Viridis - A Steampunk Romance

by Calista Taylor

  The conversation at the table was practically non-existent while they ate, and by the time Phoebe finished, her stays were fit to burst under the pressure.

  “Can I get ye a bit more, love? Would do ye good to keep your strength up so ye dinna fall ill again.” Gavin was getting himself another helping— his third— as Seth worked on his second.

  “Thank you, but I couldn’t eat another bite.” It was well into the evening, and Phoebe wouldn’t mind an early night and a chance to rid herself of her corset. Perhaps she could even convince Seth to join her. She then remembered Viridis and her brother. “Did you speak to Gabriel about all that’s happened?”

  “No, love. I’m afraid he was not home, but I did slide a note under his door.”

  “Pardon me, Mum.” Samuel peeked into the kitchen, looking drawn and pale.

  “What is it Samuel?”

  “I’m sorry, Mum, but there’s an inspector and constable ‘ere, looking for Mr. Elliott, and it ain’t the same inspector come ‘round the other night, either.”

  Chapter Fifty One

  Gabriel struggled to stay conscious. The pain in his shoulder was excruciating and his head felt like someone had cleaved it in two with an axe. Desperately, he tried to keep himself from sliding down the slippery slope into the inky darkness of unconsciousness, knowing he may not be able to climb back out this time. Already he’d lost all sense of time. He anchored his thoughts on Phoebe, knowing she was his only hope for pulling through this. And then it occurred to him that she too might be in danger, and it would all be his fault.

  He could feel the hard wooden floor beneath him, and the warm stickiness of his own blood, the smell of iron pungent in the air. He needed help— needed to make sure Phoebe was safe— but when he breathed deep to try and call out, a deep, searing pain shot through his body, and sent him plummeting into the abyss.

  Chapter Fifty Two

  Phoebe paced the hall at the police station, trying to keep her panic from taking hold. Seth had been taken in for interrogation with his solicitor and Inspector Nelson over two hours ago. It was clear Victor had used his power to have the case pursued on less lenient terms. Their only hope was William had arrived a short while ago, and said he would do all he could.

  Gavin stepped in her direct path, halting her progress. “Sit down, love. Ye’ll run yerself ragged and fall ill again.”

  “Why’s Samuel taking so long to fetch Gabriel? He should either be at Viridis or his living quarters.”

  “He’ll be here soon enough, aye?” He took her by the hand and led her to a nearby seat, taking the one next to her. “Ye really think Gabriel will ken someone who may have some sway here?”

  She sighed, sinking into a chair. “It’s quite possible. We get quite a few important people coming through Viridis, and Gabriel has become friendly with a number of them. It’s not as though we have many other options.” Speaking the words made the reality of their situation seem all the more dire, her composure starting to crack. “I just want my brother here.”

  Though she had always been the one to care for them when they were younger, she had grown rather dependant on Gabriel since Imogene’s death. She got up to pace the hall again. But when Samuel returned alone, a cold dread gripped her heart and squeezed until it felt as though she could not breathe.

  “He weren’t there, Mum,” Samuel said. “Not at Viridis, and no one answered at the apartment above. Worst of it is, one of the girls at the club tells me he didn’t show up for work last night either. No one’s seen him, Mum.”

  Each word felt like a punch to the gut. “I do not understand.”

  Even if he had business that would prevent him from working, he would have let the employees at Viridis know that he’d not be coming in. Her world was spiraling out of control. What more could possibly go wrong? She barely felt the hands steering her into the chair.

  Gavin crouched before her, and tried to reassure her. “I’ll head over to Viridis and see if anyone at all has seen him, aye? Is there anyone there that would have a key to his living quarters?”

  Phoebe nodded, feeling numb, the words she spoke echoing in her head as if not her own. “There should be a set of keys in my office.”

