Henrietta heard him walk away. She stood there, weeping for what seemed like an eternity. She knew that she had only just met him but, there was something so magical about him. She did not think that her betrothal would happen so swiftly. Still, she is 18, well past marrying age. She supposed that her father thought that it had been long enough.

Emma walked to her. "Henrietta, dear friend. What is vexing you so?" Her friend placed her arms on Henrietta's shoulders.

"Emma, I have been betrothed to Lord Calvin." Emma looked at Henrietta. She wiped away Henrietta's tears and offered a smile. "I did not know! I did not know until this morning!" Henrietta cried, her voice cracking. Emma embraced her.

"Hush, lovely. Hush." Emma patted her gently. "It is such a beautiful day, your father's coronation..." Emma's voice trailed off. She was only trying to make things better for her friend. Lord Calvin, though handsome, was not the nicest man. Emma looked Henrietta up and down. "You're in your most lovely dress, my love. Come," Emma wrapped her arm around Henrietta's. "I will accompany you today."

Henrietta wiped her tears away again. "Whatever shall I do Emma? Short of a war or an accident at sea, I cannot get out of this."

"Henrietta, do not concern yourself so much on this topic. There is not much that we can do." Emma hugged her again and they walked towards the men folk.

"Perhaps some other day, James. Today is an important day. There is much to be planned for the wedding," Calvin said. "Do not speak of such drowsy matters as your dead wife," he said coldly. "The women folk are coming over and I do not wish you to depress my bride to be and her...friend." Calvin said that with some kind of emphasis that made Richard frown. Richard stepped next to Calvin and watched the man's face. He stared intently at Emma.

Richard gave a soft bow at Emma and his sister. "Good ladies, perhaps we should find seats? Lady Emma?" Richard offered his arm to her. Calvin watched Emma as Richard walked away with her and then offered his arm to Henrietta. "My beautiful fiancee. Have you been crying? Is the latest fashion not to your liking?" He asked. Henrietta did not take Calvin's arm. She kept her hands latched together in front of her.

"Perhaps, Lord Calvin but, do not concern yourself with my trifles." She stopped and brushed her skirt again, and looked up at James, her eyes pleading for something. Calvin seemed to not notice. He gruffly gripped her arm and forced her to wrap it around his, dragging her forward and away from James to take their seats.

(( Thanks! It's because I am not used to having a good RP partner like yourself! And not a problem. I am shopping for laptops. HP would be a bit cheaper but a Dell would look neater. I can't figure it out.

I am working towards darkening the tone here. Is it working? I am not making Calvin out to be a very nice man, and eventually, we will see that her father isn't either. What are you thinking for James's first play thing? ))

James gazed at the women as they came over. The rage was building stronger. His hands began to shake. He gave Calvin a harsh glare when he spoke of his Clarissa in such a tone "Calvin..." He said, his voice raging, "Surely, If anyone is depressing your bride to be, it is you." He almost snarled. His mind flashed with Calvin dead in the street.

Edmond cleared his throat and pretended to wonder off to meet someone. They all knew there was no one to meet. Once Richard and Emma had walked off, his whole body was shaking. He felt like hitting Calvin. Again. It calmed him slightly that Henrietta rejected his hand. But when Calvin forcefully grabbed her, he became so enraged that he ran over to Calvin and placed an arm on his shoulder.

Calvin stopped dead in his tracks. In a cold and threatening tone he spoke; "James. remove your hand from my shoulder. I am trying to escort my dear fiancee to a seat." James grinned. He knew he was stronger. He squeezed Calvin's shoulder to the point he could feel him writhe in pain. He enjoyed it far too much.

"Dear friend;" He said, snarling and squeezing harder every second, "This fine lady rejected your arm. If you cared for your fiancee as a good husband should, you would allow her to walk independently and you would work harder to find what this poor, amazing woman was fretting over."

In a split second Calvin had pushed Henrietta away, broken free of James' grip, and tried to punch James. He easily dodged this, grabbed Calvin's fist and twisted his wrist. "Sir, I was simply warning you. But you have offended me and this beautiful woman now, and I will not hold back any longer." He snapped Calvin's wrist with ease. He almost smiled at the screams of horror and pain. Then threw Calvin to the ground harshly.

Edmond, Richard, and a few other men ran to Calvin's aid. A woman had fainted. Everyone was giving James looks of horror and shock. He bluntly ignored them to turn to Henrietta. "Dear girl, are you hurt?" He extended a hand. His face only showed honest concern for the woman.

