AUDEAMUS
Chapter 5
The day of the trial was a rainy one. It had been nothing but bad weather for the past two days. It seemed a bad omen for Jacob and Billy Black. But, nonetheless, it was the day they would finally know their destiny.
The local courthouse had been prepared. It was not really a courthouse, but the town hall, refurbished to house more people than usual.
Bella had managed to enter. She kept her head bent low as she pulled the scarf further down over her face. Lorraine had lent her some of her clothes. Bella had so wanted to be there, and she knew her father or mother would never let her. And if she was discovered, she was sure that her parents would be informed. The only ones who knew of her presence there were Sara and Lorraine, both standing by her side. And Mr. Ridge—the man who had ushered them in.
"You should not be here," he had said. But he allowed her entry either way. Mr. Ridge knew that it was partially due to Bella that this trial could even take place. She had a right to see how it went.
Never before had she felt such a fluttering in her stomach. She noticed, strangely, that Carlisle Masen was absent. Was he not supposed to support Mr. Ridge?
The hall filled as more townspeople managed to squeeze in. Finally, the tall doors opened at the back of the room and the lancers stepped in with Forster in the lead. Jacob and Billy were led in chains like common thieves through the middle walk to the stand. The judge took his seat and Mr. Ridge sat down next to the accused.
"Let it begin," Johnson said as he straightened the powdered wig. "Prosecution," he said, motioning for Forster to come forth. Bella could not help as an eyebrow arched. Of course, Forster was the prosecution. The captain, in his polished uniform, stepped forth. More medals decorated the military garb than usual. The spotless dark-green coat saw medal upon medal pooling over his chest.
The proud captain neared the stand and smoothed his hair as he began with the accusations. Mr. Ridge sat together with Billy and Jacob, patiently waiting for the captain to finish. When Forster noticed that he held the attention of the entire room, his chest puffed out and he basked in the spotlight. Bella had never before beheld such blatant arrogance.
"It was words of treason that Mr. Black spoke that day—against taxation and the presence of the soldiers in Hayes. I am certain he would have said more," Forster continued in a disgruntled manner. "I gave him a warning, of course. But the man insultingly continued. He insisted on insulting the way our king has seen fit to rule us—thus insulting His Majesty himself," Forster finished in a bow, taking a seat. Bella felt her ire rise. Half of what Forster said was overdramatized and exaggerated.
She turned to look at Mr. Ridge as he calmly got up from his seat. All eyes were on the lawyer as he took to the front. Mr. Ridge pushed the spectacles up his nose and the moment he started talking, the whole room fell silent. Bella's brows arched as she contemplated the man expertly manipulating the words in his favor. Mr. Ridge was good—better than she had expected.
"None of us protest against the good judgment of His Majesty," Lucas said as he bowed to Forster, almost as if taunting him. "Nor does Billy Black. I will remind you all here present that Mr. Black served in the military some decades back, in the war with Portugal. I will also remind you, that he fought side by side with General Hastings and that he was rewarded with a medal of courage by the very same General. I have a statement here from Sir Hastings, that attests to the good nature and patriotism of Mr. Black's character." Lucas read the statement and showed it to the judge and held it up for the court to see.
"We can thus conclude, that Mr. Black did not speak out against his Majesty and that the charges of treason are forfeit. What he spoke out against, however, was the taxations put forth by Lord Newton, who is not present here today," Lucas said. He turned around as if trying to find the lord in the crowd. "I can therefore not directly question the Count of Cadherra in this matter. But since he has not made a statement ever since the imprisonment of any of these men, I suspect he has not taken offense at this matter. The only person who was otherwise implicated here was Captain Forster, who I believe felt himself insulted and turned this matter personal. I further dare to state, after anonymous accounts of various good people in this town, that Captain Forster did push the charges of treason. The public unrest that Mr. Black is charged with does not have any backing as, from what anonymous witnesses have told me, the man did not begin a brawl, he did not start hurling insults at anyone nor did he cause a general stir that unsettled the people at the market that day almost three weeks ago."
Bella could not stop her smile from spreading as she caught sight of Forster's face. Mr. Ridge had been right—there were no grounds for the charges against Billy or his son. This was to be a piece of cake if the law worked as it should.
"Furthermore," Lucas said, grabbing his coat, walking back and forth in slow steps. "The grounds for arresting Jacob Black are nonexistent. It is further proof that this whole matter is a direct cause due to Captain Forster's injured pride. Jacob Black was not present on the day of the market, he was at home, as his cousins and countless other witnesses have stated. He has no tie-ins with these preposterous charges of treason. Thus, it is my recommendation that those who imprisoned Jacob Black should see punishment instead. And I am certain most of you will notice Billy Black's split lip and dark bruise—poor attempts have been made to cover his limp too. These wounds stem from the treatment he has received while in Forster's custody—as Mr. Black has kindly made known to me."
Lucas finished and turned to face the judge. "That is all for now, Your Honor," he said with a bow, going to take the seat. When he was done, the crowd had to restrain itself from cheering out loud. Bella spotted Sgt. Thompson as he started clapping, promptly stopped by a furious Captain Forster.
Johnson leaned forward and looked at the now defamed captain. "We are now calling the accused to the stand to relate their side of the story," the judge said.
