Chapter 33 and Epilogue

The three days before the ball passed in a blur. When they looked back and tried to recall it, none of them could remember exactly what they'd done during that time, and if they did, they didn't speak of it.

Time seemed to alternately speed up, slow down and stand still.

William felt the inevitable confrontation with Caleb speeding towards him and he still wasn't sure if he was ready for it.

Elizabeth spent the mornings feeling sick and the afternoons sitting anxiously and willing away the time. Her aunt had no success in interesting her in the preparations for the ball so she was, thankfully, left alone. A few stolen moments with William were all she managed since there was so much activity in the house that it was impossible to be alone and unobserved.

Dawn managed to avoid being dragged home by her father on the intervention of Aunt Joan, who declared that she couldn't possibly organise the ball all by herself and needed her niece to help her. She spent the time frantically looking out for Alex who had completely disappeared since their talk in the garden.

He turned up on the night before the ball looking tired and unshaven, but a little calmer than he had before he'd left. Ethan's name wasn't mentioned again for many years.

As they dressed and sat patiently while the maids did their hair, Elizabeth received a single red rose from Caleb together with a note stating that he would be making an announcement that evening regarding the date of their wedding. She threw it in the waste paper basket without so much as a second glance.

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"Don't see why we 'ave to wear these." Alex threw down the white gloves onto William's bed. "Damned stupid things."

William picked them up for the third time and patiently handed them back. "It's what they do, just wear them will you? And aren't you going to shave? You're looking a bit rough at the moment."

Alex grinned at that, taking the gloves and glaring at them suspiciously. "That's the idea. Want Caleb to know what 'es up against."

"No rough stuff, Alex. You heard what Mr Giles said. Where've you been, anyway?"

Alex shrugged his shoulders and squeezed his hands into the gloves. He gave them another disgusted look and promptly took them off again. "Been back to the mansion, 'ad something to do that couldn't wait."

"And are you going to tell me what?" William inspected himself in the mirror as he spoke, licking his finger and flattening his hair. It was shorter than he'd ever worn it and was showing a tendency to stick up in the air in strange spikes now that it didn't have the weight to hold it down.

"Stupid barber, look what he's done to my hair. I told him not to cut it too short."

"No, I'm not. What time are we expected downstairs then?"

"Eight o' clock apparently." William gave up and took out his pocket watch. "That gives us an hour. Alright, I won't ask again. Damn, I want this over with."

"Me too. You got everything packed?"

"I have, and the girls are ready. Lady Carlington's lending us the carriage to get back to the mansion. We just need to get out in one piece."

"We will." Alex picked up a pack of playing cards from the side table and took them out, shuffling them deftly. "Come on, I'll give you a couple of games to pass the time, only you're not to cheat."

William sat himself down on one side of the bed as Alex sat down on the other. "I don't cheat."

"You bloody well do."

"Not as much as you do."

"I do not cheat."

"Yes you do."

"God, I want this over."

"Me too."

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"Oh, Aunt Joan, it's gorgeous. Thank you."

Elizabeth sat still as her aunt fastened the diamond necklace around her neck. It looked, and probably was, fabulously valuable and it was all quite overwhelming.

"It's a wedding present, my dear. I shall miss you."

Elizabeth turned and hugged her aunt then she wiped a few stray tears from her eyes. "We're coming on to Bath after we've packed some things from the mansion. Once our things are safely on their way north we will visit you, I promise. We still don't know what state the house in Rossendale is in, so we may be in need of a place to stay until it's ready."

"You must spend Christmas with me then."

"Oh, Aunt Joan, would you mind terribly if we spent it in the new house? It's called Forest Park after the Great Forest of Rossendale, and I can't wait to see it. Why don't you come to us?"

"No, you're right my dear. You should spend your first Christmas as mistress in your own home. And then you will be getting ready for the baby. I will see you for that, I promise. Now come here, Dawn, I haven't forgotten you."

Aunt Joan picked up a small velvet box from the dressing table, opened it and gave it to Dawn. "There you are."

Dawn's eyes grew very wide when she saw the brooch. "Oh goodness, you can't mean to give this to me."

"Of course I do, my dear. Didn't I always say you would have it when you were grown up?"

"Look Buffy." Dawn showed her the brooch, her eyes glowing as she took it from the box. "I've always loved this brooch. Will you put it on me Aunt?"

Aunt Joan pinned the brooch on Dawn's dress, chuckling as she did so. "I'm glad he's going to a good home. This little cat has always brought me luck, I hope it does the same for you."

The last few words came out rather muffled as Dawn grabbed her in a hug. Then she stepped back. "Aunt, did Alex ask if he might be my escort to the ball?"

"He did, Dawn. It's not really my place to give him permission, that's your father's job, but I said yes anyway. I like him, Dawn, make sure you look after him."

"I will, Aunt, and thank you again. What time is it? I just can't wait to go down." She twirled a few times and ended on a little curtsey. "I want him to see this beautiful dress."

They didn't often see Aunt Joan cry. She always seemed to be either laughing or resolute, so it was a shock when she suddenly groped for her handkerchief and wiped frantically at her eyes. Both Dawn and Elizabeth rushed to her side and put their arms around her as she sniffed and composed herself.

