AUDEAMUS
Chapter 20
For the first time in a while, the sun broke through the thick layer of clouds that had been pestering Cadherra for the past month. February was known to be cold, yet Bella was happy that the worst of the winter months was reaching its end. March would surely be gray and dreary, but she could sense spring around the corner.
She woke up with her shoulder still sore. Sara had been brought over from her house to tend to her, to make the young Swan girl more comfortable in a house of strangers. The morning after her accident, her parents had showered her with love, afraid that they had almost lost their daughter. Renée had stayed with Bella until it was time for lunch, brought in by Sara. After, Alice had stepped in, looking about ready to burst at the seams. Bella had requested to sit on the sofa, having grown tired of her bed. She was in a more modest nightgown, with a robe in pale blue thrown over it for receiving whoever so wished to visit her.
"You will not believe what happened this night at Lucy's!" Alice exclaimed, quite taken. Steps could be heard behind her.
"Is she decent?" the thin drawl inquired, and Bella knew instantly who it was.
"Yes, yes! Make haste, brother, for I wish to share this news as quickly as possible."
Edward stepped through the tall, white doors and regarded Bella seating the couch with an arched eyebrow. As always, his nose was slightly pointing upward and there was a tiresome air to him. "I do not know what you call decent, sister dear, but the girl is barely dressed," he remarked with an air of disapproval.
"I would like to see you try to get into some stays after having dislocated your shoulder, Mr. Masen," she retorted, blushing at his insult.
His lips tugged downward and she could hear him sigh as he sat down in one of the nearby fauteuils, next to his sister. "Touché, madam," he sighed further. Oh, how she detested that nasal voice. Why had Alice brought him when she knew what she thought of him? But then Bella remembered how she had requested to speak with Edward once her health had improved.
"I must thank you, Mr. Masen, for your level head and gallant actions that brought me safely and quickly to this house," she said to him with a nod of her head.
"Oh, think nothing of it, dear girl," he told her with a satisfied smirk. He straightened the customary hunch slightly. "But I must say, you do weigh more than you look. I thought I had taken my back out by placing you in that sleigh."
Bella bit back a sharp remark. "Indeed, riding habits can be quite heavy, at times." She had no strength to banter with him. "Nonetheless, I am in your debt, Mr. Masen." Bella turned to Alice. "As I am to all of you, for this wonderful hospitality you have shown me."
Alice leaned forward and took Bella's hands in her own. "We are only glad that you are recovering so quickly. Now," she said with glittering eyes. "This past night at Lucy's such a strange thing happened that we have been getting news from different sources the entire morning!"
Edward blotted his nose with a sigh. "Quite tiresome having your door accosted every ten minutes, indeed."
"Well, what happened?" Bella inquired. She straightened on the couch and bit back a small hiss as she put too much strain in her left shoulder.
Alice clasped her hands together. "Last night, Cullen broke into the garrison, knocked Collins out cold. Then he had a huge scuffle with Captain Forster in The Laughing Goose whereby he obviously bested the man in swords and marked his forehead!" Alice grew red as she held back some amount of laughter. "Tis rumored that the captain…had a small accident in his breeches!"
Alice had expected the young Miss Swan's surprised reaction—which was sitting in complete bewilderment with a stunned expression. While Alice was giddy, Edward did not much seem to care.
"I told you, Alice dear, that she would not find this news as amusing as you," he drawled. The statement caused Alice to frown.
"Surely, you find some interest in it, Bella?"
Bella looked away, not knowing how she was supposed to react. "Is he a madman?" she whispered to herself.
"Surely, completely mad," Masen agreed.
"Why on earth would he knock out poor Major Collins in such a manner?" She could not believe what she was hearing. "And challenging Captain Forster in The Laughing Goose?" Suddenly she realized where it had taken place and darted up from the couch. "Oh, but I must see Lucy, see if she is unharmed in all of this!" Alas, as soon as she stood up, Bella grew dizzy from the quick motion and stumbled. It was only by Edward Masen's quick reaction that she did not fall. He took care in not touching her left shoulder too much and helped her to sit down once more.
"You will go nowhere, Bella, until you are better," Alice argued.
"We shall have to bother Dr. Blake in coming here once more," Edward sighed. He looked as if the action of catching her and placing her back on the couch had quite tired him. Bella's mind was elsewhere. Had anyone been hurt except Forster?
"But…why did he challenge Forster so publicly?" she asked.
