Disclaimer: Crimson Peak is Guillermo Del Toro's property, Supernatural belongs to Eric Kripke, The Lodgers to Brian O'Malley. Emma, Constance and I are self-inserts. The old lady from Camden Market belongs to Chibimelodee.
Summary: Ghosts are real and everything happens for a reason. Is this why Marina and her friends find themselves trapped in Allerdale Hall a few days away from Christmas?
Author's note: This story was written for me by « Emma » and « Constance » from Chibimelodee as an Advent Calendar two years ago. Please note that all three of us are french and while we do know our way around English, we might still make some mistakes. Feel free to let us know! As the three girls are french and start to speak from this chapter, I'll put the translations of their sentences right next to them so you know what they say.
At the Candlelight
Chapter 17 : Midnight Conspiracy
Seconds later, Sean and Sam came back, dragging a very sheepish Thomas behind him. A new song began as the Baronet's eyes met Constance's.
It's always tease, tease, tease
You're happy when I'm on my knees
One day it's fine and next it's black
So if you want me off your back
Well, come on and let me know
Should I stay or should I go?
« Don't bother to go, after all, it's your house… I'm the one who's leaving ! » Constance declared, turning her back on him, her fingers itching with the want of grabbing the nearest vase so she could throw it at him, but decided that leaving was smarter.
He wasn't worthy for her to be angry.
« You're not going anywhere ! » Sam said firmly, grabbing her arm.
Constance looked confusely at him before her eyes twinkled with anger. Before she could do anything, Thomas rushed between them, forcing the hunter to let her go.
« I forbid you to touch her… Don't you dare to put your hands on her again ! » the Baronet roared angrily before turning to face the young woman, looking worried : « Darling, are you alr… » The French woman's hand meeting his cheek with force avoided him to finish his question.
Constance was pointing a threatening finger to him, looking taller in her anger :
« Arrête de faire comme si tu t'inquiétais pour moi, Thomas ! Je ne t'ai jamais demandé ton aide ! Je suis parfaitement capable de me défendre toute seule ! Je n'ai nullement besoin d'un chevalier en armure… et surtout pas s'il te ressemble ! »
(Stop pretending you were worried for me, Thomas ! I have no need for your help ! I'm perfectly capable of defending myself ! I don't need a knight in shining armour and even less if he looks like you!)
It was then that the furniture in the room seemed to turn through a earth-shaking. When a glass shattered in millions of pieces on the floor, Dean intervened, trying especially to avoid his idiot brother to be in the middle of a love fight which could result to set free the Devil himself from his cage. On that one, Sammy could be right… Maybe he had slightly misinterpreted by trying to gather the mad-woman and his brother :
« It's clear you two have some serious issue to work with and since we cannot leave this house at the risk of freeing Lucifer, we may at least be civil with each other… »
Thomas snorted with disdain. Did the man who had shot him merely some hours ago really advise them to be « civil with each other » ? Constance should agree because the look she send at Dean forced him to stumble backwards, clearly frightened to be confronted by the young woman's anger. The Baronet couldn't repress a proud smile… What a woman ! Smart, passionate, fragile and strong at the same time, able to fight her own battle… His smile fell nevertheless when Constance turned to him and when he was confronted again to her wrath. He rose his hands to show her she had won and went to sit on the nearby chair., without taking his eyes off of her, silently begging her to forgive him, to love hima gain, to let him come near her, to protect her, to catch her in his arms…
The young woman just ignored his silent pleas – she simply refused to be moved so easily after what he had said tonight, after she learnt he had had a relation with his sister, after what he did to his wives – and went to sit the farthest from him. Even if she forced herself not to look at him, she could feel the weight on his eyes on her. Silently, the others followed quickly and went to sit. Annoyed, Constance rose her eyes to Thomas and glared daggers at him. Realising she will not forgive him, the Baronet's eyes hardened. It was, for now, the only way to make her understand his displeasure and his impatience to finally just be with her so he could talk to her freely. He pursed up his slips and leaned back heavily against the back of his chair with frustration.
