The Devil In Me

Chapter 18

[ I am so sorry if you have already read some of this, for some crazy reason, the end part of the chapter disappeared! So I have deleted the other one and put this one, again so sorry if you already read half of it... or if you thought there was going to be 2 updates]

Right, I had this finished, so I didn't want to keep my beloved readers in suspense anymore. And, it might take me a wee while to update, hopefully at the weekend, but I have an important assignment due for my Masters, so I am trying to put everything else out my head, and blitz it...

I have included all references and sources at the bottom, so as not to spoil anything here.

Enjoy my lovelies...

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The first servant up in the morning got busy lighting the numerous fires around the house. There was an air of preparation, of expectation and she felt as though it might be a good day. As the house began to stir, the servants hall soon filled with people rushing about their duties. As they sat down to breakfast, she looked over at Bonnie Bennet, in service of the visiting family the Pierces. The girl was polite, helpful and kept to herself most of the time. A bell rang, and everyone glanced up,

"Lady Rebekah is awake." the head butler announced, standing, signalling the end of the meal.

"Today is a very important day for our family, so I trust you will all be trying your best. Let's do them proud." he said gravely. Lady Rebekah's lady maid left, taking her mistress's breakfast up to the room. He turned to the quiet American and spoke softly.

"Miss Forbes has asked that you attend her this morning." he said, and the maid noticed the expression of bewilderment cross the girls features.

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Caroline came awake gently, staring at the ceiling, feeling remarkably refreshed, despite the lateness of the hour of her sleep. The quiet calmness of the kitchen, the intimate moment, had made her feel more peaceful. She was reminded of the man she had begun to have a genuine friendship with, what seemed like long ago now. She felt that connection between them, and he had comforted her, and remarkably, she did now feel less alone. Her heart beat faster as she thought of the coming day, and most astounding of all, a smile formed on her lips, a real one, and she realised that her heart beat from excitement.

A knock sounded at the door and she sat up, as the door opened to admit Bonnie. Caroline met her friends deep brown eyes, their look sharing volumes. She did not know what to say, how to tell her that she hadn't forgiven her, but missed her too much to stay away. That she needed her sisters' support, today more than any other day. Bonnie walked in and set down her breakfast tray. She lingered over it, pouring milk into tea and gently stirring it. She brought the cup over, and with a nervous look, set it down beside Caroline. Caroline glanced at it, and saw the look of pain flash over Bonnie's features as she did.

"Is this safe to drink?" she asked lightly, seeing her words cause the other girl pain, as she closed her eyes and looked away.

"Caroline, I -" Bonnie started, and Caroline interrupted her.