Chapter Five: Hellen
No! Ginny couldn't believe this was happening! She cried out at the injustice of it all. She felt the accusations sting her and in the end the rope was around her neck. She wanted it to stop, she didn't want to see any more, but once again the mirror fogged over and Ginny winced as another scene played across the glassy surface.
~*~*~
"Wake up." The man prodded the young woman beside him.
"I am sorry, Gustave, I must have fallen asleep."
The young girl was no more than twenty with rich auburn hair that was done up in the latest style. Her white-laced dress was embroidered with pearls and little pink rose buds and in her lap was a hat that completed the ensemble. She yawned into her gloved hand and tried to steady herself in the carriage that rocked back and forth. The man beside her was in his late forties and his beard and moustache covered most his face. His black suit fitted him well and his tall hat lay on the opposite chair.
"Remember that you are bound to me and if I hadn't saved you from your poverty you would be wondering the streets of New York, lonely and friendless." Gustave said.
"Yes, I remember every day and thank you for it." The girl truly was thankful, but at times wondered if this somewhat imprisoned life was better than the alternative.
"Hellen, I have molded you into what you are," Gustave continued. "You are now the most sought after actress in the world! The European Tour you have just completed has marked you as the most accomplished young lady in your field and returning to New York at this time will enhance your career."
"And your purse." Hellen said, under her breath.
"Your debt to me is great, and in this next week I expect my payment. You remember what I have told you?"
"I cannot forget it."
"Good, I will point the man out to you once we board the ship. He comes from a very proud race and associates with only those he deems worthy. Actresses are not usually of his acquaintance, but you will play your part wonderfully and tempt him, seduce him…and then I will enact my revenge."
Hellen did not think this a difficult task at all. Ever since she entered the acting world people exclaimed over her beauty and her delicate way of moving. She acted with such passion she forced the audience to feel what her character was feeling and to pity her when forlorn, laugh when blithe, and become angry when wronged. She had received many bouquets from the hands of lords and ladies of all nationalities, and met with many ardent lovers, none of whom she had felt anything for. She had no heart, and was therefore incapable of love.
The carriage rolled to a stop and Hellen could instantly smell the salty sea air of the Liverpool waters. She would miss England, it had been a nice stay in London. Society was so polished and refined, there was a rule of everything, she was greatly amused. But she longed for New York as well; it's adolescent carefree attitude, tall imposing buildings and the ambition of its inhabitants filled the air. New York was by far the best place to be and undoubtedly her home.
Gustave exited the carriage first then handed Hellen out. She replaced her hat and pinned it firmly into her hair. The wind played with the few strands of hair that had managed to escape her coif, but she did not care. Excitement filled her veins as she saw the tall smoke stacks and the long broad sides of the ship freshly white washed. She was led towards a plank where many well dressed and mannered ladies and gentlemen were boarding. The wood was wet from the sea spray and Hellen carefully stepped along the boards, careful not to fall. Once she was safely inside the boat she saw the crowd being escorted to their rooms. Hellen was led down a long narrow hallway, on either side were doors with little brass numbers on them. She was given the key to number 67, and across from her was 68, the room in which Gustave was staying in.
"Freshen yourself, Hellen, and meet me in the salon for tea." Gustave ordered, then disappeared behind the door.
Hellen opened her own door and stepped inside. It was well lit, for the window curtains were opened and the sunshine filled the room with bright warm rays. She was standing in the middle of a sitting room and to her right was an open doorway that showed the bedroom. She rushed in and found her trunks placed neatly at the foot of the bed. She took her hat off and placed it on the folded sheets. That's when she noticed the flowers on the dresser. Upon hearing the famous Hellen Richards would be sailing on the ship, many of the young men who had seen her perform did not think it improper to send her flowers along with notes of introduction. Hellen smiled as she smelled the variety of flowers and read each note, then threw them into the waste bin.
