‘I was just speaking with the man who is taking me home this evening, he was just confirming the time and destination.’
‘You should have waited until tomorrow and got a train,’ Albert interjected, ‘would have gotten you there much faster.’
‘Well maybe I will next time.’
Tom came flying through the kitchen door and took his seat at the table, he and Albert were still wearing there smart church clothes.
‘Miss Baily was tellin’ me ‘bout the Queen’s horses,’ he spoke loudly and with excitement in his tone, his broad Yorkshire accent was a giveaway he wasn’t from here, ‘she got to visit ‘em when she was ‘bout my age, because her father’s friend worked there. She says there’s so many horses in’t royal stable that it takes days, sometimes weeks to clean ‘em all out. She also says they’re groomed so often they’re always in pristine condition just in case they need to go out on parade at short notice.’ His whole body shook as he kicked his legs back and forth under the table with excitement. Sometimes he spoke so quickly I barely understood him.
‘What time must you be there in the morning?’ Victoria asked.
‘Mr Summers said it was eight thirty, but after mi first day it could be earlier.’
I began to drift in and out of the conversations once dinner was served. A delicious roast dinner with the finest tasting vegetables I had ever eaten. Ms Lowney seemed thrilled with herself when I complimented her on the food, and topped up my wine glass with a smile, the first one I think she had ever given me.
When dinner was over Albert went upstairs to his office, where he remained for the remainder of the afternoon. Tom had disappeared outside where a group of young boys could be heard playing in the square. I was left with my sister in the sitting room with a large pot of tea between us. It had felt as though I had been staying at my sister’s for such a long time, but knowing I was leaving in only a matter of hours made it now feel as though I had barely spent any time with her.
Victoria spent the afternoon knitting, or at least trying to. Like myself she had never been very good at it, but with a baby on the way she was clearly trying to make some of her own things for it, Ms Lowney had been showing her how to do it but she was clearly still struggling to master it. As the afternoon turned to evening we were surprised to see that 5 o’clock arrived so quickly. Our constant talking seemed to pass the time and it was only when Ms Lowney walked in with a tray of homemade scones that we even realised the hour.
‘There you are Miss; a fresh pot of tea and watch out for the scones as they have just come out of the oven.’ She placed the tray on the small coffee table. ‘Also Miss Lucy I have made up a little parcel for you to take on your journey, should you get peckish on the way.’
‘Thank you,’ I said, a little taken back by her kind gesture, but before I could say any more she was back out the door and heading up stairs with a tray for Albert.
The evening seemed to go by faster than I could have imagined. I was not looking forward to the journey and was beginning to regret my decision to leave, but I knew I had to return some time, I couldn’t keep putting it off.
Just before the carriage arrived I returned to my room to collect my one suitcase. Victoria followed me, clearly expecting there to be handfuls of items needing to be brought down.
‘Surely you want to take some more of these dresses home with you?’ She looked through the wardrobe.
‘Most of these are yours Vic, and the new ones I haven’t worn anyway. You keep them for yourself, they would suit you better.’
‘I’m going to need bigger dresses in the coming months,’ she chuckled, ‘these might end up unused for a long time. Are you sure you don’t wish to take them?’
‘No, I will leave them here. If they are unused by my return I will consider taking them, but not this time. You enjoy them before you expand.’
Victoria didn’t argue, she knew better to as I wouldn’t have given in. As we returned to the bottom of the stairs I could hear the horses and carriage pulling up outside. I opened the door and waved him down as he seemed to be going past the house. Thankfully he saw me and managed to bring the horses to a stop two doors down. I placed the case on the door step and returned into the hallway to hug my sister. Albert and Tom had come down to wish me well, and even Miss Baily and Ms Lowney came out to say goodbye. Probably making sure I was really going.
‘Don’t forget this Miss.’ Ms Lowney handed me a small basket filled with scones and biscuits.
‘Thank you. And thank you all for letting me stay. I hope my next visit will see me in a happier state of mind.’
