“Please, try to rest.” He whispered.
“I think you need to as well. You look like hell.” Giselle teased. Gilles laughed softly and stood.
“I think I will. I’m sorry I couldn’t do more. I’ve told everyone I have at my disposal to keep looking. I’ll let you know if they find anything.” He leaned down and kissed Giselle’s forehead. “Eat something and rest. I’ll check in on you later.” With that, he left.
“He’s right. I’m not leaving you alone until you finish this soup and then I’m reading this very boring book to you until you fall asleep.” Mirabelle declared as she lifted a spoon to Giselle’s lips.
“Or until you fall asleep?” Giselle teased. Mirabelle’s lips twisted into a soft scowl.
“This time, I will prevail.” She promised. Giselle waited until their eyes met.
“Thank you. I’ve never had to rely on others before. And now, I don’t think I’d be able to bear any of this without you.” Giselle felt a tear slide down her cheek and Mirabelle smiled softly.
“You don’t have to thank me. This is what sisters do.” She whispered as she kissed Giselle’s cheek.
Chapter 65
Mirabelle cringed as she entered Spencer Place. She knew Maman would get her hopes up when she heard the door. At least she had Charlotte to ease her disappointment. As she had predicted, Maman rushed from the sitting room and tried to appear pleased to see them.
“Mon beau petit enfant!” She cooed as she reached for Charlotte. Maman pressed her lips to Mirabelle’s cheek. “Thank you for bringing her, you have cheered me up, mignon!” She whispered. Mirabelle hugged Maman and saw Gilles walk from his study.
“Is everything alright?” He asked as he looked to the door. Mirabelle felt a frown pull at her lips.
“I’m not sure. We were finishing lunch when a message arrived. Lucien jumped up and said he had to leave. He told me to bring Charlotte and for us to stay here until he returned. He said he’d be gone for a week.” Mirabelle felt her insides shake. It had been so odd and so sudden, she didn’t know what to make of it. Gilles pulled her into his embrace and kissed her hair.
“Everything will be fine. Did he say where he was going?” Gilles looked down at her and she could tell he was trying to appear relaxed. Mirabelle shook her head.
“No. He looked so surprised and then he was in a terrible rush. I tried to get something out of him as he was preparing to go but he just kept telling me that he would let us know when he had more information.”
“What’s happened?” Giselle asked as she came down the stairs. Mirabelle felt her stomach clench. She had just seen Giselle the day before but she was shocked by how frail and tired she looked. Her arm was in a sling and she gripped the bannister as she slowly made her way down. Everything about her was angular and faded. Her hair was dull and flat and her skin was pale. Her eyes looked sunken and dark shadows smudged beneath them. She wore a teal day dress that hung from her tiny, delicate shoulders. Mirabelle went to her as she reached the bottom step.
“Lucien has gone away for a week.” She kept her voice light, not wanting to worry Giselle. “Have you eaten today?” She asked as she placed Giselle’s hand on her arm.
“Of course!” Giselle lied. Maman and Gilles shook their heads in confirmation. Mirabelle wanted to scold Giselle but she felt so sorry for her. Everyone was worried about Alastair and missed him but Giselle was miserable. She was like a candle that had its flame blown out. Mirabelle could barely picture the vivacious, mischievous woman she had been. Now, she drifted around Spencer Place like a ghost, appearing every time the door rang and then floating away to her room or the library.
“Come and sit with me, Giselle. I’m desperate for some tea and we’ll have Bennings bring you some chocolate.” Mirabelle begged as she guided her toward the sitting room. Before she could decline, Gilles pressed his hand to her back and urged her forward. Elise stood as they entered and made room for them on the couch next to her. Once Giselle was between them, Elise took her hand.
“You’re cold.” She said softly. She raised her head. “Can someone give her a blanket or a shawl.” Maman removed her own swiftly and Gilles placed it around Giselle’s shoulders.
