Enthrall

by Sandra R Neeley

  He smiled down at her, starting to feel better about the situation already. “And what exactly are we?”

  “We are together. We are finding our way through this together.”

  “We are?”

  She grinned. “Mine!” she mimicked him the night he’d made love to her, pulling him down to nip at his neck.

  Enthrall chuckled. “I’m sorry if I upset you. I was only trying to do the right thing.”

  “I know. And you did. And now you know. So, stop doing the right thing. Just be you. You are who I want, not some image you think you have to be or to become. Stop trying so hard. Just be you, you are perfect the way you are.”

  The smile fell from his lips, his eyes went heavy-lidded and he looked at her with such an intense expression. Those words were almost exactly what Carolena had said to Carnage at his kitchen table all that time ago. And those words, that sentiment was exactly what he’d said to himself that he wanted in that very moment. “I love you, Lici,” he said, pulling her close. “I need you.”

  Felicity held him to her, she turned her head and kissed the skin of his neck just below his ear. “I love you, Enthrall. Stop making me panic because you are over thinking things. Just… stop thinking.”

  He smiled into her hair. “I’ll try.”

  “Enthrall? Enthrall?!” Shane called as he ran down the hall toward the front of the house.

  Enthrall kissed her and stepped back. “Our son is looking for me.”

  “Our son?”

  “Yes. He’s our son. And he’s a good boy. He just needs a chance. People to love him, and somewhere to belong.”

  “I know.” She cast her eyes down. “You said you needed a family. It sounded to me, like I wasn’t a part of that.”

  “I only meant that I needed one now. And I know you aren't ready.”

  “It’s not that I’m not ready! I just…”

  “I know,” Enthrall said, holding a finger to her lips to shush her. “I understand now. I know.”

  Felicity nodded. “I’m glad you brought him home. And I love you even more for wanting to take him in. I’m really happy you did.”

  “He’s the reason I got to you in time at the boarding house. He came for me, shouting that I had to hurry and save you.”

  The surprise lit her eyes. “I hadn’t made the connection. I knew it was a group of boys, but I didn’t realize it was him.”

  Enthrall nodded. “He was the one who came for me.” He smiled at her. “You sure you don’t want to go with us today?”

  “No, I have a lot to do, but I’d like to have dinner with you tonight if that’s alright with you.”

  He grinned. “I’ll be here.”

  “I’ll be waiting.”

  Enthrall opened her office door and stepped through it, turning back to look at her over his shoulder. “And no more thinking,” he said, tapping his temple.

  “Good!” she said laughing.

  Felicity sat down in her over-sized office chair and thought about the conversation she and Enthrall had just had. Finally, at least they’d gotten everything straight. She understood why he’d gone standoffish. She knew he’d been scorned by those of his own family a long, long time ago. And she knew that he sometimes thought himself a monster. But all she saw when she looked at him was beauty. In spite of the fact he thought his blood in her body had attracted her to him, she had no doubt that her attraction to him had nothing to do with the blood Mamaie had been putting in her tea. She knew it was all Enthrall attracting her. She rubbed her stomach at the sour feeling that once again surfaced. But, maybe the sudden lack of the blood she’d been ingesting so regularly was the reason for the queasiness in her stomach these last few mornings. Maybe once it got out of her system, her stomach would return to normal.

  Chapter 20

  “No, you should not be feeling ill because you’re no longer ingesting the tea,” Mamaie said again.

  “Are you sure?” Felicity pressed.

  “Of course, I’m sure.”

  “It’s the only thing I can think of,” Felicity complained.

  “What do you mean? The only thing you can think of?”

  “I was feeling wonderful. I was so strong and full of energy. Now? Now I feel light-headed, and I feel like my stomach is going to revolt. And I shouldn’t be. Lily cured me. I’m not ill anymore. Yet, suddenly I feel so out of sorts.”