Billy was first. He told of the day of the market, the hasty trial in which he had not even a defendant and the unavoidable execution, without even being able to see his family. He finished with his rescue, relating that he was thankful to the man who saved his life and that he would not be standing here otherwise—but that he had no name to give them. Jacob followed his father and related the last few weeks in prison, saying how he was given no information as to why he was there except for being related to his father, who had escaped the prison.
When father and son were done, Bella was certain the trial would end that very same day and perhaps with Captain Forster paying a hefty price for it.
"Are there any other proceedings the prosecution wishes to take?" Mr. Johnson asked Forster. The man had grown sour and he fought against everything not to lash out against the judge.
"I wish for the trial to resume tomorrow," the captain spat. Bella furrowed her brow.
"Tomorrow?" the judge asked. Forster had, as the prosecution, right to ask to resume the trial. But that was only in case he needed to further bring forth more evidence against the accused.
"These men, together with Mr. Ridge are working to defame me. But my accusation of treason remains. This whole town works to defame me, Your Honor, and I shall prove it to you. The Royal Guard is a protection for the people, even if that means protection for the people against themselves. These men, Jacob and Billy Black, have tried to rally these good men and women into rebellion," he sneered.
Mr. Johnson rose an eyebrow. "Indeed?" he said. He wondered what Forster would try next. But he had no other choice than to allow him what he asked.
He turned to Mr. Ridge. "Does the defense have any other wishes?"'
"Indeed. We wish to call Captain Forster to the stand tomorrow," Lucas said with a sly smile. As soon as he said those words a collective gasp floated through the crowd—Bella was one of them.
Forster stood up, undignified. "This is preposterous!" he exclaimed. "I am a Captain of the Royal Guard, I will do no such thing!" he spat.
Mr. Johnson leaned forward. "Under usual circumstances, I would agree with you, Captain Forster. You should not be questioned as such in a civilian court. However, seeing all the evidence against you, I am inclined to agree with Mr. Ridge here," the judge said. "We will resume this trial tomorrow as per your request. Under the meantime, both accused will be allowed back into their homes, with the exception of two guards stationed there to keep an eye on them."
Johnson turned to Jacob and Billy. "I suspect you will not run away," he mused. Billy gave a slight chuckle, joined in by his son.
"No indeed," the man said with a light heart. He could not believe how well their endeavor had gone. Never in a million years did he think Mr. Ridge would speak so well for their case.
Bella could not believe it. Hayes could not believe it. The success of Mr. Ridge and the trial spread like wildfire throughout the gossipy town. She had barely been home for an hour before even her parents got wind of the news. Bella started believing in Mr. Ridge then, in his view of the law. It could work for the benefit of those less fortunate. Men like Captain Forster could not bend it—it was just, after all.
She returned the following day, eager to see the downfall of the arrogant captain. Bella still kept hidden. She spotted Lucy in the crowd.
The accused were brought to the stand, as well as Forster. But he blatantly refused and there was little Mr. Johnson could do against it.
"But you do understand, captain, that this behavior is most disagreeing. I am in a mind to open an investigation against you!" the judge's voice boomed in the room with fury as he furrowed his brow.
"I will not take the stand because I have not done anything wrong!" the proud captain countered arrogantly. Bella could not hide the scoff that escaped her. How ironic it was that Forster should find himself in that position.
"Wha' a hypocrite," Lucy said in a tone most could hear. It might have been meant as a whisper by her, but at least half of the courtroom got wind of her comment. Forster grew red at the comment and was about to give the tall woman a piece of his mind when the judge interrupted him.
"The evidence you have provided us for the charges against Billy Black is not enough," Johnson started.
"I have further evidence to provide today," Forster said with a smug smile. Bella grew confused, like most others in that room. What could the captain possibly have that would thwart the case? The captain motioned for Sgt. Thompson to come forth. The sergeant hesitated but did as his commanding officer had ordered. The plump man presented a small pamphlet to the judge.
"The soldiers posted as guard at Mr. Black's residence last night found this in Jacob Black's room," the captain said. Bella could not see the contents of it. She stretched her neck to get a better view—alas it was for naught. The young woman had to wait like everyone else.
The captain told Sgt. Thompson to show it to Jacob and Billy. "Do you recognize this?" he asked them. Billy remained silent, but Jacob showed a look of recognition as he saw the piece of paper. He understood then that they were doomed.
Forster took the pamphlet and held it so that the onlookers could see. "This is a pamphlet with French propaganda!" he exclaimed dramatically. Bella could finally read the bold letters "liberté, égalité, fraternité" on the front and her heart sank in her chest. Those pamphlets were not uncommon in Angloa. Trading ships would often bring them over to the coastal towns and they would somehow get redistributed along the countryside. She had one at home as well—she had read that very same pamphlet. But the young woman knew it was of little importance. Everyone had read one at one time or another. However, she could now see how Forster could construct a case around the new evidence. It was, after all, still French propaganda—come from the bosom of the rebellion itself that had taken down one of the most powerful monarchies in Europe.
"The very prospect of owning this pamphlet could be constituted as treasonous. But I did not just find one pamphlet, I found several in young Mr. Black's chambers," the captain said with such a proud and smug face that Bella had a mind to wipe it off him in one fell swoop.