The ships salon was large filled with tables dressed in lacy white table clothes and porcelain tea sets painted with budding roses. Hellen scanned the room, noticing a few people she had met while in London, her eyes finally resting on Gustave. He had procured a table at the far side of the room near a window. Hellen went directly to the table, sat, and took her tea.
"Do not look just yet, but Donovan is sitting at the table with Mrs. Roderick. He is the young lad with the blonde hair." Gustave said quietly, making sure only Hellen would be able to hear his words.
Hellen set her cup down and reached for her spoon, but it dropped. She turned to pick the spoon up and looked over at the table. Mrs. Roderick was talking animatedly to a small party of people, one of which was the young blonde, Donovan. He looked bored with the talk and let his eyes wonder, and they came into contact with Hellen's. He gave a polite smile, which Hellen refused to respond to. She set the spoon back on the table.
"Well?" Gustave asked.
"He is young but his heart is ready to fall into a passionate love." Hellen said. "Many girls adore him, yet they hold no charm for him and will make my job easier for it. A week is all I need, Gustave, then the boy is yours to do with what you please."
Gustave began to laugh heartily, "You never cease to amaze me! You can read anyone's character like an open book. How do you do it?"
Hellen shrugged her shoulders and finished her tea. Throughout the rest of the hour while Hellen and Gustave ate small sandwiches and drank tea, Gustave noticed how much Donovan looked over at their table. He knew the beauty of any woman was no match for Hellen's and how men were extremely attracted to her. He could already see Hellen's spell reach that boy and she wasn't even trying.
"I am going to speak with the captain, Hellen, I shall return." He dabbed at his mouth with his napkin, then left the salon.
Hellen continued to finish the little sandwich on her plate and drink her tea, occasionally looking out the window at the people on the deck. Her reverie was interrupted by a lady exclaiming her name behind her.
"Hellen Richards!" The gushy voice said. "I had no idea you would be boarding with us!"
Mrs. Roderick came out from behind her and sat herself next to Hellen. There was no surprise when Donovan also came into view, standing in between the two ladies. Mrs. Roderick introduced Hellen to Donovan, explaining that Hellen had starred in many plays. Donovan regretted never having seen one of them.
"I am sorry to hear it." Hellen said then returned to her tea.
"Oh my, I must get back to my party, you two can go ahead and chat without me." Mrs. Roderick got up and went back to her table leaving Donovan to fill her chair.
"I noticed you were with Gustave Morreau just now." Donovan said.
"You are quite right. Gustave is my only friend and he takes time out of his busy life to manage my affairs." Hellen paused. "Do you know him?"
"Ah, very little. My Father knows him, however, but tells me things that do not put him in a bright light."
"If you are here to degrade my friend, sir, I will beg you to leave." Hellen spoke with such fervent anger that Donovan's eyes widened in shock.
"I am sorry, I should not have said such a thing, please forgive me."
Hellen nodded her head slightly, then looked back out the window.
"Do you wish to walk on the deck?" Donovan asked. "It looks beautiful out there, I will accompany you."
"No, I am waiting for Gustave. He will escort me."
Donovan's eye brows knit together. "I see." He stood, excused himself, then left.
Hellen smiled, well pleased with her performance. Now she knew Donovan was intrigued with her relationship with Gustave and will not rest until this little mystery was solved. She also played her indifference so well she thought that he might make a scene just to get her attention. Gustave returned shortly and Hellen stood, hooking her arm in his, and they both swept by Donovan on their way out to the dock.
~*~*~
That evening found Hellen in her bedroom in front of her mirror. She had just put on a dark blue evening gown and her hair was pinned securely to her head. Her silver gloves were adorned with diamond bracelets and in her ears were matching ear rings. She had been informed earlier by Gustave that many men had requested to sit at her table, Donovan among them. He told her that he had accepted every offer, but refused Donovan's, bribing the maitre'd to sit him at a table directly behind Hellen.
A knock on the door announced Gustave's arrival and Hellen followed him towards the dining room. There was a small orchestra playing lightly while the electric lights gave a soft glow to the room. They sat at their table and during dinner Hellen gave her attention to each man in turn, making it a point to laugh beautifully and talk exquisitely, knowing Donovan would try to pick up everything she said. The men at the table demanded her to save a dance for them at the ball that would commence after dinner. She obliged each of them.
