AUDEAMUS
Chapter 2
Hayes had grown the last few hundred years. But still, few things would happen in the city that would arouse such a scandal as what occurred the previous night.
Billy Black had escaped the confinements of the garrison with the aid of an unknown person.
Who, how or why were still the most relevant questions that people pondered. Bella had been up all night, unable to sleep after what she had witnessed—which was an impossible act. No one could just waltz into the garrison and rescue a man as had been done the previous night.
People were amazed. But what many also spoke of was Mr. Black's imprisonment. The charges were unjust: treason. He had been given the news later that day when Forster himself had thrown him into a cell. It seemed paying off the guard was not an option anymore. A quick trial had been set for that very evening of his imprisonment, without alerting Mr. Black's family or close friends. No one knew that behind the closed doors of the garrison, a judge—Mr. Fields—had come in and in the space of a few minutes he had sentenced the poor Mr. Black to hang.
Billy was all astonishment at first. But that it was kept a secret from the rest of Hayes, he never knew. Forster had spoken of justice and the virtue of the law. Hayes did not need a rebel to add to the mix. Angloa was a proper and loyal country to its monarch. Billy understood that he was being silenced. His death would only further the iron grip Forster and his guards held over Hayes—as was the case in many other places of Angloa—but perhaps it was ignored by the people of the county how much power Forster truly held over them.
More people had been brought to the garrison the following morning of Billy's escape. One of them was Jacob Black, under the suspicion that he had rescued his father in some sort of disguise. The mouths of the town would not stop talking of young Mr. Black's arrest.
Bella found herself in the parlor of one of her family's friends. The Stanley's were a rich family, much more so than hers. They were very well off in society. The father was a distinguished gentleman with a great income from his many estates. The mother was a socialite from the capital Safeira, who had spent some time in the merchant city of Wessport and even France before the fall of the Ancien Régime. Their daughter lived up to her family's grandeur by being as insufferable as her parents.
She would every so often invite Bella Swan over, but only because her mother made her. The Swans were wealthy as well, and had a title; even if purchased. Even if the Stanleys did not like it, they had to accept them into their circles. It was only wanting of them.
Bella knew she was never liked there. To make them all comfortable, she would usually keep her thoughts to herself, sipping her tea and never open her mouth. Jessica Stanley seemed to like that very much.
"I heard the blackguard managed to wound at least five guards before making off with Mr. Black!" said Angela Webber, a handsome young woman with a strong mind for gossip and little sense of her own propriety.
"Did you hear the judge had sentenced him to hang at dawn? I wonder indeed what plot that man might've been involved in. I, for one, am glad we are under such gallant protection by our local guard," Jessica said with horror on her delicate features, fanning herself fervently as she sipped her tea with a smug expression soon taking hold.
Bella's lips pressed together as she gripped the cup harder, biting her tongue and bidding her time.
"Do you really think he plotted treason openly on the market square?" Angela asked with blissful innocence.
"What else would he have been doing? Did he have a reason not to?"
"I believe Mr. Black was only speaking out against the raised taxes," Bella finally put in. Her mind was spinning, the eyes unable to take in the excessive decorations in the parlor. There was too much lace, too many layers of fabric that blocked the fresh air from properly entering the space. Her head felt too thick with the heavy waft of the other ladies' perfume. Perhaps that was why she did not think properly as she continued to speak.
"And he did not speak treason. The people in Hayes are being unjustly treated. Why, how on earth can we accept that Billy Black was sentenced to hang so quickly after having been imprisoned?" she said with such fervor that the others found themselves unable to speak out at first.
"Miss Swan, that is highly inappropriate!" Jessica finally dared, fanning herself with such passion that Bella thought her arm would positively detach from her body.
The other women kept silent. But Bella would not keep her mouth shut. "Oh, indeed it might seem so, dear Miss Stanley." She got up from her seat, happy she had an excuse to leave. "But while you ponder on who rescued Billy Black yesterday, I, like many others, now worry for those having been taken into custody in his stead," she snapped. Bella turned away with a swirl of her taffeta gown and left the ladies with their words of malice latched in their throats. The young girl was out of the room before they could hurl any insults of their own.
"Why the nerve!" Bella heard behind her as the tall French doors closed, bringing a smile to her lips. While the ladies sat speculating around their tea and sugary cookies, she would investigate. She told the footman to bring her siège. But Bella would not return home. She would instead venture to town, to see if she could not visit a dear friend.
The small carriage took her through the picturesque mansion-lined streets and toward the bustling center of town, still medieval in its construction. The garrison was a large building that did not stand too far from the big main square. It was a large brick building that had been built in the mid-17th century. It was square in size, a large doorway giving entrance to a courtyard housed in the middle of the garrison. There were several strategic positions and small turrets placed for sentinels. Four guards stood posted by the main gate, instead of the usual two. It seemed Forster had taken precautions—in case someone decided to save Jacob Black as well. She thought the action a paradox. For, if Jacob Black had been the one to save his father, then why would someone save Jacob Black? No, Bella was sure Forster did not know the true identity of the rescuer.