Je dois juste m'asseoir, je ne dois pas parler
Je ne dois rien vouloir, je dois juste essayer de lui appartenir
De lui appartenir, je l'aime à mourir
Constance looked at the Baronet with incredulity, trying not to answer his new declaration. Marina and Emma exchanged a worried look, Sean shaking it up uncomfortably on his chair and Sam trying hard not to roll his eyes too ostentatiously. Meanwhile, Dean looked at Thomas knowingly :
« Well, fella, you're a Shakira fan, aren't you ? »
The Baronet turned towards the hunter, raising an eyebrow :
« I have not a slighest idea who… »
« It's not Shakira ! It's Francis Cabrel… » Constance interrupted, glaring at Dean and completely ignoring Thomas.
« Now that was said it… It seemed me well that her voice 's not usually so low ! Furthermore, I'm not supposed to know this Frank had done a cover of this Shakira song ! » the hinter tried to justify himself.
« What about a game ? » Emma asked before her sister could say anything she might regret later. « It's always great to break the ice, right ? » A dreadful silence followed her question. « I have brought a boarding game… You're familiar with Mysterium ? »
Sean smiled softly at the attempt of the young woman and snapped his fingers, making the game appear at the centre of the table while Emma explained the rules to everyone. Of course, Thomas was designated as the « ghost » of the round, much to his annoyance. But since he refused to say a single word, it would be better like this.
The cards were distributed quickly, no one daring to speak aloud. Dean was whispering something to Emma, making her blush furiously while Sean had wrapped his arm around Marina's shoulders. Constance sighed before returning the first row of cards, trying to focus on the game instead of what was currently happening.
« Let me guess… » Emma finally said aloud in an attempt to warm things. « The husband killed his wife with poison ? »
Her sister glared hard so Emma stopped talking and the game continued in total silence.
Once the game over, Constance got up in the bedroom, eager to escape Sir Thomas' begging, desperate and furious eyes. The young man just watched her leave, his heart breaking more with her indifference. It was hard for him to see her cries and her anger but there was proof she cared about him… And now, he wasn't sure about anything, he was afraid he had definitively lost her. He had been going too far and he was sincerely regretting it. If only he knew what to do to turn back the hands of time, to erase this catastrophic evening, to win her forgiveness. The Baronet jumped when a hand went on his shoulder. Lost in his thoughts, he hadn't heard Marina coming. The young woman smiled friendly at him and said :
« Maybe you should go meet her… »
Thomas sighed, his eyes shining with tears :
« I don't think so… It's obvious she has no desire to see me… »
« The fire is not lit in the bedroom ! Poor Constance can catch cold… It's not what you want, isn't it, Sir-Thomas-Sharpe-Miss ! » Emma said.
« Yes ! Yes ! The chimney ! You need to lit the chimney, Thomas ! She will never succeed by herself ! » Marina screamed with triumph, winking at her friend.
The Baronet glared at Emma with suspicion for a while. Why would she suddenly want for him to make it up with Constance when she had done everything from the beginning to break their relation ?... The prophecy… The only explanation was this dreadful prophecy… He would so long to know what to do to avoid its happening, to protect them, for Constance to survive… He couldn't refrain from picturing her alone in this cold bedroom, in his bedroom… Alive but still for how many time ? Sam's voice interrupted his thoughts :
« Come on Romeo ! This fireplace seems to be an excellent reason to go and see her and to apol… »
« Honestly Samuel, I should thank you, having made the first cultural reference I am able to understand. But I would prefer you do not compare me to this Shakespearian character anymore ! » Thomas cut dryly.
Would someone in this house decide to call him by his name ? Nor Alain Delon, nor Jacques Brel, nor Patrick Swayze… And don't get him started about this ridiculous « Sir-Thomas-Sharpe-Miss » !
