Serena

Nightmares and Sleep

Nathaniel, in the solitude of his residence, was deep in thought, meticulously crafting his contingency plans. The recent events had spiralled out of control, and he found himself cornered with limited options. His mind, always calculating and forward-thinking, was now focused on plotting his potential exit strategies.

He considered Eliza's situation, knowing her well enough to surmise that she would be making her escape under an assumed identity. Nathaniel respected Eliza's cunning and resourcefulness and knew that she would have had a similar plan in place for emergencies. In a way, her actions served as a template for his own potential escape.

If his negotiations with Emma and Charles fell through, and he found himself unable to manage the situation to his advantage, fleeing would become his only viable option, especially with the looming threat of being implicated in the murders. Nathaniel had a plan ready - a coach to Liverpool, followed by boarding a ship to America. The anonymity and vastness of the New World offered him a chance to start anew, far from the reach of London's law and society.

However, Nathaniel also considered an alternative. If circumstances allowed, he would prefer to lay low in London for a while, quietly liquidating his assets and preparing for a more measured departure. His investments in South Africa presented another possible destination. The colonies offered a different kind of opportunity, a place where he could leverage his resources and knowledge to establish a new base of power and influence.

Nathaniel was well-prepared financially for either option. Over the years, he had ensured that his wealth was not just in tangible assets but also in more liquid forms, easily transferable and hidden from prying eyes. This foresight now gave him the flexibility to adapt to the rapidly changing circumstances. As he contemplated his next move, Nathaniel felt a sense of grim satisfaction. Despite the dire situation, he had options and resources at his disposal. He was not a man to be easily cornered or defeated.

Whether it meant starting over in America, laying low in London, or moving to his interests in South Africa, Nathaniel was ready to do whatever it took to ensure his survival and continuation of his plans. In the quiet of his room, Nathaniel began to make the necessary arrangements. He knew time was of the essence, and his decisions in the coming days would determine the course of the rest of his life. With a sense of determination and resolve, he set about putting his plans into action.

The sudden, stern knock at the door jolted Nathaniel from his thoughts. He quickly composed himself, smoothing his attire and adopting the poised demeanour that had served him well in his various dealings. As the door opened and Charles, Emma, and another man whom Nathaniel assumed to be in Charles' employ entered, Nathaniel prepared himself for the confrontation.

Nathaniel's gaze swept over the trio as they stepped into the room. He could sense the tension in the air, the unspoken gravity of the situation that had brought them to his doorstep. Despite the undercurrent of urgency, Nathaniel's expression betrayed none of his internal calculations. Instead, he donned a mask of charm and hospitality, a skill he had mastered over the years.

"Ah, Charles, Emma," Nathaniel greeted them with a smooth, practiced ease. "And a guest. Welcome to my home." His voice was calm and courteous, hiding the wary alertness he felt inside.

He rose to greet them properly, extending a hand in a gesture of amiable civility. Nathaniel was acutely aware of the stakes at play and the need to navigate this meeting with tact and shrewdness. Every word, every gesture, would be critical in the delicate dance of negotiation and power about to unfold.

As he welcomed them, Nathaniel's mind was already racing, anticipating the possible angles and objectives of their visit. The presence of Emma, particularly, was a significant factor. Her connections to Charlotte and the implications of their shared history added layers of complexity to the encounter.