The next day Lady Laura, accompanied by her maid, walked a short distance to browse the friendly shops of Brighton. It was a glorious day. The sun peeped out occasionally from behind the fluffy white clouds. The birds were singing and the ocean breeze cooled their outing. Brighton was such a delightful town, with colorful displays by vendors, the ocean’s sparkling surf and the relaxing ambiance, which was the main reason so many flocked to the seaside.
They both carried parasols to protect their complexions and to deflect some of the heat from the sun. Sarah walked directly behind her young mistress, as was her wont. They were just about to enter a modiste's shop when a man bumped right into Laura. “Oh!” she cried out, just as his strong hands shot out to grab her arms, keeping her from toppling over.
“I am so sorry, Miss,” the young man stammered, “I did not see you until it was too late." Releasing her immediately, he stepped backward, placing a discreet distance between them.
Sarah began righting Laura’s bonnet, which had been knocked askew. Now fully recovered, Laura smiled shakily saying, “That is quite all right, Sir. I am now recovered, although it was rather a shock at first." Then she looked at the man, tilting her head back, because he was well over six feet tall. When her eyes met his, she felt as if all of the breath had been knocked out of her. Standing before her was the most handsome man she had ever beheld. Black hair, worn not stylishly, but long, reached his broad shoulders. It was cut shorter about his face and enhanced his high cheekbones, dark brows, and piercingly blue eyes. He possessed a mouth that curved into a smile displaying full, sensual lips, and brilliant white teeth. There was a moment of silence while he, too, took in her perfect beauty. They were as if spellbound.
Sarah came to the rescue by speaking up in an unnaturally loud voice, “Miss, we should be on our way,” she urged the young girl, tugging on her arm. Laura came to her senses, smiled uncertainly and agreed. “Yes, we must be on our way. Pray excuse us sir,” she said as she made as if to pass by him.
But he delayed their progress by insisting, “I apologize once more. It was entirely my fault in not checking the walkway before exiting the shop. I should wish to make myself known to you. My name is Sir Robert Rothschild, of Berkshire Folly, and I have recently arrived from New York. There was that engaging smile of his again. “May I please be so bold as to ask your name?” he inquired smoothly.
Laura was entirely enchanted, almost as though a spell had been cast upon her. Once again Sarah came to her rescue, and ushering her mistress into the shop answered for her. “Her name Sir Robert, is Lady Laura Winter. Now, if you will be so kind as to allow us to enter the shop, we will bid you farewell.” Laura was so surprised by her maid's taking control of the situation, that she meekly allowed Sarah to move her through the doorway. Sarah eyed Sir Robert with a suspicious glare, and in moments her charge was safely out of the man’s reach. She attempted to distract Laura by pointing her in the direction of the ribbons and laces. Noticing Laura’s dreamy expression, and since no harm was done, she quietly chose things for Laura to inspect.
Outside the shop, Sir Robert Rothschild mentally shook himself, whistled under his breath and tried to recall where he had intended to go before all of this happened. He wondered how long it would be before their paths would cross again, for he was entranced and believed he had just fallen in love. This would indeed complicate matters he thought. He had returned to England to travel to London on a pressing matter. Love did not fit into his plans. It might be better had he not bumped into the alluring beauty just now. He did not need complications.
Confirming his resolve, he set out to find the gentleman, with whom he had become friends on board ship, while crossing the Atlantic. He walked back toward his hotel to ask the front desk clerk for the room number of Lord Sebastian Stanton.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
-11- A Newly Laid Plan
Early the next morning, Lady Winter was told that Higgins, her Uncle's man, had arrived at first light. Higgins was presently tending to her Uncle. Soon he would be ready to receive visitors. Glancing at the Ormolu clock on the bedside table, she saw it was only seven thirty. Plenty of time to ask about the ownership of the treasure trove that Laura had found, the previous evening. The Doctor was due to arrive by nine o'clock, and she hoped for good news.
Sarah assisted her to dress and then went to see to Laura. She and Lady Winter left the bedchamber together. Sarah walked toward the back of the house and Lady Winter toward the front. She knocked gently and the door was immediately opened, by a very correct, Higgins. He bowed and greeted her with a hushed, "Good morning,My Lady," and then he bade her enter.
Her spirits lifted as soon as she set eyes on the man sitting up in the large bed. She noticed the color had returned to his cheeks and the bandage surrounding the top of his forehead, was freshly changed. "Come in, my dear," Uncle Simon invited. He patted the top of the covers closest to him.
