The room was dark, illuminated only by the fire burning in the hearth. The flames cast dancing shadows on the walls and ceiling of the room. The effects of the laudanum were still felt as the room began to swirl around her. She tried to sit up, struggling to still the movement around her.
Her breath caught in her throat as she glanced down at the foot of the bed. Her heart leaped in her chest and her mouth opened in a silent scream. God, why couldn’t she scream? Why couldn’t shemove?
She sat in terrified silence as he looked at her. He stood unmoving, staring at her with his evil eyes, eyes that seemed to glow in the darkness. And then he was gone.
She blinked rapidly, trying desperately to figure out if it had been a terrible dream. No, he had been there. She was sure of it.
Her stomach churned, and she scrambled from the covers, trying valiantly to make it to the wash basin on the table next to her bed. She retched violently, her stomach twisting painfully. Pain pierced her head, nearly causing her to lose consciousness. She gripped the table and closed her eyes as she tried to control the waves of nausea. She had to get out of this house.Now.
###
Case and Justin sat in Justin’s dining room discussing the day’s events over their meal.
“I’ve asked the magistrate to look into the accident,” Justin said as they ate. Case looked at him curiously. “It can’t hurt to determine the cause of the crash.” He couldn’t stop the niggling in his head. Something bothered him about the accident, and his doubts wouldn’t be silenced until he heard the magistrate’s findings.
“Yes, of course, you are right,” Case agreed. “Have they given you a report yet?”
“No, I expected it earlier this afternoon. I’m not sure what the delay is about.”
Justin put down his fork and pushed back from the table. He didn’t feel much like eating anyway. “Let’s retire to my study and have a drink. It’s been a damnable day and we can do nothing further but wait.”
As the two men sat in front of the fire sipping brandy, Case looked over at Justin. “You’ve never told me about your travels to India. Was it everything they say?”
He accepted the neutral topic, not wanting to dwell on his dark thoughts. And why it bothered him so much that Jillian had nearly been killed. “It was extraordinary. Nights like this make me long for the warmer climate there. At night you can see a thousand stars. You’re lucky to ever get toseethe sky here in London. I rode in an elephant caravan through the jungle to an ancient temple, and I saw creatures you would only see in a book here.”
Case leaned forward in interest. “It sounds amazing!”
“It was. The British influence is strong there, but if you delve deep enough you get a taste of a culture that has existed for thousands of years. It’s awe inspiring.”
“Will you ever go back?”
“I’d like to some day. There are many things I would like to see and experience there. Before I go back to India, though, I think I should like to see Africa.”
“Call me a dull boy, but I have no desire to leave our fair England.” Case laughed. “You were always the restless spirit. I think you took after Mother in that respect. Father always said he couldn’t keep her feet on the ground long enough to kiss her.”
Justin smiled, remembering all too well how his mother loved traveling. “He loved to take her to new places. He used to say there was nothing like seeing her face light up when they took in the sights of Italy or France. He had planned to take her to America before…” He trailed off not wanting to voice the words. “I miss them.”
“I miss them too,” Case said quietly. “They were amazing people.”
“Your grace,” Edward interrupted from the door. “I think you should come.”
Justin frowned at the urgency in Edward’s voice. “Whatever is the matter?”
“It’s Lady Penroth. She’s here.”
Both Justin and Case sprang from their seats and hurried after Edward. He led them into the parlor where Jillian sat shivering in front of the fire. Justin was shocked by her appearance. She was still in her nightgown with just a cloak covering her, and she was barefooted. She was soaked through, her hair hanging limply from her head. Had shewalkedhere in the rain? She looked up, her face ashen, her eyes wide with fear. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know where else to go.”
Justin didn’t know if her voice shook from the cold or fear.
“Dear God, Jillian,” Case exclaimed, rushing to her side.
“Edward, get us some hot tea, and get her some dry clothes to put on,” Justin ordered.
“Jillian, what are you doing here?” Case asked, taking her hands in his. He rubbed them, as if trying to warm her.
“I saw him,” she whispered.
“Saw who?” Justin demanded.
