Page 72 of The Book of Lost Stories
‘I thought you quicker of comprehension than this, Alys. Really, you disappoint me! But then, after almost being run down by a carriage and poisoned by sweetmeats, you were still so trusting and confiding.’
Alys stared at him as the truth hit home. ‘Thatwas you? Then Bella—’
‘At home, of course, where she should be.’
‘Then – oh, my goodness – tell me it is notSarahin the stone coffin!’
‘Yes, she was a little fancy of Chase’s, but rather too close to home for safety, silly fellow.’
‘But why did you not let her go when you discovered what he had done?’ she demanded.
‘What, and have her tell everyone of it? Besides, I quickly saw how I could use it to my advantage to lure you here.’
‘And you have already tried to kill me,’ Alys said wonderingly. ‘But why?’
‘Money, of course, fair Cousin. Fond though my uncle is of Bella, he favoured you from the minute he set eyes on you, his own granddaughter. I am the heir to the property, but his private fortune he may leave where he pleases, and he pleases to leave most of it to you.’
‘I am sorry, but that was not my intention in coming to London, and I have made it plain that I do not want it.’
‘Not want a fortune?’ he sneered. ‘Had you accepted my hand in marriage, then he would have paid my debts, and settled two-thirds of his fortune on me – and, if I proved sober and respectable enough, have me accepted into an ancient Order that makes the Brethren seem the play-acting it is.’
Alys began to fear that her cousin had also run mad. ‘Anothersecret Order, Nat?’ she said mildly. ‘Do you not think it most unlikely that Grandfather should be involved in such a thing?’
‘That is the beauty of it: there is some great secret – perhaps a treasure – and members from each of seven families, including the Hartwoods, have sworn to guard it throughout the centuries. My father told me of it when I was a boy, for I should be the next bearer of the secret. But Bella overheard my uncle tell Rayven that, while he did not think me fit to hold that office, you, a mere woman, had the qualities he looked for.’
‘But why should he tell Lord Rayven, unless the Rayvens are one of these seven designated families, of course?’ she said. ‘Dear me, this grows more like one of my novels by the minute.’
‘Why else should they be so thick with each other? And since you will not marry me, then I cannot risk your marrying Rayven and cutting me out altogether.’
‘I do not know how many times I have to assure you that I have no interest in marrying Rayven or anyone else.’
‘Just as well, since you will now never have the opportunity.’
‘What do you mean to do?’ she asked steadily.
‘You will vanish and the rumour of your having run away with a lover will be the talk of the Town, your scandalous books will be raked up—’
‘I don’t think Grandfather will fall for that tale.’
‘He will when Bella tells him that you confided in her that you felt no respect for the marriage tie and so meant to run off with a married lover to America.’
‘No one who truly knows me would believe I would do anything of the kind.’ She paused. ‘And what, pray,areyou intending to do with me?’
‘Well, my first thought was indeed to have you carried aboard a ship bound for America – drugged, of course. But now I think a more final disposal might be better. But first, you will play a central role in poor Francis’s final ceremony.’
‘Ceremony?’
‘Francis – our Grand Master, you know – fancies that he may achieve a closer link with the Great Beyond through union in a certain ceremony with a virgin, which I most earnestly hope you are, Cousin. Our first choice’ – he cast a look at the stone coffin –‘appears to have lost her wits, which is not entirely satisfactory. Perhaps I will be merciful, and dispatch her abroad in your place. You will also make your final journey by ship, although of course you will know nothing of it, for tonight will be positively yourlastappearance.’
He seemed so amused by the idea that Alys, who had been listening in horror, suppressed any inclination to appeal to his better nature. Quite obviously he had none.
‘Does Bella know what you mean to do?’ She was glad to hear that her voice did not tremble.
‘Oh, no, she thinks you will be bound for America. She is a simple, trusting creature.’ He picked up the candle from the ledge and began to turn away. ‘Well, I just thought you might like to ponder on your fate, but I will leave you now. The Brethren will begin to arrive soon, but of course, you willnot be needed until much later, for our private ceremonies take place after the majority have gone.’
‘But could you not give me a sip of water first, and perhaps leave me the candle?’ Alys said, despite her resolve not to plead for anything.
He looked at her bruised white face and the long hair tangled about her shoulders and frowned. ‘I suppose we do need you in fair condition for the ceremony or the Master will not be best pleased. I will send a woman down to see to your needs.’ He lit a candle affixed to a metal bracket in the wall. ‘There, that will last an hour or two at least, if light you must have.’