Walking forward, she clasped his hands in hers saying, "You do look much improved." She smiled and he responded by telling her, "The last thing that I recall was hearing a noise. I got up to see what it was and I must have slipped, lost my footing, and down I went." His look told her he was questioning his own recollection and so she quickly reassured him, by patting his hand.
"Just relax and rest yourself. As soon as you feel strong enough we will travel forth to London." She correctly guessed that he felt guilty for having delayed their trip. "I will not hear one word," she gainsaid him, by holding up her hand. "You are too important to me to leave without you," she stated emphatically, but then in a gentler tone she added, "Just please get better. That is all I ask."
Bending over, she laid a kiss on the older man's brow, then turned to go. Remembering her other reason for visiting, she turned back around and asked. "Uncle Simon, do you own a brown leather pouch?" A perplexed look crossed his weathered features. "No. I do not," he replied.
Lady Winter smiled and told Higgins he should ring for her Uncle's breakfast, as the Doctor would be arriving by nine o'clock. Leaving the room she walked down the hall to Laura's bedroom door. She tapped lightly, and the door was opened by a flushed Sarah, who had been busy packing a trunk. Bobbing a curtsy, she told Lady Winter that her niece had gone downstairs already. After thanking Sarah, Lady Winter headed for the staircase.
Holding her skirts to the side, so she would not trip, she descended the stairs and then followed the hallway around toward the breakfast room. It was a bright, sunny day with rays of sunlight filtering through the windows. They fell upon her niece to bathe her in their golden glow. She noticed that Laura had waited for her to arrive, before beginning. Going to the head of the table she seated herself and Laura signaled to Mary to begin service.
They each sipped a cup of fragrant tea and looked at the morning paper, until breakfast was served. They enjoyed a companionable silence for a few minutes, before Laura broached the subject uppermost in her mind. "How is Uncle Simon this morning and is the pouch his?" she asked expectantly. Lady Winter smiled and did not keep her in suspense any longer. "Yes, he is much better, and no, he does not own the pouch," her Aunt told her. Laura's hands flew to cover her mouth and her eyes were wide with excitement. "Well then, that must mean that it was dropped by someone else. But who?" she asked looking speculatively at the woman across from her.
Laura spread her hands and declared, "It must have been one of your visitors Aunt." Following along this train of thought, she stated, "Not for one minute, do I believe it belongs to one of the servants." Lady Winter agreed. "No, nor do I." They continued in this manner, going over who had been in the room over the past ten days or so. Laura sent Alfred to bring writing paper, quill and an ink pot. She proceeded to write down a list of suspects. With the exception of the three gentlemen who arrived yesterday, the list bore only names of their female friends and acquaintances.
"I cannot imagine any one of these women carrying around such a masculine pouch, let alone such valuable contents," Lady Winter proclaimed. Setting down her silverware, she looked at her niece saying, "Laura it seems you agree with me." Laura nodded her head, confirming her Aunt's words.
Laura decided to share the information about the man she had seen in the rose garden yesterday morning. Since Uncle Simon had not mentioned the man, perhaps the stranger had been in the drawing room prior to being taken to the rose garden, to meet with their Uncle. "It is plausible that he might have dropped the pouch as he stood up," she surmised. Lady Winter agreed that when their Uncle was feeling himself again, they would question him about his visitor. Now they both wanted to know who the stranger was. Laura recalled how handsome he was. Yes, she really wanted to find out his identity.
Entering the room, Bentley bowed and told them the Doctor had arrived and was now upstairs preparing to examine their Uncle. As he was about to exit, however, Alfred came in to announce Lord Stanton's arrival. Lady Winter told him she and Laura would join their guest in the drawing room shortly.
A few minutes later, true to her word, the ladies arrived to find Lord Stanton, dressed to perfection, standing with his back to the fireplace. He looked resplendent in his coat of superfine cloth, a deep blue, with gold buttons. His trousers were a buff color and they enhanced his long powerful thighs. His cravat was a brilliant white and was intricately tied. His dark good looks would make any woman's heart beat a little faster. He smiled at his goddaughter and when she reached him, she stood on her tiptoes to plant a small kiss upon his freshly shaved cheek. Looking over her head, his piercing eyes took in the entire vision of the beauty taking her seat upon the divan. "Pray be seated Lord Stanton. How are you faring this morning?" Lady Winter inquired politely.
