Chris rode away, burning in fury. His pet had kissed another boy! He had been threatened, abused and insulted, only escaping a beating by a hair. He had liked having a little pet, that boy had no right to touch her. This would need some punishment. As he looked out the window, he noticed the blond girl; the sister of the silent angry blonde boy was picking flowers. Well, here was a chance for a bit of revenge. He turned to one of his footmen. "Albert, I think I shall add another ingredient to my plan. I would like a repeat treatment of the pet done to that blond girl. Just make sure you aren't seen by anyone, including her, grab her and take her into the woods. Rough her up till she's unconscious and just leave her somewhere where she'll be found later by the household. I want her good and bloody, make it real painful but make sure she won't be able to recognize you. When she is unconscious, take any valuables on her, hat, gloves, jewelry and a piece of her dress with blood on it and meet me at the back on the Chevalier Inn a mile up the road. After, we get back to the chateau, you will put them, along with this hair, the bracelet and this piece of cloth back into that cur Andre's clothes and return them to their proper place in Planchette's shop. It's a big job but after that, take the day off again. After this, I'll make sure you're well rewarded" He ordered, letting Albert out of the carriage. He smiled, this would upset the pet, hurt that blonde boy and inflict pain on Andre, and he was happy enough, his Laurel had kissed his hand. He'd deal with the English pet thief soon, in fact, he'd destroy the pet's world entirely and soon Laurel would be his. With that, he told the driver to make his way to the Inn, he decided he was hungry.
Albert crept along the path, stole through the trees, inching silently closer to the unsuspecting girl. He took a handkerchief from his pocket and wound it round his hands. When the girl's back was to him, he rushed forward wrapped the cloth tightly around her neck to prevent her screaming or turning her head. "Obey or I'll snap your pretty little neck!" he said as he dragged her into the woods. He pushed her up against tree roughly, loosening the cloth only long enough to tie it around her eyes. He spun her around and inwardly laughed at the expression of terror on her face. "So what is a pretty little girl like you doing wandering through the woods? Going to grandma's house?" he said menacingly. "Or looking for a bit of fun with the wolf?" He held her pinned to the tree, stroking her neck. He forced a kiss upon her neck and lips. "Oh! so you don't like poor boys, eh?" he said stroking her. "Stay quiet and it will be over faster." With this he struck her so hard across the face that she fell over. He stepped over her and sat on her legs while he pummeled her face, arms, chest, and stomach enjoying the fact that he was acting as master over a superior aristocrat. He stood up and began to kick her legs and back. Not entirely satisfied, he lifted her up and began slamming her into the trunk of the tree until the girl lost consciousness. After that he shredded her garment even worst than he had done to Em and removed all her valuable. Just as he was about to leave he went back and cut a lock of Michelle's hair, spat on her, and went quickly to the inn to give Cristof his prizes.
Emilie took the soft kiss and returned it. "Excellent, your wish is granted, you charmer. I can't believe you have cared for me for so long, what were you waiting for , a sign from the heavens? Though I am sure you more then make up for your lateness with mischief, I shudder to think of the peccadilloes done at Harrows by your hands. I am sure Percy himself is no wall flower and how your school still stands amazes me to no end. But even you make a scoundrel of Andrew? Lud, even for you, my gallant Lord, it would be a task. The lad's more holy then Moses, he could walk through Solomon's harem and only stop to admire the temple. He warned me to watch out for rouges likes you. I better run, with a handsome boy like you, no girl is safe" she said, running away, knowing Hastings would run and catch her. She ran into the forest by the house, she'd hid behind a tree and catch Hastings off guard. Her foot touched something and she looked down at a sight that ripped her heart and made her blood freeze with the memory of another day. She screamed at the top of her voice in alarm! Blood, a blindfold, clothes ripped, lying in the woods, alone. She recognized the dress, it was... no, it was Michelle! That man had come back, he was right by her home. She felt her breath freeze in her lungs as she stood there, trying to help her fallen friend. He could have heard her scream and come back, oh dear God, she was doomed! She bent down and tried to cover her friend. "Michelle darling, it's me, Emilie. Can you hear me? Please wake up, I'll protect you, it will be all right" she whispered, though she was shaking in terror herself.
Hastings chased after Emilie laughing, holding back his speed to allow her to think she had out stripped him, he saw where she had disappeared into the woods and a moment later he heard a scream! A bolt of terror ripped through his heart as he sprinted the remainder of the distance, whoever was hurting her would pay! He saw she kneeling within the trees, shaking uncontrollably. His eyes darted around to see where the villain had gone to, he approached Emilie and placed a hand on her shoulder just as he saw Michelle's broken form before her.
