I abandoned this story, but now I have returned to complete it! Be on the lookout for frequent updates as the story continues!
Cora fell heavily upon the divan. She was floored, pale with shock. Robert tensed, expression grim. Mr. Carson had just delivered the grave news.
"Missing?" Edith gaped.
"We've searched the entirety of the grounds," Mr. Carson spoke in a low voice, "the coachmen say no horses or carriages were amiss. The entirety of the servants have no knowledge of the whereabouts of Mr. Branson, Master George, Lady Mary," Carson took a heavy breath, "or Mr. Barrow."
Cora clutched her chest, "Why them? What is the purpose?"
"There is other news, My Lady," Carson continued carefully, "Mr and Mrs. Fox and their valet have departed."
"No," Robert's eyes widened.
Mr. Carson didn't utter a word.
"Carson," Robert suddenly seethed with anger, "alerted the local police immediately. I want every available officer searching each home and cellar of the town. Follow the train manifests, search every available route exiting the county."
"Right away, My Lord," Mr. Carson sped out of the room.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o
"George...?" she whispered his name. Mary felt her heart freeze over in her chest. Her limbs felt numb, the words forming at her lips felt distant.
"Dear God in heaven," Tom looked to the ceiling, features twisted with anguish.
Thomas kept silent, head bowed, slightly bent over.
"Barrow," her voice was barely audible, "what did you see…?"
He cleared his throat, "I took some air outside the servant hall for a few moments after dark, My Lady. I grew suspicious when I noticed Mr. Stillman walked the grounds in the distance at such a late hour. I kept to the shadows and followed him only to find that Stillman was carrying something heavy and large," Thomas glanced at Tom, "It was then I discovered that he had abducted and covered you in burlap, Mr. Branson, and was depositing you into a concealed carriage."
Tom paled and Mary took a shuddering breath.
Thomas continued, "Then I grimly noticed you as well, My Lady, draped in the back of the carriage concealed in the same material."
"And George?" Mary pressed.
He sighed, "Mrs. Fox. She was carrying the sleeping boy in her arms in the passenger compartment, My Lady."
Anger suddenly engulfed Mary. She pulled at her shackles with such rage they clattered against each other sharply.
"He seemed unharmed, ma'am," Thomas followed, "I was not able to see much more. Stillman noticed me. I turned to run but was taken from the side by Mr. Fox and had my head bashed by his valet."
"Dear God," Tom looked at Barrow with concern, "Thomas, are you alright?"
"I will be once we are free of this godforsaken place."
Mary felt defeat rise in her. George was taken. Thomas said he had seen her son uninjured, but now the unknown gnawed at her. Was he alright? Frightened? Abandoned? Alone? A tidal wave of emotion threatened to drown her.
"We must remain stalwart and strong," Tom seemed to sense her desperation, "We have to believe we are being searched for. Rescue will arrive soon and we will find and bring George home, I assure you."
She nodded mutely, clinging to his words.
Thomas gasped under his breath.
"Barrow?" Tom called, "Are you alright?"
He was bent over further now, face concealed by his hung head. He had a shaking hand clutched against his stomach, but when he pulled it away it was covered in blood.
"Thomas!" Tom called, struggling against his restraints.
"Barrow!" Mary's eyes widened.
Thomas lifted his head, equally as surprised. His face was covered in a pale sweat and strands of his black hair hung over his eyes.
"I...I did not know...," he could not even finish the sentence before his eyes rolled back in his head and he collapsed onto his side.
"Thomas!"
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