Chapter Twenty

At midnight, Serena went to the lake but not to bathe. The change in seasons chilled the night air. Praying Geoffrey might come, she waited for hours bundled in her warm coat. He did not appear. Disappointment and fatigue overtook her.

“Come, Adonis. Let’s go home before the air cools even further.” They headed back to the house. The most magnificent man in her life had gone, and all she had to remember him by were a shirt, cravat, a dog, his portrait and, of course, grand memories. But tonight, they were not enough to sustain her.

Serena thought to write Geoffrey, but decided against it. Until her brother divulged his plans, everything was speculation on her part. What good would it do? Would Geoffrey deduce it was a trap for her? Sleep didn’t come easily. Her brother’s intentions distorted her dreams.

In the morning, Emma helped her dress into her teal blue riding habit, a ladies bow at the neck and a skirt slit into a fold. Her hat held pheasant feathers touched with a teal froth.

Serena saddled and mounted Sheba, waved to Emma and Adonis, and headed to her brother’s. She left Sheba with the groom and walked to the manor house. Her brother resided in the dining room, reading his ironed newspaper. Henry folded it and placed it on the table when she entered.

“Where is your guest?” she asked.

“Is there no greeting for me, Serena?”

“You received all the greeting you deserved. Where is Lord LeBran?” Her temper flared.

“He rides with one of my grooms to see the estate.”

Serena pulled off her riding gloves and tossed them on the table. “Why? Is it for sale? You are up to something and I demand to know what it is. What wedding are we to go to at his fortress, as he calls it?”

“Sit down, Serena. I will give you the answers.” He stood then strode to close the dining room doors. He turned to her. “The estate is not for sale. The wedding we are going to will be yours…to him.”

Her eyes glared with hostility, her fury could have scorched the furniture. How dare he arrange another political marriage? “I am my own woman, Henry. I will not marry that man or any man not of my choosing.” Her knuckles whitened; her grip on the chair arms tightened.

Henry loomed over her and shouted. “Hear me out. LeBran is a powerful man who finds himself in a financial predicament. He needs an articulate wife to host his political parties and affairs.” Henry straightened and lent space between them.

“He will require a wife with a sizable amount of blunt, is that it?” She unclenched her hands and snarled at her brother. “There is nothing in this world that could force me to marry Leland LeBran. The cigar smoke sours his mouth, his breath offends and he is nearly thirty years older than I. The answer is No. I will not do it.”

“I have signed the betrothal papers. You are to be married in three weeks.”

“How could you betray me this way, Henry?”

“Prepare yourself to leave with him today to return to his estate. Emma will go to chaperone you.”

Her mind whirled in shock, and her anger unchecked. “I will not marry a man I do not love.”

Henry showed no interest in Serena’s protest. An insidious fear spiraled her spine. Could he force her to do this? Surely not.

“It is beyond countenance for you to disobey me, Serena.” Henry’s hand fisted and pounded the table. “I am your guardian as well as your brother. Think, sister. We can be a powerful family. Your generous dowry will belong to both of you. Combined with my holdings, we can sway influential men in London.”

“My so-called inheritance would better suit me if I didn’t have to have you as its overseer. What I believe you mean to say is that you can bribe them to your will, but both of you require my contribution to an unwanted marriage. It is too late for your arrangements, Henry. I love someone else.”

“It matters not. I do not care who you think you love.” Henry fussed with his brocade vest. “Your deceased husband spoiled you, Serena. He gave in to your every whim, but you are no longer under his protection. You have nowhere to go if I cast you out for your insolent disobedience,” he hissed.

“His protection? I will show you how my husband spoiled and protected me, dear brother.” She removed the cloth bow from her neck and unbuttoned her jacket, allowed it to slip down her back.

“Good God, what are you doing? Have you gone mad? You cannot undress in front of me.”

“You think not, Henry. Just watch me.” Serena turned her back to show her scars. “Look how my husband loved me.”

Henry fell into a chair. “He swore to me he would never hurt you, because he loved you too much.” His hand went to his mouth, his eyes wide. “I am sorry he marked you. You must have provoked his anger.”

“Why are you so quick to find me at fault? To my regret, I did everything he asked.” Serena replaced her jacket. “You knew he was sadistic and did not tell me? You sent me into hell. You are a worse fiend than he.” Her eyes brimmed. She turned away and would not let him see her cry.

