KEYWORDS: JC, AL, LKn, PB, with cameo appearance by DM and RR
CATEGORY: Gothic Horror/Romance
TIMELINE: The Year 1888, No Spoilers
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters from ER. They are the
property of Warner Brothers, Constant C Productions, NBC, etc.
This story is based, in its entirety, on the musical "Jekyll and Hyde".
ARCHIVE: You are welcome to download this story for your own reading,
but please do not archive it on any website without my permission.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Quite a while ago, someone on alt.tv.er.creative suggested
writing an ER story based on a musical (sorry, I don't know who it was).
I'm a big fan of musical theatre so I knew this was one challenge I wanted
to try. For those of you who don't like that sort of thing, don't worry,
there is no singing or dancing in this story :-) I have changed some
situations in both the ER world and the musical's storyline to suit myself.
And now, here comes the big...
WARNING: This story involves major character death(s) and when Carter
assumes his evil persona, he commits some vile acts that he otherwise
wouldn't do as the John Carter we know and love. To date, this is the
darkest and most disturbing fic I have written so please, if you don't
think this will appeal to you, DON'T READ IT! I don't want to receive
comments like: "Carter would never do that" or "This is too depressing".
That's why I'm giving the warning.
So, if I haven't scared you away yet, the curtain is rising now...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Slow and shuffling, my steps echo throughout the length of the corridor.
The steady and hollow sound beats in time to the throbbing at my temples.
With each step, I can feel my conviction and resolve growing stronger.
I must succeed in my quest. For him. And for myself; to prove to
the world that my theory is not the fancy of a mad fool but one of
undeniable merit.
As I pass by the front desk, the clerk nods at me. "See you again,
Doctor Carter."
"Yes, good evening," I reply politely, with a slight tip of my hat.
That is usually the extent of our conversations; a mere hello and
goodbye. Tonight, however, I sense the clerk has more to say and
I am not disappointed. "Are you off to the party, then?"
I stop in my tracks and face him properly. This particular courtesy,
among many others, is something my father has instilled in me. Always
turn to directly face the person to whom you are speaking. "What party
would that be?" I ask, with an upturned brow.
"Why, your engagement party, of course!"
"And how would you know about it?"
The clerk guffaws slightly, sees that my expression is less than amused,
and clears his throat in discomfort. "Well, uh, sir...everyone knows
about it."
"Is that a fact." Although I am by no means upset by his inquiry,
my gaze remains cool as the young clerk fumbles for a remark that
will please me.
"It's the talk of the town. Er, that is, in a good way, of course.
Everyone thinks very highly of you and your lovely fiancé."
I decide to let the man off the hook, for he certainly means no harm.
"That's kind of you to say. I must be going now or I'll be late.
And it just wouldn't do to be late for my own party, now, would it?"
The clerk smiles in relief at the apparent return of my good nature.
"No, Doctor Carter, it certainly wouldn't. I wish you all the best."
"Thank you."
At a brisker pace, I exit out the doors into the night air.
A glance at my pocket watch tells me I truly shall be late unless
I hurry. I spent more time visiting than I should have. Crossing
the road, I aim for my destination with purposeful steps.
***************
My eyes roam over the finely dressed ladies in colourful silks and
lace; the men in smart black suits with nary a wrinkle. With a
nervous tug on the bottom of my own jacket, I enter the crowded hall.
Several men - some that I know well and others that I am sure I have never
laid eyes on before - clap me on the back with winks and congratulations.
Although I don't doubt that most of them are sincere, I feel that some
of them are distinctly mocking me. It seems I am to become another
bachelor lost to the sanctity of marriage.
The women seem to be keeping their distance but that suits me just fine.
There is only one particular lady I wish to find and though I scan
the sea of faces, I cannot seem to find her in the crowd.
Above the sound of laughter and overlapping threads of conversation,
I suddenly hear her voice behind me.
"You couldn't be more wrong. You don't know him as I do."
Slowly, I turn around and see her standing by one of the columns.
Neither she nor her companion have spotted me yet and although she is
speaking quietly, her words reach my ears as clear as a bell.
"I know him well enough. I know he doesn't appreciate you as much
as I do."