"Now look what you've made me do. I am going to miss you both so much. Rossendale is so far away."

"Then you must visit us often, you will be most welcome," Elizabeth said, wiping at her own eyes again. "This story would have had such a different ending had it not been for your help."

"Only doing what I do best, my dears. Goodness, is that the time? The guests will soon be starting to arrive. I can't let them see me like this." She rose and kissed each of her nieces in turn, then stood back and inspected them. "I wish you both every happiness. You've fought hard to get this far and you deserve it. I couldn't be more pleased for you."

"We're not quite there yet, aunt." Elizabeth was grateful for her aunt's words, but spoken at this stage they seemed so much like tempting fate that it sent a little chill through her.

Her aunt leaned forward and whispered in her ear. "I read the cards for you tonight, and the signs are very good. Stop worrying."

That didn't really make Elizabeth feel much better. She'd never liked fortune telling in any shape or form, it always felt like meddling in things they should not, but she nodded politely and managed a small smile as her aunt left the room. Then she hugged her arms around herself as she turned to Dawn.

"Are you all packed up?"

"I am, Buffy. What's the mansion like?"

"A little spooky, but very grand. Aunt Joan has managed to let it for William. A bunch of mad poets, I believe. Very fitting, don't you think? And she's organising a group of trusted servants who will look after the place."

Dawn slipped a hand in hers and gave it a squeeze. "It's going to be alright. If Aunt Joan says so, then it will be. She's never wrong."

Elizabeth sighed. "There's always a first time, Dawn. Always a first time for
everything."

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"Smile my sweet, people are looking."

Elizabeth kept her gaze firmly fixed on the dance floor where it was all getting rather frantic. The dances had been a mixture of the old and the new as the country dance formations gave way to the more intimate, and rather scandalous, waltzes. As more wine and punch was consumed inhibitions loosened, and there was much laughter and galloping across the room as the younger men showed off to the ladies. The candles burned down and wax dripped from the chandeliers onto the dancers below. Glasses clinked, the noise level rose, and the playing of the orchestra seemed to grow more frantic.

Aunt Joan's affairs always ended up like this, there was nothing restrained about them and people came from miles around when they heard she was hosting a ball. A good time was always guaranteed. There was food set out for the partygoers in the dining room and rooms were set aside for the ladies to retire to when they needed a little rest from the frenzy. Maids were on hand to help repair their hair, make-up, or even their dresses which often sustained damage due to the vigorous dancing. Indeed, there had already been tears when someone had stood on a young lady's dress and ripped the hem. Aunt Joan had sorted it with her usual tact and it had been duly sewn up.

And there was William, on the other side of the floor, a glass in hand, glaring across at Caleb. Elizabeth hadn't spoken to him all evening and she'd had to be very careful not to make too much eye contact. Caleb was watching her very closely, and whereas she didn't need to pretend that she liked him, she did need to keep up the pretence that the wedding would go on as planned. She hoped that William wasn't getting himself too drunk as he would need all his wits about him if this was going to succeed.

Poor thing. As she'd suspected he'd spent all evening politely making small talk with a whole host of mothers and daughters. At one point he'd all but disappeared with a crowd of them around him and it was hard not to be able to go to his rescue. In truth he seemed to be doing more listening than talking and she could see that he was desperately trying to both appear sociable, and watch her and Caleb at the same time.

"Lord Rossendale has been a houseguest at Lady Carlington's these past few weeks, has he not?"

"She has many guests, Caleb. You know how sociable she is." Elizabeth tried to keep as calm as possible, but her heart was racing at the unexpectedness of the question.

"How does she know him, my dear?"

"She met him on the continent, I think. He's been out of the country."

"If you ever cheat on me Elizabeth, you know you will have great cause to regret it, don't you?"

"I hate you, Caleb." She stated it plainly and simply, with a smile on her face, and from the outside they looked just like a couple having a pleasant chat about the weather or something as inconsequential. A few people who had got wind of some of the details of the affair surrounding her disappearance gave them pointed looks as they passed, but generally it seemed to have all blown over.

Elizabeth felt Caleb's hand cover hers and she stiffened. He chuckled and squeezed even harder, causing her to bite her lip.

"Perhaps I shall release you from the engagement? Would you like that my love?"

He turned to her, his face unreadable and her heart flipped completely over. Even as she realised he was just playing with her she couldn't help the brief expression of hope that flitted across her face.

Her reaction seemed to satisfy him. He nodded and continued. "Perhaps I shall marry Dawn instead. I do declare that you have become very dour since you returned, Elizabeth, and she looks so young and fresh. Look at her, dancing with that buffoon. He is Lord Rossendale's cousin, is he not? I hear she is quite sweet on him."

"Have you been spying on me Caleb?" Elizabeth looked to where Dawn and Alex were dancing. His lack of practice didn't stand out too much amongst all the drunken revelry.

"Of course I have, my love. It must have been quite tempting for you, sharing a house with two rich and handsome men. Have you been a good girl, Elizabeth?"

She shook her hand free and took a deep breath to calm herself. If Caleb knew of her involvement with William then he probably knew everything else too. Was he simply playing them at their own game? Perhaps they had underestimated him after all?

When she was sufficiently calm she turned to him. "You've been spying on me, so why don't you answer that question?"

