Prologue – Chapter Two
The rain coming down had finally let up some, but not before it had caused the dirt to turn into dark mud that stuck to everything where one stepped. Sloane seemed not to notice the puddle he was standing in that sloshed over his dark black boots. Unlike the other men, he hadn't bothered to put a hat on that morning and his dark hair clung to the sides of his face in thick wet locks. Again, he seemed to care less. During the entire funeral service and Eulogy his eyes had not left the hole in the earth. Before him, the casket sat next to it. Almost expressionless he had listened to the priest and simply waited for things to continue. The red rose he held in his hands was a stark contrast to his black long coat and slacks.
Bastian and Jehsa had quietly worked their way to a place directly behind Robert. Both had pulled their hair back in a long pony tail that fell out beneath the back of their black hats. Jess's was more slanted and tinier than the top hat that Sebastian donned to shield himself from the elements, like all the other nobles. The twins matched in cut and choice of attire down to the fact that Jess had black leather boots on that laced up the front rather than the buckle toed heels popular with many of the noble women now. They both also held roses in their hands, giving Jess something to fidget with easily.
The priest finally finished the service and looked to Sloane. The man waited patiently, not seeming to notice the long silence that was beginning. Robert's eyes were still fixed on the hole in the ground that had been dug by the undertaker the night prior. Jehsa glanced to Bastian a moment, and then quietly slipped her arm out from her brother's. She swallowed a moment and then inched forward a bit, her hand softly coming to rest on the back of Robert's arm. Sloane's eyes snapped to the woman and the movement a quick second, but said nothing and did not actually respond. Just as quickly they returned to the black pit a short distance before him. Slowly, Jess gave the man's arm a soft sympathetic squeeze. Quietly, Bastian moved around the two as if flanking them. He then kept walking and stopped just before the casket. Somewhere further back in the gathering there was a sigh that both twins were fairly sure was their father in a touch of embarrassment. Neither of them seemed to truly care.
"Thank you, Mum for all the times you looked after us when we were little and our Mum had to travel. For all the things you taught us and kept on us to learn to be better men." Sebastian paused as if catching his breath and coughed a moment. He seemed to blink a few times to clear his eyes as well. "You'll be missed, Mrs. Sloane." The man placed the rose carefully down on the top of the mahogany casket. He then just patted it and moved to walk back to Robert's side nodding to the others waiting to proceed as he passed them.
Slowly, one at a time or in couples the people attending Elizabeth Sloane's funeral walked up to pay their respects. Now and again there was a faint whisper to the side, but no one said much that was not to the casket or a polite consolation and how they would see him shortly at the house to Robert as they passed. There were a few of the more common folk, men mainly, that stopped and shook Sloane's hand. They reminded him that they were there if he needed them and showed their support. A surprising number of men from the farms and common merchants showed up to show their respects. Jess would nod politely to each and let them know they were welcome of course back at the house afterwards, and that there was food and their company and support in this terribly time was much appreciated. One man in particular stood out as more than just passing polite conversation and condolence.
Sean Dempsy was a large man that clearly was not a stranger to hard work in his lifetime. He seemed a few years older than Sloane and Bastian, but not terribly many. The black coat he had on was well worn and a few season's out of fashion, but clearly well taken care of and valued. He stopped by where Robert and Jess stood waiting for the mourners to finish. Reaching out he patted Sloane's shoulder in a friendly and clearly familiar manner. "So sorry about ya Mum, son." Dempsy shook his head in a sympathetic manner. He then glanced and looked noticing the twins. "Ya must be Jess and Bastian. Pleasure to meet you both, even if sorry it was under such ill weather." The man nodded to them. He then looked to Robert once more. "If ya need anything, we're here for ya like always." Sloane just nodded silently to the man in return.
Jehsa smiled politely to the man and nodded. "There is food going to be at the house after the service. You are more than welcome to join us there." Her voice was shaken, but trying to sound welcoming and warm.
Dempsy laughed quietly. "Thank ya, kindly, Miss. I think I will. It's a foul day and Sloane here's talked enough about how well ya feed him, I think I will take the chance to find out if his praise is true." Dempsy clearly tried to cheer the woman up a touch.
Jess seemed caught off guard a moment. "My cooking? Uh... yes mother and I took care of things. Please… help yourself there's plenty." She blushed slightly at the mention of being spoken about and tilted her head, letting the veil do what it was designed for and hide her face.
