Keep on Believing

by Marie Higgins

  “Well, I appreciate your help, but unfortunately,” he shrugged, “it’s too dark to go anywhere.”

  Dan laughed. “You forget, brother, I’m a tracker. I’m good at what I do. Don’t ask me how, but I can see in the dark.” He swept his hand toward their bedrolls. “So I suggest packing your things quickly, because we have no time to waste.”

  Chris didn’t know whether to believe his brother or not. And yet...he had little choice but to put his trust in him. Daniel didn’t have to seek out the brother he’d not spoken to for many years, but he had. Perhaps, after all this time, Daniel needed family as much as Chris did.

  FIFTEEN

  Ella was overcome with emotion when her childhood home came into view. Her eyes misted over as they rode up the large drive leading to her father’s estate. Once upon a time, this place had been heaven on earth. Joy and laughter resided within these stone walls, and her life was good.

  Wonderful.

  Magical.

  When her mother’s illness took her life, everything changed. And when Ella’s father married Rodmilla out of the blue—without even consulting with his children first—Ella’s life turned to hell.

  Green lawns and manicured bushes surrounded the grand estate. Once a happy place, now the memories brought fear to her heart. Recollections of her father, and his love for herself and Billy, tried to resurface in her mind. But just as quickly, the horrors Rodmilla had put them through were there to erase what happiness she had known.

  Hearing Billy’s screams during the night, and knowing she couldn’t go to his room to comfort him, nearly tore her apart. Rodmilla had refused to feed them for several days, just because they had so many visitors come to enquire how Ella and Billy were faring after their father’s death. Rodmilla accused Ella of trying to gain more sympathy from the town.

  Now, as she stood peering at the three-story estate, she couldn’t stop thinking of the prisoner she’d been for several months before she took Billy and left. Bile rose to her throat, and she tried to swallow it down, but her memories wouldn’t allow it.

  “Well, here we are.” Robert grinned. He inhaled deeply. “And I think I smell roast duck. Don’t you? I’m so hungry I could eat a bear.” He laughed.

  She hadn’t eaten much since he’d taken her, and although it was the middle of the day, food didn’t tempt her. “No, I can’t smell it.” Especially not when fear was all she could sense.

  It didn’t surprise her when no one greeted them. Rodmilla probably had the servants cleaning the ceiling or doing something ridiculous. Did that woman even know Robert was bringing her home? Ella held no doubt that her stepmother had paid him to betray her and drag her back to her father’s estate.

  Robert stopped their horses in front of the house before dismounting. Briefly, the idea came to Ella to bolt, urge her mount to run like the wind and go...where? He would find her and drag her back. At this point, running was useless.

  He lifted her from her mount and pulled her roughly by the arm toward the door. He pounded three times on the hard oak, and then waited. Ella’s heartbeat slammed against her chest, and any minute now she knew she’d break down and cry. But crying wouldn’t solve anything. She must remain strong. She was a different person now than when she’d left this house, and she was not going to let Rodmilla torture her in any way.

  Ella hoped against hope that Billy was far away from the monster that was their stepmother and not here already.

  The butler opened the door. Ella’s heart jumped to her throat and tears collected in her eyes to see Farley once again. The excitement on his expression mixed with sadness proved he was probably feeling the same things that were churning inside of her.

  “Miss Ella,” he said with a strained voice. “Welcome home.” He looked past her and farther past Robert. “Where is Master Billy?”

  She cleared her throat, trying her best not to cry. “He didn’t come with me this trip. Perhaps next time.” Farley’s words settled Ella’s fears toward her brother. Billy wasn’t here. He remained far away from Rodmilla’s reach.

  She walked into the house. Her gaze jumped from one hallway to the next, and then from one room to the other, wondering when she’d see Rodmilla. Thankfully, that woman wasn’t around.

  “Farley,” Ella said, “I am going straight to my room to rest.”

  “Yes, Miss Ella. Will you be needing anything to eat?”

  “That would be lovely, if you don’t mind. And...if it’s permissible. After all,” she arched an eyebrow, “I’m just a prisoner here, after all.”