  Mamaie sat up, setting her knitting aside, a huge grin on her face, a sparkle to her elderly eyes. “Have you and Enthrall…”

  “What? Have we what?”

  “Have you had relations?”

  “Of course we have. We talk all the time. We share meals. What more do you expect us to have?”

  Mamaie dissolved into laughter. “Oh, child. No, not those relations. I mean intimate relations. In the biblical sense.”

  Felicity flushed a rosy pink and stumbled over her words. “Mamaie! That is a private matter, and it shouldn’t be spoken of in public.”

  Mamaie looked around them, at the otherwise uninhabited living room. “There is no one here, but us, child. This is not public. And don’t bother even answering the question. By your reaction, I already know the answer. You are not ill, Lici, you are with child.”

  “I what?!” Felicity jumped up from her chair, then pressed a hand to her forehead and sat back down. “No, it can’t be. It was only once, and things don’t happen that fast.”

  “Was it only once? Not that it matters, if it’s time, it’s time.”

  “Well, it was only one night, but it was definitely more than once.” Felicity sat forward, placing her elbows on her knees, and resting her head in her hands. “Oh my gosh. No. This has got to be something else. Just a stomach sickness of some kind. It will pass.”

  “Why has this got to be anything other than it is?” Mamaie asked, concerned, leaning forward to catch Felicity’s eye.

  “We just got things straight. Just today, this morning. And we just got Shane, and I haven’t even had time to bond with him yet. It’s just not good timing. And, no. No. You’re wrong. You’re mistaken.”

  “If you say so, Lici. But, it will be what it will be. Nothing you, or I, or anyone else says or thinks will change it. If it’s a child, it’s a child. If it’s an illness of the stomach, you should feel better in a few days. Be patient, time will tell.”

  “Yes, you’re right, in a few days I’ll feel better. I’ll just be patient.”

  “In the meantime, tell me about this just once that was definitely more than once.”

  “Mamaie!”

  “What? An old lady still enjoys a good story now and again. I’m not as innocent as you think, young lady. How do you think Oksana got here?”

  “Oh, I do not want to have this conversation. I’m going to file Anna’s dissolution of marriage documents. I’ll see you later.”

  Mamaie laughed and cackled. She loved a good story, but loved embarrassing the young people even more. “I’ll still want that story when you get back!” she called after Felicity as she headed out of the front door.

  Suddenly the front door opened, and Felicity rushed back in. “Mamaie, please give me your word, not a mention of this to Enthrall. At least not until I know for sure.”

  Mamaie regarded her critically. “He should know.”

  “And he will, just as soon as I do. Right now it’s just a suspicion.”

  “Very well. Have it your own way for now.”

  <<<<<<<>>>>>>>

  Felicity had filed the documents necessary for the dissolution of Anna’s marriage. She’d visited with some of the clerks at the courthouse, being sure they knew that she was working for herself now, and to forward any cases to her that they thought she’d be able to represent. It seemed like family law was going to be her forte’. Especially since this world was still geared so strongly toward men. Women needed representation. And good representation that knew the law inside and out and was willing to fight for the rights of the women who needed it. She also knew business law and c
ould help any of them set up businesses as they found their talents and learned to stand on their own.

  Satisfied with her morning, she decided to go pay a visit to Anna at the hospital and let her know all the papers were finalized and that she was officially a separate entity from her husband as of today. It would be a long while before any type of divorce was finalized, but the powers that be now officially recognized her intent to leave the marriage, and she was no longer linked to her husband in day-to-day matters.

  Felicity walked the halls of the hospital confidently. Her stride was defined, her head was held high, her briefcase tightly in hand. She greeted those she encountered with an inclination of her head and warm smile. She went to the employees’ break rooms first, looking for Anna. When she wasn’t anywhere to be found, she went to Mr. Andersen’s office to see if there had been any progress on getting Anna enrolled in nursing school.

  “Miss Goins! What a pleasure to see you. What brings you by my office this morning?”