"Good morning, Lady Winter. Good morning, Laura." His deep voice caressed the greeting. Taking his seat, he crossed his legs in their Hessian boots, which were polished to a high gloss. He appeared very much at ease, and his wide smile belied his increased heartbeat. He turned his attention to the young girl who told him, "It is so good to be able to see you again." Her statement rang true, and the sincere expression she wore reminded him that she must have been lonely, growing up without her parents. He and Lady Winter had promised to make it up to her. Truthfully, he too was looking forward to their departure.
He extended a graceful compliment to Lady Winter and as he did so, he continued to take in every inch of her rose colored gown, edged with creamy lace. It was a perfect complement to her smooth complexion. She was so beautiful, it almost took his breath away. Over the past ten years, he had tried to put her from his mind. He felt the stirrings of desire in his loins, so he moved his arm to hide the fact. Changing the subject, he looked at Lady Laura and quizzed her. "Tell me minx, have you discovered the owner of your treasure yet?" His inquiry brought the needed distraction.
"Godfather, Aunt and I made a list of visitors, but they are all female," she said disappointedly. Then she imparted the news about the handsome stranger, who met with their Uncle. Since he already knew about that visit, he began wondering if there might have been someone else involved.
Doctor Edwards joined the group. Addressing Lady Winter he announced, "Your Uncle is very robust for his age, and surprisingly resilient. He should be up to traveling by the day after tomorrow."
They were all happy to receive these glad tidings and thanked the man for helping their relative. His parting words were to be sure to call him right away, if he were needed. He left to go make his morning rounds, whistling as he went. Alice, upon hearing the happy sound, jumped onto the window sill to watch his retreat down the brick walkway. She preened herself then went over to sit on her mistress' skirts.
"So it seems we shall depart on Thursday, unless Uncle Simon has a relapse," Lady Winter stated. She stood, mindful of so many things to claim her immediate attention. Lord Stanton took his leave. Then Lady Winter went to address the staff, leaving Laura to spend some time with Alice.
Laura petted her sweet little cat. She hugged her, demanding she only drink water from now on. Alice agreed by saying, "Meow." The pair of them were a sight to behold, and the stranger looking through the window at them, smiled at the thought of Laura's beauty. She looked so innocent and untouched. Slipping away unseen, the stranger took himself off. As he walked away he thought aloud, "I must think. They are to leave for London on Thursday ... I must lay a new plan."
Sarah assisted her to dress and then went to see to Laura. She and Lady Winter left the bedchamber together. Sarah walked toward the back of the house and Lady Winter toward the front. She knocked gently and the door was immediately opened, by a very correct, Higgins. He bowed and greeted her with a hushed, "Good morning,My Lady," and then he bade her enter.
Her spirits lifted as soon as she set eyes on the man sitting up in the large bed. She noticed the color had returned to his cheeks and the bandage surrounding the top of his forehead, was freshly changed. "Come in, my dear," Uncle Simon invited. He patted the top of the covers closest to him.
Walking forward, she clasped his hands in hers saying, "You do look much improved." She smiled and he responded by telling her, "The last thing that I recall was hearing a noise. I got up to see what it was and I must have slipped, lost my footing, and down I went." His look told her he was questioning his own recollection and so she quickly reassured him, by patting his hand.
"Just relax and rest yourself. As soon as you feel strong enough we will travel forth to London." She correctly guessed that he felt guilty for having delayed their trip. "I will not hear one word," she gainsaid him, by holding up her hand. "You are too important to me to leave without you," she stated emphatically, but then in a gentler tone she added, "Just please get better. That is all I ask."
Bending over, she laid a kiss on the older man's brow, then turned to go. Remembering her other reason for visiting, she turned back around and asked. "Uncle Simon, do you own a brown leather pouch?" A perplexed look crossed his weathered features. "No. I do not," he replied.
Lady Winter smiled and told Higgins he should ring for her Uncle's breakfast, as the Doctor would be arriving by nine o'clock. Leaving the room she walked down the hall to Laura's bedroom door. She tapped lightly, and the door was opened by a flushed Sarah, who had been busy packing a trunk. Bobbing a curtsy, she told Lady Winter that her niece had gone downstairs already. After thanking Sarah, Lady Winter headed for the staircase.