"That would have been my question as well, were it not for the fact that the patrons of the tavern heard every word of their conversation. Apparently, Cullen warned Forster about impersonating him and those who have fled to Raven's Grove to join his cause. This means that the men who shot at you and Collins were, in fact, not the runaways but Forster's own men! At least according to Cullen," said Alice.
"Is that…true?"
"Hayes doesn't care, the only thing they rejoice in now is that Forster is marked for life, his pride has been wounded. Dr. Blake was called to the garrison to treat the slashes he received on the forehead," Alice stated, rather more severe than before.
Bella looked at Edward, waiting to see his reaction. The man who had carried her to the sleigh was all but gone, never to be seen again. She must have imagined that voice in him. He was the same white-powdered and rouged peacock as always.
Another knock sounded on her door and before they could answer, Joseph stepped in. "Sir, ladies," he bowed. "Miss Swan," he said, directing himself to Bella. "Major Collins has come to call on you. Lord Masen is at present not in the house," the servant said, now turning to Edward. "Shall I let him in?"
Bella had heard that Carlisle Masen wanted nothing to do with Collins. Thus, placing Edward in such an awkward position as to invite the major to enter was of bad taste. But she so dearly wished to see him. She looked at Edward and decided that he should be the one to decide. "Tis your father's house and I know the disregard he now holds for the major, Mr. Masen. I shall not be hurt if you have him dismissed," she whispered. "But then let me at least write him a note, for I am not at all cross with him." Bella would ignore that Collins had been struck down by Cullen. She still believed, or rather, wanted to believe that Collins was a good man, for he showed it every time he was with her.
Edward regarded her for a while, the dull emerald orbs surveying her pale face. "Do you feel well enough to have him in here?" he asked.
"I do, Mr. Masen."
He inclined his head. "Then I shan't be in the way," he told her with a bow. "Joseph, send the man in but keep a lookout. If my father's carriage arrives, you will let us, and Major Collins know so that he may sneak out the back way."
Bella did not know what to say. "I…I thank you deeply, Mr. Masen," she said. Joseph bowed and it was soon that Collins was brought into the room.
As always, he was impeccably dressed. He disregarded the scrutiny of Alice, or the silent and snobbish contemplation of Masen as he stepped inside.
"My good major!" Edward uttered as he stepped up. "I hear you've had a terrible night." His voice was more nasal than usual and the drawl more pronounced.
Collins ignored the dandy for once, only having eyes for Bella. He found her a pitiful sight, so small and pale seated next to Alice on the blue couch. She was only dressed in her nightgown with a blue robe thrown over, her long chestnut curls were out of their usual pins. While she looked a sickly creature due to her fall, she was strangely alluring—like a woodland fairy that drew him in with two big chocolate brown orbs.
"Major!" she exclaimed with genuine joy. Collins knew then, that despite the scrutiny he received from the rest, he wouldn't be cast aside by Miss Swan. She was too good for that. He walked over to her, regarding the arm in the sling and frowned painfully. This could have been avoided, had he not taken her outside the town.
"Miss, after watching you take that horrible fall, it gladdens me to see you up and about already," he said to her. Neither Alice nor Edward seemed to make a move to leave the couple alone, Collins could not help but find their presence annoying.
"Indeed, but after the rumors that Forster sent his own men attacking you, should you not be dealing with him?" Alice inquired with a curious expression. He was surprised, she was usually so kind and gentle with him. Now she seemed protective of the young woman.
"Only rumors, I assure you. Captain Forster would never do such a thing—"
"Why, of course not!" Edward agreed. "That man is the epitome of goodwill and honor, is he not?" Edward added with a smirk. Collins could sense the underlying insult.
"Stop teasing the major. Please, will you not sit down?" Bella asked, growing increasingly uncomfortable being caught in the middle of the banter.
Collins gave her an uncomfortable smile and bowed once more. "I only came to see to your wellbeing, Miss Swan. It is evident I am not wanted here and shan't stay much longer." Alice and Edward did not seem ashamed at having inconvenienced the major and surrounded Bella further, protecting her from association with him.
"Oh," Bella managed, quite disappointed. "But I shall see you when I am better, yes?" she asked him as her face lit up.
"That you shall, madam," he promised. Joseph had been standing close by the room, waiting to walk the major out. It was soon that Collins once more left the Masen house.
He had left as quickly as he'd come. Bella stared after the tall form with a frown touching her features. As soon as they heard the clatter of his horse's hooves, she spoke.