Dempsy just smirked and laughed again. "See ya also do turn red at the drop of a hat like he says." He seemed amused at her reaction. "Well, I'll let ya know what I think when you and your men folk get there." He nodded once more, patting Sloane's shoulder as he passed. "We'll talk later, Sloane." Again, Robert just nodded saying nothing.
Jess watched the man leave, curiously. Her mood was a bit less somber. She then leaned and whispered softly to Sloane. "Who was that?"
"No one you need ever worry about," Robert replied. His tone was cold and clearly not welcoming further discussion on the matter. Jess just blinked a moment and let it drop.
Mr. and Mrs. Larkin, accompanied by both Captain Rathburn and an associate of his, were the last to actually pay their respects from the townsfolk of Gilneas. Rebecca Larkin kept a black lace handkerchief to her lips as they laid down their flowers, her sobs still evident if muffled. Simon Larkin placed both of their roses down on the casket adding to the pile of the others. He then touched the wood as if trying to comfort the box itself. "We will miss you, Beth. You go on now and join Richard. We'll keep an eye on your boy and look out for him like always." He patted the casket and then moved to put a consoling arm around Rebecca. Mrs. Larkin leaned on her husband's shoulder and took a moment to regain her composure. Gently, Simon led her to the side to wait for the children. The Captain and other man just followed the two, placing down their flowers politely and moving to the side to wait.
A long silence passed as they waited. Finally, Jess leaned a bit and softly whispered to Robert. "Could you walk me up please? I would like to pay my respects as well." She tilted her head, looking at Robert concerned. Her green eyes were clearly visible from under the sheer black veil. Sloane just looked at her a moment. He then nodded curtly and turned to walk her to the casket.
Stopping next to the casket, slipped her free hand out from Robert's arm. She quietly lifted her veil so she could see clearly. Tears had started slowly to run down her cheeks. Her emerald eyes were ringed in red already from previous crying the night before. She looked tired and pale on the black backdrop her hat and longer waistcoat made. Reaching out, she placed the red rose on the casket a bit separate from all the others. Then she leaned over and kissed the wood softly, whispering to the box like someone talking to a close friend or family member. "Ya be off now, Mum. Get some rest." She reached up and wiped her eyes, sniffling a moment. "I'll look after him and the house for ya. Ya needn't worry about that. Ye just be at peace and know we'll be fine." The last word hardly came out before she covered her mouth with her hand. Tears streamed down her face and she couldn't hold back the crying. Instinctively, Bastian stepped forward and hugged his sister to him protectively. Sloane looked to Bastian a moment and nodded, saying nothing. Sloane then moved a bit forward and placed his rose on the casket.
Robert looked at the flowers piled up on the box. He then reached out and touched the casket, more like making sure it was real and there than anything consoling. Quietly he licked his lips a moment. If he was going to say something it never came out. Coughing once to clear his throat, he then turned and stepped back over to where the twins stood and Jess was fixing her veil back in place. She'd finally pulled herself back together. Sloane stood with the two, his back to the grave site now. Robert held his arm up, politely for Jess. "There are people at the house." Jehsa nodded and move to take Robert's arm politely, while Bastian shifted to the man's left side. Sloane then led the three of them to join Mr. and Mrs. Larkin and their companions by one of the large trees ringing the cemetery.
While all the Larkin's were dressed in black, Captain Rathburn wore his uniform. It was his dress uniform and clearly had been freshly starched and pressed for the occasion. The tall wiry man who stood next to him, being Nigel Barlow, was one of the King's Huntsmen. He wore the top hat and fashionable long waistcoat all Gilnean noblemen tended to choose as proper attire when out. Captain Rathburn bowed respectfully when the twins and Sloane joined them. He extended his hand politely to Robert. "I extend my condolences on the loss of your mother, Mr. Sloane."
Sloane looked at the hand a moment. He then shook it quick and polite. "Thank you for coming." Sloane stated flatly.
"Beth was very loved by everyone. She's going to be truly missed, Robert. I know that is not much solace right now, but…" Mrs. Larkin smiled sympathetically towards Sloane from under her veil. "You know you are always welcome at our place, anytime." She reached out and squeezed the man's hand softly a quick moment. "We should probably head to the house so people can pay their respects and be supportive. It wouldn't be right for no one to be there with them."
"Thank you for everything, Mrs. Larkin." Sloane nodded, leaving it at that.
Mr. Larkin nodded back to the man in return. "It's no trouble at all, Robert. You would do the same if the roles were reversed and when we are gone one day. You've been a good friend to Sebastian and Jehsa all these years."