He laughed and patted her knee. "Anyone else would have been, but you are such a prude, Elizabeth, I am so going to enjoy being married to you." He leaned very close then and whispered in her ear. "I have such a lot to teach you."

At that moment Aunt Joan thankfully chose to intervene. She held out her hand to Elizabeth as Caleb looked up at her, obviously annoyed at being interrupted.

"I'm going to freshen up, come with me, my dear. You look in need of it."

Caleb straightened again. "Make sure you bring her back quickly. I find it a great comfort to have her here beside me."

Elizabeth rose, as Aunt Joan looked Caleb coolly in the eye. "I've never liked you, Caleb, and I'm not going to pretend to start now. You are invited here only because of Elizabeth and my brother."

Caleb kept the now rather fixed smile on his face as he replied.

"Charming, as always, Lady Carlington. Just bring her back."

From across the other side of the room William made his excuses to the group he was talking to. He signalled to Alex, who stopped dancing, took hold of Dawn's hand and led her from the floor. Elizabeth saw them all leave the room as she followed her aunt. She'd thought she would be more nervous than this, but meeting Caleb again had only served to sharpen her resolve in this matter. He wasn't having her and he wasn't having Dawn. She didn't yet know what lengths they would have to go to in order to stop that happening, but now the time had come. And she was just about to find out.

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William had only managed to escape from all the noise for a few moments when he'd gone out to relieve himself and had ducked into an empty room on the way back to catch a few minutes alone.

He'd sat in an armchair and tried to compose himself, trying not to get too angry at having had to watch Elizabeth and Caleb together. She was looking terribly unhappy, but obviously trying to put on a brave face, and Caleb had been just as he'd expected. Slightly disfigured by his accident, but still the epitome of charm and good breeding. William had to wonder how many girls apart from Elizabeth and Anya had fallen for his smooth talk.

He was discovered by a group of ladies who had insisted that he return to the ballroom and had then proceeded to drop very pointed hints about dance cards and such. He'd managed to get out of dancing by pleading an injury which mysteriously stopped him from doing so, but he'd seen their disappointed looks. And goodness, but they were persistent. He thought he must have been formally introduced to every single woman under twenty five at the whole ball. And when they weren't inquiring after his marital status then it was Alex they wanted to know about.

And William couldn't for the life of him work out why the ladies should be so attracted to the unshaven look that Alex was presently sporting. For some reason this slightly wild, rather dangerous look was causing women to swoon all over him. And Dawn had been alternating between an expression that suggested alarm at their attention, and smugness that it was she who was his partner.

Women seemed to want it all William thought, shaking his head and realising that he'd never really understand them. He wondered just exactly what would be a woman's ideal man. Some sort of Pirate cum poet he suspected. Someone who would sweep them off their feet and carry them away, while reciting poetry and presenting them with flowers and complementing them on their clothes at the same time. He was glad he didn't have to worry about that sort of thing any more.

Dawn's father had spent the first half the evening thoroughly approving of Dawn being escorted by Alex until he'd spotted Alex and William together and had suddenly realised just exactly who Alex was. He'd marched across the room and dragged Dawn away, but she'd reappeared a few moments later and had since been openly defying her father by continuing to associate with them. He'd spent the rest of the evening glaring at her, but obviously not wanting to create a public scene. She'd very pointedly refused to catch his eye or acknowledge his attempts to speak to her and William knew that they couldn't now think about leaving her behind.

He'd been greatly relieved when Lady Carlington had separated Elizabeth from Caleb as they'd prearranged would happen. Alex had stopped his attempts at dancing as soon as he saw William's nod to him and they were now standing in the hallway planning their next move.

"Dawn, fetch Tara and take her to your bedroom. Wait for us there, whatever happens, one of us will come for you. Are your things ready?"

Dawn nodded, looking rather nervous and creeping nearer to Alex, who gave her a brief hug.

"Don't worry, it's going to be fine. Just be ready, yes?"

Dawn straightened and nodded. "Don't forget me, will you?"

"Course we won't. Go get mother, you won't be by yourself."

They watched as she walked back into the ballroom to search for Tara and then nodded politely at a small party who were leaving early. Lady Carlington made her goodbyes, then came over to where they were standing.

"Where did you put the statement, William?"

"It's in my bedroom, Lady Carlington, is Elizabeth in the study?"

"She's waiting for you. Alex, why don't you go and join her while William fetches the papers? Will you be needing Jonathan to drive you tonight?"

"No, I'll do that," Alex replied. "We just need the carriage ready."

"It is, my boy. Oh dear, here I go again. I don't know what's come over me lately." She took out her handkerchief, dabbing at her eyes as she looked them over. "I'll say my goodbyes for now, but do expect a visit from me in the near future. Elizabeth has said you might travel north via Bath?"

"We will Lady Carlington. There's a lot to organise and we can't just turn up at Forest Park after all this time." William stepped forward and hugged her, then stepped back and allowed Alex do the same.

"Goodness, Alex," she managed after he'd hugged all the breath out of her. "If I was twenty years younger, you wouldn't stand a chance. And I like you new look."

He rubbed at his stubbled chin a little self-consciously but grinning broadly. "Thanks for everything, Lady C. We appreciate it, don't we William?"

