Post by Meomi on Jun 23, 2012 16:28:29 GMT -7
This chapter contains violence, young viewers please be advised.
A WICKED PROPOSITION
..::Chapter 13::..
Nicholas was surprised to see Gabriel arrive at his residence. Thoughts of his behavior with Catherine made him wary as he entered his study.
Nicholas: Gabriel, what brings you here in the middle of the day?
Gabriel: Did you hear that Clarice has died?
Nicholas: I learned of it yesterday. They say it was her heart.
Gabriel: We both know she didn't have one.
Nicholas: Why are you so upset? It doesn't appear you mourn her.
Gabriel: Clarice has made me her beneficiary.
Nicholas choked and coughed violently.
Gabriel: Yes, I felt that way too when her attorney sent mine the papers after her death was known.
Nicholas: You own a brothel? Do I still have to pay, or is that to be one of the benefits of being friends with the owner?
Gabriel: Nicholas, why would Clarice leave me her business, it makes no sense?
Nicholas: Mayhap the old harridan liked you. Who can say? It seems odd she didn't leave it to Yvetta. What do you intend to do with it?
Gabriel: The brothel, you mean? Selling it is an option.
Nicholas: Did Catherine tell you I came over a couple weeks ago? I dropped her off more tea. I assumed you were meeting with Chumley that day. How is the little man working out?
Gabriel: Catherine said nothing of your visit. The little man is getting one very big bank draft if he is as good as you say.
Nicholas knew she was hiding something now. She hadn't told Gabriel of his despicable actions because she was guilty!
Nicholas: Chumley is the best, my friend. If there is anything to be found, he will find it.
Lilly was reading her correspondence when she came across Catherine's letter. She read it quickly and her eyes darkened with rage. She tossed it in the fire. Catherine was ruining everything with her d**ned conscience. Lilly didn't trust Catherine not to confess all to her husband and brave his considerable wrath. Gabriel could never know the truth. She had to act quickly or all was lost. It was time she pay her sister a visit. Lilly wrote Catherine another letter and informed Dunstan she was going out.
Lilly called to the boy waiting on the stoop outside Gabriel's residence. She gave him a shilling and then note, and waited. The boy took the letter and went to the door to pass to Higgins.
Lilly waited barely fifteen minutes and made her way around the back of the house, by way of the alley. Catherine appeared moments later, looking tense and anxious.
Catherine: Why has it taken you so long to come to me?
Lilly: I do not have to remind you I am being watched! I am here now.
Catherine: Clarice betrayed us! I told you not to trust her.
Lilly: I think you staying here with him now an excellent idea. It works out even better, sister. You didn't like the idea of visiting him in the brothel, as I recall.
Catherine: He isn't seeing Mrs. Farrand anymore. I have done as you ask. I wish to go home now!
Lilly: Matters have become dire, little sister. You must stay a bit longer. There are documents I need as well.
Catherine: What documents?
Lilly: I need our marriage papers, all of them. Whatever you can find, that should slow Edward down.
Catherine: I have done as you asked Lilly.
Lilly: Be that as it may, you stay. You will remain for now. You leaving suddenly will only make him suspicious.
Catherine: I could tell him the truth, Lilly!
Lilly chuckled.
Lilly: Do you think he will feel fondly for you when he discovers the truth? He will toss you to the streets for you trouble. Think of the children, my dear. Your destiny hinges very much upon my own, and you know it. Do nothing foolish.
Catherine: This is wrong! I cannot even look at myself in the mirror anymore.
Lilly: Come now, you don't begin to care for him, do you? Really, Catherine, you cannot be so naive anymore.
Catherine: I need to get back to the children.
Lilly: You will stay here for as long as it is necessary, Catherine. Edward is stalling the petition once more. Just concentrate on all you stand to gain from this little adventure, sister. I know you will do nothing to jeopardize matters.
Catherine said nothing more as Lilly pulled the hood of her cloak over her head. She watched her sister disapear into the rear of the gardens.
Nicholas regarded his visitor with a raised eyebrow. He rose from his seat before the fire and digested this news thoughtfully. Gabriel stood near the window of his study, looking moody and agitated.
Nicholas: How can you be so sure Catherine is involved? How would she even know your wife?