  “Good morning, Mr. Andersen. I came by to speak with Anna for a moment, and decided as long as I was here, I’d stop in and wish you good day.”

  “I’m glad you did. Did Anna tell you the good news?”

  “No, I’ve not seen her yet. What news is there?”

  “I’ve pulled a few strings and managed to get a class scheduled. It doesn’t start until August, but she’ll be a part of it,” he said, smiling ear-to-ear. He was quite happy with his accomplishment.

  “That’s wonderful, Mr. Andersen! Such great news. I can’t wait to speak with her. I’m sure she’s over-the-moon excited!”

  “You would think. But she seemed a little less than thrilled.”

  Felicity’s alarms went off. This was what she and Anna had hoped for, planned for. Why would she be less than thrilled? “That doesn’t sound like her.”

  “Perhaps she’s just tired. It’s a very trying thing to be mother to two little ones, work and study. Even with all the help your foundation offers, it’s got to be overwhelming.”

  “I’m sure it is. And you’re probably right.”

  “I admire your mission greatly, Miss Goins. I thought otherwise when you first approached me, but I find myself keeping an eye out for other ladies who might need your services.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Andersen. I appreciate that more than you know.”

  Their conversation having run its course, Felicity made her excuses to go look for Anna. “I won’t keep you any longer. I’m going to look for her once more, but if I can’t find her, I’m going to head home. Thank you, again, Mr. Andersen, for all your help.”

  “You are more than welcome, my dear. Perhaps check on the third floor, room 302. She was there, cleaning the room of an injured man the last I saw her. He’s there rather than in a ward because his mental faculties have all but left him, poor chap. His brother sits with him most days, and he seemed quite keen on her this morning. Who knows, maybe her future is looking up in more ways than one.”

  Felicity nodded and smiled, though she thought something felt off about the scenario. A flirtation from a new man was not something she thought Anna would welcome any time soon. “Thank you, I’ll check there.”

  Felicity went to the third floor and walked the halls, looking for the cleaning cart that indicated Anna was nearby. She found it outside room 302, just as Mr. Andersen had said it was earlier. Surely she wouldn’t still be cleaning the same room. Maybe she was interested in the new man after all.

  Felicity knocked lightly, but there was no answer. She very gently pushed the door opened and peeked around the door. “Hello?”

  There was no answer, so she pushed the door opened the rest of the way and entered the room. There was no one there except the patient. He was lying in his bed, facing the window, humming an old children's song quietly to himself.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb you. Did the cleaning lady leave here recently?”

  The patient didn’t answer.

  “Hello? Can you hear me?” Felicity asked.

  Still, there was no answer.

  She walked around the foot of the bed to be able to see the man in the bed when she spoke to him. But as soon as she saw him, she dropped her briefcase to clatter to the floor. She took several steps back, pressing herself against the far wall. Her hand flew to her throat, and she stood there, trying to catch her breath. She would never forget that face. This was the man that had attacked her. This man was Darrel, Anna’s husband. Or what was left of him.

  Felicity raised her hand and waived in the direction his eyes gazed. But he gave no response.

  The man was completely lost.

  She looked around the room, noticed that there was a spilled mop bucket in the corner, the mop leaning across a chair next to it. This wasn’t good. It wasn’t good at all.

  Felicity grabbed her briefcase from the floor and hurried from the hospital room. She had no doubt that this was why Anna hadn’t been excited when Mr. Andersen had told her of the new nursing classes starting up. She’d just discovered her abusive husband, incoherent and blithering like a newborn baby, in the hospital she now worked in.

  She had to get home. She had to make sure that Anna was okay.

  Felicity rushed out of the hospital and hurried to the carriage that drove her everywhere she needed to go. Enthrall and Shane had graciously opted to walk and take public carriages today so that she could have access to their own.

  She climbed up in the carriage. “Please, get me home right away. And hurry!”