"Speaking of heading to the house…" Capt Rathburn seized the opportunity to interject. "Nigel was kind enough to bring his carriage. You looked tired, Lady Jehsa. Perhaps I could convince you and your brother to ride with Nigel and me to the house? I know your parents' carriage only has room for two comfortably and thought it would save you the walk in the foul weather." The Captain smiled at her.
Jess wasn't sure if she was feeling Sloane tense or him reacting to her tense up. Either way, her arm was stiff as a board where it rested on Robert's now. She swallowed and shook her head no slowly. "No thank you, though the gesture is appreciated respectfully. I don't think that it would be appropriate for us to let Robert walk back to house alone at this time."
Bastian quirked his eyebrow. "Thanks, but no thanks. We can walk." He moved to take up the space at Sloane's left side once more, putting Sloane between the two twins.
"Technically there is room for four as Nigel would be driving. You are right of course, Lady Jehsa. I wasn't thinking. Perhaps you will all let us drive you then?" Rathburn replied with a smile to Bastian.
"I'll walk." Sloane answered curtly.
"You heard him…" Bastian returned the smile to Captain Rathburn. "We'll walk. It gives us time to get ourselves in order before dealing with the guests at the house."
Mrs. Larkin watched the exchange a moment or two then sighs. "Actually, it is getting late. There are things that still have to go in the oven and be tended to at the house. Perhaps you could be a dear and take Simon and me with you now, Jonathan. Sebastian can then bring Jess and Robert in the buggy when he's done paying his respects to his mum in private. No need to rush him and Bastian has ridden standing in that buggy since he could stand so no harm done." She smiles at the Captain. "It would be very helpful."
Simon looked at his wife and nodded. "That makes the most sense. We'll tend to the guests and keep the house in order. Then the children can join us once Robert is ready to see people."
Jonathan smiled a toothy grin at Mrs. Larkin. "It seems unfair that you should have to attend to all the cooking and playing hostess in someone else's home single handed. I know Jehsa wouldn't want that. Perhaps as there is still room for one more she would like to ride with us and aid you? I am sure Bastian and Robert will be along quickly. I just would hate to see you so taxed and put out with no help and do not want people thinking Jeshsa was inconsiderate."
"Oh, I'm sure you don't." Sebastian narrowed his eyes.
Sloane watched the exchange between the Captain and his friend. He then looked to Jess. "Your mother shouldn't have to do all this."
Jess looked over and up at Sloane. "She doesn't. We choose to do the things we do." She smiled softly. Turning to the others and letting her eyes settle on the Captain, Jess did not move. "I think you are quite right, Captain. If you would be so kind as to fetch the carriage with Mr. Barlow, and escort my parents to their buggy please? Mother can get the kitchen in order with the ladies that wish to help out. I can take on the role of hostess and deal with the guests. That is of course if you don't mind me doing such, Robert?" She looked over to Sloane once more.
"Not at all." Sloane quirked a brow curiously but let it go.
Jess nodded. "Then it's settled. Captain Rathburn, you will see to our transportation then. I will see to keeping Sloane's house in order. Thank you for thinking so far ahead to keep things in order, Sir." She smiled a polite and pointed grin at the Captain.
"Good! Now that's all settled, let the boy grieve in peace. Come on now, all of you." Rebecca Larkin moved to start walking with her husband. "Come along, Jonathan and Nigel. Faster we get the buggy and carriage, the sooner we aren't keeping people waiting at the house in the rain without going inside." She moved to shoo the men along.
Bowing again, Captain Rathburn maintained his smile. "I agree. However, Nigel can escort you and fetch the carriage. I will wait with Miss Jehsa. It would be inappropriate for her to have to walk to the carriage unescorted at this hour of the afternoon. You don't mind, do you Nigel?"
The wiry man smirked. "Not at all, Sir. It isn't the first time I have fetched a carriage."
"Good point." Simon Larkin nods to the Captain. "Well then, we will see you at the house." He waved and started to walk with his wife and Mr. Barlow.
"I hardly doubt my safety is an issue, in the cemetery in the afternoon." Jeshsa narrowed her eyes at the Captain.
"Appearances," Jonathan replied. "We wouldn't want there to be whispering about you walking alone and any of us not being the gentleman to escort you, now would we?"
"Well then how about I escort you over to the road, so we can wait for the carriage, and we let Jess say her respects in private?" Bastian curtly answered.
"It's a short enough distance and in eyes sight should something happen. I think that reasonable." Rathburn agreed.
