Heart's Desire

Chapter Nineteen

Eleven days ago, Julian left. After the rabbit scare, Charity fled to the bosom of her friends. It had been a pleasant and calming sojourn at Breeley Court. Here, she felt safe. But her mood had little improved and she was growing weary of putting on a brave, smiling face. During the moments when she was alone, she'd drop the mask, often weeping into her pillow before sleep claimed her.

Lord Nevill divided his time between Breeley Court and Shepridge End as he tried to find who'd left such a gruesome gift for Charity. When he was with them, he was a supportive presence that frequently brought Charity out of her gloom - for a short time at least. He could be quite amusing when he wished. His sharp wit often wrought a surprised laugh from her. But tonight, she'd had to keep it held within as he sharpened his tongue against other guests.

The MacGregors were hosting a dinner party, one that Charity wished she didn't have to attend. Lord Middleford had come, with his sister, daughters, and even a niece in tow. Miss Charlotte and her cousin were brought to even out the numbers, for in a second carriage Sir Vincent had arrived along with the Earl of Stanton and Baron Downing.

It had been a somber affair. Even Julian's friends behaved coldly cordial to one another as if they didn't care for the other's company. Some of Lord Nevill's unkind observations were lobbed at the baronet. Charity would have been worried, but she recalled that Sir Vincent was set within the baron's household to gather information. She surmised that the two could not be seen as being close, else the baronet would not be able to do much...spying.

Miss Middleford and her sister, Miss Charlotte had behaved in much the same way they had in town. There was no friendly warming toward Charity from that quarter. Their cousin, on the other hand, was surprisingly sweet, if a bit quiet and hesitant in company. Miss Diana Middleford didn't possess the strikingly pretty features of either of the sisters. However, she had an enduring beauty that would be apparent even in her old age. She was dark where her cousins were light, and her appeal came from somewhere deep within.

The guests had left an hour ago. Charity was now ensconced in her room, gazing out of the window. Despite wishing to avoid the topic of her husband for one night, she wondered what Julian was doing and if he'd yet forgiven her.

With a deep sigh, Charity returned to bed and took another sip of water. Her thirst didn't seem to want to be quenched. With a slight shake of her head, she slipped between the sheets.

Their daughters were beginning not to ask after Julian. If he didn't return soon, they'd likely forget him altogether. Sometimes Charity envied them their ability not to remember. Another part of her felt badly for the twins and Julian. She didn't think their father's affection toward them feigned. If he returned to find he was forgotten then, a small part of her said, it was what he deserved for abandoning them in the first place.

Charity frowned and sat up to drink another sip of water. Perhaps Millicent's cook had used too much salt in the soup? Taking a healthy swallow, she set the glass down and nestled into the bedding once more. Soon, sleep claimed her.

Uncertain as to how long she'd slumbered, Charity was awoken by an upset stomach. The thirst was back, even as her mouth filled with saliva. She made it to the water closet with only a moment to spare. Miserably, she cast up her accounts, then walked wearily back to her bed. Again, her thoughts turned to the uncomfortable dinner.

It was after Charity had gone back to bed, pulled up the covers and was about to doze off when she felt as if something were crawling on her arms. Running her hands over them, she felt nothing. It became so aggravating that she sat up and lit a candle. Pulling back her sleeves, she looked at the exposed flesh. That's when she saw them. It looked as if her arms were more shining, black beetle exoskeletons than flesh.