“You should close your drapes dear,” Abigail said. She sat behind Fallon on the four-poster bed, gently brushing her daughter’s hair.
“Yes, Mother,” Fallon replied. “Though I doubt I will get any sleep, seeing as Father invited the Carrick’s to stay the night.”
Abigail stopped and turned her daughter to face her. ”It would have been unforgivable, for your father to turn guests away in this storm. They will leave early tomorrow morning, I think.”
Fallon cast her eyes down, fearful her mother would see her utter disgust. The more time she spent in Warren’s presence, the more her hatred for him grew. This was what her life was to be. Married to a simpleton. Without his father’s riches, he would be no more than the village idiot.
“Warren will make a fine husband,Fallon. You must simply be the dutiful wife and acquiesce to his will,” Abigail continued. “You must make this sacrifice for your family. Your children will want for nothing in this life.”
“The dutiful wife?” Fallon questioned. “By allowing him to bed me and bear his idiot young?”
Fallon suppressed a smile at her mother’s shocked expression. There would never be children, not with Warren. Four months ago,she had convinced Cook to show her how to prepare a pessary,made of honey and rosin.She had used it, to lose her maidenhead to one of the hands in her father’s stables. Cook had no choice but to help her. She had been stealing from their family for years and Fallon was the only one who knew. If she were to ever tell her parents, the old wretch would lose her tenure and at her age, would rot in the stinking filth of London’s sewers.
She had done it for one simple reason. After her mother told her of a wife’s duty, to submit to her husband and lie there like a statue while he took his pleasure, she wanted to experience firsthand what all the fuss was about.
She had seen Carlisle, the stablehand, leer at her budding bosom from time to time. She was no idiot, and could practically smell his lust for her.
It was so easy, luring him behind the stables and telling him exactly what she wanted. It was a bonus that he was young and handsome, so her first time would not be with some overweight boar.
Her only moment of hesitation came when she first saw his member and wondered how something of its size and girth would fit inside her. Mother told her there would be pain and bleeding, that her blood would flow like a pig’s led to slaughter.
Surprisingly, there was just a slight discomfort as he entered her and before long,she was what her mother so eloquently described as a ‘moaning beast'.
She bucked her hips to his rhythm and as her first release washed over her in a searing wave of heat, she knew there was no chance she could ever be a subservient wife. She enjoyed carnal pleasures, far too much.
Abigail broached the subject no more and planted a soft kiss on her daughter’s forehead. As soon as she was gone, Fallon pulled her thick woolen coat over her nightdress, listening to the rain beat against her windows.
Souniro was in the servant’s quarters, and tonight, she would take her pleasure, with him.
“Wake up, you thieving old hag!”
Cook grumbled something in her sleep as Fallon shook her, to the point of being violent. Damn the old fool. She slept like the dead, now that she was needed.
“Wake up!” Fallon said again, a bit louder than before.
Cook opened her eyes, reeling back into her threadbare pillow as she took in the sight of Fallon hovering over her, like some demon from hell.
“You?” Cook said groggily. “In the middle of the night? Off whoring again?”
Fallon would have smacked the old bat if she didn’t need her.
”Lower your voice, you filthy wretch. I need your help. Where is the Egyptian boy, the one who came with the two sewer rats? “
“You mean your betrothed and his father, Milady?” Cook said in a sing-song voice, mocking Fallon’s own uppercrust accent. “You mean to bed another servant?”
Fallon grimaced, watching Cook raise herself. The bag of bones could hardly move, let alone breathe on her own and she steadfastly refused to die. Nevertheless, she had her uses, such as preparing the pessary. She was a midwife in her younger years and knew exactly what to do, to prevent unwanted pregnancies, or end them.
“What I do with him, is not your concern. Where is he?”
“In the kitchen. There was no room for the strange boy and we gave him a blanket and some pillows. He made his bed next to the furnace.”
“Lazy thief,” Fallon muttered, turning away.
“Whore,” Cook spat in return. “Hope you fall in the furnace!”
Treading as softly as possible to the kitchen, Fallon bristled at the insolence of the ancient cow. But who would help her, if not she? Cook was the only one scared enough of her to never betray her, while the other servants saw her as nothing but an encumbrance. No doubt they were rejoicing at her upcoming nuptials and were secretly elated she was to be married to a beast with all the finesse of a barnyard animal.
By the glow of the dying coals in the furnace, Fallon made out his sleeping form. Souniro. Even his name sounded exotic. He was lying on his back, the blanket pulled down to his waist. He was every bit as muscular as she imagined him to be, and for a moment she contemplated mounting him right where he lay.
