Realms of Stone

by Sharon K Gilbert

  Wait, he thought as he stood inside Gehlen’s well-ordered memory stack, wasn’t Collins the fool conducting the human alteration trials? Perhaps, I’ll give these experiments a little nudge in a new direction. Fashion them in my image, so to speak. Who needs clumsy wolfmen, when other, far more interesting combinations are available?

  “I say, gentlemen, why are you guarding this door?” he asked the constables.

  “Superintendent—no, I mean Commissioner Sinclair placed us here, sir. Are you one of the doctors?”

  “Oh, yes, I certainly am. Dr. Gehlen. I start teaching in the next term. You’re?”

  “Bright and Antram,” replied John Bright.

  “It’s a pleasure,” the Saraqael-controlled Gehlen said, shaking their hands. “I shan’t be visiting with Dr. Collins right away, for I’ve a few records to review first, but then I’ll return this evening. See you both then?”

  “Aye, sir,” Bright replied.

  “May I bring you coffee with a bit of Irish added for spice? By then, I’m sure it would go down very well.”

  “We’re not supposed to drink on duty, sir, but thanks all the same,” Antram told the pretender.

  “Such a pity. Meat pie, then? Lemonade?”

  “That’d be lovely, sir,” Bright answered quickly.

  “Excellent. We’ll all share a repast, and then I’ll perform my examination. See you later. Sevenish, I should think.”

  He turned about, and Saraqael abandoned the ‘suit’ in favour of more freeing transportation. Unseen, he rose up to the ceiling, crossed through each floor, and then emerged from the roofline before spreading his wings. Taking the form of a great raven, he quickly crossed east London.

  His destination was Castor Institute, and his plans took shape as he flew.

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  5:53 pm – Haimsbury House

  “Henry, it’s so very good to see you,” Elizabeth told the physician as he reached for her hand.

  “Forgive me for being so late. I believe your husband wired that we’d arrive around four, but we stopped along the way, you see. I hope I’ve not made you rearrange your plans at all.”

  “I fear my husband’s estimation of time is not always precise, but he has little control over crime. His message said you and he would arrive together.”

  “Ah, yes, we intended to arrive together, but Charles had to stop by Loudain House first. He said he’d catch a hansom as quickly as possible. You’ll have to make-do with me for now, I’m afraid.”

  Salperton wore a tweed jacket and waistcoat over simple wool trousers. He seldom thought about dress, though he could afford the finest, and he wondered if he shouldn’t have worn evening clothes. Elizabeth’s attire was elegantly formal, whilst his evoked country walks and shooting matches.

  “I hope you’ll forgive me, Duchess,” he said as they walked through the broad foyer. “I’m a bit of a mess. I’d only finished my rounds when your husband called on me. From there, it was all a sort of whirlwind. He’s a remarkably busy man.”

  “Far too busy, but as the wife of a detective, I find ways to occupy my mind and my time. Thank you for the flowers, Henry. They add colour and beauty to our entry. How did you know I like pink roses?”

  “I confess I asked your cousin. The bouquet is to welcome you home. Your cheeks are as pink as those flowers, Elizabeth. Really, you are resplendent. I cannot tell you how it pleases me to see you looking so well!”

  Beth laughed and took his arm. “That’s kind of you, and you are hardly a mess, Henry. Did you hear the news about Baron Wychwright?”

  He nodded as they entered the smaller, Eden River drawing room. “Yes, it’s tragic. I suppose I should pay them a call this week.”

  “I visited them today. It’s why I’m dressed formally. Poor Delia. She’s heartbroken.”

  “Quite so. And the man’s widow as well, I should think. Losing a loved one is never easy.”

  They sat down together on a wide sofa, where a gleaming table had been set with cakes, fruit, and cheese. A footman entered, carrying a large silver tray. “Are you ready for the tea now, Your Grace?”

  “Yes, Hampton. Thank you.”

  The young man placed a covered pot on the table and lifted the quilted linen cosy, revealing a large blue and gold china pot bearing a heraldic crest. “Shall I pour, my lady?”

  “Allow me,” Henry insisted.