They all moved into an adjoining room which was more brightly lit and a larger orchestra and band were tuning up to play for the rest of the evening. As soon as the first song was struck up Hellen was carried away onto the dance floor. She enjoyed dancing but all her partners were dull, selfish, wealthy young men who thought that with their good looks and pocket book could woo Hellen. She smiled at them and played the lover, but cast each one off like an old pair of gloves. Halfway through the evening Gustave claimed a dance.
"I am impressed," He began, as they waltzed around the room. "Donovan has not taken his eyes off of you since you went through those doors. After this dance you must beg to rest. Take a seat far from the dancing…Donovan is sure to follow."
"And if he doesn't?"
"He will."
As she was told, Hellen declined the next offer to dance and went directly to a small alcove hidden partially by drapery. She sat on a plush sofa and feigned tiredness. Only a few seconds elapsed before Donovan arrived, standing in front of her.
"May I?" He asked, pointing towards the seat beside her.
Hellen nodded her head silently. Donovan took his seat but he seemed out of sorts. He would take a deep breath as if preparing to say something, then stop and sit back.
"If you have something to say, Mr. Donovan, please say it." Hellen said.
Donovan looked surprised, not expecting Hellen to have read his thoughts.
"I am afraid I have told you a lie." He started. "I have seen one of your plays and enjoyed it immensely. I did not know you would be on this ship and when I saw you at tea I had to be introduced. If you think it wrong of me to impose on you, please, just say so and I shall leave."
Hellen smiled, "You are not the first man to seek me out, though you are probably the first to apologize for something. I have just decided I like you, Mr. Donovan, despite your lies, and hope we shall be friends."
Hellen held her hand out to shake his and he took it gratefully. They sat thus for quite some time before Gustave arrived, demanding to escort Hellen back to her room, since the hour was getting late. Hellen meekly obeyed as Donovan looked after them with sympathy for one and anger for the other.
~*~*~
"You will be playing billiards all day?" Hellen asked, surprised.
"Yes." Gustave replied.
"And you will just leave me here…to fend for myself?"
"You have done a stunning job already, my dear, I trust you shall find something to amuse you."
"You know these people amuse me not one jot! I despise them."
"And why is that?" He asked, amused.
"They think themselves a cut above the rest because of their birth. They do not work a day in their life yet reap the riches others sow and bask in that which was earned by the hands of others."
"You have a strong prejudice against the upper class then? You do remember I was born a noble?"
"Yes, Gustave, but you have risen above that."
She took his arm playfully, smiling up at him. He looked down at her, smiled, then kissed her forehead.
"I shall see you this evening, Hellen." He put his hat on, then left.
Hellen looked angrily at his retreating back and once he was gone from site she resigned with going out to the deck and read a book. The sun was strong and not many people ventured outside that day, but Hellen was glad for the solitude. She had calmed her anger and soon found pleasure in the book and wiled away her morning.
"Now it is your turn to apologize." A voice startled her.
Looking up she saw Donovan standing above her. He sat down across from her, his elbows on his knees, his blonde hair sweeping playfully over his brow. He looked younger than he did the day before. Hellen closed her book and placed it on the table beside her.
"Excuse me?" She said. "Apologize for what?"
"For cutting our conversation short."
"I do not need to apologize to you." Hellen sat up strait.
"What power does that man hold over you?" He blurted out. "Excuse me, I should not have asked."
"You have every right to ask, though I have an equal right not to answer." Hellen paused. "Gustave, as I said, is my only friend. He has helped me through many trials and I endeavor to repay his debt."
"You are not…more than friends then?" Donovan ventured to ask.
"No, Mr. Donovan," Hellen blushed slightly. "He is like a father to me and I love him as such."
"I am surprised no man has won your hand as of yet. It is not uncommon for beautiful, talented actresses like yourself to be made a noble's wife."