Holding her skirts to the side, so she would not trip, she descended the stairs and then followed the hallway around toward the breakfast room. It was a bright, sunny day with rays of sunlight filtering through the windows. They fell upon her niece to bathe her in their golden glow. She noticed that Laura had waited for her to arrive, before beginning. Going to the head of the table she seated herself and Laura signaled to Mary to begin service.
They each sipped a cup of fragrant tea and looked at the morning paper, until breakfast was served. They enjoyed a companionable silence for a few minutes, before Laura broached the subject uppermost in her mind. "How is Uncle Simon this morning and is the pouch his?" she asked expectantly. Lady Winter smiled and did not keep her in suspense any longer. "Yes, he is much better, and no, he does not own the pouch," her Aunt told her. Laura's hands flew to cover her mouth and her eyes were wide with excitement. "Well then, that must mean that it was dropped by someone else. But who?" she asked looking speculatively at the woman across from her.
Laura spread her hands and declared, "It must have been one of your visitors Aunt." Following along this train of thought, she stated, "Not for one minute, do I believe it belongs to one of the servants." Lady Winter agreed. "No, nor do I." They continued in this manner, going over who had been in the room over the past ten days or so. Laura sent Alfred to bring writing paper, quill and an ink pot. She proceeded to write down a list of suspects. With the exception of the three gentlemen who arrived yesterday, the list bore only names of their female friends and acquaintances.
"I cannot imagine any one of these women carrying around such a masculine pouch, let alone such valuable contents," Lady Winter proclaimed. Setting down her silverware, she looked at her niece saying, "Laura it seems you agree with me." Laura nodded her head, confirming her Aunt's words.
Laura decided to share the information about the man she had seen in the rose garden yesterday morning. Since Uncle Simon had not mentioned the man, perhaps the stranger had been in the drawing room prior to being taken to the rose garden, to meet with their Uncle. "It is plausible that he might have dropped the pouch as he stood up," she surmised. Lady Winter agreed that when their Uncle was feeling himself again, they would question him about his visitor. Now they both wanted to know who the stranger was. Laura recalled how handsome he was. Yes, she really wanted to find out his identity.
Entering the room, Bentley bowed and told them the Doctor had arrived and was now upstairs preparing to examine their Uncle. As he was about to exit, however, Alfred came in to announce Lord Stanton's arrival. Lady Winter told him she and Laura would join their guest in the drawing room shortly.
A few minutes later, true to her word, the ladies arrived to find Lord Stanton, dressed to perfection, standing with his back to the fireplace. He looked resplendent in his coat of superfine cloth, a deep blue, with gold buttons. His trousers were a buff color and they enhanced his long powerful thighs. His cravat was a brilliant white and was intricately tied. His dark good looks would make any woman's heart beat a little faster. He smiled at his goddaughter and when she reached him, she stood on her tiptoes to plant a small kiss upon his freshly shaved cheek. Looking over her head, his piercing eyes took in the entire vision of the beauty taking her seat upon the divan. "Pray be seated Lord Stanton. How are you faring this morning?" Lady Winter inquired politely.
"Good morning, Lady Winter. Good morning, Laura." His deep voice caressed the greeting. Taking his seat, he crossed his legs in their Hessian boots, which were polished to a high gloss. He appeared very much at ease, and his wide smile belied his increased heartbeat. He turned his attention to the young girl who told him, "It is so good to be able to see you again." Her statement rang true, and the sincere expression she wore reminded him that she must have been lonely, growing up without her parents. He and Lady Winter had promised to make it up to her. Truthfully, he too was looking forward to their departure.
He extended a graceful compliment to Lady Winter and as he did so, he continued to take in every inch of her rose colored gown, edged with creamy lace. It was a perfect complement to her smooth complexion. She was so beautiful, it almost took his breath away. Over the past ten years, he had tried to put her from his mind. He felt the stirrings of desire in his loins, so he moved his arm to hide the fact. Changing the subject, he looked at Lady Laura and quizzed her. "Tell me minx, have you discovered the owner of your treasure yet?" His inquiry brought the needed distraction.
"Godfather, Aunt and I made a list of visitors, but they are all female," she said disappointedly. Then she imparted the news about the handsome stranger, who met with their Uncle. Since he already knew about that visit, he began wondering if there might have been someone else involved.
Doctor Edwards joined the group. Addressing Lady Winter he announced, "Your Uncle is very robust for his age, and surprisingly resilient. He should be up to traveling by the day after tomorrow."
