Winifred sat on a bench out in the garden, listening to the birds and enjoying the feeling of the sum on her neck. She loves it out in the foliage, surrounded bybthe wonderful scent of roses and jasmine. She closed her eyes and sat in silence. She hardly noticed the servant that came bearing a message for her.
Marcus was growing increasingly concerned as he searched room after room of the manor, finding his friend nowhere. As a last resort, he descended one of the many staircases, heels sinking into the plush carpets, turning corners until the luxurious carpeting and generous wallpaper gradually disappeared, replaced by creaking floorboards and broken lamps fixed to the walls. The lighting was dim now, there were no windows to let in the sun, and a damp chill hung in the air. Shivers ran down Marcus's spine, but he shook them off, finally coming to a halt in front of a splintering arched door. He knocked on it three times, sharp and clear. A few seconds later, he heard the quick sound of lightly placed footsteps, clearly a girl's. The door swung open with an awful squeaking sound, and a young woman with dark skin and curly hair as black as the night greeted him. Recognition quickly dawned on her face, and she dropped down to her knees.
"My Lord, forgive me for the state of the–" Marcus cut her off with a wave of his hand. These were the female servant's quarters, it was to be expected. They couldn't afford any luxury, neither did his uncle think they deserved any, which Marcus had always argued with to no avail. "You don't have to kneel," he told her, his voice firm but gentle. "I was wondering if the servant known as Angeline was here?"
Immediately, the girl blanched, chewing on her lip. She couldn't be more than sixteen, but when she next spoke, her words made it seem as if she was much older and had seen much worse things than him.
"She– Angeline– Your uncle took her. They are– he took her to his room." Her voice trembled slightly. Marcus's eyes widened, betraying his real emotions for a split second. OhgodohnoohgodohgodAngeline—
"Please don't– My Lord, your uncle instructed me not to say anything–" Marcus nodded. "You don't have to worry. What's your name?"
"Theresa, my Lord."
Marcus reached into his pocket, pulling out a few gold coins and placing them in her palm. "Thank you, Theresa." He turned and left, walking quickly towards his uncle's room.
((Oh nooo!!!))
Winifred's eyes opened as the servant boy approached. He couldn't have been more than 8 or 9, probably born into a life of servitude. She smiled. "Hi. Are those for me?" He nodded quite shyly and handed her the letters.
"Thank you.." She replied. The boy started to turn but she stopped him. She duh into her purse and placed 2 gold coins on his tray. "Those are for you."
The boy gave a toothy grin, dimples appearing. Winifred cooed, causing the boy to blush. He left, pocketing the coins with a quiet, "Thank you miss…"
Winifred looked at both letters. One from a friend, Madeleine, and one from…
Lord Crenshaw…
(oh no it's Luc)
(TRIGGER WARNING)
By the time he arrived at his uncle's chambers, Marcus's heart was beating wildly with fear. He could only hope he wasn't too late as he rapped his knuckles sharply against the bedroom door. There was a muffled cry of pain, then a loud slap, a harsh reprimand. Marcus's stomach heaved. Angeline. He knocked again, louder this time, his urgency plain on his face. The low, husky sound of his uncle's voice called out to him. "Find another time to trouble me."
Marcus was practically seeing red. He raised his hand, and knocked a third time.
((Oh no… BEAT HIS BEHIND MARCUS!!!))
Winifred set Lord Crenshaw's aside and read Madeleine's first. As she read she smiled, but it was sad and even a bit jealous. Madeleine was getting married. Winifred could imagine the pale skinned beauty right that moment, dressed in a gown of white. Something that was never to be in Winifred's future. As least she could be apart of her friend's happiness as a maid of honor. She was honor by the proposition and would write back as soon as she could.
Winifred then turned to Lord Crenshaw's letter. She didn't want to read it, not after their last meeting. Even now, shewas appalled that he had had the scruples to grab her- Winifred took a deep breath. And then another, picking up the letter. It was….
An apology?
Lady Darcy…
I am terrible sorry for my behavior the past day. I must say you are quite fetching, and I was hardly in my right mind. I am ashamed of my actions towards you and would like to pay penace. A dinner?