  “Dinna go worrying yerself, love. It’ll all be all right, aye? Stay put and I’ll be right back. I promise, I willna be long.” Gavin stood, then leaned over, cupping the back of her neck and kissed the top of her head. He then righted himself, and spun on his heel sending his kilt swinging as he dashed out the door.

  Chapter Fifty Three

  Seth watched as William and the new inspector on the case argued in hushed tones, their backs turned to him. From where he sat with his solicitor, he could only catch bits of conversation.

  “… attempted murder is not a matter easily…”

  “… assaulted his betrothed. Surely…”

  “It’s a matter for the courts… must be taken seriously…”

  His solicitor raised his eyebrows in question, but said nothing. Finally, Nelson approached. “Despite the lack of evidence, there is enough to hold you on the charge of attempted murder while we investigate the matter further. I do understand there were extenuating circumstances involving a theft and an assault of your betrothed, however those are separate cases and will be dealt with independently. I do assure you if Lord Fenwick is guilty of those charges, justice will be sought. However, your actions are your own and it is that with which I am currently concerned.”

  John protested, and pleaded Seth’s case, but Nelson would not be swayed. Seth resigned himself to the fact that he would be spending quite a bit of time in a cell until the matter was either resolved, or the case went before a court and jury of Victor’s peers.

  “May I have a moment to speak to my betrothed? She’s here, waiting in the hall.” Seth needed to speak to Phoebe one last time before they took him away.

  Nelson nodded. “Yes, of course.” He motioned to the constable, but William stepped forward to deal with the matter himself.

  It was not long before William escorted Phoebe into the room. The others in the room discreetly moved to a corner, to give them what little privacy they were able.

  She would not look at him, her lashes wet with tears. Without saying a word, he put his arm around her waist and pulled her close, as Phoebe stepped into his embrace. He held her tight to him, breathing in the scent of her. He then tilted her chin up and kissed her as if it would be their last, before finally pulling away. Cupping her face, he brushed her tears away, and looked into eyes that shimmered like a pond during a spring rain. “I love you, Phoebe.”

  “And I you.”

  Chapter Fifty Four

  William watched as Phoebe mustered all her courage, stepping to the side to let Nelson escort Seth away. He wished she did not have to go through it, but for now there was no other option.

  He stepped to her side. “I’m sorry there is not more I can do at the moment, however I do not want you to lose hope. This is far from over.” Though he knew telling her about the latest development with Xavier Brown would help ease her mind, it was not information he could give her. He only hoped the situation would get sorted soon.

  He escorted her out of the room to where her footman waited. “May I call you a hansom cab?”

  Phoebe stopped and turned towards him. “Thank you, but I need to wait for my friend to return.” She looked away for only a moment. “I just want to let you know I truly appreciate all you have done to help us.”

  He tilted his head in acknowledgment. “I only wish I could do more. I will keep you informed of any developments.” With a slight bow, he wished her a good night and then left to find Nelson.

  William knocked on Nelson’s open office door, entering when Nelson looked up from his desk. “You found the notes I left you?”

  “Yes, thank you. Have a seat. Terrible business.” Nelson waved his arm around to encompass all that had just happened. “Unfortunately, there isn’t much else to be done. For crying out loud, he
waited for Lord Fenwick outside his club and then stabbed the man where no man should be stabbed. And not in self defense, either. I’m afraid there have been strict guidelines set for this case, allowing for no leniency.”

  William was not surprised. “I’ve been working on Lord Hawthorne’s murder, and I can tell you Lord Fenwick is, at the very least, involved in theft and possibly blackmail. Not to mention the attack on Lady Hughes. I do hope Lord Fenwick’s status in society will not mean he’ll be treated any differently when it comes to the law.”

  Nelson’s bushy eyebrows rose for only a moment. “Of course not, however it does mean we cannot afford to make any mistakes and our facts will need to be infallible and substantial. All leads will be followed; do not doubt if for a moment. Unfortunately, it does not change the fact that Mr. Elliott did assault the man, despite the accusations being made against Lord Fenwick.”

