This story has been beta'd by The Duchess of Fanfiction Sunflower Fran.
Chapter 29
Bella
Days without Edward are very slow; thank heavens for my entertaining family and the upcoming picnic. The day is soon approaching, and every guest did indeed send confirmation of their attendance.
We are set up on the north patio, and Father decided to endure us, ladies. He's been hovering over me since Edward's departure making sure I eat and rest. It is very sweet and informs me that he does indeed listen to Edward.
It is a beautiful sunny day; we have blankets laid out on the lawn and croquet set up for a game. I'm hoping the children will love learning to play as well as lay on the lawn.
I look up at the sky thinking of Edward. I know he should be on his way home to me. I received a missive that he arrived safely and that he misses our child and me terribly.
"The hanging should be over, and Jasper, Carlisle, and Edward will be on their way home," my father says patting my knee as we wait on the patio for the guests to arrive.
"I cannot wait to see Jasper! I am sad that we will be leaving, but days without him have been dreadful!" Alice says dramatically.
We are waiting on Mother and Mother Es to join us, and the guests should be arriving momentarily.
Angela sits beside me smiling. I forced her to attend since she is so lonely without Ben, as are all of us, without our significant others.
Mother and Mother Es join us all smiles.
"I couldn't decide on a day dress," My mother pecks my father on the cheek before taking her seat.
"I had to convince her that blue was her color. Don't you agree, Charles?" Mother Es asks my father.
"Yes, it is a lovely color on her," Father looks a little uncomfortable giving his wife a compliment.
My mother blushes at his praise, and it brings a smile to my face.
"Your Grace, Lady Willoughby and Mr. Allen," Mrs. Copes says allowing the twosome to enter.
I am momentarily stunned because I did not invite Mr. Allen to my home. I stand, forcing a smile as I greet them.
"Welcome. Mr. Allen what a surprise. We weren't expecting any gentlemen aside from Father." I wave to the open sitting.
"I hope you don't mind. We had a piano forte lesson, and I insisted he attend. Herbert ran off to London trying to be of assistance to His Grace." She says taking a seat.
I try to take my seat, but Mr. Allen takes me by the hand and tries to kiss it. I immediately remove my hand from his grip.
"Mr. Allen, my husband informed you he does not like anyone too close to my person. I will ask you to respect that," I say coldly taking my seat.
Father notices my behavior and gives Mr. Allen a cold stare.
"Forgive me, Your Grace. I did not see the harm." He gives me a sickly sweet smile.
"If my son informed you not to show my daughter affection, I would prefer you to obey his wishes, Sir." My father says standing.
We are all quiet as Father's words sink in.
His son?
The endearment is not lost on my mother and Mother Es, who both smile at my father.
Mrs. Cope comes in with Mrs. Clinton and her children, closely followed by Lady Elgin, her son, and a nurse.
"Ladies! Welcome, please do sit." I motion to the empty chairs. "And who might this young gentleman be?" I ask looking at the blonde-haired little boy in his nurse's arms.
"This is my Stratford, Your Grace." She smiles so proudly.
"He is beautiful Diana." I ruffle his curly hair causing him to smile.
I make introductions all around as baby Eliza reaches for me.
Lady Elgin stares at Mr. Allen uncomfortably as she takes her seat.
"I did not know any gentlemen would be in attendance. I would have had Lord Elgin join us," she says shyly.
"In truth, Mr. Allen is a surprise guest and think of my father as our protector. He's under strict orders from his son to hover over me." I tease leaning over to pat father's knee.
"I'm making sure you don't overextend yourself or my grandchild," he says with a smirk on his face.
"I dare say Charles is more excited for the babe than we are, Ren!" Mother Es says excitedly.
"It's really all he talks about. He's hoping for a boy-"
"Renee." Father clears his throat, his cheeks darkening with color.
"Oh! Your Grace, I had not heard your good news. Congratulations," Mr. Allen looks over to me causing my skin to crawl.
"Thank you for inviting me, Your Grace." Charlotte bows her head shyly.
"Of course, and you must call me Bella. We are friends after all." I smile down at Eliza on my lap.
The servants start plating the small spread that sits on a table to the side of the entranceway. They set everyone's dish down in front of them.
I am a little worried that Lady Bolton has not arrived since she was very excited in her missive to me. She explained that her husband also went to the hanging of the former Baron Cromwell and she was trying to find ways to entertain herself.
"Come, Charlotte, let me take your son while you partake in the feast," Angela says kindly reaching out for the little boy. "And what is your name?"
"Peter," he whispers hiding in his mother's neck.
"I am Angela, Peter. Would you like to sit with me?"
He nod his head yes, and goes with Angela to her chair. I smile over at her, but my smile is lost when I spot Lauren and Mr. Allen whispering as if they were young lovers.
To say that I am upset with Lauren for inviting this gentleman is an understatement, but for her to carry on in this manner in front of us all is downright disrespectful. Even to an ogre of a husband such as Baron Willoughby.