I turned and left, pausing for a moment in shock that my case was no longer on the doorstep. I could see the driver placing it onto the back of the carriage, before opening the carriage door for me. He was dressed head to toe in black, which made him almost disappear in the now dark street.
‘Stay inside sister, you should not be out this late in your condition.’ We again hugged on the door step before I took off towards the carriage. I didn’t speak to the driver as I got into the cab, and he closed the door firmly behind me. Victoria had gone back inside and I could just about make out her silhouette in the window looking out at me just as the carriage pulled away and out of Vincent Square.
Chapter 16
D
Of course I knew exactly which house it was, but pulled the horses to a stop further along so that Victoria would not see me. I had seen Lucy wave as I passed and noticed her drop the case on the doorstep. I knew as her driver she would expect me to get it for her, so thought it best to snatch it whilst she was back inside saying her goodbyes. I had expected my collection of Lucy to have been more challenging than it was, but neither Victoria nor Albert took any notice of me and restricted their goodbyes to the doorstep. Once Lucy was in the carriage I did not hang around, and drove the horses onwards and out of Vincent Square as quickly as possible.
It was a warm night and as we made our way out of London the stars above began to become visible. Lucy was quiet in the carriage, I had expected her to maybe speak to me at some point, yet over an hour into the journey and nothing, and I had wondered if maybe she had fallen asleep.
When the city was behind us and we were out in the countryside I felt more at ease. The city had always made me anxious and I had made the conscious decision that I would not stay in London any longer than necessary. Victoria had been a burden on me ever since I lay eyes on her, and I was stupid to allow her to play with my mind and take hold of my heart. She never once loved me like I loved her; she was simply an actress who played on gentlemen for her own gain.
I pulled the horses over to the side of the road; the road had been quiet now for some time. The last small town was miles behind us, and a roadside milestone told me that we were five miles away from the next. I had two lamps lit at either side of me, the only light other than the moon to guide us along the dark road. Livestock could be heard in the nearby fields, but other than that we were in complete silence.
I dismounted the top of the carriage and walked around to the door. I could see the silhouette of her inside, her breathing slowly and her head leaned against the carriage wall fast asleep. The carriage wasn’t getting any of the light from my lanterns up front, but I could still make out every inch of her in the darkness. She was certainly a beautiful woman, on the outside at least. Her hair and makeup always immaculate and the dresses she wore were always fashionable and elegant. I had noticed that she was wearing lace gloves to keep her warm against the night chill, and a shawl wrapped high around her neck.
I opened the door and listened for a moment at her gentle purring, the carriage door handle creaked and for a split-second I thought it had roused her. She had the serenity of Sleeping Beauty, the fair skin of Snow White and the soul of a Wicked Witch; cold and selfish with only her own self-importance at the front of her mind. I climbed into the carriage and sat opposite her; still unaware that the horses had even stopped she continued to sleep. I sat ther
e with her for a moment, the stillness of the night a comforting relief to that of the city noise. An owl must have been in a tree nearby as I heard its call, and a slight breeze caused the leaves of the trees to rustle.
Lucy began to stir and moved in her seat, she stretched out her legs and arms, but she did not open her eyes and continued to sleep. The stretch had caused her dress to ride a little and her ankles became visible, one of which now brushed against my own leg. She had a floral scent about her, probably some kind of expensive perfume. I could no longer resist myself and lent down to touch her ankle. She twitched due to my fingers being cool, yet she still did not wake.
My heart was now beating out of its chest, I could hear it loudly and I feared it so loud she might even hear it also. I realised that it had been months since I last touched a woman.
‘What are you doing?’ Lucy stirred, her eyes blinking as she tried to adjust to the dark carriage. ‘Let go of me.’ She pushed my hand away and pulled her dress back over her feet. ‘Explain yourself.’
‘Good evening Lucy. We have taken a little break.’
‘What are you doing in here with me? Get out immediately.’
