Free The Black Lotus (Night Flower) by Claire Warner Page B

farewells to Alistair as she headed down the hall and he swore under his breath. Emily saw far too much and this was one thing he didn’t want to reach the others.
     
     
    “She’s not spending the night then,” He turned to see Alistair standing at the door. “At least you have some morals.”
     
     
    “I’m not in the mood brother,” Justin replied.  “I’m tired.”
     
     
    “Well we both know that’s a lie,” Alistair sneered as he let Justin go past, “But I’ll let it go this time.”
     
     
    “Thank you for you forbearance.” Justin rolled his eyes and walked into the hall. “Don’t look for me tomorrow as I’m heading into the city, now my house is established properly I should be available,”
     
     
    “Still playing the court, is this going to be the rest of eternity for you? Stood in rooms filled with vapid ladies and boring men?”
     
     
    “Well it beats sitting in draughty halls bemoaning my fate.” He turned away from his brother and headed for the stairs, not even bothering to check the damage to his throat as he passed the large mirror in the hall. With sure steps he made his way to his room and readied himself for bed. He thought of the duel in the morning and vowed to watch her brother fight Montjoy. It would kill several hours at the very least. He pulled back the hangings on the great old bed and lay down, his eyes staring at the canopy above him. He thought of Alistair and his assertion that he would kill him if he knew that would end the curse. Justin didn’t doubt that Alistair meant it; his brother had lost most of his lightness because of what he, Justin, had done. If he hadn’t touched what he shouldn’t have, they would both be better off. He tossed in the heavy blanket, Alistair was right to hate him. His actions had damned them both and ruined many others. As the oblivion of sleep drew nearer, his thoughts left his brother and turned to Emily and the danger she posed. Still she didn’t have much to go on and he had made a promise, it was only a matter of whether he could keep it. At least he only had to worry about his brother and Emily this time. Should any of the others return to England he would have to move on. His last thoughts before sleep claimed him were of a young woman in green with sparkling eyes.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Chapter 5:
     
    Melissa woke the following morning , having spent the night in a welter of worry, convinced that she was responsible for Marcus going to his death. As the first light of dawn stole over the rented London house, she was already awake and sat at the window. Jane remonstrated with her for sitting in a draught without a comforter, but she barely heard the words. Her mind was fixed on the duel ahead, on her brother and Montjoy. As Jane dressed her, she spoke little, moving like a dummy or doll to the instructions she was given.
     
     
    “It’ll be alright My Lady,” Jane said as she pinned her hair beneath a filmy bonnet. “Your brother is skilled with a blade. He will win today.”
     
     
    Melissa did not answer, unwilling to voice the fears she had. Standing, she turned to the door and headed downstairs to the morning room and breakfast. Her brother was already sat at the dining table eating a hearty repast before heading out for his duel with Montjoy. Melissa looked at him for several moments, hoping that he wouldn’t return to the house injured
     
    “Marcus..” he looked up at her, a forkful of eggs and bacon in his hand. Melissa looked at him, feeling guilty that he felt he had to defend her. She would ask him not to, but she knew he wouldn’t, all she could do was ask him to come back in one piece.
     
     
    “Be careful this morning, ” Her voice was soft and trembled only slightly as her fingers dug into the palms of her hands.
     
     
    Marcus smiled and looked over at his sister. “Don’t worry, I am not ignorant of duels, I will certain ly try not to let him strike