Damn him. David Malucci, that scoundrel. He certainly wastes no
time in slandering me.
"Stop this at once! I will hear no more of your ridiculous notions.
John loves me. I am sorry that you can't be happy for us."
I cannot help but smile, though perhaps the curl of my lip more
resembles a smirk. An admirable try, Malucci, but my fiancé is as
loyal as she is beautiful. What would I do without her? I decide it
is time to make my presence known.
As I stride towards them, she finally notices me. Her blue eyes
lock with mine and I instantly feel the warmth emanating from them.
"Miss Knight, you look lovely tonight."
"Thank you, John."
My gaze slides to David and we curtly nod to each other in greeting.
"Very kind of you to keep Lucy company until I arrived," I say, with no
obvious malice in my tone.
David has the good grace to look mildly uncomfortable. "Yes, well,
it's always a pleasure. I was just congratulating her on your
engagement. It's...it's a fine match," he finishes lamely.
"I'm glad you approve."
"Darling, it's rather stifling in here. Would you accompany me onto
the terrace for a bit of air?"
As Lucy hooks her arm around mine, I look down at her. "Of course.
Excuse us."
Without a backward glance, we head towards the doors. Once outside,
I remove my jacket and place it around her shoulders to ward off the chill.
"Was that really necessary?" she asks, as we sit side by side on a stone
bench.
"What?"
"You know what. I know some women enjoy having two grown men fight
over them like spoiled children, but I do not. He's a good man, really.
You just don't know that side of him."
"I know him..." I start to snap a retort and stop, realizing I'm about
to repeat Malucci's very words - 'I know him well enough.' I change
tactics abruptly. "I overheard part of your conversation with him.
He seems to feel I don't appreciate you as well as I should."
She doesn't look pleased at my admitted eavesdropping. "If you
listened that carefully, you should know I put a stop to his
declaration. I know how important your work is to you, but I resent
anyone saying it is more important than me."
I mentally curse the man again. "Is that what he was saying?
You don't believe it, I presume."
"No." This is said loudly and vehemently. After a pause, her eyes
search my face. "That is, I don't want to believe it," she continues
softly.
Unhappy that the thought could cross her mind, I grab her hand.
"Nothing is more important to me than you. Please believe that.
I would be lost without you."
Because I tend to become so engrossed in my work and research, I suppose
I cannot blame others for thinking Lucy comes second in my life. But it
simply isn't true. In fact, I probably could not have come as far as I
have without her assistance.
Her upbringing is unique, as far as ladies of this age. Her mother
abandoned her family when Lucy was a young child. She was raised
by her father; a kindly man who treated her more as a son. He believed
her keen mind shouldn't go to waste and so he taught her, among other
subjects, mathematics and chemistry. She grew up longing to work
in a laboratory but didn't have much hope of gaining employment.
What sensible employer out there would hire a woman?
When she knocked on my door three years ago, I admit to some hesitance.
But never having felt the need to be constricted by society's
conventions, I took a chance on her. It turned out to be the best
decision I have ever made. Not only was she an asset to my work,
I fell in love with her. I have yet to meet anyone with her
combination of beauty, strength, and intelligence. It is a heady
mix indeed.
And now I find I must convince her of my love and devotion. I wonder
if Malucci is responsible for planting the seed of doubt, or if it
has been there all along, simply waiting for the right moment to rear
its ugly head.
She has been silent for what seems an eternity. "Lucy? Do you not
believe me?"
"I...I do believe you. I have to. Because I also would be lost without
you." Her last words are caught on a whisper, her eyes beseeching.
Leaning towards each other, we kiss, our lips melding into one.
Although we keep the kiss chaste, my heart still thrills at
the feel of her mouth against mine. In a few months time, we will
experience more than the mere meeting of lips. Before my imagination
can exceed decent boundaries, I pull back.
I notice a slight shudder run through her. "Are you cold? We should
go back."
She smiles, her brow arched seductively. "No, not cold. Not cold at all.
In fact, I feel very warm. All over."
I shake my head slightly. "Good Lord, Lucy, you'll make me blush."
Laughing, she nestles her head against my shoulder and I hold her
close with one arm. She emits the tiniest of sighs before speaking.
