Shannon Drake - Wicked

Good God! No one could expect her to sit still while her guardian lay somewhere, perhaps in pain, perhaps even direly injured!

She jumped up anxiously and started for the door, but after throwing it open, she stood frozen. There was a dog there. Massive. It was merely sitting there, but its head came above her waist! Then the animal growled softly; a warning sound.

She closed the door and paced back to the fire, furious yet afraid. Was the animal trained to rip anyone to shreds who tried to move about the place on their own? Fueled by anger, she walked back to the door. But before she could reach it, it opened.

It wasn’t the return of the Earl of Carlyle, as she had hoped. Instead, a woman entered the room. She was an attractive, older woman with dancing eyes and a quick smile. She was in a lovely dove-gray gown with a cast of silver to it, and the warm curl of her lips was more than startling under the circumstance.

“Good evening, Miss Montgomery,” she said pleasantly.

“Thank you,” Camille replied, “except that, I’m afraid, for me, it isn’t a good evening at all. My guardian is being held hostage here, and it seems that I am likewise imprisoned in this room.”

“Imprisoned!” the woman exclaimed.

“There is a dog—or a fanged monster, one might say—on the other side of the door,” Camille said.

The woman’s smile deepened. “Ajax. Pay him no mind. He is a big lover, once you get to know him. Really.”

“I’m not so sure that I’m eager to make his close acquaintance,” Camille murmured. “Madam, please, I’m most desperate to see my guardian.”

“Indeed, and so you will. But first things first. Will you have some brandy? I’ve arranged a light supper for you and the earl, and it will be served quite soon. I’m Evelyn Prior, the earl’s housekeeper. He’s asked me to see that a room be prepared for you, as well.”

“A room?” she said, distressed. “Mrs. Prior, please, I’ve come to take Tristan home. Whatever care he needs, I can give it to him.”

“Well, Miss Montgomery,” Mrs. Prior said, her tone sad, “I’m afraid that the earl was considering filing charges against your guardian.”

Camille winced, looking downward. “Please. I don’t believe he intended any harm.”

“I’m afraid the master doesn’t believe that he merely fell over the gate,” the woman said lightly. “But…well, the two of you must talk.”

Evelyn Prior seemed far too lovely, rational and sane for the environment here, that was certain. All about the castle seemed dark and menacing; she was as light and lovely as the summer air. Yet she, too, seemed to have very resolute objections to Camille simply gathering up Tristan and leaving.

She swallowed hard. “I am willing to make reparation for—”

“Miss Montgomery, I’m not the one with whom you must discuss the matter of your guardian’s guilt or innocence, or any form of reparation. If you’ll accompany me now, I’ll see you to the master’s quarters dining area. In time, you may see your guardian, and then your own chamber for the evening.”

“Oh, we cannot stay!” Camille protested.

“I’m afraid you must stay. The physician has said that your guardian must not be moved this evening. He is sore, indeed.”

“I can take care of him,” Camille swore.

“He will not be traveling this evening. We cannot keep you here, of course, but I’m afraid that your guardian will not be leaving our hospitality as of yet.”

Despite the woman’s courtesy and easy smile, Camille felt chills erupt at the base of her spine. Stay here? Surrounded by the deepest, darkest forest she had ever seen? With the man in the mask, the imposing, brooding, harsh and seemingly indomitable beast of the castle?

“I…I…”

“Truly!” the woman said with a laugh. “We may well enjoy our solitude here, but we are not so crass or without comfort as you might imagine. You will be quite fine if you stay. Whatever His Lordship’s reputation, he is the Earl of Carlyle, you know. He has responsibilities to the Crown itself, and is trusted by her most gracious Majesty, Victoria.”

Camille lowered her lashes, trying to conceal the flush that came to her cheeks. Mrs. Prior had read her every thought.

“I have come with a servant. He has been left waiting in the great hall,” Camille said.

“Well then, we shall see that he is comfortably bedded down for the evening, as well, Miss Montgomery. Do come along now.”

Camille offered a weak smile and did so, having little choice.

In the hall, the dog waited. He looked at Camille with as much suspicion as had his master. Even the dog’s eyes seemed to be hooded.

“Good boy!” Mrs. Prior said, stroking the great head. The monster hound wagged its tail.

Camille remained close at Mrs. Prior’s heels. They traversed the long hall, coming to the far end of the eastern wing of the castle. The door was center at that end of the wing, and Mrs. Prior pushed it open. The lord of the castle awaited her.

Here, in the reception area for his private quarters, there were great pocket doors that rolled back to allow a scenic view of the darkness and the deep jungle of forest that helped create it. There must have been something out there, however, for he looked out at the expanse before him, hands clasped behind his back, legs firmly set, shoulders squared, as Mrs. Prior led Camille in.

There was a table set with an exquisite white cloth, fine bone china—the main plates covered with silver heating domes—shining silverware and crystal-stemmed glasses. Two chairs awaited.

Mrs. Prior cleared her throat, but Camille was certain that the Earl of Carlyle knew they were there. He simply hadn’t chosen to turn.

“Miss Montgomery, sir,” she said. “I will leave you two.”

Camille was ushered in and the door closed behind her. The master turned at last.

He lifted a hand, indicating the table, then walked forward, pulling back a chair for her to sit. She hesitated.

“Ah. I’m sorry. Is the idea of dining with a scarred man in a mask far too loathsome a concept for you, my dear?”

The words were gently spoken, but they weren’t filled with compassion. They might have been a challenge. Or a test?

“I believe you’ve chosen a rather bizarre mask, sir, but certainly it’s your right. There is little that disturbs my appetite, and nothing of appearance that can disturb me regarding a fellow human being.”

She thought she saw again, below the leather edge of the mask, a faint smile, both mocking and amused.

“How very honorable, Miss Montgomery! Yet is such a credo true in your heart, or simply what I might wish to hear?”

“I believe, sir, that any answer might be as dubious in your mind as the words already spoken. Suffice it to say, I had not realized my own hunger, and I am happy to share a meal while discussing the situation regarding my guardian.”

“Then, my dear…?” He swept his arm toward the chair.

She sat.

He walked around the table, took his own seat and lifted the silver cover from her plate. The aroma, just hinted at in the night air thus far, struck her heavily then, and it was delicious. The plate came with fluffy potatoes, a slice of roast that was mouthwatering and artful little carrots. She hadn’t had a bite since her break at ten that morning, and then she had barely bothered with a muffin and jam.

“Does it meet with your approval, Miss Montgomery? Rather mundane, I’m afraid, but quickly achieved,” he said.

“It seems exceptional, under such very timely circumstances, indeed,” she said politely. She realized that he was waiting for her to begin, so she picked up her fork and knife and delicately chiseled off a piece of meat. It was as delicious as the aroma had promised.