Cinderella and the Lady (18 page)

“You stupid bitch,” the countess snarled her insult. No one hushed her. Everyone waited for the baroness to continue her story.

“We were petty, jealous women. I thought Louis would be a wonderful father for Mina. I allowed Mina to become friends with Ellie, and in turn I hoped I would become a trusted friend to Angelica. It worked. While Yvonne would spend as much time as she could with Angelica to keep her away from Louis, I would show up at their house, unexpected. Louis would invite me in for tea. I thought he was falling in love with me because he would go out of his way to smile and touch my arm or press his thigh against my own.”

“Tell them how you forced a kiss on Louis and Angelica caught you,” the countess announced, her smile cruel.

The baroness rubbed her brow and leaned her shoulder against the window pane. “During one of Yvonne’s parties, I asked Louis to come with me into the gardens. The silly man went with me, and the moment we were out of sight, I kissed him. He responded, I could tell he wanted more, but he stopped and admitted he desired me but loved his wife. By then the damage had been done. Angelica witnessed the entire exchange behind some shrubbery with Yvonne by her side. She was devastated and ran away. I thought I had succeeded in destroying their marriage.”

“Get to the point, how you and the countess caused Angelica de Saltin’s death,” Kristina demanded. Ellie shifted in her arms. Her eyes were clearer and she was more alert than before. Kristina brushed the side of her hand across Ellie’s cheek.

The baroness turned away from the window and paced across the room. “Days went by and I hadn’t heard from Louis. Angelica didn’t confront me for trying to steal her husband. Then one day I received a note with her signature, asking me to join her on the outskirts of the town near the river, where we could talk alone and undisturbed. I found out later the letter was forged by Yvonne. I rode out at the designated time. Angelica and Yvonne were there. Angelica was shocked to see me and called me the most wretched names. I tried to apologize, but she wouldn’t hear of it. At one point she slapped me across the face. Yvonne watched the entire episode, patting and feeding Angelica’s horse. Yvonne purposely loosened the saddle. She said it was meant to be all in jest after…”

“After what?” Simon asked.

The baroness stared straight at the countess with tears in her eyes. “Angelica threatened to tell all our friends and acquaintances what I had done, and I would be known as a pariah who seduced married men. She would run me out of town. As she climbed on her horse, I tried to stop her and we struggled. Her horse suddenly lifted in the air and she tumbled off and fell near the river.” The baroness’s shoulders shook and she rubbed her arms. “It was too late to save her. The fall broke her neck. Yvonne said we had to leave or we would be blamed for her death. I left Angelica in that cold, muddy water. We ran back to Yvonne’s house and made up a story. No one came to arrest us. We did such a ghastly thing and got away with it.”

The countess leapt from her seat and charged toward the baroness. Lord Robert caught her around the waist as her fingers curled into claws aimed at the baroness’s face. “You lie! You have no proof I did anything. You’re the one who killed Angelica so you could possess Louis, which you did!”

“Yes, I was partially responsible for killing her, but it was an accident! I never meant to for anything like that to happen. But I was weak, and because of your manipulations, I kept silent. I expected God to strike me down, but he never did. And when he rewarded me by giving me Louis, I repented and begged him for forgiveness.”

Ellie hid her face into Kristina’s lap. Her harsh sobs filled the room. Kristina started to cry also. She didn’t know how Ellie would ever get over this horror.

The baroness stumbled toward them. Simon caught her arm, and she hung onto him as she became hysterical. “Eleanor, I was selfish and despicable. I know I’m going to burn in hell for all I’ve done. Yvonne will join me and be punished as well for her crime and her immoral lust for your mother and for you.”

“You have no proof! It’s your word against mine. No one will believe you, a dried-up, pathetic woman with nothing to her name,” the countess shouted.

Simon let go of the baroness and she folded to the floor in a heap. The other men in the room didn’t rush to her aid.