« Why ? What's the problem with Shakespeare ? » Sean asked gently.
« Juliet dies at the end of the play… And if I am Romeo, it means that Juliet is… » Thomas sighed, turning towards the door where Constance had previously left, emotions avoiding him to finish his sentence.
« Well, we'll do the West Side Story version where Maria is alive and threatens to kill everyone once Tony's dead ! Is this solution better, Petit Baron ? Go sing her Tonight and come back at the office at the first floor after. We're thrilled to tell you you're officially invited to our secret reunion ! So, not a word to Constance, okay ? » Emma interjected, an amused smile plastered on her face.
Constance was about to go to bed when she heard someone knock on the bedroom door. Rolling her eyes, she went to open… Marina and Emma didn't have to knock before entering. Why weren't they… Oh ! Obviously ! It was definitively not Marina and not Emma… In front of her stood Sir Thomas Sharpe, his eyes low, elegantly laying on her doorframe in the hope to be more confident. He slowly rose his eyes to the young woman, trying not to show his surprise she had accepted to open the door. Maybe was she regretting too tonight's argument ? Maybe was she not angry anymore at him ? Maybe had he still a chance ?
His hopes were cut short when he noted the wrath and betrayal in her eyes. He should have listen to his instincts, he shouldn't have come… He stared at her silently, not knowing what to say to make her understand how much he regretted the felonies he had committed, understand he wasn't anymore the man he once was, understand how much he loved her…
I wanna think about the things
I never should have done
I wanna think about how they
Will never understand
I wanna think about how it
Was never gonna work
But all I can think about
Is the way you held my hand
Constance broke the awkward silence :
« What do you want ? » Her voice was softer and less harsh than she had hoped to.
It was almost fragile, betraying the tears she had succeeded to hold back the entire evening. Her distress broke Thomas' heart far more than her anger. He smiled sadly at her and answered softly :
« Many things… But for now, let's just say I just want to lit the fire in the fireplace so you will not be cold this night. It still snowing heavily and… »
Constance nodded at him to come in and went to sit on the bed, curling up, taking her legs on her arms and putting her chin on her knees, in the hope to warm herself or to protect herself from him… They were both staring at each other with the same sadness, the same despair, two broken souls unable to part apart…
Knowing he couldn't comfort her, Thomas lowered his gaze and entered the bedroom, closing the door with a shaking hand. Silently, he went to the fireplace and initiated to light the fire. The flame quickly brightened, without succeeding to warm the two young people's hearts. Constance couldn't take her eyes off of him, watching his every mouvement, trying to memorize every trait of his face as if she saw him for the last time. She still loved him… She loved him so much it hurt… and she hated herself for that… She hated him for all the horrible things he had done… She hated him for the kindness he had for her… It would be so easy to hate him if he still was the same hateful man he once was.
I wanna think about the mess
You made it all go wrong
I wanna think about the things
You never should have done
But all I can think about
Is the way you held my hand
Thomas came slowly near her, sat next to her and gently put a hand on hers, the other stroking her cheek, wiping with his thumb a lonely tear falling. She bursted into tears and he took her in his arms, holding her tight, fondly kissing her forehead, whispering sweet words in the hope to comfort her. Her hands were grabbing his shirt as if it was the only thing avoiding her to fall into madness. She stood there, without moving, crying for what seemed to him like an eternity. His clean shirt was now wet with tears but he couldn't care less… All that mattered was her… Constance… his Constance… in his arms… against him… against his heart…
« I so wish I could hate you » she managed to say between two sobs, her voice barely above a whisper.