"Where were you tonight? Not still at the laboratory, I hope."
"No. I went to visit my father."
"And how is he?"
"The same. Always the same."
"I'm sorry." Reaching for my hand, she entwines her slim fingers
with mine. "I wish things could be different."
"As do I."
"How do you feel about tomorrow? Are you nervous?"
"A little," I admit. Tomorrow I face the Board of Governors at
the hospital to present my proposal. I need their approval in order
to continue with my research; to reach the next vital step.
"I don't believe I have ever seen you nervous." She angles her head
to the side so I may glimpse her wry smile. "Even when you proposed
to me, you seemed so confident."
"That was merely a facade. Inside, I was shaking."
"I don't believe you for a second."
"It's true. My knees were so weak, I almost toppled over when I
got to my feet. Now that would have been quite the sight, hmm?"
My slight exaggeration earns a soft giggle from her throat. I love
that sound.
Our conversation dwindles and we become quiet, simply enjoying the
nearness of each other. The terrace door soon opens and we reluctantly
pull apart, shifting so we are seated at a respectable distance from one
another. I get to my feet as soon as I recognize the gentleman headed our
way.
"There you are!" Charles Knight exclaims, coming to stand before us.
"Forgive the intrusion, but you seem to be neglecting our guests."
Lucy also rises from the bench. "I'm sorry, Father. I asked John
to bring me out here."
"Why? Are you not feeling well?" The mild scolding in his tone
gives way to concern, as he regards his daughter.
"No, it's not that. I just needed some air."
"Ahh, I see. Well, once you feel up to rejoining us, we should make
the rounds and greet everyone properly." He looks at me pointedly.
"Now that Doctor Carter is here."
"I apologize for being tardy," I say, with true sincerity. I admire
the man greatly and would never want to disappoint him.
He pats my shoulder with no remaining hint of gruffness. "It's quite
all right. You're here, that's the main thing. Come inside when
you're ready."
After we are left alone once more, I glance down at her. "Well?
Ready to face the crowd?"
"Yes. As long as you're by my side."
I tuck her arm under mine and squeeze her hand gently. "Always, my love."
CATEGORY: Gothic Horror/Romance
TIMELINE: The Year 1888, No Spoilers
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters from ER. They are the
property of Warner Brothers, Constant C Productions, NBC, etc.
This story is based, in its entirety, on the musical "Jekyll and Hyde".
ARCHIVE: You are welcome to download this story for your own reading,
but please do not archive it on any website without my permission.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Quite a while ago, someone on alt.tv.er.creative suggested
writing an ER story based on a musical (sorry, I don't know who it was).
I'm a big fan of musical theatre so I knew this was one challenge I wanted
to try. For those of you who don't like that sort of thing, don't worry,
there is no singing or dancing in this story :-) I have changed some
situations in both the ER world and the musical's storyline to suit myself.
And now, here comes the big...
WARNING: This story involves major character death(s) and when Carter
assumes his evil persona, he commits some vile acts that he otherwise
wouldn't do as the John Carter we know and love. To date, this is the
darkest and most disturbing fic I have written so please, if you don't
think this will appeal to you, DON'T READ IT! I don't want to receive
comments like: "Carter would never do that" or "This is too depressing".
That's why I'm giving the warning.
So, if I haven't scared you away yet, the curtain is rising now...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Slow and shuffling, my steps echo throughout the length of the corridor.
The steady and hollow sound beats in time to the throbbing at my temples.
With each step, I can feel my conviction and resolve growing stronger.
I must succeed in my quest. For him. And for myself; to prove to
the world that my theory is not the fancy of a mad fool but one of
undeniable merit.
As I pass by the front desk, the clerk nods at me. "See you again,
Doctor Carter."
"Yes, good evening," I reply politely, with a slight tip of my hat.
That is usually the extent of our conversations; a mere hello and
goodbye. Tonight, however, I sense the clerk has more to say and
I am not disappointed. "Are you off to the party, then?"
I stop in my tracks and face him properly. This particular courtesy,
among many others, is something my father has instilled in me. Always
turn to directly face the person to whom you are speaking. "What party
would that be?" I ask, with an upturned brow.