Gabriel: I am sure of nothing at all. Chumley is in Ireland right now. He is digging up dirt on the Countess, so I can prove she is lying. I bloody well know Thornton stalls the petititon on purpose. He is in league with my wife! It all makes sense now. I don't know how the girl is involved, if at all. Vickers claims Clarice made two appearances at my former residence before her death. We both know Clarice and Lady Iverleigh do not travel in the same circles. And Clarice practically did throw Catherine at me, Nick. Now she is dead, and I can learn nothing.
Nicholas: Why would Clarice help your wife in such a way?
Gabriel: I have only my suspicions, none of it good.
Nicholas: Have you asked Catherine about any of this?
Nicholas tensed just thinking about her. Nicholas was still regretting his treatment of her. He was troubled by the stirrings of jealousy he felt when he thought of her with his friend.
Gabriel: Let us say, talk is the last thing on my mind when she is near. She has bewitched me, my friend. It is no doubt why my wife chose her. There are too may coincidences.
Nicholas: What do you think they are after?
Gabriel: My wife is obviously desperate to stay married to me. Catherine is merely a spy. I have not figured out the rest. I mean to put Chumley to the matther when he returns. That is where you come in.
Nicholas: What do you want me to do?
Gabriel: I have too many appointments each day with this case and other matters to keep an eye upon my mistress's movements. I need her followed if she leaves, and watched. If she contacts my wife or Thornton, it proves what I now suspect.
Nicholas: What will you do if you find out she is working with them?
Gabriel: I don't know. Let us hope I am wrong.
Nicholas: This isn't like you to tolerate such suspicions like these. I have seen you discard a mistress for much less.
Gabriel was determined to keep her, even if he discovered she played him falsely.
Gabriel: This one is different, Nick. I know you will think me an idiot, but I will be keeping Catherine with me.
Nicholas: Let us hope you are wrong about her then.
Nicholas advised, hiding his disappointment. Now Gabriel set him up to spy on Catherine, the last place he needed to be. He could have refused. He sighed dismally, knowing being anywhere near Catherine was torture.
Samuel Vickers watch Lady Iverleigh leaving again this afternoon. The chase was on. Samuel was excited when he stopped at a street corner. The noblewoman looked around and frowned, hurrying up the steps to an abandoned rooming house. Samuel stared up at the building and felt a renewed sense of excitement as he followed Lady Iverleigh.
He stole up the stairs quietly. The building proved to be a rooming house, but empty of tenants. Samuel heard a noise on the second level and smiled. This proved to be easier than he thought after weeks of nothing to report. Lady Iverleigh had not known she was being followed today. Samuel was basking in his own cleverness for changing positions on the street as he crept to the second floor. Samuel moved silently down the hall, listeneing at the doors. Low moaning was faint and coming from the room at the end of the hall. he crept forward, his teal eyes filled with triumph.
He looked around. The room was in the process of being renovated. The noises came from a room within the apartment. He smiled wanting to gloat, and enjoy the look of respect he would see on Iverleigh's face at last when he presented him with proof his wife had a lover. Thinking off his large bonus made him eager to open the door.
Samuel stood in the doorway. His look of confusion to see nothing there but more boxes, soon turned to shock and pain. His mouth open but no sound came out. Blood frothed his lips. The he fell forward, his teal eyes growing vacant before he hit the floor, a pick axe imbedded in the back of his head.
Lilly glared down at the nuisance detective. Edward had taken too long to deal with the man. He could get rid of the body for her as punishment. She stepped away from the doorway and closed the door.
Gabriel watched appreciatively as Catherine floated down the marble stairs. She was a vision.
Gabriel: You look radiant, my sweet. The theatre awaits, shall we go?
Catherine smiled in response.
They arrived at the theatre before the curtain fell. Catherine was conscious of the attention they received. Fashionably dressed ladies tittered beind fans. Speculative glances from all the gentlemen followed them as they made their way to his private box. She lowered her eyes as the gazes grew too cloying, weighing her down with insecurity.
Gabriel: Never let them see you lower your eyes, Catherine. Do not give them that satisfaction.
Catherine smiled wanly as she forced her chin up. She was feeling more than a little self-conscious. All their eyes seemed to devour them. The whispers intensified as the couple walked through the lobby.