"I need to pay you for the clothes and the inn. You've been most generous." William suddenly remembered that they'd been living off her generosity for the past few weeks.

"I don't want to hear another word about that. Now, both of you, get yourselves in place and I will fetch Caleb."

William nodded and turned for the stairs as Alex walked down the corridor to the study. As William opened his bedroom door he realised that he had a lot to thank Caleb for. It was a strange irony, but if Caleb hadn't attacked Elizabeth then she'd never have been on the cliff road that night. And their lives wouldn't have collided as they had. Such a turn of events, and now it all rested on him. Within an hour they could be back within the familiar safety of the mansion, the Caleb problem taken care of once and for all. Or they could be on the run to who knew where.

They'd all changed beyond measure since this had started. He knew the old William wouldn't have taken Caleb on, but he wasn't at all the same person that Buffy had met on the cliff road that night. Whether she'd given this to him, or just brought out something that was already there, he didn't know. What he did know was that he could do this, and he would do this. She was depending on him and he wouldn't let her down. He'd do anything to save her from this, and for the first time since he'd met her, he truly felt confident that she might let him.

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Elizabeth jumped up as soon as Alex entered the study.

"Are they coming?"

"Lady C's fetching 'im, you nervous?"

"I am a little, now. Do you think Caleb will come?"

"'Ope so, otherwise this 'ain't going to work too well is it?"

"Not the way we'd planned."

Alex seated himself on the sofa but Elizabeth couldn't rest. She paced the room, waiting for William and Caleb to arrive and then she spotted the drinks cabinet.

"Have a drink with me, Alex."

"Go on then I'll 'ave one." Alex got up and stood by her as she poured them two very large brandies

She'd drained half of the glass and then gone into a fit of coughing before he'd finished talking, and his hand patting her gently on the back as she recovered herself, reminded her, again, of the night they'd got so drunk at the mansion. It had been the brandy that had made her so sick and she'd thought that never again could she stand the smell of it. Yet here she was, gulping it down and hoping that it might give her a little more courage than she felt right now. The longer she waited for Caleb to arrive, the more agitated she was becoming. Eventually she felt Alex take the glass from her and set it down.

"Think you've 'ad enough. Come and sit with me."

He led her back to the sofa and she went with him without protest. She hadn't eaten anything and the brandy was having an effect on her already. She leaned against him, giggling as they flopped down together.

"Are you growing a beard, Alex? It makes you look very devilish."

"Good." He gave her a wolfish grin and scratched his cheek. "But it gets bloody itchy when it's like this. Reckon I'll shave when we get 'ome."

Elizabeth sighed and closed her eyes. "We'll be home soon, Alex. What's keeping them?"

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Caleb found them sitting on the sofa, Elizabeth in the middle, the two men on either side and the pieces of this puzzle that had been going over and over in his mind all fell into place as soon as he saw them. So that was where she'd been? He wondered that he hadn't pieced it all together before and cursed her silently for this injury that had slowed his wits, and given him the appearance of a drooling idiot.

Ethan, the Angelus Mansion, the Rossendale title. They were staring him in the face. He just hadn't looked hard enough. Yet all he felt was relief. These three youngsters, now standing and facing him, gave him nothing to worry about at all. He stared them out for a few seconds and then he laughed long and hard. He was good at this and they were so obviously innocents. Lord Rossendale's hands were shaking, his cousin looked like nothing more than an ignorant thug and Elizabeth was as white as a sheet.

His laughter had thrown them, he could see that. They had obviously come prepared for a confrontation, so he had the advantage already.

"Do you know," he began, staring straight at Elizabeth. "For a moment there, I thought I needed to be concerned. Is this all you have?"

"You should be Caleb. Tell him William."

He didn't miss the familiarity between them. Her hand on his arm, the way he responded to her. She'd known him for longer than tonight.

"Come with me now, Elizabeth and I might be prepared to forget this insult. And you," he nodded towards William. "How much do you want? Everyone has their price."

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All eyes were on him. William stepped forward and stood squarely in front of the man who'd caused them so much grief. And the confidence he was feeling didn't just come from inside him. It came from the people around him too. Alex and Elizabeth standing at his back, combined with this wonderful feeling that Elizabeth was charging him alone with this great responsibility, made him feel quite invincible.

All he saw when he looked at Caleb now was a sad, broken-down man who was rather desperately trying to save face. Caleb was staring at the paper that William now had in his hand, and a look of mild panic crossed his face. He made to walk past them, muttering that Lady Carlington would hear about this insulting behaviour, but Alex stepped into his path.

"Where the 'ell do you think you're going?"

"Get out of my way, you idiot." Caleb raised his stick, but Alex had it off him easily. He threw it down and stood in front of the door, arms folded and a determined look on his face.

"Think we'd like 'im to stay, wouldn't we my Lord?"

William had jumped at Caleb's sudden movement and even more so at Alex's. Caleb tried for the door again but he was rather unsteady on his feet without his cane and Alex only had to give him a small shove to pitch him backwards into an armchair.

William moved to stand by his cousin, aware that Elizabeth now had her hand over her mouth. He could see the laughter in her eyes that she was desperately trying to suppress and he had to avoid her gaze otherwise he was going to start laughing too. It wasn't so much that it was amusing, as the feeling of hysteria that was pervading the moment. Alex and Caleb were now glaring at each other and as Caleb made another move to get out of the chair Alex would promptly knock him back in again.

