"Moira, I know we haven't known each other very long and yet I feel as if I've known you all my life. I love you and it makes me happy when we're together. When we part, I count the hours until we meet again. You are the woman I see by my side all my life. Will you marry me?"
Robert opened the box and held out to her a beautiful sapphire ring. He looked at her expectantly. Moira could hardly believe her luck. She had fallen madly in love with Robert and here and now her secret desires and wishes were coming true. Overjoyed, she threw herself into his arms and thus brought him down. Tears of joy ran down her face, and before the stunned Robert could say anything, she pressed a kiss to his lips and laughed and exclaimed, "I do, I do, I do."
Chapter 12
For the next two days, Moira's thoughts were occupied with the upcoming wedding. She was overjoyed. In the morning she woke up with a smile on her lips and hummed happily all day long. Eileen, who at first had not known the reason and had wondered greatly about Moira's state of mind, had been delighted when she learned of Robert's marriage proposal.
"You see, everything will be all right now. You can pay Sir Dumfrey the money back and the work at the orphanage can continue, or what does Robert want to do?"
"I don't know. I haven't talked to him about it."
Eileen, who had known Moira long enough, suspected there was more to it.
"But that you owe Sir Dumfrey money, he already knows that, doesn't he?"
Guiltily, Moira looked to the floor. Eileen stood up in front of her and put her arms on her hips.
"You didn't tell him! Moira, you need to tell Robert the truth. How are you going to pay Dumfrey back the money, if it doesn't come from Robert, and what will your husband-to-be say when he this matter hanging over your head?"
Annoyed, Moira interjected to her friend,
" I know. I just haven't had the chance yet, to talk to Robert about it."
"Then you should do that right away, because you shouldn't go into a marriage with secrets."
Eileen was right. Robert had to know about it and would certainly help her. She resolved to tell him about it on her next visit, on the next evening. In order to steer the somewhat unpleasant conversation in other directions, she started to make plans for the wedding with Eileen.
Robert wanted to marry her as soon as possible, but he had social obligations and so the wedding would not take place for several weeks. Tomorrow they were going to go through the guest list, so that the invitations could be sent out. Also, quite a few arrangements should be discussed regarding the feast day.
Robert's small court had been thrilled when they were informed of the Lord's wedding plans. In the next few days, the cook wanted to offer the couple a few menu suggestions and Albert and his wife Harried, the housekeeper, had immediately started planning the guests’ accommodations. Such celebrations cast their shadows far ahead and so it was not surprising that the normal daily routines were almost neglected.
Moira, at least, felt that way and Eileen indulged her. Admiringly, Moira now stroked her fingers over the noble fabric. She would soon become Lady MacIntyre. Her guests belonged to the high aristocracy and a suitable dress was needed. She had found in the village this wonderful bale of silk, a few pale pink florets for the collar, white lace for the veil and an elegant pattern, straight from Paris. Eileen and she would spend the next few days and weeks creating a gorgeous gown for her.
Just as she was daydreaming about how Robert would happily embrace her on her wedding day, there was a knock at the door and Eileen entered.
"Moira, a letter has just been delivered here for you."
"Excuse me? Oh, I see, thank you. I'm sure this will be Robert's first draft of the guest list he was going to send me. I should take a look before tomorrow night to possibly add someone else."
But even as she received the letter, she froze. Quickly, before Eileen could notice anything, she forced herself to take the letter and had it promptly disappear into her skirt pocket. The apprehension was for naught, however, as Eileen was baking a cake in the kitchen and thus hurried out immediately. Alone again in the small reception room, she reached into her skirt pocket and pulled out the letter with trembling fingers. She had recognized the envelope right away. The same paper and the same writing on it. Just like the last time. Moira was willing to throw the unopened letter into the fireplace, but she knew that would not solve her problem either. Therefore, she tore the yellowish paper apart. With engraved handwriting the letters were written, but what she read made all cheerfulness die in her. She had thought it was over. For weeks she had not received any more news and she had been glad about it.
Yes, she had almost pushed him out of her mind. But now he was back and wanted to meet with her again. Could she allow herself not to go? He wouldn't let her go until the matter had been cleared up, she was quite sure of that. She would tell him that she would pay back the money and so Moira decided to go to the meeting one last time.
He flipped the gold cover of his pocket watch back on, then let it disappear into the pocket of his
brocade vest and bent impatiently out of the window of his black carriage. She was long overdue, and he
wondered why she had not come. Could it be that she had not received the letter? But his messenger had confirmed that he had delivered the letter to the house. She was hopefully not foolish enough to believe that if she ignored him, she would be rid of him. This could be very dangerous for her. Just as he was about to give his coachman a signal to depart, he saw her dainty figure approaching him. Without a word, he opened the door and let her in. Immediately the carriage began to move.
"You are late and I was just about to leave."
Quite out of breath, Moira took a seat opposite him. As the carriage started, however, she pulled up from her seat and was about to rush out of the the door, when Dumfrey rushed forward, held the door shut and and pushed her back onto her bench. Outraged at this treatment, she shouted at him.