He heard a man near Calvin yell "My...my God! Its broken!" He had no concern for that. His family's statue would surely smooth this over. Once he got her hand, he pulled her up to her feet and in to his arms, embracing her tightly. He almost wanted to cry. He then let go of her quickly and placed his hands gently on her shoulders, "Sweet woman, I will return to you after my apology. I must know if that man hurt you, and what ailed you to tears." He let go of her and walked to the front of the crowd.

The women were fanning themselves. The men were scowling at him, or comforting the women. He put his hands up and called out "Everyone!" The crowd looked up at him as a whole. He glanced around the faces. He stopped when he reached Calvin's. It was full of shock, tears were streaming down it, and, for a second, their eyes met. James could feel the hate emanating towards him. He basked in it before speaking.

"I am so sorry, dear friends and neighbors, that you all had to witness that. I am so sorry, Sir Edmond, for causing such a commotion at your inauguration, and with your daughter's fiancee, nonetheless. Dear guests, I humbly apologize, but I simply could not stand idly by and watch as that...thing" The shot a hateful glance at Calvin, of which everyone was aware, "mistreated such a woman in such a way." He paused, looking at the beautiful and confused Henrietta, God, He thought, She enchants me even in confusion and pain..such a marvelous woman "Now, dear folks, I am not asking for forgiveness, I fully accept any punishment Sir Kent and Sir Allenson see fit. I acknowledge that I deserve any comments you have for me, and any punishment, no matter how harsh it be, that I will surely receive. Alas, being the gentleman I am, I will not let a man, or anyone, go unpunished after mistreating a woman. And certainly, if you did not see, you can take my word, That man was hurting the lovely Henrietta Allenson."

He felt the crowd gasp. He knew their opinions would change of Calvin for this. He also knew they would either think very highly or very lowly of him now. He was hoping for the best, for a lowly man would have no chance with the wonderful Henrietta.

(( I'm not sure if they're still having it, but I got a very good deal on a dell. I also don't know what type of laptop you need and if they're having sales on all of them ^^;; I think its working well, I hope the violence wasn't too overplayed XD Perhaps Edmond could give him a really harsh punishment to show that hes not very nice, either?
I was tittering between Calvin and the bobby that found the body, but I think it would be a little soon to kill off Calvin. ))

Henrietta fell to the ground and watched as the scene played before her. Her heart began to pound in her chest. In a split second, the entire ambiance of the area had changed from one of respectful gratitude, to one of fearful, nearly zealous hate. She wanted to look away but, her eyes were glued. She heard the loud crack as Calvin's wrist broke.

Harry covered his face, wiped some sweat away and looked to Edmon. "I am sorry sir. It is your problem now." Edmond was confused for a second. He had not thought that such a deed would occur here, now. It seemed now that whatever was thought of him, this needed to be dealt with swiftly, and harshly. Edmond did not want to seem as one lenient to such affects. He motioned for two bobbies to cuff the man.

Henrietta saw James' eyes. Her face stayed unblinking and pale. As James addressed the crowd, Henrietta saw the confusion and pain on Calvin's face. Emma rushed to Henrietta's side, helping her up.

The bobbies braced themselves for action and moved in slow. When they realized that James would put up no fight, some of the spring in their step was lost. They seemed disappointed. The cuffed James and brought him into the precinct, locking him into a far cell in the corner while the crowd mumbled, recovered, and returned to their seats. Calvin was ushered to the local physician's.

Henrietta walked back to the inauguration with Emma and watched as Emma resumed her seat next to Richard. The ceremony continued with speeches from the local justices and long time bobbies of the force. Henrietta did not stay long. She inched her way backward until she was safely far from the crowd to begin walking briskly to the precinct building. She walked to the front door where she saw far too many people to walk in without suspicion. Scooting along to the side of the building, a man was exiting a side door. She lifted her skirts and ran a bit, catching the door with her foot.

Once inside, she did not have a problem finding where the cells were. She grabbed the key that opened the door of the jailed area and walked in. She saw James in the far cell and ran to him. "Lord! What ever was on your mind?!" she seemed to shout and whisper at the same time. She put a gloved hand into the cell through the bars, touching his face. "Lord Calvin will never let me out of his sight! And my father may not ever wish to see you again!"

James grinned as the bobbies handcuffed him. Everyone noticed. The crowd became uncomfortable. No one else was in the cells. Just how he had hoped. He almost laughed. He quickly picked the lock of his handcuffs and let them drop to the ground. He kicked them under the worn down smelly cot and leaned against a wall.