"Why, your engagement party, of course!"
"And how would you know about it?"
The clerk guffaws slightly, sees that my expression is less than amused,
and clears his throat in discomfort. "Well, uh, sir...everyone knows
about it."
"Is that a fact." Although I am by no means upset by his inquiry,
my gaze remains cool as the young clerk fumbles for a remark that
will please me.
"It's the talk of the town. Er, that is, in a good way, of course.
Everyone thinks very highly of you and your lovely fiancé."
I decide to let the man off the hook, for he certainly means no harm.
"That's kind of you to say. I must be going now or I'll be late.
And it just wouldn't do to be late for my own party, now, would it?"
The clerk smiles in relief at the apparent return of my good nature.
"No, Doctor Carter, it certainly wouldn't. I wish you all the best."
"Thank you."
At a brisker pace, I exit out the doors into the night air.
A glance at my pocket watch tells me I truly shall be late unless
I hurry. I spent more time visiting than I should have. Crossing
the road, I aim for my destination with purposeful steps.
***************
My eyes roam over the finely dressed ladies in colourful silks and
lace; the men in smart black suits with nary a wrinkle. With a
nervous tug on the bottom of my own jacket, I enter the crowded hall.
Several men - some that I know well and others that I am sure I have never
laid eyes on before - clap me on the back with winks and congratulations.
Although I don't doubt that most of them are sincere, I feel that some
of them are distinctly mocking me. It seems I am to become another
bachelor lost to the sanctity of marriage.
The women seem to be keeping their distance but that suits me just fine.
There is only one particular lady I wish to find and though I scan
the sea of faces, I cannot seem to find her in the crowd.
Above the sound of laughter and overlapping threads of conversation,
I suddenly hear her voice behind me.
"You couldn't be more wrong. You don't know him as I do."
Slowly, I turn around and see her standing by one of the columns.
Neither she nor her companion have spotted me yet and although she is
speaking quietly, her words reach my ears as clear as a bell.
"I know him well enough. I know he doesn't appreciate you as much
as I do."
Damn him. David Malucci, that scoundrel. He certainly wastes no
time in slandering me.
"Stop this at once! I will hear no more of your ridiculous notions.
John loves me. I am sorry that you can't be happy for us."
I cannot help but smile, though perhaps the curl of my lip more
resembles a smirk. An admirable try, Malucci, but my fiancé is as
loyal as she is beautiful. What would I do without her? I decide it
is time to make my presence known.
As I stride towards them, she finally notices me. Her blue eyes
lock with mine and I instantly feel the warmth emanating from them.
"Miss Knight, you look lovely tonight."
"Thank you, John."
My gaze slides to David and we curtly nod to each other in greeting.
"Very kind of you to keep Lucy company until I arrived," I say, with no
obvious malice in my tone.
David has the good grace to look mildly uncomfortable. "Yes, well,
it's always a pleasure. I was just congratulating her on your
engagement. It's...it's a fine match," he finishes lamely.
"I'm glad you approve."
"Darling, it's rather stifling in here. Would you accompany me onto
the terrace for a bit of air?"
As Lucy hooks her arm around mine, I look down at her. "Of course.
Excuse us."
Without a backward glance, we head towards the doors. Once outside,
I remove my jacket and place it around her shoulders to ward off the chill.
"Was that really necessary?" she asks, as we sit side by side on a stone
bench.
"What?"
"You know what. I know some women enjoy having two grown men fight
over them like spoiled children, but I do not. He's a good man, really.
You just don't know that side of him."
"I know him..." I start to snap a retort and stop, realizing I'm about
to repeat Malucci's very words - 'I know him well enough.' I change
tactics abruptly. "I overheard part of your conversation with him.
He seems to feel I don't appreciate you as well as I should."
She doesn't look pleased at my admitted eavesdropping. "If you
listened that carefully, you should know I put a stop to his
declaration. I know how important your work is to you, but I resent
anyone saying it is more important than me."
I mentally curse the man again. "Is that what he was saying?
You don't believe it, I presume."
"No." This is said loudly and vehemently. After a pause, her eyes
search my face. "That is, I don't want to believe it," she continues
softly.