Emilie felt a hand on her shoulder and her heart almost stopped beating. That beast had found her and Michelle, she was all alone, and she was going to die, never to see Tim again. She shuddered violently. "You've found me, you have my friend and I both captive, now I beg you, don't hurt me, or Michelle again, please. I won't even turn around, I won't make trouble. Just don't hurt her and I'll stay quiet and where you take me, you won't even have to guard me, I won't move. Just don't hurt me or my friend, I beg you to have mercy." She implored desperately, her hands in the air, her voice trembling in terror and her breathing more ragged. All she could see was the broken form of her best friend, and she knew she'd be next.
Michelle jumped and dropped the flower she was holding as she felt the cloth wrap around her neck. In terror, she screamed inwardly as she was dragged into the woods. What was happening? Why? Oh, she should have listened to Andrew! Everything happened so quickly--she was thrown against a tree, blindfolded, and, before she knew it, his foul lips were on hers.
When he let her go, she gasped for breath, terrified as he touched her. Tears ran down her face. Andrew! Andrew! I'm sorry, Andrew! she cried inwardly. I'm so sorry! She whimpered slightly, and he hit her. She fell on the ground, getting dirt in her mouth. She didn't have time to move before he sat on her, hitting her over and over. Please! Make it stop! She prayed. Please! He stood, then kicked her. She barely was able to whimper as he yanked her up, slamming her against a tree. Finally, blackness took her. Blessed, blessed oblivion...
Chris waited behind the Inn by his carriage, keeping a sharp eye on the woods. He was munching on some bread, waiting and enjoying the knowledge that he was making his plans one step more advanced. He knew this would hurt everyone in that the room. This of course was only the beginning. He was a Lovell, "Nemo me impune lacessit". No, no one would assail him with impunity, he would wreck revenge, revenge on the pet, revenge on her English guests, revenge on her family, revenge on Planchette and Andre, and revenge on everyone else who stood in his way to his goals. When he finally saw his bloody, grinning lackey, he walked over. "Well, you seemed to have enjoyed yourself, what presents have you've brought me. Ah, the little lady's hat and gloves, what a pity they got wet with blood. Oh, a locket, let's see what's inside. Hmm, must be the parents. And a little gold ring, how adorable, most likely a gift. What a pretty dress she had, too bad it got ripped." he smirked. He fingered the curly hair. "Hmm, what lovely hair, it will be put to good use. My, excellent work, you definitely will be rewarded for this. Here is the rest of the belongings. Tonight, you will take Andre's clothes and belongings back where they belong. All the items, the pet's hair, cloth and bracelet and these new additions" he said, as he got in. He smirked. "Andre, you're first" he murmured.
Hastings knelt beside her and gently turned her face to meet his, "It's alright, dearest. I won't let anyone hurt you." She fell into his arms, sobbing, clinging to him for strength. His held her with one arm the other he used to assess whether or not there was life in Michelle and the damage that had be done.
"Listen, Emilie, I need you to be strong for me, I'm going to carrying Michelle back to the manor. I want you stay beside me until we're out in the open and have a clear view of the house. Then I want you to run and fetch Andrew or Percy or his Lordship. Do you understand? And once you're there, stay in the house. I'll be right behind you." Hastings released Emilie and carefully lifted Michelle into his arms, taking care to support her as best as possible. They proceeded out of the forest, Emilie holding onto Hastings arm tightly. When there was a clear view to the manor, Hastings said, "Run now, Emilie, I watch over you."
Percy also managed to snap out of his self absorbed trance long enough to hear the scream and Andrew's panicked voice. "It seemed to come from outside." He said quietly, immediately getting to his feet. He felt bad for dumping everything on Andrew but what was there to be done, now? Immediately, Percy began telling himself to stay calm and not to panic.
If he panicked in the least, Andrew would probably think he was trying to do something drastic to himself once more. "We should probably go and check it out don't you think?"