He heard someone in heels approach and immediately put his hands behind his back and stood up straight. He smiled big when he saw Henrietta. "Henrietta! Are you hurt? What was making your beautiful face be stained by tears?!" He moved up to the bars.

His heart raced when she touched his face. "Dear girl, I care not about Calvin or your father! He was hurting you! I simply could not stand by and let him!" He pulled his hands out from behind his back, smiling big. He gently put his hand on hers and stared into her eyes.

"Dear Henrietta...run away with me! Let us escape the cruel dictators of your life in this city!"

((Hummm...gonna have to think on this one. I might not be able to post tonight because I am babysitting. I am not sure though, to be honest. I may be able to))

((Thats fine ^-^ I'll be here ))

Henrietta looked at him. She bit her lip. "What of your sentence? Father will not look kindly on this! My fiancee and on his inauguration?!" The idea of running away with him seemed fantastic, and frightening. She wondered how it had come to this. It was less than a day ago that she met the man and yet, they were infatuated with one another.

She placed her gloved hand on his. "Do not worry of what ails me. All is well now, you are here." She smiled.

There time was cut short when Henrietta heard foot steps approaching. She snapped out of her daze. "Give me time to think on it?" She said pleadingly. "Stay here. Do not do anything that may earn you the noose." She stood on her tip toes and kissed his forehead through the bars. "I will do what I can to make sure Father does not lock you away forever." She backed away from him with a look of longing in her eye. Slowly, she walked back down the way she came and before she was out of eye shot of him, she blew him a kiss.

Henrietta returned to the inauguration. No one seemed to have noticed her absence.

He grinned big. He wondered if she was aware of his bloodline. "Dear girl, my family is one of the highest in the country. Putting me to death would be suicide. I'll be out before the ceremony ends."

He closed his eyes as she kissed his forehead and enjoyed the warm touch of her lips. He suddenly imagined the deaf wife he never had. He thought of what she would look like. He wrapped his hand around the bar and learned his head against another, catching her kiss and smiling blissfully at her.

As the steps got closer, he put his hands behind his back again. He closed his eyes, imagining his fake wife. She would have soft red hair..It would be long but she would keep pulled back. She would be thin. Too thin. Very petite. She would always wear a dress, even to sleep in, and completely ignore the men who figured she should hold her tongue and keep her thoughts to herself. He smiled softly. And she would be nothing compared to Henrietta.

The steps got closer. It was a bobby. James quickly slipped his handcuffs back on and stood awkwardly and uncomfortably. "oi!" The bobby yelled. James looked up from the ground. "Yes?" The bobby grinned; "The new sheriff has decided to let you go, sir." James grinned back. "Yeah, the new sheriff." The bobby unlocked the door and took James' handcuffs off. "Thank you, friend." The bobby nodded and wondered off, back to the ceremony, James assumed.

He made his way out the back door and wondered silently around the shadows until he found a place from which he could watch the ceremony. He saw Henrietta and smiled, feeling his cheeks flush. He wanted so badly to take her away.

((Gonna skip forward a tiny bit here. Posting now))

Henrietta stood quietly at the back of the ceremony, politely listening to all those that came to the podium to speak. Any time she had to hide a yawn, she took her fan off of the loop string she wore on her thin belt and fanned herself. She did not see James lurking in the shadows. Before she knew it, the ceremony was over. People were leaving their seats with smiles on their faces. They seemed to have forgotten the events of earlier.

As everyone left, Henrietta followed her father at a safe pace into the building. She stood at the front counter while her father did some such strangeness that she could not make out, in his new office. He walked out and spoke to one of the bobbies. "I'll be in first thing tomorrow morning. You'll fetch me if there are any important matters?" The bobby looked at him perplexed thinking "Did Lord Kent not tell him of the body?" He decided to not ask, for fear of being reprimanded. "Fine then," Edmond said. Edmond walked out, Henrietta followed a few paces behind. The bobby sighed. With Stevens a blithering fool after seeing the corpse, there would just be him and another man taking turns patrolling the blocks. It was going to be a long night.

Henrietta and Edmond walked to the two carriages. Her mother and brother seemed to have some unknown understanding with her father. To her, it looked as if they were all having a conversation amongst themselves but weren't actually speaking. After what seemed like forever spent in silence, Alma and Richard got into a coach together and the coach marched forward. Edmond entered the remaining coach and Henrietta dutifully, yet apprehensively followed him into it.