"Stop the carriage at once. I will not go with you anywhere."
"Relax, we have things to talk about. I understand that Lord MacIntyre actually proposed to you. I'm happy for you."
Self-confident, he leaned back in his carriage and did not take his eyes off her. She was beautiful, and when she was angry, her eyes sparkled dark green. He noticed how his body reacted to her closeness and he longed to let his fingers glide over her soft rose skin. She must have walked briskly because her pulse was fast and her firm breasts rose and lowered. Who should stop him here and now from approaching her? His coachman was secretive and outside there was not a soul on the road who could hear them. He would only need to apply a few practiced moves and he would have her in the position where he could give in to his urge. She would anxiously beg him to leave her alone, but he would take her against her will, hard and again. He liked it when they were virginal and tight and when they trembled with fear, so he could exert his power over them. Over time, he had discovered his preference for this and went to special establishments to get his satisfaction. But gradually it was too boring to take the girls willing to give him pleasure. It was much more satisfying when he got himself young girls from the street.
Often it was maids he lured into his carriage with flimsy excuses, and then he had fun with them. He did not have to worry about charges, because a few pennies settled his deed in most cases. In addition, he saw to it that he never poached in his own environment, but always where no one knew him. Moira, who had not missed the lecherous look of Dumfrey felt noticeably uncomfortable, but she tried not to let it show.
"Don't you feel well? You're starting to sweat."
"Uh what? No, it's just quite warm today."
Dumfrey wiped his forehead with his lacy handkerchief and concentrated on what was really important. If he would have liked to lay a hand on Moira, it would have been a mistake that could not be repaired and so he decided to put his needs behind and set his goal once again before his eyes. His time with her would s
till come.
"Where are you taking me?"
"My coachman will just drive us around a bit. It's more inconspicuous than if my carriage stood by the side of the road. You will have another mission tomorrow. Here is the tin of powder."
Sir Dumfrey drew from his coat pocket a similar tin as the first time and held it out to Moira. She, however, made no effort to take it. Instead she tightened herself and looked him firmly in his small gray eyes.
"I will not give my future husband any more sleeping powder. I plan to ask him for money tomorrow night to give you your money back. That would pay off my parents' debts and we will have nothing more to do with each other."
He had almost counted on something like that, but she didn't count on him. Patronizingly he withdrew his hand with the can, and before she could react, he sprang up and clasped her chin with his hand. He squeezed so hard that she groaned in pain and almost fell to the floor in front of him. Moira tried to free herself from the strong grip, but she had no other choice than to let Dumfrey have his way. Quietly, but with a dangerous undertone in his voice, he hissed in her ear:
"Honey, it's not just about the money anymore. Have you still not understood this? The money was
merely a means to an end. I don't want MacIntyre anywhere near me, and you're going to take care of it as we discussed. And if you still do not understand, I tell you when it's time to stop or something terrible will happen to the children and to your girlfriend. Don't make the mistake of underestimating me. I have my eyes and ears everywhere and whoever resists me, has regretted it."
Charles Dumfrey pushed Moira back onto the bench and knocked with his fist against the carriage roof. Immediately the carriage stopped. He opened the door and held the small can out to her.
"Go and do your work."
Moira grabbed the can with a pale face and got out of the carriage without another word to him.
Immediately the door was closed again and the carriage rolled away. She looked around briefly and
realized that she was not far from her home. With the can in her hand, she dragged herself home. She felt sick to her stomach. Being able to tell Robert about the debt now was out of the question. She would be putting at risk the lives of those who played a major role in her life.
How on earth was she supposed to find a solution for this, she was all alone and could not confide in
anyone. This meeting had to remain her secret so that no one would be harmed, because she was sure that Dumfrey would carry out his threats. She had seen the determination in his eyes.
Robert had been sitting and working in his writing room all day. Now he was overcome with the urge to go for another ride, and although it was late and most of the inhabitants of his castle had already gone to rest, he enjoyed riding his horse across the fields. At such times, he fondly remembered his home in Wyoming when he had spent days out in the wilderness and nights under the stars. The moon shone brightly tonight and lighted the way and so Robert allowed his horse to gallop faster over the meadows.
His thoughts wandered from the work he had just finished to Moira, whom he would see again tomorrow evening. Soon she would be his wife and he counted every hour he had to be without her. How had it been
possible that she had conquered his heart in the shortest time?
He saw her in front of him, smiling lovingly at him with her emerald green eye and how her body felt against his when he held her and kissed her. For nights on end, he dreamed of what it would be like when she lay with him. Gradually these thoughts became torture for him, because until his wedding day he would be allowed to see her, touch her and kiss her, but he could not allow himself more if he did not want to destroy her reputation. Once again, Robert cursed softly to himself. He didn't give a damn about all these rules of decency but his status here did not allow him to violate them. He had no alternative but to press ahead with the preparations for the wedding to take place as soon as possible. Tomorrow evening they would discuss everything and he would tell her that he had chosen a date in three weeks. Unconsciously, Robert had ridden to the hill where he had proposed to Moira.