  Felicity had opened the carriage door and was climbing down before it had even come to a complete stop. She ran up the front steps and burst into the house calling for Anna. Oksana came down the hallway toward her. “Miss Felicity? Anna isn’t home yet. Is there a problem?”

  “Are you sure? I’ve just left the hospital and she’s not there. Are you sure she’s not here?”

  “Yes, I’m very sure. Gheorghe is playing with Steven outside in the back. The baby is sleeping in her bassinet in the kitchen while Mama and I prepare tonight’s meal. We’ve not seen Anna.”

  Felicity walked into the living room, tossing her briefcase onto the sofa there. She lifted her hands to her head, closing her fingers over her own carefully styled hair. “Where? Where can she be?” she mumbled to herself.

  She looked at Oksana. “Something is wrong. I just know it.”

  “How can I help?” Oksana asked right away, stepping forward.

  “I’m not sure.” Felicity paced the living room, her mind going over and over everything she’d learned. Then she remembered Mr. Andersen telling her of a man that had seemed interested in her. He’d referred to the man as the patient’s brother. Then she knew.

  “I know where she is! I’m going after her,” she called as she ran out of the house. Her driver had just finished watering the horses. “Are we off again, Miss?”

  “We are!” she answered. “Take me to the boarding house. The one where we found Miss Anna.”

  “Yes, Miss.”

  “Miss Felicity, shouldn’t you wait for Mr. Enthrall?” Oksana called from the front door.

  “I can’t wait. She may need me now!” Felicity answered as the carriage drove her away.

  Chapter 21

  Enthrall and Shane returned home late in the afternoon. They carried boxes and parcels with them. They’d bought more than enough clothing for Shane, and he had a shiny new pair of boots as well. They’d unloaded all the packages at the side of the driveway, and Enthrall was paying the carriage driver when the front door was opened, and Oksana rushed out.

  “Mr. Enthrall! Miss Felicity hasn’t returned home. I told her to wait for you, but she said she couldn’t, that Miss Anna may need her.”

  Enthrall turned to her. “What are you talking about, Oksana? What’s happened?”

  “I don’t know. She came home in a tizzy looking for Miss Anna. She said Anna wasn’t at the hospital as she should have been. She was in a state! Worried and pacing. Then she said,
‘I know where she is!’ and rushed out of the door. She’s not come back yet!”

  “Where did she rush to?” Enthrall demanded, his demeanor quite frightening.

  “I’m not sure, but I heard her tell your driver to take her to the boarding house where she first found Miss Anna.”

  Enthrall thought to take the carriage, then thought better of it. He could go there more quickly by ghosting there. “Can you get these packages inside?”

  “Yes, sir. I can.”

  Enthrall turned to Shane. “Shane, I need you to stay here. I’ll be back a little later. Do not wander away, do you understand?”

  “Yes, sir. But I’ll come with you. I can help you find her.”

  “No, I need you here safe. Just do what Oksana says.” Enthrall ran into the house and into his bedroom. He slammed and locked his door then ghosted to the boarding house to look for Felicity. He wasn’t sure what was going on, but if she’d run headlong into putting herself in danger again, he was going to spank her ass. After he made sure that she was okay.

  <<<<<<<>>>>>>>

  Enthrall ghosted into the hallway of the boarding house, not really giving a damn if anyone saw him or not. He shouted for her. “Felicity!”

  He cocked his head to the side, listening. Sorting through all the sounds. Nothing. There was no response from her.

  He went to the door of the woman he’d given money to when he was looking for Shane. “Ma’am, please open the door! Are you home?”

  She opened the door only enough to converse with him and peeked through the slight opening. “I am. Did you find Shane?”

  “I did. Thank you. I’m looking for my wife. Do you know if she came here today?”

  “No, I don’t. But I do know that Anna is back.”

  “Back here? In her apartment?” Enthrall asked, his alarm growing by the second.

  The woman nodded. “I heard her crying. I heard it often enough before, I know it was her.”