Midnight
Night of the Masquerade Ball
"I am yours, Edward."
Four words that did wonders to Edward's youthful heart. Edward Gracey had the world at its fingertips and nothing could stop him from pursuing his dreams. He had everything he could ever want. He was lord of the manor and he was surrounded by friends and family. More importantly, he had the love and support of his biggest champion, Elizabeth.
A smile could not be contained as far as Edward was concerned whenever he thought of his beloved. They were right for each other in every way and he knew the minute she walked into his life she would forever hold his heart.
They were going to be married and live their lives in peace no matter what the world thought of them. The only thing that mattered to Edward was Elizabeth's opinion and she made it known there was no one else. He held her heart in the palm of his hands and he would cherish it until the day he died.
As he looked around the ballroom he found Elizabeth chatting away with his cousin, Erica. He admired Elizabeth's beauty from afar which caused his heart to skip a beat. She looked beautiful in gold.
He strode over to the women and gave a polite bow to his cousin. "Hello cousin. I see you are having a good time."
Erica smiled. She was one of the few people who had no problem with the couple. She was glad someone was willing to take trouble head on and consequences be damned. She hoped they could live their lives in harmony.
"May I steal Elizabeth from you? I would very much like to dance with the most beautiful woman here."
It was Elizabeth's turn to smile playfully while rolling her eyes. "Careful Mr. Gracey, others might get jealous."
Edward grabbed Elizabeth's hand bringing it to his lips. "Let them because I only have eyes for one."
Erica rolled her eyes. "I can't wait for you two to marry so you can stop all the flirting. Married couples are supposed to be boring," she said. "Didn't you know that Edward?"
"I can assure you dear cousin that we will never be boring," Edward said teasingly.
"Go on. Dance the night away," Erica said pushing Elizabeth towards Edward.
Elizabeth stepped closer to him. "Shall we dance my love?"
Edward whisked her away to the middle of the ballroom eager to show off his love. He hoped by the end of the night she would accept his proposal.
"Have you thought about what I said?" he asked in her ear.
Elizabeth kept dancing a few more beats before answering. "I have. I would like to speak to you in private concerning the matter. My answer is for your ears only."
"Then we will meet again at midnight," he stated.
"Midnight," she agreed.
Elizabeth retreated from the ballroom and spent time in her room. She pulled out the quill and paper. Her heart leaped as the words of love and admiration filled the page. She was going to be Elizabeth Henshaw Gracey.
She stepped out of the room only to bump into a figure. "Oh, I'm terribly sorry."
"It is my fault," the figure called out and Elizabeth had to make she heard right. It was Ramsley who never hid the fact from her that she did not belong in Edward's world.
Elizabeth put on a polite smile. "No need to apologize. I'll be going now."
Ramsley blocked her path while holding onto her arm. "Ms. Henshaw, I would like a word in private. Since it appears you are well on your way to becoming part of this family there are things I must say to you."
His tone seemed genuine enough albeit Ramsley was not the nicest man on the planet. Elizabeth had her guard up as she contemplated giving into Ramsley's wishes. "Alright."
He smiled. "Good. I'll meet you in the lounge."
As Elizabeth walked down the hall, she failed to notice Ramsley's wicked smile. Nor did she notice the letter currently being placed under the door.
Elizabeth waited for Ramsley to say whatever he needed to. The sooner the better. She was never comfortable around him and Edward seemed oblivious to the man's hatred of her.
Ramsley walked into the lounge prepared to give a performance of a lifetime.
"Elizabeth. May I call you Elizabeth?" he asked.
"Of course Ramsely," she answered.
"I'm afraid I have been terribly unfair to you. After so many years, I have come to realize love truly does conquer all. In truth, I admire your devotion to Edward and Edward's devotion to you. You both have managed to overcome obstacles. Ones I did not think possible. Would you please forgive an old man for being too stuck in his ways?"
Elizabeth was shocked to say the least. She wondered what brought this sudden realization on. It was certainly unexpected and even more unexpected was when he poured her a glass of wine.
"A peace offering," Ramsley stated as Elizabeth clutched the goblet in her hand.
She started to bring the goblet to her lips but something stopped her. The need to see if this olive brach was real was growing and beginning to gnaw at her. "Test him," her mind said.
"Thank you Ramsley for your kind words. I accept your apology. I would rather us be civil towards each other for Edward's sake. We both care a great deal about him. Since we are turning a new leaf, I wish that my child will know what a kind and forgiving man you are."
Elizabeth watched as Ramsley's eyes nearly bucked out of his head. "A child. What child?"
"Father, forgive me," she thought. Lying was a sin.
"Edward is going to be a father," she paused resting a hand over her stomach. "But you must not tell him yet. I want it to be a surprise. I'm sure Edward will be pleased."
Ramsley's mind went blank. A child but it wasn't just any child. This child would be a mixed breed and that was something the Graceys could not afford. What would people think if the child turned out to have Elizabeth's complexion? How would Edward ever thrive in society again?
"Thank you for the wine," Elizabeth said cautiously putting it back down. "I need to keep my head clear. And Ramsley, thank for your kindness."
