Chapter 7
1377words
"You should all stop", she heard a deep strong voice command, and the crowd was parting for the owner of that voice.
‘But Sire! She stole", the fat shop owner yelled at the top of her voice.
"Mrs. Pott, I doubt killing her would bring back the things you claim she stole since you all gladly destroyed it while beating her if you want your money back collect it from them". With that, the crowd began to disperse before they were forced to pay for doing their civic duty of beating an unproven thief. Strong sturdy hands picked her up grabbing some of her goods from the floor and carried her to his horseback. Mounting with her he whispered "Hold on tight ma'am, if this horse tramples on you that's it"
She hardly remembered what the ride home was like just that it felt good feeling so protected. He constable smelled like butter and wood, she wondered why he wasn't throwing her in a cell but rather, helping her. Where do you live?" He asked as he slowed down the horse,
Barely finding her voice she answered "Winston's Mansion" that was the last word she remembered as the darkness took over.
He studied the lady on his arms, she was battered and bruised, some of the marks on her face and arms seemed like they were old, this means she did not come from a life of comfort.
But why was she in the Winston's mansion? he should know about her. Grabbing the reign tighter he fit her between his legs as she slumped on his chest, blond hair spilling unto his arms, somehow they still managed to look glorious, her bosom was visible through her worn-out gown. He felt his groin tighten, she was beautiful in a calm way, not the seductive kind but innocence shone through her face. Changing directions he took her to a different location. It was certainly not time to go to the Winston mansion, not yet.
*
Martha clenched her fists as she saw her destination draw closer, it was already late, the gentleman who saved her had abandoned her along with her basket containing the remains of the goods she was sent to buy with an officer of the law who reassured her that she was safe, it seems she had fainted. He gently led the horse along as he walked beside her on foot. It was a pity she did not get to see the face of her savior, but she would never forget his voice, it sent tingles down her spine.
On getting to the mansion, the witch was outside waiting for her arrival, when she saw her on the constable's horse the frown on her face deepened. The horse came to a halt and she was helped down by the constable. "Ma'am I am sure you have been worried about her, she was attacked in the market by people suspecting her of theft and badly injured," he said in a deeply accented voice.
"Thank you, constable, but we will take it from here," Lady Winston said with no smile or sympathy on her face.
Walking into the house, Martha could feel the brisk step of the witch behind her, on getting to the waiting room she stared into the face of a very angry Amelia, "Where have you been with my goods! Did you go to seduce the constable and other men like your whore of your mother did?"
The anger was evident in her face, Martha was tired she let go of the basket letting it drop to the floor, the products were already messed up it may as well break completely. "You whore! I am going to kill you" Amelia lunged at her with a murderous gleam in her eyes.
Martha braced herself for a slap that never came, at this point she just wanted to be killed, anything to escape this misery. Opening her eyes, she saw Mrs. Wiggins the head cook in front of her pleading, "Mistress, she is already so frail if anything happens to her people will say you deliberately killed her because of hatred, you would be the talk of the Ton", her voice was hysterical and shaky, Martha wondered why this poor lady loved the owner of this frail body she was in.
"Take her away before I do something we would regret" lady Winston shouted. Taking hold of Martha out, Mrs. Wiggins muttered soothing words as she led her through the cold darkness.
The party was in full swing, but she was bored. She was bored with all the fake smiles, compliments, and fake conversations everyone tried to make with her. She had been asked to dance by several men, all she rejected. Mary could feel Ben's eyes fixed on her all night, she deliberately avoided meeting his gaze, and when she did, she kept an uninterested look on her face. The man was handsome no doubt, but he held this darkness about him, she wondered how Martha hadn't noticed, probably she noticed because she has been around people like him. When everyone is coated in lies how can you easily spot the truth?
"Martha, my girl" Mr. White intercepted her with kisses on both cheeks, he was a good looking man for 50, no surprise he was able to keep us his numerous girlfriends. Notwithstanding, he was one good businessman.
"Mr. White" she cooed "how lovely to see you here, I trust the party is to your liking?" she asked with a smirk. The old pervert got her meaning and smiled deeply.
"Meet my brilliant staff who came up with your investment plan, his name is Ben, handsome lad". Mary knew this ploy, "Well, Mr. White I would rather much converse with just you about business and I'm tired of meeting new people, I will leave you to enjoy the party". She ended the conversation with two air kisses on his cheeks looking at Ben long enough to note the hurt in his eyes. Clearly, he was not used to being rejected. Flowing into the arms of other guests she heard him mutter ‘I will get her, I must get her". She laughed inwardly if only he knew.
Finding her way to the garden she heard voices of an argument wafting from the entrance, who was the idiot making a mess? It was Rebecca, the busy-body who had come to take pictures and spy on guests. She had instructed the guards not to let her in hoping the girl would disappoint her and not show up but you really can't teach an old dog new tricks. She noticed her walking in the garden with tear-stained eyes. "I should be in there, why aren't I allowed, I should call Martha surely a mistake has been made"
"Would you like my drivers to take you home Rebecca?" Mary asked standing by her by the naked statue on the right. A lazy look on her face as her eyebrow arched in mockery.
A look of relief crossed the girl's face "Martha! thank God you are here, they won't let me in, I kept telling them there was a mistake, I know you"
Mary sighed inwardly at the girl's entitled nature, "There has been no mistake dear, I asked them not to let you in, I said this was for close friends and family…only".
Rebecca felt her hands tingle, this was not how it was supposed to go, the venom in each calm word uttered by Martha made her fidget. The realization was beginning to dawn on her "But the party ended up being big, I just assumed I was invited, we are close friends"
Mary flicked her hair behind her shoulders "Assumption has been the death of many Rebecca, but since we are such close friends, this shouldn't be a problem". Rebecca's faced turned a deep shade of red in embarrassment while Mary maintained her smirk. The fool would learn her place now. The last thing she would allow was to be trampled upon in another life.