« I know, my love… I know… I'm so sorry… If only I could fix my mistakes… save them… save them all… from Lucille… from me !... I just want to be able to save you. Marina, your sister and you… Darling, let me save you ! I need to protect you from this house full of hate, desolation and Death… I need to protect you from Lucille… and I need to protect you from me ! To ward you off here, to ward you off from me seemed to be the only solution to save you. Rob… Err, Bobby… Bobby told me to let you go, to break you heart before it would be too late, before I would destroy your life just like I destroyed Edith's… But I can't… It's too hard, too painful… I love you Constance… I love you and I don't want to see you leave. I'm so sorry for all the things I've said to you. Could you really one day to able to forgive me ? » Thomas whispered, hugging tight the young woman against him like a desperate attempt to keep her near him.
He didn't know exactly when, during his speech, his tears had started to fall but he was unable to hold them back any longer so he let them flow freely, mixing with the young woman's ones.
He felt his heart stop when she slowly moved away from his embrace so she could be able to dive her eyes into his. She stared at him which intensity, looking at his very soul, searching in his eyes the sincerity she thought she had heard in his voice. With a not very confident voice, she asked then :
« So, you never thought I was a… »
« No, no ! Never, my love ! » Thomas scurried to answer, taking the young woman's hands in his. He needed to touch her, to know she was near him, to feel she was real. « Never… Never could I thought such a thing, Constance dearest. I was jealous… jealous you were spending the evening with another… in… in an outfit so… err, provocative… well, that I find provocative, because Samuel explained everything to me… Your outfit was very… transparent… well, I mean… classy and sexy… and I'm quite thrilled you do not dress like the other women who wear, according to his sayings, even fewer clothes ! I find it incredibly hard to imagine how a woman could wear less clothes but, what I wanted to say… what I really wanted to say was that you… you are very pretty… no, you're breathtaking and… I am sorry to have reacted that way. When I saw you, I immediately thought of Lucille because she almost always wore black and… »
« When you saw me, you thought of your sister ? » Constance interrupted, her tears now dry.
Her red eyes had widened as far as his speech lasted and she couldn't contain her bewilderment anymore. She didn't know if she should be flattered or deeply insulted by his sayings.
« Yes ! Well, she would never have worn something as extravagant or undressed… Maybe Edith but… but never to go diner with a man ! Not even me… while I was her husband ! So, what I am trying to say is you look dashing, whatever you wear and I would like you to wear this outfit only for… me… and without any other men could lay their eyes on you… For our wedding night or our honeymoon maybe… I am aware you didn't think you were going to stay here that long and I don't see any objections for you from wearing Lucille's or Edith's dresses… I am sure they will fit you perfectly and you will be very beautiful in them, Dearie ! »
The smile full of hope the Baronet was wearing left the young woman speechless. She asked herself if it wasn't some sort of a joke and was expecting her sister to come in the bedroom at any moment now, laughing from the face she was doing, proud to have recorded this absurd scene, because he just couldn't be serious ! She took a deep breath and smiled brightly at him. She rose, without letting his hand go, and the Baronet followed her, happy about their reconciliation. It was only when he found himself in the corridor, outside of the door he knew something was wrong. Before he could say anything, Constance's smile suddenly fell and she said dramatically, with a hint of irony, putting a hand on her hand :
« Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
Don't try to stop me, [Thomas], please
Wave your little hand and whisper so long dearie
You ain't gonna see me anymore
And when you discover that your life is dreary
Don't you come knockin' at my door
Because you've treated me so rotten and rough
I've had enough of feelin' low
So wave your little hand and whisper, so long dearie
Dearie would have said so long, so long ago »
She then closed violently the door on the Baronet's nose, leaving him perplexed and alone on the dark corridor. How things could have turned so bad ? What could he have possibly said to put her in such a state ?
When Thomas came into the office, the conversation died and all the eyes turned to him. Sean's and Marina's were friendly, Sam's and Emma's were curious, Dean's was supposed to be mocking – Thomas wondered if the hunter was capable of ever being serious – and Bobby's just gave him the want to run away. Never had he witnessed such hate since Sir Cushing himself. He was about to leave when Sam asked :
« There was any earthquakes, so we could deduce to two are back again being happy lovebirds, aren't you ? »
« I'm not sure we can say that… » the Baronet tempted, frowning, this eyes lost.
