Unfathomable Phantom (COMPLETE)

XXXV. the escape

Chapter 35

The journey from the church to whatever place this is far too long, way too long. It was already midnight when we got here. Take note, the wedding took place in the morning.

"We cannot risk going back to my house near the barracks, they might find us there since Augustus and I used to go there," assured Leo as he helped me get down from the carriage which was a struggle due to how massive my gown is.

I let my eyes wander around the surroundings. There are trees everywhere, unlike London. The air was, I don't know, less polluted? This is, indeed, the countryside.

The house in front of us somehow resembles a small castle which looks really worn down. There were no houses near and behind us was nothing but forest. It was unlike the Bennett manor which may at least have a few neighbors but is still near the town.

"It was the only property and inheritance I got from my parents so despite the numerous times I had no money, never did it crossed my mind to sell this," Leo exclaimed, wrapping his arm around my shoulder since he must've noticed I am freezing due to this wedding gown I am wearing is thin despite its many layerings.

"Perhaps the only reason the Bennetts managed not to get this away from my hands was because my father made sure nobody knew about this property. That this will all be a secret in case something bad strikes," he added, shrugging as we continued walking towards the castle, he then offered to take Mister Douglas' golden cane from my hands.

While rubbing my shoulders to provide some warmth, "You're gonna be safe here, promise," muttered him.

It took around a minute or so before the door flew open when Leo knocked three times using his left hand.

My jaw dropped as soon as I saw the woman standing in front of us when the door was opened.

I was glued to my position. The woman in front of me chuckled which was music to my ears and exclaimed the words, "Come here, you stupid child,"

With that, Leo let go of me, a smile planted on his face as he let me wrap my cold arms around Martha's very familiar and reassuring warmth.

"I am so happy you're still alive, Martha," I blurted out as soon as our embrace broke. I think that came out a bit wrong. I mean, in the first place, I know she's alive since Leo told me what happened to her.

"Of course, I am still alive, child. I will not let that devil kill me and my dear family," Martha replied, referring to Mister Douglas.

I was about to ask her more when Martha hurriedly told us to stop standing there like fools and enter in which we immediately obliquely.

Leo and I sat on a fancy red couch while Martha quickly disappeared in the corner of the room, and must've gone to get something.

I looked all around me. There's a massive fireplace in the corner, the one that looks like it was straight outta some fairytale castle. The whole room looks like a castle. Seriously. The ceiling is painted with a bunch of angels hovering above the clouds. The floors are made out of expensive marbles. There is this very expensive looking mirror in the wall, beside it were paintings but not a family portrait.

"Are you okay?" asked Leo when he caught me wondering my eyes around the interior.

I just nodded at him, "How come you never told me Martha was staying here?"

Leo was about to open his mouth to ease my mind when Martha barged right into the room, carrying a silver tray with biscuits and tea on it.

"I know it has been a very long day so you two, eat now while my grandson cooks some food to stuff your grumbling bellies with," Martha insisted, sitting on another red fancy chair in front of us.