Hello again! My niece is going to start working with us two afternoons a week after school, so I'll have less to do and more time to write. Yay!
I'm so glad you're enjoying this story.
Warning with mild Spoiler! There is a rough scene ahead (loosely inspired by the Twilight scene where Bella gets herself a little lost after visiting the bookstore in Port Angeles), so I thought I should mention it in case it is a trigger for anyone. There is some violence and scary threats made.
xx Elise
~I~
Chapter 10 -
To Market . . .
Although looking forward to a much-needed break from work, Bella worried how her roommates would respond to her being singled out for an opportunity to escape the Hall. When Mrs Cope announced all three girls had been granted leave to travel into Worthy the next day, she was both relieved and amused by her friends' blatant delight.
"Don't be expecting such liberties on a regular basis." Mrs Cope eyed Bella in particular. "You can be grateful I'm in a generous mood."
Bella thanked her profusely, though she had a fair idea who was responsible for the housekeeper's generosity.
Whenever she thought of Edward—which was often—she felt positively giddy. Struggling to keep the smile from her face, she deflected the other girls' questions about her mood with a remark about the clement spring weather. Jessica's jealousy was something she would rather not provoke. Nor did she want Angela's pessimism to spoil the memory of the magical hours she had spent alone with Edward. It wasn't as if he was likely to seek out her company again, but if he did, Bella doubted she could be dissuaded. The risks were minimal, or so she told herself, a blatant justification on her part considering her precarious circumstance. But with her life tipped upon its head, she was hard-pressed to deny herself what happiness she could find . . . however fleeting.
As soon as the girls completed their breakfast duties, they raced up the many flights of stairs to change into their town clothes. Jessica's and Angela's dresses were more brightly coloured than Bella's, but they immediately recognised the superior quality of her gown.
"It was a gift from a lady who stayed at the inn where I worked," she said, saddened at how adept she had become at deception.
Mimicking the other girls, Bella let her hair down from her staid bun, brushing it out until it rippled and shone. They were all too old to go about in public with their hair loose, but with Angela's assistance, Bella fashioned hers in a more flattering style than the one she was required to wear for work. Pleased with the result, Bella found herself wishing Edward could see her looking a little more like her true self. To her relief, Mrs Cope loaned Bella a few coins in advance of her wages. The much greater sum of money she was given by Chef Peters, along with a stern warning not to let the others know of its existence, she tied to the petticoat beneath her skirt.
"I promise to be careful," she said after the chef left her in no doubt both coin and condiment—if she was lucky enough to obtain any truffles—were worth more than she was.
The girls travelled into Worthy in the back of an enormous delivery cart driven by Ben, one of the grooms, and accompanied by some kitchen-hands who would be stocking up on produce for the kitchens. Young Seth, the lad Bella had first encountered the day of her arrival at Worthington Hall, was granted permission to attend under Ben's watchful eye and chatted away for most of the journey. Bella liked the boy, his cheeky smile accompanied by an eagerness to please. He had recently been granted his wish to transfer from the kitchen to work with the horses, and he was very excited about his new position of stable boy. It didn't hurt her interest in the conversation that he was fulsome in his praise of Edward's 'cattle,' as he called them, and of his new master.
Bella couldn't help noticing the shy glances Angela sent Ben's way or the fact the driver watched her when he thought no one was looking. It seemed there was a romance budding between her kind new friend and the shy groom. She was happy for them, though the thought of their making a life together one day triggered a wave of melancholy that dampened her mood. Nothing could ever come of her feelings for Edward, but even after such a brief—and strange—acquaintance, she could not imagine another gentleman taking his place in her affections.
