by Mary Speer
“Peter I hope your intentions toward this young lady, who is now a mutual friend, are well intended and not for mere entertainment, there are plenty of girls for that down by the harbor. By the way, this is not advice this is a warning, don’t take advantage of her in that manner Peter.”
“I understand Captain; but I assure you, I am not just seeking entertainment. I don’t know if meeting Lynnette was luck or fate, or both, I simply believe in grasping an opportunity when it comes along that’s all. I have fallen in love with Lynnette, Captain and when I come back I intend to marry her.”
Satisfied Captain Drake smiled and nodded his approval.
“Very well Peter glad to hear it, than I shall see you on deck.”
“Yes sir.”
Captain Drake turned back to Lynnette.
“Miss Attoms, it has been a pleasure, I look forward to seeing you again.” He bowed in her direction.
“Likewise Captain, thank you for everything…bon voyage!” She waved.
The Captain turned and walked away. Lynnette was smiling ear-to-ear after overhearing Peter say he planned to marry her when he returned. Peter and Lynnette embraced.
Back in the house Karina rushed to her father’s bedside in case it was urgent,
“What is it father?”
“Karina I just wanted to say thank you for your cooperation. I regret having such an unpleasant conversation with you back at Pembroke Hall. I believe everything is going well now I assure you Lord Harmon will make you very happy. He’s a powerful successful man, believe me child this is the best situation for you, and knowing that you will be taken care of gives me peace of mind.”
Karina was appreciative of her father’s concern but anxious to catch up to Captain Drake and give him his cufflink before he left. She never imagined he was so handsome. She pictured him towering over her when they met, tanned and lean; his dark hair tied at the nape, square smooth jaw line, and those temping full lips. Not to mention his impeccable attire, of royal blue waistcoat, tan breeches and boots, the mere thought of seeing him again was euphoric. Mean while her father was going on about life with Gunther.
“Forgive father me but I need to step out for a moment, one of the guests dropped a piece of jewelry, I shall be right back I promise.”
Karina kissed her father on the forehead and hurried out of the room; the door to the study was slightly open and she could see Lord Harmon reviewing some documents. She quietly passed by hoping not to be seen. She went down the hallway and walked across the entryway and hurried down the steps, it was dark now and many of the carriages were gone, she wondered if Captain Drake had already left. She walked to the edge of the house and turned the corner it was a far walk to the back of the property and a little chilly, then in the moonlight she saw the figure of a man approaching, as she realized it was Captain Drake, her heart started racing.
After saying goodbye to Peter and Lynnette, Eric headed toward his carriage with Peter’s words, “Grasping the opportunity” still ringing in his head as he walked along the side of the house when he realized his new gold cufflink was missing, at the same time he heard a woman’s voice calling him,
“Captain Drake! Captain Drake!”
He looked up…it was Karina, even more beautiful in the moonlight and coming straight toward him with her arm extended and holding something shinny in her hand that he recognized as the missing gold cufflink. He increased his pace and as he reached for the cufflink with his left hand, the touch ignited him with a sudden desire to feel her soft full lips and in one swift moment wrapped his right arm around her waist, arching her back slightly as he covered her lips with his own, the arresting moment caused Karina to let out a small moan as she fell into his fiery embrace. Sensing acceptance the kiss deepened.
A heated tingling sensation radiated through Karina at the unexpected intimate contact with the handsome Captain, a feeling so intense unlike anything she ever felt before. Gone was the earlier chill she had felt with the warmth of his body pressed against hers. His lips were warm and smooth and tasted like red wine; she was momentarily frozen in time. Not wanting the euphoric moment to end, she slowly began to respond to his touch, as she shyly placed her hands on his arms. Suddenly she was awakened by a deep male voice calling her name.
“Karina!” Gunther called.
