The Devil's Incarnate

Night Escapades

I woke up early and was surprised that Cathy was awake before me. She assured me she had a good nights sleep but I wasn't too sure considering the heaviness I felt. Before I could get out of bed I heard sounds in the corridor. It was a man's voice. I wasn't bothered by the voices nor was I interested to listen when I thought I heard an all too familiar sound. Yet it wasn't so but it sounded all too familiar. I threw off the blankets trying to listen clearly but the sounds faded. Steps made. Catherine who had left the room earlier suddenly came in. "who was out there? I heard people talking? "

"it was only Mr loft issuing some orders to Mrs Virginia. Why? "

I shook my head. I was delusional that's what it was. It couldn't be his voice. It was almost too similar but I was probably too excited following the previous night's adventures. As we took breakfast I asked Cathy where she thought it was convenient for the four of us to meet. The patisserie and the inn weren't convenient places. Nor was the town. We could easily be seen and spark rumours that would go completely out of proportion. The people would begin to say that the two governess had began exercising their new authorities as mistresses of their castle and began to forge alliances between the two castles. In my case there would be rejoicing and problems brought forth. Helena and Dolche wouldn't take to it kindly nor would I for I was the least interested. Yet the household would be beside themselves jubilating. As for Cathy I was sure it would be an easy affair. Well of course unless Mr Terrence brought forth a complaint but I didn't think why he should. The one and only problem was Cathy wasn't interested. I had asked her if she had a shift of heart but she remained adamant. I noticed a slight distaste and didnt want to dig further. We settled for a picnic in the forest. It was suitable and serene. There would be the four of us and the forest unlike others wasn't notorious for crimes. I didn't feel the need to ask for permission for it would begin to seem to Mr Thomas that I used it as an attempt to see him. Humans tended to come up with their own cues as long as it fit them. So we settled on the afternoon of Friday the day before the ball. It would be a test for Susanna for we had exercised far too long within the compound. It was time to see her prowess outside and I'm sure she would take to the idea. I put on my felt hat eager to ride Cecily when I was greeted with a beaming Mr will seated on the carriage and I noticed it was newly purchased. It resembled the colours of the Holt's. It was worrisome for it seemed I had become Mr Thomas's fiend. We exchanged quick looks with Cathy and Mr will tipped his hat in a show of his respect. 

"my lady. "

"miss Vernon, Mr Will. "

"your carriage awaits you. "

"I have Cecily with me. "

"pardon us my lady, but Jeremy went ahead with Cecily. "

Now even the right to enjoy the ride back with Cecily was denied. Cathy patted my shoulder and urged me to go on. It was unsuitable of me to ride a carriage in my riding habit but with Cecily out of range I had to comply to the arrangements made. So it was I sat on the carriage as Mr will ranted on and on about the upcoming Thanksgiving ball. I looked at the cerulean drapes they were as equally magnificent and all that was missing was for Mr Thomas to create a family ensemble. Now what would a man like him go for. He was a cheat so it was most likely he would go for an animal that resembled the jaguar. One of the cat family. A panther perhaps. Mr Will was having a grand time referring to me as my lady and asking me of what I thought of the arrangements? If they were to my liking? With all the bustle I was sure I would be facing Helena and Dolche's wrath soon. I would make haste and teach Susanna all I could then leave comfortably before the heat was unbearable. I was thankful Dolche wasn't lying about waiting for my arrival to engage in an iced conversation. I changed to my blouse and skirt. Went out on ahead to the schoolroom where Susanna was eagerly waiting. The day passed by strangely smoothly and it was only in the evening while we took our rounds with Susanna that I asked her for the favor. 

"Susanna I have a favour to ask of you. "

"anything miss Vernon. " she sent me a warm smile and I thought to myself how pretty. It saddened me that once she knew I wasn't inclined to her father and destined to leave she would begin to harbour hatred for me instead. 

"Susanna there's a map I'd wish you to draw out for me. But I haven't the description thus we shall ride out on Friday afternoon. You shall meet my friend Cathy and Max they have the actual description. You can agree with me Susanna that it's time you rode out and tested your skills?"

She paused to think for a moment and I was alarmed for a second that she wasn't ready to ride outside. Then she beamed at me. 

"I would like that very much. "

I calmed. "it should be just between us. "

She giggled then tapped patty and rode ahead of me. It was settled. I only said hello to Mrs buttercup after I freshened up and quickly went to my room. For if I lingered longer she would begin to tease me as Mr will did. Dolche hadn't made her presence known to me. Nor had Mr Thomas. I was thankful to have a day without seeing either.

