The Devil's Incarnate

Truths

Cathy and I had already guessed it. But hearing it was something else altogether. A gush of chill shook me.

"you couldn't mean it. "

"it is as so. "

"what led her to do so? "

"attention. It's not as though she gets it anyway. When Susanna was born, you understand how it is, the household tends to centre on the new born. They demand a great deal of attention. We had pampered enough of it to Dolche when she was younger, though she was never too kind to us we made sure we did our best. Of her two parents you know Thomas paid her attention. Then Helena stunned us and gave us Susanna. Dolche was envious. She would pout when one had to leave her to tend to the child. I was her nanny and as not one stepped up to care for Susanna fully, for our duties demand for their own attention, I doubled as both their nannies. Dolche didn't like it. She would froth at the mouth when angry. My she would remind me of bloodhounds or scavengers. "

I reminisced. When I had first met her, she was thoroughly infuriated she was frothing at the mouth . I quivered at the memory.

"when a child is nothing more than an infant they are heavily guarded. I'm not saying Dolche was bidding her time but honestly it all looks that way. Then Susanna turned three so of course she wasn't heavily guarded. Our duties relaxed. Dolche for a week or so acted like a cuddly sister. We all fell for it. 'They were finally getting along,' we told ourselves. No one felt alarmed when Dolche took Susanna out that afternoon. Nothing seemed sinister. Mr Will thankfully was watching them making sure the children didn't fall to any harm. I only felt suddenly alarmed when Dolche came home without Susanna she had a look about her that suggested she was appeased. When I was about to enquire about her sister's whereabouts, in came Mr Will completely drenched with a dying Susanna in his arms. We had to resuscitate her, for she was on the brink of death. She survived luckily. She never spoke of it but we got the information from Mr Will. Dolche had walked towards the bridge. Mr Will couldn't hear the discussion all he saw was Dolche thrusting Susanna in the water. Susanna cried out for her sister but Dolche looked at her then guffawed before leaving her sister to the mercy of the gods. We would have said it was Mr Will making a mountain out of a molehill but I had seen Dolche arrive. Plus Susanna had had those wicked nightmares. They only ceased a year ago. Well they came back that night but thankfully she hasn't a return of them. "

The need for a sip of ginger tea overwhelmed me and I reached out for my cup. If I had thought Dolche to be high strung then I stood corrected. She was more forbidding. I was to tread more guarded when it came to Dolche. Two displays of cruelty was a clear indicator that one had to be vigilant. Lest they fall prey. I began to wonder if Dolche was in a correct state of mind. But she had gone to school and from what I gathered she was capable of grasping everything. I enquired if she had an incident in school and was surprised to hear none had been reported. Perhaps home was where she felt the need to display her wickedness. Was she doing it for her gain? Murdering her sister would have been crucial to her. She would have gained attention but her plan wasn't thoroughly thought through. She would gain attention but from a distance. They would fear her which was indeed the case. I supposed she attributed Susanna's resurrection the cause for the lack of attention. Or did she revel in the fear she instilled in everyone. I sensed there was longing for company otherwise she wouldn't have sought me out as she did. No one in the household would give her the time or day. But my anger channeled on her parents. If they paid their children more concern they would have clipped Dolche's boorish manner. I wondered what would I do then. I was counting on Susanna finding her ground with my help. But I had received the burn and I wasn't sure how I would go about it. How could I direct one to become brave when I myself had been induced to fear itself.

I would have preferred if Dolche's vengeance would have been rumor based something intellectual I would have outwitted her easily. Though the path she went about it was gruesome I had to emerge from the fright. My days with the Markham's were limited but Susanna's encounters with Dolche would be infinite. She had to be on her guard but in a bold way. The news spread quickly. Mr Thomas called me into the library. He was looking at the shelves lined with books, unmoved even when I came into the room. He simply gestured at my arrival. I wanted to retire to my room when I saw Dolche there. But I sat there resigned awaiting for Mr Thomas verdict as Dolche shot me daggers.

"Dolche I'm waiting. "

His tone was stern that it crumbled the untouchable Dolche. She stammered.

"I'm I'm... I'm... I'm. I'm sorry miss Vernon."

I nodded. It was the second time she was apologising. Both mockery only the second one was said with such pained effort.

"good. Well of course you know you shall be rewarded for your misconduct. Your not to go to the balls. You will stay in your room until I see it fit for you to come down. "

She jerked up suddenly.

"but father?"

"I'm done Dolche. You may go to your room. "

For a split second, I had the notion that if there was a knife or sharp object in the room Dolche would stab me with it without second guessing. I nearly shrunk as a result of her deadly gaze but I defied her with my own look. She stomped out of the room and I was relieved.

"I promised you miss Vernon. You shall come to no harm when I'm around. I'm sorry it has happened. But you can count on me to come to your aid always. "

I felt an uprising within me. Dolche was threatening but he was repulsive. I was filled with disgust to see how he was attempting to score with me. His discipline was nothing more than a play for him. To show me what, he could be a caring lover? Should I have fallen to his feet and thanked him for his gallantry? Was this his great display of chivalry? Deplorable.

