Sir and Lady Ffoulkes arrived soon after that. "Michelle!" her mother cried. "Oh, my poor darling Michelle!" They had come as quickly as they could, and were shocked at the way their little girl looked. Her sweet face was covered in bruises and puffy from the beating she had received, her curls were rumpled and falling out, and she had blood and bruises all over her. Lady Ffoulkes had to look away and bury her face in her husband's chest, tears running down her face. To see her child so was more than she could stand. Sir Ffoulkes held his wife close. "How did this happen?" he said, fighting to keep his voice steady.
"I was NOT planning on running away." Percy retorted to his father in a haughty tone of voice, tired of keeping up this charade of 'good boy'. "Why do you always expect the worst from me? Because I'm your son, that's why! You said earlier that you wished to never 'see my disgusting face again' or something to that affect."
Percy scowled and plopped into a near by chair, feeling what he always did. Helpless. "Did you really mean that, father? Do you wish never to see me again?" He asked, his eyes wide, hoping for some answers. Then at least he could stop hiding how he felt- as if he were stepping on egg shells.
Emilie turned red with mortification, why must Percy air this ugliness in front of everyone, the Ffoulkes and her Tim? She was tired, terrified and emotionally exhausted. She had gone from the highest joy to despair and she really didn't need her family shamed like this. "Hush Percy, this isn't your fault, stop blaming yourself. Everyone is not angry at you, Milord merely sent you to your room this morning and you know that. You act like he sent you to the Tower. All he said was he didn't want to see you till you apologized" she said quickly with a smile. She rose and curtsied to the Ffoulkes who were looking shell shocked. "Sir, milady, I can only offer my deepest sorrow at what happened to your daughter" she said, and waited for someone else to explain.
Hastings blushed slightly at the scene, they were getting away from the purpose. "If I may, I will attempt to explain," my lord Hastings offered. "My lady Emilie and I were conversing in the garden and walking towards the wood, when my lady stumbled upon dear Michelle lying amongst the trees unconscious and horribly savaged as you can see. I had been under the impression that she was inside the manor until then, however I sent Lady Emilie to fetch aid while I attempted to carry her into the manor. I was met in route by his Lordship who spirited her here and summoned yourselves and a doctor." Here he gave a brief pause. "Evidently this is not the first time this villain has struck, only a few days ago my Lady Emilie Spencer was kidnapped by the rouge, and according to that Lovell character who was here this morning, another woman was found in along the road to Calais. And unless I am mistaken Michelle would be the third woman found assaulted in this area."
Percy hung back his face turning red with embarrassment and humiliation. �Yes it is, Emilie- everything IS my fault." He still felt as though Michelle's beating was his fault is well. Emily was not the only one emotionally exhausted. "I thought you knew that by now." His tone was calm enough but inwardly, his insides were churning. Shakily, Percy sat back down into a chair and closed his eyes as though he were fighting back tears. He was quickly falling into despair and nobody even seemed to hear him, to care. The last thing he needed was for his father to see him crying. "Do you wish for me to leave, Emilie?" He asked in a calm tone of voice. "I-I'm not supposed to upset you." Percy was truly torn.
Emilie nodded and shivered. Another person besides her and Michelle? She hung her head. "We didn't even hear a scream, we thought she was in the house." she whispered and shot Percy a nasty look to shut up.
Percy finally did shut up, it was clear- very clear- that nobody wished to speak to him at the moment or his incite was in anyway, helpful. Sighing, he was trying to decide whether or not to stay in the parlor with everybody else. He longed to stay and hear the verdict on what was going to happen to that demmed villain if he were caught- but... his eyes dropped towards his lap and Percy knew that if he said anymore, he'd be in even worse trouble from his father, if that were possible. "I-I was only asking.." He managed to gasp out, all the life going out of his eyes. Percy suddenly felt drained, tired. No energy to go on believing what people said about him nor caring. So, this was it. He felt like a complete outcast, removed from everything that was going on around him. If only he could prove once and for all that he was somebody, then maybe, life might hold some meaning for him.
"Andrew," Sir Ffoulkes asked. "Were you aware that there had been other such attacks?"
Emilie sighed. "Percy, we are all worried but Tim will protect me and the Ffoulkes will take good care of Michelle" she murmured.
Percy glanced up but didn't say anything for a few minutes as he tried to get his emotions under control before speaking, lest he should get a talking to from his father again. That was the least he would do to him..."Yeah, well that's all grand and everything but what part do I play in this? You seem to think it's some kind of game... 'see how far you can go before Percy cracks' well, it's worked. I'm beyond caring about what anybody thinks about me anymore." He shrugged and rose to his feet. "Could I speak with you, Emilie? That is if you don't object talking to your own nephew, I think we have some things to straighten out."