  Frowning, he nodded. “I’ll see that you have some food sent to your room immediately.”

  “Thank you.” She started to walk toward the grand staircase, but stopped and looked at Robert. “As for you. I don’t ever want to see you again. Is that clear?”

  He gave her a pitiful smile. “Now, Ella, I know you’re upset—”

  “I mean it, Robert. Never again!” There was an odd, vacant look in his eyes that she couldn’t quite fathom. But she didn’t care to figure it out. Instead of waiting for his answer, she hurried up the stairs to her bedchambers. Once she entered and closed the door, the tears she’d been holding back broke free to course down her cheeks. She flung herself on the bed and gave in to all the hurt and frustration experienced in her short life. Although she needed to find the courage she’d somehow lost, a good cry was what she needed at this time.

  She sobbed into the lavender quilt covering her bed until her body was spent. Lying still, she breathed in deeply and slowly as sleep crept upon her. Images of Chris played with her emotions. He had been so charming. So caring. She wanted more than anything to believe he was falling in love with her, not because of her money, but because of the person she was inside her heart. He’d made her laugh. She hadn’t done that since before her father died. She needed someone like Chris in her life, but not if all he wanted was her money. Deep down she didn’t believe that all he wanted was her money...she just didn’t.

  Yet, right now, she wished him here, saving her from this prison. If only he could rescue her.

  The slam of the door hitting the wall brought her alert. With her heart thumping quickly, she jumped up and rubbed her sleepy eyes, focusing on the uninvited guest in her room. Rodmilla! Of course, Ella knew it was only a matter of time before that woman would show up. She stood in the doorway, glaring at Ella with that all-too familiar expression. In the woman’s hands was clutched a medium-sized box.

  “The thief finally returns to the scene of transgression.” Rodmilla’s grin exuded pure evil.

  “I didn’t have a choice,” Ella spat. “Your henchman was quite forceful.”

  She threw back her head and cackled. “Splendid. I’m happy to know Robert was able to do my bidding as quickly as he had. Makes me wonder what happened to that first man I’d hired to find you.” She slashed her hand through the air. “Nevertheless, you are here now.”

  Rodmilla marched toward Ella, staring at her with a malicious gleam in her eyes. Her gaze moved to Ella’s neck and rested on her locket. Uncomfortable, she grasped the necklace given to her by her grandmother and concealed it from her stepmother’s view.

  Lifting her gaze to meet Ella’s, Rodmilla said, “I hope you brought back the family jewels.”

  Although humor was not the emotion Ella felt, she forced a sarcastic laugh. “First off, Robert didn’t allow me any time to pack before taking me away. And secondly, do you honestly think I would give you my mother’s jewels?” She shook her head. “You have absolutely no right to those items.”

  A shocked expression appeared on Rodmilla’s face, and her eyes widened. “Are you telling me you didn’t trade them for money?”

  Ella shrugged. She wasn’t about to tell the evil witch she’d only sold a few of the jewels and that the special ones were at her new home.

  Rodmilla tapped her long fingernail on the lid of the box. “And as I seem to recall, you took my money, as well. Robert tells me you were doing quite well for
yourself in that ridiculously small kingdom.”

  Ella only lifted her chin in defiance.

  “Robert also told me,” Rodmilla continued, “that you are quite the rebellious child, now.”

  “If being a rebellious child means I’m not going to tolerate your treatment any longer, then yes, consider me very rebellious.” She narrowed her glare on the older woman. Although inside, she trembled with fear, Ella would show her a tougher outward appearance.

  Rodmilla laughed again, louder this time. “You have changed, Ella, but I assure you, I am still in control...and I always will be.” She moved closer to the bed. “Just so you know, I’m having a masked ball tomorrow evening. This will be a welcome home party for you.”

  Ella gave her a skeptical stare. “A party for me? No, Rodmilla, you have never done anything for me. This will be a party for you. However, I’m wondering what the real purpose will be.”