On arrival in the village, Bella spotted a newspaper lying on a trestle table and bid the girls go ahead without her. After reading a headline decrying the deplorable behaviour of the runaway bride and jewel thief, Miss Isabella Swan, she sat down with a thump. While reading the article, she covered her mouth to stifle a cry. It said there had been a fire in their carriage house, and her father's body had been burned beyond recognition. The finger of suspicion had been pointed at Sir Charles's daughter, as it had been reported she had run away the night of the fire rather than marry her father's grieving heir. It also said she had stolen a priceless family heirloom, and a reward had been offered for its return and her capture.
Bella's hand formed a fist that crumpled the paper, Lord Hunter's powers of deceit far exceeding her worst imaginings.
"Oh, Papa," she whispered. Even with the Duke's help, she wondered how this tangled web of lies would ever be unravelled.
The description given of her was vague, but the article made mention of her red hair, so she carefully tucked the loose curls she had artfully arranged inside her bonnet. Lord Hunter was searching for her in a different part of the country, or so the paper said, but there was no point taking chances
Catching up with the girls, Bella put on a brave face. Spending the morning exploring the covered stalls that formed a maze in the town square went a long way towards dispelling her melancholy. After poring over the displays, the girls parted with some of their hard-earned pennies. Bella bought an emerald green ribbon the girls said went well with her hair. The fact she chose it for its similarity to Edward's eye colour was something she kept to herself. Jessica picked out a pretty cameo brooch and Angela some lace to trim her dress.
Temporarily reduced to wearing the dull and sober uniform of a maid, and with only one dress to her name, Bella yearned for her wardrobe of gowns and the luxuries she had always taken for granted. It was sobering to think that possessing only one or two dresses was all her new friends had ever known.
After lunch, tasty mutton pies bought from a street stall, the boys invited them to watch a puppet show they had seen setting up on the far side of the square. Bella wanted to find out where to purchase truffles . . . if any were to be had. Since they had to traverse the markets anyway, she stayed with the group and made inquiries on their journey.
While the Punch and Judy show was entertaining, she had learned that a truffle merchant had set up his stall on the far side of the market and was impatient for it to finish. Jessica and Angela failed to appreciate her enthusiasm for hunting down an 'ugly-looking fungus,' much preferring to follow the boys to where a group of musicians were tuning up near the area set aside for dancing . . . and drinking. The raucous laughter reminded Bella a little too much of the public dining halls she had eaten in on her way from Forkton, but the girls seemed safe enough in the company of the young men from the Hall. She didn't want to spoil their fun by insisting they accompany her, but the thought of heading back amongst the closely packed stalls was more than a little daunting.
"I'll come with ye," Seth offered, and Bella smiled in relief, Ben admonishing the duo not to take too long.
Glad of the boy's company, Bella weaved her way amongst the alleys in search of their destination, eventually finding the right stall hidden in the depths of the market. The truffle merchant, a crotchety old fellow, and his equally ancient and wrinkled wife were initially suspicious of her request to view their wares. It took quite a while to convince them she was a genuine buyer, and once persuaded, they had to send for their son who kept the family's treasure trove of truffles safely hidden. Then there was the process of choosing the perfect truffle and negotiating a price. After the transaction was complete, the merchant and his wife insisted Seth and Bella stay and share a cup of tea and some fruitcake. While she was grateful for their hospitality, Bella was unnerved to discover how late it was when they finally took their leave.
"Have you any idea which way we should go?" she asked Seth when they were back in the alleyway. "It all looks the same to me."
He pointed, and they hurried along the vaguely familiar looking path. When the silhouette of a man darkened the end of the alley, Bella tugged Seth closer to her side
"Let's get out of 'ere," he said, breathing a sigh when the man passed them with the barest glance. "The others will be wondering where we are."
Bella nodded, urging him to move quickly along the deserted lane. The markets would reopen the next day, but many of the stalls had packed up already as the afternoon grew late.
"This way." Seth gestured when they came to a junction, the path leading them towards the music they could hear in the distance. When they reached the end, the way was blocked by a large, canvas-sided carriage Bella was sure hadn't been there earlier.