Emilie was furious with her nephew but she was curious to know what was bothering him. She knew if he continued acting like this, he'd find himself whipped and she didn't want that. "By your leave, I shall return momentarily" she said, curtsying to the Ffoulkes, her brother in law and touching her betrothed's shoulder softly. She walked with Percy outside to the dining room where they could be assured of privacy and took a seat. "Percy, what is going on?" she asked softly.
Percy trembled slightly from fear and emotion both, mainly from emotion. In fact the poor lad was on the verge of a break down. "I-I want to know if things will ever be the same between us again once you and Timothy are married." His head dropped, Percy felt as though something about him were about to explode. "Do you hate me?" He finally blurted out, looking absolutely crushed. Usually was good at hiding his emotions, but today....it was all he could do to keep himself together and from falling apart completely. "I-I wish I were dead, Em... I do.."
Percy felt himself turn red, then quite unexpectedly, his eyes over flowed with tears and he let them fall steadily down his cheeks as he carefully leaned forward to hug his aunt. "I-I don't know what made me act like that in there, I guess I just felt like everything was falling apart." He shuddered and quickly straightened back up. "I just want father to be proud of me. Seems like no matter what I do, I can't meet up to his standards." Percy shuddered at the thought of what his father would do to him when he went back into the parlor with everybody else.
Andrew couldn't find the strength to speak when his parents arrived. How could he tell them he coaxed Michelle into running off with him and left her alone while he spent time with his friends? As Hastings explained the situation, Ffoulkes thought to himself that he would have to thank his dear Edward somehow. And after he'd cut into him earlier!
"Andrew," Sir Ffoulkes asked. "Were you aware that there had been other such attacks?"
It took Andrew a few tries to swallow the lump lodged in his throat. He then stood as tall as a young nobleman facing judgment could, still holding Michelle's hand tightly, which annoyed but did not divert the doctor. "Father, Mother," he began shakily. "I- Yes. I had heard that there had been two attacks on young girls in the past few days, one upon Lady Emilie herself.
"I made Michelle promise me not to go anywhere alone, which she dutifully did, but..." He trailed off, knowing that, serious though Percy's confession was, he must not reveal its nature. "Young Sir Percy and I had things to discuss, which Michelle, in her wisdom, knew were not for her ears."
Here Andrew gulped. He knew his parents were kind and forgiving, but he couldn't even forgive himself for his negligence. "I allowed her to leave, and did not watch over her." Andrew hung his head. "I failed her. I do not beg forgiveness, for I am deserving of none. I am so sorry..."
After an agonized pause, young Ffoulkes lifted his head and met his father's eyes. "I swear that I will hunt down the evil blackguard who is responsible for this, and avenge our Michelle. If there is anything else I can do to atone for my sins, Mother and Father, simply say the words and it shall be done."
Emilie sighed. Milord was not going to be happy with Percy's behavior. "Your father is hard on both of us, but he...cares for us. I know he does. We better return, just stay quiet around Milord and I am sure he'll forget. You can pretend to care for me, Milord won't want me upset" she said.
Percy gulped and nodded, then gave his aunt a double take. "A-are you sure? I Thought you said that Timothy was going to take care of you." Percy frowned, he wasn't sure it could be both ways, could it? There were so many things that he had running around in his young mind momentarily. "Not that I mind doing it, I just need to know what you want me to do. I feel like I'm in the bloody way." Percy stared at the floor, not sure what to say about the situation.
Emilie managed a small smile. "The way Tim will assist me and the way you will are a bit different. Percy, Michelle was found about a hundred yards from the garden. Milord won't let me out of the house now unless you offer to chaperone me. That's how you can help. Just stay out of Milord's path and you'll be fine. Everything will be fine. Let's go see how the Ffoulkes are doing, Poor Andrew, the boy will spending a lot of time punishing himself over it. Hopefully, Tim can help" she said as they walked back in, trying to avoid Blakeney's notice.
Hastings cleared his throat. "My lord and lady, the blame cannot rest entirely upon Andrew's shoulders. I fear I must take some of the blame himself," Hastings said, judging that his friend was holding back something which he would only do for noble reasons. "I fear that I may have set everyone slightly off with my announcement. Andrew, I fear, was attempting to sooth egos that I may have unintentionally bruised." He went to Michelle's side and kneel by her. "I was in the garden, which was closer to where the incident took place, I should have been more on my guard. If anyone should seek forgiveness it is I who set this chain of events in order."
"Lord Hastings," Sir Matthew replied, "I do not blame you for anything that has occurred. Andrew, we will discuss your part in this in further detail later. As for now, I would like to get Michelle home. I am sure that Docteur Jacquot will be willing and able to help her heal as quickly as possible." Lady Eleanore dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief as her husband let her go to kneel by Michelle. He gently laid a hand on her shoulder and quietly told her. "Don't worry dear, we're going to take you home to rest." Michelle tiredly murmured her thanks, still weakly holding onto her brother's hand as her eyes threatened to close.