« What did you do again, Petit Baron ? » Constance exclaimed, jumping off her chair.
« Nothing… Well, I guess… I apologize… as Samuel said I had to… and I told her I loved her… which is the truth… and that she was really pretty… even in that outfit she was wearing tonight… but that I would be grateful if she would not wear this kind of clothes when she is with other men and that she could take Lucille's and Edith's dresses… I thought we were reconciled but she threw me out and… and I think she's angry ! » the former ghost mumbled.
Bobby snorted while the Winchester's brothers, Marina and Emma stared at each other without any of them daring to speak… Sean went near Thomas and put a compassionate hand on his shoulder :
« Sir Sharpe ! Did you really advise her to dress like your lover and like your last wife ? I think I understand Constance's reaction towards your clumsiness… »
« Yeah, she certainly wasn't really flattered to know you wanted her to look like your beloved sister ! » Emma burst out of laughter.
« No ! I never said I wanted her to… » Thomas exclaimed before pausing, blushing.
He would need to find a way for Constance to forgive the awkward apologizes of tonight…
« What if we discuss what we came here to discuss of ! » Bobby grumbled grumpily.
« Yes » Sam said, clearing his throat before continuing. « We need to find a way to stop Lucifer from rising… which, according to the prophecy, could be fulfilled If the sister pushed the brother away… And, in view of the recent events, we have every reason to think it's about Constance and Thomas… It seems important for her to forgive him, at least until we are sure our dear old friend can't get out of his cage, and Thomas clearly needs help… Maybe Emma and Marina could… »
« Balls ! » Bobby exclaimed. « I say, we kill him now, like that, the lady can't reject him ! And, if no one volunteers, I would be glad to do it myself… If only you knew how many times I dreamt to do it, pops ! »
« Sir Singer, you forget that Sir Sharpe can't die… » Sean interrupted, suddenly worried by the old hunter's anger. « The house will resurrect him if… »
« I don't care ! I'll kill him as many times as it should until the house will be bored to bring him back ! A protector, my ass ! So pops, it was funnier when you were trying to get rid of my dear Nana, right ? You're gonna pay for what you did to her ! »
Thomas strengthened, holding out slowly his hands in a gesture of surrender and spoke with a strangely calm and firm voice :
« I died to save Edith ! I gave my life to save hers ! Isn't that enough ? What more would I have done ? »
Before the old hunter could take a step to his ancestor, Dean walked between them and tried to calm Bobby :
« Listen, I really get it… I, too, want to break his handsome little face but we need it for now… Once we can get out of here, I promise you'll be able to kick his ass as much as you want. What do you say ? It's not the first time we have to team with such rottenness… It's true when I first saw him, I immediately knew this man was just a son-of-a-bitch! »
« I think we get what you mean, Dean ! » Sam interrupted. « Even if you don't like it, we need to work together ! »
Marina and Sean nodded and the young woman came closer from the Baronet, saying gently :
« Yes, Thomas ! We really need your help ! As much as I want this to be a joke, it's not and the Devil is really going to be set free if we don't stop him ! We need you and Constance needs you… She just needs time to forgive you… If I can help… »
« Yeah ! I'm a nice guy, I can help you too ! I worked in the Doctor Sexy M.D. and I will be thrilled to give you a few little advice to reconquest your little peevish French ! I give 24/7 and I'm ready to give you a friend price, Tommy ! » Dean smirked.
All in his attitude showed he really clearly didn't like him.
« My name is Thomas ! » Their host grumbled between his teeth, not appreciating the hunter's familiarity nor his antics. « But for you, it's Sir Sharpe ! »
« Yeah ! Right, buddy… You will need to take an appointment 'cause I'm in high demand now ! » Dean continued, a wide sly grin forming on his face, wrapping his arm around Emma's waist, winking ostentatiously at the Baronet.