Frightened Karina gasped and broke the embrace. She ran toward the voice but turned longingly once more toward the alluring Captain Drake, fingers lightly touching her lips, before disappearing around the corner. Eric himself stood still savoring the brief sensual encounter, one more minute and he would have carried her away. Normally composed Eric scolded himself for nearly losing his self-control under Karina’s provocative sensuality. Perhaps it was the fact that she belonged to someone else; the thrill of taking what was not his, he thought. Too unwise a path to take he concluded as proved by the taking of ‘Helen of Troy’, one of his favorite childhood stories of ancient history. Resigned, Eric took a deep breath and walked to his awaiting carriage perhaps the arms of the passionate Estelle would quench the fire inside.
Karina came up the steps keeping her head down.
“There you are I thought I saw you go past the study I wanted to share something with you.”
Karina avoided making eye contact with Lord Harmon as she went by.
“Is something wrong?” He asked.
She stopped momentarily looking down.
“No not at all.”
She answered still shaken from the intimate encounter; facing away from him she went inside.
Lord Harmon noted her shaken appearance. He wondered what spooked her, then he went down the steps and walked over toward the corner of the house but saw only a carriage, rolling away. Karina started walking toward her father’s bedside, where the lights were dim and she could compose herself when Dorothea called her. She hesitated for a moment, not wanting to be rude she went over and sat next to Dorothea, her husband, Mathias had fallen asleep.
“Karina, my dear I’m afraid we must take our leave. Did you give Eric his cufflink?”
Dorothea asked her as she affectionately reached for Karina’s hand. Then she noticed Karina’s trembling hands and flushed appearance, then noticed her lips no longer held the red tint they had before walking out the door to return Eric’s gold cufflink…had more than a cufflink been exchanged she wondered.
“My dear you’re trembling and flushed, that’s strange because the weather outside is rather chilly…why if I didn’t know any better I would say you just been kissed.” Dorothea whispered to her.
Karina stiffened at being discovered. She stood up at once.
“Please excuse me Aunt Dorothea, my father is waiting to speak to me, I shall return in a little.”
Karina claimed afraid of Aunt Dottie’s discovery. If she had noticed, so would Lord Harmon. Karina panicked; she desperately needed to get to her father’s bedside in the semi-lit room where no one could notice any changes in her appearance; But Dorothea gently urged her to sit.
“It’s alright child, I was hoping you and Eric…well…got a chance to socialize…but Eric can be a little direct sometimes, am I right?” Dorothea prodded.
Karina looked away and simply nodded. “Karina, you don’t really want to marry Gunther do you?” Dorothea continued her prodding.
Karina kept her head down and was near tears, she lightly shook her head. Dorothea put her arm around her and hugged her.
“Well you don’t have to dear. You know, I was once in a similar situation…but I ran away.” Dorothea confessed. Karina looked at her, her eyes asking for details. “Yes, I ran away and to make a long story short, I married Mathias here who was my true love.” Dorothea lightly tapped her sleeping husband on the knee. “Look at him so peaceful, we have had a very happy life together a little difficult at first but we managed. All I’m saying dear is that you should not let others dictate your life because in the end you’re the one who has to live it…mm?”
Karina smiled and reste
d her head on Dorothea’s shoulder, thankful for her understanding heart. Was this what it was like to have a mother she thought, as a tear streamed down her cheek? Dorothea placed a gentle kiss on Karina’s temple, savoring the tender moment.
Lord Harmon came back in the house and approached them.
“What’s wrong?” He asked harshly.
“She’s just unhappy to see her father so ill.” Dorothea claimed.
“Yes that’s a tragedy.” Lord Harmon answered still a bit suspicious. It suddenly occurred to him that it was the perfect time to spark some cheer by making a toast to a new beginning right now before Dorothea and Mathias left. “I shall not have any gloomy faces tonight I will be right back.”
He smiled and went into the study and in his desk he pulled out the sedative intended for Lord Pembroke he poured three glasses of wine and in one he pored the contents of the sedative, and stirred it with a medal spoon.