They were all happy to receive these glad tidings and thanked the man for helping their relative. His parting words were to be sure to call him right away, if he were needed. He left to go make his morning rounds, whistling as he went. Alice, upon hearing the happy sound, jumped onto the window sill to watch his retreat down the brick walkway. She preened herself then went over to sit on her mistress' skirts.
"So it seems we shall depart on Thursday, unless Uncle Simon has a relapse," Lady Winter stated. She stood, mindful of so many things to claim her immediate attention. Lord Stanton took his leave. Then Lady Winter went to address the staff, leaving Laura to spend some time with Alice.
Laura petted her sweet little cat. She hugged her, demanding she only drink water from now on. Alice agreed by saying, "Meow." The pair of them were a sight to behold, and the stranger looking through the window at them, smiled at the thought of Laura's beauty. She looked so innocent and untouched. Slipping away unseen, the stranger took himself off. As he walked away he thought aloud, "I must think. They are to leave for London on Thursday ... I must lay a new plan."
Monday, September 10, 2007
-10- Sparkles and Dreams
If Sir Harry was plucking up the courage for that walk in the rose garden, it was soon forgotten. Lady Laura returned to the table, her eyes shining, her expression animated, and her breath coming quickly. As she approached her godfather she declared, "Oh, just look what I have discovered." She held out her hand and placed the pouch on the table before him.
Lord Stanton looked inquiringly at his goddaughter, a question in his eyes. "What have we here Laura?" he asked. His long fingers reached to lift the small pouch. It was not heavy.
"Go ahead," urged Laura excitedly. She moved closer saying, "You will never guess what is inside." Lord Stanton complied by pulling the strings to open the vessel, and emptied the contents into the palm of his left hand.
Lady Winter had risen to walk over and stand on the other side of his chair. Her expressive eyes became even wider. An "Ah," escaped her lips. At the same instant, Sir Harry let out a whoop, exclaiming, "Good lord, Stanton, look at those beauties!"
An apt description, as they were indeed sparkling beauties. Sitting in the palm of his hand, Lord Stanton held seven large, perfectly formed pearls. There were also three times as many rubies, emeralds, sapphires and diamonds. He moved his hand slightly, allowing the gems to glitter in the candle light.
An appreciative whistle escaped his lips. "Where, might I ask, did you find these, my dear girl?" he asked pointedly, looking up at her. He lifted his hand, offering them so the others could examine the gems for themselves.
A radiant Laura explained, "The leather pouch was lying on the floor, beneath the tea table. Not far from where we found Uncle Simon today." She continued, "Mayhap they belong to him."
Her aunt said, "Well, it will have to wait until tomorrow." She was not about to have anyone invading his room tonight. There had been way too much excitement for the elderly man today. Her authority was enough for them to agree with her decision.
They handed the gems back to Lord Stanton, and he secured them inside the soft leather pouch. Turning toward the beautiful woman who stood beside him, he handed the precious parcel to Lady Winter. In turn, she slipped it into her pocket, which was cleverly hidden by the side-seam of her gown. "Tomorrow after Doctor has attended him, will be soon enough to find out. I shall discreetly inquire, in a round about way, if he is even aware of the gems' existence," she declared.
Lord Stanton rose from the table and she inquired, "Do you not think it strange for Uncle to travel about with such a valuable possession?" Her gaze spoke volumes and she tensed her shoulders. She felt a flush of warmth on her skin whenever he was near, so she schooled her features and stood taller, raising her head slightly.
Looking down into her upturned face, he replied, "Yes, I do. But tomorrow is soon enough to get your answers." Taking her hand in his, he raised her fingers, brushing them ever so softly with the slightest touch of his lips. "Dearest lady, thank you for the delicious dinner. It is late and time we took our leave," he smiled warmly.
Walking toward the door, he turned back to the young man, raised his eyebrows, and drawled, "Coming Harry?" Harry looked longingly at Laura then stammered his good-byes. They left the house and the ladies decided to adjourn for the night.
A few hours later, the entire household settled down for the night. A warm ocean breeze flowed through the windows, filling the house with the fresh smell of the sea. Besides the ticking of the grandfather clock in the foyer, Alice's soft snores were the only other sounds to be heard.
The main floor was quiet and peaceful, with everyone upstairs, sleeping soundly, all snug in their beds. None of them was any the wiser, as the shadowy figure felt along the glossy floor boards and carpeting, searching for what had been dropped earlier that afternoon. Furtively two hands scanned the area, feeling around the furniture, anxious fingers touching smooth floors and soft carpet, nothing more.