"Maybe we can get out the other way." The boy looked as worried as she felt, as they began retracing their steps back into the rapidly darkening interior of the market.
"I'm real sorry, Miss Bella." Seth kicked his toe against the dirt-packed ground when they found themselves in a small opening, walled in on three sides. "I'm usually good with directions."
"It's not your fault, and it's just Bella," she reminded him absently, the lad not the only member of the staff who occasionally added the appellation. "We'll be all right. We just need to find someone to help us out of this maze."
"I'll 'elp ye, sweetheart."
A man's gruff voice sounded behind them, and they spun to face him. He was big, with a straggly beard and several missing front teeth, but it wasn't his appearance that worried Bella so much as the look in his eyes.
"That won't be necessary, but thank you for the kind offer." She backed away, dragging Seth with her.
"Ain't ye the 'igh and mighty one?"
The man approached, crowding them against a rough timber partition. His breath was rancid, and Bella averted her head, covering her mouth with her hand.
"Ah, don't be like that." He pressed closer. "I'm thinkin' ye and me could 'ave all sorts of fun, but let's see what ye got in that bag of yers first."
"It's nothing you would want." Bella tucked the satchel behind her, and the man grabbed hold of her upper arm.
"Leave her alone, Mister." Seth caught hold of the man's fingers, attempting to pry them loose.
"Ye stay out of this boy," the brute growled and struck Seth across the face, sending him sprawling to the ground.
It had happened so quickly, and Bella was horrified to see blood trickling from the boy's mouth.
"Seth!" She struggled in earnest, but her attacker shoved her roughly against the wall, forcing a thigh between her legs.
"Let her go!" Seth lurched to his feet and began to hit the man on the back.
"I said, stay out of it, lad, or ye'll be even sorrier than the gal when I'm done with 'er."
Jabbing his elbow backwards, he sent Seth reeling once more.
"Go for help, Seth," Bella pleaded when the boy stumbled to his feet, fearing if he stayed he would be seriously hurt.
"There'll be no 'elp for ye, missy." The man laughed, and tore her bonnet from her head, causing her hair to tumble down around her shoulders. "Oh, ho! A red 'ead. We are goin' to 'ave us some fun."
Fumbling with her skirt, he raised it and pawed at her leg beneath. Not wanting him to touch her intimately, which was what she feared he intended to do, Bella pushed against him with all her might. If she could force a few inches between them, she could raise her knee between his legs the way she had when she had felled Mike . . . or that was her plan. But the man's strength was too great for her.
"Stop yer strugglin', missy." He shook her roughly by the arm, and she whimpered.
"Don't 'urt her!" Seth shouted again, picking up an old crate and raising it above his head.
"Seth, no!" Bella mouthed the words, afraid the brute would only hurt the boy again, but he inched closer.
Not knowing what else to do, Bella sucked in a breath and screamed with all her might, hoping to attract someone to their plight.
"Enough." The man raised his fist, and she cringed in anticipation of the blow . . . but it never came. Before he could strike her, a loud boom sounded in the confined space, and her attacker spun around to find its source. Breathing hard, Bella looked past his side to see a man seated upon a black horse, a pistol in his hand and smoke pouring from the muzzle.
"Let her go!" the rider shouted, and Bella sagged with relief.
Edward had found them.
"Bleedin' 'eck. It's one of the toffs from the Hall," her attacker muttered, pushing Bella in front of him to use her as a shield. "No 'arm done, guvnor. I was just 'aving some fun with the lass."
"I said, let . . . her . . . go." Edward pointed his pistol at the man's head, his voice like ice.
Shoving Bella hard, the man turned and ran down the alley, leaving her sprawled on the ground. Winded, she looked up to see Edward leap from his horse and place his pistol in the back of his breeches. In three strides, he was at her side.
"God, Bella." He knelt and pulled her into his arms. "Have you been harmed?"