Mr. Ridge had not yet said a word. He turned to whisper something into Jacob's ear and then spoke in hushed tones with Billy.
"This… changes things," Mr. Johnson said.
"Your Honor, we would like to postpone this trial until further notice. This is evidence I must speak with my clients of," the lawyer said, fighting hard to keep the same neutral pitch to his voice. It was clear to anyone that he was agitated, but Bella knew not to what extent.
The judge scratched the head under the powdered wig. The trial had not even been in session for half an hour until it was disbanded again. As soon as the wooden hammer fell, the mouths of everyone present started running.
New speculations and rumors now formed that Jacob Black was a rebel, a revolutionary—that he had indeed rescued his father all those weeks ago under some sort of guise. Bella and Jacob's eyes crossed for an instant and she saw nothing but fear, anger, and defeat in them. He had given up, it seemed.
Later that evening, Bella returned to speak with Jacob. He had once more been taken to a cell in the garrison after the incriminating evidence. She had seen him slouch against the wall, just like the first day, rid of hope, rid of anything substantial.
He did not even look up when she was let in, yet he knew it to be her. "I am finished with this town, Bella. I am finished with them all."
"Why? Was that pamphlet really yours?" The look he gave her was all she needed. "I mean, we all have had one in our possession at one time or another. We just need everyone in town to bring this information forth and you will be—"
"Hush you fool! How can you openly say that you yourself hold such a thing in your possession?"
"It was never against the law to have such a pamphlet," Bella argued, but she understood what he meant.
"They guessed we would be smart enough to not let those three French words beguile us."
"How many pamphlets did you have?" she asked after hesitating.
"A few dozen," he whispered after a tense moment.
"Oh Jacob," Bella allowed herself to say with defeat in her voice. "And what does Mr. Ridge say?"
"The man acts as if it is his head on the line. I worry about him. You should visit him after you're done here. Let's face it, I am not getting out of here again."
"You have a true heart, Jacob—to be worrying for someone else in a less dire situation than yours," she said, unable to stop the soft smile spreading on her gentle features. Jacob could only offer her a fatigued smile in return.
"What can I say, only a true fool would worry for others in a situation like this one."
Bella rose from where she sat. "I will go see Mr. Ridge. I trust in his ability to remedy this. We should look at this trial as a God-send. It will allow us to show that the law is still just."
She knew he wanted to protest her, but Jacob kept his mouth shut and let her have her naïve impression of the world—even if only for a little bit longer.
The evening went on and for the first time, Bella felt the true warmth of the summer sweep over her. Every year she forgot that pleasant feeling of riding April on the cobblestone streets of Hayes, her mind lost, and her form relaxed. The air would fill with the sweet fragrance of blossoms and the soft chill was not as biting as during the early and late spring. The wind kissing her bare skin was cooling and caressing—welcomed by her, for one.
The young brunette was let into the small upper floor apartment by his maid, Miss Haste—a woman growing frail, her head never rising from the floor, the eyes always glued to her feet.
"Mr. Ridge wasn't expectin' no-one," she whispered as she led her up the stairs.
"That is quite alright, Miss Haste, I am an acquaintance, you have surely seen me here before?"
The maid stopped. The shorter woman rose her face to meet Bella's. The dull eyes glued to her chocolate orbs and a gentle hand came to rest against her arm. "I suggest you return in the mornin', miss," she said. The older maid held the same accent as Lucy—not as pronounced, but Bella could still perceive the local dialect in her speech.
"I am certain Mr. Ridge will not mind," she said, growing tense at the friendliness of the maid. The older woman shrugged her shoulders and took her up the last of the stairs, knocking on the door.
"I've a Miss Swan here for you, sir," she said in a weak voice through the cracks of the door. The light had started fading and Bella saw the candlelight spill out into the hallway. Its eerie yellow hue made her stomach turn, for some reason—a premonition, an instinct within her told her to turn away. But her brain and willpower got the better of her and told her to stay put.
A muffled voice spoke. "Go away, Maria!" she heard. Bella sighed and went to knock on the door herself. "Please, Mr. Ridge, Lucas. I just need to speak with you about today's matters," she said in a pleasantly calm voice.
The young brunette and the maid exchanged a look as silence followed. But then, someone scrambled to their feet and went to unlock the frail door. Yellow light spilled into the hallway and Bella was quickly rustled inside, the door closed behind her.
"Mr. Ridge, this is highly improper of you—" she stopped herself short as she caught sight of his face. Bella saw a man about ready to crumble, only a thin string holding him anchored to his hopes and dreams. "Lucas?" she began carefully. "What on earth is the matter?"
"I will fail Jacob and his father," Lucas said as his voice broke. He hid his face in his hands and turned away from her, sulking to his chair. Bella waded through a sea of documents and intangible papers. She saw his unreadable scribbles on the wrinkled paper and her teeth gritted together.
"You will not," the young woman said. "I know you will not."
Lucas turned around and grabbed her by the shoulders. "And what can I do? There is evidence against Jacob Black now—hard evidence that points at Captain Forster's suspicions being true!"
"Could they not have been planted?" she asked.