Simon went over to the box on the bed and flipped open the lid. He pulled out a handful of envelopes and lifted them in the air. “That’s where you’re wrong, Countess Tremaine. Baroness de Saltin kept every single correspondence between you and her, leading up to the first baroness’s death and after. Your ego and conceit was your downfall. The baroness shared her letters with me and my sister. What you both wrote to each other will be enough evidence presented to a judge when you’re both brought up on murder charges.”

The countess grabbed lapels of her brother’s jacket. “Robert, you must believe me. I was at home the day Angelica’s body was found. The staff can speak on my behalf. Geraldine was the one to visit, acting nervous and jumpy. You were there. I never left the house that day.”

Lord Robert flung his sister’s hands off of him and backed away. “I was asleep in until early afternoon because the night before we had too much to drink, or rather I had. You kept plying me with alcohol in celebration of my graduation from university.” Revulsion crossed his face. “Was it to trick me in order to act out this evil plan and kill an innocent woman because she wouldn’t return your feelings?”

“You don’t understand! It’s all lies. Geraldine has been jealous of me all these years and this is her revenge.” The countess stumbled forward.

Lord Robert tugged on his hair. “I’m going to be sick.” He covered his mouth and ran from the room.

The countess cried out for him, falling to her knees. The baroness continued sobbing into her hands. Kristina whispered softly to Ellie, who had quieted down.

A much older man holding a medicine bag appeared in the open doorway. “I was told someone has been taken ill?” He scrutinized the two distraught women. “Or perhaps now it’s three? Did they eat something bad?”

“No, doctor, I’ll explain. Give us a moment,” Simon said and went over to Kristina. “We need to take Ellie to another room where the doctor can inspect her for any…damage.”

Kristina nodded and brushed aside the hair failing over Ellie’s face. Ellie moaned and wrapped her arms tighter around her.

“I’ll take her.” Simon drew Ellie away. Ellie struggled, but when Simon lifted her in his arms, she grew quiet. Kristina halted in her tracks and stared down at the two women who were still putting on quite the show.

“I hope you both rot in a small, dank room with only your thoughts to keep you company. Your guilt will drive you insane before you’re sentenced to hang.”

She then spat on the floor, cursing the two heinous women to the bowels of hell.

Kristina paced down the hall while she waited for the doctor to finish his examination of Ellie. She had tried to help the doctor, but he refused, and instead his own female assistant stayed with him in the room with the door closed.

She had bitten her nails down to the quick in her agitation. She would never leave Ellie’s side again. She planned on doing whatever she could to be with Ellie, even if it meant leaving the country.

Simon turned the corner and walked to her side. He fisted his hands on his hips and drew aside the sides of his coat, which was in need of a good pressing. “The constable and his men took both women to the local jail. They’ll stay there overnight while Lord Robert rides forth to London for his lawyer. He was quite shaken up over the whole thing.”

She rolled her eyes. “How do you know he wasn’t involved in his sister’s deceit? He would lie for her.”

Simon squeezed the bridge of his nose. “Robert stayed behind instead of accompanying the countess and baroness to the jail. When he and I were the only ones left, he broke down in tears. I’ve never seen a grown man cry so much before. I truly believe he’s innocent in all of this.”

“You and father must make certain those two are punished for what they have done. Isn’t it bad enough Ellie was not only mentally abused by her witch of a stepmother, but possibly sexually—” She covered her mouth, shaken to her core.

Simon pulled her into his embrace. “Let’s hope for the best and we made it in time before the countess could do any lasting damage to Ellie.” Simon ran his hand over her hair. “If the worst has happened, we’ll be there to pick up the pieces.”

“I’ll never forgive myself if Ellie is broken by this. She’s been through so much pain.” She closed her eyes and soaked up her brother’s warmth.

The door next to them opened and the nurse came out. She smiled and motioned for them to enter the room. Kristina went in first. She grabbed the bedpost, staring down at Ellie huddled under a blanket. She sat down and rested her hand on Ellie’s leg. No response came from the sleeping woman.

“Doctor, how is she?” she asked, keeping her eyes on Ellie.