As silently as a cat, she made her way to him, bending down and pulling the blanket away from his body. Her hand found what she sought and he stirred in his sleep as she caressed him, feeling him grow at her touch. Her own core pulsated at the thought of him filling her and pleasuring her.
He opened his eyes,gasping in shock as he saw her. “Miss..what are you doing?”
His accent excited her lust even more. She threw her woolen coat to the side, reveling in his shocked expression. She crawled on her hands and knees, straddling him, while he barely resisted her. He knew carnal pleasure as well as she did. She could see his expression change from shock to lust as her lips met his.His arms twined around her body and he crushed her against his chest.
“Tonight,” she whispered,”You belong to me.”
It was just after dark when her shift was done and Beth went out into the parking lot, to wait for Emma who was picking her up tonight. Although she appreciated their concern, Beth had to admit she felt a bit riled by Ethan and Emma, who it seemed had some unspoken agreement between them to babysit her. They even took turns picking her up at work and were constantly checking up on her. It was out of love, she knew, but it could also be extremely aggravating. It was almost as if they decided she needed around the clock care. She quicly cast her unpleasant thoughts aside, realizing this was her best friend and the man she loved. And after what happened today, with the animated corpse of the young man and the lady in the shadows inside of him… She suppressed a shiver at the memory, trying not to let it upset her mood as Emma pulled up beside her and honked the horn. “ All done?” Emma asked. “Sti
Propped up against his pillows, Marcus pondered the question Noah had just cast his way.“Why do you think something is going on?” he asked innocently. He dreaded the thought of Noah finding out the truth and then just disappearing in a mist of shock and delusion.Noah was not only his nurse, but also his best friend. In the four years Noah had cared for him, they’d grown quite close and although Marcus hated the idea of lying to him, he consoled himself with the thought that it was all for Noah’s safety.“ Because it’s disconcerting,” Noah replied. “The way you,your dad and Beth have been acting. Like there’s some big secret. If you need to talk Marcus, you know I’m here for you.”“It’s just the adjustment,” Marcus lied. He surprised himself with the effortless ease with which he could do it. “For so long it wa
“ I hope Marcus is still awake,” Beth said as they took the turn down the dimly lit road leading to the manor. “We talked so much I lost track of time.”Emma smiled as she shifted gears. “I’m still concerned about what you said earlier Beth. About bringing danger to us, the people who love you.”“In a way it’s true though Em. You’re in danger by way of associating with me. We still have no idea what this spirit wants or why, well, besides myself and Ethan dead. And it’s frightening to think she confronted Mrs Feeney in her own home. How will she protect herself? I don’t even know what I’m feeling nowadays. I never imagined this would be the path I would walk someday and it kills me to think anything could happen to you guys.”“Enough with the martyrdom Beth. We love you and we will face this with you. We’re famil
October 13, 1811I have barely had the strength to write the last while. The final months of my pregnancy took a terrible toll on me and I was ill for some time. Charles and I prayed that I would deliver a healthy baby and our prayers were answered. William is six weeks old and very robust. We can not be more proud. For so long I feared I would never give Charles the child he so truly desired, but God heard my cries and gave us this greatest of blessings.I nearly died giving birth to him but from the moment I laid eyes upon his beautiful face, I knew all the pain and strife had been worth it. His presence completed our lives and our marriage is stronger than ever, despite the madness that overcame me three weeks ago….“Dear God in heaven!Katherine, calm yourself!”Charles’ voice bouldered in their bedroom,
February 10, 1810Today I received the tragic news that my dear sister Abigail and her husband Arthur have succumbed to some terrible illness while traveling through Egypt. The news greatly disturbed me as Abigail and I have shared a bond so much stronger than sisterhood all our lives. I took ill upon hearing the tidings and when I awoke my dear Charles was sitting next to me, holding my hand. He has been such a comfort to me, such as I can not put into words.It was he who suggested, before I could even collect my thoughts, that my niece Fallon should immediately be brought from Egypt and live with us.I can only imagine how bereft the poor girl must be.Only sixteen years old and already an orphan.My heart breaks for her. Thank heavens Charles is such a compassionate man.May 1, 1810 Fallon has been here a while now and it concerns me that she is not the young girl I had known. She has turned from a lovely, energetic a