"Home, Pennister." His voice sounded cold. He removed his gloves, folded them neatly, and carefully stuck them into his coat. "My dear. Would you care to tell me what the earlier incident was pertaining to?" He frowned ever so slightly.

Chills went down Henrietta's spine. His tone told her that this conversation was not going to end in anything that was meant to favor her. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could say anything, Edmond's hand struck her cheek. With his other hand he grabbed her by the arm. She winced, tears welled in her eyes. "You are never to embarrass me like that again. If I ever even hear that that fool of a lover of yours has stepped onto the property, I will have him killed, regardless of consequence." He shoved her back into her seat.

James sat patiently, watching everyone and everything, hoping no one saw him. He saw Henrietta get into a coach with her father. He knew this would not end well. Once everyone had left, he, too, made his way home. He was greeted by two giant dogs barking at him and jumping on him. The image of his fake wife came to mind. She would be waiting to greet me. She would be worried. She would have a cold dinner waiting.

He greeted Oliver and Theodore with hugs and petting, then went to his room and sighed. He fell onto the bed, loosening his tie and ripping his jacket off. He hated her father, and he loved her. What am I to do...He'll never approve...and she'll never run away... He closed his eyes. Tomorrow would be bad.

He woke up early and changed suits immediately, combed his hair, and rushed to the clinic where Calvin was staying. He easily found his room. He brought flowers. "Calvin. Dear Calvin. I came in peace. I offer my apologies, though they won't help your wrist." He smiled sweetly, putting the flowers in a vase he had also brought.

He leaned in close and spoke coldly "Calvin. You will renounce your engagement to that dear girl. You will find another woman to abuse and control. I saw how you looked at her friend. Engage with her. You leave Henrietta alone. Do you understand?" He was ice cold. He had brought a knife and was gripping it, hard. Calvin was sweating heavily and he could tell. "You know who I am and what I am capable of. If you thought yesterday was bad you should just see next Friday if you are still engaged with..." He melted "her..."

James became cold again "Calvin." He pulled the knife out swiftly and held it to his throat. "You will call of the engagement. You will leave the family alone. You will tell them it was provoked. You will apologize for the commotion. You will beg them to forgive me. You will leave Henrietta alone." He took the knife away and hid it back behind his coat, stood up and smiled. "Dear Calvin, please get better soon!" He bowed to the man and swiftly walked out, smiling charmingly at the woman on his way out.

((:glomp: That gave me the chills. Maybe it is because I have been watching anime all day and my imagination is rampant.))

Calvin sat, frozen in a cold sweat for almost an hour. To go against the Alexander family would not only be social suicide, it could mean forfeiting my life for whatever better cause the Alexander's have. He thought back on the times he had with James. It was because of James and Calvin was so well off. The Alexander's permitted him the opportunity for a business take over shortly after graduation. He could hear Madame Alexander's words in his head "The day will come when we will ask a favor in return." Could this be that favor? Was that mysterious old woman still alive?

A nurse stepped into his room which grabbed his attention. "Lord, the physician says you may go. He only stated that you must remain in your sling for the next two months and then come in for a visit." Calvin shot from his bed and grabbed his belongings. "Remember, you must not get it wet, if you do, you must return to us immediately." He ran out of the room without even putting his shoes on.

Outside, his coach awaited him. He stormed in. "To Allenson Hall and you better make it fast. Your life could depend on this." The horse grunted and ran off with the coach in tow.

***
***

Henrietta waited until her father was out of the coach to begin crying. When Mr. Pennister came to assist her out, she quietly shut the door and closed the curtain. This has not been a good day. Engaged to a monster, daughter to an evil man and now I shall never see Lord Alexander again!

Henrietta saw the previous night's events in her mind. The way he took her hand so gently. She knew then though that he was only doing it to be polite. It was not until after their dance that they had begun to talk. She had reached for the same flower out side in the garden. Their hands met. Henrietta remembered the spark she felt then. There was a mysterious magic about him...

She wiped her tears away and gently stepped out of the coach. She walked over to a bench in the front garden and sat there, trying to enjoy the late afternoon.

A few minutes passed and she saw a coach approaching at a full run. It sped up the drive-way and came to a hard stop behind hers. Lord Calvin burst out of it, dressed in his underclothes. Henrietta frowned and watched him pound on the front door of the hall.

***
***

When the chamber maid answerd the door, Calvin shoved her out of the way. "Edmond! Edmond! Quickly! We must have words!" He marched forward into the drawing room where he saw Edmond lighting his pipe.

