…
Emily walked down the darkened hall. From the kitchen came the sounds of servants busily going about their business. From the library, an echoing silence.
"I know you're here," she whispered to the empty hall.
"Emily?" her mother called from the parlor. "Is that you?"
"I'll be with you in a moment, Mother," Chess…no, Emily called over her shoulder as she slowly pushed open the stately door. Carefully tucking a strand of long brown hair behind her ear, she leaned in, peering behind the door. The library was empty…but on the desk, atop the family Bible, lay a black top hat. Slamming the door, Emily sprinted to the parlor, sliding on the thin soles of her black boots. Her mother glared.
"Emily, we have a guest," she growled, managing to admonish Emily without outright scolding her. Emily performed a hasty curtsey for the purpose of politeness, not even looking at the purple silk armchair which just happened to be occupied.
"It's always a pleasure to see you, Miss Chester," the silky voice intoned, and the girl froze. She couldn't even turn to look.
"Mr. Harper," Emily acknowledged in a small, frightened voice.
"Ma'am," he replied, smiling in that oh-so-maddening way.
"Mother, would you be so kind as to leave Mr. Harper and I alone for a moment of private conversation?" Emily asked, turning to the matronly figure on the couch.
"Alone?" Her mother stared at her in shock.
"Mother. It's a new decade." Emily reminded her, acting as if she was a normal young woman, intending to get a few minutes of time to flirt with her handsome and normal beau. Grumbling about impropriety, her mother stayed put. However, with a look from Maddox, she realized that he would naturally take offence if she were to insinuate that he wasn't to be trusted. Clucking to herself like a bewildered hen, Mrs. Chester stood and exited the room.
"Scandalous of you, Chess," Maddox said quietly.
"What do you want? Why are you following me?" she asked in a desperate whisper, hoping her mother wouldn't hear.
"My dear," Maddox replied in mock surprise, "I haven't the slightest idea what you're speaking of. You must be mad." He reached out an took her hand. Emily flinched.
"Whatever you intend for me, I insist that you get it done with," she hissed, pulling away. "If you mean to drive me mad…"
"I have," Maddox interrupted.
"I'm not quite so far gone," Emily murmured, looking around worriedly.
"My dear," Maddox chuckled, "this place is a figment of your imagination. Right now, you are sitting in a bedroom in America. I meant to drive you to insanity, and I have succeeded." Emily looked up at him with bright, fearful eyes.
"Now I suppose you're going to kill me."
"What, and spoil all the fun…?" Maddox grinned. "Not a chance."
…