Late in the night as I started for bed, I heard the clopping. For a minute I almost believed I was imagining things. I went to my window and opened it. The moon was on its last quarter before it was in its half. There was enough light to see the happenings below. I saw Dolche on Ernest. Her hair flapping and she was in a charcoal green cloak. I felt anxious but I was sure I hadn't been the only one to notice her departure. I wouldn't have made it in time to follow her. I hoped for her safety. I couldn't sleep peacefully, fully aware that Dolche had left in the dead of the night. So I sat by the ledge and waited for her return. I wondered where a girl like her would ride off to, to such an hour. In the deadest of nights, villains come to light and had no fear in displaying their villainy. Who knew of the impending danger Dolche would probably face. I sat there and waited. Looking at the watch every second or so but Dolche hadn't returned. I wouldn't pardon myself if doom befell her. I had seen her go and like a lax adult let fate take care of her. I made the decision that if she wasn't back in the fourth hour I would wear my riding habit and seek her whereabouts. Tracing horse hooves wouldn't be easy however in the night. My anxiety was heightening every second, then as she had left she reappeared. I felt reprieved. She led Ernest to the stable and from there I figured she made her way inside the house. If I were in Tudor wing I would have heard her steps outside. I didn't leave my room for if we so much as met down the stairs she would know I had seen her come back and was aware of her departure. I decided to sleep it off. 

The following day things went on casually but not entirely so. I noticed that I was the hot topic of discussion. Amelia would cast me glances, she had served me breakfast in the most incongruous way. She swept me a curtsy and asked if she could leave the room. Giselle refused direct eye contact and bowed her head graciously as though I was the queen of England. I wished I could scream out my rage. It was peevish. I had not consented to any of this madness. Susanna become more inclined to me and I detested the fact that it was due to the growing theory that I would be Mrs Markham. How would I explain to the dear child that I would always want to be associated with her but not her family? Mr Thomas had gone away for business but would return in time for the ball, I felt exhilarated of his exemption. Helena was mum and it didn't settle well with me. It felt something was being hunched and I was in the complete dark. Dolche seemed to be waiting for a perfect moment to come to me. The day went on as it did. Until the night. I slept after making sure Dolche hadn't escaped the house. It must have been a wild dream that woke me or some instinct. I awoke. The door was untouched and I was grateful that whoever had made their attempts to come into my room had ceased to do so. I felt the inclination to go look at the moon in its half. As the light was quite mesmerising. It glimmered in my room. I went to my window. There were no clouds only the moon and the stars ruled. I was reminded of the moment when Edward came to me. How I was startled with his sudden appearance. How exceptional I thought his features were. I was looking at the front lawn when I saw Dolche making her way out once again. I checked the time. It was exactly twelve fifteen am. She had left the previous day around the same hour only three minutes earlier. Curiosity heightened and I had the urge to follow her but I felt it wasn't wise. I decided I would time her. So I sat by the sill fighting of the slumber that threatened to throw me off my mission. I briefly went down and poured myself some milk. I was reminded of the poppy juice Cathy was drinking to sleep and I hoped she was taking it wisely. I sat by my window awaiting. The longer I stayed awake I feared the more I would be absent when giving Susanna her tuition. But I had to persist. I was all but ready to declare I couldn't keep myself awake for another hour when Dolche came back at three thirty. She arrived in the same hour she had in the previous day. As I threw myself to the bed the only thing I could contemplate at the time was Dolche was going to a familiar place. It seemed it was a convened meeting. I couldn't concentrate any further and I let slumber carry me to the world of dreams where Edward and I existed together.

I felt the need to uncover where it was that Dolche was off to an such an ungodly hour. I wasn't sure how to go about the issue. Would I tell Mr Markham? It seemed a most sensible thing to do. But considering how things were going, it would fuel the theory. I would be seen as a woman already swinging into action as the stepmother. Watching over the children and consulting the supposed husband of the steps ahead. I could broach Dolche about it but what then. She would threaten me in her own way to keep silent and reproach me for acting like her stepmother. What if she was engaged in some illicit crimes at night? Yet again I wasn't the only one who could be aware of this. I'm sure everyone even the milkmaid knew of this and decided that Dolche was too much to handle thus they wouldn't disturb themselves. I wonder how they slept for my consciences would nag me until I did something to amend. In the night I waited for Dolche to depart but she didn't. She stayed in doors and as I slept my ears were alert to pick up any sound. She stayed in doors and my fears quietened. I felt slightly lighter on Friday as I took out my riding habit ready to meet Max and Cathy. Susanna was ready to leave. She had kept her word and had not told even her beloved Mrs buttercup of the arrangement. Without the decency to knock, Dolche walked into my room. I almost demanded she go back and knock like a lady for my room was no inn. Her eyes were slitted and she looked venomous and I decided against barking orders. 

"Miss Vernon how do you do? Oh wait it's not miss Vernon is it? It must be stepmother. "

"you have such vivid imaginations Dolche. I remain to be miss Vernon. "

"is it? I hadn't thought so. What a way to be rid of my mother. Now what shall you do to that invalid. Your marriage will be nullified if the first wife lives and breathes. "

"I have no whatsoever plan of being married off to anyone. "

"oh really. But I thought you were? What is it? Wedding jitters? Or putting up a show to astound us at the very ending. The reluctant bride becomes the mistress. "

"Dolche I suggest you get out of my room with your illusions. "

"but is it not true? How can I help you be rid of the invalid Helena? Overdose of poison? Fatal falling? Drowning? "

I sent her a peculiar look. The way she said it was most disturbing. It was as though she was well acquainted with the more than one way to be rid of someone. I quivered at the morbid thought. 