Unhappy that the thought could cross her mind, I grab her hand.
"Nothing is more important to me than you. Please believe that.
I would be lost without you."
Because I tend to become so engrossed in my work and research, I suppose
I cannot blame others for thinking Lucy comes second in my life. But it
simply isn't true. In fact, I probably could not have come as far as I
have without her assistance.
Her upbringing is unique, as far as ladies of this age. Her mother
abandoned her family when Lucy was a young child. She was raised
by her father; a kindly man who treated her more as a son. He believed
her keen mind shouldn't go to waste and so he taught her, among other
subjects, mathematics and chemistry. She grew up longing to work
in a laboratory but didn't have much hope of gaining employment.
What sensible employer out there would hire a woman?
When she knocked on my door three years ago, I admit to some hesitance.
But never having felt the need to be constricted by society's
conventions, I took a chance on her. It turned out to be the best
decision I have ever made. Not only was she an asset to my work,
I fell in love with her. I have yet to meet anyone with her
combination of beauty, strength, and intelligence. It is a heady
mix indeed.
And now I find I must convince her of my love and devotion. I wonder
if Malucci is responsible for planting the seed of doubt, or if it
has been there all along, simply waiting for the right moment to rear
its ugly head.
She has been silent for what seems an eternity. "Lucy? Do you not
believe me?"
"I...I do believe you. I have to. Because I also would be lost without
you." Her last words are caught on a whisper, her eyes beseeching.
Leaning towards each other, we kiss, our lips melding into one.
Although we keep the kiss chaste, my heart still thrills at
the feel of her mouth against mine. In a few months time, we will
experience more than the mere meeting of lips. Before my imagination
can exceed decent boundaries, I pull back.
I notice a slight shudder run through her. "Are you cold? We should
go back."
She smiles, her brow arched seductively. "No, not cold. Not cold at all.
In fact, I feel very warm. All over."
I shake my head slightly. "Good Lord, Lucy, you'll make me blush."
Laughing, she nestles her head against my shoulder and I hold her
close with one arm. She emits the tiniest of sighs before speaking.
"Where were you tonight? Not still at the laboratory, I hope."
"No. I went to visit my father."
"And how is he?"
"The same. Always the same."
"I'm sorry." Reaching for my hand, she entwines her slim fingers
with mine. "I wish things could be different."
"As do I."
"How do you feel about tomorrow? Are you nervous?"
"A little," I admit. Tomorrow I face the Board of Governors at
the hospital to present my proposal. I need their approval in order
to continue with my research; to reach the next vital step.
"I don't believe I have ever seen you nervous." She angles her head
to the side so I may glimpse her wry smile. "Even when you proposed
to me, you seemed so confident."
"That was merely a facade. Inside, I was shaking."
"I don't believe you for a second."
"It's true. My knees were so weak, I almost toppled over when I
got to my feet. Now that would have been quite the sight, hmm?"
My slight exaggeration earns a soft giggle from her throat. I love
that sound.
Our conversation dwindles and we become quiet, simply enjoying the
nearness of each other. The terrace door soon opens and we reluctantly
pull apart, shifting so we are seated at a respectable distance from one
another. I get to my feet as soon as I recognize the gentleman headed our
way.
"There you are!" Charles Knight exclaims, coming to stand before us.
"Forgive the intrusion, but you seem to be neglecting our guests."
Lucy also rises from the bench. "I'm sorry, Father. I asked John
to bring me out here."
"Why? Are you not feeling well?" The mild scolding in his tone
gives way to concern, as he regards his daughter.
"No, it's not that. I just needed some air."
"Ahh, I see. Well, once you feel up to rejoining us, we should make
the rounds and greet everyone properly." He looks at me pointedly.
"Now that Doctor Carter is here."
"I apologize for being tardy," I say, with true sincerity. I admire
the man greatly and would never want to disappoint him.
He pats my shoulder with no remaining hint of gruffness. "It's quite
all right. You're here, that's the main thing. Come inside when
you're ready."
After we are left alone once more, I glance down at her. "Well?
Ready to face the crowd?"
"Yes. As long as you're by my side."
I tuck her arm under mine and squeeze her hand gently. "Always, my love."