“I’ve rung for tea and it should be here soon.” Maman said as she paced with Charlotte. Mirabelle knew she was silently cursing Alastair and probably Lucien as well. It had been three weeks since Alastair left and now Lucien had disappeared a week before he was to return. And Lucien is returning in a week… Mirabelle’s eyes flicked to Gilles’. He was watching her and she got the feeling his thoughts were very similar. She knew the only reason Lucien wouldn’t tell her was if he was afraid of getting her hopes up. She prayed that he was successful and would send news soon.
Three days later, a letter arrived. Gilles tore it open and a moment later relief washed through him.
Hal,
I have Prospero. Bringing him home, from Scotland of all places. Expect us in three days. Give Mirabelle and Charlotte my love.
Mercutio
P.S. You owe me a new carriage, he is a mess.
Gilles laughed as he handed the letter to a nearly hysterical Mirabelle.
“Scotland! What the hell was he doing in Scotland?” She asked as she read the letter again.
“Lucien is in Scotland?” Giselle asked carefully. Gilles nodded as he snatched the letter from Mirabelle and handed it to Giselle. She became anxious as she read it.
“Alastair! He’s coming home!” She looked up at them and her eyes shimmered. “What does he mean by ‘he is a mess’?” She asked as she looked around. Gilles felt himself smile and shrug. He knew that like everyone else, she didn’t really care. They were all so relieved to know that Alastair had been found. Maman came rushing down the stairs.
“What is it? Do you have news?” She urged.
“Lucien has Alastair!” Mirabelle announced and Gilles felt the room become warmer when Maman laughed. Tears filled her eyes and she reached for the letter.
“Bon! This is wonderful news!” She gushed as she reached for Giselle. She looked at her warmly. “I am sure you are most excited for him to return, mon petite. I will try to keep that in mind when I am wanting to strangle him.” Maman said softly. Giselle’s lips wobbled as they curved into a smile.
Gilles silently agreed with Maman. He couldn't wait to see his brother and know that he was alive and well. But he was afraid that his next impulse would be to plant him a facer and he wasn’t sure if he’d be able to stop after all Alastair had put them through.
Chapter 66
It was four of the clock, exactly a month to the day that Alastair left. If he knew his brother well, and Gilles hoped he did, he would walk through the front door at any moment. He looked around the hall and saw Mirabelle’s head pop out of the sitting room. They had agreed to keep everyone as calm as possible but she was failing. As if on cue, the bell rang and Bennings pulled the door open quickly. Gilles held his breath as Lucien walked through. Mirabelle was a blur as she rushed into his arms. He laughed as he lifted her and buried his face against her neck.
“I missed you, sweetheart!” He said as he tried to kiss her. Mirabelle pulled away and gasped.
Gilles felt his body tighten and he frowned as a gaunt, tattered man stepped over the threshold. It took him a moment to realize it was Alastair. A moment later Mirabelle tackled him. He gasped as her arms locked around his chest before his closed around her. Her head pulled back and her face twisted.
“What happened to you? You look like a scary Jesus and you smell terrible!” Mirabelle asked as she stepped away. Lucien chuckled as he put his arms around her.
“You should have seen him before I made him bathe. We didn't have much time but I paid an inn keeper a small fortune to accomplish that much with his clothes. Apparently, Scottish gaols don’t allow frequent baths and a valet.”
“Gaol?” Maman shrieked as she hurried into the hall. She froze as her eyes swept over Alastair. Gilles felt his fists clench as he watched her reco
ver. Alastair shouldn’t have let them see him like that. He was wearing the same clothes he left in and they were faded, stained, thread worn and ripped in various places. His hair was long and dirty and he had a full mustache and beard. He looked like a beggar. As Alastair stepped forward, it appeared as if his body swam inside his clothing. Gilles had to cover his mouth with his hand and squeeze his jaw to keep from yelling.
“Mon fils! What have you done to yourself?” She whispered as she pressed her hands against his chest. Gilles imagined she wanted to embrace him but was afraid he might be carrying lice. “You need a bath and your valet immediately!” She declared. Alastair nodded as his eyes searched the hall.
“I need to see her. Where is Giselle?” His voice was hoarse.
