The Devil's Incarnate

The Arrival

"Catherine Carr? "

I heard Catherine sigh in relief.

"Mrs Virginia you frightened us. "

I loosened.

"I knew you would be here. Oh child would you come up from there. "

We made our way up, shutting the door behind us.

"hunting adventure are we? "

She noticed me the second I appeared.

"and you've dragged this poor miss. What's your name? "

"Victoria Vernon. "

"Ah, Catherine's best friend. Has she told you about me. Because I know a great deal about you. Now come first and let's leave this place. I can't stand the stench. "

We left the chapel and she closed the passage using the lever. She got us tea and I was glad she did for I was a little shaken after the whole experience. She introduced herself. She was the overseer who made sure everything run smoothly in the house. She had become quite fond of Cathy and had discovered of our whereabouts when she was about to go to the hall. She noticed the fireplace and knew no one else could be in there if not for Catherine. I wished she went about her business with utmost discretion at times. She was a charming woman and I noticed Cathy confided in her otherwise she would not have asked so bluntly.

"Mrs Virginia you don't happen to know where the secret passage to the circuit is do you? "

She knitted her brows taken a back.

"secret passage? "

"yes. One that leads straight up to the circuit? "

"honestly Catherine you've found out more about this house than I've ever. This passage to the chapel to the dungeon however I discovered when Terrence's father locked in a farmer in there. "

"what had he done. "

"the man didn't see it fit to hand in his produce and wait for the distribution. He thought he should keep it for himself. He wasn't even given a chance to remedy his errors. "

"how terrible. "

We went on with the conversation. She explained to us why the chapel was hidden in such a manner.

"the queen went about hacking the priests to bits. The blue room used to be the priest's room you see. Before a foe appeared the Holt men would have dealt with him. Families who were staunch Catholics hid their priests and went on with their services. The Holt's surprisingly were devotees but I wouldn't put it past them to see an opportunity to out do others." she paused to laugh. It was very much possible. Their haughty looks were enough proof.

"Though this was imposing danger. The queen began ordering the killings of the family who sheltered the priests as well. The Holt's being who they are created this. " she gestured. "it was the secret way to the dungeon it was a sort of g*n room but thy cleared it up and made it a chapel. They are foxes I tell you. For the Queen's men were here countless times and never suspected anything. " Cathy and I chimed that they were witty . She said there was no passage and said it in affirmative way. Catherine didn't press the issue and an hour later we had our lunch. It was late and seeing how I stuffed myself I wasn't going to eat supper either.

"I trust Victoria that you'll be coming to the ball? "

"ball? "

"Catherine your quite ill-mannered are you? You drag your friend to the pits of darkness and refuse her an invitation. "

"I meant to tell her. I just got absorbed. "

Mrs Virginia shook her head.

"never mind it. Victoria do come. Well if Mr Loft agrees to it and I see why not. Isn't it so Cathy? "

I was right to conclude Mr Loft was forward with his approach, even Mrs Virginia noticed. I presumed the whole household did.

"tell me about it. "

"oh it will be grand I can promise you. It's always done at this time of the year. You see the Holt's are known to be shrewd business men. Well apart from men of war. They've put investments in everything profitable. One of them being wine. They have an alliance with the French producers. At this time they have harvested. Loft went to engage in the first celebration. He tells us they do it with such gusto you'd think they harvested enough for their entire life time. They start immediately after harvesting, sing French songs and make merry till the wee hours of the morning. As the Holt's are close associates. The second celebration will be done here. The English way. There'll be a ball. We first do the mock ball it involves only the people the Holt's do business with. The second ball is for all. The neighbors, the partners, the household. The town well they will be engaged though passively. My dear governesses how I desire to be you. For you'll rub shoulders with the creme de la cremes of society. Even get a chance to dance with them. What a fortunate post you hold. For us servants we can only help in the arrangements and ensure its as pleasant. Passing with our trays to serve the mighty and admire the gowns from silk to the satin. Enjoy the strings in the kitchen as we tidy up. Yes, your fortunate. Your neither servants nor part of the family. "

"I think we are more of servants Mrs Virginia. "

Cathy laughed silently at my remark, for it was expected.

"only in the schoolroom are you servants. When it comes to festivals, you are esteemed guests. Even kinsmen of the family. The second ball will be worth all the fuss of the arrangements of the house and flowers. Do you know there'll be a game to play? "

"what sort? "

"dear Miss Victoria, you must have noticed that the Holt's like mazes and puzzles. So it will be a puzzle. There's the usual nap they play, a little chess and the men at times like playing with their miniature soldiers, reminding themselves the feel of the battlefield. The game find me not is what it's called is interesting. There will be clues given to one. You'll have to ponder and once you find the next clue, there's a another clue to lead you to the next. It will go on you see until there's an ultimate winner. "

"it sounds intriguing. I hope to play, " Cathy said cheerfully.