William managed to compose himself and he coughed theatrically before speaking. "I must apologise for my cousin, he tends to lose control at times like these. Terrible temper, you see."

Caleb's head swivelled round to glare at him and he opened his mouth to speak, but Alex got in first.

"Let me take 'im outside, my Lord. I'll sort your problem for you, if you get my meaning."

William knew exactly what Alex was doing and he picked up the thread immediately.

"That won't be necessary, Alex. I'm sure Caleb is willing to see reason in this. Just release Elizabeth from the engagement, Caleb and we'll be on our way and trouble you no more."

William saw Elizabeth nodding encouragingly at him, which must mean that he'd sounded convincing even if he was shaking inside.

Caleb's face had turned a strange shade, but he seemed to have calmed himself down.

"In your wildest dreams, perhaps. But not in this lifetime, Lord Rossendale. Now cease this stupidity and let me up."

William blew out a long breath and shook his head. "It would be a great pity if you were to force my hand, Caleb. I was hoping to avoid unpleasantness."

"Then you should have thought twice before presuming to take me on. I demand that you let me go."

Even as Caleb cowered from Alex he was shooting murderous looks at Elizabeth and William knew that she could never be left alone with him again. He also realised something else as he looked at the expression on her face, which was now somewhere between shock, contempt and hatred.

He'd already got everything he wanted out of this confrontation. All he'd really needed was Elizabeth's trust and confidence in him, and she'd shown that unreservedly. He didn't want to be better than her, or show off his manliness by doing this. Neither did he want to knock her down or make out that he was stronger than her. The strength she showed at times like these was a part of who she was, a part he loved very much, and he knew exactly what he had to do.

"Take this Elizabeth, you are the wronged party so it's between you and him now. Alex and I will be here if you need us."

Alex smiled approvingly at this unexpected development and nodded in agreement, but Elizabeth still looked rather shocked.

"But I though you wanted to?"

"I did too, but all I really wanted was to know that you believed in me."

"But I do, William. You must understand that now." She walked across the room to him and took the paper he was offering, then she reached up and kissed him on the cheek. He guessed that it was as much a thank you as a demonstration to Caleb as to where her heart lay, then he felt her hand slip into his. "Thank you William, I love you very much," she whispered as she turned to her tormentor.

Caleb raised his eyebrows very pointedly as he nodded at the paper. "What a nauseating display. So, you've written me another letter have you? The answer is the same, my dear."

"No," Elizabeth began in a clear voice. "It's not a letter, but I think you'll find it interesting." She held it up and scanned through it briefly before raising her eyes once more. "Very interesting, in fact."

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It was the last thing she'd expected him to do and she knew just how much he loved her at that moment, because she knew fully just how much doing this had meant to him. After her lack of trust in him at the mansion he deserved this moment, yet he was giving it to her. As she whispered a thank you she kept hold of his hand, hoping that he realised that they were really doing this together.

"Let me hear it then. I am in need of a laugh."

Caleb leaned back in the chair and made a show of getting comfortable, steepling his fingers and leaning his chin on them, but Elizabeth could see the way his gaze kept flicking somewhat anxiously to the paper she was holding.

William gave her hand a squeeze as she began and within moments it was over. Alex allowed Caleb to stand and they all waited as he straightened his jacket and picked up his cane.

"There are many fish in the sea, Elizabeth. Think on that, will you. You may have her, Lord Rossendale. She's really not worth the bother." Caleb moved towards the door, then he stopped and turned back to them. "You'll need to keep her well satisfied to retain her interest, you know." He stopped and thought about what he'd said, then he gave a short, dry laugh. "Ahh, I have it now. All the sickness and pleading illness. Now which of us fathered it, I wonder?"

"Nice try, Caleb." William joined in at this point, much to Elizabeth's relief. "There are to be no repercussions against Anya or the baby. You'll never see it, as we never want to see or hear from you. We'll forget all about you, if you promise to forget about us. That's all we want."

Caleb said only two words before he walked out of their lives.

"What baby?"

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They all stared at the empty space where Caleb had been. Even though he'd gone, his energy still seemed to fill the void and for a moment none of them could move.

William still had hold of Elizabeth's hand and slowly he pulled her to him and wrapped his arm about her. She brought her arms around him and they held each other, almost unable to believe that she was free at last, and that she was finally his.

He released her so that she could go to Alex, who was standing quietly by and as he watched them embrace William was overtaken by an urge to laugh long and loud. It didn't seem right to gloat and it was probably more of a release of tension than anything. A left-over of the hysteria they'd felt earlier, but he couldn't help it.

After all the years of pain and struggle, he finally had a real chance at happiness. Years of heartbreaking, aching loneliness that had nearly culminated in death at his own hand because he couldn't stand it any more. Now they were firmly behind him. It was as if he could finally breathe freely at last, and the future, which he'd always run away from, was now welcoming and beckoning him with promises of companionship and love, family and laughter, comfort and togetherness. And he walked towards it with open arms.

Elizabeth called him over and they all stood together, he and Alex on either side of her and the smiles turned into grins, the grins into laughter and the laughter echoed down the years, and filled their lives.

