A Thin Line

by Tammy Jo Burns

  “I didn’t know that you had any interest in that sort of thing.”

  “Call it a recent intrigue if you will.”

  “I would love to share with you what I know.”

  “Grandmother, if you will excuse us.”

  “Of course, and you two behave.”

  “Always.”

  “Hmph,” the old woman said but shot him a knowing grin, which he attempted to ignore. He led Mikala into his study and placed her in a chair near the fireplace.

  “Are you comfortable? Would you like something to drink?”

  “Gabe, I am fine. Now, please sit and tell me why you are so interested about Camelot and Arthur all of a sudden,” she grinned.

  “Curiosity.”

  “And I am Guinevere herself. Try again.” The pregnant silence spoke for itself. “Gabe, you know that I can be trusted with your secrets. It might even help speed the story along if I know what in particular you are looking for.”

  “The Holy Grail.”

  “What?”

  “We have suspicions there is someone amongst us, and by that I mean a member of the ton, that is searching for the sacred chalice.”

  “Whatever for?” She asked, clearly intrigued.

  “Some believe that the grail holds a certain amount of power for anyone who possesses it. Evidently, someone is in support of Bonaparte’s war and wants to assist the Little Tyrant in his thirst for power.”

  “Oh my. But why?”

  “Perhaps they are hoping that the gift will be returned by gifts of titles, land, and money. Who truly knows why people do what they do? I just know that I have to be one step ahead of them.”

  “I see. Well, Cadbury Castle is thought to be the training ground of Arthur and his knights. Of course, nothing remains on the spot, but it is said that you can see outlines of the foundation. About a half day’s walk north, you can find Glastonbury Tor and near that Glastonbury Abbey. It is thought that one of Jesus’ first churches was established at Glastonbury Abbey upon arriving with His uncle, Joseph of Arimathea. Many believe that Joseph brought the grail back after Jesus’ death, and it is buried somewhere in the Abbey.”

  “And you?”

  “I don’t know. You see, the land around the area was at one time covered with water, making Glastobury Tor one of the only high places in the area. Up on the top is St. Michael’s Tower, the only remaining part of a church christened with the same name.”

  “What makes this place so unique in your opinion?”

  “You will think this silly, but I and many others, think this is King Arthur’s Avalon. You see, Avalon was an island and at one time so was Glastonbury Tor. At Glastonbury Abbey, they believe they have found the bones of Arthur and Guinevere, long removed of course. But, Arthur had been the most powerful ruler up to that time, perhaps even since. If the grail does have power, wouldn’t it make sense that it is somewhere on Avalon where Arthur would have left it in safe keeping before riding into his final battle?”

  “I do see what you mean. But surely it would have been found by now.”

  “Not if hidden well enough.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Arthur had a number of trusted advisers. Any one of them could have taken the chalice and hidden it.”

  “Why not use it for their own gains?”

  “These men worshiped Arthur. They believed in him and would have done anything to keep the chalice out of enemy hands.”

  “Even destroying it?”

  “Possibly.”

  “If you were one of Arthur’s advisors, where would you have hidden it?”

  “Hmmm,” she thought quietly for some time, recalling all that she had read of the area. Just when he thought she would not answer him, she began talking once more. “A half day’s ride from Glastonbury is Cheddar. There is a rather deep gorge that runs near the village. There are supposedly all sorts of caves located within it. I imagine some have not been seen in hundreds of years if not longer. I think that is where I would have put it.”

  “What is your reasoning?”

  “Well, it would be within a day’s ride to what had been his castle in Cadbury as well as his final resting place at Glastonbury Abbey. And if the Tor had been Avalon, it would be near it as well. If I had been one of Arthur’s men and believed that someday he would return to lead once more, I would have wanted to place the chalice near enough to him that he could find it but make it difficult enough for anyone else.”

  “What about the talk that it had been secreted off to Wales after Glastonbury Abbey burned down?”

  “You have been doing research, haven’t you?”

  “Some.”

  “Then why did you bother to ask me?”

  “Curiosity. Your brother also told me that you were quite the expert on all things Arthurian.”

  “Well, did he also tell you I thought Guinevere a complete and utter fool to choose Lancelot over Arthur, if she truly did?”

  “No.”

  “Well, I like to believe that she loved Arthur until her dying breath.”

  “You are quite the romantic.”

  “Hmph.”

  “Wales.”

  “Oh yes. I think it a ruse to detract attention from its true hiding spot.”

  “You seem certain of yourself.”

  “I might be, but then again, what are the chances that anyone ever saw it after its one and only use?”

  “True.”

  “Have I helped you at all?”

  “I believe you have given me some areas to speak with McKenzie about posting guards.”

  “Speaking of Stuart McKenzie, I have not seen him since before my accident.”

  “He had to leave town unexpectedly. Why?”

  “Just curious.

  “I will not have that name spoken in this house, do you understand me?” A shrill voice questioned from the doorway. “And what is that little slut doing here at this time of night?”

  The relaxed peace they had enjoyed for the first time in a very long while evaporated in a matter of seconds.