The old man rose. "What is the meaning of this?"

"I cannot marry your daughter!"

Edmond was aghast. "What do you mean? Just earlier today all was well!" This did not make him happy. He meant to get his daughter out of the house within the next month. His peers were already starting to ridicule him for her having been unmarried for so long.

"Listen to me, Edmond." Calvin wiped nervous sweat from his forehead. "I cannot wed Henrietta. That entire scene today was by my provocation and for that, I apologize. I will be leaving town before the day is through."

"What has gotten into you, man? What has you so nervous? You are not yourself!"

"Understand me well, Edmond. James Alexander is not a man to be trifled with. Tread carefully there! You must forgive him for what he has done, clear all charges and leave the man be! I must go." He began to walk away.

"Lord Calvin! Assemble your nerves man!" Edmond walked after him, grabbing his shoulder. "Are you to tell me that I am just to ignore him? The man that assaulted you?"

"Yes."

"I've no reason to, sir! That man is no good!"

"That man is the only son of Cumulo Hall, you dolt! You know as well as I do the implications here!"

"And for such alleged deeds you are leaving London?! Cumulo Hall is a myth!"

Calvin's eyes grew wide. He looked around as if they were being watched. "You bite your tongue, old man! They could be watching!"

Edmon simply blinked and frowned in response.

Calvin left.

Henrietta approached the front door. Calvin came out of it. He was as pale as a sheet. He looked to her. There was fear in his eyes. "I apologize for any mistreatment or harm that has come to you under me." He looked down at the stone, walked away and got into the coach. It sped off as fast as the horse would carry it.

Henrietta watched the coach as it disappeared. Soon after, she went to the drawing room where she saw her father. She tried to remember if she had ever seen him with a face so red.

Silence.

He looked to her and before she could register what was happening, his heavy footsteps were upon her and he had her by the neck, against the wall. "What have you done, trollop?" His voice was cold and empty. Henrietta could not feel the floor.

"You will tell me what you did to bring this upon this house!" His face was inches from hers. She choked and gasped for air, her feet still searching for the floor.

"Calvin is leaving town because of the scene you caused!" Her eyelids were heavy now, she was not able to keep them open.

"You shall not see that Alexander man again, even if it means my death." Her body went limp and Edmond released her. She fell to the floor, unconscious.

He stormed up stairs, the door slammed.

(( bahahaha XD Thanks. I thought a twist would be nice. I really like your post too. ))

James had a man watching the clinic. When he learned the news of Calvin's hasty leave, he grinned, knowing what he had accomplished. He invited the man for tea, and they enjoyed some tea and biscuits with jam. Shortly after the man departed, and James took his dogs for a walk.

***
***

A servant followed Edmond "Sir, I advise against speaking such ways about Lord Alexander." The servant almost smiled, picking up a fire poker and putting it in the fire so it became hot. "Before you speak, don't. I also advise against treating your daughter in such a way. Why? Because Cumulo Hall is no myth, sir. Yes, addressing you in such a way, being a servant, is in no way proper and you may treat me as poorly as your daughter once I finish, but, sir, am I really a servant?"

The man grinned, walking closer to Edmond with the hot poker low to the ground, embers falling off it. "You know, Cumulo Hall has eyes everywhere. In fact, your very own staff could be working for them. And if Lord Alexander was to hear of your mistreatment of your daughter..." The man chuckled, raising the poker, "This will seem pleasant compared to what he would do.." He hit Edmond in the face as hard as he could with the hot poker. The man was in very good shape, he was in charge of the more psychically demanding chores. Edmond hit the ground hard, blood oozing out of his ears and mouth. He was unconscious. The servant kicked him, probably breaking some ribs, and walked out of the room, setting the poker by the fireplace as he left.

Edmond's ears were ringing. He wiped the blood from his mouth and held his ribs. Alma's steps hurriedly came into the room. SHe looked to her unconcious daughter and her husband lying prone, on the floor. There was a look of shock on her face.

With deep breaths, Edmond spoke. "Call the physician. Get Pennister to take Henrietta to her room."

Alma left the room without speaking a word. She sent a messenger to call for the doctor and hurried to the servant's quarters. "Pennister. You'll find Henrietta on the floor in the drawing room. Take her to her room, barricade the door until Mr. Allenson speaks to you." She marched outside. The sound of her heels pounded against the walls and caused a slight echo.

She caught up with Mr. Gregor, the strongest of their servants. "Do you have something you need to tell me, Gregor?"