"I thought the same, but Jacob Black absolutely assures me that they are his," Lucas lamented.
"But you must not despair!" Bella went to his side. "This is your time to really show us, Hayes—Angloa, that the law is just. This is your time to show that—"
"Listen to me carefully, Miss Swan. If I do not manage to get Mr. Black and his son acquitted from all their charges, it will prove once and for all that the law does not work. I know very well that owning such pamphlets are legal. But now Captain Forster will manipulate the law and use their existence against Jacob. I cannot bring forth people from town attesting that most have read such propaganda—afraid that they themselves will be taken into the garrison and fall into Forster's clutches."
Bella understood the conundrum. The charges of treason had no real evidence against them. Forster could not procure witnesses that would willingly attest that Billy and Jacob Black were rebels. But what the devious captain had done was more than enough. By demonstrating the various pamphlets within Jacob's possession, he had thus given reason to doubt in Jacob's loyalty to the crown. Owning one pamphlet was quite harmless—owning a few dozen could spell out his death sentence.
"What will you do?" she managed in a frightful whisper. Bella did not want to think of the possibilities now presented for the Black family.
"There will be a final trial tomorrow, Miss Swan. I suggest you do not go there tomorrow for after it is done you will never think highly of me again," he lamented. He lingered on her for a moment. "If Maria ever seeks you out…" he murmured in a silent whisper, almost not reaching her.
"What are you talking about?" she frowned.
Lucas shook his head. "Nothing, now go, I wish to wallow in my misery alone." He flicked his hand in a dramatic gesture and had the situation been different, Bella might have rolled her eyes. But she put herself in his place and found that Lucas Ridge took the whole situation with probably more dignity than she would have.
The tension in the sleepy little country town had reached new highs. The townsfolks agreed that such excitements had probably not been seen since the days of the war of succession. Many had ventured to the church, St. Nicholas, on the outskirts of Hayes to pray for father and son.
It was early morning, and many had left their mundane chores in pursuit of the spectacle that was soon to play out in the town hall. Although many had crowded to get a glimpse of the trial the previous days, it seemed the whole town had now gathered at the square. Bella had not managed to enter and found herself squashed between the baker's wife and some of their shop helpers. The constant low murmurs provoked such a headache in her that she had a mind to leave that blasted place and return to see Mr. Ridge later the same evening.
Captain Forster arrived with his soldiers, joined by Sgt. Thompson and a train of lancers astride proud horses. They pushed aside the crowd and the young woman could not ignore Thompson's muted "do pardon us," or his heartfelt attempts to excuse himself, his soldiers and even his officer. It wasn't until Forster gave him a slap on the back of his head that Thompson shut up. He looked like a child ready to cry as his tousled hat fell to the ground. It rolled until reaching Bella's feet and she was just to hand it to the pudgy sergeant when she caught sight of Jacob and his father. They were mounted on a cart—like common thieves—being paraded through the square. If Forster expected the townspeople to turn against father and son, he expected wrong. An impressive silence followed as Billy and Jacob, with their hands tied behind their backs, were practically dragged from the wooden cart and pushed into the town hall. Mr. Ridge ran behind them, loudly protesting at the actions of the soldiers and especially directing some rather unsavory remarks in Forster's way.
The spectacle was not soon to die down as Forster proudly marched in with the accused, quickly joined by those who'd managed to get seats in the town hall. Bella pressed her way through the public, but fate did not seem to be on her side. The shawl shielding her face fluttered with her frustrated sigh. There was no use. Too many had come, and no room was left. All she could do now was stand and wait with the rest of them.
The townspeople speculated in heated discussions as the trial continued. Many wondered what Ridge would do and say. They had heard of his wit at the previous trial and many had wanted to see it for themselves—Bella included. She stood on the cold steps, between some handy workers and a group of older ladies always frequenting the cheaper tea parlors downtown that couldn't hold up a candle to Lucy's tavern.
"Methinks Forster will get away wi' it," one of them sneered, spitting at the ground and glaring at the closed oak doors. Many had sat down on the dirty stone steps leading up to the town hall. Some soldiers stood positioned by the doors, ready to fend off any who would near too much. But, as the minutes ticked by, the lancers relaxed, not concerning themselves with those who got closer and closer. Soon, they sat amongst the people, sipping the wine and tasting the bread that was being passed around.
"Methinks men like Forster always get away wi' things like these 'ere," another cackled.
"Methinks you should shut up," Bella muttered under her breath at their constant banter amongst themselves. The chicken coop soon moved to another part of the square, loudly squabbling and speculating. It wasn't long until they had started placing bets.
"Whatcha doin' here?" came a grunt behind her. Bella swirled around on her heel, wrapping the brown wool shawl closer around her.
Little Lucy stood towering over her with a puzzled look claiming her harsh features. Her eyebrow arched as she took the young woman aside. "This here is no place for a lady such as yerself," she hissed. "What would Mr. Swan say if he found out 'bout this?"
"Lucy, please, keep your voice down!" Bella hissed, claiming back her arm. She rubbed the sore spot where the brutish woman had gripped her. A look of guilt swept over Lucy's features when she realized she'd hurt Bella. "My father doesn't need to know I am here. I am only as curious as the rest of you lot," Bella exclaimed once they had moved aside.