She told the driver to stop the carriage just off the gate. The young woman descended upon the cobblestone. She had to stretch her neck to get a full view of the tall building. The more she looked at it, the more it seemed impossible to perform such a rescue. But another commotion in the main square suddenly caught her attention. The soldiers were building something in full vigor. Wooden planks were being assembled to something that looked eerily like gallows. Her mouth dropped as she realized Jacob must've received the same sentence as his father.
Bella wasted no time and went to the front of the garrison. But all four guards would not let her enter. She saw Jacob in one of the outside cells, lined against the inner wall of the courtyard. It was a strange place to keep a prisoner of such high caliber—if he had indeed rescued Billy the previous night. Forster must be using him as bait.
Bella went to the only place she could think of to get her much valuable information. The Tavern by the main square: The Laughing Goose. A silly name for a tavern. It was not only unfashionable—for it could well belong in a small village belonging to the Middle Ages—it looked the part as well. But it was much beloved by the people of central Hayes. The owner was a stout woman in her late fifties, having taken over the place after the death of her husband. She was built like a barrel and was the heartiest woman Bella knew. All called her Little Lucy, the name invoking such irony that those who had yet to meet her, would usually drop their mouth to the ground once they caught sight of the pudgy and tall woman. All were allowed in her tavern, rich or poor, man or woman; Lucy didn't care or mind. She held a firm grip over the inn and ruled justly over her own little kingdom while making sure no fights erupted and taking care that her patrons got home safe as it closed at the end of a long day.
Bella was always welcomed into the tavern for two reasons. The first was that Little Lucy liked the spirited young girl. They would hold very interesting conversations at times. Lucy would bring Bella into a world she scarcely knew—of grotesque jokes, witty comments and amazing tales of traveling the country. Lucy brought Bella away from the mundane life in Hayes. But she was also welcomed for she would usually see to it that the ever-growing bills of a certain someone were paid in full.
Sgt. Thompson loved The Laughing Goose because it had the best meals and wine in the area. The beer was not too shabby there either. It was there he would go whenever he got his monthly pay. And he would usually spend it within the fortnight. So, whenever Miss Swan showed up there to see Little Lucy, he would light up. He knew the girl would take kindly to him and help him out with his rather big monetary problems.
And, in exchange, when Thompson had had a little too much to drink, he would be open to answering any question the young woman could coax out of him.
Bella walked into the first floor of the tavern. It was still before noon and so, not a lot of people frequented it now. When Lucy saw her, she waved her to come over. The thought of a young woman of a rich and distinguished family entering a tavern such as The Laughing Goose was never frowned upon by the townspeople—at least not most of them.
"Hey, there she is!" shouted Lucy with her strong voice. Her curly, strawberry blonde hair rested like a bird's nest atop of her head, graying strands peeking out here and there. Her face was dusted with flour. She must've been baking during the morning.
"Mrs. Berg," Bella curtsied with a charming smile on her face. She always lit up whenever she saw her beloved Lucy. The older woman snorted and frowned.
"I'll have none of that Mrs. Berg shit," she swore. "Lucy, I've told ya!" she grinned, one corner tooth missing.
"Dear Lucy, it is positively too early in the day to be swearing so," Bella said, mocking offense.
"Tryin' to make me an honest woman?" Lucy asked, her grin growing wider as she poured a cup of apple juice—Bella's favorite.
"I would never dare," Bella exclaimed in a faint laugh, accepting the cup and indulging in the sweet liquid. She was grateful that the juice washed away the bitter taste of tea that she'd had to endure at the Stanley's. Bella had never been much for tea. She looked around, expecting to see a familiar face. All she saw was the light space of the tavern. She was by the bar, the windows looking out on the square lit up the whole room. At the back of it, tall windows brought in even more light. The dark wood with which the interior had been decorated in did little to light up the place otherwise. Candles had been placed spontaneously on a few tables. Lucy never bothered much in changing them and the wax had already started spilling on the worn and darkened wood. But otherwise, the older woman made sure to keep the place spotless. A few of the servers who worked there took away some plates from eating customers. Others ventured to the second floors to see if some rooms had been vacated so that they might change the linens for the day.
Bella only perceived three other people in the room. Two of them she recognized—they would usually frequent the tavern. They were an older gentleman and a soldier. The third she did not recognize. He sat a bit closer to them, his dirty long hair hanging in his face as he was bent over the table. He seemed terribly drunk. The shabby clothes seemed to have been worn for a long time—even his coat was wrinkly. She could not perceive anything distinguishable about him other than that it was too early in the day to be drunk.