“As well as can be expected, under the circumstances,” the doctor responded.

“Care to explain?” Simon asked as he stood next to Kristina.

The doctor gestured for Simon. Both men talked in low voices by the window. Kristina listened carefully, and when she caught such words as
enflamed
,
bruised,
and
swollen
, she ignored the nurse who told her to stop, and moved up to lie on her side facing Ellie. She gently rested her arm on Ellie’s waist and stared at her face. Her eyelids twitched and every breath she took came out as a soft rattle. She wanted to join Ellie under the covers, but she had caused enough questions with her recent actions. Instead she stayed where she was, wishing Ellie would awaken so she could tell her she loved her and would protect her always.

The door opened and closed. Only Simon remained. He stood at the foot of the bed. His eyes showed extreme tenderness when he glanced at Ellie.

“Should I ask what the doctor told you? Or will the knowledge make me run from this room and want to string the countess up by her neck?”

“Ellie was drugged, but not enough to do any permanent damage. When she awakens, she’ll have a headache and some nausea. We’re to give her fluids and not move her right away.”

“And what about the rest?’ She swallowed, her stomach turning.

Simon cleared his throat. “Other than bruising and bite marks on Ellie’s chest and throat, she appears unharmed. The doctor did find fingerprints around her thighs and scratch marks on the inside of her legs but he believes she wasn’t abused in any other way.”

“The countess didn’t force her attentions on Ellie by using her fingers or… tongue?” Kristina swallowed again, bile burning her throat.

“Ellie isn’t a victim in that way.”

She closed her eyes and said a silent prayer in thanks. She moved her face in closer to breathe in Ellie’s sweet scent.

“I’m going to order food. Would you like me to bring you up something?” Simon asked.

She shook her head. “I’m not hungry. You should go downstairs and eat. I’ll stay here and wait for Ellie to wake up.”

“That could be hours.”

“I’m not leaving until Ellie opens her eyes and says my name.” She snuggled against her. “I don’t have an appetite right now. Go have a pint of ale on me.”

“I’m stationing a footman at the door in case you need anything.”

She nodded faintly. “Thank you.”
Simon came over to her side, bent down, and kissed the top of her head. “I love you. I’m sorry I don’t say it enough.”

“You don’t have to. I know.”

“I’ll be an hour or two at most.” Simon walked over to the door and opened it. It then closed it with a soft snick.

Ellie slept on. Kristina caressed Ellie’s cheek, urging her to wake up. She needed to see her happy smile. Most importantly she had to tell Ellie she loved her.

She whispered her plans she had for them. They would see the world together and wear the best dresses and eat the best food. She described in great detail about her grandmama and their adventures together. Midway through her speech, a sob caught in her throat and she gasped for breath. Her chest shook as she started to cry. Laying her face against Ellie’s shoulder, tears fell down her cheeks unchecked.

Wake up…wake up….wake up…

“Please wake up,” she beseeched through a shattered breath.

Ellie shifted. Kristina’s head shot up. She wiped her eyes and under her nose, blinking away hot tears. Ellie stared at her.

This was the moment she had been waiting for. But she couldn’t seem to find the right words. They were lodged in her throat.

“Kristina, you found me,” Ellie said, her voice clogged with sleep.

“I’m sorry!” She dropped her head back down on Ellie’s chest, hugging her tightly.

No other conversation was shared between both women, only hugs and tears of joy.

Kristina stood by the window in the library, watching Ellie and Noah talking near the entrance of the garden. August wrapped around Ellie’s legs and swiped at the hem of her dress. She bent down and lifted the cat in her arms, placing a kiss on top of his head.

The basket next to her feet hid her other pet, but he didn’t make an appearance. Kristina still couldn’t believe Ellie had a mouse for a pet and August treated the rodent like it was his offspring. But whatever made Ellie happy, made Kristina feel the same.

She turned away when the duchess entered the room with Simon and Mina, who held hands.

“Has tea been called for?” Kristina asked and sat down in a chair.