"Well, ya listen to me, Miss Swan. If the trial ends with Forster winnin', be sure the townspeople will make their protests heard, in one way or another."
"They would never go against Captain Forster," Bella argued, looking around at the vast crowd.
"In one way or another, girl. They might not take it out on Forster, but someone will have to take the blame." Bella swallowed hard, not wanting to imagine as to what exactly Lucy was referring to. "Best tag along home now and wait for news there." If they protested, Bella did not want to imagine what Forster would do against the people. He would have a reason to lock more of them up.
"But Lucy—" Bella began protesting when she felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise. In her short life, there was little which could explain the sensation now coursing through her veins. But she felt it, out on the open, surrounded among so many people. She could not ignore the itching sensation pushing at the back of her neck. It was that awful feeling of being intensively watched as if the eyes of the beholder would burn her down with their force. Bella turned around in one fell swoop, searching the crowd, trying to find whoever had invoked such an uncomfortable sensation in her. But she never found them: the eyes that had managed to break through her barrier and all common sense.
Lucy tried to speak to her, but a commotion by the town hall soon claimed their full attention. The doors opened with all the drama of a storybook. They tried catching a glimpse as people soon stepped outside. "Lucy, you are taller, what do you see?" she asked her friend. Bella could only see the hundreds of heads, all vying to get a peek of the same thing.
"Forster is steppin' out with his clowns," Lucy chuckled. Sgt Thompson was visible, even from a distance—such was his frame.
"Then Mr. Ridge must have managed to acquit Jacob and his father from all charges!" she exclaimed. But a dark shadow soon washed over Lucy's features. "What is it?" the young woman inquired, her heart skipping a few beats.
"They've got Billy Black in shackles, and his son is protesting." Lucy turned to Bella as the crowd successively got louder and louder. "You go now, miss, before things get outta hand," she urged as she pushed the young woman away.
Bella tried to stop her, but as the crowd started turning into a semblance of a mob, her heart shot up to her throat and she soon started on her journey to the confinements of her house. Bella ran through the crowd as they protested. Someone fired a bullet into the air, the action was soon followed by terrified screams.
"I will deal with each and every one of you if you continue this vile protesting. And I will not be as benevolent as I have been with Mr. Black!" she heard Forster cry out into the crowd. Bella did not look back as the voices died down. The townspeople were too afraid to say anything. She bit her teeth together as she saw them quickly disperse, accepting the ruthless man who ruled them.
"Jacob Black walks a free man," Jessica Stanley said as she sipped on her tea. Bella fought the urge to push the china out of her delicate hands. They were once more at the Stanley's elegant drawing room. But, this time, Alice joined her.
"But his father has been sentenced to prison," Miss Webber added. "For a very long time, I should think."
"That is horrible," another one of them said. The heavy perfume bore down on Bella, causing a migraine to form within the depths of her head.
"Well, young Mr. Black should not have kept such traitorous pamphlets then," Jessica wrinkled her nose. "I must say, I positively do not recognize what Hayes is becoming. This used to be such a quiet little town. And now we have rebels and mysterious jailbreakers. What on earth will be next?" she exclaimed.
"A little excitement can never go wrong," Alice chuckled. The other ladies in the drawing room agreed without question. Alice was from a wealthy and old family, married to an honorable gentleman. If she said the sun was blue, they would no doubt agree with her as well, Bella thought.
"At least Mr. Black will have his life left," Miss Webber offered.
"And what life is that?" Bella asked. "To be locked in with no freedom to go anywhere? We all know he only took the fall for his son."
"Why, Miss Swan, that is the purpose of a prison," Jessica sneered. Bella rose from her seat and walked toward the window. She would not let Miss Stanley know to which lengths such a comment vexed her.
"Well ladies, now the real excitement comes!" Veronica Moore said expectantly. The redhead's voice was on the point of bubbling over as she squinted her brown eyes in anticipation.
"What excitement do you speak of? The trial is over," Angela Webber stated with clear boredom as she poured herself another cup of tea—tea that was too sweet for Bella's liking.
"Billy Black was saved from his imprisonment once, who says he will not be again?"
"Do not be a fool. Only a complete idiot would try to break him out twice. Captain Forster is no doubt prepared for him this time," Jessica said.
But Bella wondered. Maybe there was a chance. She suspected Billy Black had no thoughts on living the rest of his life as a runner from the law. But better that than be locked in for decades.
Chocolate eyes swept over the small gathering of young and distinguished ladies. How she wished she could be away from that place. It was a beautiful day; the sun graced the sky and the breeze was warm and pleasant. Sitting inside wasted what nature had to offer. Her brows knitted together as she reluctantly took another sip, forcing down the vile liquid.
"Well, ladies. It is time for my departure. I have already stayed for too long. I must go to my husband for I promised him we would walk the forest path this afternoon," came the sweet tone of Alice's dulcet voice.
"You are leaving so soon?" Jessica was clearly disappointed, but she did not object to Alice's early departure. She could not object to someone who was higher in rank than she.
"And I am afraid Miss Swan will have to join me, for she was the one who was to show me the forest path. I believe she promised me a while back." Bella turned only to see Alice giving her a wink. "Is that not so, Miss Swan?"