"there's a problem with it however. Instead of playing it ends up as a lover's moment. Secret lovers beseech each other and remind each other that there's is a love to be not found out," she turned to Catherine with a sly smile plastered on her face, "I trust my dear Catherine that your coquette ways can be quietened for one night?"

Cathy was more than flushed, redder than the roses.

"you've decided I'm a subject of interest. "

"I'm merely warning you. If you don't, well my dear it's almost certain you'll end up as a mistress. "

Cathy averted her eyes, her embarrassment heightening. I created a diversion or what hoped to be it.

"she'll be good I'm sure. "

"then I trust you to keep her in tow. "

"I solemnly pledge. "

Mrs Virginia laughed mirthfully. The thought of Cathy becoming a mistress was either hilarious or it was the color on Cathy's cheeks. She went on to elaborate to us how things run before the ball. How the candles in their sconces would enliven the room, the delicacies to be eaten. The livery the servants wore. The most distinguished families. The fanciest dress as per ball. She was indeed looking forward to another ball. I got caught up in the moment I began seeing it all. I recalled past balls I had attended with Cathy. How magnificent they were and how we often left there feeling so elated and begrudgingly left. Cathy would dance until her toes hurt and I would grace only a number the chance to dance with me. I would listen to the strings played and remark at the talent of the musicians. I was lost in a trance so much so that I began picturing myself dancing to the music then Edward Compton stepped in and took hold of me. We waltzed our way in the middle of the ballroom. His eyes fixated on me as mine were on him. I stepped out when Mrs Virginia called out my name twice.

"Victoria. "

"yes Mrs Virginia. "

"we lost you there didn't we? I'm sure the excitation is rising within you as it is on all of us. It shall be splendid you'll see. "

I felt that it would, though I couldn't exactly point out why. Mrs Virginia went on in her explanation . I found out that Loft was a thorough master for he would go over the arrangements and the lists of guests.

"nothing is left undone. "

I didn't want to betray my interest but I could easily assume matters as they were. Loft was thorough in his work. More solid. Maybe it was the reason Terrence decided not to take up responsibility. Maybe he knew of his inadequacy. Loft was a sufficient master from Mrs Virginia's explanations. She only mentioned Terrence being present as it was demanded of him but he would slip once the ball rolled.

"Loft is thorough and we are thankful. But I think Terrence adds an interest to it. It must be his appearance. You have seen him Cathy haven't you? "

"yes and I do agree with you. People will be more inclined to him than Loft. "

Another discovery I had made. Terrence was more fascinating in appearance than the two. But I had to see them both to either nullify their words unfounded or chime. It was a pity I was yet to set my eyes on either. The hours passed and I excused myself for I had to make my way before dusk fell .

"Victoria be sure to remind your friend to get you a direct invitation. "

"shan't the Markham's be invited?"

"the mock ball no. The second it's obvious they'll be invited. But it's suitable if you had a direct invitation. I'm sure maybe for some masters or mistresses that they'll find dragging the governess along, tiresome. They wouldn't refute your coming if it was a direct invitation. "

"I understand. "

A sly smile crept in her face. "how's Helena? "

"so you know of her? "

"no one could stand her. We almost leapt in jubilation when she refused to come to the balls after her accident. I know we should sympathize but I promise you we couldn't stand her. She was too much. "

"I do not know how to defend her. "

"you mustn't. Well I shall go about my duties. "

She left us . She was a charming woman I concluded.Cathy saw me off. A thought crossed my mind. If Mrs Virginia thought it plausible Cathy and Mr Loft's relationship to foster then the others did. Cathy had assured me they were a gentle fold but it was better to be cautious in case one of them harbored ill feelings for her.

"you must promise you shan't go back to the dungeons, either of them. "

"now how shall I refrain myself from such an enticing discovery. Who knows if I dug further I would find the secret passage. "

"one is enough Cathy. Sides it wouldn't be convenient for you. Mrs Virginia has noticed you and Mr Loft suppose the others did. Then rumour began that your giving yourself airs assuming the mistress position. Then one of them turns on you and wishes you Ill. Remember your post. You yourself told me you have no interest in Mr Loft or is it now Mr Terrence? . "

"how like you to think everything through to the last detail. I assure you none of them impinges on me. I shan't go to the dungeons for you're right. I am a governess and I must guard my post fiercely. "

"your mocking me. "

"I'm lightly quoting you. But I will adhere to your warnings. But I'll secretly seek the passage, you must allow me this. Else I will loose my sanity cooped in my room after lessons. "

"how like you to get away with something. "

"it's my nature. Now we shall meet at the patisserie next shan't we? I miss those dear tarts, they are hardly made here. I have to contend with the menu. "

I nearly protested that I should come to her. But it would seem I was too eager to come back. Cathy would begin to romanticise everything. Though I was longing to see both the castle and the Holt cousins I wouldn't betray it. I agreed to meet her at the patisserie. I consoled myself there would be two balls to see both of them and my thirst will be quenched.