But in a lifetime of laughter, William was to always remember this moment as the one where he'd been the happiest of all.

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By Moxie

Rating: R
Pairings: B/S
Genre: Fantasy
Status: Work in progress
Summary: The year is 1835. Elizabeth Summers is injured while fleeing from a forced marriage, but when she realises who her rescuer is she begins to think she may have jumped out of the frying pan into the fire. Are the tales about the golden - haired vampire who lives in the old dark house on the cliff, true? Or are they just stories made up to frighten children? She’s just about to find out!

The Angelus Journals

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What happened to us after we left Shell Cove House that night? I have encouraged everyone to keep journals and write letters for it will be good to look back on our lives and remember what we have done. We need to remember…

Extracts from thoughts, journals and letters 1835 -1866

From the journal of William Angelus, Lord Rossendale.

December 1835

We left the mansion at the beginning of October, having sent a legal representative to Rossendale to claim back Forest Park, which we discovered was being inhabited by one of my mill managers. He had also been stealing my money on a vast scale and fearing prison, he left willingly and, unfortunately, with most of the furniture, never to be heard of again. The servants followed suit, all save a few very old ones who had nowhere to go and that served to delay us in Bath for longer than we'd have liked.

Mr. Summers paid me a visit at the mansion before we left and demanded his daughters back. Elizabeth and Dawn knew about this, but they do not know what I did to get rid of him and perhaps I will never tell them. A large quantity of gold was able to buy him off with a promise that he would never bother us again. I have no doubt that he will squander it, but it has bought us peace of mind.

It was with a great sense of relief that I made Elizabeth my wife in the third week of October. In the event, we posted banns at the local parish church as this was quicker than obtaining a special licence. What God has joined together, no man will ever tear apart.

I would have liked to have delayed our journey north as winter was setting in and I thought that Elizabeth should now wait until after the baby was born before undertaking something so arduous. But she was, and always has been, one of the most stubborn people that I have ever met. I had no peace until, at the beginning of December and during a spell of exceptionally mild weather, I agreed that we might go. I still had no idea what state we were going to find the place in, but Elizabeth was adamant that the baby should be born at Forest Park, and so we went.

Aunt Joan, as she insists that I now call her, lent us her best coach and found us a driver who was happy to stay on and work for us at Forest Park. Such a journey is not for the faint hearted in the winter as many of the roads were in poor repair, but the driver was a sensible lad who managed to avoid most of the pot holes, and didn't seem too fond of speed. We broke our journey in Gloucester because I wanted to see the great Cathedral where Edward the second was buried after his horrible murder at Berkley Castle. As Bath Abbey had been, it was an impressive place and we stayed overnight at the New Inn in the town centre that was built to accommodate people who came in medieval times for his funeral.

Dawn seemed to thoroughly enjoy the journey, thinking nothing of the cold and the bumpy road. Tara endured it, although I could see that she was worried about Elizabeth. My poor darling didn't complain once, even though she was still quite horribly sick in the mornings. Once her mind is made up and her path set, then she stays on it no matter what.

As we travelled north the landscape changed from the soft rolling green of Devon to the grim reality that is the industrialised north. We took a detour so that we could cross the iron bridge at Coalbrookdale, the first of its kind in the whole world, and Manchester was, and still is, the noisiest and most crowded place that I have ever been to. I have yet to visit London which I hear is even worse. I am amazed that people can live like this and wonder at the mentality of the mill owners who treat their workers so. Yet the place seemed to have a special energy of its own, something that I have never felt before and it was both frightening and exciting.

A great change is coming over this country and I am, it seems, to be part of it.

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From the Journal of Elizabeth Angelus, Lady Rossendale.

December 1835

To the north of Manchester the landscape changed yet again. The beginning of high, craggy hills and bleak moor-land hemmed us in reminding us that we were nearing our destination. I was already prepared to love Forest Park, but I was not prepared for the instant affinity that I felt for the place. It was as if it had been waiting for us and it embraced us with such an air of welcome that I have felt happy here since the moment we arrived.

I'm glad that all the furniture was stolen as it meant that we could start again and make our own mark on the place. Eventually some of our things arrived from the mansion, but in the event we decided not to bring much with us as there was a strong risk that it would never make the journey and, as I said, this was a chance for a new beginning.

A light snow started falling as we passed through the village of Holcombe and took the high road that gave us the most magnificent view over the valley below. I had, thankfully, stopped feeling sick for the day, so I was able to appreciate it along with everyone else. Dawn was in such a frenzy of excitement about it all. This is the furthest she has ever been from home, yet she shows no trace of nervousness nor homesickness for Devon. Everything she saw was commented on, and pointed out, and we were all made to look at it. Alex is most patient with her and indulges her every whim. It was turning very cold as we climbed towards Helmshore village, passing two of William's mills as we did so.

A group of mill workers stopped and watched us as the coach passed through and I was shocked to see how tired and dirty they all looked. And so many women and children among them. I felt so sorry for them. As we made our way up the sweeping driveway and caught the first glimpse of our new home I was already thinking that I would like to do something to help them.