"Damn and blast," was the softly-uttered expletive. Not finding the leather pouch, eyes were turned toward the stairs leading up to where the old man slept. Deciding it was too risky, that it would never do, the intruder left the room by way of the side window - a silent retreat.
Normally, little Alice would have been awake, enjoying her nightly romps through the seaside home. She might even have seen the intruder and alerted Alfred. She was quite fond of the tall footman, but not tonight. Alice stretched and then repositioned herself on the soft sofa cushion. She continued her drunken dream of nocturnal delights, her slight body twitching, while she chased her imaginary quarry.
Lord Stanton looked inquiringly at his goddaughter, a question in his eyes. "What have we here Laura?" he asked. His long fingers reached to lift the small pouch. It was not heavy.
"Go ahead," urged Laura excitedly. She moved closer saying, "You will never guess what is inside." Lord Stanton complied by pulling the strings to open the vessel, and emptied the contents into the palm of his left hand.
Lady Winter had risen to walk over and stand on the other side of his chair. Her expressive eyes became even wider. An "Ah," escaped her lips. At the same instant, Sir Harry let out a whoop, exclaiming, "Good lord, Stanton, look at those beauties!"
An apt description, as they were indeed sparkling beauties. Sitting in the palm of his hand, Lord Stanton held seven large, perfectly formed pearls. There were also three times as many rubies, emeralds, sapphires and diamonds. He moved his hand slightly, allowing the gems to glitter in the candle light.
An appreciative whistle escaped his lips. "Where, might I ask, did you find these, my dear girl?" he asked pointedly, looking up at her. He lifted his hand, offering them so the others could examine the gems for themselves.
A radiant Laura explained, "The leather pouch was lying on the floor, beneath the tea table. Not far from where we found Uncle Simon today." She continued, "Mayhap they belong to him."
Her aunt said, "Well, it will have to wait until tomorrow." She was not about to have anyone invading his room tonight. There had been way too much excitement for the elderly man today. Her authority was enough for them to agree with her decision.
They handed the gems back to Lord Stanton, and he secured them inside the soft leather pouch. Turning toward the beautiful woman who stood beside him, he handed the precious parcel to Lady Winter. In turn, she slipped it into her pocket, which was cleverly hidden by the side-seam of her gown. "Tomorrow after Doctor has attended him, will be soon enough to find out. I shall discreetly inquire, in a round about way, if he is even aware of the gems' existence," she declared.
Lord Stanton rose from the table and she inquired, "Do you not think it strange for Uncle to travel about with such a valuable possession?" Her gaze spoke volumes and she tensed her shoulders. She felt a flush of warmth on her skin whenever he was near, so she schooled her features and stood taller, raising her head slightly.
Looking down into her upturned face, he replied, "Yes, I do. But tomorrow is soon enough to get your answers." Taking her hand in his, he raised her fingers, brushing them ever so softly with the slightest touch of his lips. "Dearest lady, thank you for the delicious dinner. It is late and time we took our leave," he smiled warmly.
Walking toward the door, he turned back to the young man, raised his eyebrows, and drawled, "Coming Harry?" Harry looked longingly at Laura then stammered his good-byes. They left the house and the ladies decided to adjourn for the night.
A few hours later, the entire household settled down for the night. A warm ocean breeze flowed through the windows, filling the house with the fresh smell of the sea. Besides the ticking of the grandfather clock in the foyer, Alice's soft snores were the only other sounds to be heard.
The main floor was quiet and peaceful, with everyone upstairs, sleeping soundly, all snug in their beds. None of them was any the wiser, as the shadowy figure felt along the glossy floor boards and carpeting, searching for what had been dropped earlier that afternoon. Furtively two hands scanned the area, feeling around the furniture, anxious fingers touching smooth floors and soft carpet, nothing more.
"Damn and blast," was the softly-uttered expletive. Not finding the leather pouch, eyes were turned toward the stairs leading up to where the old man slept. Deciding it was too risky, that it would never do, the intruder left the room by way of the side window - a silent retreat.
Normally, little Alice would have been awake, enjoying her nightly romps through the seaside home. She might even have seen the intruder and alerted Alfred. She was quite fond of the tall footman, but not tonight. Alice stretched and then repositioned herself on the soft sofa cushion. She continued her drunken dream of nocturnal delights, her slight body twitching, while she chased her imaginary quarry.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)