“Alastair?” Giselle emerged from the sitting room and Gilles rushed across the hall to her. She looked unsteady and nervous. She was already frail and exhausted, the shock of seeing Alastair, reduced to a filthy tangle of limbs and hair was overwhelming her. She tried to hold Gilles off as she reached for Alastair. He caught her and held her in his hands as his eyes swept over her. His head swung toward Gilles.
“What the hell happened? You all were supposed to take care of her!” He growled. He looked back at Giselle and her eyes filled with tears. She shook her head furiously. Gilles felt the muscles of his jaw twitch.
“No! They did!” She argued as she tried to pull him close. Alastair finally let his arms close around her and he groaned. Giselle started to cry as his hands pressed carefully against her back. Alastair pulled back and shook his head.
“What have you done? You look terrible!” He gasped as his hands closed about her face. His eyes flickered over her features and she sobbed as she tried to raise her face to his but he pulled away. Gilles felt rage explode and he grabbed Alastair by the collar and threw him back.
“Out!” He roared as he rushed toward him. Giselle screamed as Alastair scrambled to his feet and tried to dodge him but Lucien grabbed him by his middle and pushed him back. Gilles grabbed Alastair by his lapels and lifted him as he ran toward the door. Alastair’s eyes were wild as he tried to push back and see around him. Lucien grabbed the front door and swung it wide and Alastair looked over his shoulder and swore as he started clawing at Gilles’ hands.
“Stop, I need to know! Let go of me!” Alastair screamed as he thrashed and tried to swing. Lucien grabbed his arm and pulled him back as Gilles used his shoulder to shove him. Alastair grabbed the door and tried to pull himself forward. “I need to talk to her!”
“No.” Lucien said as his arm locked around Alastair’s neck. Alastair’s eyes were wide and he shrieked as he arched and writhed. “I shouldn’t have brought you here first.” Lucien growled as he pulled Alastair clear of the door. He tried to kick and Gilles dodged his legs and punched him in the stomach. Gilles pushed them through the door and pulled it closed behind him. Lucien released Alastair and he dove for the door but Gilles blocked him.
“Get out of my way.” Alastair’s voice was low and fierce as he tried to catch his breath. Gilles crossed his arms.
“You’re not talking to her until you clean yourself up and stop acting like an ass.” Gilles said as he held his brother’s gaze. Alastair’s eyes were hard and threatening. Gilles stepped closer and let Alastair see how ready he was to break his nose. Alastair’s eyes narrowed and he stepped back.
“Is she still carrying my child?” Alastair’s voice shook. Gilles debated for a moment before he nodded. Alastair’s eyes shut and he seemed to relax. He swallowed and nodded. “Tell Giselle that I will be back later. I’ll make myself presentable and we will marry tonight if I can find someone to do it. Then, I’m taking her home. I can take better care of her by myself.” Alastair said as he turned to go down the stairs.
“God damn it!” Gilles swore and Alastair looked back at him. Gilles pulled his arm back and drove his fist into the middle of Alastair’s face sending him flying backward down the stairs. Gilles jumped onto the pavement and kicked Alastair in the stomach. “You did that to her!” Gilles roared as he pointed back at the house. “You left her. She needed you and you left!” He tried to kick Alastair again but Lucien pulled him back. Alastair rolled and got his knees under him.
“She didn’t want me. What was I supposed to do? I gave her everything and it wasn’t enough.” Alastair sat on his heels and carefully squeezed his nose. “I think it’s broken.” He said softly. Gilles nodded.
“Good. You deserve worse. You gave up, Alastair. She needed time and you ran away.” Gilles looked around and saw that people were watching from windows. Lucien noticed too and released him. Alastair laughed as he stumbled to his feet.
“I gave her time, Gilles. She had weeks and she was still going to refuse me.”
“No, she wasn’t. You shot her and as soon as she woke up you started demanding everything, at once. If you would have given her just an hour, you could have avoided putting us all through hell.” Gilles said as he grabbed Alastair’s arm to help him get his balance. “What made you think it would be easy? I tried to warn you.” Alastair shook his head and pushed his hands though his hair.
“I thought I was failing and I got scared.” He whispered. Gilles sighed and pulled him in an embrace. It was disturbing how much weight he’d lost. Gilles had no doubt that he wouldn’t have been able to get Alastair out of Spencer Place a month ago.