Emma elbowed him hard but it didn't change a thing, the hunter taking huge pleasure to see the anger build in their host.
« You think you are funny ? » Thomas asked, standing tall, looking as imposing as he could.
« I think I'm adorable ! » the American answered with an adorable pout, making Sam roll his eyes.
« Seriously, guys ! » the youngest hunter interrupted. « We need to start thinking to stop the bloody Apocalypse ! »
He then pointed a chair from everyone and waited that everyone was sitten before continuing :
« Since our last conversation about this prophecy, we discovered a little more… »
« Yeah, we know who the « two siblings » are and what was their « forbidden love » ! But maybe Tommy would like to clarify a little more ? » Dean added, smiling at Thomas who was red from anger and shame.
« Thanks God, it won't be necessary ! » Sam continued, trying to ignore his idiot of a brother. « What seems to be the key to avoid Lucifer to be free is that the « sister », Constance, don't reject the « brother », Thomas… We both saw what happened when she's mad at him… For now, it's just a warning… The house just shook to warn us something horrible is about to happen and we really need to stop it ! »
« If one thing is sure, Constance will not be happy if she is forced to be with Sir-I-love-you-because-you-remember-me-my-sister ! » Emma said, with idleness.
« I think I prefer when you call me « Sir-Thomas-Sharpe-Miss » ! » the Baronet sighed.
His eyes fell on a small wooden box laying on the desk near the place he was sitten and took it, his fingers playing absent-mindedly with the relief of its paintings.
« What I mean is, she's not going to fall into your arms because a stupid prophecy advises it ! She needs romance… She needs to know you're thinking about her… you care about her… And especially, she needs for you to stop comparing her to your sister or your wives ! »
Marina rose then and started humming :
« How does she know you love her?
How does she know she's yours?
How do you show her you love her?
How does she know that you really, really, truly love her? »
Sean smiled at the young woman and taking her in his arms, continued his song :
« Well, does he leave a little note to tell you
You are on his mind?
Send you yellow flowers when the sky is gray?
Hey
He'll find a new way to show you
A little bit everyday »
Dean's voice then resounded with the duo :
« You got ti show her you need her
Don't treat her like a mind reader
Each day do something to lead her
To believe you love her. »
Emma sang too :
« Everybody wants to live happily ever after
Everybody wants to know their true love is true
Well does he take you out dancing
Jusy so he van hold you close ?
Dedicate a song with words
Meant just for hou
Ooh ! »
« I believe he had dedicated her enough songs ! » Sam interrupted, clearly uneased with this little musical interlude.
The four lovers continued with force :
« That's how you know he loves you !
That's how you know it's true !
Because he'll wear your favorite color
Just so he can match your eyes
Rent a private picnic
By the fire glow
Ooh ! »
Bobby rose and applauded theatrically, an edgy smile on his face, bearly hiding his anger and aversion :
« Idijts ! When you'll be done mixing up real life with a bloody musical, dripping with good feelings and bullshit, we may have a chance to avoid the worst ! Open your eyes… Never this young gal will accept to be back with a monster like him now she figured out who he really is… Weel, if she has much upstairs, that's it ! And I can only approve her decision… Who could positively want to be with an idiot like him ?... This rot of a man just bang his sister and kill his wives and you advise him to coo sweet words and wear an idiot suit so she'll fall in his arms ! Bullshit ! You better prepare yourself to face Lucifer and find a solution to lock him definitively in his cage ! So, if you wanna play hero, pops, leave her alone and got back rotting in Hell ! »
On his words, Bobby left the room, mumbling. He really had his dose of bullshit for the day !
