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In too brief a time, I was faced with parting with George, however temporary it was. My heart was aching at the thought, and I was trying hard to remain composed.
"We haven't located the culprit yet, but believe it is mythological in nature," Mr. Hodge explained about the murders in London.
"I'll be taking Sarah Jane back to Moonspire, and then I will join you in London," Tristan added.
"Do you think it's another gumiho?" I asked the group. George squeezed my hand gently.
"It does appear so," Mr. Hodge answered. "One of the darker nature. Nothing at all like my dear Hwa Young."
I turned to George, "Can I talk to you alone?"
He nodded, and we stepped out into the hallway.
"Something is bothering me."
"What is it, Cheonsa?" I could see the concern in George’s dark eyes.
"It’s Mr. Throckmorten." I took a deep breath. "I heard him talking with my brothers, trying to implicate you in the murders, and even how the Marquis was angry but was protecting you."
George glanced towards the room where the others were waiting. "Have you talked to your brothers?"
"I wasn't supposed to overhear. I had gone to bed."
"You used the dragon charm?" George raised an eyebrow and was trying not to smile.
"Yes, I had to know why he was here."
George nodded and turned to lead me back into the room.
"One more thing. I feel like I'm losing my mind where the Throckmorten's are concerned. More and more, when I'm with them, I feel off balance, and I can't think straight.”
"Perhaps it is stress." George tried to reassure me, but I could tell he was troubled. "I'd like it if you'd reconsider going to Moonspire with your sister."
"We've been over this before; my place is here right now." I wasn’t about to abandon Edward and James.
"I don’t like it. Stay safe, my Beautiful," George whispered.
***
A few days later I awoke in the morning with a pounding headache. I could feel it throbbing and pulsating. Every move was agony. I groaned and buried my head in my pillow.
"Mouse, are you ok?" James asked quietly from my door. "You've missed breakfast."
"Just a horrible headache," I answered from the depth of my pillow.
"I didn't understand that Mouse," James replied, coming into my room and sitting on my bed. "Are you ill?"
"Pound. Head. Bad."
"Let me get you a ginger compress. Would you like mint tea?"
"Ok," I replied as I buried myself deeper into the softness of my pillow. I knew that James would realize how bad a pounder it was when I accepted the tea.
Edward and James had things that needed to be done, and so they told me to stay low and to feel better before they left. Towards the early afternoon, I decided I had had enough of being an invalid, as laying down was not helping my head feel any better, so I went to sit in my chair in the library to read a book. Books were often a safe way to escape from life when you needed to, and I needed a distraction.
I knew I was tense. My thoughts kept turning to George. I prayed that he was safe, looking for the evil gumiho.
I had just started reading a second chapter when Henry let me know I had company at the door. Whoever was calling on me, at this early hour?
"It's Miss Adelaide Throckmorten, and her brother, Miss," Henry announced.
"Show them in, Henry," I replied, putting my book aside.
"Certainly," Henry answered with a frown as he left.
"Miss Elizabeth?" Alice called coming into the room. "I heard that the Throckmorten’s have arrived unexpectedly. I'll go ask Mrs. Potts if she can whip up something for you to serve."
"That is most kind of you, Alice," I said gratefully. I made a mental note to myself that next time my brothers go out to remind Edward to make sure Henry knows no callers. I barely had time to wonder why he didn't though. It wasn't like him to not have arranged for that.
"Good afternoon, Elizabeth," Miss Throckmorten said, "I so hope you can forgive our early intrusion. I was so eager to visit that I convinced Nathan we just had to come."
"It's quite all right," I said politely. "Mr. Throckmor—”
"Nathan," Mr. Throckmorten cut in, before indicating I should go on with a wave of his hand.
"Won't you sit down, Miss Throckmorten," I offered, showing Adelaide to a seat. "Your brother hadn't told me you were in, back from London."
"Do call me Adelaide. I do want us to be good friends."
"Ah, all right, Adelaide," I said with a bit of hesitation, as I took a seat. How could I refuse her request? She was of a higher social standing. Aunt Pen had drummed into me that I should be gratified she wanted to be on a first name basis. Still, I had refrained from using it.
I noticed to my alarm that Mr. Throckmorten moved a chair and had sat down next to me.
"I just arrived last night," Adelaide purred. “I was sincerely saddened we were unable to accept your Aunt’s invitation for Yule dinner.”
“As Aunt Pen said, another time perhaps.”
"How have you been?" Mr. Throckmorten asked me.
"I've been well."