Meanwhile Charles was now sleeping, Nate had given him his sedative earlier to help him rest through the night and numb his pain. He was about to take the empty glass and spoon to the kitchen, where he recently stirred the sedative for Lord Pembroke, when he heard the same stirring sound; of metal hitting glass, coming from the study. He was about to enter the hallway but withdrew back in the room and peeked through the slightly opened door, Lord Harmon emerged from the study with a tray and three glasses of wine, one visibly still swirling. Nate who distrusted Lord Harmon, and disliked how he lusted after Karina, looked at the empty glass he held, and became suspicious, had Lord Harmon put something in a drink possibly meant for Karina he wondered? Lord Harmon had kept the original prescription for the sedatives. Nate became even more suspicious and placed the empty glass down on a table and quietly followed behind Lord Harmon to the end of the hall before the open entryway and stood watching the group from behind a large flower vase
Lord Harmon gave each one a glass of wine, except Mathias who was sleeping. Karina got the glass that was previously swirling. Nate watched, as they toasted and were about to drink, at once Nate came forward to stop Karina from taking a drink.
“Miss Karina, come quickly I’m afraid Lord Pembroke is not well!”
Karina bolted from her seat setting her drink down before running to her father, the others also set down their drinks on a small table and followed. They all rushed to Lord Pembroke’s bedside, but when they got there, he was gently snoring. Nate immediately put his hand to his chest.
“Oh thank goodness! Miss Karina please forgive me I thought he was not breathing a minute ago I’m so relived.
“You idiot! You scared us half out of our wits especially Karina!” Gunther accused.
“Begging your pardon sir it was not my intention to upset anyone.”
“He was just concerned for his master’s welfare Gunther no harm done.” Dorothea said in Nate’s defense.
“It’s alright Nate I thank you for keeping watch over him.” Karina, now greatly relieved, said in appreciation.
They were all about to walk out of the room when Nate tugged on Karina’s arm motioning her to stay.
“I shall be right out I just want to adjust father’s pillows.” Karina told Dorothea and Lord Harmon.
Once they were alone Nate warned Karina about the drink. Karina grew angry at the thought that Lord Harmon could be planning to sedate her as well, what a cad he was. Then Karina thought of something and smiled.
“Why are you smiling?”
“Well I think we need to give Lord Harmon a taste of his own medicine and tonight is the perfect night for that.” Karina said with a smile, Nate smiled back.
“I believe that’s on excellent idea Miss Karina.”
“Nate give me one of father’s sedative’s in case I cannot switch the glasses.” Nate happily obeyed and gave her a vial. “Thank you Nate, I think I will go toast to a new beginning after all.” Karina said, smiling.
She placed the vial in one of the many folds in her dress and walked out of the room. She approached Aunt Dottie and Gunther who had remained standing waiting for her to join them.
“Karina my dear, Aunt Dorothea and Uncle Mathias are leaving I wanted us all to share the toast we were about take before that idiot Nate interrupted us.” Gunther said, visibly upset that his plan was almost ruined.
“Why yes of course where is my glass? Oh there it is.” Karina said.
They had all left their drinks around a flower vase on a small table before them. Karina used her body and flowers as a shield to switch the drinks; she picked up Gunther’s glass of wine and replaced it with her own. Once Lord Harmon saw Karina pick what he believed to be the tainted drink, he then went to retrieve his own glass. Dorothea did the same.
“A toast to a new life together as husband and wife may we have many happy days ahead of us to share with our beloved family and friends.”
Lord Harmon raised his glass. They all tapped the glasses together and drank. Since Karina only took a small sip unlike himself who downed almost half the glass Lord Harmon proposed another toast. Dorothea raised her eyebrows,
“Goodness, I may be joining Mathias on the couch there if I keep this up. Very well just once more, than we really must go.” She nudged Mathias again but he just snored louder.
“Karina my dear, this time finish your drink so that what we are toasting for may come to pass.” Gunther lovingly advised. Karina smiled and nodded in agreement. Then they all newly raised their drinks and toasted once more,
“May my new venture and business in France be successful so that Karina can have in life what ever she desires and may my beloved Aunt and Uncle live long and continue to grace us with their company.”