(oh damn)
This time, there was an annoyed grunt, a shuffling that lasted a few minutes– Marcus didn't dare to imagine what was happening– and then footsteps approached the door. He drew himself up, shoulders tense, mind reeling as he tried to figure out a suitable excuse for why he was interrupting his uncle's twisted fun.
The door swung open, and Luc's steely eyes clashed with his. Marcus's insides withered, heart seizing up in terror, but he managed to appear cool and collected. "You'd better have an excellent excuse for interrupting," Luc snarled, fists clenched. Marcus faltered. Then, over his uncle's shoulder, he caught sight of blonde hair. Angeline. The thought spurred him on.
"I believe," Marcus started, voice cool and sinuous, "that you are toying with my bedservant, uncle."
(Brb, dinner)
(kk)
(Back)
Winifred shook her head. At least he apologized… But she doubted she would accept his invitation. She just couldn't allow that situation to occur again. "Fool me twice…. Shame on me." She muttered as she placed the letter back in the envelope and stood. She checked her pocket watch. She had just enough time to start her letter.
(hiya)
Luc's cold gaze caught fire. "I beg your pardon?", he hissed, taking an intimidating step closer to Marcus. Marcus didn't back down. "Angeline is my bedservant. She has been in my room for multiple days now," he replied, voice unwavering and confident. There was a fire in his eyes too, one that blazed hotter than his uncle's. Let him try hurt Angeline. He would never get away with it.
Luc ground his teeth. "I was unaware of this," he growled, fingers tightening on the edge of the door. Marcus was nauseated to see that they were flecked with blood. This only served to further fan the flames of his anger.
That's when a trembling voice sounded from inside the room. Angeline. "My lord, I tried explaining to you.." Marcus smirked triumphantly. "You see? I would like to have her back now, if you don't mind."
Luc was tense from head to toe. After a long stretch of silence, he finally replied, barely containing his rage. "Go in and take her." A glob of spit landed on Marcus's cheek, which he wiped off with a gloved hand, giving his uncle a level stare and slipping into the room, closing his eyes so as not to further harm Angeline. There was a shuffling sound– Angeline slipping back into her serving dress– and he re-opened them.
Winifred was on her way toward her room, letters in hand. She stopped. Perhaps I can see him now… she thought as she looked at Lord Crenshaw's letter. Before he begins to inquire of me, himself. she turned to search for a servant or maid. Once she found one - a young man, mid 20s- she approached him. "Excuse me, could you relay a message for me to Lord Crenshaw?" She asked. The man nodded, "Of course my Lady. What shall I tell him?"
She handed him Lord Crenshaw's letter, "Just that I would like to meet with you to discuss his…. Proposal…". The young man nodded, a smile on his lips. Winifred smiled as well, "Thank you.." Sje curtsied and turned away.
Marcus drew Angeline to him, slipping an arm around her waist and leading her past his uncle and out of the room, keeping his expressing casual. As soon as they were out of sight and earshot, she relaxed against him, and he turned around to wrap her up in a tight hug. “OhmygodAngeline—“ The words tumbled out of his mouth. She seemed surprised at first, but then squeezed him back. “Thank— thank you. So much.” Her voice quaked.
“He is going to pay,” Marcus promised, pulling her back and searching her body for any wounds. He saw none not concealed under clothing. “What did that bastard do to you??”
Winifred went to her room as the butler went upstairs. He went passed Lord Marcus, he didn't address him. He wasn't suppose to. His gaze stayed ahead and he came to Lord Crenshaw's chambers. The man was certainly immodest at most, being caught in any and all states of lewdness. The butler took a breath and knocked on the door. "Lord Crenshaw? A message for you."
Angeline shook her head. “Let’s go to your room,” she said quietly. Marcus was deeply concerned about how broken she sounded. He hesitated briefly, but nodded. Leading her gently back to his room, he shut the door firmly behind them.
(Gtg for tonight)
Winifred heard Marcus enter, but steps followed his. Softer steps… He wasn't alone. She cringed, shaking her head. She hadn't expected him to take her advice but she would by no means barge in and stop him. She turned back to her letter.