"If anything were to happen, in the cemetery… in the middle of the day…. I feel secure in the knowledge that Robert can look after my sister for the five minutes it would take me to get there to her." Sebastian glared at the man.
"Said sister, who is standing right here, would also like to remind everyone that she can and has taken care of herself walking alone just fine for quite a few years now. We are in Gilneas for Lord's sake!" She looks between Rathburn and her brother, clearly becoming annoyed.
"And perhaps it is Mr. Sloane's intentions that I am wary of at this juncture." Rathburn replied, ignoring Jess's comment.
"I beg your pardon?" Sloane's eyes narrowed to slits.
"Oh no… NO!" Jehsa moved immediately to the center of all the men, taking her arm from Sloane's finally. "All of you are not going ta do this. Not here and not now. This is a place of respect and…" Her hands balled into black gloved fists, all polite formality gone. "Elizabeth Sloane deserves more respect than this from ya, Jonathan Rathburn. If ya are indeed thinking to be going out of yer way to impress me, then ya are now failing miserably!" Her eyes were Jade fire now. "And Bastian, our Mum raised us better!" She looked to her brother. "Now…both of ya… I will see you at the side of the road in a moment. Off with you!"
Bastian chuckled at his sister's outburst. "You heard her…." He gestured for the Captain to start walking.
Glaring at Sloane over Jess's shoulder, Captain Rathburn bowed politely without tipping his head. "My apologies to you, Madam. You are right considering the time and place. This is a conversation we can have at a later date." He pivoted and moved to stalk to the side of the road still in view. Sebastian followed hot on the man's heels as he did a feral smile on his face.
Jess turned and looked to Sloane, seeing the man's gaze leveled on Rathburn. "Leave it be, Robert. He's bein a horse's arse and yer Mum deserves better today." She took a step closer to Sloane speaking softly.
Sloane's face showed no change in expression as he watched the man walk off. "Hitting him would make the day better."
"Robert…" she just sighed.
Sloane's gaze finally moved from the Captain in the now distance to the woman standing in front of him. "Well, it would." He crossed his arms calmly on his chest.
"I'm not dealing with this. Not today of all days." Jess shakes her head. "You take all the time you need. I can deal with the people at the house. Mum and I will make sure they are fed and treated well." She moved to change the subject.
Sloane just nodded accepting the topic change. "Alright."
"I'm so sorry, Robert. We… we tried to help her…" Jess's eyes finally meet Robert's as they fill with tears again.
"I know." Sloane swallowed a moment. "I don't fault either of you, Jess."
"There just should have been more we could do…" she starts to fidget with the cameo at her throat.
"You did all you could. It was the fever. It's that simple." Robert's tone softened some, and wasn't quite as cold.
Jess watched him a long moment. "I should get to the house and help, Mum." She seems to be searching for something to say.
Sloane nods. "We won't be long. I said what I needed to when she could hear me. I don't feel the need to say it again to a box." He turned his head to gaze over at the trees lining the area again, swallowing back something.
"Aye, I know ya did. She was proud of you, always, you know. You made her proud and still do." Jess softly spoke to him.
"We'll see," was all he said.
"Well, I should get." Quickly, Jehsa leaned forward and kissed Sloane on the cheek politely. She then turned to go but stopped and turned back a moment. "Oh…" she paused. "Probably not the best time for it, but I didn't want to forget. I heard that they are looking to bring in more cannons early next week to put up on the wall and the keep. Not sure if you know any smithing or masonry but they'll need men to help with mounting them and so forth. Could be some good work for a bit once the shipment is in…"
Sloane looks at her confused a moment. "Jess, I'm a tanner by trade, you know that."
Jess shrugged. "Who knows what you pick up and learn when I'm not around ya? Just thought I would mention it. If you know someone else that might need the work then."
"I'll pass it on…" He nodded to her, still looking unsure of something.
"Alright then, I'm going before Bastian shivs Rathburn and we have to hide the body." She shakes her head.
"On second thought, maybe you should stay a bit longer..." He smirked.
"Ya know most blokes start with flowers, not bodies of suitors they don't like ya know?" she chides him.
Sloane shrugs. "I never claimed to be most people, Jess."
"Aye that ya never have." She moved to slowly start the walk to the road, trying to keep the bottom of her skirts out of the mud. "I'll see ya shortly."
"You will." Sloane just watched her walk. Once she reached the other men, he turned and just looked down at the grave, waiting on Bastian's return.