The ground was hard, giving little to the sloshing of the large layers of snow that were quite literally falling from the branches of the large pine in the woods. The man woke, his head laying on the thick, coarse, blanket that was on the nettled pines beneath the tree. The horse was up munching on the scant sprigs of greens that had managed to poke through the snows.
He rubbed his chin, clawing at his cap bringing it over his exposed ears. It was warmer than the previous night already, but still not to his liking. The sun would be fully up soon, and the guests would surely be bustling about. His best chance for success would come just as they'd prepare to leave the inn, witnesses of the law being present. The bounty was good. After tonight he'd be in a fine bed, a hot bath, and the pleasure of much fonder company than that of the horse. A fine bottle of brandy would be his first reward, he'd see to that. He rose, straightening his coat. There would be no coffee this morning, nor hot breakfast. He reached inside his coat pulling out a large hunk of dried meat and began picking at it. It was hardly suitable, but would have to do until later. The carriage house was dark, and there was nothing to be done but wait.
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Nadir could feel an overwhelming sense of tired trying to claim him. How he wished that the night had been different, for this morning he'd be enjoying a hot cup of café' ole with Erik, in the comfort of his home. His mind wandered to what he might find when he arrived. He knew his sister's property well, having helped her fence in the majority of it when she first decided to have stables. The woods were full of wolves, and they did not fit well with trying to maintain a hospitable environment.
Rounding the last turn past the large grove of trees, he could see the Candlelight Inn in the distance. He'd have to leave the main road, traveling around back so as to go undetected until he could fully put the situation into perspective. He needed to talk to Claire, but now with sun rising it would be impossible to avoid the guests and stable hands. He would figure something out, and he had better do it quickly.
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The loud clank of the heavy coffee pot rang in Joseph's head. The maid had brought in the breakfast for the stable hands, as well as coffee and scones for him and the officers. "Breakfast will be served at 7:30 sharp, in the dining room." With that she abruptly turned and walked back to the house muttering under her breath, "drunkards."
The first officer rose, the aroma from the cranberry and orange scones greeting his nostrils. He kicked at the bed of the second and the third officers as he made his way to the table to pour a cup of coffee. "Fair nights sleep considering we're penniless now" the last waking officer said as he too made his way to the table where the others were busily devouring the morning breads. "When will you be heading to the blacksmith's shop?" he said looking over at Joseph who was still reclining.
"Best be getting to that I guess, if we've any hope to leave before lunch." Joseph attempted to pull himself upright, but had to roll to the side to make his way around his own expanding middle. He splashed a bit of water on his face, rubbing it around. He took a cup of coffee, and spying the last scone on the plate with four other pairs of hungry eyes on it, he reached in quickly snatching. "There will be plenty more at breakfast my good sirs, and I'll be with the blacksmith while you're enjoying it." He pushed in the last of it, gulping down the coffee as he walked to the door. He fetched his horse and went to knock on the door of the house.
"Will you be needing a guide sir?" the young man asked who answered the door. "I don't believe I could find it myself,….if its not too much trouble." The young man stepped back inside and gathered his cloak. "It's a short walk, but take the horse if you prefer." Joseph mounted his horse, feeling rather like a pony being led in a circus, he watched as the younger man took the reins leading him down the path out onto the road.
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Claire was in the kitchen and noticed the sudden activity under the tree. The man stood, staring curiously at the hansom as he was being led down the road by the young master. Claire reached over for the gun that was discreetly placed under a dishcloth on the counter. She wasn't sure what he was up to, and he'd have little chance to explain if he made one wrong move she thought to herself. She watched a long while before the man went back to the base of the tree and sat down beneath it.
Soon the dining room was filling up, the officers being the first to arrive, followed by Madame Giry and Meg. Coffee and other sweet breads were on the table, awaiting the last two morning guests before bringing out the proper breakfast.
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Christine had slipped from underneath Erik, allowing him to rest and stretch on the comfortable feather tick. She'd already ignored the much earlier knock on the door, and a second that was most certainly Meg. She slipped into the gray wool dress she'd donned the day before, her dowdy wardrobe being rather limited. She quickly powdered her hair, streaking her face, pulling an odd sort of old bonnet over he head. It looked positively ridiculous, but something an older woman might do.
