At first light Caroline found herself approaching Honey Duke Lane. It was not so awful a part of town, though the streets were pungent with activity. Even at this early hour the street was alive with people. Caroline observed two well worn woman, deep in conversation, vigorously working a large wooden dolly. Turning and twisting the fabric they cackled; withered and wild, Macbeth's own witches, their cauldron a mass of murky water.

Within her hand she held a note from Miss Brown which had arrived just as she was ready to take her leave. Cedric was still feverish, having spent a disturbed night. The house keeper had reported no improvement in his condition having spent the evening administering the doctors many draughts. Miss Brown feared that if his fever did not break soon the doctor would need to be called. As the previous leeching application had appeared unsuccessful, it would seem blistering was now the only option to reduce his febrile constitution.

Such news had not soothed Caroline's worry. Why was he not improving? Cedric was far too spirited to allow a silly fever to take hold. She knew the dangers of sepsis but would not dwell on such dark thoughts. As soon as she had spoken to Alice Peter's she would go to Cedric directly. She may be no nurse but she had to make herself useful in some way.

She pulled her dark shawl tighter about her person. She felt utterly hollow. Peering through the glass she saw the forge ahead.

Jackson Peters, and his father before him, had always been her parents preferred blacksmith. Well respected amongst their peers, their work was exceptional. Not only were they trusted with the mundane but important task of shoeing the horses, they had over the years created bespoke ornate metal work for both inside and the facade of their home.

It was fact that once a female member of the house staff married they left their employment. This of course happened regularly and Caroline had seen many young girls leave the Bingley's employment this way. However when Alice Smyth married, who at the time acted as part of her mothers personal set of maids, her mother had insisted something be done to allow the new Mrs Peters to continue at reduced capacity within the house. Her mother, always a force to be reckoned with, had of course got her way. Caroline had not known at the time why her mother held the woman as such a favourite. It was only now, due to Cedric, knowing the two likely began life in the same horrid manner, that Caroline could fully understand the attachment.

As the carriage drew to a halt Caroline noticed the forge was empty; surprised not to find the furnace already aflame and Peters busy within. She took Simon's hand and stepped down from the carriage, allowing him to escort her round the side of the forge to the home adjacent.

Simon banged upon the door. It was the Sabbath, perhaps Peters wound the forge down for the Day of the Lord? It was still yet too early for the family to be at Church. She nodded to Simon, he banged the door again.

"You will not find em 'ere, long gone they are."

Caroline turned to find what appeared to be one of the many street urchin children standing by the corner by the forge.

"Whatever do you mean child?"

The girl looked back at her but said nothing more, physically shrinking under Caroline's gaze.

Tutting to herself Caroline dug into her reticule retrieving a few coins. She passed the coins to Simon who diligently went and stood, his hand out stretched to the girl just out of reach.

"My mistress wants tae know wit you mean. Where is the family?"

Hesitantly she looked between Caroline and Simon. Finally the coins won out. "They left, three days ago. Took the horse from the forge and went out of town. Mr Peters gave me a whole shilling to watch the forge."

"Do you know where and for how long?" Simon asked, lowering his hand for the girl to claim her coin. She shook her head.

"Well this is utterly pointless," huffed Caroline in frustration, practically stomping her foot in the dirt. Why was nothing going to plan? If only Mrs Cockburn had been more helpful, but alas the housekeeper was as abstractive as ever. She could have spoken to Alice sooner and now they were gone.

All she wanted was to do the right thing, take Alice Peters to Cedric. She was ashamed she had not done so sooner. She should have told him the truth the moment he mentioned Alice at the Inn. If she had he may have returned with her to London and he would never have been hurt. She wished there to be no more secrets between the two of them but it was hard changing ones character. She just wanted to fix things. Why was everything working against her?

She turned, following Simon from the side alley back to the main street, suddenly he paused with Caroline almost walking directly into his back.

"Oh for goodness sake boy, whatever are you doing?"

"Rather early for you to be out and about at such an hour Miss Bingley. Especially in such an unfamiliar part of town."

Following Simon's gaze she looked across to her awaiting carriage; leaning against the closed door stood Cousin Alfred. He had followed her.

"Simon, go up front with Jenkins, we shall be on our way in but a moment."

Alfred moved to open the carriage door, clearly desirous for a private discussion. She felt hesitant, but would not allow her person to betray her reservations. Holding her chin high she strode past him, ignoring his offered hand and took her place within. Alfred followed, closing the door firmly, he took the seat opposite her in the confined space.

"You had me followed?" she asked her tone neutral. He merely nodded, his face expressionless.

"May I enquire as to the how and why?"

"Staff are so easily bought. You should be more careful Caroline. With a tongue as sharp as your own, it was not difficult to find members of your household only too eager for such a task. Now, I think I can understand your reason for being here this morning."