"That was very unkind to the major," she told the siblings.
"Bella, you should rethink your connection with Collins," Alice said.
"He has not done anything wrong, Alice—"
"You will come to realize that he has changed soon. We are simply warning you to his…to him… I do not want to see you broken up about him," Alice admitted.
"The man would have been shunned for less in Safeira," Edward drawled. "I am surprised he is still showing his face here."
"But what can he have done that is so bad?"
"Edward, tell her all the things you told me!" Alice begged.
"I am not one for gossip," the young man drawled, the statement causing Bella to arch an eyebrow. "But he has been siding with Forster for the last few months in matters concerning imprisonments, even corporal punishment," Edward said. "But I think the worst of it was when he agreed with the captain about an execution of one of the farmers' sons. I believe it was a Mr. and Mrs. Leigh who have lost their youngest son to the noose."
"What…was his offense?" Bella whispered, terrified that Collins was even involved in such an affair.
"Lashing out at one of the soldiers of the Royal Guard and wounding him in a heated argument," Edward answered.
"But that cannot be. There must be some underlying reason or more to it," Bella tried. "I refuse to believe that Major Collins would simply turn around and work with Forster," she tried.
"My dear," Alice sighed. "You have a kind heart in trying to see the best in people. But I believe Collins has abandoned Hayes, whatever the reason may be."
Perhaps it was the strain from having spent so much time out of bed so quickly, perhaps with was general fatigue, but Bella grew quiverish with the thought that she would have to abandon Collins. It was visible as plain daylight in the way she furrowed her brow. She was deeply saddened by the words she heard and, unbeknownst to her, her sorrow touched at the heartstrings of both siblings.
"I should like to retire, please," she asked them. "You can tell me more about the scuffle at the Goose at a later time, but now I am grown fatigued and need to rest."
"Of course," Alice agreed.
Bella was about to stand up but felt her limbs disagree with her. She grew flustered and embarrassed at being so frail for it was highly unlike her. To her and Alice's utter astonishment, Edward bowed before her.
"May I?" he asked as he extended an arm. She looked up at him, into the emerald orbs and found herself as lost in his eyes as he was in hers.
"You may, Mr. Masen," she whispered tiredly. Bella thought he was to simply escort her to her bedside, but he did more than that. As soon as she had given her consent, he bowed down and carried her into his embrace, taking great care in not hurting her left shoulder.
"M-Mr. Masen!" she blushed.
"Dear girl, I will not have you stumble and dislocate your other arm, for having knowledge of your clumsiness and lack of grace, such a feat would not be impossible," he drawled. As he carried her against his chest, the drawl could still be felt as a slight rumble when he spoke.
"Am I not too heavy?" she asked with a teasing smile. He stood by her bedside and turned his head to look at her. Edward was still to lower her into the soft cushion of the bed, but something stopped him.
"Very," he teased back and the small tug of his lips had her, in turn, look down to get away from his eyes. She wondered if he could feel her heart beat madly and rapidly. Bella chastised herself from such a reaction.
"Well, then put her down, Edward!" Alice urged.
He placed her down with great care and it was soon that Edward Masen left both ladies. As soon as the door was shut, Alice turned to her friend with crossed arms. "I will not say anything Bella, but I'd like for you to compare this moment with my brother and the time you spend with Collins and see if you do not find a difference in them."
Bella furrowed her brow. "What do you mean by it?"
The black-haired young woman tilted her head to the side. "Oh, in everything else you are so perceptible. But not when it comes to your own emotions! I shall let you discover this one by yourself, Miss Swan," she told her as she went for the door. "Now you rest. Dr. Blake will come this evening to check up on you."
Bella placed her head back in the pillows and looked up at the elegant canopy, its rich details, and flowing fabric. Edward Masen's treatment of her made her confused. In one moment, he was dismissive of her, yet there would be small instances where another part stepped forth, a part she suspected he did not show to much of the world. Bella then wondered if that hidden man was the real Edward Masen, hiding behind a façade. She let out a slight sigh and felt her eyelids droop heavily, giving in to her fatigue and falling asleep.
After having spent a full week at the Masen's townhouse, Bella Swan was fit enough to travel to her own home. A full fortnight later, well into the first week of March, her arm was let out of its sling. It was not sore unless she moved it around too much. She was given a strict regimen of daily exercises so that her arm and shoulder might regain their previous agility.