"You haven't come to call on me." He frowned and I had the nagging impression that it was I who had neglected something important. The pain increased.
"We have been busy," I answered. Why would I call on him? I was baffled. I needed to redirect this conversation. "Adelaide, now tell me, how did you enjoy London?"
"I love London. It's full of such life and flavor," Adelaide gushed. "Imagine my delight when I ran into an old friend of ours."
"Tell me, how is your old friend?"
"You mean Mr. George Hodge?" Adelaide asked with a cunning smile. She leaned closer to me to half whisper, "He seems well enough since the last time he and I have been together."
I was grateful for the distraction of Alice bringing in a tray of tea and cakes.
"They are long past acquainted," Mr. Throckmorten added in a low voice, "if you catch my drift. They were once intended to be married."
"Really?" I managed to say, as the little cake slipped out of my fingers onto the floor.
Adelaide smiled to Mr. Throckmorten.
"I'll get that, Miss," Alice said.
"Don't tell her that, Nathan, you do know she and George are friends. I do think that perhaps, Elizabeth, that he also led you to believe he wanted to be with you?"
"I..." I felt the color rise in my cheeks. Did they know we were engaged? We hadn’t announced it yet.
"The only reason why I feel I can confide in you, Elizabeth, is because I expect you and I will be dear friends," Adelaide grinned.
***
"You have many books," Adelaide said, as she perused the bookshelf. "I take it you like to read."
"Well, yes I do. I should love to travel someday. But for now, I content myself with books. My brothers are kind enough to indulge me."
"Not many men understand it when a woman desires to read," Adelaide said.
"I understand it," Mr. Throckmorten said, leaning over and placing a hand on my arm. I shot up to my feet.
"Would you like to walk about the room with me, Adelaide?" I asked.
"Of course. Would you like to join us, Nathan?" Adelaide smiled mischievously.
"No, I think I would much prefer to sit here and watch," he answered as his eyes locked on mine. "The view is actually quite lovely."
I was the fly caught in the spider’s web. An intense feeling of suffocation overwhelmed me. I had to get outside.
"It is better outside, do come outside Adelaide," I said getting our cloaks, and leading the way out the large double door to the gardens. Mr. Throckmorten did not join us.
We strolled for a while before Adelaide stopped. "I feel like music."
"Well, you know we do have a piano...” I was puzzled.
"I remember such a lovely one too. Shall we fetch Nathan and head to the music room?"
"I suppose we could.”
Adelaide sang and played several songs for us as I turned the music sheets for her. Mr. Throckmorten watched. I was more than a bit uncomfortable, but I was determined to be a good hostess, even if I strongly felt they were taking advantage of my brothers being gone. If it hadn't been for Adelaide's presence, I would have turned them out. At least that is what I kept telling myself.
The weather seemed in tune with my feelings and it started to rain.
Henry entered the room and announced that Edward and James had just arrived home, and upon becoming presentable (having been caught in the downpour) would be joining us.
"Thank you, Henry." I was very relieved. Finally, my brothers were home.
"I shall need to make this quick," Mr. Throckmorten said. He had been standing by the wall, listening to his sister sing. I had finally sat down, in a chair meant for one person. "There is a game in London that is quite fun, and I hope to play it with you soon."
"A game like whist?"
He shook his head.
Maybe he meant croquet? "Or croquet?"
"Nothing like that, no," he answered coming over to stand in front of my chair. He put one hand on each armrest, effectively trapping me in.
Adelaide just kept singing. "It is a game similar to Blind Man's Bluff, but you guess..." He was leaning in, and the next thing I knew he put his lips on mine. "The kiss," he said as he pulled away. I was in shock. "I want you to be able to recognize mine."
You belong to me.
"I think you both need to leave. I'll have Henry show you to the door." I tried to get up to call for Henry.
"If we must," Mr. Throckmorten reluctantly agreed, stepping away from me just as Edward walked into the room.
I stood up and put more distance between us. A good deal of room.
"What, are you leaving already?" Edward asked, noticing that Mr. Throckmorten was fetching his hat and cap.
"I am afraid so, the hour is growing late, and we have another appointment to keep. But I do wish to invite you all to my home tomorrow for dinner," Mr. Throckmorten said.
"Do say you'll come," Adelaide said. "I have soo much to talk with Elizabeth about ... her upcoming wedding."
"Oh, so you've heard?" James said. "I thought you guys would stop coming about when you heard the news about my sister and George Hodge."
It felt like I took a blow to my gut. I pressed against the wall to stay upright. Edward was watching me, a strange look on his face.
