Page 21 of The Lady’s Guide to Deception and Desire
There were worse things with which a man could become obsessed. The duke lived a quiet life, didn't he? He wasn't a gambler nor a man who drank to excess.
Madame Florian suddenly gave a great gasp, and a shiver passed through her body. “He is here.” Her neck strained upwards, the muscles drawn taut.
“Vasco, speak with us.” Her voice trailed off before emerging strong again. “Has another crossed over to join you? Bring them to us.”
Another convulsion shook her body and she gave a strangled cry. When next she spoke, there was no foreign accent discernible. Instead, her tone had a gentle, English lilt.
“Oh my love, my love.” Madame Florian drew a long, wheezing breath. “How I’ve missed you.”
The duke’s mouth contorted, his face wrought with the fiercest of emotions. “Violetta! It is you. I know it must be. I’ve been waiting.”
He fought back tears, Rosamund could see. Her mother’s eyes were now open wide, taking in the scene before them, her mouth gaping.
“My love. I am yours, always, watching over you.” Madame Florian’s features were soft. She did not look as she had. There was no cunning in this face.
What an actress she is,thought Rosamund.Saying what the duke wishes to hear. But to what end?
“My love, I am bound here. Tormented. Held within these walls.” Madame Florian continued breathlessly. “I cannot pass on. Not while you grieve. Not while your heart pulls me to you.”
“Oh, my dear one.” The duke swallowed hard. “We shall be together again.”
Madame Florian gave a deep and shuddering sigh. “Algernon, my dearest. We were so happy. So very happy. But, there is another; here, tonight.”
The French woman’s voice rose. “I give you my blessing. I sent her to you. Across the dark realm, I reached into the light.”
“Violetta!” The duke gave a sob.
What cruel trick was this? Madame Florian was causing distress, not comfort.
“A woman to take my place in your heart, Algernon. A woman who will resurrect the love we once shared.”
“I hear you. We shall be together again, at last. No matter how long it takes.” The duke’s words were like a sacred promise, uttered with great fervour.
Madame Florian jerked violently and she gave a half-shriek, twisting in her chair. Her chin dropped and her head lolled forward.
This voice was different: thick and guttural and rasping. Inhuman, almost. A thing dredged from the darkness. Scratching, husky.
“Before the next cycle of the moon, one Eve shall die.” Madame Florian wheezed. “Down to dark earth and there she’ll lie, but Violetta shall never return.”
“No!” The duke leapt up, toppling his chair.
One of the blazing logs gave a loud spit and crack.
With the breaking of the circle, Madame Florian screamed, pulling her hands to her chest.
“What was it? What did I say? Was it Vasco?” Her eyes darted wildly from the duke to Rosamund, and then to Mrs. Burnell. “Tell me!”
Rosamund shrank back. She was convinced of Madame Florian being a master actress but, if she didn’t know better, she’d swear the French woman’s fear was genuine.
“Oh!” cried Mrs. Burnell. “One of us is to die! It’ll be me! I know it shall. Rosamund, I’m going to die. The spirit said. All this way, but we’re not safe!”
“Mother, no. It’s going to be alright. You are safe. I’m here.” Rosamund came round to place her arms about her mother’s shoulders.
The duke threw a bitter look at Madame Florian, then leant over Mrs. Burnell. “Come, dear lady, let me help you.”
Rosamund watched as he placed his arms around her mother and lifted her easily into his arms.
“She’s suffering from shock. We’ll send for extra warming blocks for the sheets and hot milk. Once rested, she’ll be more herself.”