"I don't think so," she said, her voice breaking. "But he tried to steal my bag, and he hit Seth, and then he . . . he . . ."
"Shh. You are safe now."
Shaken, Bella huddled into Edward's embrace. His hand brushed her arm where the horrid man had grabbed her, and she winced.
"You are hurt." Edward's gaze was frantic as he looked her over.
"Only a little," she whispered, though she feared her arm would be bruised and her knees smarted from the fall. At the sound of more hooves on the cobblestone, she looked up to see Lord Whitlock riding his horse into the alley.
"I'll alert the watch," he said after Edward gave him a description of her assailant. "I doubt he'll get too far."
"Good." Edward nodded, his expression grim.
"Is the lass injured?" Lord Whitlock raised a brow at the sight of Edward cradling Bella in his arms.
"She says not badly, but I shall have her seen by the doctor."
"I'm fine, really," she insisted. "It is Seth I am worried about. The brute struck him across the face, then knocked him down."
"I shall make sure he's taken care of," Edward said, and she smiled her thanks as he helped her to her feet.
Ben and the other footmen arrived, their eyes widening at the sight of Bella being embraced by one of the lordships. She tried to pull away, but his grip tightened.
"Don't struggle," he murmured close to her ear. "I have no intention of letting you go."
She nodded, privately relieved, as her legs were far from steady.
"Thank you for coming to our aid," she said, unable to stop shaking despite his warmth surrounding her.
"You are welcome." He leaned down to capture her gaze. "But what were you thinking going off with only a small boy for protection?"
"I'm sorry, my lord." Seth stepped forward, his head bowed. "I tried me best to protect Miss Bella, but the man was too strong."
"You did admirably." Edward reached to pat Seth's shoulder while keeping Bella tucked against his side. "It looked like you were ready to brain the brute when I arrived. You hardly needed my help."
Seth's crestfallen expression lightened, but his smile was lopsided due to his swollen lip.
"It doesn't look too bad." Edward gripped the boy's chin to examine his injury. "Do you think you're up to the trip back home with the others?"
Seth shrugged. "I'll be right, my lord. But what about Bella?"
"She stays with me." Edward pulled her tighter to his side before turning to Ben. "Send my carriage back to collect us. We'll have dinner at the inn."
"Yes, my lord." The groom bobbed his head then glanced Bella's way. "Shall I let Mrs Cope know Bella is safe?"
"Yes, do that, and ask her to see to Seth's lip," Edward said before addressing Lord Whitlock. "Would you mind riding back with them, Jasper? It's getting late, and I think an escort might be wise."
"Very well." He looked to Bella. "I can certainly understand the appeal, but your father won't be impressed. Are you sure you know what you are doing?"
"Only what I have resisted doing for weeks," Edward snapped before releasing a sigh. "Do you honestly think he'll begrudge me?"
Lord Whitlock laughed. "His Grace will applaud your taste. It's the method and timing to which he'll object."
"I shall be discreet." Edward shrugged and turned back to face Bella, his expression softening. "Are you up to riding with me to the inn?"
She nodded, wishing she understood the meaning she sensed lay hidden in their conversation.
The others departed, and Edward led her to his enormous black stallion. Looking up at the stirrups then down at her skirt, she wasn't sure how she was going to manage it, but before she could comment, he caught her around the waist and lifted her onto the saddle. Her dress was not designed for riding, and the skirt bunched around her knees, but there was nothing to be done.
"Hold on," Edward ordered, vaulting into the saddle behind her. With one hand around her waist and the other on the reins, he urged their mount into a canter. Bella clutched the horse's mane with both hands and ducked down as they passed under a low awning. After thundering down a narrow, cobblestone alley, they emerged into an open street beyond the markets. When they reached a small copse of trees near the inn, Edward halted the horse, secured the reins around the pommel of the saddle, and then wrapped both his arms around her waist.
"Are you sure you're not badly hurt?" he asked, his voice low and rough. "I heard you scream. Please tell me I got there in time."