  The evil woman shrugged. “You’ll find out tomorrow, won’t you?” She tossed the box on the bed next to Ella. “And this is a little gift for you. I expect you to wear them during the ball.”

  Hesitantly, Ella lifted the lid and looked inside. She gasped at the two glass slippers resting on a bed of red satin material. Never had she seen anything so lovely. On the tip of each shoe was painted a pink butterfly.

  She snapped her attention back to Rodmilla. “What’s this for? Why are you giving me such a gift?” Something was definitely out of place, especially when the only things her stepmother had ever given Ella were stress and fear.

  “Let’s just say they are a gift from an admirer.” She snickered.

  Dread washed over Ella, and she didn’t like the feeling. Indeed, something was not right about this. “And what if I don’t wear them?”

  Rodmilla scowled. “You will and that’s final!”

  Curious, Ella lifted one of the shoes and studied it closer. It didn’t appear to be brand new. Just the opposite, in fact. However, it was still very lovely, and quite remarkably made. Although she wanted to go against Rodmilla’s plans, she decided not to fight her on this particular matter. She’d wear the slippers, and enjoy them the best she could...since she doubted she’d enjoy anything else tomorrow night.

  “Fine,” she sighed. “I’ll wear the shoes, but on one condition.” She met her stepmother’s gaze.

  Rodmilla rolled her eyes. “You don’t get to make conditions, or have you forgotten the rules in this house?”

  “As I was saying,” Ella continued, more determined to make her point, “I’ll wear these slippers tomorrow, but I want you to tell me something.” Standing straight with her arms folded, the older woman remained silent, so Ella went on, “I want you to tell me why I’m really here. For nearly two years, you haven’t tried to find me. But now, just a few months away from my twenty-fifth birthday, all of a sudden you want me to come home.” She paused, swallowing down the terror building up inside her. “I’m willing to bet you want me home because you discovered my inheritance. Am I correct?”

  Rodmilla drummed her fingers on the shimmering silver sleeve of her dress. “My, aren’t you the intelligent one. You have gained a sharp mind since you’ve been away.”

  “That’s not the only thing I’ve gained.”

  “Very well.” Rodmilla nodded. “I brought you back because of your inheritance. Before your twenty-fifth birthday, you will sign over your inheritance to me.”

  “Really?” Ella arched an eyebrow. “What makes you think I’d do something so ridiculous?”

  “Because if you don’t,” she leaned closer to Ella, “your brother’s life will be severely affected. Now tell me, dear brave Ella, do you want to play these games with me, knowing what I’m capable of doing?”

  Fear rushed through Ella, making her limbs weak. She had a feeling her evil stepmother would do something like this. No doubt about it, between now and the time when she had to sign the papers, Ella needed to find a way out of here...and a way to save her brother.

  “I WONDER WHAT IS GOING on,” Chris muttered as he, Darby, and Daniel rode toward the large estate. The place practically glowed with light. A party was in progress evidenced by the carriages lining the drive waiting a turn to deposit their passengers at the front entry. From what he could see, everyone was dressed in formal attire...and wore masks.

  He crinkled his forehead. This couldn’t be right. Daniel had explained to him during their journey that Rodmilla Spencer was a greedy woman. Then again, Daniel did mention the woman was a spendthrift.

  “It looks like some kind of party,” Darby said.

  “Maybe a welcome home party for Ella?” Chris wondered.

  “I don’t think so,” Daniel replied. “What I know about Rodmilla, she wouldn’t spend money on anybody but herself.” He motioned his hand toward the estate. “Let’s get closer. I want to look inside the window and see what’s really going on.”

  Chris allowed his brother to take the lead again. He followed behind in silence. So far on their journey, he’d kept a close eye on his brother, not fully trusting him. Surprisingly, Daniel had turned out to be honest and hadn’t led them astray. Not yet, anyway.

  Daniel took them around to the back side of the estate. They needed to stay hidden. Chris didn’t know when he’d be able to let Ella know he was here, but this was certainly not the right time.

  After Daniel dismounted, Chris crept behind his brother all the way up to the window. Both of them peeked in. The glow from inside the house made the yard appear as if it was the middle of the day instead of evening.