"thank you. " I walked out and slammed the door. It was no wonder Dolche and Susanna were a mess. I didn't see Dolche the next day or the next. Susanna was assessing me and I made sure to show her I was unfazed. That life went about as naturally more than ever. I was glad when the day for the mock ball arrived.  For it was a guaranteed cinched that I would cast my worries aside and have a splendid time. There were arrangements for me to leave with the carriage but I felt it unsettling. I was gladdened when a carriage from flemstead castle came to fetch me. It was far more extravagant embedded with the black panther and it's lovely cyan drapes. I felt like a queen,lacking only an entourage. If the horses were caparisoned well it would have added to the detail but they were such elegant white horses. Knight horses we had dabbed them with Cathy due to their brilliance. A thought crossed my mind. If the all the white horses were at my service then Terrence Holt would be at home. As Loft was the host I'm sure he would be present. I felt the arousal of ecstasy within me as I would see both. We went on smoothly.

Cathy was eagerly awaiting, Max by her side. I immediately noticed her hair. She had cut it, making an interesting fringe. Then pinned the rest of her hair to the top. Two or three curls falling at the temple on either side. She looked exemplary in it. This I knew happened to be the latest fashion. I was marvelling at it when I realised that Cathy normally put emphasis on that, what she put on her hair must be put on mine. That was one of the lopsidedness but I wouldn't mind. For if it made Cathy as interesting it would perhaps do a trick or two on me. She was too impatient to await for me to come down. She dragged me out and it was by luck my dress didn't tear in the process. Max followed us.

"you move like a snail Victoria. Hurry, I need to stitch in that chiffon and cut your hair. "

"I had no idea what was in store. "

"I'm sure you did. It was no wonder I was waiting for you. Now hurry. We must be the highlights of the evening. "

"I prefer the shadow fine thank you. "

"nonsense. "

Mrs Virginia was making final arrangements for the night and mouthed a quick hello to me. The servants just like the grooms were already in their dark cyan blended with gold livery. Mr Andrew I presumed he was,was busy fussing which flower was to be placed where and how .

Cathy dismissed Max reluctantly for she was sure I would want to speak to her about intimate affairs. Max was too young to be absorbing lady gossip. I noticed they had formed great bonds. He pouted but brightened the second she told him she would fetch him. For she would be his partner through the entire ball. Cathy set herself and began working on my dress. The lavender dress to me didn't seem to lack but trust Cathy to want everything to be elaborate and of the latest fashion. I combed my hair as directed, as I told her of Dolche. She pricked her finger when she heard of the lock in,i winced on her behalf and broke her needle when I told her of Susanna's incident. Thankfully she had spares.

"I've never heard of such a malevolent person. "

"it's a sad state of affairs. I'll be vigilant but not cower. "

"you're taking it rather lightly for a governess. "

"I'm not. This is all for Susanna's sake. "

She chuckled rather solemnly, it was perplexing.

"how attached we governesses become. "

"I've noticed you and Max. "

"yes. As you and Susanna. But we must enjoy our night. No more talk. "

"will the Holt cousins be present?"

"I'm not quite sure. But the actual ball they must. This one I'm not sure as neither has made their appearance since morning. "

I nearly shook my fist to the unkind fate. I had to be patient either way.

"are you interested in them? "

"no. Why would you think so Cathy? "

"you have this look about you that suggests you're malcontent with their lack of appearance at the ball. "

"oh it's nothing. "

Cathy quirked her eyebrows but went on.

"shall I tell you that I think there's a secrecy the two share. "

"what do you mean? "

"you know I've been digging mysteries. I have a feeling I'll uncover something they've both swept. "

"you and your fancies."

"maybe but I'll tell you when it ends. Now see, this chiffon does make your gown more elaborate. "

I looked at it and it was indeed exquisite. I shan't have to feel beneath my status amongst the mighty in their varicolored gowns. She cut my hair and I mourned for it but was quickly consoled when I noticed how elegant I looked.

