Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
* * *
But today, I visited my mother…
* * *
Yes, my mother is alive despite what my father may have said and she is housed in Bedlam. My mind has been dark with the stain of this for a long time but I was unable to make any decision about it, until my father passed away. The sisters there convinced me that a change of environment would be to her detriment and so I have let her stay in that place, only visiting her from time to time.
* * *
She does not know me.
* * *
But now I am thinking that she might be better off with me, somewhere quiet and peaceful, with fresh air and warmth and space. I have spoken to the nurse about it and she assures me that my mother poses no danger to herself.
* * *
If I am to do this, however, then I cannot afford to lose any more properties.
* * *
What should I do?
* * *
I ask you this even knowing I must decide on my own and you cannot help me. It pleases me, however, to know that I can ask, and that you are listening. For the first time in my life, I do not feel alone. I want to thank you for this gift. I think I know what I must do but…it is so different from my plans that my stubborn mind is unable to let those go.
* * *
I hope to see you soon.
* * *
My very best regards,
* * *
Arthur, Duke of Hampton.
* * *
Janice read the letter through again before sinking into the grass with a sigh. Emily looked over at her curiously. “Bad news?”
* * *
Janice smiled. “Not as such. It’s just…heavy. He is going through some troubles and my heart aches for him.”
* * *
Emily came to sit at her side, squeezing her hand. “Well, he has you. And he also has us. So whatever he needs, we will help.”
* * *
Janice put her head on Emily’s shoulder. “I know. I hope he does too.”
* * *
Emily rubbed her back. “I’m sure he does.”
He went to the cemetery in the late evening, as twilight was falling. He felt it the best time to commune with his father – the gathering gloom of nightfall was synonymous with the late duke’s spirit in Arthur’s eyes. He was dressed all in black, including a black woolen coat, his dark hat pulled low over his eyes. He carried a black umbrella that protected him from the rain that was pattering steadily down.
* * *
He walked to the family mausoleum and came to a stop, staring at his father’s name on his gravestone. He didn’t say anything for a long time, just looked, breathing hard and remembering.
* * *
He dropped his head and pursed his lips. “I don’t know why I came here. To remember? I remember everything you ever did to me, you old man. Every whiplash, every slap and kick and imprisonment in the cold dank filthy-smelling basement. Every day, when I wake up, my heart jumps with fear before it slows back down as I remember you cannot hurt me anymore…”
* * *
He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and looked up, letting the rain fall on his face. He opened his eyes wide in realization, and looked back at his father’s name, emblazoned in large letters on the cold stone. “You can’t hurt me anymore.” He repeated. “And I should stop hurting myself on your behalf.”
* * *
He paused, swallowing the lump that had formed in his throat. “I’m taking mother home. I shall take care of her and give her the life she deserved. I shall be happy. Do you hear me, father? Happy.” He smiled cynically. “Do you know that word? Do you know what it means? I doubt it. But I do.” He pointed at his chest. “I do.”
* * *
He looked around, blinking the moisture from his eyes. “I do. And I won’t let you take that from me too.”
* * *
He continued to stare at his father’s grave for some time but nothing happened. With a shaky breath, he turned and left.
* * *
Goodbye father. I hope you’re burning in hell.
* * *
He spat on the ground as he headed back to his carriage. He had some work to do, a home to prepare. If he was to bring his mother home, she had to have somewhere to stay. For now, that place would be Avebury manor.
* * *
“I shall remove every reminder of his presence, mother. Never fear. It will be a beautiful home by the time you arrive.”
* * *
He quickened his footsteps, energized by his purpose and excited that soon, he would see Janice again.
* * *
“I shall ask her for her hand. It is what she deserves.” He nodded decisively as he climbed into his carriage. “To White’s,” He called to the coachman. Tomorrow he’d have to rush home to make preparations for his mother’s return. Tonight, he would celebrate with a whisky and a wonderful steak.