“I’ve known you had little brotherly affection for me, Henry, but I thought at least you cared enough to fulfill your family responsibilities and protect me.”

Silence suffocated the room.

“Serena, I know not of this affection you speak. I’ve never loved anyone.” He leaned forward but could not hold her gaze. “I cannot go back on my word now. I signed a contract.”

Henry had betrayed her once, sent her into a marriage that caused her pain in all its forms and he prepared to do it again. “I depended on you to have my best interest up front, but you are using me to advance your political purposes.” Why did she bother to plead her case to deaf ears?

“You are damaged goods, Serena.” The compassionless words stabbed, a knife to her heart and soul.

“You are a cocky bastard, Henry.”

“Watch how you speak to me or I will forget you are my sister.” His voice spat venom.

“You have already forgotten.” Serena paced. “Greed is an evil mistress, and absolute power is no better than a dissatisfied wife. You disgust me.”

Serena raised her hand, worked the buttons on her jacket and affixed the bow around her neck.

“Shall I tell you about my wedding night? A virgin bride might expect some gentleness. Trystan found it an inconvenience to exercise caution when he deflowered me. He gave me no time to be ready. His entry ripped me and when I cried out in pain, he beat me. I refused to wear my wedding ring after he raped me. I wished him dead a thousand times. I wish you dead, too. You can join him.”

“Serena, do not speak to me in such a manner.” Even though the doors were closed, Henry looked around to be sure no one overheard her outburst.

“Did you know I miscarried the child that grew within me? I prayed it would not be born, fearful that Trystan would beat the child as he did me. I worried Trystan’s meanness would be inherited by the babe. When God answered my prayers, I held much guilt. I took measures to prevent another pregnancy. Aunt Meredith, may her soul rest in peace, imparted the information I needed to avoid another such event.” Serena eyes flashed and she stood tall. “What did I do to cause you to send me into such a marriage?”

“Serena, you have familial notions and I do not. I tried to make sure your marriage would make you happy. Yes, it had political ramifications. Trystan came from a powerful family. I did not know it would turn out the way it did.”

“If you knew, would you have done anything different? I think not, Henry. You are filled with avarice.” She sat across from him stunned that he still didn’t see the error of his ways. “I will not allow you to do this to me again.”

“You do not have a choice. I will admit your marriage might not have been all you planned, but this one will be better. LeBran is not a bad man.”

“That is easy for you to say. He is boorish.” Serena straightened her shoulders. “I will show him my scars. He will consider me damaged goods, as you do, and decide not to marry.” Her words punctured the air. Serena felt like a wounded stag waiting for the final thrust.

“I will up the ante. To some men, you are considered an heiress. Perhaps he will not mind the ugliness.” Henry’s words cut like a heavy bladed sword.

“You are cruel to speak to me in such a manner.”

“Nonetheless, Serena, you leave here with him in three hours time. You will be married at his estate with the families present. The banns will be posted and in three weeks you will have a new and better life. My decision is irrevocable.”

“I will run away the first chance I get.” She stood defiant.

He ignored her. “Take Emma with you, but your horse remains here in my stables. The damn dog will be drowned in the lake. You will have nothing and no one to turn to.” He slid the knife into her further. “Even Lord Geoffrey did not want you. You threw yourself at him and he toyed with you because you were available. He has a wench in the village he tumbles. The Duke told me himself when Lord LeBran and I met him in London. Ask your intended if you think I lie. I hope you did not give in to his rakish ways and allow him to impregnate you. That would present a problem.” Henry looked her straight in the eyes. “Pretense diminishes you. Did you lay with him like a whore?”

“Perhaps you should ask Geoffrey that question, if you dare. Careful, brother, you might wind up like Trystan.” She stood tall and stoic. “I hate you. You are a monster.”

“Go back to your studio and pack a few necessities. I will send the rest to you when you are settled.” Henry shook his finger. “Check your disposition, sister, and be grateful for the opportunity presented you. Now go. Do as I direct. I will send the phaeton for you when it is time for you to depart. Leave before I lose my patience further.” He’d dismissed her like lint swept under the carpet.

She arose from the chair. Did Geoffrey really have a woman in the village? He’d told her he made the story up in order to throw Henry off their trail and to protect her. Serena turned in a huff and hastily made her way to the stables.