Lucy had followed her gaze. "Some get an early start," the tavern owner said. "He's been here for the last week, comin' down every mornin' and drinkin' his heart out—fallin' asleep by noon and not leavin' until I send one of my girls to drag him away and get payment." She shook her head as she meticulously started wiping the countertop of the long bar. "And Lord knows how he gets his money. But money he manages to pay me each day, the nifty bastard! If I knew how he managed, I'd soon follow in his footsteps. Must be one of em' rich bastards from outa town."
Bella tore her gaze away from the drunkard, not too interested in him at that moment. "Lucy, pray tell, have you not seen Sgt. Thompson this morning? I would like to sit down and have a glass with him," she said with hope in her voice. She wondered indeed what interesting remarks the fat sergeant could have about last night. Bella was certain he must've been in the thick of the action.
Lucy threw the rag smack down on the table, leaning forward. Had Bella been a man, her eyes would have inevitably been drawn to the generous exposure of the woman's large bust. "I tells ya, I haven't seen him all mornin'," Lucy said. That was a very peculiar thing indeed. Sgt. Thompson would be one of the first to enter the tavern. He would visit it at least three times a day.
"Not even in the square with the morning patrol?" she asked as her brow furrowed.
"He wasn't out with the mornin' patrol!" Lucy exclaimed. Bella's face now turned into the same astonished expression as Lucy's held.
"Oh," she managed to say.
"Ya can bloody well say 'Oh'." Lucy turned to look at the garrison, far across the square, beyond the gallows that were being constructed. "Who knows what really happened in there last night."
Someone dropped their cup. It was the soldier who had spilled its ruby contents, the drink now soiled over his wrinkled uniform. The man got up in a hasty step. He seemed shaken and promptly excused himself, placing a few coins on the table before leaving the tavern.
Bella and Lucy stared after him in silence. As soon as the door had closed the bigger woman was the first to open her mouth. "I bet ya five silver coins that he saw what happened yesterday," she said. But Bella was halfway to the door to even notice Little Lucy speaking to her. She rushed in fast steps. The young girl haphazardly pushed past the drunkard.
"Watch it!" he blurted out in a slur.
"Terribly sorry, sir!" she shouted as she continued to the door. She could only hear mutters behind her as he once again rested his head over the table.
"Private?" Bella shouted after the soldier who had rushed out of the tavern. The intense sun seemingly blinded her as she stepped out. He was halfway across the square before she noticed him. Bella's restricting gown did not allow her to run after him as she would've liked. She kicked at the dirt in anger.
"Miss Swan, I believe we should return before noon passes. Else your parents might suspect you've gone elsewhere," came a mellow voice behind her. It was the footman who had driven her there from the Stanley's.
"Right," Bella muttered. She looked at the gallows once more. Her father would listen little to her. But perhaps she could return later that evening, to beg an audience with the local judge. Bella wanted to see if Jacob had had his trial yet. He was entitled to some sort of defense before being sentenced to such a horrible end.
The next day, she was reminded that they would have guests that evening. She had completely forgotten. Her father was up in arms about the state of the house, while her mother would run around in the kitchen, trying to help as much as she could. Lady Renée had not grown up in a fine household. There had been a time when she'd had to do all of her own housework. So, the lady of the house was a fine cook.
Bella had protested that she did not wish to sit through the entire dinner. But her father would have none of it. He had angrily reprimanded her. Earlier during the day, Sgt. Thompson had stopped by the kitchen while Bella was taking a bath. He was there to retrieve the meat pies that Dory had prepared for him. Word reached Mr. Swan who had furiously stated that his daughter could not continue to bribe the clueless sergeant.
Night soon fell and their guests arrived.
It was bizarre to sit in the company of two strangers. But what was more bizarre to her was that both strangers were married. Was this not a dinner for her to meet another intended?
The man was strikingly handsome. His blonde hair was in a low ponytail. It was not cropped short, as was becoming fashionable as of late. It was combed away from his face, allowing view of striking golden eyes and a gentle demeanor. The woman next to him was truly his equal in looks. Something about her spoke of finesse and grace Bella had yet to know. She portrayed the elegance of a true woman—a woman of the world. Her auburn hair—lighter than Bella's— was in an intricate bun, soft curls framing her face. Her eyes were hazel, captivating and deep. They drew her in as if she held some secret. But it was her smile that was the real mystery.
They were the Baron and Baroness Masen, a wealthy and noble family just moved to Hayes after having lived in the fashionable Safeira for the last decade.
"We truly regret none of our children could come to meet your charming daughter," the man—Carlisle—said with such honest lament that Bella felt uneasy.
"But I am certain you shall know them soon," the woman pitched in. Her voice was as graceful as she. Esmeralda truly made justice to her name. She held the same elegant, yet powerful presence as would be expected of someone with that name.
