Albina froze in place, her mind filled with thoughts of Henry. Whoever it was, she had a duty to protect Henry from them. Pushing herself up, Albina silently swung her legs down, her toes touching the cold floor. She shivered hard and reached out blindly for something, anything to wrap around herself, her fingers finding her cloak which she had left draped over the edge of her chair. Her toes dipped into her slippers, stealing away some of the cold. Fear wove itself around her limbs, tying her to her bed.
I cannot.
Albina closed her eyes and listened carefully. Therewassomeone outside. She could hear the creak of the floorboards still – and realized with shock that the scuffling had stopped. Had the rats been frightened away by this person’s presence?
I must make sure that Henry is safe. It is my duty.
The affection which had grown in her heart for the child forced her into action, pulling her away from the ties of fear. With a heart which began to pound furiously, Albina crossed the room on silent feet, and brought her hand to the handle of her door. Turning the handle, she winced as it squeaked gently, stilling at once for fear that whoever was outside would hear it.
But no-one came and Albina, taking in a steadying breath, pulled open the door slowly and carefully. Releasing the handle, she poked her head out – and saw a flickering light coming from along the hallway.
Whoever it was had a candle.
Quite what she would do if she did find someone lurking, Albina did not know. But the thought of leaving Henry alone and defenseless was not one she could accept and thus, she stepped out of her bedchamber and took three steps up the hallway.
The floorboards creaked under her feet and Albina caught her breath as the flickering light ahead of her suddenly shifted. It moved back towards her, and she clamped one hand over her mouth and remained just as still as she could. The light had not touched her as yet, but if it drew any closer, she would have no other choice but to return to her bedchamber and try again.
Something scraped and Albina closed her eyes, trying to push away any dark thoughts about what might occur if she was discovered. The sounds grew but she stayed where she was, waiting to see what would happen next.
But when she opened her eyes, the light was gone.
Albina blinked in the darkness, surprise filling her chest. Dropping her hand to her side, she walked towards Henry’s room, aware of the creaking from the floorboards under her feet but having very little she could do about it. Her heart was beating so loudly that it was painful, but Albina did not even acknowledge it. Feeling her way along the hallway, she came to where the light had been – just outside of Henry’s room.
But there was no light there now and, surely, she would have heard the door open and close if the person had gone inside. So where had this person gone? And why were they here, in the schoolroom and nursery?
You must inform me at once if such a thing should happen again.
Lord Addenbrook’s words flew into Albina’s mind as she opened Henry’s door carefully, trying not to make a sound. Her eyes had adjusted to the dark, but she still walked closer to make certain that Henry was still asleep in his bed.
Relief flowed through her. Henry was sound asleep, for his breathing was heavy. Relieved, Albina made her way back out into the hallway and stood for a few moments, considering. Her skin prickled as fear began to push itself into her heart and mind once more. This person could be anywhere nearby, ready to strike out at her should she take even an unwitting step towards him. She would have to leave Henry and go at once to Lord Addenbrook, in the hope that he might be able to see her. It was very late but Albina knew that gentlemen such as he did not always retire early, especially when there were guests. She would have to be very careful indeed, however. Lord Kingston could not see her face.
I must harness whatever courage I can muster.
The tightness in her throat grew as she ran one hand along the wall, walking slowly towards the staircase which she knew was only a short distance ahead of her. Her breathing was quick, but her steps slow, for without a light it was very difficult indeed to see ahead of her. It was as if a thousand pins were being stuck into her skin, such was her fright, her terror that this particular person would step out of the darkness and attack her.
But then she found the staircase, and her fingers gripped tightly onto the rail as she slowly began to descend. With her thick cloak wrapped over her shoulders and her feet encased in slippers, Albina knew she must look a very strange sight indeed, but it could not be helped.
“And that is when I heard him say that….”
Albina shrank back but the two ladies were already through another doorway, their lingering conversation no longer able to be overheard. Her heart was pounding with such a fierceness that she could not seem to catch her breath. Where should she go? Where would Lord Addenbrook be?
The study.
If he was not there, then Albina would have to ring the bell and beg whatever servant came to answer the bell for their help – but it was a way for her to stay out of sight of the guests. Pulling the hood of her cloak over her fair hair, she stole down the hallway, relieved that there were only a few flickering candles with which to guide her steps. She was nothing more than a wraith, a dark shadow that faded away with all manner of swiftness. Even if she was seen, Albina was certain she would not be noticed.
Nearing Lord Addenbrook’s study, Albina was about to step straight towards it when she heard Lord Kingston’s voice.
“You, there!”
She turned, her hand grasping tightly at her cloak, her face still half hidden.
“If you are trying to hide your face, Lady Mary, then I must tell you there is no longer any need to do so. I have been waiting for you.”
Albina swallowed then tried to speak.
“I am not Lady Mary.” Her voice was high pitched, her words barely audible. “Excuse me.”
“Ah, you are Miss Trean.” She could see him ambling towards her, his silhouette outlined against the flickering candlelight. “Why do you not keep me company until Lady Mary arrives? I should be glad to know you a little better, since Lord Addenbrook thinks so very highly of you.”