They all tapped their glasses. Karina took a sip but not wanting to take any chances she poured the rest into another vase of flowers just behind her while Lord Harmon turned his glass to the ceiling.
“Well that was delicious it has been a most delightful evening Gunther and meeting you Karina has been a delight, but my dears I think Mathias and I must leave before it gets too late.”
She nudged Mathias a little harder this time.
“What? What’s wrong?” Mathias asked as he began to come to.
“Nothing dear, it’s late and we need to go, before the patrol unit leaves.” Dorothea announced.
“Yes, dear anything you say.” Mathias said.
Dorothea began to gather her things and wrote down something on a piece of paper.
“Thank you for a wonderful evening Gunther, and again it was a pleasure meeting you my dear Karina we look forward to seeing you again very soon. This is our address; please visit us anytime you like.”
Dorothea gave Karina a piece of paper with their address.
“And where is your pretty friend Lynnette?”
Karina quickly went to fetch her and returned with her a few minutes later.
“Where were you Lynnette?” Gunther asked.
“Oh just speaking with Clifton out back.” Lynnette lied.
“Well, well what a pleasant surprise” Lord Harmon said as he raised his eyebrows.
“My dears it was such a pleasure tonight, we look forward to seeing you again soon and thank you Gunther, for everything.”
Lynnette and Karina kissed and hugged Dorothea and Mathias. Gunther embraced them as well. They accompanied them out to the carriage it was now nearly 10:00 o’clock when they rolled away, they were the last ones to leave, and all waved good-bye.
Lord Harmon was pleased with himself thinking, all his guests were all gone and Karina would soon fall sound asleep. He remembered Dr. Carrington’s words regarding Charles, ‘He will likely sleep through a hurricane.’ Gunther yawned. He had warned his guest of some highway men disturbing the area in the after hours but assured them not to worry because he had posted a patrol unit until 11:00 o’clock and all his guests heeded his warning and left early, now he was no longer worried. It was brilliant. The actual highway men he posted at the roadside were to assault and kill a male traveler and spare th
e female traveler that would be either coming or going after 11:00 o’clock. However, he was sure Karina would not make it out the door and it was best that she not be present this way the men could do their dirty work on the man alone, he yawned again. He was feeling a bit sleepy he might need to sit a back and relax a bit he did have a very active day.
“Thank you Gunther the party was a great success and your Aunt Dottie and Uncle Mathias are wonderful I look forward to seeing them again soon, but I am very tired and want to go straight to bed. I don’t know what has come over me I can hardly keep my eyes open.” Karina lied then placed a kiss on his cheek. “Much better by the way…” Referring to his shaven face, “…good night Gunther.”
“Good night my lovely.”
He kissed the back of her hand. Then she went upstairs to her room. Gunther went to his study to sit and relax until everyone was asleep and allow time for the sedative to take full effect on Karina. He handled the extra key to Karina’s room and smiled to himself. He poured himself another glass of wine and sat with the key in his hand and the documents deeming him sole ownership to Harmon Hall in front of him. Slowly his head dropped to one side and the key fell from his hand.
CHAPTER 16
Karina Becomes Aaron
Karina waited till Lord Harmon disappeared into the study then she went to her father’s room to check on him and say goodbye. She sat by her father’s bedside a little shaky and began speaking to him.
“I promise, father, that I will be back and everything will be fine, I know you will be upset when you find out but please forgive me.” Karina whispered to her sleeping father and kissed his forehead, Nate closed the door quietly as he came in the room she turned toward him.
“Lord Harmon is sleeping like a baby.” Nate confirmed.
Karina smiled.
“Thank goodness, I’m leaving now, wish me luck Nate and please don’t forget to watch over Lynnette, especially now that we know what Lord Harmon is capable of. He will likely be upset in the morning, but you know nothing.” Karina urged sounding a little nervous.