"How do you find Hayes?" Renée asked, trying to continue the small talk. Charles had invited the Masens for dinner at their house to establish a connection. When the wealthy merchant heard of the number of children they had, he had not even doubted a second.
"Oh, it is larger than expected, but its charm greatly pleases us. Alas, the people seem strangely wary," Carlisle responded in good humor. "They have this look in their eyes as if worried about something," he said, staring off into the distance. It looked as if a memory had emerged within his mind. But Bella knew there was something he was leaving out.
"People always worry. Hayes is quaint and comfortable for people like us," her father laughed. Bella could not help but roll her eyes and flinch at the phrase. People like us. As long as they were not poor, they would be alright.
"And where might your lovely children be then, if they are not yet here? I heard you are blessed with five lovely girls and boys?" asked Renée, quickly changing the subject, thus saving them from further embarrassment from her father's part. Bella sent her a thankful glance, not ignored by Esmeralda, who was most perceiving.
"We consider ourselves lucky that our family has grown much these last few years. However, we only conceived three children," Carlisle said as he cut the meat on his plate. "Our oldest, Rosalie, married first to a lovely count's son from Sorossa. Our youngest child, Alice, was fortunate to find her husband in Safeira," he continued.
"How lovely," Renée said with deep honesty. It was apparent she did not think the presence of two daughters as a misfortune for her own daughter's future prospects. Charles Swan, however, did.
"They decided to come once the house was ready. They are indeed a comfortable bunch." Carlisle proceeded to put the exquisite piece of meat in his mouth.
"And what of your second child?" Charles was hoping that inviting them over was not yet another waste of his time. He needed to find a suitor for Bella, and soon. He looked over at his lovely daughter. She was now of marrying age and yet they had not found someone suitable for her. In September she would turn twenty, and in his mind, her time was running out. Charles wanted the final thing that would cement his hold in society—a nobleman for a son-in-law.
A proud look spread across Carlisle's features at the mention of his youngest child. "Edward is currently away in England, studying at Oxford, making us proud. He is to return within a few months and settle here with us once he has finished his studies." At the mention of a son, an heir to the title, and an unmarried one at that, Charles' eyes lit up like fireworks.
"Capital!" he exclaimed, the wine starting to take effect. Esmeralda started chuckling, promptly joined in by Renée and Carlisle. Bella had grown red at her father's behavior. She sometimes wondered if it was not he who chased all the men away, with such lack of propriety.
Carlisle cleared his voice, the slight stop in conversation once again picked up by him. "I heard some disturbing news yesterday morning. Apparently, someone managed to get a prisoner out of the garrison the day before yesterday."
Charlie grew flustered. He had hoped the conversation would not go into that direction.
"Yes. We were eating a late supper when we heard it happen. It caused quite the commotion," Renée said. She was eager to speak of it too.
"We heard several shots. I don't think I could sleep a wink that night. To think a prisoner had been freed so easily," Esmeralda said and for the first time, Bella saw a hint of worry on her delicate features.
"I cannot speak for the man who freed the prisoner. But Billy Black is no common thief nor a dangerous man you should be worried about," she began. She ignored her father's kicks from under the table. "He is an honorable man who spoke up for the townspeople—foolishly perhaps—but not without cause. He was imprisoned unjustly," she said with such passion in her voice that Esmeralda put down her fork. Instead of being offended by those words, she managed a friendly smile.
"It seems you think rather passionately about this, Miss Swan."
Bella finally remembered herself. "Oh, not at all. I spoke out of term." She snuck a glance at her father; his face looking as if he'd just bitten into a lemon. He must be thinking the night a fiasco. "I beg you forgive my outlandish thoughts," she forced herself to say.
But Esmeralda only laughed. "You remind me of myself when I was younger, Isabella." The Baroness seemed to grow fonder of the spirited young woman.
The night continued in the same fashion until they were all full and satisfied. The Masens left the mansion before midnight and Bella took the chance to sneak to the stables and saddle April. The mare looked at her mistress with irritating eyes. For her, it was time to sleep, not be riding toward the garrison.
But Bella was determined. The night grew later, and fewer graced the streets. But more patrols had been circulating since the previous night's occurrence.
April took her mistress to the garrison where the gates had now been shut. Five lancers were stationed as a nightly guard. Some used their muskets to lean against, fighting hard to keep the sleep out of their eyes.
"No visitors," one of them snapped. But as he caught sight of Bella Swan, he straightened. "That means for you as well, Miss Swan."
Bella saw what the soldiers had been building during the past two days. The gallows had been finished. "I wish to speak with the sergeant," she said, still mounted on April. There was a sense of urgency in her voice.
Golden candlelight spilled out onto the street from the windows of The Laughing Goose. It was the only lit building in the area—this was when it thrived, when many would come and quench their midnight thirst.
"He is not available. And please lower your voice, miss, lest the captain hears you!" the lancer said with worry. But the young woman would not be silenced.