"no thank you. Mrs Helena Markham remains mistress of Markham. "

"how meek of you miss Vernon?"

She looked about the room and noticed my gown for the ball. I had removed it from the closet to admire it and assess if it needed any improvements. I watched her cast it a look of disgust. 

"what an ugly dress!"

My defenses rose. It was suitable for me. Even Cathy being a woman of style had given her approval. I wouldn't let my dress nor I be demeaned. 

"it's stylish. I fear you have no taste, to think you are sent away in a prestigious school. Now get out of my room Dolche. "

"fine stepmother. "

She left the room walking a step at a time perhaps trying to relay to me that she was of a refined manner. She cast the gown one last look and I noticed a slight hint of jealousy. I decided it best to lock up my dress in the closet. I made sure it was buried deep. I fetched Susanna and we went off. At first Susanna seemed to be holding herself back that even patty caught her mood and was moving in a laboured manner. 

"it's safe Susanna. You've done this time and again. It's just a change of scene. "

She nodded at me. She moved on slowly until her tension lessened that by the time we reached town she was riding slightly ahead of me. 

"I feel almost dominant. "

"horses do that to one. "

"patty does more for me, miss Vernon. "

"how so? "

She bit her lip slightly before she spoke. 

"I don't fear Dolche as much when I ride patty. It's like I'm capable of facing her. Maybe because I'm aware I can run off. "

"my dear Susanna I hope you will achieve something. "

"what would that be? "

"boldness even when your not riding. You shouldn't be aware that you can run off any moment. You should only be aware that you can't and will not be trampled on. Your bravado should always give you the upper hand. "

"like how you face Dolche."

"well let's say on a kinder tone. "

"you always infuriate Dolche. She's always at a loosing point with you. "

"I'm glad she's met her match then. "

"oh it will be tremendous when you live with us as our mother. "

"Susanna... "

She tapped Patty's flank and went far ahead of me. Her hopes were being fed and yet I was dead set to never marry Mr Thomas. I loathed him in that moment for putting me in a loosing situation. I couldn't tell Susanna as yet. We rode on as she stole glances from me from time to time smiling. Perhaps thinking to herself that she had finally found the mother figure she had always dreamt of. Hit the jackpot, she might have told herself. What a sad state of affairs. 

Max and Cathy were there before us. They had placed the mat and the basket. I was aware of my rumbling stomach. The children were introduced to each other and Max seemed slightly flushed. Susanna didn't seem caught up in the moment. We sat ourselves down partaking first of the meal. Susanna to my astonishment struck a conversation with Max and as they were busily engaged I discreetly asked personal question. 

"how are you and Loft? "

"nothing has changed. He is still pursuing me and I am still disinterested. Now more than ever. " she said it acidly. 

"why so? "

"it's nothing Vicky. He has asked me to be his partner tomorrow?"

"what do you mean? "

"don't begin to foster devilish thoughts. It's simple. Tomorrow the ball is opened in a different manner. It almost resembles the French ball. You know they have to celebrate in style. The vines are plenty and there will be plenty of Bordeaux. Plenty of sales. The guests will arrive. Then the owners of the castle will arrive when everyone is present. The bell shall be rung. The owners of the castle of course Loft Holt and Terrence Holt will make their way up a stair with their partners. Loft will make a speech. The ball will commence the second the owners are done dancing and have exchanged partners. "

"it sounds exciting. "

"oh it is. "

"but you don't sound excited. "

"I'm merely being Lofts Holt's partner as a show of obligation ."

I stared at her in disbelief. 

"I figure it came out terribly. What I mean is I would have liked to be away from the spotlight to watch the scenes. "

"why so? "

"you understand that I shall be a highlight and cause for speculation. "

"since when did we exchange traits. "

"since a long time. It is so Vicky. I can't tell you how I've been fretting. Is my gown distinguishable? Am I appealing enough? "

"you shouldn't worry of such. What would I fret about? "

"here we go again with you acting oblivious. If I had your ginger hair and emerald eyes, I think I would be the duchess. "

I laughed. I retold Susanna of the favor. We couldn't hide it from her that it was the circuit we wished her to draw. She listened as Cathy gave an elaborate description of the spirals. Max was yet to speak of the math. Taking out her drawing tools, she sketched the outline. She sat quietly before telling us. 

"it would take me a week to capture it all. "

"a week? "

"yes. I have captured the imagination in mind but it's not easy to draw in seconds. I shall have to work on it. "

A week was more than convenient. A week and we would make our way to the castle in the circuit. Max explained the math. Susanna having made her folly sketch of the circuit wrote down the parables Cathy could recall and I added the ones she couldn't. Max dictated the distances. Looking at the sketch I had the intuition Susanna would make an elaborate map. We bade our farewells to each other. As we rode back to Markham, Susanna said to me. 

"miss Vernon I get the feel of Deja Vu."

"how so? "

"it's like I have seen the exact map of the circuit somewhere. Yet I can't remember where."