She took one last look at Erik as he lay peacefully sleeping. He'd understand if he woke up…after all…it was her turn to play the disappearing act! She smiled as she closed the door, making her way down the stairs to the dining room. She nearly tripped on the tray that was outside her door, feeling half guilty that she'd let the hot coffee go to waste. The two hours spent holding Erik had been worth it though, she thought as she lifted the tray taking it with her downstairs.
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Breakfast was full of the usual pleasantries. The officers spent much of their time trying to entertain Meg, much to Christine's chagrin. She and Madame Giry made polite conversation as older women might, trying feebly to ignore the chattering of the "youngsters."
"Did Stephan sleep well?" Christine could feel herself blushing, the events of the previous night flashing through her mind. "Yes, it was a peaceful night, the accommodations are quite luxurious."
Madame Giry nodded as she took a bite of her fruit. "He did stir once last night, to what cause I am uncertain," Christine whispered as Claire was reaching over her shoulder to replenish her coffee.
"Perhaps you could join me in the kitchen for a moment when you are finished, I've a question about the lunch I'm packing for you" she said looking Christine in the eye. Christine nodded, a bit worried now that there was something she did not know, but ought to. Her appetite suddenly gone, she sat for a few proper moments before excusing herself from the table.
"Elizabeth, close the door behind you dear." Claire motioned to her as she came into the kitchen. "We haven't much time. I've spoken to Stephan. From your comments I gather you noticed his absence from your bed last night." Claire looked Christine in the eye for confirmation. Christine somewhat bewildered by what this woman knew.
"I am Nadir's sister Claire." Christine still looked on in puzzlement. She started, "I'm quite sorry, I don't know…" Claire interrupted. "It seems that your new husband has much yet to tell you." She stood, peering over her shoulder out the window, and then back at Christine.
"Last night Stephan sat watch over the man that is out under the shelter of that large tree." Claire pointed to the pine. Christine could barely make out an image of a man huddled beneath it. "I first noticed him last night, and remembering what my brother had told me about your husband having many enemies, I was naturally concerned for your safety."
Christine looked at Claire in horror, not really knowing what to say to her…how much did she know? Claire continued "Stephan sat watch all night" she laughed, lifting the cover to the bowl containing the apple slices "he even busied himself peeling and slicing!" Christine smiled at her politely, thinking perhaps she was a bit mad, or had taken leave of her senses.
Claire continued, "I've not much time to explain the details but, you and your husband will be leaving soon with your nieces, and I fear for your safety. I can only hope that the midnight messenger I dispatched to my brother delivered my urgent message. All should be in suitable order when you arrive there." Claire glanced once more at the yard, and then focused seriously on Elizabeth.
"My dear, I don't know how long you've been married, but my brother said you were on your honeymoon. It has always been my belief a wife should be prepared to care for herself in the event her husband is unable to." Claire walked over to the cloth on the counter, lifting it, pulling out the pistol that was beneath it. Walking back to Christine, she handed it to her forcing her hand under the folds of her skirt. "Take this with you my dear. If you should find that you need to use it, do not hesitate to defend yourself."
Christine looked at her, now clammy and pale. She'd never fired a gun, much less ever held one, and now one was pressed into her side. "When you arrive at my brother's house, you may return it to him, and he will see that it is returned to me." Claire looked insistently at Elizabeth. "Now, go rejoin your family, pretending we talked of bread and the like."
Claire shooed Elizabeth toward the door. Claire said as Christine's hand was on the door. "I dare say it is wonderful that a man and woman of your years are able to find happiness." Christine smiled back at her. She was confused, she was flustered, she was so many things too difficult to describe. She felt exposed as Claire pushed her back through the door. She looked flushed, immediately going to Madame Giry's side.
"I think I should like to retire for a brief rest while the carriage is put in order for our departure." Christine's eyes were wide as she looked at Madame Giry, her back facing the rest. "Oh, why, certainly dear aunt. Here let me help you." Madame Giry rose, putting her hand under Christine's elbow, leading her over to the stairs. Meg looked on, a bit concerned, but deciding it best she stay so as not to attract undue attention. Besides, she was rather enjoying the company.