Ramsley's eyes watched the retreating figure head towards the door. He had to stop this madness before it ruined all of them. Elizabeth Henshaw could not be a complication anymore.
Elizabeth felt Ramsley's hand grope her middle and his hand came over her mouth as she struggled for breath.
"You and this negro child have no place in this family. I will not let all of my hard work plummet because Edward foolishly fell in love with a slave's daughter," he whispered harshly in Elizabeth's ear.
"Let me go," Elizabeth cried out. She felt herself being thrown to the floor with Ramsley on top of her.
Meanwhile, Edward went to Elizabeth's room and found the letter. His excitement turned to dread.
My dearest Edward,
These years with you at my side have been splendid. I cherish each moment I was able to spend with you. However, you deserve better my love. You deserve someone who will truly love you and I cannot do that without causing us pain. I am releasing you Edward and tonight is my last night with you…permanently. Take care Edward. I will see you in the next life if our Heavenly Father permits me.
Elizabeth
The clock struck midnight and Edward couldn't move. It didn't make sense. The words did not ring true to his heart. Would Elizabeth really kill herself?
He took off running with the letter in hand. He looked at it again and realized the handwriting was not hers.
He stopped in his tracks. Something was wrong. His feet took off again. Every step felt heavy as his heart beat wildly in his chest. He needed to get to Elizabeth quickly.
He heard muffled shouting in the scarlet lounge. He opened the door to a gruesome sight.
Ramsley was choking Elizabeth and calling her vile names Edward would never associate with her. Edward's anger was kindled.
Before Edward could make a move, Elizabeth reached for the fallen goblet and hit Ramsley in the head.
Elizabeth felt Ramsley's weight on her before it lifted suddenly. She was confused at the action and nearly prepared herself to hit Edward.
"Elizabeth, it's me," Edward stated gently as he helped her stand.
Elizabeth's eyes fell onto Ramsley's prone figure. "Is he dead?"
Edward walked over to check. "No," Edward gritted out. He turned to her with worried eyes. "What happened?"
"He offered peace and he gave me a glass of wine," she explained. "I nearly drank it," she continued eyes widening.
Edward's eyes widened as well after realizing what was in the cup. Could his old friend and paternal figure kill his beloved?
"What are we going to do?" Elizabeth asked. "We can't leave him here."
Edward looked between them several times. "We wait until the coast is clear. I'll deal with Ramsley myself."
Elizabeth protested the plan but he held a finger to her lips. "I thought you were ready to take your own life because of the future we might have together. I thought I would never see you again. Ramsley is responsible for this insanity and I will make sure you are never harmed again. Do you trust me?"
"Of course," she answered.
He nodded and placed a kiss on her cheek. "Go Elizabeth."
Edward waited on the lounge sofa when Ramsley had come to. "Hello Ramsley," Edward greeted.
Ramsley stood on his feet slightly swaying. "Master Gracey, what are you doing in this room?"
"I live here Ramsley," Edward argued. "In fact, I can do whatever I want and no one will dispute me. I am lord of the manor and I've come to a crucial decision."
Ramsley shifted his weight. "What decision, sir?"
"Elizabeth has agreed to be my wife and it has been brought to my attention that I have been greatly deceived," he began.
"Who has done such a thing, Master Gracey?"
Edward sighed wearily. "Someone who loved me…or someone who was supposed to love me." He stood tall and straight. His eyes bore into Ramsley's causing him to slightly cower.
"You," he sneered. "You nearly cost me Elizabeth tonight and for that discovery you will pay dearly."
"I did no such thing," Ramsley argued.
"I saw you choke Elizabeth. I heard you call her every vile name in the book. You have disrespected me and I will not stand for your actions. I want you gone. Leave the manor and don't show your face here."
Ramsley blinked rapidly as if Edward's words were a mere jest. "She's to blame sir."
"How dare you?!" Edward shouted. "You were my friend. How could you betray me?"
"You betrayed me first by not listening to my advice. That girl is going to bring you nothing but pain and now with a child-
Edward's expression was unreadable. "Elizabeth's pregnant?" he thought excitedly but he thought again and he had not known Elizabeth in the biblical sense yet. He breathed a sigh of relief and hid the smirk that threatened to form. "It was a test," he reasoned but Ramsley did not need to know that.
"You tried to kill both of my family members," Edward growled. "You don't deserve any forgiveness and you will leave my property at once."
"Everything I've done is for you and the well-being of the manor."
Edward scoffed as he opened the door. "Goodbye Ramsley. Don't come back."
Ramsley stormed off in a fit of rage and Edward mourned the loss of a constant presence in his life.
A week later, the news spread like wildfire. Edward Gracey's butler, Ramsley, disgraced from servitude and his name sullied, committed suicide.
Elizabeth stood in the middle of their bedroom reading the newspaper. She looked up at Edward as he stared out the window.
"Edward, love."
"I know Elizabeth. I am sad it came to this but I will not pretend to be sad. I mourned the man I used to know already and that is enough," he explained. "How are you?"
Elizabeth's hand went to her throat as the thought of poison running down her throat. "I'm better."
"Good," Edward said while he kissed her lovingly. "I don't know what I'd do if I lost you."
