Love, Surprising

Chapter 17: Caroline

June 1786

In the Woods

I wasn't sure what woke me, but something felt wrong. The wind had picked up and the trees whipped back and forth. I shivered, rubbing my arms for warmth. I looked across the fire for Timothy, but he wasn't there. Where is he? "Timothy! Where'd you go?" Silence. "Timothy?" I called again. The wind continued to howl, blowing my hair into my eyes. There was no sign of Timothy. Feeling a wave of panic rising in my chest, I jumped to my feet. Bushes crackled behind me. "Timothy, is that you?" I whispered. The bushes rustled some more. Then a figure appeared before me. It was dressed in a dark, hooded cloak, covering its face. A dagger was in the figure's right hand. The blade gleamed in the moonlight and a dark substance stained the tip. Blood! Oh no, its my dream! I thought with sudden realization.

"Hello, my lovely." Edward cackled. The hood dropped away from his face and my gaze was met by two malicious, stormy blue eyes. "What a fine specimen you are, ripped clothing and covered in dirt. Why you look ravishing Caroline."

"What did you do to Timothy?" I shouted at Edward, fearing the worst.

"Oh, I simply taught him a lesson he won't forget, and one he won't ever remember." Edward informed me, eyes gleaming. Tears stuck in my throat. Oh Timothy. You did nothing to deserve this.

"Why, oh why Edward?" Tears spilled down my cheeks. He toyed with his knife.

"As I told you before, I enjoy torturing people. It gets my blood flowing...just as much as pretty women do." His lecherous gaze met mine. "I enjoy hunting my prey so...I suggest you run." I didn't give my choice a second thought. I turned and raced through the trees. The mossy ground flew under my feet. Leafy branches ripped at my arms and legs as I rushed past. I was thankful Timothy shorted my skirts earlier or this chase would have been exceedingly short. Edward's wicked laugh trailed behind me. Tears streamed from my eyes. He's going to catch me. Oh God, he's going to catch me. Please save me. I was completely out of breath, my corset was restricting proper air flow into my lungs. I felt like I was about to pass out. Then a tree root appeared in my path and I tumbled over it, landing flat on my face. This is it. I'm through. At least...at least I'll be with Timothy in heaven. Edward appeared in the clearing as I struggled to rise to my feet. He strode over and pinned me to the ground with his knee.

"What a delightful chase, my lovely. I enjoyed it quite thoroughly." Edward studied my face, bringing up his knife to brush my cheek, leaving a smear of Timothy's blood. "What a fine specimen you are. Timothy is very lucky...or was I should say. I wish he could have been here to see this. You are mine now."

"No!" I squirmed around, trying desperately to escape his clutches. His blade pressed against my throat.

"I'd suggest you don't struggle and maybe I'll make this quick and less painful for you. But either way, when I'm through, you'll be joining my cousin in the grave." His blade nicked my neck. I whimpered, warm blood trickling down my bare throat. "I will certainly enjoy this." He paused, then his knife whipped down. For a minute, I believed he'd cut me, but Edward had only cut open the front of my dress, revealing my corset. "These stupid things. I don't understand why women wear them." Edward growled, cutting away my corset and tossing it to the side. Oh Timothy, I wish you were here. I'm scared. Edward trailed his knife across my midsection, not cutting flesh, but it frightened me all the same. He leaned down and smelled my hair. "Mmm, lilacs." Edward was so close to me. Closer than I'd ever been to anyone before. Except Timothy. Oh if he was here I'd tell him...I'd tell him...that...that... I love him. I love him! My heart jumped in my chest. I do love him. All that time, my feelings were jumbled. And now, surprisingly, I discovered that I loved Timothy. But it was too late. He'd never know how I felt. I'd never be able to tell him. The realization sickened me more than the man hovering over me. Speaking of...Edward had removed the rest of my dress, leaving my in my long shift and undergarments. He sliced through the skirt, making contact with my leg. Pain seared through my body. Blood flowed from the gash in my thigh. This is it, I thought. I'm done for. I closed my eyes, preparing myself for the end. All at once, Edward's weight lifted from me. Confusion and relief filled my brain. Where'd he go? I opened my eyes, looking for my assailant. I spotted him across the clearing, wrestling another man, at least, I thought it was a man. The two scuffled, tossing back and forth on the ground. Then I heard a voice.