The groomsman held the reins of Serena’s horse. “John, I do not have time to explain, but my brother will instruct you to drown Adonis in the lake. You will agree to do so, but instead you will hide the dog on my behalf. If you do not hear from me in ten days, you will find a way to deliver him to Lord Geoffrey. Emma will come with the pup. I will reward you. Promise me you will not harm him. He is more than precious to me.”

“My lady, I helped birth the little guy. I could not drown him. It’s a crime against God’s law. I don’t want a reward. Rest easy, I will take Adonis home with me. He’ll be safe there until I hear from you. If I do not, I shall get him to the Duke as you ask.”

“Thank you. I will have Emma bring Adonis to you straight away. There is not much time. I am being sent away against my will, but I shall not stay for long.”

Serena hugged John. “You have a kind heart. I will return in one way or another.”

She mounted Sheba and galloped off, riding recklessly. Perhaps she might fall off the horse and break her neck. It was one way to escape the awful marriage planned for her.

Serena put Sheba safely in the stable and ran inside. “Emma, Emma. Come quickly.”

“Mistress? What has happened?” Emma hugged her lady. “Are you all right? You look dreadful.”

Silence hung in the air like a funeral crepe. Serena’s fists clenched. She closed her eyes, vertigo threatened her.

“Give me a minute to comport myself.” She took deep breaths and paced. She spoke finally. “My brother has acted in a horrendous way. He has signed papers of betrothal for me to Lord LeBran.” Serena pulled a chair away from the table and sat. “Sit beside me, Emma. You will not believe the story I’m about to share.”

In the midst of Serena’s words, Emma hands rushed to her lips, “Oh, mistress. How cruel of him. There is nothing you can say to change his mind?”

“I fear not, and there’s more.”

Serena finished telling the details. “I must buy time. I could pretend to go along with this engagement, find a way to get to London to my banker, perhaps seek Geoffrey? Oh, what am I to do? Or I could ride away now where Henry won’t find me. You must hurry, Emma. Put Adonis in his basket. I spoke with the groom. You are to give him the puppy and he will hide it until he can take it to his home.”

“John is a good man, mistress. I do believe he’s sweet on me.”

“I believe him to be responsible.” Her head spun. An acrid taste lingered in her mouth. She fought the bile that threatened to overcome her. “Now go, Emma, take Adonis and rush back. I have other items I need to pursue with you, and we have little time left before Henry sends the carriage for us.”

Emma left with Adonis and Serena gathered papers from a locked box in her wardrobe. She waited in the studio until Emma returned.

“It’s done, mistress. Adonis is safe with John. I was careful not to be seen.”

“Emma, I brought Sheba back with me. Henry cannot do this to me again. I can make it into the village and take the mail coach to London.” Serena would secure services of a barrister and have him accompany her to the banking institution. With enough money, she could hide for a while. “This means I will have to leave you behind, but it will not be forever. I cannot divulge any plans to you since Henry might try to force you to tell him. Have faith and courage, dear Emma.”

Serena fisted her hands in angst, paced back and forth, and then stood still, her shoulders back.

“Please get me enough coins from the lockbox and I will ride away immediately. Inform John to seek Sheba at the village stables after I’ve gone. Hurry.”

Emma scurried about and removed a pouch of coins which she handed to her mistress. “Take your cape, my lady. It might be cold.”

Serena took the cape and placed it over her shoulders, and lifted the hood to cover her hat. She looked around the studio. Everything she loved would be left behind. Descending the steps with Emma behind her, she cautioned. “When the phaeton comes, send it back. Say that I am not ready. I will ride over to the lake and across the road where I may not be noticed.”

She marched into the stable and mounted Sheba, petting her animal’s shiny coat. “We are off to an adventure. I will make sure to come back for both of you, one way or the other.”

She inhaled as if her life depended on it, because it did. Then she exhaled and steeled herself. “Emma, see if the coast is clear.” She led Sheba toward the front veranda. Seeing no one, she cantered to the lakeside, and then spurred her horse toward the cross road to the village.

They rode like the wind, her cape like wings, her hat dislodged to the ground, her hood thrown back. Once clear of the estate, she could breathe easy.

Serena galloped the horse around the bend. She nearly swooned seeing Henry blocking the road. He dismounted, leaped in front, and took the reins. “Going somewhere, Serena?” his sardonic smile said all. He led her horse to one side. LeBran took up a place on the other.