Beth Collins regarded her best friend with an exasperated expression from across her kitchen table where they were having tea.She knew Emma meant well,but sometimes it got to be a bit much. For once,could she just give it a rest?“I mean,I know the divorce was hard on you,”Emma continued,”but really,it’s been eight months.Your life must go on.”Beth smiled tiredly.”When I’m ready Em,I’m sure I’ll start dating again.What's the hurry?” “You’re not getting any younger.34 is practically ancient in today’s world.”Beth gave up trying to change Emma’s opinion as her friend rambled on.Yes,the divorce had been hard on her,but surely it was her prerogative to take as much time as she needed to heal.When Edgar walked out on her,her whole world had shattered.10 years of marriage had gone down the drain with no warning whatsoever.Husbands leaving their wives for younger women was a staple of soap operas and the wealthy.Never in a mi
“So how did you track him down?”Emma asked,from where she was sitting on Beth’s bed,who was taking a bath.“Through his law firm,”Beth replied,remembering how surprised Ethan had been to hear from her.“Beth?”he’d said over the phone.”This is unexpected.”For some reason,she’d sat on her bed,twirling the telephone cord like a teenage girl at the sound of his voice.“Ethan,forgive me for phoning out the blue...its just...I think you gave me something of your mother's by mistake,something that might have sentimental value.”They’d agreed to meet at a coffee shop in town,in about an hour's time.“So,besides being rich,is he cute?”Emma asked.In the bath,Beth smiled.Good old Emma,probably planning her wedding already,to a man she had known all of two days,a man whose only interest in her was in regard to his mother.“He's very distinguished,”Beth replied.”I'd
The storm broke just as Beth arrived home from her meeting with Ethan Hollingsworth. She just made it in her front door when the rain came down with an intensity she had not experienced in ages. Great,she thought to herself,flicking the light switch and finding that the power was out.Although it was still the middle of the afternoon,for some reason her house was uncharacteristically dark and it annoyed her to no end. She made her way up the stairs to her bedroom and threw herself on the bed,laughing to herself as she remembered how Ethan had made her feel. He was such a gentleman and yet there was something about him that she found very mysterious. It had been so easy for him to get her to open up about her life,yet he revealed very little of himself.She knew he was Polly’s son,he was a lawyer and that he cared greatly for the environment,being involved in many ec
October 13, 1811I have barely had the strength to write the last while. The final months of my pregnancy took a terrible toll on me and I was ill for some time. Charles and I prayed that I would deliver a healthy baby and our prayers were answered. William is six weeks old and very robust. We can not be more proud. For so long I feared I would never give Charles the child he so truly desired, but God heard my cries and gave us this greatest of blessings.I nearly died giving birth to him but from the moment I laid eyes upon his beautiful face, I knew all the pain and strife had been worth it. His presence completed our lives and our marriage is stronger than ever, despite the madness that overcame me three weeks ago….“Dear God in heaven!Katherine, calm yourself!”Charles’ voice bouldered in their bedroom,
“ I hope Marcus is still awake,” Beth said as they took the turn down the dimly lit road leading to the manor. “We talked so much I lost track of time.”Emma smiled as she shifted gears. “I’m still concerned about what you said earlier Beth. About bringing danger to us, the people who love you.”“In a way it’s true though Em. You’re in danger by way of associating with me. We still have no idea what this spirit wants or why, well, besides myself and Ethan dead. And it’s frightening to think she confronted Mrs Feeney in her own home. How will she protect herself? I don’t even know what I’m feeling nowadays. I never imagined this would be the path I would walk someday and it kills me to think anything could happen to you guys.”“Enough with the martyrdom Beth. We love you and we will face this with you. We’re famil
Propped up against his pillows, Marcus pondered the question Noah had just cast his way.“Why do you think something is going on?” he asked innocently. He dreaded the thought of Noah finding out the truth and then just disappearing in a mist of shock and delusion.Noah was not only his nurse, but also his best friend. In the four years Noah had cared for him, they’d grown quite close and although Marcus hated the idea of lying to him, he consoled himself with the thought that it was all for Noah’s safety.“ Because it’s disconcerting,” Noah replied. “The way you,your dad and Beth have been acting. Like there’s some big secret. If you need to talk Marcus, you know I’m here for you.”“It’s just the adjustment,” Marcus lied. He surprised himself with the effortless ease with which he could do it. “For so long it wa