"I'm fine, just a bit shaken and sore. I was so afraid for Seth . . . and for myself. If you hadn't come . . ."
"It's all right. I'm here now."
Bella soaked up the sensation of being encircled by Edward's arms, wishing they could stay that way forever. But of course, they couldn't. She sighed when he released her and dismounted, already missing the comfort of his touch. After securing the horse's reins, his gaze alighted on her exposed lower leg.
"Don't," he whispered when she tugged at her skirt. He placed his hand on her knee, and she flinched.
"It's all right." He slid his hand down her calf before encircling her ankle. "Swing your other leg over the pommel, and I shall help you down."
Clutching her skirt in front of her, Bella did as he asked, coming to rest sideways in the saddle. Her skirt was bunched at mid-thigh, and Edward drew in a deep breath, bringing both his hands to rest just below her knees. His thumbs drew circles on her inner calves, his touch provoking sensations unlike any she had experienced before. She should have protested, her lack of reaction as scandalous as allowing a gentleman to see her ankles, let alone calves and knees. But she stayed quiet, mesmerised by the sight and feel of his hands touching her legs.
"Lean forwards and put your hands on my shoulders."
Bella complied, and he lifted her with his hands at her waist, holding her out from his body to allow her skirts to settle around her. As soon as her feet hit the ground, she wilted against him, a long, overdue blush warming her cheeks. She had no right to keep embracing the man but couldn't seem to stop herself. Stepping away, she rubbed her arm where her attacker had gripped it, unable to stifle a wince. Edward quickly undid the cuff of her sleeve, pushing it back to reveal an ugly red welt circling her upper arm.
"Hell and damnation."
Bella barely flinched at the curse. "It's all right. It's just a bruise. He was going to strike me, but you got there in time."
"Thank God," he said hoarsely, pulling her back into his arms. There was no place she would rather be, but a glance towards the inn revealed they had an audience. Her ability to avoid attention was truly abysmal.
"How did you and Lord Whitlock know to come looking for us?" she asked. "Do you normally come to the village on market day?"
"Not normally, no. But when I asked after you this morning, Henson said you'd gone into the village with some of the other servants. I told myself there was no need for concern after I made an example of the footmen who accosted you. But then I started thinking about the ruffians that frequent the market, and I decided to come and check on you in person. A good thing, too, since you had gone off virtually alone." He lifted her chin with a forefinger.
"I would have been perfectly safe if we'd not been delayed by a garrulous merchant and his wife who insisted Seth and I stay for tea. The exit to the market was blocked off, so we had to retrace our steps and then . . . "
Edward's eyebrows rose, and Bella's shoulders slumped.
"Very well. In hindsight, Seth and I should have requested one of the older lads accompany us, but I didn't want to spoil the others' fun and I was determined to find . . ."
"Find what?" he asked when her words trailed away.
Bella motioned to the bag slung over her shoulder, and Edward looked inside, frowning at the contents.
"It's a truffle," she huffed. "I wanted to cook the sauce you said you like, for it to be a surprise."
"Ah, Bella. I don't care about some exotic dish. I would much rather have you safe, not accosted and injured or worse."
"Yes, well, that wasn't supposed to happen."
"No." He cupped her cheek with his hand. "And nothing like it will occur again, not if I have any say in the matter."
Bella smiled hesitantly, uncertain as to his meaning.
"Come along." He led her towards the inn. "I want to get you inside out of the cold and arrange for the doctor to check your arm."
"I'm sure it's nothing."
"Humour me," he said dryly.
"But won't it look unseemly if we enter an inn together? People will talk."
"Let them." Edward shrugged. "After the fright you just gave me, I'm not letting you out of my sight."
"Oh," Bella murmured, at a loss how to respond.
~I~
Thank you for your continued support for this story. I'm glad you're enjoying the daily updates. I'll be back again tomorrow.
xx Elise