The snows had started melting, albeit the skies were still a steely gray and the clouds did not seem to disperse anytime soon. Bella grew rather dismayed when she found that she had grown frightened of getting into the saddle and made up excuses for not mounting April. Collins came a few times to call on her, and she disregarded the words from both Edward and Alice, but always had them nagging at the back of her mind. Collins' courtship of her seemed to grow serious and many were expecting a proposal from his behalf at any given moment.
There was another thing that Bella had not dealt with, which was speaking with Cullen about what Miss Haste had told her. She thought she had the answer now that she had managed to read between the lines. Alas, her shoulder had not allowed her to leave her home and he had not come to visit. Not that he should visit.
It was a rainy day when she stood in the muddy center of her family's stables, looking at the saddle of her white mare. Robert held the reins and waited for the young woman to near.
"I think I shall head back in, Robert, tis a frightful day with too much rain for my taste," she mumbled and started heading back.
"That has never stopped you before, miss," the stablemaster said abruptly. She stopped with her back turned to him. He could see the tension in her squared shoulders. "The best thing after having been thrown from one's horse is to get back up into the saddle as soon as possible. The longer you postpone it, the worse it'll get, Miss Swan."
"I am not afraid!" she snapped despite herself.
He neared her with the horse trailing gently behind. "I know you aren't, miss. You're the bravest young lady within fifty miles of here, I should think. I am just telling you how it usually is. April misses you, she longs for you to be back in her saddle. See, even now she reaches for you."
The horse was nosing around, stretching its neck to reach Bella. The young woman turned around with angry tears threatening to fall. She was afraid to ride, to be cast out of her saddle once more. But she knew that what Robert said was true. And she needed a horse to ride to St. Nicholas. Walking there in the mud would wreak havoc on her riding habit and she'd have to throw away her new riding boots after one use.
She stretched her hand forward and caressed April. "The horse was scared, miss, and what horse wouldn't be by such loud shots? But I have ridden her every day, she will not spook so again," Robert promised her.
"I suppose a quick ride will not hurt," she whispered.
"I will help you into the saddle, miss," he smiled. He stepped next to her and helped her sit, astride as she was used to. Bella shook as she took the reins. But she recognized the familiarity of April, and her mare stood calmly with her mistress in the saddle.
"I am riding to St. Nicholas, should my parents ask," Bella mumbled.
"Is it wise to ride outside of Hayes after…you know," the robust man asked. Bella looked to the horizon, where she could spot the white bell tower of the church. Cadherra was a gray and brown muddy mess with patches of snow here and there. But amidst the mush of lifeless colors, one could spot the faint emergence of spring. The buds on the naked tree-branches had started growing, and within a few weeks, they would burst, bringing back the emerald color to Cadherra. Bella was certain that as soon as the rains stopped, the meadows would once more turn green as well and be dotted with flowers.
"I will take it slow, and I must go there to…to speak with Friar Blackwood," she told him. "I shan't be long."
"If you will so miss, but at least let me accompany you. It is your first time in the saddle in almost a month."
Bella glanced at the end of the stables and saw that Robert already had a horse saddled. She couldn't help but chuckle. "You meant to come with me the whole time, didn't you?"
He shrugged and scratched the back of his neck.
"I suppose I do not have much say in the matter," Bella sighed. "Let us be off then, my good Robert, before the sun sets." It was six in the evening, closing in on twilight by the minute. Bella had chosen such a time to ride to the church because she knew fewer people would be in it or out in the fields by then, giving Jacob a fair chance to come from Raven's Grove.
They took their horses and reached the church in a matter of ten minutes.
Amidst the mush of a waning winter, which was gray, muddy and disgusting to her, St. Nicholas stood out to the naked eye like an oasis in the desert. The whitewashed church managed to look inviting at all moments of the year and now was no different. They tethered their horses to the long pole in front of the main entrance and she asked Robert to wait for her by the opening while she ventured inside. Bella removed her riding hat and pushed aside the heavy gray cloak she'd been wearing, splatters of mud covering part of the front and sides. She wiped down her cheeks and forehead as some mud had splattered across her face as they had cantered there.
The inside of the church echoed with her decisive steps. It was colder inside than outside, as always. She beheld the muted colors of the interior by candlelight as the sunlight was powerless in illuminating much due to the thick clouds that blocked out its rays. It had already started getting darker by the time they arrived, and Bella saw that the church was all but empty.