She said nothing, not willing to give him information that he may not entirely know. If he was only following her perhaps he did not know whom she sought?

"Imagine by surprise," Alfred continued casually, slowly removing his gloves; "the day after my arrival no less crossing paths with Alice Smyth. I am not sure I would have recognised her so quickly if it had not been her reaction. Dropped an entire pile of logs for the fire before running from the room. I should not have been surprised really, your mother always had a soft spot for her, even as children the two were inseparable. I called upon them at home earlier this week. Such lovely children, the mother of two lovely little girls no less. Such a shame she does not wish to reminisce about the old days. If that was your reason for coming here, I am afraid I beat you to it."

Caroline felt her angry build. Clearly he had threatened Alice and she and her family had fled. What was worse, someone in her staff was in cahoots with her cousin.

"Now my darling Caroline that we have exhausted the subject of Mrs Peters, what I really want to know if where you went last night."

"I was with you at the Matlock's." She replied sharply, unease rippling through her stomach. How often was he having her followed?

"Do not play the fool with me Miss Bingley. Where. Where. You."

"If it is so easy to find out such details, why not simply tell me where you think I was?"

"I wish to hear you say it."

"I shall do no such thing."

He leaned forward, drawing his face closer to her own. "Tell me where you went!" He bellowed, his breath hot and wet upon her cheek.

Caroline felt quite hopeless. "If you are keeping tabs on my movements you will know I went to Mr Montague's residence."

He sat back, the fury he had just displayed frighteningly gone in an instant. "And now can you tell me why? For I have it on good authority it was Darcy whom you sought. Did you really think such impropriety would remain undiscovered? To think I thought you pure. All this," he waved his hand in her direction, "mere bravado. It would seem the apple did not fall far from the tree. So like your mother. Too willing to lift your skirts by means of advancement. I suppose you think Mr Darcy quite the prize."

"How dare you speak to me in such a manner! You have no right. I will not have you insult my person a moment longer. And from you no less! Not after what you have done! How could you do such a thing? Your behaviour sickens me. To think we are bound by blood."

"You blame me for your wantonness?" He laughed, but the sound was cruel and hollow.

"What you did to Cedric is unforgivable. If he should deteriorate due to your disgusting behaviour; mark my words I will make you suffer. I shall never forgive you."

The smirk which had creased his face fell away. He had been so focused on his jealous fury at his assumption she had ran off to Darcy, he had not given a moment's thought to the young barrister.

"What is it exactly you accuse me of?"

"You know full well what you have done. To have such a man attacked is unforgivable. You are a brute."

His face grew hot upon realising his mistake. She had used Montague's Christian name without thought. He could see the feeling clearly in her expression. Alfred had quarrelled with Caroline, threatened her previously and drawn from her a delicious sense of fear; and she had risen to each occasion beautifully, for it was exactly this vibrant spirit he wished to control. His face twisted in disdain, her affection lay with Mr Montague.

"I do not know what it is you accuse me of," he growled.

"Oh, so you did not have him set upon? Beaten and bruised. Worried were you? What might be discovered? You should have known Alfred, if you intended to blackmail my family into a corner we would only seek to do the same to you! But to have him set upon, how could you stoop so low?"

"Careful Caroline, yet again you let that tongue of yours run away with you. Whatever you think my part, I had no involvement in the fate of Mr Montague."

"You are a liar! You are nothing more than a common thug. To think I..." She was stopped mid sentence by Alfred thrusting a hand to her neck. She felt his grip tighten, in shock as she gulped for air against the pressure of his hand.

"I said I had no involvement in Mr Montague's fate. I do not know of what you speak but can only assume the gentleman got himself into a little, shall we say trouble?" He flexed his fingers round her throat, the metal from his signet ring cutting into her skin. "I am many things but I am no liar." He pushed his hand forward causing her head to jerk back against the seat of the carriage. He withdrew his hand, sitting back in his seat, placing his hands upon his knee.

She drew her hand to her throat protectively, at an utter loss for words. He had assaulted her; yet now he sat across from her as though nothing untoward had occurred; composed, almost calm. His volatility was the most terrifying thing of all.

"You promise you did not have him set upon in Scarborough?" she asked unable to let the subject drop.

She saw his jaw tighten. "He was in Scarborough? May I ask why? Why did he feel the sudden need to visit my home town?"

"I shall assume such a question rhetorical. For I would of thought the objective clear."

"You play with fire Miss Bingley."

"On the contrary, you simply underestimate me. Did you truly believe I would simply let you continue to blackmail me? To hold the awful secrets you possess of our past over me to such a degree I would not seek to find fuel for my own fire?" She laughed, not thinking she continued; "if only Cedric had let me accompany him to Scarborough for I would have done everything in my power to uncover the sort of man you truly are.