Bella fought hard against smiling. "I believe Mrs. Hale is right. I hope you will forgive me as well, Miss Stanley?"
Jessica looked ready to protest, but when Alice tilted her head and rose an eyebrow, the young woman kept her mouth shut. "I shall see you soon, I hope," was all she offered them. Alice, satisfied with her little victory and show of force, took Bella in the fold of her arm and they were soon outside, sitting in Alice's carriage.
"Dear lord what a frustrating woman!" Alice exclaimed. Bella could not stop a chuckle.
"I am in your debt."
The raven-haired woman rolled her eyes. "One minute longer in that room and my head would have exploded. Do they perfume every single inch of it before receiving guests?"
"It is a question I have asked myself many times."
"And to think you have put up with this longer than I," Alice laughed.
Bella squirmed in her seat. It was true she was grateful to Alice for having rescued them both from a boring evening. But she now worried what the consequences would be from their actions. What would Jessica Stanley do after this affront? Bella was certain she alone would bear the consequences.
"But I do not presume you really want to go for a walk on the path today?" she asked.
Alice shook her head and offered an apologetic smile as she smoothed out her turquoise taffeta gown. "I hope I did not disappoint you, Miss Swan. I really had to see my husband. But I noticed your state of boredom and thought I could help you out of there. I have not gone too far, have I?"
"Indeed not, Mrs. Hale! I never wish to be hard on anyone, but Miss Stanley and her companions take a lot of energy. I am accepted there because it is expected. But I am not comfortable there. I much prefer being outside on a day such as this."
"Then you will venture into Raven's Grove? I hope you do not go by yourself," Alice stated with worry lacing her voice.
"I always have my maid and a servant follow," Bella lied. She had no wish to explain herself to the young woman. They were becoming fast friends and she had no wish to lose that friendship.
Alice smiled. "Then let me take you home. Perhaps we could try for the forest path again, later this week?"
"I would like that. Perhaps Lady Esmeralda and Mr. Hale could join us like last time?"
"Jasper would be thrilled, as would mama."
"Then it is settled," Bella blinked. The carriage soon pulled up in front of their townhouse.
"If you are otherwise unoccupied this week, I would love for you to come and visit us! I promise we do not so readily perfume our drawing rooms before receiving any guests!" Alice chuckled as the driver closed the elegant black carriage door. Alice still looked out the open window as the summer breeze pressed on.
"I would love to, Mrs. Hale," Bella answered back.
She watched the carriage disappear and soon blended into the façade of the house, hoping her parents nor any servants had yet spotted her. Bella sighed down at the soft yellow muslin gown. It was one of her finer dresses. But she had no wish to go back inside and change, afraid she might stumble on any of her parents. There would be too many questions—the most prevalent of them being why she was home so early.
So, the young woman did the only sensible thing she could think of. She ran into the servant's quarters and borrowed a skirt from Lorraine. It was already tainted and dirtied, so she would probably not be too angry with her. Bella put the yellow gown aside and wrote a note.
I borrowed your blue skirt—the dirty one. Guard this dress for me until I return.
And do not tell my parents I was home so early or that I borrowed your dress! I shall be back for supper!
Bella
She hastily braided her hair and went to get April.
Warmth coursed through her body as the wind tore at her. April had grown lighter in the past weeks. She moved with more speed and agility than before. The eager horse was ready to set out in a full gallop, stretching her legs to disappear within the mysterious darkness of Raven's Grove.
"Miss Swan!" someone shouted behind her. Bella turned around to see Dory run out to the back courtyard.
"I will be home for supper, Dory, don't tell my parents!" she shouted back before she urged April into a fast canter. The touch to her sides was all the eager mare needed before spurting away. Bella did not look back as she heard Dory shout after her. She only relished in the freeing sensation on flying over the ground, tethered to her horse.
They reached the solitude of the forest soon and Bella slowed her mare down. Raven's Grove was as eerie as always. There was a heaviness to the air that always bore down on her. Bella could not explain the present tension the forest had—as if a mysterious secret was waiting to be revealed.
She soon reached a stream and got down from her horse. April was let free to graze; Bella would not feed her any supper—keeping the mare to her strict diet.
A twig broke in between the trees and both horse and rider turned toward the sound. Bella stepped back, gripping at the saddle, finding nothing she could defend herself with. A nearby branch was her only choice. The young woman picked it up and held it in front of her as April nervously trotted in place.
"Who goes there?" Bella demanded, her voice breaking at the end. She chastised herself at sounding so weak and vulnerable. "Show yourself!" she exclaimed, her voice jumping up a few octaves as her nerves bore down on her.
A shadow stepped out from the shade of the trees and into the clearing by the stream. The young woman nearly dropped her branch when she recognized both the horse and his rider.
He bore the same tattered clothes and hunched over in the same manner. The horse looked as wretched as ever. But the man walked with a decisive step as he neared her. His starving horse rushed to the stream and drank as April curiously ogled him.
Bella stood still, afraid any movement on her part might attract his unwanted attention. But the hooded man soon turned to her—it was inevitable, after all. He took a long look at the young woman, holding a branch too heavy for her, dressed in a dirty blue skirt with a loose white shirt, some twigs and leaves nestled in the messy braid resting on her left shoulder.
