Free Twelfth Night at Eyre Hall by Luccia Gray

speak
to me about?”
    “I did not know you were unwell after I
left.”
    “Did you care how I was?”
    “Of course I did. I asked Susan how you
were in every letter I sent. She told me you were well. You had not told Adele
that you were poorly. I only learnt about what happened when I arrived back in
England two weeks ago.”
    “Poorly is an unsuitable word. I was
bedridden for over three months.” She looked absently into the flames.
    “I’m sorry I was not here to help you.”
    She turned to stare at me. “I miscarried
your child.”
    I was unprepared for her accusation. “You
don’t know for sure…”
    She jumped up and glared at me. “How
dare you doubt my word? I know what a miscarriage is. I have had three.”
    “I am sorry.”
    “I trusted you with my body and my soul,
and you left me without even saying farewell.”
    “I could not stay.” I approached her.
    She raised the palm of her hand. “Why
are you here? What is it you want?”
    I was about to speak when Mason burst in.
“Thought you were both here! Glad to see you, old boy!”
    “Good evening, Mr. Mason.”
    “Looking for a job? We could do with
another footman.”
    “I am not in need of an occupation, at
present, Mr. Mason. I am content in the Royal Navy.”
    “Good to hear it! Glad you took my
advice.”
    “I decided to follow my father’s
footsteps.”
    “On the other hand, pity you left so
suddenly. I lost my wedding night on that account!”
    Jane had moved to the mantelpiece, head
bent once more. Mason walked towards her tripping on the rug. 
    “Now that he has returned, perhaps we
can resume our deal, Mrs. Mason. You get your faithful servant back, at least
for a few days, and I get my marriage rights, too. What do you say madam? Will
I be allowed into your chamber tonight?”
    He placed his hand on her bare shoulder
and I felt a pain as sharp as a knife ripping my guts. She removed herself from
his grasp and edged to the other corner of the fireplace, nearest to the door.
    “Lieutenant Kirkpatrick is visiting his
sister. He is not returning to Eyre Hall.”
    “I’m sure you could change his mind, and
we should all benefit from it.”
    He turned towards me. “Tell me Lieutenant
Kirkpatrick, how does my prudish little wife squeal and writhe when she is
being…”
    “Richard! You are drunk. Please leave
us.”
    “First answer my question, my wife; will
you now open your chamber to both of us?”
    Jane gasped and moved towards him. “How
dare you! Get out!”
    “I am your husband, at least in name. I
will address you as I please, madam.” He grabbed her arm and a knife turned in
my gut. I clenched my fists as I imagined my hands breaking his neck like a
Christmas turkey’s, in one smooth movement.
     My voice from across the room broke
through the tension. “Sir, what is your weapon?”
    He dropped her arm. The crackling fire emphasised
the ominous silence that overcame the room. The long clock chimed. Seconds
later Jane spoke evenly. “Please leave, Richard. Michael and I need to talk.”
    “About old times?” He laughed.
    “Mr. Mason, whichever weapon you choose,
you will die unless you apologise to Mrs. Mason and take back your offensive
remarks.”
    “You’re bluffing.”
     “I am an officer of Her Majesty’s Royal
Navy. I do not bluff.”
    “Michael, old boy…”
    “Lieutenant Kirkpatrick, Mr. Mason.”
    “Quite, Lieutenant Kirkpatrick. You must
have misunderstood me. I meant no offence to you or Mrs. Mason.”
    “Then could you apologise to your wife?”
    He bowed theatrically. “My apologies,
madam.”
    “Mrs. Mason, are you satisfied?” She
nodded, but I was not satisfied. “Please speak, Mrs. Mason.”
    “Yes, I am satisfied,” she whispered.
    “Mr. Mason, you are a fortunate man. Be
sure to treat Mrs. Mason as the jewel she is, or believe me, I will make sure
your death is as slow and painful as those who are cooked and devoured by
cannibals in Surinam.”
    “You dare to threaten me in my