  Gabe saw Mikala jump out of her seat and her foot catch in the hem of her dress. She would have fallen into the fire if it hadn’t been for his quick reflexes. He could feel his heartbeat pounding through his body as he grabbed her and held her tightly for a few seconds before putting her back in the chair she had vacated.

  “Stay here, I will deal with this.”

  “Gabriel James Hawke, did you hear me? I will not have that harlot under this roof!”

  “I believe all of London heard you, Mother,” he said, sounding much calmer than he felt.

  “Do not take that tone of voice with me, young man. I want her gone now!”

  “She is not going anywhere.”

  “This is my house.”

  “No, Mother, it is my house,” he took a deep breath before going on. “Mikala and I are to be married in the morning.”

  “No!” The shriek could have been mistaken for a banshee’s wail. Footsteps could be heard rushing down the stairs. “I would sooner kill myself than see her as the next Duchess of Hawkescliffe!”

  “What is going on?” Judith asked breathlessly.

  “Grandmother, I just informed Mother that Mikala and I would be married in the morning. She was just sharing her joy with us.”

  “I refuse to have that slut as part of our family! Not after what she did! How could you Gabriel? I thought you loved me!”

  “Mother, that is enough.” Mikala heard a scuffle from the direction of the door, but feared moving from her spot. She did not know this house well enough yet, and could cause herself more harm if she were not careful. “Kala, I will return in a moment,” Gabe sounded a bit breathless.

  ***

  Upstairs, in his mother’s bedroom, Gabe found himself holding her down while his grandmother forced laudanum laced tea down her throat. His mother fought against the sedative until she could no longer keep from being pulled under. He felt her muscles slowly relax under his gr
ip.

  “Why would you do this to me?” She slurred before falling into a deep sleep.

  “Gabriel, I am so sorry,” his grandmother said, laying a gentle hand on his shoulder. “I don’t know why Mikala sets her off.

  “I do,” he sighed, crossing the room. At that moment he felt the weight of the world on his shoulders. His mother had become a stranger over the years. Her episodes became more and more frequent, shifting between bouts of melancholy and rage. Even as a child, Gabriel noticed his mother to be emotionally unstable. Often times he thought his father gave in to her extravagant demands to save an ensuing battle. Then Andrew had happened, and their lives had changed forever.

  “Do you want to talk about it?”

  “No.”

  “I will make certain she stays sedated through the wedding ceremony,” his grandmother said, accepting his answer.

  “Thank you.”

  “I know you do not want to hear this just now,” Judith began.

  “Then do not say it.”

  “I will, and you will listen to me,” he looked out one of the bedroom windows, not really seeing anything. “I am getting too old to control her, and you are about to embark upon a new chapter of your life. You and Mikala are going to have enough difficulties without having to deal with the burden of your mother and me.”

  “You are not a burden.”

  “Perhaps not, but you do not need our presence. I also think it is time to look at an arrangement for your mother.”

  “No!”

  “Gabriel James Hawke, you listen to me, and you listen well. What happens when you and Mikala have children? Is your mother going to take her hatred for their mother out on them? What if Mikala never gets her sight back? Does she need to share a house with a woman that hates her, possibly enough to do her harm? I know that you love your mother, but something must be done.”

  “Not Bedlam.”

  “Good heavens, no! I would not send my enemy there. But perhaps there is someplace she can retire quietly to. Or perhaps you can send her to one of the estates you seldom frequent and hire someone to care for her. Gabriel, she is not a well woman and has not been for a very long time.”

  “You are right,” he agreed with a heavy sigh.

  “I know this is hard on you, but it is for the best,” they stood in silence for quite some time before Judith said, “Why don’t you go back down to Mikala. I am certain she is beside herself with worry.”

  “Yes,” he said and left the room.

  ***

  Close to a half hour later, Kala heard the heavy footsteps of her fiancée descend the stairs and enter the study. It took all of her will power to remain silent and sitting in the chair. She wished desperately she could see his face, his posture, but instead she heard the deep sigh leave his body.

  “I apologize for mother’s behavior.”

  “Gabriel, what is wrong with her?” She heard the tinkle of glass and the pouring of liquid.

  “Not now, please.”

  “All right. Then answer me this, why does she hate me so much? She used to not act that way towards me.”

  “Later.”

  “When will you deem the appropriate time for these revelations, Your Grace?”

  Pushed too far, Gabriel felt the tension within him snap. “Andrew! He is the reason she hates your very presence. Are you satisfied?” She heard the sound of glass breaking and the fire hissing and sizzling. “I will see you in the morning.” Mikala heard a door close and knew he had left the house. She felt more confused than ever.

  Chapter 19

  They were married in a quiet ceremony by special license that had been easier to obtain than Kala had imagined. They had a quiet, but strained breakfast after the wedding that Gabe’s grandmother, Gabe, and herself attended. It had not quite been the wedding she had thought to have, but then she had never really given much thought as to what her wedding would be like. After picking at her food, Mikala pushed her plate back.

  “Gabe, I think I’ve had enough. I would like to change if you don’t mind.”

  “Of course not. I’ll be glad to escort you up to your room.”

