The Regency Witch and Werewolf

Chapter 3. Murder

Chapter 3 - Murderer

As I walked into the ballroom my eyes adjusted to the suddenly blinding light of the cream colored walls, and crystal chandeliers’ with their candles flickering. The banisters of the staircase leading up to the second floor of the ballroom golden in color. On the second floor guests watched people below dancing and mingling. Chairs, couches, and chaise lounges, littered the floor here and there for comfort and closer talking if needed. My eyes immediately began to scan the room for my mother. I spotted her talking to the Duchess of Pembroke. She must have felt my eyes on her for she glanced my way and a smile of victory spread across her lips before she turned her attention back to the Duchess. Meanwhile inside dread was filling me quicker by the minute.

“I believe you owe me a dance Miss Scarlet,” said the Duke beside me. I glanced up to find his gaze upon my face. I forced the corners of my mouth up into a smile and nodded my head.

“Yes that I do. Shall we.” My heart began to race and I was sure he could feel it through my wrist that lay ever so close to his arm. He would probably think it was for the nervousness of his closeness. But not for what he might imagine. My eyes quickly looked over my gloves. They were firmly placed this time with no fear of them slipping. Gathering up my courage I allowed him to begin to lead me to the dance floor.

As we approached the floor and the others around us began to part like the red sea to give us room. The account of our first dance came back to my mind. What had transpired that night in his arms had been the ultimate clarification of what Duke Waywenth was really about.

The first ball of my first season was at the Clarksons. They were not high up in nobility. But they owned so much land that they were easily placed in higher circles than one probably should of their status. But being that they were such easily likeable people, people easily flocked towards their home, and enjoyed every ball, and soiree they had. They entertained well and manage to keep even the most annoying old dowager’s happy. I stood on the sidelines watching the third dance of the evening begin. No one had come to speak to me on perhaps taking to the floor as of yet. Though I felt many eyes on me. Either they were quite nervous or still sizing up their other choices. Suddenly I felt someone brush a bit closer than they should to me right. My eyes looked up and I found the Duke, standing beside me with a genuine smile on his lips looking back down at me.

“Good Evening Miss Scarlet .” He swooped down into an elegant bow as I turned to face him. “Good Evening is indeed your grace.” A dip of a curtsy was given. A small one due to the crowd about us.

“I hope I find you in good health Miss Scarlet." His arm came up as he turned to face the dancers on the floor before us.

“Yes your grace. I am having a much enjoyable evening so far. And I suspect it shall get even better from here on out.”

“Good to hear Miss Scarlet. And I promise it shall be a good evening for you. Especially since this is your first ball of the season, and you’re coming out ball at that. It shall be as perfect as you are.” I turned my head up to find his eyes on me again a smile tugging his lips “Has anyone claimed your hand for your first dance of the evening yet?”

Shaking my head I turned and looked back to the floor. The dance was coming to an end and the strings of a waltz were starting. Without a word the Duke began to lead me out to the floor. My heart began to race. My first real dance. I knew I could trust the Duke to lead me well on the dance floor. As he spun me around into position he smiled down at me with affection. I couldn’t help but smile back.

My mother had insisted I wear short gloves this evening. They looked better with my light blue gown she kept on saying. I manage to talk her out of the lace ones. Soon I was to regret letting her talk me into the shorter ones at all. If Only I had stuck to my values. And insisted on longer gloves. Shorter ones were for when I was around the house. Longer when I am outside and dealing with people I wasn’t constantly around on a daily basis. I am sure he did it on purpose wanting to touch my hand. One finger was all it took. As he spun me around I felt his finger slip into my glove and run a quick circle inside my hand before pulling it back out and holding my hand steady, before swinging me gently into the first turn of the waltz. I had noticed it but assumed it had happened all too quickly to cause any real harm. I was quickly mistaken. Soon darkness began to pour in from all sides. It had taken me years to adapt to recognize when the incoming darkness might be the sort that engulfed my vision and left me blind. Or rather it would be more like a gloom that I could barely see out of. This one was a gloom. I could barely make out the people around us as well as the duke that held me in his grasp. My feet moved in memory. I only hoped my expression didn’t look worried or lost as I was beginning to feel the emotions that came with the vision.

As we spun and danced about the floor the scenery of the ball began to mix and shift turning into the woods. As if I was being pulled along a path while dancing trees brushed by. I could smell the night’s air. Feel the moonlights gaze. As well as hearing the nights howling wind. Abruptly I came to a sudden stop by a small house. The Duke swung me again and the house vanished out of my vision only to return anew. This time we were inside the house. The floor of the ball room disappeared and was replaced by old wooden floor boards. I found us now waltzing in a one room Cabin. In the center of the room rested a large bed a woman rested upon it her feet tied to the bottom of the bed post. Her hands tied off to the top. She wiggled and screamed but no one could hear her. She was too far deep in the woods for anyone to see or hear. A shadow fluttered by us and the Duke took form like a dark mist appearing over her. My eyes widened upon seeing him. He mounted her like I had seen him in the vision in my gardens. Though this time he held a dagger in his right hand. Its golden hilt glittered from the fireplace light.