"Let him hear me then. I want Thompson to tell me if Jacob Black has had a trial yet and why gallows have been built on the square!"
The tall wooden doors of the garrison were soon opened. Out stepped the fat sergeant, his eyes still heavy with sleep. The unshaven chins jiggled as he struggled to get his left foot in his boot. He'd left his uniform coat back in his chamber. "What is the commotion, you will wake the captain!" he hissed. But when he caught sight of a mounted Bella, he quickly cleared his voice. "Oh, Miss Swan," he said smiling. "What are you doing here?"
Bella got down from April, releasing the reins. She knew her horse would not stray far from her mistress. "I am here because you are holding a man within those walls that has no reason to be there. I am here because I am seeing gallows in the middle of the square. I am here because I fear Jacob Black will be given the same sentence as his father and hang at dawn!" she exclaimed, fighting the rising fear. The sergeant looked as afraid as her at first. His face was an astonishing display of emotions—as open as a book. But then he seemed to finally find a grip on the situation.
"Young Mr. Black hasn't had a trial yet. Calm yourself, miss," the sergeant assured her.
"Then why are you building those gallows?" she demanded.
Thompson glanced at his soldiers. He did not like to see the pretty young woman so distressed. There were few in the square that could overhear them. The placed an arm around her and took her to the side. "Because Captain Forster is a very intelligent man. He had us construct the gallows thinking it would draw out the rescuer," Thompson said, grinning. But Bella wasn't as gullible. She did not believe for one second that Forster would pass off a reason to make a show of force.
"Forster could be sending the Royal Guard to the woods to apprehend bandits and thieves, yet he wastes his time with stupidity like this," she said sourly. "And when is Mr. Black to have his trial?"
Thompson ignored her first remark. "Captain Forster placed out notices on the boards of Hayes this afternoon, didn't you see? As soon as Mr. Black is returned to our custody and the unknown man steps forth, Jacob Black will have a fair trial."
Bella stared at Thompson in disbelief. "And you think this man will just hand himself and Billy Black over? After all the trouble he must've gone through to save him in the first place?" she asked with such disbelief in her voice that it could not be missed. But Thompson managed to miss out on her condescending tone despite himself.
"Yes!" he said with an innocent smile. Bella sometimes forgot that Thompson could have the simple mind of a naïve child.
She left him with only a frustrated sigh. There was little else she could do. Waking up Captain Forster at such an hour would be signing her own demise. She would have to keep faith and hope Jacob would either not be hanged at dawn, or rescued by the same mysterious man as his father had. Meanwhile, she thought she could speak with a dear friend she trusted with these issues—Lucas Ridge. He was a man of the law and would surely know what to do. If Jacob could not be saved by some mysterious shadow, he might have another chance with the law.
She went to April who'd managed to find the only patch of grass growing through the tight cobblestones that lined the square.
"You are leaving already, Miss Swan? Since I'm up, I was thinking about visiting Little Lucy," Thompson said with disappointment behind her.
"I am. I need some rest. And you should get some as well, sergeant," she said, mounting April in one swift motion. The horse set into a slow canter, the hooves clattering against the hard stone as she took her away from that defeating scene and home.
Although, there was one other place Bella wished to see. But she knew it would not be wise going to Raven's Grove. The young woman had little fear of what lurked amongst the trees. The northwestern part of the forest—where she usually went—had not seen bandits since a few decades back. And while some now lurked by the main road snaking through it, there were none that went off it, for fear of getting lost.
She worried more about what the patrolling soldiers would whisper in Forster's ear if they caught sight of a young woman leaving for the forest in the dead of night. It would not bode well for her family if she was suspected of being involved in the mysterious salvation of Mr. Black.
Lucas Ridge had been receiving more visits than he could count for the last few days. The Black family was a much-beloved one in Hayes and that first the oldest and then the youngest should've been imprisoned had the townspeople fuming. But they were all wise enough to realize that speaking out against Captain Forster was not an option.
He was surrounded by books of law and reports of the arrest and eyewitnesses when Bella Swan was led into his office by his maid.
Mr. Ridge looked at her from over his half-moon spectacles. His thin black hair was out of its otherwise neat and low ponytail. He had cast his frock aside and sat by his desk, scratching his head as he looked through the papers.
"You find me no good company today," he muttered as Bella stepped over a few stacks of books while getting into the room.
"You must know why I am here at this hour, Mr. Ridge," she said, taking in the splattered ink on his desk as well as the vast quantity of books.
"You and half of Hayes have been here with the same request," Ridge said. He waved his hand at her, motioning for her to leave. "It will do me no good with distractions."