  William shook his head in frustration. “Assault being the word of importance here, not attempted murder. I saw the lady myself after his lordship attacked the poor girl, and I will tell you, Mr. Elliott’s anger was not unjustified.”

  Nelson tilted his head in acquiescence. “Perhaps not, but we cannot allow the citizens of London to be taking the law into their own hands, or anarchy and lawlessness will ensue.”

  William wasn’t quite sure London wasn’t already headed in that direction, when the rich could use their power and influence to avoid paying for their crimes. Perhaps the Cause had the right end of the stick, after all.

  Chapter Fifty Five

  Phoebe did not want to linger now that they had taken Seth away. Still waiting in the hall for Gavin to return, Phoebe knew she should not tarry, her mind racing through her options. “It’s been a long day, Samuel. Would you mind terribly if I had you wait here for Gavin to get back from Viridis? I’m starting to feel unwell, and do not think I can bear this dreadful place a moment more.”

  Samuel’s face scrunched with concern. “Surely a message will do. I’d hate to be leaving ye to find your own way home, this late at night.”

  “Thank you for your concern, Samuel, but I’ll take a hansom straight home. I shall be fine.” Phoebe reached into her reticule, and handed Samuel some coin. “Here. To get yourself a ride home, once you’ve spoken to Gavin. I am not sure whether he has other business to attend to, but please let him know he’s a welcome guest at my home.”

  “Yes, Mum.”

  Phoebe’s mind raced during the entire ride home, her heart beating in her throat. She’d made up her mind. If she was going to attempt to get Seth freed, she needed to act quickly before Gavin got back, since she knew he’d not let her out of his sight.

  At home, the lights had been dimmed, and Martha had already retired for the night. Not bothering to turn them up, Phoebe went to her desk in the drawing room and pulled out the fuse gun Seth had insisted on purchasing for her. She’d have to thank him for that bit of foresight, though she was not sure she could bring herself to use it.

  There were too many things that could go wrong with what she had planned, and the fuse gun was but a small insurance she hoped she would not need.

  Making sure the lock was on, she dropped the fuse gun into the pocket sewn into the side panel of her skirt. She then jotted down a note to Gavin, letting him know she would be back soon, and to not worry.

  Lastly, she verified the address she needed and hailed another hansom cab, this time, to Victor’s home.

  Chapter Fifty Six

  Gavin’s heart pounded with adrenaline as he unlocked the door to Gabriel’s apartment with Phoebe’s key. No one at Viridis had seen him since yesterday and Gavin was hoping beyond hope that Gabriel had just gotten himself piss drunk and was sleeping it off. But there was something about the stillness emanating from the apartment that made the hairs along the back of his neck stand up.

  He did not have to go far to find Gabriel. Gavin’s stomach sank as he dropped to the floor beside his friend. He lay face down, his arms stretched out before him as if he had tried to drag himself to the door. There was so much blood. He turned him over and fumbled frantically around Gabriel’s neck, desperate to find a pulse. Was that it? He searched around again, pressing into cool flesh. There it was. The pulse was thready, but it was there.

  “Gabriel, lad, stay with me, aye? Ye’re going to be fine, ye hear? I’m going to get ye help.”

  The amount of blood made it hard to see where the wound was. Tugging Gabriel’s shirt open, Gavin was able to see a bloody hole in his upper shoulder, likely left by a fuse gun.

  Gavin staunched the wound with a cloth. The bleeding had all but stopped, but he’d need to get a physician. “I hate to leave ye, mo charaid, but I promise I’ll not be long.”

  Chapter Fifty Seven

  Phoebe steeled herself with a silent prayer to what gods might be listening, and handed the footman her calling card, ignoring the incredulous look on his face.

  “It’s quite late and his Lordship has retired for the evening. He’s not accepting visitors.”

  “Quite frankly, I don’t give a rat’s ass if he has retired. Get him up and give him my card. He’ll see me.”