“I had hoped you would be her. I am so disappointed. And so sad to find that you’re not the bride I seek. Oh my poor sweet child. “He reached out to stroke her cheek as she cried and begged for him to let her go. As we twirled around the bed I tried to see her face but it was cloaked in shadow, only her nude body was visible. My eyes left her shadowed face and felled back on the Duke that sat upon her. My head turned as we continued to dance about the bed keeping a clear view of the duke’s face. It was full of pleasure and excitement. The same man that now held me close and led me around the ballroom dance floor now sat on top of a woman whom he was surely about to kill. I beg in my mind for the vision to stop. I didn’t want to see anymore. I understood he was a bad man. That I must get away from him. But the vision continues. Without warning the knife was brought down the woman that was tied down to the bed, she screamed out in pain as the duke slammed his dagger into her chest .He raised it again and continues for what seems like an eternity. Lifting and plunging the dagger into her body and then at last swiping the blade with his wrist to the right he slit her throat. The vision vanished and I slumped suddenly into the duke's arms.

“River…………River? Here let’s get you outside for a bit of air. I thought you looked troubled. Why didn’t you say anything? “He sounded worried, frantic almost.

Liar you bastard murdering liar was all I could think before shaking my head as he led me off the dance floor. I could hear others chatting muttering as we passed. This was surely one hell of a show for them. The Duke leading a lady off the floor that apparently can’t even stand on her own two feet while waltzing. I was sure to not hear the end of this from my mother. My head was pounding as if I sat upon many stallions as they raced across a great open evergreen. “No……” I barely got the words out through my parched lips.”No……….not……..outside……Please a chair near one of the windows.”

“Very well if you shall insist. But I will fetch your mother and your carriage immediately.” I dare not respond with words. I simply nodded my head. He sat me down on a chair near the garden doors that were open. I inhaled the night’s air as if my life depended upon it. My vision was still just barely clearing up. Suddenly I felt a presence beside me. But I knew it wasn’t the Duke. I had just barely made out his back as he had walked away from me in search of my mother. No this presence sent chills up my spine and made me feel cold all over. Shaking like a leaf I slowly turned my head to my left. Afraid of what I would find but knowing already that one of them would be there. One of the victims of the Duke. A sharp intake of breath was taken as a woman covered in dirt stood beside me. Her hair is midnight black. Her eyes are dark brown, the color of the dirt that covered her body. “shhhhhhhhhhhh” her fingers came up to her lips.” Speak nothing. Speak only that you are unwell. That you faint……..that your body is weak. Speak nothing of what you really see……….and you shall be safe.”

My eyes widen at her words………..the Duke…….the Duke had said that the woman on the bed wasn’t whom he had hoped she would be. Was this girl warning me? That the Duke searched for someone like me. I nodded my head regardless if I was right or not. I just wanted her gone. Why? Why on a night that mattered so much did this have to happen. I closed my eyes and reopened them only to find her gone and the image of my mother quickly approaching. She looked both furious and worried. More than likely furious at me for the scene I had created, and worried that the Duke would not want my hand in marriage after showing what the ton would call a lady of such weak disposition.

“River………..oh my sweet River.” I wish I could believe her words of love and affection. But I knew my mother well. Attempting to stand I was caught by the duke with one arm going about my waist, his other taking my left hand to keep me steady,” come I shall see you both outside to your carriage, I had it summoned as I fetched your mother. I shall see you both safely inside it and on your way. “

I could hear my mother tsking and worrying over me. As well as the muttered whispering of those around us as we made our way through the ballroom. Mother gave our good byes to Clarkson’s and quickly followed suit behind us out to the carriage. The Duke gently held my hand and helped me into the carriage. By then my senses and control of my emotions had returned. I forced a wary smile.” My apologies for my sudden change of deposition grace……..I had hoped for this night to be a joyous one.”

“Speak nothing of it. It was still a good night. I was blessed with a chance to dance with you.” He said this as he helped my mother into the carriage his eyes remain on me. “And do call me Christian. Your grace…….or grace in general sounds so ……….distant. I rather think we’re not so distant. May I call on you tomorrow afternoon?”

I felt my mouth drop. I was sure he would want nothing to do with me after that show inside. But this man was full of secrets, and lies why not surprises too. Mother answered for me of course. “Of course your grace.” She choose wisely to not use his Christian name but instead his Title. River say goodbye to his grace.”

“Good night………..your…….” he frowned hearing the title that I was surely about to use.” Good night Christian I said at last. Until tomorrow afternoon.”

A smile swept over his lips.” Good night my sweet Avalon. Until tomorrow. “He closed the door and signaled for the driver to go. Mother meanwhile looked out the carriage window as we pulled away. She sat back a few seconds later a grin on her face.

“He’s getting in his own carriage. You know what that means. He has no interest in anyone there but you. You have done well………unfortunately you had to go and have one of your spells.” Throwing her head back against the lush pillow interior of the carriage. “Just as I had feared. Right when things matter most you would go and have a spell. Well thank the lord the Duke is obviously blinded by your looks, and charm. Such a disgrace you put yourself in tonight. But no worries.” Reaching out she patted my leg. “With the Duke as he is now with you, all will be forgotten. All of the ton will be envious of your luck.