"Then you have found something?" She fiddled with her hands as her lips pressed together. Bella liked Mr. Ridge, a decent man and someone who was a good friend to her. He was like the uncle she'd never had. But he could never be her father's brother, he was far too sensible to be related to Charles Swan. But indeed, she had grown up running over to his house, allowed to read his many volumes and vast collections of foreign literature.
"Perhaps," he said. Lucas removed the spectacles and pressed the bridge of his nose. The thin man fought against the growing headache. He had not slept a wink the whole night. "There are many reasons Captain Forster cannot hold Mr. Black or his son imprisoned. That he held a trial in silence is enough to have him reprimanded. But considering the day and age we live in, we've better luck with that crazy fellow rescuing Jacob," he finished.
"But surely something can be done," Bella waded through the paper, caring little if she stepped on it. "Something has to be done. That man, whoever he is, has made Billy Black a fugitive from the law. If he brings Billy back and we assure him a just trial, he might have his old life back."
"If Billy Black has a just trial, I am certain that would be the case."
"Then we must make this information known to the rescuer," Bella said with giddy hopefulness.
The look on Mr. Ridge's face dismayed her, however. "Maybe if we make sure the right judge precedes over the trial?" she asked in another hopeful tone.
"That's what I've been thinking as well. And tell me, Miss Swan, how many good judges do you know of in the area?"
She looked down at the floor. "Few, if none."
"Precisely. I had a letter this morning recommending I contact someone called Mr. Johnson in Safeira. But would this man answer a letter from some small-town lawyer? I think not!"
"Who sent you this information?" Bella asked, growing suspicious suddenly.
"A John Doe," he said. As soon as Lucas uttered the name, he understood Bella's suspicion. He'd been tired when he'd read the letter. "Someone wishing to remain anonymous, perhaps," he stated.
"But if someone from Safeira were to know this Mr. Johnson and write to him, would he not come then?" Bella asked.
"Safeira is not like Hayes. Just because they lived in the same city does not mean they ever frequented the same circles. I doubt very much that any of the frequent travelers that go to The Laughing Goose will have much luck in convincing this judge."
Bella's grin widened. "I'm not speaking of just anyone," she said.
Mr. Ridge stared at her over his spectacles. He had known the girl since before she could walk, and the lawyer always got curious when such a look appeared on her face. It would usually spell trouble for those around her.
"Mr. Ridge, leave contacting the judge from Safeira to me. I am certain there are other things you'd have to go over if this trial should ever proceed."
Lucas nodded in unison with what she'd said. "Indeed. I'd need to gather more witnesses and speak with the judge, Mr. Fields, who saw over Mr. Black's trial." The man swallowed, not too keen on taking on such a task. "I'd have to speak to Captain Forster himself," he said with a weak voice.
"Perhaps you should wait with that," Bella murmured. She remembered the feeling Forster would invoke in her whenever she saw him. A chill would run down her spine and she would wish she were somewhere else. The dust in the room burned her lungs and Bella could not wait to leave the mess of Mr. Ridge's office.
"I am off, Mr. Ridge. I will stop by this evening and see what you've found." She went for the door but as she neared, something pulled at her to stop. A graceful twirl of her feet turned her around. "I am certain we shall remedy this," she said with confidence in her voice. But if there was something she was lacking, it was the confidence she portrayed.
Bella kept staring at the muddy ground as April carried her to the Masen townhouse. She knew it was not pertinent of her to show up there without an invitation or without having sent word. But the way Esmeralda Masen had treated her gave the young girl hope. Perhaps Carlisle Masen would be inclined to help her for a just cause. Bella had little reason to trust in the rich aristocrats and nobility. If there was one thing she knew, it was that they all only cared for themselves. There was a certain arrogance and selfishness around them that made her wish the world could change.
While still deep in thought, she suddenly looked up, alarmed when April stopped. Her horse had taken her mindless mistress to her destination. Sometimes Bella thought April could read her very thoughts.
The neat street with townhouses was in the newer section of Hayes. The buildings that had stood here before had been old and downtrodden. Some had dated as far back as the middle ages. It was the mayor who had decided it best to take it all down and build newer and better houses. Although elegant, Bella felt a piece of Hayes had been extinguished when the old and colorful buildings had been removed. It was a piece of the town that told of its history. And now it was gone, replaced with finesse and finery.
It was on this street that the Masens would live for the foreseeable future. Apparently—from what she had heard—Lord Masen was currently on the lookout for an estate. It seemed a townhouse was not enough for them.
Bella felt out of place as April took her down the elegant pavement next to the tall brick buildings. They were all built wall-to-wall. All stood three stories tall, each level had resplendent and elegant tall windows, letting in as much light as possible. The first level of the buildings was built in white stone. The same polished white stone would frame the windows. The rest of the house was in a brick of elegant deep brown that reminded her of the color of aged mahogany.
Trees had been planted on the street in front of the houses with even spaces. The young trees started sprouting white flowers in their crowns as early summer rolled on. The street held a lovely fragrance, mixed together with the appetizing smell of cooking food and baking. Somewhere in these houses, a family was to dine well.
