Death at Kimbal

Chapter 8

DON'T READ THIS UNLESS YOU'VE READ MY AUTHOR'S CHAT!!!!!  YOU WILL NOT UNDERSTAND A SINGLE THING!!!!!!

"He won't come back Effie." Ed sneered at his older sister, "He is dead."

"Luc will come back." Effie persisted, still staring out the window for her step- father.  The civil war in America had ended and the survivors were due back anytime soon.  Ed had been telling his sister for the entire day that Luc was dead and wouldn't come back.  Since their mothers death Ed had become bitter and cruel, making harsh jokes at the slightest thing.

 "Effie, he will not come back." Ed tried again, a bit gentler than before, trying to persuade her to do as he said, "Barely any men have survived this war.  He cannot have."

"Yes he has." His sister said confidently, "He promised me that he would be back."

"Yes and he promised Mama he would not let anything bad happen to her!"  Ed snapped, his temper finally breaking.

"Edmund Kimbal!" Effie screamed at him, turning on her seat to face him and standing up, "Take that back this instant!  It wasn't his fault or anyone's fault."

"No you are right," Ed yelled back at her, also standing up from where he was lying on his bed, "It was her fault!!  Mama's fault!" No sooner had the words left his mouth, he burst into tears and ran from his room.

"Ed." Effie ran after her brother, tears threatening to spill from her eyes, "Ed, please wait."  

She followed him through the whole house and out into the garden.  

"Ed!" She cried his name again, "Ed, stop!"  Effie ran out into the driveway before she could stop and screamed loudly in terror and surprise as a large carriage pulled round the corner.  It was drawn by four black stallions and was moving closer at a terrifying speed.

Effie tried to run but her legs seemed frozen to the spot.  As she closed her eyes and sank to the floor, preparing for impact, a loud voice yelled something.  The carriage skidded to a halt just metres from Effie, the gravel of the path spraying everywhere as the horses slowed so suddenly.

"Effie." The voice which had yelled for the horses to stop drew closer to Effie.  She looked up, and saw a familiar face.

"Luc," She stuttered, "You're back."

"See for yourself." He grinned, helping her up off the floor and pulling her into a tight hug.

"I thought you were dead." Effie whispered into his shoulder, "That you weren't coming back."

"I promised you." He replied softly, "I promised I would return, and I have."  He grinned at her, his eyes sparkling with happiness.  He thought for a moment and then the smile fell from his face, "What were you doing running across here, who were you following?"

"Ed." She replied simply and Luc scowled to himself.

"What has he done now?" He frowned.

"Blamed Mama for her dying." Effie replied and watched as Luc's fists closed by his side.

"Where is he?" He snarled, anger brimming up inside him.

"Luc please." Effie begged him, trying to hold him back as he marched towards the garden.

"Stay here Effie." Luc shrugged her hand off his arm and continued walking.

"I missed you Luc." Effie said quietly, stopping and watching him leave.  As he heard what she said he froze and turned to face her.

"I'm sorry Effie." He said, running forwards and falling on his knees to hug her, "Now's not the time."

"I understand." Effie whispered into his ear, "Its just that we needed you.  I needed you, without Mama and now Papa, I've been struggling."

"Its fine Effie."  Luc pulled away and smiled up at her, "You have no idea how guilty I felt about leaving you.  It felt like I had lost your mother all over again."

"You must have a party." Effie said suddenly, trying to lighten the darkening mood, "To celebrate your return to England."

"I hardly feel that I could deserve such a return." Luc replied, losing his smile a bit, "I am a lucky man to return unharmed from that horror.  Many men who deserved more than me to return will never have another day with their families."

"You must at least eat." Effie tempted him, "You look all skin and bones."

"I will find that most agreeable." Luc grinned, "I must admit that I have felt a certain pining for the cook's fine sponge cake."

"Then you shall have it." Effie smiled back, laughing lightly, "As much as you wish!"

"Well then Lady Kimbal." Luc said, bowing deeply and emphasising her title, "Would you accompany me to my meal?"

"I would love to Sir Allington." Effie said back, linking her arm in his and leading him towards the steps, "Ed will join us when he chooses."

"Indeed." Luc smiled down at her, "But until that happens we shall feast on whatever the cook places before us."

Effie laughed good- naturedly and knocked on the main doors.  They swung open just as the two reached them, allowing them to enter.  Godfrey walked up to them immediately and bowed to Luc and Effie, smiling widely.

"I am pleased to see that you have returned unharmed Sir." He addressed Luc, "Perhaps I shall alert the cook of your arrival and tell her to start baking."

"That would be lovely." Effie smiled at him, "We shall make our way to the dining room now."

"Allow my daughter to escort you." Godfrey offered, seemingly whipping a young girl up from thin air.

"Thank you Godfrey." Luc smiled kindly, "It would be an honour to earn the acquaintance of the daughter of such a respectable man." Both Godfrey and the girl next to him blushed happily, making their pink faces stand out amongst their jet- black hair.

"If you would follow me Madam, Sir." The young girl said, turning around and heading towards the dining room.

"When did you appoint the young girl?" Luc whispered in Effie's ear, leaning over as they walked.

"Five months ago." Effie replied, "When she turned twelve.  And her names Jenna."

"I see." Luc said, returning to his full height, dropping his arm from Effie's and walking through the door that Jenna held open.

"Thank you Jenna." Effie smiled as she and Luc sat at the table, facing each other, "You may leave us now."

"Of course Miss." The maid said, doing a small curtsey before she left.

"Where is Ed?" Luc asked, leaning back on his chair and looking over at Effie questioningly.

"In the gardens sulking about your return no doubt." Effie said jokingly, smiling for what felt like the first time in ages.

"No," A voice from the door said, "He is not."

"Ed..."