  “Thank you again, Hampton. Leave word with Mr. Baxter that Lord Haimsbury is delayed, will you?”

  “Of course, Your Grace,” he said, bowing before leaving.

  Henry lifted the monogrammed china pot. “My mother always said a true gentleman is willing to serve, even in a tea room. This set is lovely, Beth, and the crest unique. An H and B, entwined with a heart. Haimsbury and Branham?”

  “Yes,” she answered. “It was a wedding gift from our Aunt Victoria. The duke had the crest designed for our combined houses. It’s on our coaches, our tableware, linens, practically everything. Grandfather made certain to place visible reminders of our union throughout the home.”

  “The duke is very thoughtful.”

  “And very loving. You know, there are several interesting points to the design that may have escaped the heraldry artist’s notice.”

  “Such as?” he asked as he poured tea into the cups. “Before you answer, what shall I add to yours? You look rather like two sugars and a splash. Am I right?”

  “How did you know?” she asked.

  “It’s an old trick. Most ladies take milk, and very few consider one cube enough, whilst only a handful will say three. If you’d contended with me, I’d have confessed my lack of insight.” He added two sugar cubes and milk to her tea and the same to his own. “We’re alike in our taste, it seems,” he said, handing her the cup. “I think you and I are alike in many ways.”

  “I’m happy to say we are.”

  “So, tell me about this crest. I love heraldic symbols. Oft times, the artist adds coded secrets to them, but he’s generally aware of their meaning.”

  “Look closely at the handle of the pot and cups. As a Stuart descendent, you’ll recognise the oak and acorn motif.”

  He laughed. “A Jacobite emblem. A reminder that the Stuart acorns would one day grow into a mighty oak again. What else?”

  “Within the centre of the scrolled initials is the symbol of the inner circle. It’s beautifully hidden, but if you look closely you’ll see it. As you’re a circle member now, I can tell you, but ordinarily, I’d be forced to secrecy.”

  “I fear that I cannot see it. My eyes are usually quite sharp, but... Oh, wait. There are gold letters here. P and S? Is the S for Sinclair?”

  “Oddly, enough, it might well be, but we’d always assumed it stood for Stuart. I’ll let Charles and my grandfather explain the rest at the meeting later.”

  “Stuart,” he repeated thoughtfully. “You know, Elizabeth, I talked with one of our cousins only this afternoon. From an American branch. I’d not thought we had any cousins across the pond, but apparently we do.”

  This caught her attention. “An American cousin? Where did you meet her?”

  “Actually, I shouldn’t have said anything. I endeavour to keep the identities of my patients secret. Poor thing’s lost most of her memory. In fact, I only learnt her name today. She’s recalled that much, at least.”

  “Her accent is American?”

  “Indeed. I’d dearly love her to find friends and family again. Find herself! I cannot decide what it is, but something about her touches my heart.”

  “Your gallant nature is roused.”

  He laughed. “Perhaps. I wonder if you’d come visit. Or Paul. You might even come together.”

  “I’d be happy to visit, and I’m sure Paul would agree to it. She offered no other insights?”

  “She told me she has a cous
in here, but she cannot name him yet. I’m sure she will, though. It may take a bit of time. I thought we could arrange a musical evening. That way it can look as though your visit is incidental.”

  “I should be happy to help in any way, Henry.”

  “That’s kind of you. I must say, Beth, you and Charles are very generous with your time, but also with your home. I confess that is another reason I was late. I paid a quick call on our patients before coming here. I was surprised at how very large the dower house is! The one at our castle is a dinky place. Scarcely enough room for a mouse, let alone an entire company of guests.”

  “I hope they’re settling in well. How is Mr. Blinkmire?”

  “Frazzled,” the viscount answered. “He had a very strange encounter near the pond this afternoon. I rather think it was one of your gardeners, but apparently the man said something that upset our Blinkmire rather badly.”

  “One of my gardeners? No, they’d never intentionally speak unkindly to anyone! Did he describe the man?”

  “He did, actually, and it sounds remarkably like Prince Anatole. I wonder what’s happened to our former host, anyway? As tall as Romanov is, I cannot imagine another like him anywhere in London. Of course, he’s unusual in many other ways. Don’t you agree?”