(Nighto)
Marcus looked the door, turning back to Angeline. “What did that bastard do to you??”, he repeated his question, voice trembling with rage. He took her by the shoulders, hugging her again. After a few seconds, her shoulders began to shake. He could feel her tears soaking his chemise. “He— oh god, Marcus—“
“Shh..” Marcus rubbed her back soothingly. “I will make him pay— I swear it. Did he—“ He swallowed. “Is there any chance you’re pregnant?” Angeline only cried harder.
(Dang, Angeline….)
Winifred set her quill down and took off her reading glassed as sorrow filled her eyes with tears. She had heard every word. That poor maid….she had been- Winifred cleared throat and fought those tears back. This is not the time for tears, she told herself as she stood. She crossed the room to the door that connected their rooms and knocked.
"Lord Marcus." she called. "It's okay if your upset with me later, but please, let me check your friend."
(Sorry I’m a dark person)
Both Marcus and Angeline froze, his arms tightening protectively around her. She trembled as he held her, and for a few seconds they held a silent conversation. Angeline seemed to feel safer that the doctor was a woman, and Marcus reassured her that Winnifred was trustworthy. After a long stretch of silence, he spoke. “Come in.”
((Hey, it's the ugly truth of things sometimes…))
Winifred nodded, though they couldn't see her. Grabbing her bag of medical instruments before she opened the door, She said a silent prayer. hoping things went okay. She opened the door slowly and stepped in. "Hello." She greeted Angeline. "My name is Doctor Winifred Darcy. I heard what happened and I'm sorry. I understand the things you are going and I know that last thing you want is to be touched, but it is imperative that we make sure all is well, or find what is wrong." She explained to Angeline. Winifred knew the feelings she was experiencing right now all too well. She'd help anyway she could.
(Unfortunately)
Marcus kept a hand on Angeline’s shoulder, silently reassuring her. She nodded meekly. “Thank you, Doctor.” Her voice quaked. Marcus led her gently to the sofa. As soon as she sat down, her shoulders stiffened with pain. He had to focus on keeping his eyes on her face, though it was difficult not to notice the bloodstain spreading across her skirt. Marcus shot a look at Winnifred, eyes begging her to help. “My uncle will not find out about this,” he reassured Angeline, trying to distract her from the pain, though the comment was mostly aimed at Winnifred as a warning.
Winifred gave a nod to Marcus. She knew what would happen to the made should the lord find she could do no work since she was pregnant. She took mental note of the blood that stained the girl's skirt. She turned to her bag, rolled up her sleeves, and fished for her gloves. "I notice you are bleeding, miss. I assume it is coming from you vaginal area, are you feeling any pain? If so, how much on a scale of 1 to 10."
Marcus backed away, sitting on the edge of his bed with his back turned as to give them privacy. His heart thumped painfully in his chest, his blood rushes in his ears. I need to stop planning and start doing. He is going to die.
Angeline flinched back instinctively. Her soft hazel eyes were hardened by fear and pain. “Ten,” she choked out, hands gripping the edge of the sofa.
Winifred nodded. "Okay, I need you to get out of those clothes. I will get you something to put on." She slipped her gloves on. "Marcus, help her til she doesn't need anymore help and then get me two bowls of hot water and two clothes." Winifred instructed, a hard and steady look in those dark brown eyes. It was the mindset she put herself in when helping patients. This urge to do anything and everything she could to help came to the surface and everything else was second nature. She moved into her room once more and gathered a soft slip for the girl to put on.
Marcus nodded, coming over to Angeline. “When you want me to stop, tell me. I won’t look,” he promised gently, helping her unbotton the back of her uniform. Angeline nodded, while bldy right with pain. He helped her out of the top layer; she seemed to stiffen every time she had to move her legs. Making sure to keep his gaze on her face, Marcus stepped and turned away.
He filled two bowls with warm water as Winnifred had instructed, grabbing two cloths and bringing them back to her.
Winifred returned and helped Angeline into the slip. "Now, I have an assumption of what has happened, but I need to view your opening." Winifred tried to put this lightly in Marcus's presence but she had to be frank with the girl. "There might be a small tear in your vaginal wall. It can easily be fixed I assure you."