Westminster 1822

Secrets and Sickness

Agrona shoved the cart into Oscar's bedroom. He sat at the desk overlooking the greenery of the back yard. Agrona brought his lunch with a smile. It did little to sooth his worries.

‘How is it going?’ He asked.

‘Emily ran round the house and nearly knocked over a few people in my kitchen.’ Agrona cackled.

Oscar groaned while he rubbed his temple. ‘I wouldn’t expect less from her.’

‘Lord Elton's got it cut out for him.’ Agrona chuckled. She placed a dish with fish on the table.

‘He does, but the young man has a good heart.’ Oscar got lost in the open field almost as if there was something there to see. The corners of his mouth lifted. A child’s laughter echoed in his ears. His love and his life slowly slipped away from his fingers.

‘I’ve never been more afraid Agrona. That... that I’m going to lose her... I’ll lose her yet again.’ Oscar’s eyes watered turning his already pale eyes white.

‘What do you mean, Sir? Lose who? For Heaven’s sake the girl’s are only getting married.’

‘No, you don’t understand. It’s Ella that girl wants my life! She may well get it. Promise me that you’ll never utter a word of what happened. Never!’ Oscar cried. He gripped Agrona's bony hands

She nodded. ‘Of course my Lord. Always.’

***

‘They’re beautiful My Lady.’ Anna a young maid stood next to Emily admiring the bouquet of flowers Elton sent.

Emily felt the purple flower and nodded. A wonderful sign Elton was thinking about her. Furlong frowned by the doorway. Her intense stare pressed down on them.

‘Lovely indeed,’ she circled the table.

Anna bowed, ‘Excuse me Madam.’ She scurried back to the kitchen.

Emily bit her lip, what could possibly want to say this time? Furlong's gaze focused on the fresh bunch of flowers.

‘All the way from London.’ She stated.

‘I’m sure Liam just picked a bouquet from a local florist.’ It made it less romantic, but it was the thought that counted Emily thought.

‘Hmm... I always thought your sister would have a fashionable wedding.’

Emily rolled her eyes, here we go again. ‘Ella will be fine Madam Furlong. Goodness, she’s not going to be hanged.’

Furlong’s head snapped in Emily’s direction.

‘It certainly isn’t Ella I’m worried about child it’s you.’

Emily frowned. ‘Why? I can take care of myself.’

Furlong glanced at the door and the hall leading to the entrance. She leaned forward and whispered, ‘Not if you don’t see the attack coming.’

‘Do you really think Ella could hurt me?’ Emily rubbed her shoulders. ‘She may be upset, but she isn’t capable.’

‘I raised that child.’ Furlong shook her head. ‘She’s determined to get what she wants, if her mother managed gain her way in every situation she is the same. I fear Ella will be far worse than her mother. Watch yourself girl.’

‘Oh Furlong—’

‘Snakes hide in roses too.’ She hissed before turning the corner to the drawing room.

Emily’s gaze landed on the vibrant flowers from her beloved. Elton wouldn’t hurt her, but would Liam hesitate? As seconds ticked to minutes then transformed into hours. The sun vanished all the while couldn’t get the sense of impending danger out of her system.

Every time she caught a glimpse of her sister and their eyes met, Emily body filled with sweat. There was darkness lingering in the colour of Ella’s eyes. Emily paced up the stairs, through her bedroom halls, down the stairs again and still couldn’t quiet her soul. Emily wanted to speak to Furlong again, see what else she knew, though fear held her back. There was a possibility it might be worse.

The sun had cast an orange blanket by the time Ella and her companions re-entered the house. Agrona guided Father down the stairs just before dinner. Harris and his mother would stay for dinner before setting off.

Harris pulled out Ella’s chair before pulling out the one next to hers. Oscar sat at the head of the table while Henrietta sat at the end. Emily sat at his right hand facing Ella. Furlong finally reappeared to have dinner. Emily knew it wasn’t the time to ask questions and Furlong knew it as well.

‘The arrangements are going splendidly, Oscar! Why our children will make the most charming couple.’ Henrietta exclaimed.

Ella smiled struggling to contain her scrawls.

Oscar nodded, ‘I’m happy to hear that Henrietta.’

‘Westminster will be marvellous! I refuse to be outshined. The decorators will be here tomorrow we must prepare early so bare with us. Ella’s dazzling wedding dress will be here tomorrow as well. We don’t want last minute tailoring, you know.’ Henrietta beamed.

‘How marvellous it will truly be a wonderful day.’ Ella smiled from ear to ear.

Furlong kept her head down and her hands busy with her food. Emily couldn’t believe Ella’s change of heart. What had Harris said to make her suddenly believe marrying him was suddenly fashionable?

Harris pulled out his napkin and patted his forehead. He picked up the glass of water in front of him and drown it. Still he released short sharp breaths and dabbed his face.

‘Everything alright Harris? Are the peppers too much for you?’ Oscar asked.

Ella set down her fork. ‘Are you alright, dear?’

Harris plastered a smile on his face. ‘Fine love, I’m sure I will be.’

‘Harris my dear, you’re as red as a tomato!’ Henrietta’s gasps filled the room.

‘I’m fine Mother,’ Harris said through clenched teeth. He rubbed his face again. Harris couldn’t contain the coughs that escaped him and rocked his body.

Ella rubbed his back, ‘Dear you don’t look so week.’

Emily glanced at Furlong who sat like a dog on high alert. Emily’s heart speed up. Harris coughed and nearly fell out of his chair. Henrietta pushed her chair back and rushed to cradle her son.

‘Harris dear, whatever could be wrong? Oscar I must take him home immediately for a doctor to examine him.’

‘Please do,’ Ella clapped her hands in front of her.

The footman and the driver aided Harris to the carriage, he could barely talk without barking out coughs. Emily stood by the door hoping Harris would be okay. She couldn’t help wonder what evil had befallen him in her own house, in her Father’s great abbey. Did that evil wander the same halls, or sleep close to her chambers?