I decided it was best not to argue with her. For now I had to think hard. How to avoid him. How to stay one step ahead of him at all the balls. At all the Soirees. I needed to stay as far away as possible from him. Since I was a child the undead had been my friends as well as my enemies. They haunted my bedroom, and dreams. They invaded my privacy and space. And when they choose to actually take physical form and speak it was always to either threaten me or warn me. This was a warning. A warning that the duke was dangerous and that if I gave him any clue what tonight was really about. Why I suddenly became ill, or rather appeared ill my life was going to be in danger. But the question now that ran through my head was why? Was he really after girls such as myself? Women that god decided to curse. Cursed to deal with things no one should see unless they walked with the devil. As my mother preened on and on in the carriage about my looks and charm, and how it saved the day I stared out into the passing night trying to fight back my tears. What was I to do? Where was I to turn? My mother and father refused to ever believe me. I made the mistake of coming forth to them when I was 10. I learned from my mistake then. My mother and father loved me at one point in time before I was 10. After that fateful year I became a pretty face, a token to save them from ruin. The piece that would keep them in the higher circles. After spending one year in a special hospital……….since that’s what it was referred to instead of the crazy people hospital I learned to keep my mouth shut and to play it off as illness that comes and goes.

But in the end it never was that. In the end day out day in, I see the dead. I speak with them. I help them if can. I run from them. I hide from them. But to no avail. They seek me out. They find me. They haunt me down until they’re done getting what they seek me out for.

The Duke came as promised the next following day. We took a stroll about the gardens and I made sure to keep my gloves on at all times. The best way to make sure everyone kept out of your darkest secrets was to act as if nothing ever happen. The duke was apparently as much as a pro at it as I was. We spoke of other things other than what had transpired at the ball. But eventually it was brought up on a bench between red rose bushes. He inquired about what had happened and I informed him that from time to time I am overcome with dizzy spells. Alarm spread across his face and he quickly began to apologize assuming that the dancing had been the cause. I of course reassured him that it was not the dance. There was never a cause really. I have had them since I was about the age of 10. I go once a year to my doctors to have them test me and make sure that I am okay but really there was nothing to be done about it. Lowering my head I gave the look of a woman that now knew she was lost and never to be plucked from the wall flowers again. The Duke reassured me immediately that nothing was to be worried about. That he had just before seeing me inquire about my hand in marriage. And if I promise to make him a happy husband as he would be to marry me, together we would find some cure. Until then he didn’t care too much about it. I looked up to him in shock. Genuine shock. I had hoped that he would run in the opposite direction. Much to my disbelief the great Duke had no such plans.

My response was as any mother could hope. Especially mine. I smiled all pretty and lady like. Gasped and blushed. Accepted his offer and forced every bone in my body to accept his kisses of affections. All the while keeping my gloved hands away from him.

For the next few months I attended balls and many garden parties that included the Duke at my mother and father's demands. As much as I tried to avoid him I couldn’t. And when I did succeed every once in a while to avoid him my mother’s hand was always there ready to bring me back.

And now I found myself at the Irewick’s ball about to dance with the Duke once more. As soon as we had entered the ballroom he joined my mother. Hellos were falsely happily given. Bows and Curtsies made. Shortly after the duke asked for my card placing his name as on it and asking for the first dance to be his. Immediately I felt a chill run up my spine. The taste of blood filled my mouth and I shook my head. He immediately looked alarmed his eyes looking at my mother. I put a gloved hand and backed away heading for the hall that I knew the powder room to be down. I assumed I was to be given a chance to get my bearings and return shortly but my mother followed. No sooner than she thought we were out of view and hearing she grabbed my wrist and turned me around to face her. My back met the wall of the hall with a bit of force.

“Don’t you dare do this River. Not to night. Not at the Irewicks ball. You pull yourself together this instant.”

“But mother you don’t understand. He……..he isn’t what he appears to be. He’s a dangerous man. Mother please anyone but him."

“Avalon I will say this once and only once to you. You’re a woman. No matter how much we want to be anything else that’s what we’re. We’re women. Every detail in our life from the time we’re born till the time we are 16 is to prepare ourselves for matrimony. To be selected by a man. To be wedded. To bare their children. And to wed well to make sure our children are taken care of. We have nothing to hold us without them. They have all the rights. They have all the free will. All we have is our circles, our balls, and our community of women to support us. The ton is an easy sea to get lost in. You have your foot on the highest totem. Do not give it up now because you can’t get over the sickness in your head. Ignore it for once and grasp the strings of fate that have been put before you. “

"But mother.” The slap came so fast that I at first barely registered it. Till the sting started.

As my feet touched the floor of the ball room dance floor my eyes felled on my mother once more. The strings of the waltz was heard and I pulled my gaze from her. She was engrossed in the words of the Duchess that sat opposite of her. She did not care that her daughter now rested in the arms of a devil in sheep’s clothing. So much for that community support.