‘I’m afraid I cannot do that. You see tonight is your special night, and we wouldn’t want it to be ruined now, would we?’
I placed my hand on her knee, she tried to push it away but I was too strong for her.
‘Get off of me or I shall scream for help.’
‘Nobody will hear you out here. Save your energy.’
‘Who are you? I want the truth?’ Her voice broke as fear started to set in.
‘Me? Oh I am an old friend of your sister.’
Her expression was confused, but fear still spread across her face. ‘Take your hand off of me now, I want to get out.’
‘It is much safer in here, I will make sure of that.’ I moved my hand from her knee and placed it higher up her leg. She began to struggle and then let out an ear piercing scream before slapping my face and knocking off my hat.
‘Was this your plan from the beginning, to be friendly with me so that I would trust you into driving me home? Did you always plan on raping me?’
‘Rape? My dear I have no intention of raping you.’
‘Then what do you want with me?’ She struggled but couldn’t match my own strength.
‘Your sister owes me a great debt. I intend on settling that debt with her starting with you?’
‘How do you know my sister? She is a fine lady who would never associate with a monster like you.’ At that moment her face fell. ‘Wait…a monster. You can’t be… him?’
I couldn’t help but grin as her face turned from panic to fear, her realising who I was gave me a satisfaction I had not felt in a long time. This time her struggles were harsher than before and she began to hit and kick me as hard as possible, I leaned in to try and restrain her and she bit me hard on the arm; I couldn’t tell in the darkness but I was certain she had drawn blood. I took hold of her and dragged her out of the carriage behind me, letting her go only a matter of feet from it, she fell to the dry dusty floor with uncontrollable shrieks of pain.
‘Get up.’ I demanded, but she remained there sobbing.
‘My sister said you were in her nightmares still after all these months. She told me your infatuation with her was the only thing that kept her alive. So why then if your anger is with her do you torment me?’
I was annoyed she still lay on the ground and so I grabbed her by both arms and lifted her up; she did not struggle and stood on her own as I continued to hold onto her. Her face was covered in tears and smudged make-up. I kissed her on the lips.
‘Your sister is a witch, and will be punished in due course. You however were drawn to me simply by your name.’
‘I beg your pardon?’
‘You would not understand, and I do not have all night to explain to you. The night that your sister left Whitby she threw something of mine into the sea, something that I held dear to my heart. That is why she must be punished. You on the other hand were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.’
I let her go and turned back to the carriage for a split second, I was debating getting the shawl to wrap her in. My distracted gaze gave her the opportunity to run. I heard her heels against the stone covered road as she took flight up the dark lane before branching off into nearby woodland. I didn’t have to try very hard to catch her, and grabbed hold on her wrist before the treeline begun.
She spun around and punched me in the face, the surprise of which causing me to let go of her wrist, she tried to take off running again but tripped over a branch and landed hard on the ground. I leaned down to find that although still alive she had in fact knocked herself unconscious against a large rock. She was faced down and I rolled her over to reveal her beautiful face had taken the hardest blow. I placed a hand on her chest; the feel of her beating heart against my hand was addictive. I moved her messy hair out of her face and looked upon her with pity.
With her already unconscious I did not feel the satisfaction when she took her final breath under the strain on my hands around her delicate little neck. With a small blade tucked inside my coat I cut once on her neck to allow a trickle of blood to escape her. The smell of blood had always been favourable to me, and I could not resist licking it off her bare skin as it slid down her neck.
Chapter 17
Monday 4th June 1900
Tom
Breakfast seemed much more relaxed than it had in weeks. Mr and Mrs Summers were talking about the baby more openly than they felt they could in front of Lucy, and even Ms Lowney and Miss Baily seemed to have a spring in their step this morning. It was rare that Lucy even joined us for breakfast, her late evenings would often see her too tired to rise early, and breakfast for her was often at mid-morning. I found it amusing that despite nobody saying anything, it was clear why the mood was so uplifted.
