next to them cleared his throat, and they both looked into Francis’s face. Merrie was giggling in his arms.
“Hm,” said Francis, “I believe when you’re on the dance floor and the music’s playing, you’re supposed to be dancing. Am I correct?”
“Such a good friend you are.” Geoffrey sent his friend a sarcastic glance, and once again began moving Angel in time with his steps.
He led her to the side a moment later, tucked under his arm, and heard her sigh with relief. “All right, my love?”
“Yes sir. And so relieved that our number is over.”
“That will be your biggest challenge for the evening, my darling,” he said, grinning.
But he had no idea how utterly wrong he would be.
* * *
Miss Hazel sent the servants out regularly to refill hors d’oeuvres and champagne. She appeared at the doorway and caught Angel’s eye briefly.
Angel left Geoffrey’s side, going to her. “Yes, Miss Hazel?”
“Is everything all right, my lady?”
“It’s perfect, Miss Hazel. But I wanted to mention that Charles Ashwirth is here, and I thought you might want to warn Hannah.”
“I have already, my lady. But I wanted to warn you as well. He has been following you with his eyes every step you take.” She leaned forward and whispered in a quiet voice. “And when he’s not looking at you, he is watching Merriweather Adams.”
Angelica nodded. “Thank you. I shall mention it to Geoffrey so he can warn Francis.”
When she turned back, Geoffrey was watching her, and held out his hand. She closed the distance and took it, placing her hand in his. Francis and Merrie were close by. When she reached Geoffrey, she leaned up on tiptoe and whispered Miss Hazel’s message into his ear.
He nodded his head. “I have been painfully aware of that, my love. So is Francis.”
“And my wife is urging me toward the dance floor,” Francis smiled. “We shall return.’
“Are you all right, sweetheart?” Geoffrey was leaning down to her ear now.
“Yes sir,” she whispered, totally unconvinced of her own words.
* * *
The guests seemed to be truly enjoying themselves. Geoffrey and Angel stopped to meet people from St. Mary’s Church; Mr. Greene and his wife Natalie, from the General Store, spoke of how lovely everything was. More than one person mentioned the former Lady Wellington’s artwork. Father Michael was busy dividing his dances between all the young ladies present so no one would be left out. He was enjoying himself immensely.
“Bless Father Michael,” Angel whispered to Geoffrey.
“Ah. But you’re suggesting he’s trying to be kind. The truth, my darling? He loves to dance.”
There was a brief lull in the music and Francis brought Merrie over to stand next to them.
It was only a matter of time before Merrie leaned into Angel’s ear. “I need to use the ladies’ room, Angel.”
“So do I.” Angel stood up on tiptoe to whisper to Geoffrey.
“Use the private one in the right wing,” he said quietly. “Francis and I will escort you, and wait outside the door. And hurry.”
Angel took Merrie’s arm as they went inside the lovely little room and closed the door. “I’ve only been in here once,” she said quietly, “when Geoffrey scolded me for defiance.”
“If he’s like Francis, he scolds a lot,” Merrie laughed, “but I can’t say I mind all that much.”
“Yes, he does.” Angelica made a face, reaching for a towel. “We should hurry. They’ll be impatient.”
A small tapping sound was heard from the door that adjoined the old parlor, and Merrie looked up. “What was that?”
“It sounded as if it came from the parlor door.” Angel said, hesitating. “Geoffrey said that parlor was rarely used any more. There shouldn’t be anyone in there.”
The sound came again, more insistent this time.
“But what if it is someone wanting to use the privy?” Merrie said thoughtfully. “Should we not let them in?”
Angel eyed the door suspiciously as her hand inched toward the handle. It was locked.
“Who is it?” she called out.
No answer.
As she met Merrie’s eyes once again, a louder knock was heard. The key lay on the wash stand and Merrie picked it up, handing it over.
Angel’s hand shook. Slowly she put it into the lock and turned it. The click sounded like thunder, and slowly the door creaked as it moved outward.
The room beyond was dark; Angel could see a bit of light coming from the windows, but they were deep with shadow. Angel shivered as the ominous feeling of fear seemed to press down on her.
She couldn’t breathe.
Where was Merrie? She heard the sound of a whimper and turned to look behind her just as a dark figure stepped out from behind the door.
Recognition struck her, and she opened her mouth to scream, but it never came. A large hand clapped over her mouth. A scarf was quickly placed over her mouth and tied around the back of her curls. She began to try to beat out with her fists, but she was dragged into the parlor and shoved to the floor quickly on her belly; her hands were pulled behind her back and tied with rope. Next, came her ankles. On the floor, Angel turned her head, hoping Merrie had escaped.
Why—why, had she opened the door at all?
Merrie hadn’t escaped either. Angel had not seen the second figure come out of the shadows; but Merrie was suffering the same treatment at someone else’s hands. Angel couldn’t see the face of the second man, but she could see Merrie’s eyes flashing with anger; she was kicking and trying to get away on the floor a few feet away as her wrists and ankles were bound. Their eyes met.
“And now, Angel of Pembroke,” a sarcastic, gravelly voice said in her ear, “I have waited to get my hands on you since the day you arrived here. Up to now you have evaded me at every turn, but this night,” he paused as he hefted her up and threw her over his shoulder roughly. “This night, you’ll learn just what it means to be taken by an Ashwirth.”
Over his shoulder Angel continued to struggle, but it did no good. He opened the window and jumped with her onto his waiting thoroughbred.
Angel could see the back of the house briefly from where she was, upside down over the saddle. There was light in the old parlor now and her heart leaped with hope.
Geoffrey! Geoffrey, please stop him!