The guests made their way two hours later in the carriages and others in the barouche. Ecstasy filled me. A maid came to us and told us we should make our way down. We went to fetch Max who looked distinguished that evening like a true Holt. People were already buzzing, exchanging pleasantries and indulging in personal conversations. The flowers were placed in an elegant manner. The light from the sconces enlivened it all. We joined them and I noticed the orchestra were getting ready to play their instruments. Looking at them I was reminded of Edward Compton. Perhaps a sitar would have been an interesting add. A cordial gentleman introduced himself to me and complimented my look. I had to make it known who was responsible. The orchestra started on a lower note. I looked about me to see if I could catch any Holt. I had seen their ancestors in their gallery it would be a manner as simply looking for two of them who had a dignified air about them but in a haughty way. I saw no one worth their description. I slipped in and out of the conversation as more people brought selves to me to introduce selves, which I found amusing. When the tempo switched up a note, a grizzled man walked up to me aided with a Malacca cane. He introduced himself as Mr. Cullen. If I had any hidden fancies that Edward was a Cullen it went down the gutters. Edward wouldn't resemble the man. He had a dignified air but much more humble. I fell in step but he fell out of step and I pardoned him for it was by no means his fault. I saw Cathy and Max dancing. The boy was fascinating when he smiled and I felt a sense of familiarity when I looked at him. Cathy was falling out of step and I laughed at her when I remembered how great she was in the country dances. Mr. Cullen complimented me and I prided myself that I must have been a somewhat highlight of the evening. My arms didn't remain abandoned for another man thirty years of age made his way to me. He was elaborately dressed and had a thick accent. This i attributed to his French roots when he introduced himself. He was indeed intriguing and I found myself enjoying his company. He spun me round then I caught a figure making its way through the press of people. My heart hammered. A third encounter with him. Only he seemed so real to me unlike the other two encounters. I clearly saw him make his way through as though he knew the house in and out. He was avoiding direct contact with people but I was sure a ghost wouldn't be capable of physically shoving an immortal. I saw the people move aside as he made his way. I couldn't keep up with the conversation. I had to follow him. I made my apologies and made my way through. It was though the orchestra were aware of my predicament for they switched to an upbeat music. I followed and was intrigued to notice I was headed to the kitchen. The servants had long arranged the table and were making their rounds serving wine. There was no one in the kitchen when I arrived only the aroma of food welcomed me. I was about to head back and declare myself delusional when I heard the door click, it came from the scullery. I went in there and noticed the door from which the coats hang. The coats were swaying in motion. A recent disturbance, I opened the door and was greeted by a voluminous darkness. Had I not seeing the flicker of light behind the coats, I would have given up. I cast the coats aside and noticed a door. I recalled Cathy telling me there was nothing beyond the coats but by the looks of it it seemed the coats were hiding a door. I wondered where it led. The light was dying, I opened the door. I felt disadvantaged not having a candle to light my way but I decided to walk in to see what would greet me ahead. Darkness and more darkness as I walked straight on. I hadn't closed the door in case that I may loose my way I should be able to retrace my steps. I walked on but there was nothing. I was trembling terribly. I decided not to put myself in harms way and went back. No one had made their way to the scullery or kitchen else they should have noticed the doors. I put the coats back in place as I made my way to the hall. Pondering over what had happened. As I did a sudden realisation hit me. How careless of me not to have noticed it from the second I made my way in. If I was correct and I was ascertain that I was, I had just discovered the secret passage. It wouldn't lead to the quaint castle in the circuit. But it was the passage that led to the threshold of the circuit. The passage that Cathy and I had been unable to uncover but discovered the second dungeon instead. I was sure Cathy would be beside herself with joy when I told her. If I wasn't wrong I would have to prepare myself for a long enduring night for I was sure Cathy would want to make her way down. I joined the throng of people in the hall. I didn't catch sight of Cathy but I noticed Max in the crowd speaking to a certain woman. I didn't mind it. The French fellow by the name, Sebastian made his way towards and reproved me in a gentle manner however, of leaving him desolate.

"come I need replenishing. I hope you've served our wine. Lest if I find malmsey wine, I shall be furious and make sure never to step here again. "

"I wouldn't think the Holt's would be ashamed of a merchandise they've had a hand in. "

This seemed to gratify him and we made our way to the table. As I showed him the lark pie, the entrails and he told me of the delicacies at home. I nearly spilled my guts out when he explained to me his favorite was escargot. But I had to remain aloof otherwise he would think us the English were disagreeable even in terms of food. I tried to keep up the best way I could but my mind wandered back to the man I had seen. There was a semblance to Edward Compton that I couldn't defuse. It was apparent. He was making his way as though he knew the house in and out, like the back of his palm. But he was a ghost and ghosts knew their way around. And I thought he must have guided me to the secret passage. Why so? Why would it be of importance to lead me to the secret passage. I was only curious of it's whereabouts. Or do ghosts have a thing for fulfilling secret wishes. Just as he had mine that one night. Filled me with an ecstasy that I knew I shan't ever find again. Cathy appeared later with Max. She was sticking true to her words by being beside Max all evening. Cathy came up to me.

"enjoying yourself. "

"yes. "

I said it hesitantly and she spun sharply to look at me.

"I shall tell you later on. "

She gestured.

"so the Holt's won't be appearing? "

She laughed slightly. "would you believe it Vicky. They're both home rather they've arrived say thirty minutes past I'm not sure. Loft called me up to ask how the ball was and I declared it fascinating. He said it pleased him it did. "

"I see his looking out for your entertainment. "

Then I realised I had omitted Mr Thomas in my story. I shall have to tell her to get an insight if I was over thinking. She merely shrugged her shoulders.

"well his loss for not appearing. Same goes for Mr Terrence ."

She went on sampling the meal before making her way back to Max. I continued to enjoy the company of Sebastian. After the meal the men and women were separated each to their own entertainment. I felt completely drained. I decided to discontinue the festivities and went up to my room. I was half way up when I peered at the window and noticed Dolche standing outside. She was looking about as though she was awaiting for something. I felt myself immediately alarmed.