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Christmas day 1835

Tara

We have been in the house barely two weeks and things are still rather unsettled. Some of the older servants have stayed on, but the former occupant has made off with all of the silverware and any pieces of furniture that were easily transportable. Alex managed to procure us a goose which we roasted and ate around the kitchen table as we had always done at the mansion. There were still some stocks left in the wine cellar so a merry time was had by all. I must confess to becoming quite tipsy myself. I tried to make sure that Dawn was limited to one glass only, but I suspect that she may have sneaked some behind my back, as by the end of the evening she was in a very giggly mood.

She organised games such as blind man's bluff in the evening which ended with a group of carollers knocking at the door. William invited them in and we all sang carols in the hall before passing around more wine.

I have never seen my William so relaxed and happy. He seems to be losing that slightly anxious expression he always used to wear, and Buffy is blossoming as the baby grows. Alex is a solid, quiet presence who has worked very hard in the background making sure that there is food on the table and wood for the fires. He has been with William to visit the mills that are dotted about the valley and is an invaluable support to him. There is a lot of work to do and they are between them determined to bring the mills up to standard and look after the workers a little better than they have been so far.

It is so different here than Devon. I do not know if I will ever get used to it, but as long as my family is here, then I will be happy.

We ended the day gathered around the fire. William insisted that I have the only armchair in the drawing room and the others made themselves comfortable on the rug. Buffy with her head in William's lap and Dawn asleep against Alex. Those two are really very sweet together and I have high hopes for them.

I ended the day alone and said a prayer for Ethan before I retired. May God have mercy on his soul.

Dawn

Alex never did carry me out of the ball but he did carry me to bed tonight. He laid me down and leaned over and kissed me very gently, thinking me to be asleep. The wine must have made me bold for I pulled him down and held him until he kissed me again. There is so much that I do not know about all this. I think Alex must have kissed a woman before, for he seemed to know exactly what to do and I want him to teach me everything. It was a most pleasant feeling which left my heart racing and my skin tingling, but now that he is gone all I want is for him to return and do it again. Does that make me a wanton, or is this normal? I would ask Buffy, but she would probably give me a lecture on it.

Alex has been most gentlemanly so far, but I do not want him to be any more. However, if anything is to happen between us I think it is going to have to be up to me.

Alex - random thoughts

I think I would like to keep a journal too. Dawn is always offering to teach me to read and write and the time has come for me to do so. Up till now I haven't had any memories that I would have liked to keep, but the future is looking good right now. It would be nice to write some things down so that when I am old I can remember it all.

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May 1836

William

The heir to the Rossendale title was born this morning. We've named him William, but he's to be known as Will to avoid confusion. Buffy had an easy time of it in the event. She hit when me when I said that and told me that I could have the next and then we would see how easy it was, but Tara assured me that it wasn't a difficult birth.

I'll never forget it and managed to stay throughout, even though all the blood made me feel quite queasy. Buffy was so brave and young Will is such a serious little soul. Tara declares that he is me reborn, and that babies never smile when they are newborn, but he already has the look of a wise old man. I can tell that he is going to be a thinker, and perhaps a worrier like me.

I only hope that he doesn't have the other thing that I have and that he can go out into the sunshine. That we will not know for a while.

Elizabeth

I really do not care for pregnancy and childbirth. The sickness was most wearing, but young
Will is such a delight and being a parent is so different to what I imagined it would be. How is it that you can love someone so instantly and unreservedly the moment you set eyes on them? He looks at me so trustingly with those big blue eyes of his and when I manage to get him all to myself, it is like we two are sharing a great secret that no one else knows. Tara is completely besotted with him and rarely lets us have him to ourselves, but it is nice to have him in bed with us before we put him down for the night and just to watch him sleep. Through him I feel closer to William than I have ever done.

Our other news is that Aunt Joan came to visit and, quite unexpectedly, brought her new husband Mr. Giles with her. So like her. They are going to live part of the year in Italy and we hope to visit them soon. Mr Giles worked very hard while he was here setting up William's finances and we have managed to buy some new furnishings for the house, as well as set aside a sum for the school that I am determined to found. I should also like to do something specifically for our women workers who have such a bad time of it. Last week a baby was born on the floor of the weaving shed, how can that be right?

July 1836

Alex - random thoughts

I am slowly learning this reading and writing that everyone says is so important, perhaps I will start a journal soon when I have mastered a few more words. Dawn turned eighteen today, thank God, for I do not think that I could have held out much longer. I promised Buffy I would wait, and I have, but Dawn would try the patience of a saint and seems to have taken a particular delight in torturing me these last few months. We are to be married at the end of August.

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November 1838

Tara

I have my hands quite full at the moment with a new baby in the nursery. William and Buffy now have a daughter named Lizzie who was born in July. She is already an independent little madam even at four months old. Young Will adores his new sister and has declared solemnly that he will look after everyone when he is older. He has such an old head on his shoulders, but is proving a very intelligent little lad and already showing a great talent for the piano. We are beginning to suspect that he may have somewhat of an intolerance to the sun, but it seems to be nowhere near as bad as William's is and as long as he is careful he can stay out for a short while without suffering harm. I know I shouldn't have favourites, but I can't help it he will always be, because he reminds me so much of my William.

I would not wish to be anywhere else on this earth.