Blakeney had stood by watching the interaction, stony faced and silent. He was already greatly embarrassed that the girl had been attacked on his estate, but Percy's outbreak was mortifying! Anger replaced the shame he had felt and as soon as the Ffoulkes family and my lord Hastings left, he would be dealing with the child. "I must extend my sincerest apologies, Sir Mathew, Lady Eleanore," Blakeney finally said. "I shall have the grounds searched for the assassin. In the meantime, allow me to escort you to your carriage. I believe the doctor has attended to the most immediate wounds to your daughter and I'm sure that she will be greatly relieved once she is home."
Sir Matthew nodded to Lord Blakeney. "Thank you, Lord Blakeney, for your help and concern in this matter. Please let me know if you discover anything about my daughter's attacker." He gestured for Andrew to carry his sister and took his wife by the arm. "Farewell," he said, giving a slight bow before putting on his hat and leaving the room. At the carriage, he helped Andrew and Michelle get in first, getting Michelle in a comfortable condition where she would receive the least amount of jarring as the carriage went over bumps. He followed his wife in, and tipped his hat to Lord Blakeney as the footman shut the door and the carriage left to take the Ffoulkes family home.
Andrew dutifully lifted his sister, gently carried her to the coach, and carefully placed her inside with the aid of his father. On the ride home, the three conscious Ffoulkes did a lot of talking, with Andrew doing most of the explaining, or, at least, as much as he could. In truth, none of them had a clue as to what the real explanation for the seemingly random acts of violence was.
When they arrived at Ffoulkes manor, Sir Mathew sent his son ahead to fetch Dr. Jacquot while he, with his wife at his side, carried their battered little girl to her room.
Emilie and Percy walked in just as the Ffoulkes left. Emilie immediately returned to her betrothed's side and took his hand. She was too worried to speak, she saw Lord Blakeney was in a foul mood and as much as she wanted Tim there, she didn't want him to see Percy or her punished, as Tim sometimes acted before he thought, and as good as his heart was, she didn't want her family shamed or the marriage broken up. She looked at him. "I hope you can understand, Tim that I am not feeling up to entertaining today. This state of affairs has made me ill and I want you home before dark, my love. Please, come for tea tomorrow. I shall see you out" she said softly as she walked the young Lord to the door. "Tim, I wish you could stay but it's better you go for now. Milord is going to want me to be in my room, I can tell he's very worried and after this, he's going to be very on edge that I'll be hurt again" she said and kissed him when they got to the door. "Be careful, I'll die if anything happens to you" she said as he left. She then returned to her family, knowing a storm was here and she wondered how much longer she'd have to hold her little family together. One day soon, she wouldn't be some ward, with no rights, she'd be Lady Hastings, wife of a Peer of the Realm, with a family and no one would command or abandon her, with a home of her own and a manor, decorated the way she and Tim liked. She'd have children, lots of them and they'd have a family like the Ffoulkes, with no beatings or fighting, just love and happiness. Part of her ached at the idea of leaving her home and the adopted father and brother she adored. When she had volunteered at the Richmond school, she had noticed a small amount of pride in Lord Blakeney's face when the Vicar called her a "little angel of the Lord". She waited for Milord to speak, knowing it would not be good.
Blakeney glared at his son as Emilie left with Hastings until she returned, he could see Dessau hovering outside the door. Another one that had punishment due. "Dessau, see that Emilie gets to her room alright," Blakeney said through clenched teethed. Dessau came into the parlor and took Emilie by the arm and led her out and up the stairs.
"Don't make such a fuss girl! Else milor lord will have it in for you!" Dessau hissed.
In the parlor, Blakeney continued to regard his son until he felt enough time had past for Dessau to have taken Emilie to her room. "Well, you do enjoy adding on to your list of sins, don't you boy?" Blakeney spat. "You abandon your family when the mood suits you, you humiliate your family when the mood suits you... you only think of yourself! And today you've gone too far!" Blakeney stormed across the room and threw his son into the wall. In a second he was on him, pinning the boy to the wall. "Your cowardice and selfishness are finally going to pay off boy! I've tried making peace with you and you won't have it! So now the time for talk is over!" Blakeney gave to strike the boy mercilessly in the chest and stomach until he began to fatigue, then with all his remaining reserves he administered a final over powering blow to the top of Percy's head knocking the boy out.
He stared down at the boy for some time, then kicked him over on his back, bent down picked him up and threw him over his shoulder. He took Percy upstairs to the boy's room and flung him on his bed, then locked him in. Thoroughly exhausted, Blakeney slunk off to Tessa's room, hoping to sooth his weary soul.