"I shall ask Mr Loft to grant you direct invitation. "

I inclined my head. We bade each other farewell. It was only when I sat in the coach did my thoughts shift to Susanna. The matter would have long been discussed and summarised. I hoped Susanna had recovered from her fright. Mr Will kept talking endlessly and I answered passively. Peter remained mute. As we drew nearer I felt the ambience of the vicinity shift. Something was menacing about it. A heavy glum hung on it. It weighed on my shoulders. Peter suddenly said.

"the storms are with us. "

Mr. Will laughed drily before he reprimanded Peter for being dumb.

"the sun is still shining and yet you say the storms are with us. My dear stableman I cannot even see a single cloud. "

"I didn't mean the weather Mr Will. I meant she's home. "

Mr Will was suddenly sullen. A silence fell on us and I couldn't see far off ahead to see how Peter had drawn up the conclusion. I knew when he said her he meant Dolche and I was eager for my eyes to be set on her. When we drove up I saw the dog cart lying there abandoned. The air was unbecoming I felt it weigh on me heavily. As I entered the palatial I heard the quiet chatters but couldn't trace the sources. I began to make my way up when I bumped into someone. It was by luck that I held on to the rail lest I should have stumbled to my fall. I looked up to see who had barred my way. For a minute or so I thought I had gone senile,for I was looking at Helena standing, in her younger years, fury echoed in every inch of her face and she frothed at the mouth. I noticed some features of Mr Thomas as well. She had a semblance to the drawing I saw in the library. Then I registered her.

Dolche Markham

She stared down at me perhaps hoping I should cower before her. But I shot her a look of defiance. She decided I wasn't worth the effort and made her way down. Hitting me squarely on the shoulders. I suppressed a wince. I must have been possessed. It was uncharacteristic of me but I said to her,

"I hope miss Dolche, that you shan't practise your ill manners with me for I shan't condone it. "

I felt her gaze on me. Her fury full pitch but I was unfazed. I walked up to my room feeling exultant. It was the beginning of battles I knew. For we would be at loggerheads days to come. But I would not be diminished by her as she did the others. For they quivered like leaves at the mere mention of her name. I was reminded of Susanna. I knew I would have problems with her. She would most probably want to escape lessons. Determined to remain shut in her room. I had to devise a way to lure her out of her room. Else I would be disposed of early for the student would be unwilling to learn. I expected a welcoming dinner for Dolche but there wasn't one. I was gladdened for I would enjoy my own company and divert my thoughts. The next day it being a Sunday and a free day ,I divided my attention to thinking of Edward Compton. The circuit. The Holt cousins which I found baffling. The Markham's didn't go to the town church only the servants did. I spent a well fulfilled day. I admonished myself for being too presumptuous for Amelia came to the room at around four and announced there'll be a dinner in honor of the arrival of Dolche. I was all but ready to decline when it dawned on me that Susanna would be present. Well forced to and Mrs buttercup wasn't permitted to dine with the family. It was probably grasping at straws but I hoped I would bring comfort to Susanna. I said I shall be there. I settled on a blouse and skirt, nothing too splendid after all there would be two balls which would demand splendour. As soon as the clock struck eight I went down. Susanna was there visibly uncomfortable and I nearly patted myself when I noticed her visibly exhale in relief. Helena was there, her usual cantankerous self. Mr Thomas joined us a few minutes later. Then finally she graced us with her appearance. She had a scarlet satin gown with a low cut neckline. Her hair was pinned high up and a few curls escaped the hold. She looked interesting. She sat on the chair elegantly and I noticed Helena snorting at her. Dolche didn't seem perturbed. She ordered for supper to be served,like a queen of the castle . She was about to launch into chatter I guess when she noticed me and her features creased. Before Mr Thomas could answer the question of who I was, I answered.

"I am Susanna's governess. "

"how kind of you to join us. " she said with a hint of visible annoyance. I didn't bother to answer back. We supped quietly. The clutter of dishes felt uneasy. She looked up suddenly at me.

