The Might of Evil Dreams (A Novel of the Elemental Chronicles)

Eleven - Reap What You Sow

^^An Impression of Winter by Claude Monet.^^

September 1786

Thomas

Ray's wedding was held at the small church in the village. He had not fully recovered from his injuries, because he was leaning on a crutch with his leg bound when he and Lady Violet said their vows. We kept our word and attended, running into Lord and Lady Eden — quite an unpleasant experience all around — and Charles Ashbury, accompanied by his father the Earl of Northampton. I could not understand, though I tried, why Ashbury was everywhere. He and Ray had never even got on very well. I suppose, however, that Ray had invited him out of cordiality – he had a very hard time telling people when he did not like them, and so kept them around.

"Well, you are finally a married man, Ray," I told him at the reception, in the gardens at Radford Manor. "How does that feel?"

"I will admit, frankly, not that different." He took a sip of his brandy, squinting out at the crowd dressed in their finery. "Lady Violet has proven herself quite loyal, and for that it feels we have already been married."

"Indeed." I knew what he meant. After our misadventure in Southampton, Lady Violet had taken it upon herself to help nurse him back to health. She had much more heart than I'd given her credit for, and I could already tell she was ready to take Emmeline under her wing. "Either that, or you have a very strong constitution."

"It's not that, I assure you." He rolled his shoulders back and winced. "Bloody pirates. I'm lucky I'm here at all."

"How about we put off business for a little while, shall we?" This was a day of celebration, after all. We would begin talking serious matters when it had died down.

Ray grumbled, but didn't persist.

It was just then that Lady Violet emerged from the crowd, her arm linked with Emmeline's. Lady Violet was flushed, beaming, and radiant, while my own wife was looking wan and a bit ill.

"Captain Haywood! How lovely to see you!" She let go of Emmeline to pull me into a rather unexpected embrace. "Or do you prefer Tom, now that we are four?"

"Whatever you decide to call me, Lady Violet, that is what I will respond to." I smiled and kissed her hand. "Congratulations again."

She gave me a curtsey. "Your disdain for convention may be an asset one day, Captain."

"That's the hope," I said, and then turned my attention to Emmeline as she spirited Ray away. "Are you all right? You're looking pale."

"I'll be all right," she said, with a weak smile. She'd been unwell for days, leaving the room with no warning and returned appearing worse. Even now she pressed a hand to her middle. "I've got a bit of an upset stomach. It's nothing, I'm sure."

"Do you want to retire early?" I caught her elbows, pressing my lips to her forehead. She didn't feel feverish, which had been my first thought. "If you are feeling out of sorts, I'm fairly certain Ray will understand. He has not been in top shape lately either."

"Tom." She gave my arm a gentle squeeze. "I appreciate your concern...but I'll be fine."

Still, I kept watch on her. I noticed her pinching colour into her cheeks at one point, but she didn't touch any of the food. Even when Lady Violet took her from my side again, I saw her hand go to her stomach.

I found myself accosted by Charles Ashbury as I wandered the perimeter of the gathering, looking for a quiet moment. In fact, I didn't see him until he was nearly on top of me, and he spoke from right next to my shoulder.

"Finished socialising, Captain Haywood? This event a bit much for you?"

I startled and rounded on him, so suddenly it made him recoil. "Lord Ashbury."