Broken Legacy (Secret Lives Series) (21 page)

“I do not jest, Citizeness Ashwin.”

Miranda screamed and lunged at Citizen Gairden. Eloise stepped in front of her and grabbed her by her arms. Instantly, the children grasped tightly to their mother’s skirt.

“Don’t,” Eloise whispered in her ear. “Let them go if he
lets. For God’s sake, woman, you are their mother.”

Miranda jerked back from Eloise with hatred illuminating
from her eyes. “How dare you? I can’t let go of my children.”

The children cried and screamed loudly, but Gairden
immediately motioned for the guard to take the boy and the girl. Eloise watched in horror as the two were dragged out the chamber doors, not even allowed to say good-bye. She stood motionless alongside Gairden.

“May your soul rot in hell!” Miranda screeched. Her hands
gripped his arm.

“Now, now, Citizeness, is that the way to talk to someone
who pardoned your children’s lives?” He peeled her fingers from his jacket.

“Come now, Citizeness Ashwin,” he said solemnly, staring
intensely at Miranda. “I’m certain your husband will be pleased with what you accomplished today.”

Eloise nodded. On the tip of her tongue lay a plea for the
small boy standing in a state of confusion, wondering where his siblings were taken. He looked so sad, for his mother made no move toward him. But the plea would go unheeded today. She was no fool. The child was the comte’s.

Gairden
made no move without a reason. She walked swiftly beside him in an attempt to keep up to his pace, but glanced back at the young one still caught in the web of terror of the prison walls. His mother collapsed, crying sorrowfully.

No, tomorrow she would plead for their lives. Tomorrow she
would learn the price she would have to pay for their freedom. Today, today she would take the frightened and scared children back to their father, away from this dreadful place, far away.

* * * *

Now, more than ever, Eloise felt the walls closing in on her. She sat on the sofa with her eyes fixed on the man across from her. His confident pose scared her beyond measure. He sipped his wine and gestured for her to do the same.

“Do enjoy
the wine, Citizeness. It is the best in Paris, I assure you.” Giarden sat sideways, studying her expression.

“I do not
doubt you,” she said, desperately trying to regain a semblance of control. Her mind swirled with the events of the day. Try as she might, she had yet to come to some solution to the dilemma that she now faced. She knew only one thing for certain. Gairden was a dangerous man, not only to herself but to everyone around her.

“Ah, then
should I take offense that it is the company you keep that makes you uncomfortable? And after all the pains I have taken to ensure your well-being, as well as the children’s.”

“No, Citizen
Gairden. These accommodations have been more than acceptable.” Her eyes glanced to the bedroom door.

The
children’s immediate needs had been met, a far cry from the care they had received over the last few months. Bathed and fed, they slept in clean clothing and bedding. Shy and withdrawn, neither said much, nor did they question where they were or when their father would appear. Eloise was certain the children held their fears deep within…for their mother, their brother…themselves. She herself held many…wondering if perchance the children had exchanged one prison for another, but at the moment she told herself they were safe.

Gairden
had brought the children to a house not far from the prison, a brick building that sat back behind a high wall guarded by ill-dressed soldiers, seeming more of a fortress than a home. Eloise assumed it was some sort of official building of the new government. She did not ask and Gairden did not offer the information.

The
children huddled close to each other, confused and scared, walking into the once grand foyer. Eloise walked behind the children, along the corridor and into a large suite. Surprisingly, the room held elegance within it that Eloise had not seen since the Revolution began in France. A gilded mirror graced the wall alongside paintings of the French landscape. Velvet covered high back chairs with matching sofas sat upon a thick plush rug. She noticed a fruit basket on top of a mahogany table. The children hesitated only until Gairden gestured for them to eat to their hearts content.

“Within
those doors, you will find baths for the children and clean clothing. Afterwards, a hot meal will be served. I believe you will find all acceptable,” Gairden stated in a stern voice, one that would not be questioned. “I will return.”

Eloise
felt relief when he exited and her attention turned to the children; thankful, also, Seamus had been allowed to stay with them. The whole of the day passed swiftly, busying herself with the children’s needs.

Then
to her dismay, Gairden had kept his word and reappeared after dinner had been served. Her mind had raced with possibilities on getting word to Gerard of their predicament, but Seamus urged caution, suggesting waiting to see the hand Gairden played.

Eloise
comprehended she would not have to wait long to discover Gairden’s intent. Upon his appearance, he had dismissed everyone to talk to her in private. Arrogance and conceit oozed from his being.

“I have
to apologize. I meant to return for dinner with you and the children, but there was more paperwork with your stepchildren’s release than I realized. A formality only, I assure you, but it seems that they won’t officially be freed until tomorrow. After discussing your case with my friends, we decided it best to tell your husband when it does become official. I’m afraid I will have to try your patience for only a little while longer. But think of the joy you will have given your husband when he is reunited with his children.”

“I know
he will be thrilled, Citizen Giarden. But perhaps a little confused as you sent him upon an obviously unnecessary task.”

“Not so!” His hand waved in front of him. “His appeal through diplomatic channels was
necessary. It was as you must have already deduced when I released the children to your care. All eyes have been upon France since the revolt. Unfortunately, all those have died have been a necessary evil. Crimes against God and state have to have consequences, no matter the sex of the offender. In the eyes of all, France can never be seen as weak. Now both sides can claim victory.”

“I do not
think that is a possibility,” she said pointedly. Tired of being played as a pawn in chess, she pressed, “As I believe you have something in mind at this moment. I do not believe that you would allow Lord Lenister to simply leave openly.”