“How did you know?”

“The phaeton driver said you weren’t ready.” He smirked. “You wouldn’t dare not be ready.”

No words were spoken along the way. They arrived at Serena’s house in due course. Henry dismounted first, went round to grab her off the horse, and pulled her inside.

“For your insolence, there will be two guards posted here until you have complied with my request to pack. You now only have one hour.” He spoke to the groom, “Guard the rear door.” Henry spoke to Leland, “Ride back and tell the footman I wish to see him here at once.”

Leland nodded and cantered off.

A few minutes later, the servant approached and was posted at the front door.

“If you try to escape again, Serena. I will have you tied and gagged. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes.” It was best for him to think he won his game, but she knew otherwise. Once he’d gone Serena muttered, “I’ll show him. Emma.” She ran up the staircase.

“Oh, Mistress. What has happened?”

Serena paused, took a deep breath willing her mind to clear. Her fingers flew to her lips, there was much to prepare. “Emma, pack your things and make ready. Take only what you are willing to part with, at some point we might have to leave them behind.”

Serena went to her armoire and selected a black winter jacket and skirt along with her hooded cloak. The color suited her mood. She laid her cape on the bed. Emma took out some clothes for her, but Serena told her to leave them.

“Mistress, what can we do to stop this? It appears we are helpless.” She wrung her hands in her lap. “Am I to pack any artist’s supplies?”

“Yes. Some charcoal pencils and a new sketchbook. Henry knows I would not leave them behind so it must appear that I am complying with his instructions.”

Emma gathered the supplies Serena had requested, put them inside a canvas portfolio and placed them at the bottom of Serena’s trunk. She then went to her quarters, packed a bag and returned to the studio. Emma sat her worn cloth case next to Serena’s small trunk.

What shall I put in your case?”

“I will wear my carriage dress and a warm cape. Pack only one other daytime dress. I do not want for us to be burdened with trunks and cases, since I do not intend us to stay in LeBran’s coach. We will ask to use the necessary when we are an hour out of town. LeBran will not deny us nor follow us there. We will use that ploy as an opportunity to run away.”

“Where will we go?”

“I do not know. Do you have any relatives to the south?”

“Yes, I have a cousin, but he lives in Gosport. He will hide us, but we will have a long walk to get there. It all depends on where we stop along the way.”

“A long walk would be easy compared to marriage to Lord LeBran.” Serena glanced at the clock. “We have little time to prepare.” She went to where the lockbox was stored. “This contains gold sovereigns and guineas. We will need money to secure our safety later. Sew six coins of each in the hem of our capes. Please hurry. Oh, and take the sewing supplies with you in your bag—needles and strong thread.”

Yes, mistress.” Emma scooted off to perform the task.

“Then come to me,” she called out, “and I will show you where I’ll hide the box of remaining coins and these documents.” Serena willed herself to control the panic that threatened to suffocate her.

She looked around her beautiful studio, tears pooled in her eyes. She stood before Geoffrey’s painting and caressed the scar on his face. “I wish you had gotten me pregnant, but it is impossible since I took precautions after each time we made love. I am sorry I did.”

Emma returned with the coin-weighted capes, laid them across the bed and secured the sewing supplies in her traveling bag.

“Come help me, Emma.” Serena took the portrait of Geoffrey, a secret note attached to the back, her sketchbook, and slipped them into a slot in the anteroom.

“Hand me the lock box now, then the documents, Emma.” Serena placed those in another slot.

“This is a good place to hide your possessions, mistress.”

“It’s the best we can do on short notice. It’s important that you know where these valuables are stored.” Serena took her thin jewelry case and slipped it behind Geoffrey’s portrait.

“Yes, mistress. You may depend on me.” Emma left the anteroom.

“I know, my friend. I know. Be strong.” Her tasks completed, Serena scanned the room once again in longing.

She called to Emma, “Leave the back door unlatched. Do it quietly. There is a guard outside. We will need entry at some future point. No one ever comes in that way. Should Lord Geoffrey seek me, he knows full well we never lock the rear door.”

“I remember advice my father gave me as a young girl. “If you find yourself in a desperate situation, bend like a willow in the wind, but you must not break,” she told Emma. “I am bending until I can put a plan in action. I will become the wind and smite them. I will not marry LeBran. When you have known a good man, you cannot settle for a bad one.”