Emilie felt her face tenderly turned and she looked fearfully into the blue eyes of her Tim. She fell into his arms, so grateful it was him. She was terrified, she knew that beat could be lurking anywhere and she knew she was his target. He held her with one arm. Emilie kept seeing her own kidnapping in her mind. "Listen, Emilie, I need you to be strong for me, I'm going to carrying Michelle back to the manor. I want you stay beside me until we're out in the open and have a clear view of the house. Then I want you to run and fetch Andrew or Percy or his Lordship. Do you understand? And once you're there, stay in the house. I'll be right behind you." He commanded his kind voice firm and authoritative. She wanted him to carry her back; she didn't want to leave him. At any moment she could be snatched up and beaten again, maybe even worse. But Michelle needed her and so did her Tim. She'd have to be brave! She nodded tightly and didn't cry when he released her and picked up Michelle. She clung to Hastings as they walked to the forest, Emilie's eyes searching anxiously. She didn't want to be alone but Michelle needed help and Hastings couldn't run while holding her. Finally, they reached the clearing. Emilie whimpered. Now she would have to do it alone. Hastings looked at her "Run now, Emilie, I watch over you." She nodded determinedly, squeezed his hand, picked up her skirts and ran like the Devil himself was after her. She didn't look back, she had to get help, but her heart was beating fast. She was sure she'd be grabbed at any second but for Michelle and Tim, she'd go through Hellfire. She could not imagine how much more feet the house was. It seemed to take forever, but she trusted Hastings. She had to do this, she had to! She finally reached the back door and looked behind her. Hastings was still there, carrying Michelle as fast as he could. Emilie ran through the house to the library and fell into Andrew who was standing by the bookshelf. "Andrew, Michelle, she's been... hurt, Hastings has her, she's outside, the same person, Andrew, she's been hurt" she wheezed, her face white and tinged with green in terror, her whole body shaking.
At her words, Percy winced a bit. "Michelle is hurt, Em? Is there anything I can do to help?" He asked, quickly taking her by the arm and leading Emilie towards the chair. "Seriously let me, please... it's the least I can do... it's my fault all this is happening.."
Percy glanced quickly at Andrew, this was his sister that they were talking about. Perhaps he would understand why he was so upset where Emilie was concerned with the Vicomte and now her sudden courtship with Hastings. "Andrew, what we've got to do is figure out who is going to stay here with Emilie and who is going to help Michelle and Edward. "We can't leave Emilie alone... but we can't afford anymore harm to come to Michelle, either." What to do? It was truly a difficult position for one to be in. Especially if one of the parties involved was his best friend's sister.
Hastings watched Emilie run ahead of him, he knew she must have been terrified and has proud of her courage in carrying out his orders. When she had disappeared into the house, Hastings turned his concentration to the injured girl in his arms and every movement around them. He wished that he could move faster, but feared that he might inflict more injury upon the poor girl. "We're almost there, my dear Michelle, Emilie has gone to fetch your brother. You're safe now." He knew that it was unlikely she hear him, but on the chance she did he hoped she might take some comfort in the fact that a friend was near.
Dessau saw Emilie rush into the house, pale faced and terrified, he followed her into the parlor where Percy tried to sooth her. Dessau waited just outside the door to find out what was the matter, had her betrothed acted in appropriately. He caught a few lines about someone returning for her, it was difficult for him to listen without being seen. Then Emilie got up and said, "Come along, Tim and Michelle need our..." and collapsed on the floor. Dessau ran to retrieve the one person who could sort the mess out: Lord Blakeney. Dessau rapped urgently on the door of the study.
Blakeney stirred from his meditation at the sound, how long had he sat there? "Come in." Dessau entered.
"M-milor, I-I believe some-something horrible has happened!" Dessau stuttered.
Blakeney shot out of his seat and followed Dessau to the parlor where he found Emilie there, tended to by Percy and Andrew. "What on Earth happened?" If the young lord was responsible...
Percy broke off from his rarely coherent thoughts and glanced up to see his father. "Andrew and I were simply sitting here talking when Emilie came in and told us that something had happened to M-Michelle." When Percy got nervous- he tended to stammer and stammering was something that he loathed doing in front of his father. Especially at a time like this. "Would you allow me to go help look for Andrew's sister unless you want me to stay here with Emilie.."
"Where are they?" Blakeney damned. "Show me! Andrew stay with Emilie! I'll return!" Blakeney followed Percy out of the house by the rear door. Hastings was not far away. Blakeney sprinted towards him and took the girl out of Hastings's arms and ran with her into the manors, Percy and Hastings ran behind him. As he passed Dessau on the way to the parlor, he shouted, "Get the doctor, man!" Inside the parlor he lay Michelle down upon a sofa and turned to Percy. "Go get a maid to get the girl a blanket and clothes!"
"Yes sir," Percy said softly, more than alarmed at the sight of young Michelle, he couldn't help but feel responsible for what had happened. Had he not poured his heart out to Andrew, Michelle would not have left the safety of the manor. Percy broke into a run, bursting through the doors of the house at top speed. Where *was* everybody? Besides the people in the parlor, the entire house seemed deserted. Panting from his exertion, Percy rounded another corner and ran smack INTO a maid- Penelope. "My father has requested your presence, I need a blanket and clean clothing for the young Michelle Ffoulkes and I need them immediately. HURRY!"