The duchess sat down next to her, but Simon and Mina remained standing.

“I can’t stay for tea. Father and I are leaving for London in an hour. We want to be in court when they announce the charges against the Countess Tremaine and the Baroness de Saltin.” Simon said, curving an arm around Mina’s waist.

Mina didn’t crack a smile or glance at Simon in adoration like she usually did. Her face showed a deep sadness that reminded Kristina of Ellie when she had first met her.

“Simon thinks it’s best if I stay here until the trial. I wrote a letter to my mother, but she hasn’t responded. I guess that’s to be expected, seeing as she’s busy trying to prove her innocence.” Mina suddenly broke away from Simon and turned away, hugging herself.

The duchess rose from her chair, but Simon waved her away and went over to his fiancée. He turned her around and tipped up her chin. “This will be a rough time, but we’ll soldier through.”

Mina gave Simon’s chest a pat. “There’s going to be a great deal of talk about my mother. My reputation is already in tatters. Perhaps it’s better if we break off our engagemen—”

Simon pressed the pad of his finger over Mina’s mouth. “We’re not calling off our engagement. I want to marry you. No other woman will do. You accept me for who I am and keep those demons eating inside of me at bay.”

“
Demons?”
the duchess mouthed to Kristina, who in turn just shrugged.

When Simon kissed Mina, the two ladies looked away to give the couple their privacy.

“I’d better pack. Noah has come to talk to Mina about her wedding trousseau,” Simon announced, his arm low around Mina’s hip. “We’ll be in my bedroom if you need anything.”

“Simon, do you think that’s wise, having Mina in your bedroom without a chaperone? Perhaps Kristina should join you?” the duchess asked.

Simon gave Mina a look. Both smiled at one another as if they shared a secret. “Mina and I are engaged now. Noah can be Mina’s chaperone. What inappropriate things could occur between two men and a woman alone in a room?”

The duchess coughed and her face flushed. “Ah, I can see your point. But for propriety’s sake, leave your door open.”

Simon bowed in his mother’s direction, gave Kristina a wink, and escorted Mina from the room. Noah stood in the hallway. He lifted his hand in greeting, and when Simon and Mina met him, they all walked out of sight.

“That boy loves to tease me.”

Kristina lips twitched in humor. “Your son is a grown man who’s going to be a husband. He cares for Mina deeply. They’ll do well together.”

The duchess twisted her wedding ring on her finger. “Simon is so much like your father, standing by the woman he loves in the face of possible ridicule and scorn.”

She waited for her mother to explain further, but she didn’t. The duchess stared across the room, lost in her thoughts. When the clock on the fireplace mantel struck the top of the hour and rang, the duchess shook her head and gifted Kristina with a bright smile. “As for you, my lovely daughter, you have made me very proud.”

“Me? What have I done?”

The duchess rubbed Kristina’s arm. “The way you have supported your friend is commendable. Eleanor is delightful. It’s such a shame how much pain she has experienced in her young life.”

Kristina nodded. The duchess had been made fully aware of what had happened to Ellie and how her stepmother had treated her. When they returned home, Ellie was invited to stay with them. Five days later, Ellie had settled in the household, with August and Jack in her possession. Five days of Kristina spending the late night hours tossing and turning in her bed, her thoughts filled of Ellie. She had wanted to share a bed with her, only to sleep, but had abstained. Ellie didn’t invite her to spend the night in her bed. Most of the time Ellie read or sat in the garden. They only talked among others and never in private. She had wanted to continue tutoring Ellie, but was never asked.

“Darling, what is it? You seem troubled,” the duchess asked in concern.

She jumped up from her seat. “It’s Ellie. I can’t seem to get through to her. She’s unreachable and looks troubled most of the time. I want to help her recover.” She expelled a shuddering breath.

“You must be patient. It takes time. But I may have something that may move along the process.” The duchess wandered over to a desk where she wrote her daily correspondence. Picking up an envelope, she held it out for Kristina.