((This one is short. I don't know what you want to do with Calvin? He has not left yet. I* am glad you liked my post. I was thinking it might have been intimidating!))

((Hmm. Maybe Calvin and James can have a talk. Do you want to just cut him out now?))

Gregor looked accomplished. He smiled at Alma. "Dear woman, Edmond can tell you all you need to know." He swiftly walked out of the house and proceeded to a coach in the back, smiling to the driver. "You know where to go." The coach sped out of the property, on it's way to their real master's home.

***
***

James was just getting home from the dog walking as a coach pulled up. He smiled and welcomed the two men in, after it was safely parked. They sat and had another cup of tea as the man told James what he had done. "Very good, you have done very well. You changed the wording, but I like your version better." He smiled, setting his tea down and leaning back, looking over the two cowering men.

***
***

Gregor and Leon were both much stronger than James and they knew this. They also knew he had countless other men waiting around every corner, and could make them disappear with a single word. They sat shakily, sipping their tea to be polite, and speaking as respectfully as possible to James. Leon spoke up "M..master? What of my part..? There was speakings of me misleading the coach, no?" He felt his stomach flip just speaking to the man. The fear was overwhelming. Gregor shot him a look that told him he shouldn't have spoken.

***
***

James smiled softly at the men. "Yes, there were speakings, but the plans changed. You have done all that was asked of you, and for that I thank you both." He reached for his coin pouch and paid them each. "Men, please, relax, you are in no danger. You are amongst friends here." He smiled, knowing it would be no consolation.

((I am not sure. I can see him coming back into the story and dying a horrible die-die. For now, until we decide, I shall leave him as packing frantically. What were your thoughts?)

Alma's mouth shot down as the man walked away. Her delicate brow frowned. There was something going on within the bowels of Cumulo Hall. She briefly pondered sending a letter or, herself, down to the Cumulo Library to ask what was going on but, she knew she had no place to do so. She was, after all, just a woman and she knew that her husband was only just now being seen by the Alexanders.

Regardless in whether or not Edmon followed the ways of Cumulo, Alma did. More out of superstition than actual belief. For as long as she could remember, there always seemed to be strange comings and goings at the houses of all important persons in the country side where she was raised. She even recalled a time when her father took a guilty verdict after having a lengthy, vocal and later, physical altercation with a strange man sporting a well made hat. Her mother then had told her that the man her father fought with was a very important man but, she eavesdropped that night and learned of Cumulo.

The Alexanders and the Cumulo house had existed as far back as anyone's memory served. Whispers ran rampant that it was because of the Alexanders that the Queen's line lasted so long, that wars were fought, ignored or won. Still, Alma could never find any true documentation of the family. Not even in the college founded by the family. Everything was only ever hear-say. There was just always so much of the hear-say that Alma was afraid that if she did not believe, she may never be seen again.

Alma gently stepped back into her house. It had grown so cold in the last few years. Edmond was a changing man. She placed her hand on the grand stair banister and took a deep sigh. As a little girl, she never imagined being wed to a man she did not know, or even ever having feelings for him. After years though, time can do strange things to a woman. The thought of life without Edmond tugged at her heart strings. She had known for years now that she would forever stand stead fast behind his decisions.

Had he gone too far, though? Alma could not recall the last time she saw her daughter smile. She seemed happy the previous night. She knew that Henrietta had a certain fear of her father, as most other people did. Was Edmond using this fear to his advantage? Did she, Alma herself, have that same fear?

"I think yes, I do." She said to nothing. Her hand brushed the banister. Everything around her seemed so dark. "But, I do love the man so." She took a deep breath and straightened her posture. Her steps were slow, steady and stable. If the house was going to start to fall apart, she would hold it together. She would at least try.

From behind her, she heard the front door open and steps marched forward, urgently. It was the doctor. He looked at her, adjusted his lenses, and spoke. "Place him there, on the sofa." Alma did her best to lift her ailing husband. He did his best, too to help himself up. He plopped down on the sofa. Alma began to remove his shirt. As she lifted it, she saw that his ribs were as purple as fresh meat.

"Not a good day to ring in your first day of office, eh, sir?" The doctor said. He produced a bottle of laundnum and dripped a few drops into the man's mouth as he prepared his bandages.