"If I were any other woman I might already be married, but I must confess a secret," Hellen leaned her head in slightly. "I cannot fall in love because I have no heart."
"You are joking!" Donovan began to laugh. "That is impossible! Someone like you?"
"I am not joking. You think because a woman is beautiful she is full of life and love? She will venture to give her heart to the first man who woos her to better her station?" Hellen sneered, "You may know many women like this, Donovan, but if you have been where I have been you would understand."
"I am sorry." Donovan looked repentant.
"It is your race, Donovan, and your breeding that make you prejudice. But it is your soul that can correct it." Hellen stood and walked out towards the ships railing.
The sea sparkled in the sunlight and Hellen let it engulf her. The wind tugged at her hair and dress, cooling her red face. Donovan stood up and walked slowly to her side. They both stood motionless, watching the rolling sea and listening to the wind for a while before Donovan noticed a tear trickle down Hellen's cheek.
"Here, allow me." He brought out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped away the tear.
"Thank you." Hellen turned to him and smiled.
"You can say you have no heart, Hellen, but if it were true mine wouldn't be reacting to yours as it is right now. A tear cannot escape your eye without your heart mourning its loss."
"You should be a poet, Mr. Donovan."
"Call me Phillip?"
"Phillip."
Donovan brought his hand up to Hellen's cheek to trace the path the tear had tread but before his finger touched her skin Hellen quickly ran away from him.
~*~*~
Hellen couldn't be more pleased with the earlier conversation she had with Donovan. She warned him, however, of her incapability of falling in love and he would live to regret the day he did not take that warning. She was at present sitting in front of the mirror, making last minute adjustments to her looks, when there was a knock at the door. Hellen stood and walked towards the door and opened it, thinking it was Gustave.
"May I come in?" Donovan asked, all smiles.
Hellen stared at him uncertainly.
"I do not think that would be prudent." She said.
"I have a peace offering." Donovan pulled a small bouquet of flowers from behind him. Hellen looked at the flowers with a raised eyebrow, then back up at Donovan in disapproval. "Well, then, I have brought back your book." His other hand came from behind his back and in his hand was the book Hellen was reading on the deck. She made a grab for it but Donovan backed away. "Please, let me com in."
Hellen stood in silence for a moment, then backed away from the door, giving him room to enter. She closed the door behind him and saw him enter her receiving room. He placed the bouquet on a table, then sat on one of the chairs.
"You look lovely," He said. "Are you going to the ball tonight then?"
"I may," She said, coming to sit beside him.
"It would be too cruel to deprive the others of your beauty."
"Flattery will get you no where." Hellen warned.
"The deuce it will!" Donovan exclaimed. "I can't understand you, Hellen, not one bit! You are not like any other woman I have ever met; you're impossible to comprehend, you speak forwardly and yet you have me intrigued. What makes you so different?"
"I am an actress, Donovan, not one of your wealthy demoiselles. I was born on the streets of New York where I was raised and grew up, owning only the clothes on my back. I worked, Donovan, and would be living in poverty if it wasn't for Gustave."
At these words Donovan's expression became sober. Hellen continued:
"I was starving and couldn't afford a morsel of anything and I resorted to theft. I stole a sticky bun when I thought no one was looking, but the baker came out in a huff and demanded my arrest. I told him I hadn't stolen it but was given it, and acted my part well. Gustave was purchasing a cake at the time and saw my little display. He liked it so much he paid for the sticky bun and took me to live with him.
"He had me audition at a theatre and I was called back as a chorus girl. I sang and I acted until I was soon the leading lady and on my way to Europe. And here I am, Donovan, a place which is rightfully mine for I have worked hard for it."
"I'm sorry," He whispered. "I had no idea."
"Come, let us go," Hellen stood. "The ball is about to begin."