Catherine: Why are they all staring? Do I have something on my face?
Gabriel smiled at her pert comment. They were the object of interest of every pair of eyes in the room.
Gabriel: I apologize, but it appers some things never change.
He remarked casually and didn't explain as he led her to his private box in the balcony, grateful for the velvet curtain that hid them from prying eyes. She was concious of the many eyes upon them from below their seats, much craning of necks. All wished a glimpse of the elusive Lord Iverleigh and his new mistress.
Catherine: You have created quite the stir, Gabriel. It is obvious they all look at you.
Gabriel: Imbeciles, every last one of them. I am not in the habit of making my choices so public, if you must know.
Catherine: By choices, you refer to me, don't you?
Gabriel smiled at her fondly.
Gabriel: You are the only mistress I have ever gone out in public with, if you must know. That is why they break their necks to gawk at us now. All wonder who you are.
Catherine: That explain their interest.
Gabriel: You should take it as a compliment, my sweet.
Catherine: I feel like I have been weighed and measured.
Gabriel: Forgive me if it pleases me to have every man here envy me, my dear. You are by far the most stunning woman here.
Catherine smiled and enjoyed their easy banter. He didn't enjoy being the object of such speculation, but endured it for her.
Catherine: What of your wife, my lord? Do you not worry they will tell tales of spotting you here with me tonight?
Gabriel: My wife and I have not lived under the same roof in over nine years, Catherine. She has her own life, and I have mine.
Catherine: Was it always that way? Surely you were happy once?
Gabriel: Must we talk of this now?
Catherine: You tell me nothing about you, Gabriel. I did not realize the subject was a closed one.
Gabriel: I thought of us happy once, long ago. It was a clever lie, and nothing more.
Catherine: Have you ever tried to forgive her?
Gabriel: If you knew her at all you would understand. Lillianne has very little regard for the feelings of others. No, there is no forgiveness in me where she is concerned. It is too late.
Catherine: But have you tried to reconcile?
Gabriel: I haven't gone to my wife's bed in nearly ten years, Catherine, if that is what you ask. It is a little too late for reconciliation. No, there is far too much damage done. I have never once considered taking her back. Does that satisfy you? Why do you ask me this?
Catherine: I only wanted to know something more about your life. We do not talk about you at all, Gabriel. We avoid talking about much, I think.
Gabriel: Ask me about anything but her, Catherine.
Catherine: I am sorry if talking of it pains you.
Gabriel: What pains me is not being free of her.
Catherine: You live apart and have your own life already, my lord. Why go to such trouble to divorce your wife?
Gabriel: I wish for a more permanent solution, my dear. I have no heirs and my family name ends with me. I have a mother who will not rest until she has grandchildren. Does that satisfy you why I wish to be free of her?
Catherine: You wish to remarry one day?
Gabriel: I had not planned to, no. If I had my choice in it I would not. My mother never fails to point out how my father would roll over in his grave, or what I miss out upon.
Catherine: You and your wife have no children?
Gabriel: No, that is no longer an option considering our differences. That is too far in the future to trouble you, my dear. My next wife will be chosen more carefully than my first was.
Lord Seaton joined them and cleared his throat as he greeted Gabriel. He looked at Catherine with a slightly disrepectful gleam in his gaze.
Lord Seaton: Lord Iverleigh, If I might call upon you tomorrow? I have matters to discuss with you.
Gabriel: Of course, Lord Seaton, as you wish. Might I ask what this is in regard to?
Lord Seaton: We will speak of it tomorrow, Iverleigh.
Gabriel frowned at the man's back as he hurriedly walked away from the balcony.
He noticed Lord Dartmouth watching them intently from the box directly across, in the opposite balcony. Gabriel could see the man had only eyes for Catherine, and felt protective of her. Dartmouth smiled and saluted Gabriel condescendingly.
Gabriel was grateful when the last act arrived. He watched Catherine's face during the climax of the play and smiled. She was getting rather pulled into the story. She had tears misted in her eyes when the curtain finally came down. He was grateful the horrid play was at an end, wanting nothing but to get his comely mistress alone.
To be continued...