"Well met, Miss Swan," a kind and gentle voice told her by the altar. Bella jumped, surprised as she had not seen anyone there. Suddenly Friar Blackwood's small form neared her. He was a short and bony man with kind features and a nose that was too big for his face. His white hair was cut close to his scalp and he bore the usual brown robes. In one hand he held a rosary. The black orbs sparkled with further kindness as he took in the sight of the woman he had baptized more than twenty years ago.
"You seem better, and your shoulder appears healed, thank the Lord," he smiled.
"Indeed, father. I am much better," she smiled back. Her eyes darted to the confessional box. It was Friar Nathan which she knew Jacob had spoken to about ringing the bells to call for him. "Do you know where Friar Nathan is?" she asked.
"In town getting us some provisions from Dr. Blake. Friar Marcus has a terrible cold, and I fear none of his house remedies have worked thus far. However, his overall health has improved ever since arriving here. I think Cadherra agrees with him," Blackwood blinked. "I believe Nathan was all but tired of his complaints and offered to go to Hayes himself and get better medicine."
"Ah, I see," Bella nodded. "Well, I do hope Friar Marcus feels better soon. I am sure he will, for spring is soon to take root and soon we shall hopefully see more the sun."
"The warmth of summer always comes, which is what gets us through the darkness of winter," the friar blinked enigmatically. Bella had the feeling that he was referring to something more than simple weather.
"Indeed," she trailed off. "Father, I do not know if Friar Nathan has told you about the confessions I…usually have with a friend of mine—"
Blackwood put up a hand. "I shall ring the bell, Miss Swan, and make sure the transept is vacant for when you meet young Mr. Black," he assured her.
Bella was grateful for his discretion and understanding. "I thank you, father," she inclined her head.
She stepped away, walking away from the altar and almost bumping into someone.
"Forgive me!" Bella mumbled as she looked up only to be met by a flustered Jessica Stanley.
"No harm done," Jessica mumbled back, recollecting herself.
It was a rare sight catching Jessica in a place like St. Nicholas outside of mass and at such an hour. Bella arched an eyebrow. "Did you also come here for confession with the friar?" she asked.
"I just had mine, with Friar Marcus," she nodded.
Odd, Bella thought. Hadn't Marcus come down with a cold? If such was the case, he would not be accepting visitors or holding confession. Either Blackwood had lied to Bella, or Jessica had. But lying friars or young women were, at present, the least of her problems.
"I hope you find peace," Bella said.
"What?" Jessica blurted out.
"From the sins you confessed," she added. Jessica was more than shaken. Indeed, it was true she hid something from her.
"Oh, thank you, Miss Swan." She gathered her skirts. "Excuse me, I do believe I must return."
The echo of her heels sounded loudly in the otherwise calm interior of the church as Jessica Stanley disappeared. There was definitely more to that girl than Bella had previously thought.
She sighed and then went into the box. Her meeting with Jacob was a bizarre occurrence and she hoped it wouldn't be necessary for the future. The young woman longed to speak with him out in the open, without fearing Forster's wrath.
She heard the bells toll three times and waited in the darkness with anticipation. Bella counted the minutes, supposing it had to take Jacob twenty to thirty minutes to get out of the Grove after having heard the bells. She stared at the latticed opening, into the darker compartment on the other side, waiting anxiously. The sun had disappeared behind the horizon and when forty minutes had passed, she thought he would not come. Bella gave a sigh of defeat and started rising when she heard soft footsteps echo and the latch to the other compartment rattle.
Her breath hitched in her throat as she realized Jacob had arrived. They had not spoken for months and she was overjoyed that she would get the chance to see him again.
"Jacob, you took a long time to get here!" she exclaimed in a rattled whisper as she squinted her eyes while trying to discern him on the other side of the wooden lattice. He wore a monk's robes with the hood over his face.
"Collins sends patrols to the outskirts of Raven's Grove more frequently. I must take care in not being seen coming here," he responded in a subdued tone. She could see the flash of his teeth as he smiled, pushing down the hood. "I am glad to see you are fully healed, Bella. We…heard of what happened to you," he told her. "I hope you know neither Cullen nor anyone else of us would ever do such a thing against you," he urged.
"Jacob, of course not!" she blurted out. "I would never have blamed you or your friends for this," she said. "It simply worries me that someone would be shooting at the major in such a way," she lamented. Jacob pressed his lips together. He would not reveal to her the suspicions he held that she might have been a target as well.
