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"Rose, Are these men annoying you?" She recognized the voice, and relief washed over her. It was Larson. "Unhand my girl, you brut!"
Before Rose could answer, Larson had struck the man holding her arms so violently that he crumpled to the ground. Larson Milner had knocked the guy out cold."You want some of this too?" he shook his fist and hollered at the other guy, who quickly ran off.
Larson took off his coat and covered Rose's shoulders. He was worried she might have been injured. Looking her over carefully, he asked. "Are you alright?"
Rose nodded her head at Mr. Milner. She was still trying to process what had happened.
"Well, I guess it's time for that dinner we discussed. The carriage is this way, Rose. Allison is waiting for us." He put his arm around her and silently walked to the carriage.
The door to the carriage swung open, and Rose saw Allison waiting inside. Larson helped her up into the coach and sat down next to her.
"Larson, Is she okay?" questioned his sister. She had a look of concern for Rose.
"Yes, she just needs food and wine, and she'll be herself again. Am I correct in saying that, Rose?" Larson gently smiled at the woman sitting next to him.
"Oh, um, yea... Yes. I will be fine once we dine." Rose shook slightly at the thought of the two men attacking her, and she could only imagine what diabolic things they had arranged for her. She thought it might be time to visit Sadie at the inn. They now had some unfinished business between them. Rose glanced down and saw that Mr. Milner was holding her hand. His large hands were warm, and it made Rose feel secure.
He did not want her to think he was inappropriate by covering her tiny cold hands with his. Larson continued to gaze over at Rose, examining her mood. He was worried about her current state after the attack. She blushed when she realized he was watching her. Larson let go of her hand, realizing what he had done. Rose could tell he was fascinated with her.
The carriage traveled a brief distance over the bumpy cobblestone streets and stopped in front of a three-story red brick townhome. The windows were stained glass, and the trim was painted bright white. Rose could tell the home had several fireplaces because of the chimneys jutting out of the rooftop. The place was stunning and well-kept. Homes in this part of London belonged to the wealthy and aristocracy. Rose could see the vast class difference between Whitechapel and Covent Gardens.
Another thing that had not changed in all her years of sleeping. The ones who have everything and those who have nothing. It pained Rose to know that the world had not transformed in all this time.
"Welcome to our home. This is Bedford Hills. This house once belonged to our cousin, the ninth Duke of Bedford. The Bedford family founded Covent Gardens." Larson began explaining to Rose his family's history and the city's founding.
"It's a lovely place," exclaimed Rose as she examined the architecture of the homes and saw the Bedford family crest carved in stone above the front door.
"Are we going to stand outside all night in the cold, admiring the building? Or shall we go inside and eat?" Asked Allison, raising her eyebrows at Larson and Rose.
"Food sounds divine," replied Larson. He leaned over and whispered to Rose, "We must not keep my sister waiting. She turns into a real bear when she has not eaten."
About the time Larson finished talking, Rose's stomach grumbled, and her mouth began to water at the thought of food. It had been a while since she had eaten a proper meal.
The three of them walked up the front steps and into the home. The furniture was beautifully upholstered, made with rich woods, and gilded in gold. It was decorated in light cream colors. The spaces were open and roomy.
"I'll tour you around the house after we eat. The dining room is this way. Follow me." Allison said with a winsome smile as she showed Rose to the dining room
"Rose, you can take this seat." Larson sat at the head of the table. Allison sat down to his right and had Rose sit to his left. A servant appeared in the dining room, and Larson instructed him to begin the meal. Rose saw the intricate layout of the plates and utensils. She sat and wondered how this worked.
The first dish of the evening was brought to the table. It was french onion soup layered with gruyere cheese. Rose watched as Allison picked up the soup spoon on the right side of her plate, and the butler placed bread and a pat of butter on the small plate to her upper left.
"Have you had French onion soup before?" Allison asked Rose.
"No, I don't believe I have." Responded Rose as she copied Allison and picked up the soup spoon. For the rest of the meal, Rose made small talk with the siblings, observed how they used the utensils, and followed the etiquette of the two hosts at the table.
"Where are you staying in London? I will have my carriage take you there." Larson did not want Rose walking around London if he could help it. Especially after what had transpired in the plaza.
Rose sighed, "To be honest, nowhere. I was going to find a hotel near the gardens until I was interrupted by those men. If I did not say so earlier, thank you for coming to my aid tonight." Rose faintly smiled at Larson, and he grinned back at her.
"Then it's settled. You will be our guest. I will have a room readied for you." Larson was glad to have this alluring girl stay at his home. He wanted to know all about Rose. She was like a magnet luring him to her.
"Thank you, I will be sure to find a place tomorrow after work," said Rose.
"I know it's sudden and unusual to ask you to stay with strangers. But I'm not comfortable with sending you back to the city. Knowing you're in a safe place would give me peace of mind. You can remain here with us for as long as you need. I know Allison would love to have another woman around. Please sleep on it before you make a decision. We can talk about the arrangement tomorrow. How does that sound?" He asked the amber-eyed girl standing in front of him.
Rose nodded her head to Larson in agreement. "It sounds reasonable."
"Now that this situation is resolved. We should head for bed. All of us have places to be early tomorrow. Good night ladies. Larson gave a formal bow to Rose and Allison. He made both girls giggle as he left the room.
Allison showed Rose to her suite on the second floor."I know I said we would tour you around the house, but it will have to wait till tomorrow. It's late, I don't know about you, but I'm drained." Allison lamented.
"I understand, Allison. It's been a pretty trying day for me too. The hospitality you and Larson have shown this evening is much appreciated. Before you leave, I have a question about your brother."
"What's your question?" Allison queried.
"How did Larson knock that guy out tonight?" Rose had been curious about what she saw.
Allison laughed, "He's a pugilist. A bare-knuckles boxer." Allison lifted her fists in front of her face and jabbed to imitate a fighter, making Rose snicker. "He was an excellent prizefighting boxer. Our father detested that Larson fought for money and made him quit to join the family business. He wanted his son to have a respectable profession. I know you probably have many other questions, but it's late. We can talk more tomorrow. Get some rest.
Allison shut the door to Rose's room. Rose shuffled off the bed and examined the doorknob. She saw no lock on it. Rose never trusted anyone. She took a chair from the corner of the room and jammed it under the doorknob. Rose undressed, lay in the soft clean bed, and quickly fell asleep.
***
December 28, 1894, early morning hours
Due to severe weather conditions, the sloop arrived in Dover a day later than expected. A carriage awaited at the port to take Dante and his butler Carrick to Dragonwood. It had been quite a few years since he had returned to the estate, and Dante was anxious to see how it looked after all this time.
"Did you get the extra staffing I requested?" Dante inquired of the butler.
"Yes, your Grace and two girls for you to feed on. It was a bit more challenging to find them, but I have been assured they are fine quality servants and should be able to satisfy you, Count. The current butler sent word by a pigeon while you rested on the sloop," Carrick replied.
"That is marvelous news." Dante leaned back in the carriage seat and removed his gloves."I would like to see Dragonwood ready to host a winter masquerade ball in a few weeks. Get word to Giselle. I want her here to make preparations. We also may need her as a distraction. Send a carrier pigeon back to the chateau when we arrive at the Mansion." Dante gazed out of the carriage window. The butler observed that the Count had a lot on his mind.