Please press the thumb up if you enjoyed and thumb down if you didn't. I want to see how many read these. Thank you.
A WICKED PROPOSITION
..::Chapter 13::..
Nicholas was surprised to see Gabriel arrive at his residence. Thoughts of his behavior with Catherine made him wary as he entered his study.
Nicholas: Gabriel, what brings you here in the middle of the day?
Gabriel: Did you hear that Clarice has died?
Nicholas: I learned of it yesterday. They say it was her heart.
Gabriel: We both know she didn't have one.
Nicholas: Why are you so upset? It doesn't appear you mourn her.
Gabriel: Clarice has made me her beneficiary.
Nicholas choked and coughed violently.
Gabriel: Yes, I felt that way too when her attorney sent mine the papers after her death was known.
Nicholas: You own a brothel? Do I still have to pay, or is that to be one of the benefits of being friends with the owner?
Gabriel: Nicholas, why would Clarice leave me her business, it makes no sense?
Nicholas: Mayhap the old harridan liked you. Who can say? It seems odd she didn't leave it to Yvetta. What do you intend to do with it?
Gabriel: The brothel, you mean? Selling it is an option.
Nicholas: Did Catherine tell you I came over a couple weeks ago? I dropped her off more tea. I assumed you were meeting with Chumley that day. How is the little man working out?
Gabriel: Catherine said nothing of your visit. The little man is getting one very big bank draft if he is as good as you say.
Nicholas knew she was hiding something now. She hadn't told Gabriel of his despicable actions because she was guilty!
Nicholas: Chumley is the best, my friend. If there is anything to be found, he will find it.
Lilly was reading her correspondence when she came across Catherine's letter. She read it quickly and her eyes darkened with rage. She tossed it in the fire. Catherine was ruining everything with her d**ned conscience. Lilly didn't trust Catherine not to confess all to her husband and brave his considerable wrath. Gabriel could never know the truth. She had to act quickly or all was lost. It was time she pay her sister a visit. Lilly wrote Catherine another letter and informed Dunstan she was going out.
Lilly called to the boy waiting on the stoop outside Gabriel's residence. She gave him a shilling and then note, and waited. The boy took the letter and went to the door to pass to Higgins.
Lilly waited barely fifteen minutes and made her way around the back of the house, by way of the alley. Catherine appeared moments later, looking tense and anxious.
Catherine: Why has it taken you so long to come to me?
Lilly: I do not have to remind you I am being watched! I am here now.
Catherine: Clarice betrayed us! I told you not to trust her.
Lilly: I think you staying here with him now an excellent idea. It works out even better, sister. You didn't like the idea of visiting him in the brothel, as I recall.
Catherine: He isn't seeing Mrs. Farrand anymore. I have done as you ask. I wish to go home now!
Lilly: Matters have become dire, little sister. You must stay a bit longer. There are documents I need as well.
Catherine: What documents?
Lilly: I need our marriage papers, all of them. Whatever you can find, that should slow Edward down.
Catherine: I have done as you asked Lilly.
Lilly: Be that as it may, you stay. You will remain for now. You leaving suddenly will only make him suspicious.
Catherine: I could tell him the truth, Lilly!
Lilly chuckled.
Lilly: Do you think he will feel fondly for you when he discovers the truth? He will toss you to the streets for you trouble. Think of the children, my dear. Your destiny hinges very much upon my own, and you know it. Do nothing foolish.
Catherine: This is wrong! I cannot even look at myself in the mirror anymore.
Lilly: Come now, you don't begin to care for him, do you? Really, Catherine, you cannot be so naive anymore.
Catherine: I need to get back to the children.
Lilly: You will stay here for as long as it is necessary, Catherine. Edward is stalling the petition once more. Just concentrate on all you stand to gain from this little adventure, sister. I know you will do nothing to jeopardize matters.
Catherine said nothing more as Lilly pulled the hood of her cloak over her head. She watched her sister disapear into the rear of the gardens.
Nicholas regarded his visitor with a raised eyebrow. He rose from his seat before the fire and digested this news thoughtfully. Gabriel stood near the window of his study, looking moody and agitated.
Nicholas: How can you be so sure Catherine is involved? How would she even know your wife?
