The Devil's Incarnate

Illusions

The trap came on time but I hadn't recovered. Cathy made arrangements to leave the following day and the man was only to willing to oblige. We went back to Mrs Tarantino. She didn't ask questions, she could see the shock plastered on our faces. She shifted in her chair in clear discomfort.

"I wish I had let you tell me who it was you were looking for. Lady Kerrie Compton and her family were wiped twenty years ago. "

I had yet to regain my composure so Cathy spoke.

"how did it happen?"

"ghastly fire it was. Happened from the kitchen with it spitting fire and its cauldrons. I never understood why lady Kerrie preferred having her kitchen below the house. It was underground you see. They had no time to put it out and what's worse it happened when they were all fast asleep. It was horrid I tell you. Edward was the only child. Eleven old he was when the fire happened. Poor boy he might have grown to become lord of Compton. "

I spoke.

"did he have handsome features?"

She looked at me intently. "why so? Tell me this Edward you saw was he all fascinating?"

"he was. Now that I think of it he was in his own estranged way. But I'm sure I saw him in the flesh. I-"

Now saying that I had kissed a ghost was too much.

"oh miss. Perhaps it was the devils ploy or a terrible joke. It is possible the gentleman didn't wish to give you his actual name and decided to throw you off. Or maybe he is Edward Compton but not from this sides. "

"how long were you with the Compton's. "

"not long you see as I told you I got married. "

"did you know Edward. His likes, his tastes? "

"oh miss, an eleven year old is not even a pre adult as yet. How could they know what they truly like. They are still discovering themselves. The only thing I know is Edward loved playing a certain instrument. I can't remember it though."

"a sitar? "

"ah yes. How right you are. There was a streak of Hindu blood in the veins of the Compton's. I can't remember the ancestress name. Edward loved to play it and in turn he played it for his friends. I can't remember his friends' name but yes, he loved playing the sitar. How rightly you've guessed. "

Furrowing her brows. "don't tell me the Edward you met also played the sitar. "

I kept mum. Cathy noting I needed to clear my head asked if she could prepare our supper and whether the invitation to stay the night was open. Mrs Tarantino assured her it was and told Cathy she was free to make what she wanted with whatever it is she found in the kitchen that was edible. Knowing Mrs Tarantino would want to pry further about the said Edward Compton, Cathy summoned me to the kitchen and we began making the supper. The kitchen wasn't anything state of the art,but it had all that was required. We worked in complete silence. My mind kept straying back to the tombstones. I could see his name. Then I remembered the man I saw in the ship. He was real that I knew. Flesh and blood. But he had an unnerving habit of appearing and disappearing. His appearance always startled me. I hardly heard his footsteps. The more I thought if it the more otherworldly he seemed. We supped. Mrs Tarantino told us the tale of the Compton's.

"they were a happy lot. Not lacking not needing. Having everything that would please them. They were lords over the village. But with their death it has ceased to become under one rule. "We are freeloaders if you may. We own ourselves. But that should change soon. The pesky Holmes wish to impose their rule on us. "

"you can resist the rule. "

"your young and unaware of this parts of the town. The politics around it. We can't fight them off. If we resist them another family will express their interest and who knows they might be thrice as evil. If we fight their suggestion to rule us they'll fight us. My dear I think you've seen that we are a peaceful lot. We have no weapons with us. They'll destroy us ,wipe us even. It's best to choose one's battle wisely. "

"the Compton's were kind rulers I suppose. "

"they were fine. They gave us work in their homes and governed us fairly well. But every ruling family has its mishaps you understand. Say making a daughter of one a mistress ,making a wife a widow and so on and so forth. You understand don't you. "

Cathy nodded. I wasn't engaging in their talk.

"say Victoria is it? Are you still in shock. You must speak it will help dispel the unpleasant surprise. "

I nodded at her. But I knew nothing could rid me of the uncanny thoughts in my mind. I wished to be alone with Cathy to speak of it. I feared Mrs Tarantino would think I had lost my wit in the process. Mrs Tarantino desired to rest and we helped her up the stairs. She pointed to us a room and said there were two beds in it.

"I had longed for children but they never came you see. I hope the room is to your liking. "

We said our thank you and went to our room. It was a dusty room. Uncared for like the rest of the house. We had to briefly air the mattress and sheets. Once settled Cathy came to my bed. I stared at the ceiling. It was plain. No art or paintings. But my thoughts were back at the ship and I could see it all so clearly

"tell me what you're thinking. "

"I'm thinking I've been duped Cathy. "

"do not think like that. There must be a logical reason for this. Maybe we got the wrong Edward. "

"I would want to believe so but this very Edward also played the sitar. It's too much of a coincidence. "

"but he died only eleven years old. "

"I know that's what troubles me. He is dead, a spirit. A child. "

"Vicky are you hinting at what I'm thinking. "

"surely it must be so. You and I know I posses this gift. "

"I know. But it comes to you as either feelings at one time, dreams at the other. It's a quiet lion that roars when need be. "

"the occasion must be important. "

"like what? Saving a spirit? Leading it to its path?"