After the old hunter had left, a heavy silence came in. Sam was hugging Marina, caring more about the young woman than the awkward atmosphere. Emma was thinking about a solution to fix everything, if everything could be fixed. Thomas had lowered his gaze, too shameful and desperate to look at anyone. He was holding against him the small wooden box as if the solution to all his problems lay inside. Sam was looking insistently and his brother, praying for him to do something. Dean succeeded to ignore him for a while but yielded to the silent yet fearful pressure of his brother. He rose from his chair, rolled his eyes ostentatiously so his Sam could see and came closer to the Baronet. Hitting him on his shoulder far too harder for it so be friendly, he said his a monotonous voice :
« Look, Tommy, we're all a little weird, we're all a little wacky – some more than others, and when I say some I mean you buddy, cause nobody else here had never fuck his own sister – but keep grinding. No matter how much it hurts, no matter how hard it get, you gotta keep grinding. And that's how you're gonna win your damsel's heart back and and save us all in one streak ! »
Thomas looked at him with confusion, not knowing if he should take the hunter's advice seriously or if he should see in it another form of mockery. Sean then spoke :
« Now that Dean had found the solution to avoid the rise of Lucifer, we need to fix the real problem of this house ! »
« I think we can take care of the roof once everything's over ! » Sam answered.
« I'm not talking about the hole on the roof, Samuel ! I'm talking about ghosts ! There's a lot of ghosts here ! » Sean pointed out, fear written on his face.
« Well, we can burn this house down to start and see if it works… Which it does most of the time ! And, it would allow to fix the damn roof problem… No house, no hole ! » Dean exclaimed, a wicked smile dancing on his lips, which made the Baronet glared hard at him.
« I've got a better idea ! » Emma screamed, jumping off, victory gleaming in her eyes.
« God helps us ! I fear the worst ! » Thomas mumbled which made the Dean glared hard in turn at him.
Emma continued, choosing to ignore them for now :
« We need to create a diversion ! If no-one objects, from now on, I'll be in charge of the diversion. I'm so good at this everyone is calling me the « Diversioner » … So, I thought about a plan… in-fall-ible ! Listen closely… For starters, I need to catch the ghosts' attention… Oooooh… »
Emma then began to imitate a ghost, gesticulating grotesquely and resumed her idea once she was sure she had everyone's attention.
« This poor ghosts, all confused, what will they do ? Well, they'll run after me… When I'll fell them close to me, I'll stop short and jump aside… And them… POW !... And they'll run into the wall ! »
Marina and Sean stood back, looking at the young woman, not knowing what to say. Sam ran his hand through his hair and whispered uncomfortably :
« I'm not sure that… well, it's an idea but… We may need to reconsider a few details and… »
Dean went next to Emma, took her hand and say softly, beginning to understand the Baronet's previous statement :
« Doll, are you sure you want to take that much risks ? Maybe there's someone else who could do it…. I would be much at ease if… »
« You cannot be serious ! » Thomas exclaimed. « You are completely reckless ! »
Emma then burst out of laughter :
« You should see the faces you are making ! It was a joke… just a joke… Don't be so shocked ! Furthermore, I'm not sure Sir-I-used-to-sleep-with-my-sister-and-I-want-my-new-girlfriend-to-look-like-her will agree to lend me some sheets so I can dress again as a ghost ! »
« Please, call me Thomas ! » the Baronet sighed, partly reassured her plan was just a joke.
« That's an excellent idea, Sir-Thomas-Sharpe-Miss ! I will consider it ! » Emma answered him with a bright smile and a wink, much to Dean's dismay.
Once the atmosphere relaxed thanks to Emma's antics, they decided a good night sleep was the best solution for now. Emma and Marina went into a guest bedroom so they didn't risk waking Constance up at this late hour and the boys went to the room where Bobby was surely snoring in. Before Thomas could get up the stairs leading to the attic, Dean caught his arm. The hunter smiled mischievously and whispered: « Last free advice of the day, Tommy…
Yes, you want her
Look at her, you know you do
It's possible she wants you, too
There is one way to ask her
It don't take a word
Not a single word
Go on and kiss the girl »
To Be Continued