In Darkest London

Chapter 12 ~ {Sir Lucian}

A horseless carriage belched white clouds into the frosty air as it hurtled down the long drive toward Whitlock Manor; its gas-lanterns swinging beacons in the thick winter night. It came to a screaming halt in front of the main entrance, the side door swung open and a well polished shoe emerged from the carriage, closely followed by long trailing coat tails. Serious brandy-brown eyes fixed ahead as Sir Lucian placed his tall black top hat upon his head and steamed toward the big double doors of the house. He removed his leather gloves, pulled the lever-bell and waited as he slapped them into his palm over and over again until the door began to open.

He handed his gloves and hat to the automaton without so much as a recognition for the metallic help as Lord Whitlock came rushing down the hallway towards him.

"Dear sir, thank goodness you're here."

Sir Lucian placed a hand on Lord Whitlock's shoulder. "I came as soon as I got your steam-pigeon," he said.

Hattie appeared at the sound of his voice, skulking with interested precision down the hallway towards the two men.

"Miss Hattie, my condolences." He said, kissing the back of her hand.

Hattie blushed. "Thank you for attending the house so promptly," she said.

"Of course, anything for Miss Chastity."

Hattie grimaced and moved her hand away. "We are most grateful for your help in this matter. I'm sure my little sister will reappear soon and we needn't have troubled you at this hour at all."

"Nonsense!" Sir Lucian said. "We must get to the bottom of this at once. Out there is no place for a lady in the dark, this side of the city or heaven forbid, the next."

"My little sister is still afraid of the dark, I'm sure she hasn't got far."

"Come!" said Lord Whitlock, urging Sir Lucian into the dining room. "I'm afraid there's more."

The ghastly sight from dinner was still to be seen as they entered the dimly lit room; automaton servants hunched over in a wreck, dinner - untouched.

"Please," Lord Whitlock gestured as Sir Lucian took a seat, dropping his gloves onto the table with a slap.

"What happened -."

"I'm afraid it's all my fault.

"Father!" Hattie interjected, "Nevermind about the servants, I'm sure Chastity had something to do with their malfunction. Look what she did to poor Adelia." She said, pursing her lips.

"To Adelia?" Sir Lucian quizzed.

"Adelia can wait, we must find my dear daughter."

"Fear not! I will gather my men for a search party immediately - we will find her."

And with that, Sir Lucian got up. With not a moment to lose, he placed his gloves on, finger by finger and turned on his heel, back toward his awaiting steam carriage before hurtling off into the night.