~*~*~
During the next couple of days Hellen and Donovan spent much time together. All the other young ladies on the ship were displeased with the fact that the most eligible bachelor in their midst was talking to a mere actress who had no birth or rank. But Donovan didn't care. Hellen was a breath of fresh air to him. She was alive in every way, spoke her mind and cared not the consequences, sending Donovan into bouts of laughter. Hellen frequently warned him she had no heart to love, but Donovan was bent on loving her and making her love him in return.
The only thing that Donovan did not like was the way Gustave would stare at him when he was in his company. He had been told by his Father that Gustave's reputation was tainted and was now not accepted in polite society. He was afraid for Hellen and wished to take her away from the man, secretly wishing that one day he'd be able to.
The day before the ship was to dock in New York, Hellen and Donovan were in the salon enjoying a quiet tea. Gustave had just left their presence and Donovan felt this was the perfect time to do what he had wanted to do for a long while.
"Hellen, I need to speak with you."
"You are." She stated, taking a sip of tea.
"No, something important is weighing on my mind."
"You have my attention."
"Not here, follow me." Donovan stood and took Hellen's hand in his arm. He noticed the many groups of women talking in whispers and staring at him as he left, but he did not care. "Hellen," He started once they were secluded. "I told you once that you were not like any other girl and I meant it. I don't care that you were once in poverty or that you claim to have no heart. I love you, Hellen, and I want to make you my wife."
Hellen's heart gave a faint twitch, which was completely new to her. She could feel the warm blood rushing through her veins, but could not explain it away. Suddenly Gustave's words came into her mind.
"If he proposes, accept, then come to be strait away."
"What if he does not propose?" She had asked the previous night.
"He will."
Hellen looked down at her shaking hands, debating with herself. She had come to care something for Donovan, but she owed her life to Gustave. She couldn't bare to see him hurt in any way, and she knew that whatever Gustave had in mind would be tormenting. For a split second she pictured her life with Donovan if she accepted and did not tell Gustave. She saw herself embraced in his strong arms, protected from all the evils of the world, his eyes looking deep into hers. Her heart gave another little twitch, beating furiously.
"I—" She couldn't speak, the words would not come.
A sudden memory flashed in front of her eyes. When she was just twelve and Gustave had taken her into his house, she had been so fascinated with the vastness of the rooms and the long stairways that she ran around until she lost all breath, then ran around some more. She was running down the stairs when she fell, twisting her ankle. Gustave came to her immediately, looked at her ankle and ran his hand against the mark that was there.
"What is this?" He asked, breathless.
"I've had it since I could remember." She had replied.
Gustave looked into her eyes with a new sort of love she had never seen in any one's eyes. He immediately had her sitting on a sofa with her foot resting on a pillow and some ice on top. He read to her and laughed when she would act out some of the parts, then just before going to bed he kissed her forehead and carried her to her new room.
"I accept." She finally said.
Donovan looked as if someone had handed him the world. He gave a loud whoop, then took her into his arms and kissed her with all the ardent passion of a lover. Hellen wanted it to last, but knew she'd have to let him go. She owed Gustave too much.
After a few minutes of talking about weddings with Donovan, she begged to retire to her room. But before entering her room she went into Gustave's. He was sitting on a plush chair, reading a book with a pipe in his hand. When she entered he looked up, placing his book on his knee.
"He has proposed," She said. "And I accepted. Tell me what I must do."
Gustave smiled then set the book down completely.
~*~*~
Hellen was waiting on the deck, trying to keep her nerves under control. She had asked Donovan to meet her there and knew he would come right away. Gustave was just around the corner. Approaching footsteps announced Donovan's arrival, and Hellen shivered from the cold night air, among other things.
"Hellen, my love!" He exclaimed, then rushed to her.
Hellen backed away from him and he stopped.
"What is wrong?" He asked.
"Gustave will not let me marry you." She said.
"Not marry me?" He looked bewildered. "He can't stop us! He doesn't own you!"
"I owe my life to him, Donovan—"
"Call me Phillip."
"Phillip, he has every right to direct my affairs."