"Maybe we might soon put a stop to all of this if we could simply remove Captain Forster from Hayes and make our voices heard."
"Do you believe you could return to Hayes if Forster was shown for what he truly is?" she asked with a sheepish look on her features.
"We haven't broken any laws—"
"What was that about in Lucy's tavern, then?" she asked, arching a condescending eyebrow, yet he could not miss the amused undertone she held in her voice.
"Just some good fun, Miss Swan," he smirked back. "I believe Captain Forster needed to be taught a lesson."
"While I do regret the state The Laughing Goose must have been in after such an encounter, I cannot deny that I would have been glad to see him bested," she admitted. Then, Bella grew decidedly more serious. "But what Cullen did with Major Collins I cannot approve of. You all have decided he is lacking of character and I believe we are not aware of all the circumstances—"
"I will not banter with you on this matter, Bella. Let time pass. Maybe Collins will once more stand up against Forster. Maybe he will not. As for myself, I have grown decidedly disappointed with Collins…especially after what happened with Mr. and Mrs. Leigh's youngest."
They sat in an estranged silence; as if they had not spoken for several years. Bella grew uncomfortable with so many people telling her what she was supposed to do. So far, Collins had not shown any change in character when they had met, and she refused to change her perception of him based solely on other people's opinion and common gossip.
"The words," she spoke, taking charge in breaking the awkward tension that had emerged between them. "I believe I know their meaning after much contemplation. Even further so when I took into account that Mr. Ridge was indeed referring to Miss Haste in his suicide note. And I believe I was not the only one to come to this conclusion. Whoever else did must have been the one to murder her."
"Yet Cullen said that there was nothing in Miss Haste's quarters when he looked, and nothing either in the treasury, in Forster's or even Collins' offices or chambers."
Bella peered through the latticed opening, meeting Jacob's black eyes as they silently regarded her. The church was still silent, she could hear Robert's pacing every so often or Friar Blackwood flip through some pages of a book further back in his study that was close by the altar.
"Miss Haste was most likely aware of her predicament, which is why she told me those words. I believe, that whatever information Mr. Ridge had gathered on Forster, must have been hidden, either by him or by her. Two birds and a saint, I believe, refer to locations here in Hayes."
It was very vague until she had figured it out, and then Bella had been certain. Never so certain of anything in her life.
"Saint…" she could hear Jacob ponder. "Could it be here? As in St. Nicholas?" When he saw her smile, he was suddenly filled with an extended giddiness.
"Indeed."
"But, Bella, if you have realized what these things mean, why have you not gone to search in these places by yourself?" he asked her.
"Until today I was not able to ride outside of my house," she said. "I could not come here and look. As for the other places…it is complicated, to say the least. I might not be able to retrieve Ridge's evidence from them. In the meantime, shall we go and see what Mr. Ridge left behind for us?" she asked.
"Here and now?"
"I believe Lucas was well acquainted with Friar Blackwood, he must have handed him something," Bella nodded.
"Well, then you seek out the good friar, I shall wait." They both knew it was better for Jacob to stay behind, especially if Robert happened to walk down the nave and pass the transept. While Bella knew Robert to be a good man, it was better to have as few people as possible in their circle.
She tilted her head to the side. "Or maybe you fear Friar Blackwood because he'd bring you into this confessional himself and try to make an honest man out of you," she teased which caused a chuckle to emerge from Jacob.
"He'd probably succeed, with Friar Nathan standing behind, threatening to level me to the ground if I didn't do as the good Blackwood asked."
She gave a sound of agreement and then went out of the confessional and left Jacob to continue to chuckle at her remark.
On the right side of the altar was a door leading to Friar Blackwood's office. The old man had retired and sat behind his neat desk, a pair of spectacles sliding down the large nose and his white head of hair bent down. He looked over the spectacles and every so often would wrinkle his nose as he turned the page of the bible which he studied. The knock on his door did not make him look up, merely utter a simple "Come in."
Bella shut the door slowly behind herself and the only sound present in that room was the old clock in the corner, her swishing skirts and the roaring fire in the small chimney. The terracotta tiles appeared to have just been cleaned and on the whitewashed wall behind Blackwood was a small painting dating back to at least the past century. It was a very classical scene of the Virgin Mary with her son.
"I suspect you are done confessing?"
Bella slowed down her step, her hands clasped before her with her face looking at him from a sideways angle.
Blackwood smirked from beneath the spectacles and proceeded to close the bible and remove them.