  The duchess didn’t reply at first. The mention of a stranger on the grounds had sent a chill through her hands, and Elizabeth had a dark premonition. For the briefest of seconds, she felt as though eyes watched her, and cold waves of fear ran through her bones.

  “Beth? I say, you’ve gone all pale.”

  “Excuse me,” she said, setting the cup on the table.

  She started to stand, but the movement occurred just as an intense wave of nausea passed through her body, causing her to pitch forward. Salperton managed to catch her, and after helping her back to the sofa, rang for the footman.

  “Have you eaten today?” the physician asked.

  “Yes. No, wait. I’m not sure. Probably. I think I had a slice of toast and a biscuit.”

  Hampton returned. “Yes, my lady?”

  “Your mistress is ill. Would you bring me a moist towel, please?”

  The servant left, and Henry sat beside his hostess, assessing her condition. “Your pulse is rapid and far too irregular. I’ve said something to upset you, and I can guess what it was. Forgive me, Beth. You now worry that something unnatural wanders about your estate. Isn’t that so?” She nodded. “Duchess, I promise you that I’ve noticed nothing unusual about this house or the grounds.”

  “You’ve seen nothing? No spirits? No intruders?”

  “Nothing at all, Beth. Blinkmire asked me the same thing, but I tell you that all is well. Do you wish to talk about it?”

  “Not really. Henry, is it normal for an expectant mother to... To imagine things?”

  He smiled as he held her hand. “I’m not the best one to answer that. It’s more Gehlen’s territory than mine. What worries you?”

  “Something at Lady Cordelia’s home. I saw a great owl, and I’ve noticed it before. For weeks, there’s been a white owl following me. Even at the castle, it would sometimes sit outside my window.”

  “Owls are hardly an uncommon sight in London. With all the vermin running about, we should be grateful to them.”

  “This isn’t an ordinary owl, Henry. An owl’s eyes are amber, but this one’s are blue.”

  “A bird with blue eyes? I’ll admit, it’s unusual, but not impossible. The animal kingdom has a wide variety of forms.”

  “I suppose it could have occurred in nature, but why do I feel as if it’s watching me? Oh, I’m making no sense. Ever since the castle fire, it feels as though the air in London is thickening. Growing darker with a venomous miasma, just like the air in that awful place with all the ravens.”

  “The place in your dream?”

  “You know it wasn’t a dream, Henry. You told me that you could see me there. Ask Charles. He was trapped there as well, and he believes it’s real. Is it possible that something followed me when I escaped?”

  Hampton returned with the towel, and Salperton placed it on Elizabeth’s forehead. “You’re overwrought, that’s all. Tell me, young man,” he asked the footman, “has your mistress eaten today?”

  “I cannot say, sir. Shall I speak with the cooks? Mr. Baxter is next door conferring with Mr. Miles regarding this evening’s meeting.”

  “Ah, yes, I’m attending that. Baxter’s the butler here?”

  “He is, my lord.”

  “Ask the cook to send up something light. Soup, if you have it. Anything easily digested. She really must get something nourishing into her stomach that will stay down.”

  “Right away, sir.”

  The young man hurried off towards the kitchens, and Salperton continued examining his patient. “How’s your breathing? You don’t wear a corset today, I hope.”

  “Yes, actually, but only because I had but one dress suitable for calling on a bereaved friend. This one, and the waist is now too small.”

  “Don’t move,” he ordered her, leaving the drawing room briefly and crossing into the wide foyer. “You there,” he called to a passing parlour maid. “Miss. Forgive me, what is your name?”

  “Ada, sir.”

  “Ada, I just sent a footman to fetch a bite to eat for the duchess. Would you deliver a message to him?”

  “Aye, sir,” MacKenzie replied.

  “Ah, you’re Scottish. I should have realised some of the staff would be from our neck o’ the woods.”

  “That’s right, my lord. Glasgow.”

  “A lovely city. Ada, would you be so kind as to tell the footman to bring the food to the duchess’s chamber? She is in need of rest, and I’m carrying her up.”