Gabriel: I am sure of nothing at all. Chumley is in Ireland right now. He is digging up dirt on the Countess, so I can prove she is lying. I bloody well know Thornton stalls the petititon on purpose. He is in league with my wife! It all makes sense now. I don't know how the girl is involved, if at all. Vickers claims Clarice made two appearances at my former residence before her death. We both know Clarice and Lady Iverleigh do not travel in the same circles. And Clarice practically did throw Catherine at me, Nick. Now she is dead, and I can learn nothing.
Nicholas: Why would Clarice help your wife in such a way?
Gabriel: I have only my suspicions, none of it good.
Nicholas: Have you asked Catherine about any of this?
Nicholas tensed just thinking about her. Nicholas was still regretting his treatment of her. He was troubled by the stirrings of jealousy he felt when he thought of her with his friend.
Gabriel: Let us say, talk is the last thing on my mind when she is near. She has bewitched me, my friend. It is no doubt why my wife chose her. There are too may coincidences.
Nicholas: What do you think they are after?
Gabriel: My wife is obviously desperate to stay married to me. Catherine is merely a spy. I have not figured out the rest. I mean to put Chumley to the matther when he returns. That is where you come in.
Nicholas: What do you want me to do?
Gabriel: I have too many appointments each day with this case and other matters to keep an eye upon my mistress's movements. I need her followed if she leaves, and watched. If she contacts my wife or Thornton, it proves what I now suspect.
Nicholas: What will you do if you find out she is working with them?
Gabriel: I don't know. Let us hope I am wrong.
Nicholas: This isn't like you to tolerate such suspicions like these. I have seen you discard a mistress for much less.
Gabriel was determined to keep her, even if he discovered she played him falsely.
Gabriel: This one is different, Nick. I know you will think me an idiot, but I will be keeping Catherine with me.
Nicholas: Let us hope you are wrong about her then.
Nicholas advised, hiding his disappointment. Now Gabriel set him up to spy on Catherine, the last place he needed to be. He could have refused. He sighed dismally, knowing being anywhere near Catherine was torture.
Samuel Vickers watch Lady Iverleigh leaving again this afternoon. The chase was on. Samuel was excited when he stopped at a street corner. The noblewoman looked around and frowned, hurrying up the steps to an abandoned rooming house. Samuel stared up at the building and felt a renewed sense of excitement as he followed Lady Iverleigh.
He stole up the stairs quietly. The building proved to be a rooming house, but empty of tenants. Samuel heard a noise on the second level and smiled. This proved to be easier than he thought after weeks of nothing to report. Lady Iverleigh had not known she was being followed today. Samuel was basking in his own cleverness for changing positions on the street as he crept to the second floor. Samuel moved silently down the hall, listeneing at the doors. Low moaning was faint and coming from the room at the end of the hall. he crept forward, his teal eyes filled with triumph.
He looked around. The room was in the process of being renovated. The noises came from a room within the apartment. He smiled wanting to gloat, and enjoy the look of respect he would see on Iverleigh's face at last when he presented him with proof his wife had a lover. Thinking off his large bonus made him eager to open the door.
Samuel stood in the doorway. His look of confusion to see nothing there but more boxes, soon turned to shock and pain. His mouth open but no sound came out. Blood frothed his lips. The he fell forward, his teal eyes growing vacant before he hit the floor, a pick axe imbedded in the back of his head.
Lilly glared down at the nuisance detective. Edward had taken too long to deal with the man. He could get rid of the body for her as punishment. She stepped away from the doorway and closed the door.
Gabriel watched appreciatively as Catherine floated down the marble stairs. She was a vision.
Gabriel: You look radiant, my sweet. The theatre awaits, shall we go?
Catherine smiled in response.
They arrived at the theatre before the curtain fell. Catherine was conscious of the attention they received. Fashionably dressed ladies tittered beind fans. Speculative glances from all the gentlemen followed them as they made their way to his private box. She lowered her eyes as the gazes grew too cloying, weighing her down with insecurity.
Gabriel: Never let them see you lower your eyes, Catherine. Do not give them that satisfaction.
Catherine smiled wanly as she forced her chin up. She was feeling more than a little self-conscious. All their eyes seemed to devour them. The whispers intensified as the couple walked through the lobby.
