Brimsley and Reynolds

Chapter 20

A/N: This chapter is in Reynolds' perspective, enjoy!😘

There wasn't enough air in the world. 

That's what Reynolds concluded as he paced around the palace. He had just left the Tower of London Prison, and not in good spirits. He had tried so hard to seem cheerful for Brimsley's sake, but it was nearly impossible. 

Brimsley seemed worse than he had expected, as if he felt totally helpless. He stomach wrenched at the thought of Brimsley being forced to reconcile with his own execution. It was almost too much to bear. 

The King had been out, but as soon as he returned, Reynolds' approached him. 

"Your Majesty, might we speak in private?" He asked in a whisper mere seconds after The King waltzed through the doors. 

King George saw the look on Reynolds' face, and cleared the room immediately. "What is it Reynolds?" He asked in the now empty room. 

He breathed deeply, trying to force tears out of his voice as he spoke, "It's....Its Brimsley. They took him, arrested him early this morning. He's...." His voice broke again, but he forced himself to continue. "He's at the Tower of London Prison, awaiting execution," his words came out rushed and pained as he fought to remain calm. 

The King's face dropped, and he immediately went into action mode. He held Reynolds' shoulders, looking him square in the eye. "You need not worry Reynolds, I will issue a pardon, everything will be fine," 

Reynolds nodded, his eyes on the marble floor. The King rushed out of the room, commanding footmen around. Reynolds stayed frozen, watching in awe as the world seemingly bent to the will of The King. An urgent message was sent the the head of the prison, and within the hour he was stepping into the entrance of Buckingham Palace. 

A footman opened the door, escorting a short stout man into the hallway. "Mr. Penton, head of The Tower of London Prison," The footman announced. 

The King spoke in a loud, reverent tone. "I am looking for a full pardon to one of your prisoners, Bartholomew Brismley,"

As The King explained who he wanted pardoned and what crimes he was convicted of, some of the footmen and servants began whispering in low, hushed tones. 

"I always knew there was something off about that Brimsley," one began

"Why would The King care about pardoning him anyhow?" Another questioned

"Who knows. I wonder who that lowlife was messing around with that got him caught?" 

Reynolds clenched his fists, willing himself to not react. 

"You know, I see him talking to that stable hand sometimes, you suppose they're banging?" 

Reynolds whipped his head around, "Be quiet, or I'll have every one of you sent to sleep below the stairs," 

The footmen straighten up, now silent, but Reynolds still felt hot anger coursing through his veins. How dare they talk about Brimsley that way?

 When the deal was over, papers signed and such, Reynolds felt slightly less perturbed. As the head of the prison exited the room, The King approached Reynolds. 

"It is all done. They are going to issue a formal pardon as soon as Mr. Penton returns, and Brismley will be brought back later tomorrow night. 

Reynolds had been trying to keep busy all day. Brimsley was supposed to be back by now. His mind kept running wild scenarios of all the things that could have gone wrong.