  “There’s an electric lift, my lord. I can show you where it is.”

  “How very modern. Wait here!”

  He dashed back into the drawing room. “Beth, lean on me. I’m going to take you upstairs and make sure everything’s as it should be.” The two of them followed Ada to the lift. The maid quickly taught Henry how to operate it.

  “Just move the handle to number one, sir. The corridor leading to the master apartment is to the right, just off the lift. The duchess can direct you from there. My lady, shall I bring tea?”

  “Yes, thank you,” she muttered, her voice strained, for a very odd sensation had entered Elizabeth’s delicate frame. Her heartbeat pounded in her ears, and she could sense a heaviness all around. Darkness settled in her eyes like a collapsing tunnel, and from the centre of the tunnel arose the cawing of birds.

  The ornate lift slowly rose to the first floor, but Beth had fainted by the time it stopped. Henry carried her into the corridor to the right, wishing he’d asked for further directions from the maid. From beyond a corner, he could hear a dog barking, and as he made the turn, he nearly tripped over a brown and white terrier.

  “Samson! Bad dog!” Victoria scolded the animal as she appeared two steps behind the dog. “Oh, good heavens! Whatever happened? It’s this way. I just left their apartment.”

  Henry allowed the duke’s sister to lead the way, and in a few minutes, he’d set the duchess upon the beautiful bed. “You’re my Cousin Victoria, I take it? Dr. Henry MacAlpin. Just call me Henry. I’d shake your hand, but I’m a bit occupied, you see. But your timing could not have been better. I fear the duchess fainted in the lift. Has she eaten anything today?”

  “Hardly a bite,” the woman answered. “Her appetite is very poor. Is she feverish again?”

  “No, but something overwhelmed her sense of balance. Has she suffered many difficulties of late?”

  “A great many. We told Treves and Gehlen, of course. Elizabeth hasn’t been herself since late October. When I asked Dr. Gehlen about it, he muttered something about how it all made sense, but it makes no sense at all! Are expectant mothers always
this sensitive?”

  “Some are,” he said, loosening the clasps of the high-necked silk gown. “Do you mind shutting that door? I’ll need help removing this jacket.”

  “Yours or hers?”

  “Hers, of course. Removing mine would hardly make sense at all. Elizabeth told me that she wore a corset today. It’s a very bad idea with a quick-growing pregnancy.”

  “Quick-growing? What on earth do you mean by that odd remark?”

  “Hasn’t Charles told you?” he asked.

  “Told me what?”

  “It’s really not my place...” Henry backpedaled.

  He was unfastening the hooks that secured the tight-fitting jacket in place, but the spinster objected. “If you don’t mind, allow me to do that. I realise you’re a medical man, but there are some things that I simply cannot alter my views upon, and seeing a man undress a woman is one of them. Go into the parlour and allow me to do this.”

  The physician backed away and did as the strong-willed Scotswoman asked. In less than ten minutes, she called him back into the bedchamber. “I do apologise, but I find modernity a bit much at times. My brother told me you’d joined the circle. Aren’t you somewhat early for our meeting?”

  “Yes, but Charles asked me to come early to look in on Beth. We’d just started tea, when she suffered a faint. No, actually, that’s not precisely what occurred. I mentioned a strange man who looked somewhat like Anatole Romanov, and Elizabeth grew unsteady. She fainted shortly after. That’s probably the footman with the food,” he said as someone knocked. “In here, young man,” he told the youth. “Set the tray there at the end of the bed. We’ll see to it that the duchess eats. Please, thank the cooks for me.”

  “I will, sir.”

  The door shut behind the servant, and Salperton took a look beneath the silver domes. “Broth and toast. Perfect. Elizabeth, can you open your eyes?”

  “Yes,” she said, trying to sit. “Did I hear Tory’s voice?”

  “Your aunt helped with your clothing. That’s why you’re in a sleeping dress now. I recommend you rest for an hour, but first you must eat.” He brought her the tray and helped her to sit up straight. “No chairs. If you feel faint again, it’s best you’re already in bed. Eat every bite, if you can manage it.”