Catherine: Why are they all staring? Do I have something on my face?
Gabriel smiled at her pert comment. They were the object of interest of every pair of eyes in the room.
Gabriel: I apologize, but it appers some things never change.
He remarked casually and didn't explain as he led her to his private box in the balcony, grateful for the velvet curtain that hid them from prying eyes. She was concious of the many eyes upon them from below their seats, much craning of necks. All wished a glimpse of the elusive Lord Iverleigh and his new mistress.
Catherine: You have created quite the stir, Gabriel. It is obvious they all look at you.
Gabriel: Imbeciles, every last one of them. I am not in the habit of making my choices so public, if you must know.
Catherine: By choices, you refer to me, don't you?
Gabriel smiled at her fondly.
Gabriel: You are the only mistress I have ever gone out in public with, if you must know. That is why they break their necks to gawk at us now. All wonder who you are.
Catherine: That explain their interest.
Gabriel: You should take it as a compliment, my sweet.
Catherine: I feel like I have been weighed and measured.
Gabriel: Forgive me if it pleases me to have every man here envy me, my dear. You are by far the most stunning woman here.
Catherine smiled and enjoyed their easy banter. He didn't enjoy being the object of such speculation, but endured it for her.
Catherine: What of your wife, my lord? Do you not worry they will tell tales of spotting you here with me tonight?
Gabriel: My wife and I have not lived under the same roof in over nine years, Catherine. She has her own life, and I have mine.
Catherine: Was it always that way? Surely you were happy once?
Gabriel: Must we talk of this now?
Catherine: You tell me nothing about you, Gabriel. I did not realize the subject was a closed one.
Gabriel: I thought of us happy once, long ago. It was a clever lie, and nothing more.
Catherine: Have you ever tried to forgive her?
Gabriel: If you knew her at all you would understand. Lillianne has very little regard for the feelings of others. No, there is no forgiveness in me where she is concerned. It is too late.
Catherine: But have you tried to reconcile?
Gabriel: I haven't gone to my wife's bed in nearly ten years, Catherine, if that is what you ask. It is a little too late for reconciliation. No, there is far too much damage done. I have never once considered taking her back. Does that satisfy you? Why do you ask me this?
Catherine: I only wanted to know something more about your life. We do not talk about you at all, Gabriel. We avoid talking about much, I think.
Gabriel: Ask me about anything but her, Catherine.
Catherine: I am sorry if talking of it pains you.
Gabriel: What pains me is not being free of her.
Catherine: You live apart and have your own life already, my lord. Why go to such trouble to divorce your wife?
Gabriel: I wish for a more permanent solution, my dear. I have no heirs and my family name ends with me. I have a mother who will not rest until she has grandchildren. Does that satisfy you why I wish to be free of her?
Catherine: You wish to remarry one day?
Gabriel: I had not planned to, no. If I had my choice in it I would not. My mother never fails to point out how my father would roll over in his grave, or what I miss out upon.
Catherine: You and your wife have no children?
Gabriel: No, that is no longer an option considering our differences. That is too far in the future to trouble you, my dear. My next wife will be chosen more carefully than my first was.
Lord Seaton joined them and cleared his throat as he greeted Gabriel. He looked at Catherine with a slightly disrepectful gleam in his gaze.
Lord Seaton: Lord Iverleigh, If I might call upon you tomorrow? I have matters to discuss with you.
Gabriel: Of course, Lord Seaton, as you wish. Might I ask what this is in regard to?
Lord Seaton: We will speak of it tomorrow, Iverleigh.
Gabriel frowned at the man's back as he hurriedly walked away from the balcony.
He noticed Lord Dartmouth watching them intently from the box directly across, in the opposite balcony. Gabriel could see the man had only eyes for Catherine, and felt protective of her. Dartmouth smiled and saluted Gabriel condescendingly.
Gabriel was grateful when the last act arrived. He watched Catherine's face during the climax of the play and smiled. She was getting rather pulled into the story. She had tears misted in her eyes when the curtain finally came down. He was grateful the horrid play was at an end, wanting nothing but to get his comely mistress alone.
To be continued...
Please press the thumb up if you enjoyed and thumb down if you didn't. I want to see how many read these. Thank you.