  When Chris spotted Ella, his heart leapt. Although she wore a mask, he knew that was the woman he’d been falling in love with. She wore a pink, silk gown. Or was the gown white? From what he could tell, the bodice appeared so light it looked almost white, but as the material cascaded down her, the color turned into a soft pink shade.

  Short, bell-shaped sleeves hung off her shoulders. He wanted to trail his fingers across her creamy neck just to see if it was as soft as it appeared in the lighting. She wore white, elbow-length gloves that pearl-shaped buttons seemed to hold together on her arms.

  She wore her hair differently, too. He’d never seen it as full or wavy as it fell down her shoulders to the middle of her back. It appeared she had small sparkles weaved throughout her hair, highlighting the honey-blonde color. Indeed, she was a sight to behold...more lovely than he could ever imagine.

  But her expression held a trace of sadness. She smiled at the guests as she stood beside an older woman wearing a dark blue gown and an older gentleman with a salt and peppered colored goatee. Chris could tell that her smile was feigned—it didn’t reach her eyes.

  His heart wrenched. He needed to get her out of this place and take her home as soon as possible.

  “There she is,” Chris whispered.

  “Yes, I see her. She’s with her stepmother, Rodmilla.”

  “Who is the older man beside her?”

  Daniel glanced at Chris. “That’s Rodmilla’s fiancé, Fernand.”

  “Is he evil like Rodmilla?”

  “No.” Daniel looked back inside. “However, for some reason, men are attracted to the woman.” He shrugged. “I must admit that when I met her for the first time and talked to her, I felt smitten, as well. However, once away from her, I couldn’t believe I actually had those kinds of thoughts in my head. She’s not pretty in the least, and her sour personality makes her uglier.”

  “She’s under a spell,” Darby said from behind.

  Chris jumped, not knowing his friend was so near. “How do you know?” he asked.

  “There’s a yellow glow about her.” Darby pointed toward the older woman.

  Chris shook his head. “I cannot see it.”

  “I know, because you haven’t been practicing magic as I have been.”

  Daniel nodded. “That makes a lot of sense. We all know how mean she’s been to Ella and Billy. Most everyone knows how Rodmilla treats her stepchildren. And yet, men still want to marry her.”
/>
  Darby held up his hands. “Like I said, she’s under a spell.”

  “Can you break it?” Daniel asked.

  “Uh, well...” Darby stammered. “I don’t think I can break it, but I shall try.”

  Chris held in a laugh. He didn’t want to discourage his friend, but Darby’s experience with creating spells was quite comical. And if the spell went wrong this time, hopefully, it would be aimed toward Rodmilla.

  Down the slope in back of them stood a secluded glade of trees. Chris motioned his hand toward the area. “Darby, why don’t you go in there and try to see if you can create something. In the meantime, Dan and I will try to sneak inside.”

  His face brightened. “Yes, I can do that.” He turned and hobbled toward the trees.

  Chris blew out a frustrated sigh and peered back through the window. A small orchestra played while couples danced. People stood at the buffet table, adding food to their plates. Groups stood together as they chatted with each other. Overall, the party appeared to be in full swing with everyone smiling or laughing as they socialized.

  He’d never had the opportunity to attend this kind of function. Not the way he grew up. Yet, there was a time when his mother taught him a few dances. The memory made his heart light.

  “We need to figure out a way to get you inside,” Dan said in a low voice. “I’ll keep an eye on Rodmilla. I don’t think we have to worry about Fernand.”

  “Is she the only person we have to worry about? What about Robert?”

  Daniel’s mouth twisted in disgust. “I’d forgotten about him. But yes, I think I need to get him away from Ella. Perhaps I can find him, take him out back, and tie him up or something.”

  Chris leaned against the outer stone wall and frowned. He hated not knowing what to do next. If he had his way, everything would be over and he and Ella would be heading back home...and Rodmilla would never bother her again. What were the odds everything would work out the way he wanted?

  Things definitely didn’t look promising.