She stopped at number six on the street. It was a wider building. The small stairs leading up to the black doors looked so neat and polished that she dared not climb them for fear of dirtying them. But Bella felt stupid, standing there and staring at the tall building looming over her. April nudged her forward—as if the horse were telling her to grow some courage.
Bella took a deep breath—Mr. Black and his son were counting on her. She left her horse tied to the black iron fence and walked past the gates. She stared at the silver door knocker. It was the head of a lion holding a large brass ring in its mouth with swirling patterns.
Bella took the ring in her hand, its sheer weight surprising her. She knocked three times, the sound ringing loudly in her ears. She could hear the echo of the knocks on the other side of the door and her stomach jumped with butterflies.
Steps sounded and someone opened the door.
Joseph pushed the heavy door open. He loathed the thing and could not understand why Lord Masen had not yet replaced it as soon as they had moved in. He knew none had sent word of wanting to see neither the Baron nor his wife. The butler suddenly wondered if it was one of the children who had arrived a week or so too early. But as the door swung open, he only found himself face to face with two large chocolate brown eyes.
"Good day to you, sir," she said, curtsying. "I seek the Baron, or the Baroness, if any of them happen to be home," she said with little ceremony.
Joseph stared at her further. He took in her appearance. Her chestnut hair had hints of reddish streaks in it whenever the sun danced across it. Her delicate eyebrows balanced on a heart-shaped face with otherwise elegant features. But there was something in her air that told him that this young woman did not hold that certain finesse of which he was so used in seeing those ladies that would visit the Baron's household. But he was certain that the woman was a lady. For she certainly dressed the part, albeit a bit sloppy. Her gown was dirty at the hem and, her hair, held back by pins, had already started coming loose. But there was a vibrancy in her eyes he had not seen in many—save a select few. Before even getting to know the young woman, he decidedly liked what he saw. She was a breath of fresh air from the otherwise uptight noblemen.
She seemed to wonder why he had not yet answered her. Joseph forgot himself and wondered with what look he had been contemplating her.
Bella grew more nervous as the uptight man gave her such a look of condescension that she wanted to sink through the earth. "I am Isabella Swan if Lord Masen should ask," she said in a fainter voice.
The man's otherwise harsh face lit up suddenly. The switch was as contrasting as day and night. The smile alone took at least ten years off his face and, all of a sudden, the man she'd thought old and uptight grew more charming in her eyes. She looked past the specks of gray and white in his otherwise black head of hair. The dark eyes glowed as he stepped aside.
"His lordship is indeed home," he answered. "If you will follow me, I shall take you to him." Joseph remembered that name. Esmeralda Masen had spoken it with such warmth in her voice that he could not easily forget it.
Bella stepped into the foyer and her breath was taken away. Even if she lived in a grand house herself, theirs was a few centuries old and, so, the construction so different. The foyer of the Masens was more open, more spacious. It was higher in roof as well. To her delight, it was almost entirely in whites and golds. The chandelier was hoisted high over them and the crystals gleamed as the beams of the sun hit them. She walked on the elegant red and maroon rug that continued up the marble stairs. The butler took her up the next level and through a myriad of corridors until finally arriving at a small parlor.
"Please wait here, madam and his lordship shall be with you shortly," the man spoke with gentility as he took a chair out for her, allowing her to sit by a small table next to the window.
The parlor was quaint—much like their own parlor back home. The Masens had decorated it with the same easy style as her mother. It seemed they were still settling in for there was a grand lack of furniture.
She looked out the window that faced the street. A laugh escaped her as she saw April, biting at the reins holding her in place. The mare had caught sight of a juicy tuft of grass on the other side of the street. Bella was entertained by her horse until the door opened once more and Carlisle Masen entered, shown there by the butler.
Bella immediately got up and curtsied, but the middle-aged Baron merely smiled and bade her sit down again. "Bring us some tea, will you Joseph?" he asked as he sat down facing her.
"That won't be necessary, Lord Masen, I shan't be long," she said. "I only came to speak with you of a most important matter."
Joseph stood by the door, unsure if he should listen to the Baron or to the guest. When Carlisle nodded—his smile replaced by a slight frown—he closed the door behind him, leaving them be.
"It sounds serious," Carlisle said.
"It is most serious. I am sorry for my lack of propriety by coming here without calling, but there was no one else I could go to, my lord," Bella said, folding her hands in her knees to keep them from picking at her hair. Carlisle's frown grew deeper and the wrinkles seemed more prominent, making him looked older.
"I am sure you have a good reason for being here, there is nothing to apologize for," he assured her. Bella was relieved he was already so understanding. The air in the room changed. There had been no tension there before, but it descended upon them like a great storm. Carlisle felt it too and as he watched her gripping at her dress, he wondered what might be so important.