I take a deep breath and train my voice to be calm. "Lauren, did you say Baron Willoughby went to London to assist my husband?"
"Yes." she sighs out as Mr. Allen's fingers tease the skin of her arm for all to see. "He heard from the Vicar that His Grace went to London, and he immediately left in hopes to stay in town with him and be of assistance. You know we do not have a home in London." She looks over to Mr. Allen.
"I cannot believe the nerve of that foul-" Mother Es seethes.
"Mother Es, have you thought of any names for the baby? Edward is insisting we must name him Peregrine if we have a boy." I rush out trying to detour her attention from Baron Willoughby behavior.
I am sure my husband did not like that surprise at all.
"Peregrine! Oh heavens no, that will not do at all." She shakes her head in disgust. "I've heard stories about old Peregrine, and no child should bear his name. But it is an old tradition within the Masen family."
"I do so love the name Peter, Mrs. Clinton. However, did you choose it?" My mother asks Charlotte.
Mrs. Clinton is enjoying her meal as both Angela, and I play with her children. Alice is conversing with Lady Elgin on the society of balls. It seems that Lady Elgin had never attended a ball in town. She was promised to Lord Elgin from infancy.
"It is my husband's name, and he was so proud the day Peter was born," she smiles wistfully.
"Of course, he was. He's a fine boy." My father nods towards the child.
I giggle at his behavior towards a male child. I know he desperately wanted another child, but Mother was never again able to conceive. It seems as if my birth was very difficult.
"After our meal, I hope we can all play a game of croquet while the children run happily. Mother Es found some of Edward's old toys and put them out." I look over to find small toys and a horse made out of wood.
It is amazing what the mothers have discovered in the old nursery and in the attic. Ever since they were informed that we would like them to break up their visit they have been trying to make sure things are in motion for the babe.
Lunch was slightly uncomfortable due to Lauren and Mr. Allen's inappropriate behavior. I intend to speak to her. If she wishes to disrespect her marriage, that is her business, but she will never again bring such an affair to my home.
We all play a few rounds of croquet while the children run around the large yard. Mrs. Clinton's children seem so jubilant to have a friend in Stratford and very pleased to have such a large lawn to play upon.
I stand watching the children while occasionally pushing a ball towards them. Father has been hovering over me making sure I do not strain myself. He's standing next to me watching as I play with the children.
"Don't bend too much, Bella," he says walking closer to me.
"I'm fine, Father, really." I look over to my mother and Mother Es who are whispering as they stare at Lauren and Mr. Allen.
It seems as if he is teaching her how to hit the ball. However, he is standing behind her in a very intimate embrace.
I've had enough of this display.
I turn to walk towards them when Charlotte walks over to me looking worriedly.
"Your Grace, I wondered if I could have a word."
"Of course, but I need to speak with Lady Willoughby on an urgent matter. Please excuse me." I walk over to Lauren clearing my throat. "Lauren, may I please have a moment with you?"
"Yes, of course, Isabella. Excuse me Robert."
I walk to the patio and through the doors where we would not be overheard. Closing the balcony door, I turn to her, with a cold stare upon my face.
"Lauren, I consider you a friend so please listen to me very carefully. I would like you and Mr. Allen to leave my house this instant. Whatever may or may not be going on between you is none of my concern, but you will not disrespect my home in such a way." I take a deep breath.
"Come now Isabella, you, of all people, know how Herbert treats me. Finally, I am happy with a gentleman, and I would hope my friend would be happy for me," She says a look of disgust on her face.
"I sympathize with your marital situation, but I do not condone your behavior with Mr. Allen. He is a foul gentleman to prey on weak and lonely women, and you are being played the fool. I would like you both to leave my home. You are of course welcomed to stay, but he must leave."
"If Robert is not welcomed, neither am I!" She storms passed me.
I sigh and go back to the picnic. I watch as an upset Lauren leaves with Mr. Allen beside her.
"Well done, Darling! They were behaving downright deplorable and in the presence of children." Mother Es shakes her head back and forth.
"I know her husband is awful, but honestly, you would think Lauren had more sense than to get involved with such a gentleman," My mother says in disgust.
"I have never seen a lady behave so forward," Diana says in shock.
Alice and Angela are giggling at her comment, and I shake my head at the two of them.
Charlotte comes over to me with a crying Eliza in her arms. "Bella, I must get the little ones home. They both are so worn out." She bounces the crying babe. "May I please come speak with you tomorrow, it is very urgent, I feel."
"Yes, of course, Charlotte, I shall send the carriage for you. Would noon be sufficient?" I smile patting Eliza's back to try and comfort her.
"Yes, thank you for your kindness. Goodbye."
I watch Charlotte and her children leave wondering what could be so important for her to speak with me.
Lady Elgin soon says her goodbyes, and it is just my incomplete family left on the patio. We all make our way inside happily exhausted.
"Bella, you should rest before dinner," Father says sternly.
"I shall agree with you, this time, Father. I do feel exhausted." I peck his cheek and then turn to my mother's kissing them as well.