"Yes, milor! I'll get them right away!" Penelope dashed off to gather the requested items.
When Emilie entered the room with news that Michelle was hurt, Andrew's blood ran cold. It couldn't be. That sort of thing happens to other people, never you. It simply couldn't be. Andrew was frozen in shock. In future years, Ffoulkes would look back on that day in times of crisis. He swore he'd never let himself be paralyzed into inaction like that again. In truth, there wasn't anything he could have done for Michelle at that point anyway, but he never wanted to loose his wits like that ever again. Maybe there was something he could have done, had he only thought about it quickly enough.
When Lord Blakeney brought in Michelle's broken form, the full force of what Emilie alerted him of slammed into Andrew like a ton of bricks. "Michelle..." he whispered. Then, snapping out of his shock, "Michelle!" he screamed.
He ran over to his sister, and cradled her in his arms. "Michelle! Michelle! What happened? What monster did this to you?!" She, of course, could not hear him, but he yelled anyway. It was then when Andrew began to weep.
He warned her to stay close. He warned her to not be alone. He should have done more. He should not have let her leave his sight. But they were on Blakeney land! How could anything have happened to her? How could he have foreseen this? How could he have prevented this? And how could asking such questions help his sister now?
"Michelle. My dearest sister, Michelle," he cried into her limp shoulder. "Stay with me. I love you. Mother and Father love you. We all love you. Don't leave us. Stay with me, and I swear I'll make it better. I swear, Michelle. Stay with me."
Andrew then lifted his head and looked into Michelle's now motionless face. She was always so full of life; it killed him to see her that way. Andrew Ffoulkes did not like the word "revenge." He did, however, like the word "vengeance." Revenge has connotations of personal hate, of viciously getting back at someone. Vengeance, on the other hand, was righting a terrible wrong, even if it meant through terrible means.
"I will avenge you, Michelle. By my word of honor I swear I will avenge you!" His normally warm eyes grew very hard. "I will bring whoever is responsible for this to justice! Swift, hard justice! I swear, Michelle! I swear!!!"
Then, some softness returned to his face, out of sadness. "Forgive me, Michelle," he whispered. "I failed you. I failed in my duty. I failed as your brother." Tears flowed freely down his angelic cheeks. "I am so sorry, Michelle. Forgive me. I'll make it right somehow. Please forgive me, Michelle. Please, please forgive me..."
Hastings heart ached along with that of his friend and when his friend swore vengeance it anger him more, not that that emotion did not fill his heart, but that such a noble heart as that which beat in Andre's chest will have to experience that anguish. If Andrew sought vengeance it would be with Hastings at his side, for this monster had destroyed what was precious to both men.
Hastings stepped forward and placed a reassuring hand on Andrew's shoulder, "She'll be alright, my friend."
As Andrew's tears fell on her face, Michelle started to revive. "Andrew? Andrew? I'm so sorry. I should have listened to you. I'm sorry, Andrew! I'm sorry!" she kept murmuring over and over, weakly, eyes still closed.
"Michelle!" Andrew's face lit up like the sun! "Michelle! Oh, thank God! Thank God!" He stroked he face gently, and softly rested her back down onto the couch. "Don't be sorry, sweet sister. As long as you're all right, I'll be happy." He smiled brightly at her. Though she was by no means out of the woods yet, she was alive and talking, and that lifted a gigantic weight off Andrew's shoulders.
"You're sorry?! I'M sorry! I beg forgiveness from YOU! I should have taken better care of you. I should-" Andrew cut himself off and shook his head. "But it doesn't matter now. The Blakeney's doctor is on his way. You're safe now."
He softly caressed Michelle's bruised face once more. Then, that hardness returned to Andrew's eyes. "Whoever did this to you, he's the one who will be sorry..."
Hastings looked over his shoulder to Blakeney, who hovered over his beloved Emilie. "Have Lord and Lady Ffoulkes been summoned?" Hastings asked, striding across to kneel beside the sofa on which Emilie lay and Blakeney dotted. "Have Lord and Lady Ffoulkes been summoned?" Hastings asked.
Andrew's joy was dampened by that thought. "Mother and Father!" he gasped. Turning towards the other men, he stammered, "I'd go fetch them at once, but I daren't leave Michelle's side! We didn't even tell them where we were going. We just wanted to escape the drudgery for a while..." Andrew looked down. He truly was to blame for Michelle's injury. He'd meant no harm, no harm at all. And yet, look what had happened! He didn't know! How could he have know?! How could he have foreseen such a thing?