He stopped his horse and looked into the distance. The moonlight fell on the distant sea. Tomorrow was
another full moon, it occurred to him. I wonder if the smugglers would come again? Nothing had happened in the last few months, so why should they come back tomorrow of all days? And yet, he suddenly had a feeling that this was exactly what was going to happen, and so he decided to lie in wait again the next night. He wanted to finally understand what the men in the bay were doing and finish them off. Satisfied with himself, he slammed his heels into his horse's flanks and let it race home at a brisk gallop. He was racing around a small wood and almost collided with an equally fast carriage on the road. Luckily he pulled his horse around at the last moment. The two carriage horses shied for a moment, giving the coachman the arduous task of taming them, and cursing, he cracked the whip on the backs of the two black horses until they continued on their way at the same rapid pace. Robert, who was reining in his horse a short distance away, looked around to see what had just come into his path and was astonished when he saw the completely black carriage with the two black horses standing on the road. The coachman had some difficulty in calming the frightened animals, but then they continued on their way without giving a damn about him. Who in the world was here at this time of day with a completely unlit carriage? There had been no monogram on the door, as was usual and yet it seemed to him as if he had seen the carriage and the driver somewhere before. Since it would not occur to him,however, he now directed his own horse, which was apparently a little irritated by the moment of fright, home.
"You did a good job," soothingly Robert patted his stallion's neck.
"Let us now start on our way home at a slower pace, or we'll both break our necks."
While he steered his horse now in a light trot, his thoughts drifted back to the mysterious carriage. Who had the carriage transported and where was it going at that rate? Or better yet, where had it come from? When he lay in his bed a little later, he could find no rest. The feeling did not let go of him that he had known the carriage, but he just couldn't think of it, and so he pondered it until the early hours of the morning before tiredness finally set in and he fell asleep.
Chapter 13
Yesterday, she had hardly been able to wait to finally see Robert again. But today she hoped that the evening would never come. She had been lying awake all night, racking her brains about how she should behave tonight with Robert. Now she already had a severe headache and dark circles under her eyes.
"If Robert sees you like this today, I'm sure he'll think twice about marrying you,"
Eileen joked the morning she saw Moira.
"You look terrible. He must be haunting your head all night and thus robs you of your beauty sleep. Bad boy."
Eileen nudged her mischievously. Moira, who was in no mood to joke, only grimaced, which immediately
triggered another headache.
"Eileen, I'm not feeling well at all today. I have a terrible headache."
Concerned, Eileen put her hand on Moira's forehead and said,
"You're not going to get sick now, are you? There's nothing to do today that I can't do alone. Why don't you lie down for a little while, so that you'll be back on your feet tonight. You look really terribly tired."
Without a word, Moira just nodded and dragged herself out of the room. She felt as if she had heavy weights on her legs. Eileen was a treasure. She would never do anything that would endanger the life of her friend or the children's lives. It was only a sleeping pill and if Dumfrey didn't want Robert to be in the bay tonight, for whatever reason, then she would give him this powder again. Nothing had happened the last time and so Robert would wake up tomorrow and at most be annoyed that he had again not managed to get into the bay. While Moira went back to bed, she wondered what Dumfrey was doing in the bay in the first place. Maybe it was time t
o find out more about it. Was that the solution to her problem? The more Moira thought about it, the better she liked the idea of investigating. Tonight she would do again what Charles Dumfrey asked her to do, but after that she would find a way to bring this matter to an end.
Still clothed, she lay stretched out on her bed and glanced at the bright stain on the ceiling, which was caused by the lighted oil lamp on her night table. Silently and in thought she let the past evening run through her mind. Robert had welcomed her with a passionate kiss and the memory of it now made her smile dreamily. In general, they had eyes for each other during the whole dinner. His bright blue eyes had looked at her lovingly and one or the other moments of desire had been seen there, which had made her shiver pleasantly. Unlike Dumfrey's lustful eyes, which always terrified her, Robert's looks left her in a state of longing. Moira tried to imagine what it would be like to be married to a man. What was required of a wife? She wished her mother was there to tell her how she should behave toward Robert. They had been busy with the guest list after supper, had laughed and joked around. Robert, at the mention of some relatives on his father's side, had recounted anecdotes and memories from his childhood so vividly that they had hardly stopped laughing. Again and again he raised his finger in admonition, pulled his mouth to a snout and pinched his eyebrows so that this sight alone had been enough to make her laugh. He had then imitated in a disguised voice one of his distant uncles, who had always told him to drink a fresh glass of milk every day to grow up and be strong. God, they had fooled around like children and she had felt liberated and happy. Would it always be like this with him? Would he always make her laugh and would she be so happy?
"You get a beguiling little wrinkle when you laugh. Right here," he had said and then kissed her on the left temple.
When Love grows doubt Page 9
