Ravenwood(86)



“The men and I can take care of it.”

Elinore jutted her chin out. “I’m sure you can, but I insist on helping. I won’t leave you to do this wretched work alone.”

Jonah looked torn, exchanging a wary glance with one of the other men and then with Mrs. Davenport and Mrs. Thistlewaite. “Miss, it’s indelicate work.”

Elinore eyed the carnage. “I’m sure it is. We best get started.” She would not be dissuaded. After another look exchanged with the men folk, Jonah nodded and gave instructions. They would need wheelbarrows, some shovels, hay, and water from the kitchen. Jonah suggested Elinore work on gathering buckets of water.

“We shall help you, dear,” Mrs. Davenport said, her voice steely as she rested a hand on Elinore’s arm. Elinore felt a surge of gratitude flow through her.

“Thank you, Mrs. Davenport, Mrs. Thistlewaite, Alice,” Elinore replied, inclining her head at each woman. They set to work.

It was gruesome and grisly, but within two hours they had done the best they could. A large rust-colored stain still permeated the area, but there was nothing to be done for it; nothing but time and weather. The men had taken the carcass into the woods and buried it , Elinore presumed, seeing them return sweaty and dirty. Elinore paused. If she listened carefully, she could hear the horses in the stables, whinnying and neighing.

“The other horses sound distressed,” she said.

If the men were surprised she could hear so far away, they hid it well. Stefan nodded. “Aye, miss. That damned wolf’s scent is in the air, I reckon. And the horses can smell the death.”

“I see.” Elinore looked over the exhausted servants. “Mrs. Thistlewaite, I gather you are probably quite tired, but if you wouldn’t mind, would it be possible to fix us all something quick for breakfast? Eggs, bread, maybe some ham if you have it. I can assist if you require.”

Mrs. Thistlewaite looked as though any indication she would not be up to the task was an affront on her honor. “Not necessary, dear. This way, lads.”

The men followed Mrs. Thistlewaite in the way men often do when confronted by the authoritative tone of an older woman - like school boys, tossing down their weapons outside, shuffling their feet quickly at the mat at the door and then taking their boots off in deference to Mrs. Thistlewaite’s kitchen. Alice opened her mouth as though she might say something to Elinore, but was cut off by her mother ordering her inside to brew coffee and tea for the crew. Elinore was left standing outside the manor with Mrs. Davenport.

“I do hope young Mr. Vollmond returns quickly with the elder Mr. Vollmond,” she said, keeping her voice quiet. “The omega has never struck so close to the manor before. It must be because it knows they’re gone.”

Perhaps, thought Elinore. At least Ravenwood wasn’t entirely without a wolf on watch. She may not be a full wolf, but she had slightly enhanced senses. Her eyes scanned the forest. There was something out there, right now. She could feel it. Whether it was her animal sense or just paranoia, she wasn’t sure. Then she realized what it was that drew her eye and roused her suspicions. Ravens. An unkindness of them circling over the trees just past the start of the forest. She recalled Caleb’s words on the birds - how they were companions to them. To wolves.

“Mrs. Davenport, I’m going to take a walk closer to the trees.” Elinore kept her eyes on the forest as she spoke, not wanting to break her gaze.

“Oh, miss,” Mrs. Davenport said, putting a hand on Elinore’s arm. “You should come inside the manor. We’d all best stay inside until the Vollmonds return, I think.”

“I shall be quite fine,” Elinore replied, looking at Mrs. Davenport. “I wager I’m quite a bit faster now than I used to be.” Lord, perhaps the bite had driven her crazy if she was standing in the sharp morning air making a joke at possibly becoming a werewolf. “I don’t intend to go in the forest, I merely… want to get a closer look.”

Mrs. Davenport worried her lip between her teeth and then glanced at the trove of weapons the men had left. She snatched up a large axe and held it out to Elinore.

“Good heavens, I may cleave my toes off with that by accident.”

Mrs. Davenport eyeballed the large blade. “It is rather vulgar isn’t it? Men and their tools. Always wanting the biggest. Probably to compensate. Though I don’t suppose Mr. Vollmond the younger has much to worry about it that department.” She gave Elinore a significant look.

“Mrs. Davenport!” Elinore exclaimed, blushing furiously.

“I was young once and I’ve still got eyes. I know what goes on in the chambers of Ravenwood,” she replied, winking. She seemed wholly unconcerned that Elinore and Caleb were not betrothed nor even overly familiar with one another. She set the large axe off to the side and picked up a bat with spikes coming out of it, swinging it lightly, testing its weight. “How about this one? Mr. Vollmond the elder controls all the silver at Ravenwood, so it’s only made of iron, but it could deliver a strong blow.”

Elinore supposed it would do. She took the bat and hefted it in her hand. Yes, she supposed she could swing it well enough to defend herself if necessary. She dearly hoped it would not be necessary. Though she was sure she could swing it and hit a target, she wasn’t sure how many hits would be required. Nor the amount of… mess it would make.

“Be careful, dear,” Mrs. Davenport warned.

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