She could not see his face, shadowed by the massive hood, but Bella felt his eyes drift past her and regard April. Her mouth settled in a thin line as she arched an eyebrow.
"She looks thinner, your mare," the husky and muffled voice said after a tense moment. Bella lowered the branch and finally cast it aside with a sharp intake of breath.
"She has always looked like that." There was no way that she would ever admit to having listened to him.
"I mean, she is still quite round. But she doesn't look to be carrying a foal now, at least."
The young woman's head turned to stare at him as her nostrils flared in irritation at his insult. "Have you come here to insult me and my horse yet again?"
He put up his hands in defense. "Miss, I never insulted you, just your horse." She could almost hear him stifle a laugh.
She stepped up to him in complete anger, ignoring that she was alone in the woods with a complete stranger whose face she had not seen. If she screamed, no one would hear her.
"How dare you?" the young woman exclaimed.
"I dare nothing," he laughed, revealing the amusement lacing his voice. "You are just very easy to irritate. But I guess most fine ladies are," he chuckled.
"Fine lady?" Bella stared down at her clothes and then at him. "You must not have met many people in your life. But then again, anyone wearing clothes without tears or holes in them might seem like fine folk," she quipped back. Bella was pleased with her answer and now waited for his retaliation. Although his voice still held a hint of an accent, he spoke in a neutral manner, too refined to be a simple farmer, too casual to be a gentleman.
She was not expecting the laugh that followed. The man grew more relaxed as they quarreled on. "Anyone having a horse as big as yours must come from a wealthy family—unless you are feeding her from your own mouth?"
"I put her on a bloody regimen! She lost weight!" Bella exclaimed, wafting her arms about. As soon as she had uttered the sentence, she promptly shut her mouth and sensed a blush creeping up her neck. The hooded man's head tilted to the side and, if she could have seen his face, Bella was sure he would have been smirking.
"I thought you said you did not listen to my advice?" The blush spread across her features and her face was red enough to simulate the color of a tomato.
She fished around her vocabulary to find anything that could save her from such a humiliating situation. But Bella had grown mute, or she had grown dumb. "I—I," she said, trying to buy time.
"Yes?" The infuriatingly smooth voice asked. It rumbled across the clearing as April munched away at the green grass. Bella cast a glance at the mare and silently cursed April for not backing her.
"I do not have to answer to you," she sneered, looking away. Bella blushed deeper at her own childish behavior.
The hooded man went over to the stream and sat down, leaning against a tree, relaxing in its shadow.
"That is the beauty of being here. You do not have to answer me. Had we been anywhere else it might have been different."
"Had we been in Hayes, you would have had to answer to me," Bella filled in.
"Exactly." His sudden change in subject and choice of words intrigued her. Instead of running away like she had last time, trying to swallow the shame she had felt at their encounter, she stood her ground. This man had started to interest her. Before he had been some infuriating hermit. But now he was an interesting infuriating hermit.
"Is that why you roam these woods because you do not approve of society?"
"You do the same thing, miss, if I am not mistaken. This is the only civilized place to be." Had he not been so carelessly insulting her before, Bella would have voiced her agreement.
She scoffed as the hermit pronounced miss with such care. "You mean to tell me you actually live here, all year around?" She could not imagine anyone surviving the harsh Cadherra winters.
"Of course not, do you believe me daft enough to stay the winters here?" he chuckled.
"Yes," Bella deadpanned. "I believe you are daft enough for many things—including insulting a lady."
"I thought you said you were not a lady."
Bella smirked. "All women are ladies in my eyes, and in the eyes of those who matter."
"Touché." The hooded man still did not look bothered that she had won their little banter. "But you do escape Hayes to come here, do you not?" Bella remained silent. "Or maybe you are getting away from Hayes not due to the ever-constant duties required from you by society, but to flee the growing tensions as the trial of Mr. Black and his son take place."
"You know about the trial?"
"Ha!" he exclaimed, his sudden outburst making the young woman jump in her place. "If you can call that a trial," the man mused.
"I will have you know that both Jacob and Billy Black had the finest lawyer of Cadherra, perhaps even southern Angloa," she stated, defending Mr. Ridge.
"And yet, Billy Black lost his freedom."
"The trial was just, sir."
"Owning French propaganda pamphlets are not against the law, last time I checked. What Jacob Black had was not incriminating. The judge presumed and judged him poorly. Billy Black took the fall for his son."
"Mr. Johnson is the fairest man in this part of the country."
"Exactly. What would have happened to father and son if a lesser man had judged them? The law is not just, it failed them both. Billy Black spoke out against the oppression of the soldiers and look where it got him."
"Where did you learn all this if you live in the forest?"
"I'm not completely uncivilized, miss. I venture into town for provisions here and there." Bella had never heard any gossip of a hermit in Raven's Grove. The more this hooded man spoke, the more she wanted to find out about him.
"You speak like a revolutionary," she murmured to herself.
"I speak common sense. We are led to believe that everything is right when it is not."
"You are a revolutionary, is that it? Is this why you have confined yourself from society?" she asked, hoping to dig up more answers.
