Chapter Thirty-Two

Josephine looked into Serena’s eyes. “I recognize fear in you because I have lived with it all my life. Do you not want to marry my brother?”

“All during my former marriage, relations with my brutish husband frightened me. When he died, I remained fearful. One day a man gifted in many ways chanced upon me. Quite by accident, he showed me his gentle yet passionate side. Josephine, I wish this for you, too.”

Serena took the woman’s hands, held them close. “One day, my dear, you will find real love. When it happens, you will do whatever is necessary, for it is a treasure. As women in this society, we are regarded as possessions, no more than oxen or horses. It may change in the years to come, but I do not think it will happen in our lifetime. In simple language, your brother and I are not suited for marriage. I am in love with another. Why would I want to marry Lord Leland when all he does vilifies me?”

Josephine pushed a hair strand off her face and listened with attention.

Serena engaged the young woman’s eyes. “Lord LeBran is in love with money and power. I am in love with a man who sets me afire with just his words.”

She removed her hands and laid one on Josephine’s shoulder. “There is a bright world out there for you, too. All you have to do is seize the opportunity. This takes courage because,” she hesitated, “your mother does not support you.”

Josephine spoke in a soft tone as had become customary with them. “Serena, yesterday you asked me about the locks to these doors. There is an old chest in a cupboard in the lower kitchens that contains keys of all kinds. I purloined a key ring and found one that fits these bedrooms. I have it here for you.”

Serena’s hands went to her chest and stilled. With hope she held it as if it were pure gold.

Josephine whispered, “It will unlock my door. Try it on yours while I stand watch. “

Serena went to the large oak door, inserted the key, uttered a short prayer, and turned the lock. It worked.

“You do not know how much this means to me.” She hugged the girl. Josephine watched as Serena placed the key ring in her dress pocket.

“I am going to confide in you, but you must not tell anyone, even your mother. Promise me before God.” Serena held the woman by her shoulders.

Josephine whispered, “I have no life here. Sooner or later, they will do to me what they have done to you. If there is a chance to get away from them, I will seek it. Serena, since you came here, I am no longer the timid spinster. Yes, I am still afraid, but I see how you fight back. There is strength in how you react. I saw you fist your hands. I do read and the Bible says patience is a virtue. How long must I wait? I want so much to be seen as pretty. Now I feel as if I am.”

“You are a sweet woman, Josephine. There are men who would want to get lost in your cornflower blue eyes. I want to help you, but I can do nothing for you while here. Come away with Emma and me.”

“Dare I? Do you have a plan? If so, do not tell me. Better yet, just tell me enough so I can help you. I must be careful not to change my demeanor. My mother will try to find out what it is. If she does, I can tell her I’m excited about my bridesmaid’s dress. That should suffice.” Her face blushed.

“I have read in the library about the caponnier under the ditch. Have you ever been down there?” Serena probed.

“Yes, a long time ago. Why do you ask?” Josephine whispered.

“There is an architect’s drawing in the library volumes which shows a large door at the edge of the rocks, but is it possible there is a key that will unlatch it?” Serena clasped her hands.

“Do you ask me to find it?”

“Yes. We will wait until your brother goes out for the afternoon. I will keep your mother occupied while you find the key. When you do, walk by the main hall and up to the chapel. I will meet you there. Will you try?”

“I am frightened to death, but I will try. You will take me with you? Promise me before God?” Josephine pleaded. “Please don’t leave me behind.”

“Hush, my dear. Wherever I go, you will go. You have my affection. We must appear normal in preparation for the wedding. You will be excited and I will be reticent. Allow me to comb your hair in a different manner.” Serena brushed Josephine’s hair, braided it, and set it upon her head as a golden crown. “This is so much nicer than the bun you wear. See if you like it.”

Josephine ran to a mirror, her laughter brightened. “Thank you, Serena. I feel different.”

“Now, dear girl, go back to the main hall and try to act calm.”

When Emma returned from her duties, she shared the news about the keys. Emma’s face lit up. “I am to meet John this morning. I will pray Josephine can find the other, mistress.”

“Tell John about the beach portal door and inform him we are trying to find the key. The sketch I saw in the architectural drawings shows it has a huge ring attached. If I know anything about Lord Geoffrey, he already knows.”

“Yes, mistress.” Her maid’s eyes glistened.

“What is it?” Had something gone wrong? Her heartbeat raced. Her stomach roiled. Her mouth parched.

Emma handed her a small knife, about 15 centimeters in length. “I got it from the kitchen. It was rusted, and I sharpened it on a stone along with some of the other kitchen knives. It will not be missed. There were leather scraps in the boot room. I can sew a special leather sheath in your dress pocket so the blade will not pierce the cloth and fall out.”

“Emma, dear friend. Thank you. Let’s hope I don’t have to use it on him. It is sharp.” She practiced handling it. “Please sew it into this black carriage dress. I must go down and keep Madame Yolanda occupied while Josephine searches for the portal key.” LeBran was bigger and stronger. If there were to be a confrontation, could she muster the courage to wield the weapon across his neck?

Her heart palpitated. She pulled in a breath to calm the inner excitement. She changed her dress. Emma took it to perform the task. Serena slipped quickly into the only other frock she’d brought and watched as her maid busied her needle.

Oh, dear God. What have we come to? She’d never hurt a living creature. How could she wield the knife at LeBran?