Sir Matthew carefully laid his again unconscious daughter on her bed as a maid came in and gasped at the sight. Sir Matthew looked at her, and asked "Marie, could you please get Michelle undressed? I'm afraid that her clothing is quite a mess. And be careful, she is in a bit of pain."
Marie nodded. "Oui, milord! And shall I call the docteur?"
"Andrew is taking care of that right now, but thank you, Marie. I shall wait in the hall for the docteur to arrive." Marie nodded in reply and as soon as Sir Matthew had left the room, she started quite gently removing the clothing. "Oh la la!" she whispered as she saw the bruises and cuts all over Michelle. She quickly and carefully put on a clean, soft shift, and loosened the girl's corset in an attempt to make her more comfortable.
She then went over to Michelle's dresser, where a bowl and pitcher of water sat. She carefully cleaned off some of Michelle's cuts, trying to not hurt her more, and was constantly amazed. What had happened to her? What kind of a man would do such a thing to such a sweet young girl? he made a mental note to get one of the other servants to go with her if she ever had to leave the manor. If such a thing could happen to a young noblewoman, think of what could happen to a servant!
Emilie could see that Milord was in a foul mood the moment she stepped into the parlor and it was all directed at Percy. She stepped forward to say something but before she could open up her mouth, an angry order had been given to Dessau to take her to her room, to make sure she could not interfere. Dessau grabbed her arm and pulled her out of the room. "Please, no, I have to help him" she protested as she was marched up the stairs by the arm like a prisoner. She could hear the yelling and tried to pull away but Dessau held her tightly. "Don't make such a fuss girl! Else milord will have it in for you!" he hissed as he continued dragging her along to her room. "Please, Percy is in pain" she begged as she heard sounds of banging.
"As will you be if you don't obey his lordships wishes, milady," Dessau hissed, pulling her to her room. Once there he shoved her in and locked the door. "I'm doing this for your own good!" he called in after, then slipped down the back stairs hoping to avoid Blakeney.
Percy should have been prepared for a beating- but this was one beating that he wouldn't forget for a LONG time to come. Waves of nausea washed over him as he was punched, kicked and thrown up against the wall. What his father should have done was kill him mercifully and have it done with. About ten minutes later, Percy's eyes opened just a pinch and he groaned, doubled over in pain.
"E-Em.." Percy couldn't even talk right, he was so sore. Soon, the light in his room was too bright and he couldn't even bare to have his eyes open. Placing his hand onto his eye, he discovered that it was horribly swollen. The room continued spinning, Percy slowly faded into unconsciousness, not even caring if he died in that room. His voice was so pathetic that surely nobody could hear it and whoever came to help him would be punished for certain.
Tangled thoughts ran through poor Percy's mind as he faded in and out of consciousness during that period of an hour and a half where everything was so blurry it made him sick whenever he WAS awake. All Percy wanted to do was simply die. Maybe, death for him would only be sweet serenity..
My lord Hastings was hesitant to leave, his instinct told him that something most terrible occur the moment he left. However, he could deny Emilie nothing and he couldn't stay there forever. Hastings collected his mount from the stable and slowly proceeded home. He thought for the moment of returning to Calais and alleviating the pretty little shop girl of her worries over Emilie, but the shades of evening were already setting in and in all likelihood the shop was closed and the girl had headed home. And that is were Hastings steered his horse... home. He bean to think of how to tell his family that he was soon to be a married man.
The second Percy opened his eyes, he moaned- every square inch of him hurt. It was almost more than he could stand at the moment. The beating he had gotten a few hours earlier was one he would not forget for a long time to come.
Waves of nausea washed over young Percy as he doubled over in pain. He figured that if he took a few, deep breaths then the pain would lessen. Tears filled his eyes and when they spilled over, Percy discovered that he was in even too much pain to cry.
Wiping his boyish tears from his eyes, the young baronet tried moving a bit but as a sharp pain shot right through him, he couldn't imagine what it would be like if he tried to get up and walk. So Percy just lay there, almost in a dazed state, not sure if he should cry out for help or play dead.
Emilie was furious. Dessau had practically threatened her as she was dragged along and then shoved into her room landing on her knees. Before she could turn around, the door was shut and a click announced it had been locked. "I'm doing this for your own good!" Dessau called in. Emilie slumped to the floor and listened as she heard thumps coming from below. Then she heard footsteps coming up the stairs, heavy footsteps. Emilie dove into her bed and covered herself, pretending to sleep. The footsteps went to Percy's room, a thud and then out, with another click and the footsteps faded. She ached to visit her nephew but both were locked in. She decided to read a bit and then go to sleep, since she knew it would be a while before anyone remembered her. "What a day" she murmured before sleep.