“This letter arrived from your Aunt Melinda a few days ago. She’s planned a European tour in honor of your cousin Rosa’s eighteenth birthday. She has invited us to join her. I think this is the perfect time to go on a holiday. You should ask Eleanor to join us. It would do her good to get away from all this…drama.”

Kristina took out the letter and scanned the words on the page. “Three months traveling across Europe, then staying a month with grandmama in Finland? Father approves? And what about Simon’s and Mina’s wedding?”

“We can prepare for the wedding when we return. I spoke with your father last night and he agrees with me. It’s been far too long since I saw mother and Melinda. They will return with us and stay for the winter.”

“The hardest part is getting Ellie to agree. She’s never been outside of Aulnory. That is, until…” She waved her hand around, refusing to mention the events of the last week.

“You can convince her. It’s obvious she cares about you.”

Kristina went still. Her mother’s statement seemed innocent, but what if she knew the true dynamics of their friendship? “How can you know?”

“The way she looks at you and how attentive she is when you speak. I also had time to chat with Eleanor and she couldn’t stop praising you.” The duchess sat back down and picked up a bell to ring for a servant. “It’s obvious you both have bonded.”

“We have. In the short time I’ve known Ellie, I feel as if we’re meant to be together, as friends. I’ve never been this close to another woman before,” she admitted, hoping her mother wouldn’t read too much into her words.

The duchess smiled in returned. “I’m going to have some tea and read. Go find Eleanor and tell her about the trip.”

“I saw her outside near the gardens. Perhaps we’ll take a walk,” she said, hopeful she and Ellie could finally talk alone and uninterrupted.

“It’s a gorgeous day for a walk. Take your time with one another and enjoy the air and sunshine.”

“Oh we will. I’ll make certain of that,” she announced, and with a kiss to her mother’s cheek in farewell, she went in search of the woman who owned her heart.

* * * *

She found Ellie near the stables watching one of the stable hands grooming a horse. She leaned against the fence, unaware she was being watched. She held August against her chest, stroking his head and back. Her basket sat at her feet and Jack was nowhere to be seen, hidden away from view. Ellie wore a light green day dress Noah’s father had given her, along with a white shawl. She wasn’t wearing her clogs, but a pair of slippers donated by the town shoemaker.

Kristina smiled, thinking back to when she first saw Ellie’s feet. It had been that day on the beach where they had talked and gotten to know one another better. She only realized now that was when she started to fall for this seemingly fragile woman who on the inside had a strong will and a very generous heart.

The blazing mid-morning sun encased Ellie in incandescent light. Kristina’s heart skipped a beat. She was overcome by the glow emanating from Ellie that accentuated the highlights in her hair and hue of her alabaster skin.

August lifted his head and yawned. Ellie gave his head a pat and looked in Kristina’s direction. She didn’t smile in welcome or wave her over. Her face was blank and not entirely inviting.

She approached her anyway. Her hands itched to hold Ellie and her lips twitched with the need to kiss the bewitching mouth she was currently destroying with her teeth.

“If you keep chewing your lip like that, you’ll start bleeding,” she teased and brushed up against Ellie.

Ellie released her bottom lip. “It’s a bad habit of mine.”

“You do it when you’re nervous. Am I the cause?” She dipped her head down near Ellie’s ear. “Or perhaps you’re…excited?”

Color filled Ellie’s face. She ran her hand down Ellie’s back. “Take a walk with me. I have something important to share with you.”

“Can I bring August and Jack?” Ellie asked.

“Of course.”

They left the stable area and walked side by side, not talking. She wanted get far away from prying eyes. She was anxious to share her news and to give Ellie a special gift that waited for her at the cottage.

“Interested in walking along the river?” she asked.

Ellie nodded and hitched her basket up higher. “Shall we check out the cottage while we’re in the area?”

Kristina almost halted in her tracks. Ellie had an innocent expression on her face although the tone of her voice sounded very different.

She slowly reached out and clasped Ellie’s hand. A soft smile appeared on Ellie’s face and she linked her fingers with Kristina’s. The ball of tension in her stomach dissipated and she sped up her walk. Ellie kept up her pace and soon they were running.

