Chapter 22

CHAPTER 22

T he next morning, Rebecca woke before Mary arrived. She sighed, stretching in the large plush bed.

"I should have known an hour would be far too long to sleep in," she sighed to herself.

But before she could get up or over think it, the door opened and Mary stepped inside with her breakfast tray.

Rebecca sat up in bed when she came in.

"Good morning, your grace," Mary said with a smile as she set it in front of her. "I must admit, I'm a bit surprised to see you are already awake this morning."

"I slept in almost an hour. Of course I'm awake," she laughed.

"Did you get enough rest after last night?"

"Yes, I rather think I did."

"That's good. I'm happy to hear it. Do you have an outfit in mind for today?"

Rebecca thought for a moment as she nibbled on her breakfast. "I think it would be best to go with something simple after last night. I just want a comfortable dress for an easy day at home."

Mary smiled. "I think I can do that."

And so a short time later, Rebecca found herself in the library dressed in one of the simple dresses she had brought with her when she first arrived at Danton house while she waited for her husband to join him.

When he finally stepped into the room, she took in his thick jacket and frowned.

"Are you going somewhere?" she asked.

He sighed. "Sadly, yes. I was hoping to put it off but it seems things just can't wait. You can come with me if you like. Perhaps we can go for a walk when we're done."

She grimaced, shaking her head. "Don't take this the wrong way, but all I want to do today is stay home and relax."

"After all the work you went to, I can understand that."

"Will you be gone long?" she asked.

"I shouldn't. If you like we can play some chess when I return."

Rebecca smiled. "I think that sounds lovely."

"Then it's a plan." William turned to go then hesitated. "How are you feeling after last night?"

She thought for a moment before replying. "I feel good. Lighter. Like I finally did something I should have done the second we got married."

He chuckled. "I'm glad to hear it. I won't lie, I was a bit worried you might regret some of the things you had said last night."

"I won't say I look back on the evening fondly, but it needed to happen and I'm glad it's over with."

"I'm only sad you had to be the one to do it."

"What do you mean?"

He hesitated. "I didn't want to say anything because I didn't want to worry you, but the reason I asked you to invite them was because I wanted to speak to your father."

"My father? But why?"

"Because I was going to tell him that if he couldn't treat you well then he would no longer be welcome in our lives. However it seems you beat me to the punch."

"I'm sorry, I-"

"No, Rebecca. You have nothing to apologize for. I'm glad you felt secure enough to stand up for yourself like that. You did amazing."

"I- I, well, I didn't do it for myself."

He frowned. "What do you mean? If you didn't do it for yourself then why did you do it?"

She flushed, looking away. "I didn't like hearing her talk that way about you."

William paused, a look on his face Rebecca couldn't place. "You didn't need to do something like that for me. I was more upset about how they were talking about you."

She smile. "Thankfully, none of that matters any more. We never have to see them again."

"I'm glad you still feel good about your choice." He glanced at the clock. "Goodness, I really need to go."

"Then you should go. I hope you have a good day."

"I will, but are you sure you will be all right here by yourself?"

"I'm hardly by myself," she chuckled. "We've got a whole staff. If i need some company I can always summon Mrs. Anderson or Mary."

"Very well. I will try to come back as quick as I can."

"There's no need to rush. I'm sure I can manage on my own for a bit."

William hesitated for another moment.

Before Rebecca could ask him about it, he stepped forward, pulling her into a hug. "I'll be back as soon as I can," he whispered in her ear before pulling away and making his way from the room.

For a long moment after he left, Rebecca just stood there, a growing warmth in her chest. She could hardly believe just how much she missed him already.

She shook the foolish thought from her head. There was no reason to miss him. He would be home once again soon enough.

She picked up a book and spent a little bit of time reading.

After lunch, she made her way into the parlor, intent on doing a bit of embroidery. She was a little surprised William wasn't back yet.

But it couldn't be much longer now, she thought to herself as she turned her attention back to her embroidery.

A short time later, a footman came to a door with a silver tray.

"I have a letter for you, your grace."

"Is it from William?" she asked. "Maybe he's running behind or wanted to tell me when he would be home."

"I don't believe so, ma'am. I didn't recognize the footman who dropped it off."

When she picked it up, she frowned.

"Thank you, you may return to your work."

He bowed then slipped form the room.

Penelope Sutton, it read in elegant script on the front.

It was strange, she thought to herself. Penelop and her never exchanged letters, they would usually simply call on one another. With growing confusion, she opened the envelope and began to read.

Dear Rebecca,

I'm sorry I couldn't come to you in person, but I hope you receive this letter promptly.

There is something I must tell you urgently, however it is not the kind of thing that should be said in a letter. It is very important that you keep this between us.

If you have ever valued me or our friendship please come to the park later today at two clock sharp. I will be waiting near the duck pond.

I hope I will see you there,

Penelope

When she had finished reading, Rebecca stared down at the letter with a frown.

It didn't make any sense. Why would Penelope send a letter rather than coming to see her if it was so important, and why all the secrecy?

Maybe she shouldn't go, or at least tell someone where she was going, but this was Penelope she was talking about.

They had been friends for so long that if Penelope wanted to meet in secret then she should trust her, shouldn't she?

Rebecca steeled her resolve and glanced at the clock. It was already after one o'clock. She had to move fast. Getting to her feet, she set off in search of Mary.

After what seemed like no time at all, Rebecca found herself wandering through the park.

It was surprisingly empty, at least it felt that way to her. To her surprise she didn't see Penelope waiting for her. Had she already missed her? Or perhaps she was early.

Only a few feet later and she's beside the pond Penelop told her to come to.

But she wasn't there. Time ticked by and she still never arrived.

Frowning in confusion, she turned to go.

But before she made it passed the bushes a few feet away, hands darted out and grabbed her.

She tried to cry out, but someone covered her mouth.

"None of that now," Solomon hissed in her ear.

She stiffened at the sound of his voice. He shoves a gag into her mouth. He drags her hands behind her back and started to tie them in place.

"You wouldn't someone to hear us, now would you?"

"Why are you doing this?" she tried to ask around her gag, but the words were lost in the fabric.

"Do you have any idea how much you have humiliated me last night?" he snarled. "Who do you think you are to treat me like that after everything I've done for you?"

She felt herself start to tremble.

"Well, I'm going to get what I deserve from you one way or another, just you wait."

She shook her head.

"Oh yes, if you're precious William cares for you half as much as you seem to think he does, then he won't hesitate to pay out a handsome ransom for you now will he?"

Disgust filled Rebecca. How could she be related, have been raised by such a wretched man?

How could someone be so despret for money that he could seel off his own daughter without hesitation.

Solomon let out a yell, hands releasing Rebecca so fast it was like they were never there in the first place.

She turned to see who was there and gasped.