Prison Games

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

The longer the young woman had to wait, the more agitated she became. Men carrying baggage from the ship brought the rest of her trunks. The two women stood, feeling quite uncomfortable in the middle of the noise and filth. If that weren't bad enough, a number of ruffians kept eyeing them.

The sound of harnesses and horses' hooves caused Tess to turn. She watched as a fine carriage, pulled by matching bays, stopped further down the pier. Fascination replaced irritation as she watched a man and woman stepping down. By looking at them, one could tell they were well off. The woman was dressed elegantly with a cape that matched her smart little hat. The man was handsome and dressed impeccably. All of his attention was on the beautiful woman.

Tess was mesmerized as she watched the couple. Jealousy crept in as she witnessed the tenderness between them. She wanted to be given that kind of attention. Tess thought she had a lot of baggage, but it was nothing compared to this other woman. Soon several men were busy unloading the woman's trunks. Tess strained to hear what Another carriage filled to the brim with trunks, boxes, valises, and other items followed. they were saying, but there was too much noise.

"I'll miss you, darling. As excited as I am, it won't be as fun for me without you. Are you going to miss me?" Victoria practically purred.

Peter held his wife, saying all the right words. He wondered why Victoria felt she had to overplay her departure. "Don't be ridiculous. You know how much I'm going to miss you. Please take care of yourself. Three months is a long time for you to be away. I just hope you don't forget me," he said, overplaying himself.

"Oh, Peter! How can you joke about such a thing? Of course I won't forget you. Are you sure you won't change your mind and come along?"

"Well, I expect we would end up with a chaperone once Ruth got here. You know I

need to stay here to make some more money to replace all you plan on spending," he joked. They embraced once more and turned to see the Crowleys' carriage pulling up. After greeting each other the two couples walked the plank to the ship. With great fanfare all the good-byes were said and kisses given. Soon the men headed back to their

separate carriages. "So, Reeves, what are you going to do with all this freedom now that the women are leaving?" Crowley smiled wickedly.

"I would suspect the same as you." Peter chuckled. Shaking hands, the men parted.

Minutes later, peering out the window of his carriage, Peter noted an attractive, young woman by herself, except for a servant. Baggage was piled all around her. Frustration creased her lovely brow. Peter tapped the top of his carriage with his cane. "Digs, pull over," he ordered his driver.

"Yes, sir!"

As soon as the carriage stopped, Peter opened the door himself and jumped down. Stepping in front of the woman, he tipped his hat, introducing himself. "Hello, you appear to be in need of assistance. May I offer you mine? My name is Peter Reeves." Peter bowed.

The woman gave a demure smile, offering him her hand. "Mr. Reeves, I'm Tess Wilson."

"Wilson? You wouldn't happen to know Lord and Lady Wilson, would you?"

"Why, yes, they are my parents! You know them? I must say I'm angry with them right now since they were supposed to pick me up. I can't imagine where they are. I was about to hire a carriage, but you don't know who or what has been sitting inside one of those."

Peter studied the young woman. So this was the daughter who had so coldly lied to send an innocent woman to the gaols. He would have to be careful. If she was capable of that, she could be capable of anything. "Actually I'm glad they aren't here. It gives me a chance to meet you, and offer you my assistance." Peter once again bowed slightly. "I have met your parents on several occasions. I'm sure they wouldn't mind if I

give you a ride home. That is... if you want." "So you can be trusted, sir?" Tess smiled..

"Well, I never said that only that your parents know me."

Tess laughed, stepping into the carriage as Peter held the door for her. "Digs, you and Sacks hire a public coach. Sacks, you load the luggage in it. Make sure to leave room for the maid."

"Yes, sir, Mr. Reeves," the driver responded.

Victoria stepped onto the deck to get one last glimpse of her husband. What she saw made her blood boil. At that precise time, her husband was helping a young woman into their carriage. She gasped, then turned back toward the cabin, rage contorting her face as she swept by a sailor.

Pacing her cabin like an animal, Victoria hissed at the air, "I'm not even out of the harbor yet, and already he has a trollop! I'm not going to be made a fool of! Well, two can play that game." She had the time, and Peter's money to make sure she wouldn't suffer alone. "So be it. Let him have his fun now. He will pay dearly."

The angry woman on deck was so loud the sailor could hear her berating the air. He was glad he wasn't the target but could step out of her way. He walked off shaking his head. He didn't know who the man was she was muttering about, but by the look on her face, he was a dead man. As for himself, the sailor would rather fight the sea than a woman in such a foul mood.

Peter instructed his driver to head to the Brick House, then sat back to enjoy the ride. Tess was the first to start the conversation. "I hope you don't think me bold, but I noticed you were escorting a woman to one of the ships. You seemed close."

"Ah, yes, she is my wife. She's traveling with a friend to Paris," Peter offered. "Paris! Oh, I have always wanted to go there."

"Really? You obviously were traveling. Have you been gone long?" Peter questioned. "Too long to suit me. I was just visiting my aunt for a time, and now I'm headed home. I don't consider that traveling, but I have been gone about six months. I was anxious to see my parents. That's why I was so disappointed when they didn't come. I appreciate your help, Mr. Reeves."

wouldn't be here to greet you, but I'm happy to help a fair lady in distress." Peter could "Call me Peter. That is quite an extended visit. It would seem strange your parents pour on the charm when he wanted to, as could Tess. They were a well-matched pair. "Tell me, Peter. You said you've met my parents. When?"