"I am only a humble traveler. I do not get involved with politics."
"But you have a decidedly strong opinion about them."
Suddenly her eyes widened as she stepped closer to him. "You were the one who saved Billy Black from the gallows!" she exclaimed, pointing a finger at him. Her exclamation brought the man to such a state of laughter that Bella had to regard him with a puzzled look. "What is so funny?"
"How could I have rescued that man when I cannot even ride my horse properly?" he said between fits of laughter. The hooded man pointed at his wretch for a horse. "I do not think old Samson would have brought me far before the soldiers had caught up with us. No, miss, I did not save your Mr. Black. But it is an alluring thought!"
Bella blushed harder, dismissing the thought as quickly as it had come to her. The hooded man was right. He could not have saved Billy Black. The fact that his horse did not fit the description reinforced this. But the way he held himself—so casual and relaxed, so hunched over, told of a man not ready for a fight nor agile enough to break into the garrison.
"But you approve of the man who helped him?"
"I do," was the answer she got. Bella nodded slowly. Moving away from him. She had not escaped to Raven's Grove to ponder philosophic questions with a complete stranger—that also managed to unnerve her to new lengths.
Bella dragged her mare away from the grass and mounted her. "Take care to keep her on the same regimen—it seems to be working!" the stranger shouted after her as the young woman left without bidding her goodbyes.
"Insufferable man!" she shouted back with full force.
Their conversation had only managed to jumble her mind even more. Bella had more questions now about everything than before.
As she neared the town—the light of dusk slowly vanishing as darkness settled within the valley—she promised herself she would keep an eye out for the stranger in town. The forest was his element, but Bella was sure she could further question him in town. And she would discover just who hid under the tattered old hood. There was a reason he was not showing his face—of that she was sure.
As she left the black forest, there was a loud commotion in Hayes as a myriad of torches gathered by the square close to the garrison. Bella knitted her brows together as a premonition settled in the pit of her stomach. Something was wrong, and she could sense it in the air. She smacked her lips and urged April to move forward faster, riding past her house.
The torches were held high as the townspeople murmured and the soldiers stood guarding the house of Mr. Ridge. Eerie flickers of dancing flames cast long shadows on the small crowd.
Bella dismounted her horse and ran up, almost smacking into the back of none other than Jacob Black.
"What on earth is happening here?" she asked amidst the mumbles and confusion. The shadow on Jacob's face further worried her as people talked amongst themselves.
"Mr. Ridge's maid, Maria Haste, came out screaming from his house a while ago. She made haste for the garrison and Captain Forster has been in there for about thirty minutes now. Dr. Blake was called some ten minutes ago."
Bella turned to stare at the closed door while her stomach dropped. Out came a small train of soldiers, all of them staring at the ground with muted frowns gracing their faces. Captain Forster stepped out into the frisky night air and placed his military hat atop his proud head. Bella could not read the expression on his face.
After him, came two soldiers, both carrying a flimsy stretcher with a white cloth covering whatever lay on it. The air left her lungs in a steady stream as Bella realized, together with most of the onlookers, who was beneath that white cloth.
"Move along, there is nothing to see here!" said Captain Forster as he squared his jaw while the body of Mr. Ridge was placed on the back of a cart, most likely to be taken to the funeral office.
"Dear Lord," she whispered as her voice shook. "Mr. Ridge is dead?" Bella's lip quivered as her body started trembling. The soldiers looked as shocked as the villagers. Some citizens talked in hushed voices amongst themselves—the murmur escalating.
"Before they all run off gossiping, Sgt. Thompson, I suggest you round these good people up and let them know what happened before we have an outbreak of hysteria in Hayes," Forster snapped at the sergeant when he noted the townspeople stood rooted, waiting for answers.
"But, captain, I don't know what happened to poor Mr. Ridge," Sgt. Thompson answered innocently, his big gullible eyes widening even more as he stared confused at his commanding officer.
Bella heard the sigh rattling through Forster's lungs as he gathered his thin patience. "Good people," he said and turned to them with a stiff frown gracing his angular features. "The garrison has, as of yet, not an official report to offer. For now, this is only speculation. A few moments ago, after Miss Haste came running to us, informing us Mr. Ridge was suspended from the beam in his office, we responded as quickly as we could. We found indeed the mentioned man hanging from a noose, no sign of life left in his body." The captain paused, knowing speculating wrongly over such a matter could have dire consequences, but he pushed on. "It is our initial belief that Mr. Ridge hung himself after having failed to perform successfully at the trial of Jacob and Billy Black."
Bella's brown eyes drifted to the lifeless body being taken away by the slow cart. She, and many others there present, could not believe their ears. But it dawned on her—a horrible realization that the young woman wanted nothing more than to run from—that it was not entirely impossible for Mr. Ridge to have taken his own life.
A/N: Another chapter for you! Excuse my poor knowledge when it comes to the law. I did do some minor research on courtroom proceedings during the 18th and 19th century in Western Europe, but each country has very different proceedings. I mean, just France changes quite a lot from before and after the fall of the monarchy. Therefore, I suppose Angloa could have its own quirks as well.
I hope you enjoyed it. If you did, do not forget to R&R! :)
Cheers,
Isabelle