"do I sense doubt? "

"no. But we must think of this rationally. Without haste to conclude. Suppose it is so. Why did it happen as it did. In a romantic manner?"

"I don't know Cathy. The only other thing is to think he liked me, the moment we shared and wished for nothing else. He must have known this Edward. The trouble is he played the sitar. "

"he played for his friends. Maybe they learnt. "

"that is also possible but Mrs Tarantino remembers not of his friends. It's been awhile. But he could be a spirit we can't put that past us. "

"shall I give you an overture? "

"kindly. "

"if he was a spirit of the past needing help or anything of the sort. He will make his appearance again. Meanwhile we shall keep looking for Edward Compton. Does that suit you? "

"yes. But I do not feel the need to find Edward again. "

"why so? "

"I feel our search has come to an end. This is it. And if he lied to me then he wants nothing to do with me. Why must I go about chasing someone who wishes not to be found. Do you see my point. If he is a spirit he shall come. "

"what will you do till then? "

"I will try to forget him. "

"can you? "

"I must attempt it. "

She smoothed my hair.

"I'm sorry Vicky that it didn't end as I hoped it would. "

"I'm sorrier for myself. "

She smoothed my hair as she did when we were children. When I was filled with sudden grief or was ailing. It always calmed me. I thought it had lost its charm but it hadn't for I slept till the wee hours of the morning. Cathy was already down, so was Mrs Tarantino. There was already hot water on the floor and I picked it, went to the hip bath and bathed. Dressed and packed my belongings. Cathy was already set I noted. I joined them and we ate breakfast. Coffee with a twist of bread,there was saltless cheese which Mrs Tarantino ate alone. It was scrumptious she assured us but we didn't feel inclined to taste of it. We bade our farewells and Mrs Tarantino told me before we left,

"I'm sorry your journey was not a kind one. "

"I shall recover from this surprise. "

"I'm sorry. Have a lovely journey back. I hope it's nothing more than a misunderstanding. Well I'm not sure if we have achieved some closeness. I hope so. It would do me a great deal if you wrote to me. Will you? "

"we hope so to. We feel the same it would be such an honor to write to you Mrs Tarantino. Fare thee well. " Cathy answered her. The trap was already waiting for us and we got on. I urged the bloke to take us to the tombs I felt a need to see them one last time. He was kind to comply and I noticed how uneasy Cathy was. I looked at the house and went to look at the tombstones. The feeling of finality was insistent. I knew I had found the Edward Compton, the owner of the name. The question was where was this man. I remembered how he played the sitar. The second tune ached one's heart. It was a melancholic tune. Then he played a romantic one and I knew it was intended for me. I thought it strange that he would want to steal only a kiss from me. If he was a treacherous monster, he would have seduced me to his bed and have his way. But he didn't. Then a thought came to my mind. Say if he had indeed led me to his room for a nights adventure would I have refused?I looked at the tombstones. Never mind him I said to myself. He is lost and he shall remain lost. I stunned myself. I had come determined to find him whether I found him or not but I had changed. I was sure of one thing, I wouldn't be able to cast thoughts of him aside so easily. I got back on the trap and we left dren village. The journey back to Winston was quiet. When we arrived we said our goodbye's ,each to their own way. I shut myself in my room the second I arrived. The tears that I held back fell.

I was in low spirits throughout the week. Mrs buttercup noticed for I didn't engage in conversations with the vitality I had. I declined her tea which was more than alarming. For it was said that the limey folks and their tea were inseparable. I surprised Susanna with my petulance and I apologised more than once. The child however grew more distant and I was sure I had burnt any bridge to our alliance as friends. The days were glum. Even reading gave me no peace. I dreamt more and more of Edward. My mind was searching for answers. If there was a guidebook to courtship I would have liked to read it, more so of courting a ghost. The more I thought of Edward, the more aware I was of my fondness for him. I loathed it and I loathed myself more for feeling that way. Mrs buttercup came to me one evening.

"may I have a word with you miss Vernon?"

"you may Mrs buttercup. "

She assumed an upright position as she sat. It seemed she was going to say something grave for she usually slouched on her seat when we had our usual talks.

I wasnt wrong.

"this mood of yours is dampening. It's unhealthy. I don't think you've noticed but it has made its impression on Susanna. "

"I know and I have apologised to her. I'm just not feeling my usual self. "

"you must be more careful around Susanna. She's sensitive. A fragile little thing. You know her case don't you? I grow more restless knowing Dolche will be home soon. "

My mood slightly lifted. It was unusual but Dolche induced a great curiosity in me.