  “Thank you,” he could feel the tremor in her hand as she placed it on his arm. Once they were out in the hall, he pulled her to a stop. Gabe turned her so he could study her more closely. Because she couldn’t see, she didn’t know how close she was being scrutinized, and he knew she must feel uncomfortable.

  “Kala, I am truly sorry about mother. I promise to someday tell you all that I know, but not now. Just trust me in this.”

  “Of course.”

  “Come, let’s go upstairs.”

  “I have meant to ask you, but may I hang ropes about the house as I did at Dru’s?”

  “Of course. The house is yours as well. You should do anything that makes you feel more at home, more independent.”

  “Thank you.”

  He paused with her outside the door to the duchess’ bedchamber. “Your Grace, did I tell you how absolutely beautiful you looked at our wedding?”

  “Thank you,” she said, her voice even more sultry than usual.

  Gabe felt his body responding to her sexy voice. Perhaps they wouldn’t have to wait until tonight to celebrate their wedding. He bent and kissed her soft, full lips. He felt her begin to respond when a voice cleared itself behind him. Kala shot away from him as if a cannon had just been fired.

  “What is it?”

  “Your Grace, this message just came for you. The man said it extremely important that you get it,” his butler, Hamlin interrupted. Gabe took the note, ripping it open. He cursed out loud as he read the words. Gabe felt his desire evaporate as the words on the note penetrated his sex-starved brain.

  “What is it?” Kala queried.

  “I have to leave for a while. Something important has come up.”

  “I understand. You’re a busy man. What if I should need you? Is there someplace I should send a note to you?” She asked trying to sound casual about the whole matter.

  “You will be fine. You are so well guarded here, you are like a baby wrapped in its mother’s arms,” he sidestepped the question.

  “That’s nice,” she tried to sound happy with his response, but knew he had not answered her.

  “I’ll be back for dinner,” he dropped a kiss on her lips and turned, retracing his steps. She entered the duchess’s room frustrated beyond belief. She had been physically frustrated since that night in the study, but now she felt emotionally frustrated as well. He held himself back from her and she didn’t like it at all.

  If she had her sight she would merely follow him. Then again, if she had her sight she more than likely would not be the Duchess of Hawkescliffe. She placed a hand to her head as a slight pounding began. How did she always end up in predicaments beyond her control? Because you’re reckless, she silently chastised herself.

  She went inside her new chamber and closed the door behind her. A thought suddenly occurred to her and she went cold at the mere suggestion. What if he had a mistress? Perhaps he and Lady Clarissa were involved after all. What if she was expecting his illegitimate child? She tried to stop the thoughts and questions spinning out of control in her mind. The questions only caused doubts and her head to pound more.

  “No, you’re being foolish,” she scolded herself.

  “Pardon me, Your Grace?”

  “Oh, you startled me. Amy, isn’t it?” Kala turned towards where she heard her new lady’s maid address her.

  “Yes, Your Grace.”

  “I came up to change into something more suitable for daily activity.”

  “Do you have a preference, Your Grace?”

  “I plan on memorizing the layouts of the rooms I will most frequent. You see, since I have lost my sight I have found it is the best way to find my way around without relying on others.”

  “You are a smart one, Your Grace.” The maid quickly helped her change into a serviceable dress. “Would you like me to help you downstairs?”r />
  “Thank you. I believe I would like to start with the study. It seems like a cozy room, and I doubt we’ll have many visitors this late in the season, so the parlor will be unnecessary for now.” Her new maid led her down to the requested room.

  “Do you need anything else, Your Grace?”

  “I believe you have helped me admirably. Now I just need some time alone.” Besides, she thought, maybe this will take my mind off my wondering thoughts. She barely heard the little maid scamper off back upstairs, already deep in trying to determine the layout of the room. She began with the perimeter and then sectioned it off into quadrants in her mind. She found the chair that she and Gabe had occupied the other night and felt her fingernails bite into the supple leather. A flush covered her as she remembered what he had done to her in that chair.

  Whatever she thought of him, he definitely felt passionate towards her. She continued working lost in the process of memorizing her surroundings by touch. Kala blocked out all the sounds around her. Shrewd eyes watched her intently. Slowly a sinister smile curved the woman’s mouth as she turned and climbed the stairs to her suite.

  ***

  Dinner came and went without a sign of Gabe. Kala didn’t know what she expected. Did she truly think that everything would be fine after the passion that passed between them? Evidently I did, and evidently I could not have been more wrong, she thought, bitter and discouraged.

  Dinner passed with her and Judith making most of the conversation. Gabe’s mother had joined them, not saying a word. Kala felt quite surprised at her behavior. When dessert came, the new dowager made her excuses and left the table.

  “She seemed extraordinarily nice this evening.”

  “Odd, wasn’t it?” A few moments later they heard a cry from the hallway. Both women stood up and Judith took off towards the hallway. Kala felt her hand grabbed and tugged along. “Sarah,” Judith cried, “what happened?”

  “What? What is it?” Kala asked feeling useless.

  “I stepped wrong on the stairs and believe I twisted my ankle.”

  “We’ll have a footman carry you up and pack your ankle in ice. That should help with the swelling,” Kala said firmly, feeling in control once again.