"Elizabeth?" Edward looked for my lead. I knew I needed to answer, but I was having trouble getting a coherent thought. I heard Edward call my name again, but he sounded far away like I was in a tunnel.
"I need to sit down," I gasped.
"Elizabeth!" Edward said as I felt the floor rising up to meet me.
I was not sure who caught me, but I suspect it was Mr. Throckmorten. The bastard.
***
I was nervous. I wasn't happy about dining with the Throckmorten's. In addition to us, they had invited a few other of the local families, so it was of little comfort that it was not only us. A very small comfort. A few of the mothers had their sights set on Mr. Throckmorten for their eligible daughters. On the surface, he was attractive and wealthy. It was for that reason alone he had attracted my aunt, or so I thought. I should have known better, he was cunning and calculating.
Dinner had adjourned, the men had had their drinks, and we were all gathering for music. Adelaide suggested I play and sing first.
"Adelaide." Mr. Throckmorten interrupted her, his frown intense.
"Nonsense, Nathan. Miss Pendry has been studying voice, and I'm sure she can handle it. Although, if it makes you feel better, I'll manage the arrangements." Adelaide smiled sickeningly at me.
"I..." I started to say, glancing at my brothers for help, but I noticed they weren't present. Where did they go?
"Your brothers had to leave suddenly. Nathan and I have promised to bring you home safe," Adelaide purred into my ear.
I started to panic.
"Adelaide, I think that is quite enough. Miss Pendry, I do hope you'll play a duet with me. No singing, of course, unless you want to that is." Mr. Throckmorten winked at me, taking my hand. I thought I heard a couple of the girls sighing.
"She's so lucky," I heard someone say as Mr. Throckmorten led me to the piano.
After we played, and fortunately, I did not have to sing, another young hopeful sang for us. In fact, when Mr. Throckmorten said if any young lady wanted to join us and sing he'd be delighted he had several volunteers. The singing was truly dreadful, yet the audience clapped appreciatively.
Mr. Throckmorten first escorted the singer back to her seat. She beamed brightly as her idol praised her for her efforts. I decided I was grateful I had been saved from singing as Mr. Throckmorten escorted me back to my seat, where he sat next to me.
While the third young lady played for us, Adelaide nudged a young man who suggested we play a game of Blind Man's Bluff.
"We mustn't!" Adelaide protested good-naturedly.
"The parents of a few of the young ladies present might object," Mr. Throckmorten objected. I was relieved.
Thoughts came unbidden ... Yes, feel relieved. Grateful. Even—
"It's growing late. It might be a good time to depart," I suggested hopefully.
"As soon as the last of our guests leave, I'll take you home," Mr. Throckmorten said.
"Really, I can get home on my own," I said standing up. "If you all will excuse me."
"I will take you home if that is truly what you want," Mr. Throckmorten replied as he took my hands into his.
"Thank you," I replied. "Could you fetch my cloak please?"
Mr. Throckmorten sent for my cloak and called a carriage. "You'll forgive me if I don't come with you." Mr. Throckmorten helped me into the carriage.
"That is actually fine," I said. I was actually relieved I was traveling alone. I needed to think and clear my head, as it was starting to feel very muddled.
"I'm here," Adelaide called out as she joined me. "Help me up, Nathan," she said as he helped her into the carriage. "I can't have it said we let a young lady go home unescorted."
"Adelaide," Mr. Throckmorten tone had a warning edge to it. Turning to me he added, "I will see you later when you return." And with that, Mr. Throckmorten spoke to the driver and we were off.
"I hope you had a nice evening," Adelaide said as the carriage rocked back forth over the frozen road.
"Thank you for inviting us," I carefully answered.
"Nathan is quite taken with you," Adelaide continued. "I am not sure exactly why. I had been hoping that by having you sing in public, he'd realize his folly."
"It appears we might be in agreement," I replied, my fists bunched up in my lap.
"And what would that be dear?"
"Mr. Throckmorten is quite mistaken in his esteem for me. I do not return it."
"Ah yes. It is Mr. George Hodge that holds your heart is it not?" Adelaide said in a cold and off-handed way. "There's only one explanation then, you've been leading Nathan on."
"What? I've never—” I protested as I felt a resounding slap hard across my face.
"It would be best for you to see the error of your ways, and call off your engagement with Mr. Hodge. Of course, there will be the scandal. But rest assured, all that gossip will subside when Nathan dutifully comes to your side. Trust me when I tell you, this is the best way."