"You might have heard of a certain Mr. Black being detained a few days ago and then miraculously escaping the confinements of his cell before the morning of his execution," she started.
"We mentioned it briefly during dinner at your parent's house," Carlisle agreed.
"I know the family. I have grown up with them my lord and before I continue, I must state that Billy Black is a man of fine character. There is no one nobler that I can think of in all of Hayes. The same can be said for his son. Alas, even if he is a great man, his temper gets the better of him. The day he was arrested, I was there, I was witness to the whole ordeal," she sensed Carlisle was about to interrupt her.
"I urge you to not think ill of me for not having said anything before. I am taking a great leap of faith in trusting you with this information, my lord, as my parents do not know of this. The reason I am telling you this is because Mr. Black was detained on a false charge—that of treason." Bella didn't know the whole reason for rushing there. But if the same man who had saved Billy Black had given them another way to help him back into society and further help him from Forster, she would do all in her power to help him.
"Treason?" It seemed Carlisle grew decidedly interested now as he leaned forward.
"Mr. Black only spoke up against the injustices of Captain Forster, the current commandant of the guards and soldiers of Hayes. Mr. Black was too proud to keep quiet and one thing led to another. Before we knew it, the captain hurled charges of treason against him. Charges, my lord, that few if any would want to get involved in. We from Hayes know when to shut our mouths, we know what is best for us. But I believe Mr. Black had had enough of it all and he spoke up."
Carlisle Masen drifted closer and closer to her. There was a look of indignation plastered on his features. Bella felt the hope she'd had for this man dwindle. He was like the rest of the noblemen; too afraid to do anything that would taint his good name.
"And what do you want from me?" he asked with caution in his voice.
"Mr. Black's son was arrested the morning after his father's miraculous escape under the same charges."
Carlisle's eyes lit up, it seemed she held his attention now.
"We have not been able to see him; neither have his friends nor family. I do not know if he has seen a trial or even spoken to a lawyer. The reason I am here is because I visited a friend of mine this morning—a lawyer himself who has decided to look into the matter. We believe that if Billy Black were to return and stand trial again—a fair trial with a fair judge—then he and his son would be acquitted of all charges. They would get their lives back and Mr. Black would not have to live as a fugitive from the law."
Bella held her breath as she looked at Carlisle with anticipation in her eyes. "I've heard that a Mr. Johnson in Safeira is supposed to be a revered man of the law and a just judge. I thought that perhaps you knew him and would be willing to contact him for us."
Carlisle got up from his chair and went to look out the window. "This Captain Forster, has he done this before?" Carlisle asked.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean if he has imprisoned people without a cause. It sounds to me like this Mr. Black might have insulted the man and he took it out on him," Carlisle said in a pensive manner.
"Yes."
Carlisle turned around, knowing she was not telling him everything. "And what has he done to these people?"
"Most get away with a flogging. Others have been sent to labor camps," she whispered, looking down at the floor. Carlisle gritted his teeth.
"This is not acceptable," he growled. "And nothing has been done about this?" The lack of furniture made his deep voice bounce across the room, reverberating like an echo in a valley. "I will, of course, write to him," he started. "I will have to contact many of my friends in Safeira—"
Bella got up in a hasty manner. "I urge you, my lord, to not do anything foolish. The only thing you need to do is to write this Mr. Johnson. If you try anything against Captain Forster, I am certain you will not suffer the consequences because you are an aristocrat. But the rest of us might not be so lucky," she said. Carlisle detected a hint of fear and sorrow in her voice. Might it be that Isabella Swan had witnessed things he rather not delve further into? She curtsied and headed for the door. She did not stay behind to hear more of what he had to say.
"I will show myself out. I am most grateful for your time, Lord Masen. Let me know if Mr. Johnson responds to your letter," she said as she headed for the door. Carlisle looked pensive as she left him there. But he soon snapped out of it and accompanied her to the foyer. Esmeralda descended the stairs when she saw Bella leave, walking to April and mounting her. Carlisle stood by the opened door.
"Dear, why did you not let me know that we had company?" Esmeralda asked as she came to stand by his side, looking as Bella rode away in a slow trot.
"It was a brief encounter, Esme," he said with a pause. "I need to write a letter… a very detailed letter," he said with a darker voice. Carlisle was well connected, and he would get to the bottom of this.
A/N: Chapter 2 is up, finally! I've seen some speculations in the reviews about where this story is going, and rather than answering, I think I'll just let the story play out since I don't want to give anything away ;) You'll see pretty soon how this will end hehe
Thank you to those who reviewed and read this story! I always appreciate it, and I'm so happy to see so many returning from the Secrets trilogy to read Audeamus as well. Again, if you haven't read the trilogy, you don't have to do that to understand this fic :)
Cheers,
Isabelle