"Not quite, father," she said.
"Is there something I might be of assistance with?" he asked, leaning forward as he braided his long and gnarly fingers together.
Bella stood before the robust wooden desk and smoothed out the front of her skirts. "Yes. Mr. Ridge left something in your possession before his…untimely passing," she said. She knew Blackwood was a man of few words and usually direct and to the point. She had, however, expected more of a resistance. For, indeed, the old friar nodded, unclasped his entwined fingers and stood up. He walked back to the portrait and made a sign of the cross. He looked fondly at the mother Mary before moving the painting aside. Behind it, was a small grove containing some of the church's riches, and a small stack of neatly folded papers. On the top of the stack was a thick envelope with a red wax seal. Blackwood picked up the letter and turned around to hand it to Bella.
"The seal has not been broken, and I have not read whatever is in that envelope, as Mr. Ridge requested of me."
She felt the immense weight of it in her hands and stared at it in disbelief.
"You…you have had it this whole time in your possession?" she asked.
The old friar gave her a friendly little smile that tugged at his lips, proceeding to demonstrate the pronounced crow's feet by his eyes. "Of course," he stated like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"And you did not open it after Lucas passed?"
Friar Blackwood sighed, realizing the young woman would not be satisfied until she had asked him every pertinent question. "Come, Miss Swan, come sit with me," he said as he showed her to the desk. He took a chair lining the wall and placed it before the wooden table, sitting behind it as soon as the young lady sat down.
He sat in silence, regarding her as if contemplating her character with utmost scrutiny. Friar Blackwood had known Bella Swan for the entirety of her life—indeed he had been the one to baptize her. He knew her character and knew she was to be trusted.
"I am, as you well know after all these years, not a curious sort of man, Miss Swan. I do not find fault in those with a curious nature, but my own wants and needs have always been satisfied with a silent and dignified contemplation of the holy scriptures. I find peace in God and the nature he has bestowed upon us. I enjoy the quiet life I lead here. Thus, when Lucas Ridge came to me and had me swear on this very Bible before us not to give this envelope away to anyone but you, Lord Masen or Miss Haste, I did so. I swore to never open it and to hide it until one of you found your way here. I suspect what it might be tied to, indeed I most certainly do." His brow creased as he shook his head slowly, side to side, the beady eyes glossy for a moment. "When the unfortunate events of Miss Haste's death were made known to me, I almost had a mind to burn it, for fear of what it might contain. But I did not."
She swallowed in a forceful manner, hating how loud it was in her ears. She had not ignored his mention of Carlisle Masen, yet she did not interrupt him. Bella cast her eyes about the room in an attempt to avoid the sad eyes of the friar after having been reminded of Miss Haste and Mr. Ridge.
"Why did you not seek me, Lord Masen or Miss Haste out?" she asked.
"Because Mr. Ridge could not know that either of you would ever come for it."
"But then that envelope would have never been opened, its contents would practically have been lost."
"Yet, here you are, Miss Swan. They say God works in mysterious ways. He willed you to be here."
She stared at the envelope once more. The paper was luxurious, thick, bleached. She could not see through it, nor discern what type of contents it might hold.
"Did Mr. Ridge tell you to reveal his relations with Miss Haste and Lord Masen to me?" she asked.
The friar arched an eyebrow. "I will not inquire what you are involved in, but both Mr. Ridge and Miss Haste are no longer with us. I have to stare at their graves just outside the cemetery as they are not allowed to rest in holy ground. I believe as it looks right now, that your only remaining ally might be Lord Masen. Indeed so, if Mr. Ridge chose to trust in him."
Bella smiled but fought hard not to show her true emotions. How much was Lord Masen a part of this? She did not truly know what role he played or if he could be trusted to be brought into her confidence with Jacob and Cullen. But it did answer another big enigma she had been pondering ever since figuring out the three locations given to her by Maria Haste.
"I suspect you might wish to return to the confessional and finish your conversation before the hour grows too late and Robert starts asking for you again."
Robert! She had completely forgotten about him! He had spoken with Blackwood. What would that mean? She got up with a sheepish look about her and held the envelope closely to her chest. "I thank you for your time, father," she said with a nod of her head.
He settled back in his chair and returned the nod. She was by the door, about to open it, when he spoke once more. "Do tell Mr. Black to return those robes once he is finished speaking with you," the friar asked in a pleasant manner. "And tell him that next time he may come as he is, this is the house of the Lord and he accepts all his children, no matter how they dress."