"Not when your heart wants setting free!" Donovan yelled. "Hellen, I know you've been blinded by that man, he may even be the one to have forced you to give up your heart, but I felt it beat, very much alive, the other day. There is no denying your heart beats for me, as mine does for you."
"You say you will marry me, Donovan, but what if your parents disapprove?"
"Hang my parents!" He returned. "As long as I have you, I care about nothing else!"
"And what if they disowned you?" This voice came from Gustave who made his presence known, startling Donovan. "What if they disprove so much of young Hellen here, who has no family name or position in society, that they drop you completely?"
"I will still love her!"
"No more fancy tea parties, no more carriages or balls every night. Your rich clothes would have to go because manual labor demands more endurance in fabric." Here Gustave flicked his finger at Donovan's jacket.
"Just what are you trying to do?" Donovan asked.
"I'm just trying to prepare you for the life you wish to live." Gustave smiled. "Even if it meant learning a few secrets that Hellen has been carrying around for years."
"Secrets?" Donovan looked over at Hellen who looked just as confused as Donovan.
Gustave only mentioned that he would come out and test Donovan's love by showing him the hard life it would be to marry an actress who one day will fall out of the lime light. She only thought that Gustave wanted to see Donovan's pride spring forth when times turned rough, and was certain he'd take back the proposal. There was no mention of secrets.
"Did not you have an Aunt?" Gustave asked Donovan.
"Yes, but she died when I was little." Donovan answered. "I did not know her."
"Ah, but did you know she had a child before she died? A little baby girl?" Gustave relished in Donovan's confused expression. "Yes, the daughter of a wealthy aristocrat, who bought his title, had a child out of wed-lock. The family was so ashamed, they mentioned it to no one. Sent the child off as soon as it was born, gave it to an old beggar woman with a sack of money. But they didn't know that someone they didn't want knowing had received a letter.
"It was too late, of course, for the lover returned from foreign lands after she died. The family turned him away, denouncing him to all of society. But he knew his child was alive, somewhere, and he searched for her. Two years he searched Europe and then a clue sent him to America. For a total of twelve years he roamed the world for his daughter, with only one clue as to her identity." Gustave paused, reached down at Hellen's feet and pulled down her stocking revealing the arrow like mark on her ankle. "The letter described the baby girl in detail, especially the mark on her ankle that looked like an arrow pointing down."
Hellen's eyes opened wide and she let out a loud sob. Donovan looked from her ankle to her face, not believing what he was hearing.
"Hellen doesn't love you." Gustave sneered. "I would let no daughter of mine marry into a conniving family like yours. I asked her to make you think she loved you, just so this moment would be the sweetest revenge. And it has been sweet."
"You lie!" Donovan shouted. "It's not true!"
"Just ask Hellen."
"It can't be true." Donovan looked over to Hellen, who's sobs only grew louder as she nodded her head. "Traitor…temptress…"
Gustave's evil laugh brought Donovan's attention back to him and in a quick motion he flung himself at the evil man, throwing blow after blow, but soon Gustave overpowered him. They were struggling on the deck, Hellen's screams adding to their yells of anger and pain. She fought to break them apart, but it was no use. And suddenly, Gustave and Donovan were leaning against the railing, the raging sea below them. Their weight was too much for it, and it snapped, sending them down into the dark waters.
"No!" Hellen yelled, but it was too late.
Without even thinking she jumped off the ship and landed in the icy cold waters of the Atlantic. She hit the surface hard, and gulped a lot of sea water as she fought to keep above surface. The waves were crashing loudly against the ship as Hellen searched, but to no avail. She had lost him. She had loved him, she knew now, and she had lost him. The salty tears streaked her face, mixing with the sea water, as she slowly sank lower and lower, darkness clouding her vision and mind. Just before she gave up her life she thought she saw a girl floating in front of her, crying, and then it was gone.
~*~*~
Ginny gasped for air as she fell to the floor. She was on her hands and knees, coughing, trying to get oxygen into her lungs. The coughing subsided and she rolled over to her side, wincing in pain. The last thought she had before she blacked out was relief of being released from the mirror, and her past lives.