“You do
not trust me. It is not a bad thing to distrust all around you here in Paris. You wonder what I have in mind.” He took a large sip of wine, finishing off the last of his glass. He sat the glass down on the table next to him and moved to the sofa beside Eloise.

His hand
reached over, taking a fallen tress of her hair in his finger.

She drew back. “Do not touch me, Citizen!”

“Come, my dear Citizeness, you are a very desirable woman. Of course, Citizeness Ralston is quite a beauty. Some men, like your husband, find her irresistible. Not of my taste, you understand, but I can see their stance.”

“You make
no sense,” Eloise said under her breath. “This has no bearing on the children’s case…”

“Oh,
I beg to differ,” he said with a malevolent tone to his voice that cut to her core. His hand reached out and pulled her next to his face, his hand tight against the back of her head. “Let us not quarrel. It is a waste of time. So, listen carefully, Citizeness Ashwin, I believe we understand each other quite well. You understand fully that the children’s freedom comes with a price.

“Tomorrow Citizeness Ralston will be called before the Tribunal
, along with her young son. There are only two options. One—she is found guilty and is dead within twenty-four hours. Guillotined. It would be a shame because the way I see the headlines reading is that Lord Lenister, in his grief over losing his beloved mistress, took his life as well as the children he shared with her.”

“You wouldn’t dare!” Eloise exclaimed in disbelief.

“Spare me the dramatics. The outcome is totally within your hands. There is a simple happy ending. Here is what you will do.”

“What do you mean?”

“The second option—it will be concluded that Comte de Dubois kidnapped the beautiful Miranda Ralston and used her dreadfully. The Tribunal, in its mercy, will acquit the lovely lady and find mercy on her young son if…”

She looked at him and drew in a deep breath. “If what?”

“If she has one respected member of the Republic to stand up for her. One to stand for her character. You, Citizeness Ashwin.”

“Me? What can I do?”

“It is simple, as I said. You stand up for her. Of course, you will need to recount how we know of your loyalty to the Republic. Have you told Lord Lenister? Does he know what the woman he married is capable of doing?”

Her mind raced rapidly. He knew. She uttered, “The
viscomte.”

“Yes. If the Tribunal sees the length you have gone for the Republic, they would indeed be touch
ed, especially when you decide upon staying within France. Everyone will be happy. Your husband has his children and I might add, his mistress. After your marriage is terminated, she will be free to become his wife.”

“Why would I terminate my marriage?”

“I am certain some reason can be called upon for the dissolution of your marriage, an annulment. Fraud comes to mind. The hated aristocrat trapped you into an unwanted marriage. I can quickly see to the process.” He released her for a moment. He swiped his hands together as if wiping off dirt from his hands. He paused. His voice turned deadly cold. “In reality, you don’t want their deaths on your hands.”

“Why? Why would you do so?”

“Simple. Can you not understand I like everything simple? What better propaganda for the Republic! A mistreated soul, abandoned by her father for years, living in the poverty of the region, forced to protect herself, a true patriot. Then on her own accord, returning to France and renouncing her marriage for the Republic.”

Eloise caught her breath. Then sudden fury burst forth from her. “How dare you press upon me your ambitions! You do not know me well at all, Citizen Giarden. I survived far worse. I may be a
patriot to the cause, but I will not be forced to give up my marriage because it would promote you within the government.”

“You can and will
.” He raised his voice and grasped hold of her once more. “In time, you will forget all before. Think of the France you will help create!”

He took
her by her shoulders and kissed her. She fought back vigorously and bit him. Muttering an oath, he quickly raised his open hand and struck her swiftly, sending her sprawling on the floor. He bent down and seized her by the arm. In one quick motion, he pulled her to her feet.

“You will learn and quickly I’m not a man to say no to.” Gairden
released her and straightened his jacket.

Holding the side of her face, Eloise refused to look upon him. She could feel his eyes upon her.

“I am no brute. I will give you to the morning.” He walked toward the door and cast her one last look. “You know what is expected, Citizeness Ashwin. It is your decision and yours to live with.”

* * * *

Eloise had no concept of the time. She stood, staring blankly out the window into a darkness—not of the night but the darkness of a heartless man. Once before she had dealt with a man such as Gairden. Not even the Marquis de Mortiere compared to his son.

Henri, Vicomte de Calognac. It was not often she allowed herself the remembrance, but when Gairden stared into her eyes
, the fear returned. His eyes reflected a knowledge that sent the same terror surging through her. He had the eyes that held no soul.

Comprehension sank deep within her that the man did not make veiled threats
, as Calognac had not. His words would not go unheeded as Giarden well understood, but as Calognac before him, he underestimated her if he thought she would meekly accept the fate he designed. Deep in thought, she didn’t hear footsteps behind her.

“You have not slept, I see.”

Startled only momentarily, she glanced over her shoulder to see Seamus exiting from the children’s room. “The children?”

“Are sleeping soundly,” he answered slowly, almost gently. “I thought perchance it would be a good opportunity to talk. This morning…”

“Yes, we do need to talk of the proceeding before us.” She peered at him, wondering what he had heard of her conversation with Giarden. Her answer came as soon as she looked into his eyes. He had eavesdropped, but she hadn’t expected less of her husband’s cousin. “You heard.”

Unlike her husband who refused to acknowledge the immediate danger, Seamus seemed not to
have the same reservations. He sighed heavily. “I fear our options are few.”

“I assume you have taken in the layout of this building,” she asked, knowing she had wasted her breath. Her husband had not brought his cousin on this mission to enjoy his company.