  He glanced at her card with raised eyebrows, and then escorted her to the sitting room, leaving her there without a word.

  Too nervous to sit, Phoebe walked around the room, and resisted the urge to pace. She resisted the urge to pick up one of the porcelain figurines lining the mantel and smash it into the fire. Resisted the urge to pull out the fuse gun. Because it would feel good to pace his Persian carpet bare. Because it would feel good to watch the porcelain figure break into a hundred little pieces. Because it would feel good to blow a hole the size of her fist through Victor’s chest.

  “Phoebe, my dear. What an unexpected surprise.” At the sound of his voice, Phoebe took a moment to compose herself, and then turned to face him.

  “Victor. Thank you for seeing me.” Her voice was cool and calm, a surprise given her sweaty palms and pounding heart.

  “Please, have a seat. I recently acquired the most exquisite bottle of port. I do hope you will join me in a glass.”

  “Thank you.” She took the seat in front of the fire and watched Victor go to a side bar and pour them each a glass. She took the glass he handed her and took a sip. “You are right. It is excellent.” She found it absurd to be sitting there civilly sipping port when she wanted to throttle the man into unconsciousness.

  He took the seat across from her, crossing a leg over his knee and taking a sip himself. “So, my dear, what can I do for you? For surely, this is not a social call at this time of the evening.”

  She took a deep breath and got to the matter at hand. There was nothing to be gained by delaying. “I would like you to drop the charges against Mr. Seth Elliott. In turn, I will be happy to drop the assault charges against you, and will not pursue the charges of theft.”

  Victor’s eyebrows scrunched in thought, his lower lip sticking out as he pursed his lips. “I’m terribly sorry, my dear, but truth be told, I’m not terribly bothered by the charges, seeing as the police have very little evidence to go on. That’s not to say I’m not interested in striking a bargain with you. I’ve always liked you, Phoebe, and I would like nothing more than to help resolve this situation for you. However, your betrothed made a grave error when he decided to pursue me, and make no mistake, I do have enough influence to make sure he pays for what he’s done—and pay dearly, at that.”

  “What do you want, Victor? The formula? The club? You can have them both.”

  “As you may have noticed, I have no need for wealth, already having plenty of my own. No, I’m afraid that if I’m going to drop the charges, I will only do so for something I do not already have.”

  His eyes traveled the full length of her body, sending a nasty chill down her spine. The meaning of his words was all too clear, and though she knew it to be a possibility even before she took the hansom here, it was not something she was prepared for just yet. She took a long sip of her dr
ink, desperately needing what little fortification it could offer. Everything she had proposed, he had already rejected. Everything, but the one thing he was asking for.

  She shifted in her chair, and felt the hard weight of the fuse gun up against her leg as her mind ran through her options. Short of shooting the bastard, she didn’t see another solution to the problem. And she was not quite ready to hang for murder. She did, however, believe he would hold up his end of the bargain, if she upheld hers, as horrible a thought as it was. The nightmares of him touching her were all too vivid in her mind, and her skin crawled at the thought.

  Victor interrupted her internal debate. “Have you decided how you would like to proceed?”

  She brought her glass to her lips and drained it in one long swallow. “If you would be so kind?” She held her glass up to him. If she were going to go through with this, she’d rather remember as little as possible.

  As if reading her mind, Victor refilled her glass and handed it to her, adding, “Perhaps this should be your last? I would hate for you to be too far gone with drink to enjoy yourself.”

  “No. We wouldn’t want that, now would we?” She glared at him. “Before we begin, you are to put your retraction in writing, signed and sealed with your signet.”

  He tilted his head to the side in acknowledgment. “As you wish, though I would have hoped you would trust me to uphold my end of the bargain. Would my word as a lord not be enough?”

  She took a long sip of her drink and said, “You’ll have to excuse me if I do not trust you after your bold-faced lie regarding Seth’s attack.”