"she'll be home soon? "

"yes. Two weeks or so I'm not sure. It will be hard to see Susanna walking about. She'll stay in her room until Dolche leaves again. "

"shouldn't we do something to bring Susanna out of this hole she's buried in. Mrs buttercup, think of it. What will happen the day Dolche is done with school. She'll be home until the day she gets married. Or worse stay here and be married here. Will Susanna hide away for that long? "

"you haven't met Dolche as yet. She's unpleasant. We can't stand her. "

"I know of that,though I'm yet to see it. But Susanna needs to have her own ground. Will she duck everytime she sees Dolche? She can't live like that forever can she? "

"you're right. But I have no way of bringing her out. Or rather I don't know how to go about it. But you need to get rid of that mood of yours. It's not healthy for Susanna. "

"I shall. I'm still recuperating from the shock it's hard to shake it off. "

"it's hard to shake off dolche as well. "

"you've twisted my words to your fitting. "

"I was just saying. But we shall devise a way to help Susanna. It's unfortunate to see you've burnt your chances with her. I take it she's more remote than ever. "

"unfortunately so. I shall try once again. If I'm unsuccessful well I have to settle on being only her governess. "

Mrs buttercup nodded. I was mopping around when I could have been helping Susanna in her studies and boosting her confidence. She was smart. Though over some time I did notice she was somewhat diffident of her abilities. How I wish I would face Edward face to face ,demand to know what he felt . Ask why he posed as someone else,if that were the case ? If he were a spirit I wanted to know why he came to me in such a manner? What was the need? If it were possible to get rid of thoughts it would have helped me but I had to bear my cross. I would try to focus on Susanna. Upon Dolche's arrival I would probably be occupied with discovering her wicked ways that I would forget Edward. Cathy wrote to me and asked if we were to still meet. I wrote back that we should I was eager to eat the pastries. Eager to hear more about flemstead castle.

I was riding Cecily one hot afternoon when Mr Thomas joined me. I hadn't noticed him.

"charming day don't you think miss Vernon. "

"I say it is, Mr Thomas. "

"I feel decades old when you refer to me as so. Let's go by our first names shall we? And drop all this formalities. Shall I call you Victoria ."

"you emphasise a great deal on the last syllable. Never mind it, it is well with me Thomas. "

"how are the lessons. How's Susanna? "

"the lessons have gone on without a hitch. Susanna is a terrific student. Great witted. "

"she takes it from me you can be sure. "

"she shall be a lady of great substance. "

"was I paid a compliment?. "

"hardly so . "

"I was about to leap for joy. You have stolen the grand moment. "

"how sorry I am for you. "

"are you? I am sure you have realised, Susanna is inclined to her own company and Mrs buttercup. "

"I'm quite taken that you have noticed. "

"why? Do I seem uncaring? "

"your hardly present. "

"I'm present when it comes to my daughters. Tell me what do you think of Susanna. "

"I think she should start having her own grounds. I hear she's unable to breath freely with her sister around. It can not remain so for her sister will finish school soon. "

"it's good you share my sentiments. I hope dear Dolche doesn't scare you off. "

"the more you speak of her the more I'm interested in seeing this Dolche. She must be phenomenal to instill such fear in everyone. "

"wary would be the word. If she does happen to play a trick on you. Do tell me. "

"she plays tricks?What sort of tricks?"

"just tricks. "

"if they are childish tricks I fear nothing. "

"I'm afraid Dolche's are a bit more crude than childish tricks. "

I looked at him. He was deep in thought. He was most probably counting up the number of times Dolche played tricks. Perhaps reliving each one.

"can't I be told of one?"

"no. " he looked at me wistfully. "but I hope she shan't deprive us of the lovely Miss Vernon. "

"it's hard to be rid of me. "

He smiled cunningly.

"let it remain so. Is the house to your liking? "

"it's a charming place. "

"I'm afraid we can't trace our lineage. Only three generations back. We've recently come to power. "

"you mean riches. "

"yes. All recently acquired. It has tripled by some good luck with our marriages. "

"so you wed only for the opportunity it presents."

"Victoria, you understand that the rich only think of more wealth. Marriages are made when one is in the womb. You're forced to follow the bidding of your parents. "

"it must not always be so. "

"you're a liberal spirit. You must not loose it. Some of us are chained. "

"you speak as though it were you. "

"isn't it clear. I'm sure you're not blind to the happenings in this house. You must have seen it from day one. "

"I'm not quick to make judgements. "

Lies. I had made my verdict and it was unlikely to change.

"I shall say your trying to assure yourself or I that we are not all terrible. "

"there is worse? "

"is there? "

Yes like falling in love with a ghost. Or falling in a deceptive fantasy and unable to pull self out if it.

"there must be. "

"I shall take your word for it. Dear Victoria, I must take my leave. It was lovely talking to you. " he tipped his hat and went ahead. I was left alone.

I looked at my surroundings. I couldn't wait for Dolche to come. Indeed I would be far too preoccupied to think of the ghostly man who stole a kiss and disappeared.