When they reached the cottage, she stopped to catch her breath. Ellie had a healthy color to her face. August popped his head over the rim of the basket. A small squirming ball of fur climbed on top of his back and she giggled over the sight. Opening the door, she allowed Ellie to walk in first.

The cottage was exactly as she had left it. The pallet where she introduced Ellie to her first taste of passion had been made. A box wrapped in gold paper sat in the center.

Ellie placed the basket on the table and August climbed out with Jack still on his back. He sniffed the top of the table.

“What’s in the box?”

She rested her hands on Ellie’s shoulders, thrilled when Ellie didn’t flinch or move away. “It’s a gift for you. Go ahead and open it.”

Ellie sat on the edge of the bed. She lifted the box and drew it to her, pulling apart the wrapping carefully. She then took off the lid and peeked inside. Her eyes lit up as she pulled out her clogs, decorated in different colored ribbons.

“I thought you would want them back. You forgot them when you left suddenly during our argument.” She folded her hands in front of her stomach, waiting for Ellie bring up that night.

“Ah yes, that’s a night I will always remember,” Ellie said and put the clogs back in the box. A few stands of ribbons dropped on her lap. She fiddled with them and then did something Kristina wasn’t expecting at all. She held out her hand. “Come sit with me.”

She sat down on the other side of the box. Ellie frowned and removed the box, placing it on the floor. Kristina didn’t fill in the gap between them.

“What—”

“I have—”

Both spoke over one another, but stopped. Ellie twined a ribbon around her finger and Kristina spread her palms across her lap.

“Why don’t you go first?” Ellie asked, staring down at the floor.

Kristina felt nervous and she didn’t know why.
It’s not like Ellie would refuse my offer. She has nowhere else to go and is all alone in the world. If she doesn’t count Mina or Noah and his—

Ellie closed the space between them and rested her hand over Kristina’s. A shudder left her and she turned her hand, palm up to link their fingers together. When Ellie whispered her name, she looked at her darling girl. She almost blurted out her love. But this wasn’t the right time to confession such deep feelings. She first had to tell Ellie her—
their
plans for the next coming months.

“I have wonderful news to share. My aunt has invited Mother and me to join her on a holiday in Europe. My cousin is doing her grand tour for their eighteenth birthday and Mother and I plan on joining the party. We’re going to roam the continent to our heart’s content.”

Ellie pulled her hand away. “When do you leave?”

“In a week or two,” she said and leaned in close, her shoulder brushing Ellie’s. “Will that give you enough time to put everything in order on your end?”

Ellie gave her a confused look. “I don’t understand what you mean.”

“Darling, you’re coming with us.”

Ellie’s eyes widened and nibbled on her lip. She cupped Ellie’s chin and flicked her lip with her thumb. She rubbed across the tender skin and slid her hand down until her palm lay over Ellie’s heart.

“Mother thinks you should get away before the trial starts,” she said softly.

“But don’t I have to stay in case I’m questioned?” Ellie asked, grabbing Kristina’s wrist and giving it a squeeze.

“The trial won’t start right away. It may be a good six months or more.” She stroked Ellie’s cheek slowly. “Father and Simon will stay in the area. Mina will stay to support her mother. I want you to have a full recovery and be strong enough to take the stand and tell the world how you were wronged by your witch of a stepmother and that horrid woman who almost stole you from me.”

“I have recovered, for the most part. It’s only at night in my bed when I’m frightened. I feel…so alone,” Ellie whispered and turned her face away.

Kristina curved her arm around Ellie and hid her face in the crook of her neck. Ellie tilted her head down. Her nose brushed over the side of Kristina’s face. She tightened her embrace and joined Ellie, who lay back.

Moving to her side, she held Ellie close while Ellie brushed over her hair. She sighed and pressed her mouth against Ellie’s throat. “You aren’t alone. You have August and Jack. I’m here to keep you safe from harm.”