"so miss eeer? "

I went on forking my meal. If she wished to know my name she would know of it. But it wouldn't escape my lips. Seeing as I wasn't playing into her hands she went on.

"Susanna will be of age to go to a finishing school. Your services wouldn't be needed soon. "

"I'm well aware about that. In fact I'm sure I'll leave earlier than expected. "

This gave her pleasure and she questioned to the reason. I took it in my stride to give her a little sting.

"Susanna posseses a prowess. She's brilliance itself. Of course you wouldn't understand this but I'm sure you can recognise this. "

Susanna held back her smile and I noticed mr Thomas averting his eyes before he betrayed his own.

Dolche inclined her head and went on supping. Helena was too self absorbed to notice the happenings. We went on when she decided to shoot up another sting.

"it was kind of you to go off with the carriage and have me fetched with the dog cart. "

There was the insult. I a mere governess enjoying the comfort of their carriage. Whereas her the soon to be heiress was subjected to a lousy dog cart. I answered insolently.

"it was befitting. "

The words struck home and she remained mum throughout the dinner. Helena had raised her brow slightly before she was absorbed again. Mr Thomas chuckled inaudibly I was glad when dinner was done. I escorted Susanna to her room and I went to mine afterwards. As I sat on my chair I thought to myself, mr Thomas would be making a plea on my behalf. Trying to reason with his eldest that I was a good governess. That maybe my tongue wasn't as sharp. I looked at the trunks beneath my bed, I would be exempted of my duties and I should have began to pack my bags. I decided to postpone the packing for the next day. I didn't feel apologetic in the least. I wouldn't let myself be squashed. I was a governess and more of age. That alone demanded respect. Amelia told me Mr Thomas wished to see me when I was about to change to my sleeping gown. I made my way expectantly. So this was how my short stay would end?

Mr Thomas was having himself a glass of wine when I walked in.

I saw the glint in his eyes. I wished him to be quick that I may make my traveling budgets with effect. I should stay at the inn until the balls past and find myself another post if lucky in two weeks. How unbecoming of me to be so uncaring about my post which if I pleaded, I would probably retain. But I wouldnt be a marionette directed by Dolche. Not Victoria Vernon Landor.

"I'm sure you know why I have called you. "

"yes. "

"have you any words to say?"

"no. "

"I should think a prim governess should be making her plea. Telling us the devil probably took possession of her. "

"you'll hear nothing of the sort. "

"my Victoria ,how you excite me. "

"how so? "

"we are all at a loss when she starts being venomous. "

"she missed out on a good thrashing. "

"you wish to exercise it? "

"no, she's already past that. But one needs to be firm with her. Say her parents. "

"spoken like a governess. "

"I am that. "

"you should know she has asked me to dismiss you? "

"so I should pack up early. I shall leave by ten o'clock. "

"your too presumptuous. I never said I obliged. "

"so you haven't. "

"no. You're right one needs to be firm. But also When it comes to you I shan't let her have her ways. "

There was a visible cue, even a blind man could see it. I acted oblivious.

"then I must be go rest if I am still of service. "

"by all means do. Who knows you might be of much more service. "

He was dropping more cues, I left the library for if I lingered longer something would have ensued.

I wasn't taken aback when Mrs buttercup came to the schoolroom the following morning making up a sorry excuse for Susanna's lack of appearance. She was a poor liar. Her hands trembled and she slurred over her words. I walked past her to Susanna's room much to her protests. The second I walked in, I noticed Susanna shutting her eyes tightening the duvet round her. I sat on her bed.

"what's become of you? "

"oh miss ,it's terrible I am down with a cold. "

I felt her forehead and her temple. She had no fever.

"you're not burning up. "

"oh miss, but I am sick. "

"your only malady goes by the name Dolche. "

I felt her go rigid.

"tell me Susanna will you lock yourself up until she leaves. What then? Will you always be terrified of her? Miss out on your lessons because you can't afford to see her before you? "

No answer was forthcoming.

"what a shame it will be? Don't you think? Dear patty she will be desolate. To think that she's grown fond of you. It's easy for us humans to move along but the poor animals remain loyal until their wilting days. But you don't mind it do you? Of course not. You shan't miss the feeling of freedom. Or the air brushing your skin as you rode. No it was of no importance to you I'm sure. Very well then. Have a good day Susanna. "

I rose up and left Mrs buttercup seemed unaware of my schemes. I had sowed my seed. It was time to see if it would reap any harvest.

In ten minutes time Susanna walked into the schoolroom her ponytails done. I felt ecstasy rising within.

"so you're here then. "

"yes miss. Shall we ride today? "

"I don't see why we should deprive patty your company. "