"See you at dinner darling. Edward shall be home in two days time." Mother Es pats my cheek.
"I cannot wait until he returns."
"I'm going to take a turn around the gardens as I'm feeling stuffed," Alice says patting her stomach.
"Wonderful, we all will join you," my mother says taking my father by the arm forcing him to go.
Angela and I walk through the large house we call home. The halls are now so familiar to me; I could walk them with my eyes closed.
"I cannot believe Lauren," Angela says.
"It's very shocking, indeed. Also, Charlotte Clinton was acting very strange." I tell her as we turn towards the stairs.
"Oh? How so?" she asks.
"She said she had to speak to me about an urgent matter." I release Angela's arms taking the banister as I climb the stairs.
"How very odd. Do you know what it is she wishes to discuss?" Angela asks from ahead of me.
"No, I have no idea what it might be about, but she did seem worried. I do hope nothing is wrong, I do enjoy both she and the children very much."
Angela stops to ponder my words. "I guess you will know tomorrow when she calls on you."
"Indeed," I reply, holding my hand over my mouth as a yawn escapes. "It has been a lovely afternoon, but a nap is in order, I dare say."
Angela reaches the landing and moves to open my door. Once opened, she enters, and I can hear her drawing the curtains and preparing the divan for my nap.
Suddenly, she lets out a deathly scream.
"Angela!" I yell running towards the door.
I stop cold in my tracks.
What I see before me is frightening; Angela lies on the floor bleeding as Sophia stands over her with a knife in her hands. Angela whimpers from the floor, and I let out a shaky breath, thankful that she is still alive.
I instinctively put my hands over my stomach to protect my child while Sophia glares in my direction.
With a look of sheer hatred in her eyes, Sophia begins walking towards me, and I make a decision to run towards the stairs. She trails after me, grabbing my arm and flinging me towards the wall. I fall forward losing my breath as the horror of the situation hits me.
I may die.
She runs towards me with the bloody knife high above her head. "I hate you! I could have had Edward, but you ruined it!" she yells slashing the air as I run down the hall. "He loved me … I could have been the Duchess, but you … You took him from me. That day in his office, he would have submitted to me. Now I have to kill you and rid Edward of you and that thing you're carrying," she spits. "I will have him after you are dead."
Fear grips at my heart. If I die, my child dies with me, and Edward will be left alone. That would kill him. We must both survive this ordeal for him.
"Help! Help!" I yell desperately while trying to reach the stairs. But she comes after me still wielding the knife as if she is possessed.
Her eyes are wild and filled with rage as she continues to slash the air trying to reach me.
"Why are you doing this? Please, Sophia, stop this madness!" I cry out my hands gripping her wrist.
I hold on to her with every inch of my soul trying not to let the knife pierce me. All I can think of is my unborn child. If I allow the blade anywhere near me, he will not live.
I cannot let that happen.
I cannot let her hurt him.
I dig my slippers into the carpet pushing with all my strength to hold her back until someone comes to save my son and me from this mad woman! Where are they, why can no one hear my calls?
"Help! Help!" I scream at the top of my lungs.
In this moment of fear, I somehow know it is a boy I carry, and that he must survive. I press on, trying to hold her off, my voice lost as I use every ounce of my being to stop the knife from touching me.
"You even ruined my chances with Henry! He would have given me the pounds! He would have given me everything! I had him just as I could have had Edward. But his pitiful excuse for a wife is paying for what you've done!" she yells trying to push the knife down on me. "And now you will pay, too!"
My mind briefly goes to Lady Bolton and her safety.
"No!" I scream fighting her and praying that help comes soon.
We are on the edge of the landing as she pushes towards me and I push towards her, trying to prevent the knife from touching me. Thinking of my child, I kick her in the knee, catching her unaware as I thrust the hand that is holding the knife into the banister.
The weapon falls down to the floor with a clang, and now all of her anger is focused on me as she charges, causing me to lose my balance against the stairs. I grab onto her servant's gown making a rash decision to turn myself as we both fall down the stairs.
We both tumble together, over and over, our limbs combined as one. I hear a cracking sound before we come to a stop at the bottom of the very long staircase, my body is beneath a now unmoving, Sophia, and I feel wetness at my temple as liquid pools into my eyes.
Time passes so slowly as I lie there unable and unwilling to move. I am so incredibly tired, and I feel pain radiating throughout my person. Where is everyone … surely someone will find me soon …
"Bella!" Suddenly, I hear my father's strangled cry and the screams of the mothers and Alice as I am lifted gently into his arms.
My last thought is of Edward and our son. Please, God, save him, I beg before everything turns to black.
A/N: Surprise? I know it's most dreadful and I didn't dare warn you of anything! But you know me! I am a pure Angst wimp to the end! So hang in there! I am still in the midst of a family crisis and writing very slowly! I am thinking next chapter will definitely be a fortnight! Thank you for all the wonderful reviews! You all ROCK! Also my other story The Five Year Rule is up for top ten fict of August! Go vote EVERYDAY!twifanfictionDOTrecsDOTcom