Did you really think I simply agreed to marry you to protect our standing without seeking some sort of backup plan? That I would simply submit and tie myself to a man such as you? Your father was a monster who preyed on young girls and, as you so often tell me, I am certain the apple did not fall far from the tree!"

"Never compare me to that man," he roared banging his fist hard against the carriage. "I shall warn you only once Caroline, do not let my partiality to your beauty give you unfounded delusions. I am not a man to be trifled with."

"Maam, is all well?" came the voice of Jenkins from above.

The two glared at each other. "Return to home Jenkins, I fear your mistress has quite over exerted herself."

Alfred waited until the carriage began to move before he continued; "quite the error you have made my dear. You have shown your cards too early. Yes I will admit my reason for coming to London was to ruin your family name and reputation. I shall not deny it. You are no fool. I wanted to hurt your family just as your mother ruined that for my mother. My father was never the same after your mother got her filthy claws into him. There were so many girls but he had to have her. He intended to leave my mother, marry his little tart and raise their child. Not one care for my mother or me. Not one care how it would look to others. And what did she do? Played me, toyed with my affection and used me to run off with another man. Why should Charles, why should any of you be allowed to get away unscathed by such an act?"

"You lie, your father abused my mother and threw her out when she became a burden."

"You know nothing. The whore schemed her way to become his favourite and ruined him by running off in the middle of the night with his brother. Who do you think helped her leave? Oh yes, I was a very foolish young man; blinded by her beauty, a mere pawn. I wanted to protect her, I thought she was coming to me. I loved her but she of course chose another."

"You do not know the meaning of love."

"And you do? Tell me is that what you feel towards Mr Montague? Is that love?"

She paused. She had been most unwise in her unguarded behaviour.

"Do not delude yourself Miss Bingley. You and I are the same. You would only be his ruin. Look at the damage you have already caused."

"You had him beaten! I will take no responsibility for the cruelness of your actions." She felt tears sting her eyes. Not because she feared Alfred, but because she knew his words to be true. Cedric was hurt because of her, because he sought to help her family. She was at fault.

She flinched as Alfred reached out taking her hand in his. "Do not cry my darling. I can assure you, I did not touch the man. I did not even know he was in Scarborough, so how can you blame me for such a thing? I promise I did not touch him."

She looked up at him, her upset and inner turmoil evident in her features. He tightened his grip upon her hand, crushing her fingers as his jealousy took hold.

"I promise you I did not touch him," he repeated through gritted teeth, "but I certainly will not make such a promise now. As I said my dear cousin, house staff are so easily bought. So easily persuaded. It would be such a shame if Montague were to suddenly take a turn for the worst. All those concoctions and potions from the Apothecary, who can tell the reaction a man might have if given the wrong dose. Tragic really. However you, lovely Caroline, you have all in your power to fix the problem."

He moved forward, drawing his face only inches from her own.

"You tell me he has been battered and bruised in the pursuit of helping your family. Tisk, Tisk; the nephew of an Errol no less, practically betrothed to his own fair cousin. Did you really thing his family would allow for him to tie himself to your family? Oh, I have done my homework can you say you have been as successful in yours? I am no fool. I knew you would try to find reason to blacken my name and reputation. But you will find none. I am not like my father, all my evils are well hidden. My past, my present and my future are well protected; interwoven within the livelihood and survival of others. I am untouchable Caroline and if you continue to push me too far I will take away everyone you have ever cared about one by one. I had thought simple, optimistic Charles the most amusing of targets but it would seem perhaps Mr Montague requires greater consideration."

He could see her ready to retaliate before adding; "and to crush Louisa when she finds herself already in such a delicate position would be most ungentlemanly. Do you not agree?"

"What do you want Alfred? Caroline asked defeated. He knew Louisa was with child, clearly nothing and no one was safe from this man.

"I am tired of London, I wish to return home. I wish to return to Scarborough with you as my bride. I want you to choose me before you force my hand. Just one word and I can obtain a special license, we can be married in less than a sennight. Marry me and I shall leave your Mr Montague to his own devices. Say you will be mine and I shall leave your siblings be."

"And if I refuse," she spoke quietly, his face still so close to her own she could taste his breath.

He reached a hand to trail down the side of her face, his coarse fingers brushing against her skin. "I will tear down every person you have ever cared for and one by one and you shall watch them burn knowing you are the cause of their pain and ruin."

"Then you leave me no other choice."

"Oh, there is always choice my darling. I would much rather you come willingly, far nicer story to tell the children is it not?" He placed his fingers round her neck possessively.

"And all of this will end?"

He nodded, stroking along her collar bone. "I have never desired anything as much as I wish to call you mine. You have my word, I would not jeopardise your reputation as my wife."

"My brother is due to leave London. I am not yet one and twenty and would require his consent."

"Do not concern yourself with practicalities my dear. Leave all that to me."