(( I thought a good way to kill a more vital character would be for them to walk in to James murdering Calvin, so then James kills them. how does that sound? I don't think just cutting him out would be kind of dull ))

After the men left, James retired to his room. Oliver and Theodore jumped to his large bed while he undressed. One of his cats, Albert, also jumped on the bed, purring and rubbing against Theodore. He smiled at them. So pure...no handcuffs...no hurting each other to assert social dominance...no wrist breaking...no abuse

The days dragged on. James suddenly felt bored and numb without Henrietta. It had been almost a week since the ceremony. He longed for her. Even killing wasn't as fun as she was. He could feel the pain in admitting this.

It was a Friday morning. Rain was pouring. He was laying in his room, enjoying the ceiling and his thoughts when there was a knock at the door. It was Calvin. He smiled and invited him in. Calvin had gone from being one of the most respected members of society to..this.

His hair was mangled and soaking wet, he was wearing dress pants and a flannel shirt. He was pale as a ghost, with giant purple bags under his eyes. James enjoyed this appearance. "Calvin, what has happened to you my friend?"

((I think I will let you play out the Calvin/James scene? I don't want to ruin your creative vision here. I am sure it will be something grand. Until then, the inner workings of a very grounded Henrietta and a very stubborn Father. Posting now.))

----------

Henrietta had been awake since dawn. She walked over to her vanity mirror again and examined the bruise on her neck. The crossed her arms on her desk and laid her head there, feeling the cold of the wood and listening to the rain outside. She wondered what Lord Alexander was doing and if he had forgotten about her. She wondered about Emma, Lord Calvin, and her father's work. She fell asleep at her mirror.

Startled by a knock at her door, she awoke. "What is it?" she said in a hoarse voice.

"It's me, Mizz." Pennister said. She heard the clink of keys and the thunking of the lock being thrown back. He quickly stepped in and placed a tray with a hot meal, and a glass of water on her dresser. "Breakfast."

Without getting out of her seat she spoke "Any word from Emma?" He shuffled over to her and placed an envelope on her desk. "Yes, Mizz." Pennister shuffled back to the door and on his way out he said "Lord Allenson has said you will only be in here until after the party next weekend. I'll come to you later to bring dinner." He closed the door and locked it on his way out.

Henrietta opened the letter and read it. Emma spoke of the goings on of society, the disappearance of Lord Calvin, the budding romance between her and Richard, and that she had not seen Lord Alexander since the ceremony, and that she was looking forward to the upcoming party at Allenson Hall. Henrietta dropped.

Henrietta went to her dresser, grabbing her food. She may not be allowed outside of her room but, they still made her decent meals and allowed her to bathe twice a day.

Downstairs, Edmond sat at the breakfast table with Alma and Richard. His bandages had been renewed earlier that day. The physician informed him that it would be wise to move as little as possible, so he did so.

"When shall we see Henrietta again, sir?" Alma spoke.

"Not until after the party." Edmond was a stubborn man. There were no laws against locking his daughter in her room. He still made sure that she was clean and well fed but, after the inauguration ceremony, he did not want any more trouble. He thought that as long as Alexander did not hear from Henrietta, he would assume that she was gone somewhere, perhaps married now, and they could put this whole sticky mess behind them. Not, of course, before Edmond actually married her off to some man far, far from here. Then, he could be back on the good side of the fabled Cumulo Hall family, as Alma had warned him of.

((I am tapped out for today! *phew* Tired.))

(( okie. sorry for the late reply ^^;; I will await your amazing writing skills! <3
Sorry for the short post as well, feeling a little uninspired and angry at the moment ))

Calvin shook as James put his arm around him. he looked a mess, and felt worse. He looked up at James in fear. He couldn't speak. James lead Calvin to sit down for tea, and poured him some. Because James had already had 3 cups in the past hour, he had no tea. He smiled as Calvin picked up the glass and shook so hard he spilled the tea. James took the glass from Calvin and set it down as he gave him a towel.

Calvin was still shaking and fearful. He quickly wiped the tea off his hands and arms. He spoke three words in their entire hour long visit; and they were his goodbye. "I did it." As soon as he finished speaking, he stood up abruptly, making James' chair fall back, rushed out the door and hurriedly climbed in his coach. It sped off as fast as it could, and James smiled and waved at the door for a few seconds, then went inside.

He gathered a few clothing items in an old suitcase and got dressed in a nice outfit with a very well made hat. He pet his dogs and let the servant in to look after them and rushed to his coach. "You know where to go." He spoke coldly to the driver. The driver nodded and they raced to the home of Henrietta and the rest. once there he made sure they stopped before getting into the driveway. He jumped out and ran among the shadows until he found Henrietta's window. He knew it was hers, through lots of research and servants. He climbed up to her window and knocked on it when he saw her picking up a tray of food. He called softly "Henrietta.."