Percy meanwhile, continued to pace the hallway while waiting for Penelope to bring the garments and blanket for Andrew's sister. Would she be ok? That was the main thought rushing through Percy's mind as he thought about what could have happened had Emilie and Edward not been outside. Now all anybody could do was wait.
"Andrew, don't leave me! Don't leave me, Andrew!" Michelle wept. Although her mind was still muddled, she knew that he would take care of her. "Andrew, I hurt so badly. I'm sorry Andrew. I should have listened. Don't leave me, Andrew!"
"Not yet," Blakeney replied. "I'll send Dessau for them immediately." As these words were spoken Dessau entered the room with the much worked doctor. "Dessau, send word to Lord and Lady Ffoulkes that their presence is urgently needed." Dessau nodded and disappeared.
The doctor rushed to tend to Michelle, carefully extracting her from her brother's arms. "There now, I can't help her if you won't let go!" the doctor scolded.
Penelope reappeared moments later with the clothes and the blanket. "Where are they, milor?" she asked ready to follow.
Emilie weakly tried to open her eyes but her head hurt when she saw light. She was on the floor, what happened, were Tim and Michelle safe? She vaguely heard Michelle crying and voices. "Tim, where are you? Is Michelle all right?" she asked, covering her eyes.
Hastings took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, "I'm right beside you. And Michelle is with the doctor as we speak. I'm very proud of you. You acted with the courage of a lioness."
Emilie felt Hastings hold her hand and she brought the hand to her lips. "Thank god, you two are safe. I'd die if anything happened to you. I had to do it, I couldn't let him hurt you. I'd go through Hell for you, my love. Michelle, too. But Tim, I'm scared. The same person who kidnapped me did this to her. Michelle was blindfolded and so was I. I think...I think the person saw a girl and thought it was me. Tim, someone wants my life, and they know where I live. I'm so scared, next time he may succeed to get me alone again. Tim, I am so scared, it's all my fault. Michelle was beaten because of me!" she wept.
"Andrew! Don't leave me!" Michelle cried as she was taken from her brother's arms. She weakly reached out for her brother's hand with one of her own. So much was happening all at once! She was so confused, and still not fully conscious.
Blakeney looked at both Hastings and Emilie in turn, there was no doubt Emilie was happy with this union, even in light of this recent tragedy. She would be happy to flee the cursed Blakeney household. Even now she called out to her future husband for support, rather than to Blakeney as she had always done in the past. Blakeney goy up and crossed the room to where Michelle struggled against the poor doctor. "For god's sake, boy, calm her down so the doctor can do his job."
"Follow me," Percy replied sharply, taking a short cut into the parlor where everybody was. Michelle seemed to have woken up and everything was now in a state of chaos but yet, Percy felt at loss as if somehow, after this, he would no longer be needed for anything. "I have done as you asked, father." Percy said coldly, not looking him in the eyes as he did not feel equal to him in any way, shape or form. "Would you like me to leave the room?"
"Lud, sir!" Hastings exclaimed. "I pray you stay! If only to stay in keeping up poor Emilie, Michelle, and Andrew's morale!"
Blakeney shot a cold look at Percy, once again the boy wanted to run away from his problems. "Stay, Percy, and put yourself to use. There is not much good you can do sulking up in your room."
Emilie shuddered. "I'm all right, I am just scared. I thought I was safe. Tim, promise me you'll take of yourself and be careful" she whispered.
Hastings let out at merry laugh to take the edge off of the horrors around them. "Lud, Madame! I always take care! Don't worry your lovely head about me! But there is a villain out there who will need to take care lest our paths cross."
Emilie couldn't even answer, she was so choked up. "I'll always worry about you, my love. Just stay by me and keep me safe" she said softly.
Hastings smiled down at her, "Always."
Andrew knew he had to get out of the way and allow the doctor to attend to his work. However, he couldn't bring himself to let go of Michelle's hand. She needed him, now more than ever. "Hush, sweet Michelle. I'll not leave you. You're safe. The doctor needs you to lie still, now. Hush, Michelle," he whispered as he maneuvered himself out of the way, still clinging tightly to his sister's weak hand. "Mother and Father are on their way. I'll stay with you no matter what. Be still, Michelle. You're safe."
If only Andrew fully believed those last words himself. Hastings was right; there was a villain still out there. And part of Ffoulkes could not wait for their paths to cross.
Michelle sighed and calmed down as her elder brother held her hand. She believed him when he told her she was safe and that he would stay with her. She closed her eyes again. "I'm so tired..." she murmured.