“What the hell were you doing in Scotland and how did you end up in prison?” Gilles asked as he held him at arm’s length. Alastair shrugged.
“Scotland always seemed like a miserable country and I was miserable. Turns out it wasn’t as bad as I expected. I was afraid I’d get too weak and come back before the month was up so I got myself thrown in gaol. I waited until it was time and then got word to Lucien to get me out.” Alastair pushed his hands into pockets. Gilles shook his head as he started laughing.
“I looked everywhere but the prisons. You must have blended in well among the other guests.” Gilles gripped his shoulder and squeezed.
“They thought he was a lunatic. He’s lucky they decided to humor him when he said his brother was a duke and asked that a message be sent on his behalf. He might still be a guest in Inverness.” Lucien said as he leaned against the rail and crossed his boots. Gilles looked to Alastair. He shrugged.
“It wouldn't have been an intolerable experience if they hadn’t kept me in a straight-waistcoat for most of the duration.” Alastair grumbled as he stared at his boots. Gilles felt as if he was going to be sick.
“Christ, Alastair! Promise me that the next time you and Giselle have a falling out, you’ll just talk to one of us.” He begged. Alastair nodded. “Good. Go home. Burn those clothes, take the longest bath you’ve ever had, shave and have someone fix your hair. You really do look like a scary Jesus. I’ll see if I can find someone to marry you.” Gilles pushed him toward the carriage and stepped back. “Be prepared to eat. A lot. Maman will probably come to dinner with a shovel.” Gilles added as Lucien laughed and held the carriage door open.
“You might also give some thought to your next conversation with Giselle. Telling any pregnant woman she looks terrible is dangerous. But when you’re dealing with a homicidal pregnant, former assassin, it could be deadly. You’re lucky she was too weak and shocked. She may not be so forgiving next time.” Lucien slapped him on the back as he stepped in. Alastair sat and then leaned out.
“Perhaps you could apologize for me?” He asked sheepishly. Lucien nodded and shut the door. He directed the driver to Burton Place and turned.
“I hope our own children are easier to raise.” Lucien sighed as he put his arm around Gilles and they went up the stairs.
“God, I hope so. If Ethan ever summons you to a prison, you have my permission to leave him there.” Gilles said as the front door opened.
Chapter 67
Alastair paced in the sitting room as he waited for Giselle. He felt like one large, raw nerve. He’d been tempted to darken the room but he needed to s
ee her, even if his eyes hurt. His skin stung, he’d taken two baths and scrubbed as hard as he could. It was as if he thought he could pull the madness that had followed him from prison from his body, through his skin. And then there was the filth. Once he was back in his home, among his things, his mind started to return and he could feel the dirt, sweat and other unmentionable substances on his flesh. The razor on his face had felt like flame but he felt more solid once his face was smooth and his hair was cut and styled in its usual manner.
As he stood before the mirror, waiting for his body to recover from the effects of new, crisp, heavy clothes against his skin, Alastair felt himself anchor within his body. The only thing that couldn’t be restored or recovered that evening was his weight. That would take time. Until he filled out, he would have to cope with his overactive nerves. Being thinner and weaker made his body even more sensitive. It was as if he had only a sheer film covering his insides and everything was brighter, louder and harder around him.
He heard movement behind him and he turned. Alastair saw Giselle in the doorway and his heart started to pound faster. He thought he was prepared to face her, he promised Gilles he was ready when he questioned him at the door but as his eyes swept over her, he wasn’t sure.
Giselle looked unsure and a little afraid. Alastair cursed himself as he slowly crossed the room. He held out his hands and she hesitated as she reached for them with the hand that wasn’t in a sling. He towed her into the room and pulled her to the sofa with him. He stared at her hand. It was so delicate, the skin was tight and thin. The veins looked so dark against her translucent skin. It made his chest ache. Alastair swallowed his self loathing. He knew he'd done this to her but he had to hide his reaction. He needed to make her feel beautiful and help her heal. He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it gently as his eyes found hers.
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