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March 1841

William

Both sadness and happiness to write about. Dawn and Alex have a son who almost made his appearance during a carriage ride in the countryside. Poor Alex just about managed to get Dawn home in time, but Tara had to stand in as midwife. Dawn is well but Young Tom is, I suspect, going to be quite a handful. He will not be put down and someone must hold him or he screams.

The sad news was that Buffy lost the baby she was carrying. She was born too early to survive. She was baptised before she died and we named her Jenny. Buffy is being very brave about it, but has told me that she doesn't want to go through this again as it is just too traumatic. I would have liked a large family but the decision is hers. She has said that perhaps we may think about adopting a child when she has recovered as there are so many homeless children in the world who need our help. That is so typical of her, and we certainly have enough room here. I think I should like to do that.

Shortly after Tom's birth Dawn suffered an infection and we feared we might lose her. Alex was beside himself and sat with her night and day until the fever broke. She will probably have no more children, but we were all very relieved that she was spared. It has taught us not to take all this for granted, for it might so easily be taken away from us in the blink of an eye. I tell Buffy that I love her every day as I would hate for something to happen and not to have said it.

I never have been a religious man, but I thank God every day for this wonderful gift he has given me.

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1842
Dawn

There was a terrible explosion at one of the mills which killed four of our workers. We have done what we can for the families, but it will never compensate those poor children for the loss of their parents. One little girl, a four year old named Bella was left with no one in the world and facing the prospect of the poor house. She was brought to Forest Park by the family who had taken her in and we were asked if we could find a place for her as they could not afford another mouth to feed.

How could I resist her? She looked so sad and bemused that I knew I had to do something. Alex and I plan to adopt her legally once we have made investigations regarding her family. Buffy and I have often talked of doing this and we have space and love to spare here. Tom is rather jealous of her and has become very clingy but it will be good for him to have a sister. All we can do is reassure him that we still love him very much. Will is being his usual sweet self and has made Bella very welcome and Lizzie too, seems to want to be friends with her. Tara is in her element with all these children to look after and the house is full of love and laughter.

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March 1848

Elizabeth

It took a long time to get over the loss of my daughter. Even though she was so small, and lived only a few hours I still think of her everyday and wonder what she would look like now. I thought about adopting a child as Alex and Dawn had, but every time I tried all I saw was my Jenny's face, and it seemed somehow as if we were trying to replace her. And that did not feel right. However, last night I had the strangest dream. It was as if Jenny was talking to me and telling me that she would not mind if we did have another child because she is happy where she is and there are children here who need us. I awoke feeling rather sad, but on my weekly visit to the orphanage the strangest thing happened.

A girl of about seven years old, very small and delicate came up to me and curtsied most politely. She then asked me if she might come and live with us as she did not care for the orphanage one bit. She was newly arrived and, like so many children, had no one left to care for her. It is not the first time that fate has intervened in my life and I suspect it will not be the last, but this meeting resulted in Alice becoming part of our family. She is such a charming child, and has settled in with us as if she has always been here. She has the appearance of a porcelain doll, but underneath it all there is a determined streak, such as I have never seen in a child before. I cannot help but love her as my own. She gets on well with the other children, all except Tom, who teases her mercilessly because she likes girlish things, and I think, because she is the youngest. I hope that he will come round in time.

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July 1849

William

I am sitting in the summer house watching the children playing on the lawn. They are very understanding of my condition and always remember to come and sit with me or come walking with me in the evening, but I wish I could be out there with them now.

I also wish that Jenny could be here with us. She had no chance at life at all, and I still feel her loss. It seems so cruel to be given a child and know that it is yours and then have it taken away from you. It is a great relief that the other children are relatively healthy. They are a wonderful gift, but I can't help worrying that something might happen to any one of them. I try to spend as much time with them as I can.

Will tolerates the sun for brief periods and knows himself when he must seek the shade. I do not think that he will let it be a handicap to him. He is the sweetest boy, always looking out for the younger ones. He takes his role as the oldest very seriously and they all look up to him despite the fact that he is studious and quiet. I think that he will do well in life.

I think that Lizzie would have liked to have been a boy. She is out there now wearing a pair of Will's old trousers and poor Tara is quite scandalised by her. She has such a spirit of adventure about her and is definitely Buffy's daughter. I have no doubt that she will achieve everything that she sets out to do in life.

Alice has made such an effort to be part of the family. We all love her dearly and she repays us tenfold. She likes nothing more than to sit at my feet and have me read to her, and is always trying to help with things. I think sometimes that she feels that she has to work harder than the others because she fears that this might all be taken away from her if she doesn't. We do our best to reassure her that we will always love her and that we understand how she feels. She seems to fear being alone and, I especially, can empathise with this.

Bella is forthright and confident and is going to be quite a beauty. She likes nothing better than to go shooting with her brother and father and is already an expert shot. Poor Tom never did get over being the centre of his parents attention. He is a loveable lad, but so impulsive and hot tempered. I do not know why he gives Alice such a hard time. Perhaps it is that he does not get away with it when he tries to tease Lizzie and Bella because they give as good as they get. Or perhaps it is simply because she is the youngest and the smallest. He is not so much a bully but does not seem to be able to stop himself. I wonder if he secretly likes her and that is what this is all about.

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