Today was the first day in my new job. I was so excited about it yet at the same time I was more nervous than I had ever felt before. I had worked with horses previously, so I shouldn't be worried, however knowing these horses belonged to Queen Victoria herself made them even more special. I also knew I wouldn’t be the only stable worker at the Mews, and I found myself trying to predict how many others there would be, and if they would be a similar age to me or older.
Albert left for work as usual, which was usually after me, but being my first day I was requested to arrive slightly later. The extra time seemed to pass slowly as I kept looking over at the clock perched above the fireplace in the dining room. Barely a minute had passed and I was looking back again.
'Are you okay Tom?' Victoria asked whist pouring herself more tea. 'You look anxious.'
'Jus' excited I guess Miss...Erm, Victoria.' I still couldn't get used to referring to her simply by her first name.
'Tom you will find the people working the stables are pleasant people, they love the animals just as much as you. You will see, your fears will be pushed aside before they even have chance to grow.'
I knew she was right, and in fairness it wasn't the other workers that worried me; after all I knew I was capable of doing the job. My biggest worry was knowing I was to be working at the royal Mews besides Buckingham palace, and I feared that I was not high-class enough for a place like that. I decided not to say any of this to Victoria as I knew she would only reassure me about the whole thing. I’ll worry either way.
I had been asked to arrive for eight thirty, and so left the house a little after eight. Another benefit of my new job was the travel distance. It could sometimes take me nearly an hour to reach the docks at a brisk jog, whereas the Mews was a mere fifteen minutes' walk away. It was another sunny morning and the walk was pleasant enough. I had been in London just over three months now and I was still in awe of the city. I never imagined anywhere could be so big, so busy or so lively. Ms Lowney had sent me off with a special packed lunch and instructions from her and Miss Baily that I was to tell them all about my day as soon as I
returned home.
I had walked passed the Mews many times before, although I had never known it was called that until Albert told me. I had however known the royal horses were there, which had always interested me. I would sometimes walk passed slowly in the hope to catch a glimpse. Today however the entrance seemed much more dominating than usual. The black iron railings that ran along the pavement seemed much taller this time, and the stone pillars with carved lion figures that stood at either side of the open gates, appeared more ferocious then I remembered. Beyond the gates was the official entrance to the Mews, a stone building that rose up high with carved columns to each side as though you were entering a temple. Between the columns was an almighty archway that I presumed lead through to the stables. Above the arch were more impressive stone carvings that led up to an eye catching clock tower. The clock was mostly white with gold roman numerals and gold clock hands. I thought it was certainly the second most impressive clock in London after Big Ben.
I walked up to the arch and was instantly spotted by a guard. He wore the traditional red jacket with silver buttons that sparkled, and black trousers that were perfect in every way. He also wore on his head the large fur headdress with a brass chain chin strap balanced just below his bottom lip. I could barely see his eyes. He carried a weapon which was resting against his shoulder as he marched towards me. He came right up to me and stopped no more than a foot away before his gaze dropped down to me. He was so tall and I was a little intimidated by him to say the least.
'I'm sorry young man this is not a public area.' He was quite a young man, but his voice was croaky.
'Hello, I have been sent here by Mr Albert Summers, he told me I was to arrive for eight thirty to start my new job.'
He looked me up and down, clearly sceptical of my story. ‘What new job is this may I ask?’
‘I am to be working in the stables, sir.’
'Follow me.' There was a narrow door in the side of the arch that he escorted me into. It was a tiny office with nothing in it other than a small desk. 'Sit.' I did as I was told. He picked up an item that looked like an oversized candle stick. He then placed a smaller one to his ear; it was attached by a wire to the larger part. He then began talking into the top of the larger candlestick. I could hear a voice coming from the smaller piece and was enthralled with the item. I knew then it must have been a telephone. Albert had been talking about getting one for the house only a week or so ago.
D_Revenge Hits London Page 8