Bella grew even more flustered. "I will let him know, father!" she mumbled before hastily closing the door behind her, hearing the faint and wholehearted chuckle stemming from the office. Bella rushed once more to the confessional and discerned that it was still occupied by Jacob.
She knocked on the door and he stepped out. She showed him the envelope.
Jacob looked about ready to scratch the back of his head. "You found this hidden in Friar Blackwood's office?"
"Oh no, he had it in his keeping."
"You mean to tell me that he has had this the entire time?"
"Indeed, and with clear instructions to hand it over to me once I came asking for it. Even beyond the grave, Lucas Ridge manages to ruffle my feathers," she mumbled to herself.
"Maybe this will be easier than what we supposed?"
"I believe not, Jacob. The other two clues: two birds refer to two names, I believe. Two places with strong ties to Ridge. One is my own, Swan. The other is Goose as in The Laughing Goose. Those are the only two places in Hayes that have names that allude to birds in them."
"Mr. Ridge placed critical information in your own house?" Jacob blurted out. From under his hood, she could see him grow alarmed.
"At first I thought so. But he never came to us, nor was there ever a letter or parcel from him, Miss Haste or someone anonymous. I must, therefore, conclude that, right before his passing and without telling Miss Haste, he decided to change the location of this information."
"Maybe he had no wish to put you in harm's way once he realized how dangerous this situation truly is," Jacob pondered.
"I think so as well." Her throat closed up when thinking how much Lucas Ridge must have gone through during the last few days of his life. "And I thought we had lost that piece of information forever, until just now when I spoke with Friar Blackwood," she said. "He…mentioned Lord Masen…who I believe is entwined in this in some form or other. It might very well be possible that Mr. Ridge decided to confide in Carlisle Masen and hand over such information to him."
"Then it is in Lord Masen's house?" he asked utterly bewildered.
"I believe so. And I do not yet know how I can obtain such information," she sighed. "I cannot very well sneak into his office and go through his desk and drawers."
"No, you cannot," Jacob agreed. "Bella, realize the danger of this situation. You do understand why both Cullen and I'd wish if you didn't get as involved now, don't you?" he implored with pleading eyes.
She did know. Her red lips pursed together, and she flared her nostrils, a feeling of resignation overtaking her. Bella was a fool if she kept pushing to be a part of it all and not expect some sort of consequence. She had not told Jacob, but she feared the attack outside of Hayes might have been made not just against Collins, but against her as well. It was, of course, not Cullen's rebels. And if it had been Forster's own soldiers and not some random bandits; that reinforced her fears even more.
She handed him the envelope. "I…I know," she mumbled.
Jacob stared at it for a long time, until taking it and securing it within the folds of his habit. "Tis for the best," he assured her.
"But not fair," she growled. "Not fair at all." She shook her head forcibly as her face twisted into an irritated expression. "But I do not wish to put my family or household through any further danger. If I were ever to be discovered with investigating either Ridge's or Haste's suicides…I fear to think what would happen to me," she said while she paled. Bella admitted that the thought scared her. "But I would like to know where this all leads you," she begged.
"I will make sure you are not kept in the dark. You as much as Cullen and I have a right to be kept informed. We can still meet here and talk, update each other on what goes on in Raven's Grove and in Hayes," he promised. Then, he looked rather pensive. "And the last place Mr. Ridge went to was to Little Lucy?"
She nodded.
"Lucy will protect whatever he handed to her with her life. I do not think it is a question of asking her," Jacob said.
"Aye, but we must at least try." She now realized why Lucy had spoken to her so harshly regarding Mr. Ridge's death in her tavern all those months ago. She was warning Bella, as much as anyone. "I still do not know how to approach Lord Masen about this…"
"Well, Bella, try to speak with Lucy and let me worry about Lord Masen."
She squinted her eyes at him and tilted her head to the side. "I hope you do not mean to do some mischief," she chastised him.
His lips curled into a roguish smile and Bella shook her head in defeat. "I will not," he laughed. "I suspect you shall soon hear another tale of Cullen's escapades."
"Heaven spare me," she said, rolling her eyes.
A/N: Wooooo, done with my thesis! 50 pages of pure linguistics. I'm on a high right now :D Celebrating with posting yet another chapter! Thanks for the wonderful feedback on the last one, glad to see you also liked the last scene hehe.
Cheers,
Isabelle