Upon hearing the knock, Henrietta let out a small scream and dropped her tray. The food splattered on the floor. Henrietta looked to the window, seeing James' face.

"James!" She rushed to the window, opening it. She grabbed him by the wrist, braced herself against the wall and began to pull him in. "What are you doing here? Emma said that no one had seen hide nor hair of you since the inauguration!"

((Short post! THis will have been the first full conversation they have had so far))

He chuckled softly and tugged back, as to not get pulled into the room. "Dear girl, bringing me in will not solve anything. Someone will probably be coming up due to that scream and dropping your tray, and what will they find? A man your father hates climbing through your window? No no no, that won't do at all. You must come out."

He smiled and motioned to her dresser "Pack up some things, dear, I have a coach waiting." He looked down, then looked into her eyes "I must take my leave soon, with or without you, I would obviously choose to take you, but, because I am a gentleman, the decision is yours." He attempted a bow from the window and almost fell, then smiled softly at her, awaiting her response in agonizing suspense.

Her eyes grew large. "But...where will we go? Where is it you must be off to?" In a flash she went from happy to very, very confused. She recalled him asking her to run away with her but, she feared the worst. She had confronted the truth of the matter: she did not know the man well enough to run off with him.

Foot steps were hurrying down the hall to her. "I...I do not know, Lord." She looked around her room as if something in it would answer for her.

Henrietta shook her hand free and grabbed her favorite dress and hat, as she dragged out a small traveling case. She hurriedly placed her dress in it and then grabbed her under garments and a pair of stockings and shoes. The bolt unlocked and her mother burst through the door. They exchanged shocked glances.

Alma cast her glance to the window, seeing James there. No matter how I feel for Edmond, this will make her happy. "Go, she whispered. Go quickly."

Henrietta smiled, grabbing some of her favorite jewelry and hurriedly, another dress. A sewn brown plaid one. She closed the trunk and came to her mother, kissing her on the cheek. "Thank you, mother." She said softly.

"Yes, love, just go. You know I must tell your father. He will have guards set upon your trail within the day."

"I know." She nodded grimly.

"Go." There was a masculine grunt coming from downstairs. "Nothing, Edmond!" She shouted back at the sound. Alma rushed in, picking up the fallen food. "I will keep him away for as long as I can."

Henrietta came to the window with her case and nodded to James. "Let's go then."

He smiled softly "Dear girl, I'd have to have a death wish to stay around this home, knowing the man at the head of it hates me. No matter my social status or family ties. I have a second home, its very remote and hard to come by, in the countryside. No one would find us.." He melted at the thought.

James felt a rush of joy and ecstasy as he watched. He nodded with a giant smile on his face and took the luggage from her, hurriedly climbing down to the ground and setting it down"Do you require assistance?" He called as softly as he could back up to her, still in a bliss.

Henrietta looked at the downward climb, biting her lip and frowning. "Hurry! Before he comes up here and gets suspicious!"

Henrietta took a deep breath, gathered her skirts and placed them between her knees. She sat on the window sill and tossed her legs over. A delicate boot came down on the wall, grabbing on to the trellis. When one foot was secure, she put the other one down and brought herself down, descending downward at a surprisingly quick pace.

When she was four or five feet up, she left go, falling to the ground but landing on her feet. She grinned. "I used to climb trees with our stable boy when I was younger." She grabbed him by the hand. Looking over her shoulder, sew saw her mother smile in kind as they walked away. "Are you not afraid, Lord?"

He smiled, squeezing her hand a little and picking up her luggage. "Dear girl, you saw what I did to Calvin, that is child's play compared to what I am capable of." He grinned, thinking of his 'toys' as he led her to the coach.

Once they got there, he opened the door and helped her in, then got in next to her, setting her luggage on the floor. "Home, dear sir." He said with a smile, turning back to Henrietta "We must pick up my beloved pets."

Henrietta let out a sigh that was one of both relief and anxiety. She was now stepping into the great unknown. Even looking at him makes my heart flutter. Still, there is something strange about him. It frightens me. Is father right? Is he no good for me? She took out her fan and hid her face as she blushed. There is no way a man that makes me feel like this can be bad for me.

The carriage plodded on. Henrietta looked out the window from time to time on their ride to James' house but would look back to him and fan herself again. This may not be the right, or proper thing to do but, it feels right, she reasoned. Henrietta leaned her head on his shoulder for the rest of the ride.