It was just after dark when her shift was done and Beth went out into the parking lot, to wait for Emma who was picking her up tonight. Although she appreciated their concern, Beth had to admit she felt a bit riled by Ethan and Emma, who it seemed had some unspoken agreement between them to babysit her. They even took turns picking her up at work and were constantly checking up on her. It was out of love, she knew, but it could also be extremely aggravating. It was almost as if they decided she needed around the clock care. She quicly cast her unpleasant thoughts aside, realizing this was her best friend and the man she loved. And after what happened today, with the animated corpse of the young man and the lady in the shadows inside of him… She suppressed a shiver at the memory, trying not to let it upset her mood as Emma pulled up beside her and honked the horn. “ All done?” Emma asked. “Sti
“You should close your drapes dear,” Abigail said. She sat behind Fallon on the four-poster bed, gently brushing her daughter’s hair.“Yes, Mother,” Fallon replied. “Though I doubt I will get any sleep, seeing as Father invited the Carrick’s to stay the night.”Abigail stopped and turned her daughter to face her. ”It would have been unforgivable, for your father to turn guests away in this storm. They will leave early tomorrow morning, I think.”Fallon cast her eyes down, fearful her mother would see her utter disgust. The more time she spent in Warren’s presence, the more her hatred for him grew. This was what her life was to be. Married to a simpleton. Without his father’s riches, he would be no more than the village idiot.“Warren will make a fine husband,Fallon. You must simply be the dutiful wife and acquiesce to his will,” Abigail continued. &ldqu
“Lord Carrick, how fascinating for you to allow Warren to have an Egyptian boy as his manservant,” Abigail commented.Somehow she had overheard the idiot telling Fallon, and was now bringing it up in conversation. Fallon was immediately alert. The young man confounded her. Why did he have such an electrifying effect on her? Was it his exotic appearance? Or the way his eyes had bored into her soul, in the brief moment he’d looked at her?Whatever it was, she resolved to find out. There was never a mystery which did not appeal to the young Miss Rutherford.“I concur,” Arthur said. “Wherever did you find him?”Lord Carrick lifted his decanter to his dry lips, draining it of its contents. Instantaneously, one of the servants refilled it. He coughed as he cleared it once more.“I bought the boy from his mother,” Lord Carrick announced nonchalantly.Fallon covered her mouth with her hand, fearful they would hear her outraged gasp. Who was Lord Car
Fallon hid her disgust behind a shy, ladylike smile, taking in the sight of Lord Carrick and his son. Both appeared utterly unkempt and their clothing had definitely seen better days. Ever since Lady Carrick succumbed to her fever, two summers ago, her husband and son had done nothing but travel to distant lands and left the upkeep of their manor and grounds, to an army of servants, at their beck and call.Fallon wondered if they even ever bathed. The smell of sweat from Warren, where he was sitting opposite her in the sunroom, was overwhelming. Thank God she had the presence of mind to open the window, before taking her seat. This was what she would have to endure as his wife? Being bedded by a regal urchin? Her stomach turned as she imagined doing her womanly duty with such a foul creature. How would she survive?Unfortunately, her mother had told her it was a woman’s duty to submit to her husband at his choosing. No woman must ever initiate the act of surrender, nor a
Rutherford Estate, 1809Abigail Rutherford closed her parasol, as the sun disappeared in the darkening sky. Not even ten in the morning and already it seemed they were in for another dreary day of rain.How she loved her travels abroad, away from this miserable weather. Her heart jumped with excitement as their upcoming trip to Egypt came to mind, especially since this time, Arthur had promised that Fallon could join them. It was the last time they would do anything so extravagant as a family, for soon everything would change. Lord Carrick had made his intentions clear, and Arthur had been more than willing to accept his proposal. Come the summer, Fallon would marry Lord Carrick’s son, Warren.It was an arrangement which did not sit well with her young daughter. A husband and marriage was the last thing on her mind. She wanted excitement, to travel and see the world. Gentle, but free spirited with a steely resolve, Fallon was anything but a traditional E
Days later….“Time of death….15:03.”The silence in the emergency room was solemn as Beth took a deep breath and squeezed Dr. Casper’s arm as he called the time of death. This was the part of her job that she hated deeply and passionately,losing a patient when they had done everything in their power to save him.She stepped forward to take a closer look at the young man,the victim of an automobile accident. A bus carrying twelve passengers had crashed into his car. The emergency room was completely overrun with all the injured, but he was the worst off.Dr. Casper turned to her, his face clouded with sadness. He had been a doctor for over thirty years and every time death touched his work it seemed like the first time.“You did everything you could,Doctor,” Beth said. “He’s in a better place now.”She looked down at him. So young,not even thirty yet. His