Upon a Midnight Dream (London Fairy Tales #1)(52)

It was a wonder what fresh clothes did for his outlook on the depressing day. Remembering Rosalind’s words, he tried to paste a smile on his face instead of a scowl, but it was blasted hard, all things considered.

Samson waited for him outside the house—the horse truly had gained weight since their little endeavor back into London.

“So what do you think Samson? Today we are to be married. No more bachelorhood.”

Was it him or did Samson slump his shoulders as if disappointed? No, it had to be his vivid imagination; it seemed in the past week he had done nothing except imagine that the world around him was enchanted and alive.

“Blasted curse has me going mad,” he mumbled, getting on his horse. As he turned the corner he noticed the valet walking hastily towards his residence.

“Good day, Your Grace.” Mr. Fitzgerald gave a curt bow and meant to be on his way. Samson however was not having any of it. He neighed and kicked until Stefan was sure the horse would trample the small man.

“Samson! Down this instant! Heel!” Stefan pulled tighter on the reigns. Was madness also taking over his horse?

Finally, the horse calmed down and promptly sneezed in the valet’s face. Making Stefan cough to cover his laugh. What had gotten into him?

“Apologies, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen him react this way. Must be the curse.” Stefan offered a small laugh, but the valet was not amused.

“Good day.” Mr. Fitzgerald tipped his hat and walked off.

Stefan turned Samson back down the street. “Don’t know if I should congratulate you or strangle you for sneezing on a man. Whatever has gotten into you, old boy?”

Samson’s only response was to huff and continue trotting on.

****



Gwen looked again at the tiny scribbles and sighed. “I’m sorry Rose, I just can’t make out what it’s saying. I believe it may actually be in German, not Russian as you assumed, and by the markings, it seems to not be a riddle but some sort of directions. The only thing I can make out is the words beware the Black Forest.”

Rosalind mumbled an oath. They had been sitting and discussing what to do of the past two hours, and neither of them had any inclination as to what the cryptic words meant!

It didn’t help that Rosalind’s mind was thick with worry for her sister and selfishly, for her upcoming wedding that night. Hadn’t she always sworn she wouldn’t marry a man based off of the stupid curse? And here she was doing that very thing. Sure, her heart was involved she possibly even loved Stefan, but did he love her? Or was he merely offering his protection and his bed?

Gwen was still talking, “Rose, did you hear what I said?”

“Hmm? What? I’m sorry, woolgathering, I guess.”

With an exhale Gwen folded the paper and put it on her dresser. “Rose, I miss her too. I don’t know if mother’s merely mad or if we truly are cursed, but let us try to be happy. After tonight everything should be over with. The curse, and the madness with it and then mother will be able to tell us about her whereabouts.”

Rosalind looked at her sister’s porcelain face. Such a beautiful girl. “I’ll try, for your sake, I’ll try. Shall we begin to ready ourselves for tonight?”

“Yes.” Gwen kissed Rose on the forehead and moved to close the door.

“What were you discussing?” their mother asked, barging into the room. “If you mean to go after your sister, you’ll never find her. I ask that you trust my judgment in this. She is in good hands. After all…” She walked to the window and began moving back and forth as if in a trance. “I am a mother. It is my job to see all my girls married off, isn’t that right Rose? And see how much you’ve pleased me today. The curse will be broken. I will no longer be ill, and you’ll be a duchess. Yes, yes it has worked out perfectly.” She wrung her hands together until Rosalind’s own hands began to hurt. “I imagine everything will be perfect by morning.” She turned around to face them, her face haggard and worn. “Yes, by morning everything will return to normal, my loves, and Edward, yes he will be back too. He loves me you know.”

“Mother,” Rosalind took a tentative step towards the dowager. “Father’s dead, remember?” Never mind that his name was not Edward, but possibly her mother was just confused.

“Oh yes, yes he is, isn’t he?” She clapped her hands together as if excited by the idea. “Now, we must ready you for your wedding! Yes, we must get ready for the ceremony.” With a gleeful laugh, she left.

Gwen and Rose shared a look of pure horror before Rosalind rushed to the door and locked it.

“She’s mad!” Rosalind lifted a shaking hand to her temple.

“She is…” Gwen licked her lips. “And I’d die before I’d let her ruin this for you Rose, I swear it.” Her sister walked over to ring for her maid.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m calling for the valet, he has some sort of tea that he’s been giving mother to subdue her. I’m going to ask him to double the dosage.”

“Is it dangerous?” Rosalind asked putting her hand over her sisters.

Gwen shrugged. “He says it’s a mild sedative. Mother and father used to put it in our tea when we were young to help us sleep. I’m sure it will be fine.”