“Foul little things,” Agnes grumbled. “Stinking like piggies.” She withdrew a handkerchief from her sleeve and inhaled deeply through it. “Ah, roses. Is there nothing sweeter than the scent of dried roses?” She lay back on the bed, placing the handkerchief over her face. It fluttered as she breathed.
“Agnes, old girl,” she continued aloud to herself. “You’ve done well. Just when you thought all was lost, you’ve managed to right everything. Who says that you’re useless? Won’t my lady be pleased when I hand her this child? She’ll never know the difference. And, then, Mr. Cage can get that other little piggy and I’ll have the diamond.”
She giggled as she looked at the room through the white haze of her handkerchief. She recalled the first time she had seen Sir Colin Molliner bring the large blue diamond into Fallbridge Hall. She wanted it, then, but didn’t think she’d ever have a chance to have such a magnificent thing. Still, she thought, at least her lady would one day get it.
Ah, the things that had passed. Arthur—that fool. He thought he was so clever manipulating lady Barbara as he did. All the while he allowed himself to be manipulated by the Duchess. When Her Grace asked Arthur to get the diamond away from Lord Julian, she had no idea that Arthur was plotting to get his own hands on the diamond. In fact, Her Grace had inadvertently given the rogue her permission to steal it. All the while, Arthur was also stealing her daughter. And, of course, Julian had been clueless.
“You were the only one,” Agnes laughed to herself. “You were the only one who knew what was happening. And, no, old girl, you have your reward. That shall be your prize, Agnes.” She chuckled as she continued to talk to herself. “Your prize for all that you had to endure at the hands of the duchess.”
She removed the handkerchief from her face, scowling as she sat up. Where was Odo? She’d waited long enough hadn’t she? If that servant had tricked her…
“No,” She mumbled. “No, Agnes, you’d never be tricked by such a lowly creature as that. You’ve waited this long. A little whole longer will only make your victory that much sweeter.”
Meanwhile, Ty Odo was creeping back to the Cage’s mansion on Royal Street, hoping that Mr. Cage was not aware that he’d left. Furthermore, he’d hoped that Mr. Cage hadn’t had a moment to speak to Dr. Halifax and Marjani who, he pleaded God, were still tending to Mrs. Cage.
His fears were soon realized when he saw Robert and Marjani hurrying down Royal Street. Odo quickly ducked between two houses and cursed his luck when he realized that he had ended up next to the Halifax’s borrowed house. Odo pressed his body against the side of the house, and, as he did, he spied a curious scene through the window.
Iolanthe Evangeline was kneeling over the Duke of Fallbridge—her raw, pink hands around his throat as the pretty maid, Gamilla, tried to pull the Ogress off of her employers.
Odo grinned. “Maybe I’ll get what I want after all.”
Did you miss Chapters 1-368? If so, you can read them here.
2 comments:
I HATE Agnes! What's with Iolanthe always wanting to euthanize people. Does she think she's being kind? I also have to congratulate you on making everything match as always in all the posts. Pears, pearls, books and all the pictures have the same shapes and colors. You really put a lot of thought into this site. That's all for now.
I hate Agnes, too, Matt. As for Iolanthe, yes, in her own twisted way, she's trying to be merciful. She's just not quite sure how to go about it. And, thanks for noticing my daily "themes.". Sometimes they're more cohesive than others. It's always good to see you on here.
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