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Je
Unable to endure the noise and suspense any more, Je
"Of course, my dear," he said at once. "You've had little peace in your short life, but 'tis just what you need, isn't it?"
Je
The moment she moved, Royce's head turned toward her, though she could have sworn that he hadn't really known she was there all night. "Leaving?" he asked, his insolent gaze lifting to her bosom. Je
With a physical effort, Je
"What a dreadful evening!" Aunt Elinor burst out the instant they reached Je
Je
"I always felt he did."
"Did what?"
"Have strange moods."
Je
"Your father means to send me back to Glencarin," Aunt Elinor said.
Je
"Because he did."
Completely confused, Je
"This eve when I arrived later than expected," she replied, her narrow shoulders drooping, "I expected him to be vexed, which would have been most unfair, for it wasn't my fault it was raining so hard to the west. You know how it is this time of year-"
"Aunt Elinor-" Je
"I'm most sorry, child. I've been so long without human company, storing up so much conversation for lack of anyone to speak to, that now that I have-someone to speak to, I mean-I ca
At this, the most ominous time of her life, Je
"Poor child," Aunt Elinor said, patting Je
Chapter Sixteen
Nearly every foot of floor space, from the great hall to the kitchens, was covered with sleeping guests and exhausted servants, lying upon whatever they had, or could find, to cushion the hard stones. A chorus of snores rose and fell discordantly throughout the castle, clashing and ebbing like confused, tumultuous waves.
Unaccustomed to the peculiar sounds that disrupted the dark, moonless night, Je
Her heart racing in confused fright, she blinked, trying to calm her rapid pulse and peer through the inky darkness of her bedchamber. On the low pallet beside Je
Je
"In that case," he began, loosening his grip very slightly. The moment he did, Je
He's going to suffocate me! Je
"That's better," he jeered, softly. " 'Tis wise for you to learn to fear me. Now listen to me very carefully, Countess," he continued, ignoring her terrified struggles. "One way or another, I'm going to lower you out that window over there. If you give me one more instant of trouble, you'll be unconscious when I do it, which greatly reduces your chances of reaching the ground alive, since you won't be able to hang on."
He lightened the pressure of his hand just enough for her to drag air into her lungs, but even when she'd gulped down several heaving breaths, Je