Peter shifted in his seat. He had to be careful how he answered. "Why, there are few people in London who don't know your parents. When you said your last name, they just came to mind. Like I said, I've met them at several social occasions." Peter gave her a bright smile.

Tess nodded, smiling back. She seemed content with his answer.

They rode in silence until they stopped in front of the Brick House. Peter was always impressed with the wealth that gushed from the estate. He had only been there a few times before but appreciated the grandeur even more each time. As soon as the carriage stopped, the footman opened the door, helping the occupants down. They walked up the stairs to the entryway just as the door opened.

Lady Wilson stood with a look of surprise and question. "Tess! How? Why? Mr. Reeves!" Lady Wilson was so flustered she couldn't get a full sentence out.

Peter grabbed her hand, speaking quickly, "Why, Lady Wilson, how nice of you to remember me since it has been a while. Remember we met at the Grayson's Ball? I hope you don't mind that I offered your daughter a ride home. I was at the harbor seeing my wife off and spotted this young woman in distress."

Lady Wilson understood what Peter's intentions were and appreciated the fact that he obviously hadn't shared any information with Tess, especially about Sophia.

Tess stepped forward. "Mother, where were you and Father? I waited and waited.

Thank goodness Peter offered his help, or I might still be standing there in that awful

place."

"We thought you were arriving next week. We had no idea you were arriving early, but I appreciate Mr. Reeves bringing you home." Lady Wilson emphasized his proper name, sending her daughter a message. She did not appreciate Tess calling a man by his given name after just meeting him...especially a married man. Surely Tess had heard him speak of having a wife. Lady Wilson was finding out more and more about her daughter that was disturbing.

Tess scowled. She wasn't even in the house yet, and she was being corrected. Pouting, she asked, "You didn't get my letter explaining my plans? Aunt Marilyn wanted me to stay a little longer, but I missed you and Father so much. I needed to come home." Tess melted into her mother's arms.

Lady Wilson clung to her daughter. "I have missed you too. I'm so glad you're home. Thank you, Mr. Reeves, for all you have done for our daughter. Please, come into the parlor and have some tea."

"Where's Father?" Tess inquired. "Shouldn't he be home by now?"

"Your father had business to attend to and won't be home until dinner."

The trio sat having tea, discussing all the news and tidbits Tess had missed out on. When it was time for Peter to leave, Tess felt a sense of loss even before he was out the

door. "Must you leave so soon, Peter?" Tess cooed. Lady Wilson's brow arched in disapproval.

Peter stepped back, distancing himself from Tess. "Thank you, Lady Wilson, for your hospitality. I enjoyed my afternoon, but I really need to attend to business. It was nice to see you again." Peter took his coat and hat from the servant. Bowing, he stepped out the door. Tess pouted once more as she turned to go back into the parlor. "Why, he didn't

even say good-bye to me. What kind of gentleman won't even acknowledge a lady?"

"A married gentleman, Tess... especially when a young lady is falling all over him." "I only asked why he had to leave so soon!" Tess shouted.

"Tess, let's not fight on your first day back," her mother pleaded, looking overwhelmed.

Tess lifted her head slightly, showing her defiance. Her parents had no idea how she planned to make them suffer. She would never forgive them for forcing her to go away. How could they have stood up for that stupid servant girl over her? Tess suddenly smiled at her mother. "You are right, Mother dear. Forgive me for

being so curt with you. I'm tired from the trip."

In that moment Lady Wilson was filled with regret...regret that her daughter was back. Peace was once again gone from her home. Sadness washed over her as she realized her true feelings for her daughter. Having Tess home meant dread and anxiety instead of happiness and joy. Lady Wilson excused herself from Tess's presence to rest before dinner. She suggested her daughter do the same. With a heavy heart the grand lady left the room before Tess could see the tears

forming in her eyes.

M ary bent over the scrub barrel to wash the pots. In spite of her aching back, she felt content with her life. Once her talents were realized, they were used. She was given the job as head cook shortly after she had started working in the kitchen. Some would have considered that a punishment in itself, but she was thrilled. She had never held a position before. Alice was given more freedom in her job and found the days flew by. She often fought to get decent food to work with but did the best she could with what was given her.

There was only one thing that caused her heart to ache, and that was the loss of her

friend. Sophia came to visit once a week. When it was time for her to go, it seemed to Alice that a small piece of her left with the girl. Alice was happy Sophia girl was no longer made to stay in this "pit o' the devil," but how she missed her. Sighing, she put the pot on the shelf where it belonged and bent her body

backwards to get the kinks out. Talking to herself, she quipped, "Blimey, 'tis a better

life in this 'ere kitchen than the streets. Who e'er think ol' Alice be 'appy in prison?"

Chuckling, she turned to check out "her" kitchen to make sure all was in place. The old girl hadn't felt pride in a long time, but she felt it now. She took great pride in her kitchen. She was first to work in the morning and last one out at night. As time passed, she had proven herself trustworthy, earning the freedom she needed to do her job right. The other cooks could care less about cleanliness or how the food tasted. They thought Alice to be a crazy old woman, but they didn't mess with her. If she wanted to do all that extra work, then let her.

"Eh, ol' Alice!" the turnkey named Henry greeted her. "Ye be gettin' in big around 'ere. Ye need to check in at the boss's office in the morn. "Tis said ye got some high and-mighty gents to sees ya on the morrow!"

Fear gripped Alice's heart. Things were going good now. She didn't want any

changes. "Me? What for they need to be a-seein' me?" "Nobody be tellin' me nothin' round 'ere. I jus' do what is told to me, an' I be told to fetch ye in the morn," came the answer.