have also taken into account what you have said regarding the chances of a virgin, such as Miss Churchill,’ he smiled coolly, ‘successfully conceiving during this fertile period. I can assure you there will be no difficulty, since I have every intention of bedding her well in advance of the date prescribed.’
‘I, ah … I think it would be better if you gave her more time to settle in. She’s only been here a couple of days, and well, a month would…’
‘I have absolutely no wish to wait any longer, Laird. Besides,’ Develin turned and faced Laird square on, ‘I am sure that you, given the chance, would also be eager to explore the possibilities offered by this young girl. Or am I mistaken?’ Cold blue eyes regarded Laird fixedly.
‘I just thought, that … I mean, if she had an opportunity to get to know you better and, ah ... you her. A month perhaps to woo her and …’
‘Woo her! Are you mad? This subject has been discussed before. A month ago you had no qualms whatsoever so why this sudden change in attitude?’
Laird stood his ground, returning Develin’s gaze directly. ‘Because a month ago I was dealing with an abstract concept. It didn’t occur to me then that I was going to find myself party to the rape of an innocent young girl.’
‘Get out, you little bastard before I kill you where you stand. Carl, show Doctor Laird out.’ Develin was shaking with rage. ‘Laird!’ he shouted across the length of the room, ‘I will have her this very night, do you hear me and there’s not a goddamn thing you can do about it.’
*****
Seefan stood in the small, almost intimate music room amid a collection of instruments, including a baby grand, shiny black, its keys covered.
She remembered a time, years ago now, when he had played for her here, in this room. Such beautiful music it had been, so romantic, so pleasant. Then her heart sank as she remembered the rest of that night when it had not been so romantic; or so pleasant.
She walked to the window and watched the sheep crop the short grass in the circular area formed by the driveway, the swoop of a bird, the afternoon sun pale behind a thin blanket of cloud.
She didn’t hear Develin enter the room, nor was she aware of his presence until he was perhaps ten feet from her. She turned, smiled pleasantly then bowed low, her gold jewelry making a pleasant tinkling sound as she moved.
‘Seefan, you look well. Could it be that a diet of pizza and Coke agrees with you?’
‘Lord, you wish to speak with me?’ she whispered, keeping her eyes averted as she had been taught to do.
‘I have brought you a gift,’ he said as he retrieved a tiny gold and silver casket from the inside pocket of his suit jacket. Seefan took it eagerly then opened it to reveal a single precious black pearl. ‘It is of the finest quality. There are more, of course, provided that you do all that I ask of you.’
‘My lord,’ Seefan whispered as she bowed before him.
‘Now, I believe you have something for me.’
She looked up at him in alarm.
‘Give it to me,’ he demanded.
She extracted an envelope from inside her sari and handed it to him. Her fingers trembled. She watched as he turned towards the window and looked outside, turning the envelope around and around between his fingers as if reluctant to read the note contained inside.
‘I know not what it is,’ Seefan said, her voice tight with apprehension.
‘Don’t you, Seefan?’ He asked as he slit the envelope open.
Dear Miss Churchill – Sarah
There is no time now for explanations. Know only that I love you and will do all I can to see you free of this monster. In the library tonight, knock on the panel door when he is far enough away from you, across the room. One good shot, my dearest, and you will be free of him, as will I.
In Love, Peter Laird
Develin produced an identical envelope from the inside pocket of his suit jacket. He folded the note and placed it inside before sealing the envelope closed. ‘Do as Doctor Laird has asked of you, Seefan. Deliver this to Miss Churchill straight away.’
10
‘No, you must Sarah - please,’ Seefan begged.
‘I’ve already had one meal with that bastard. Tell him I’m not hungry. Tell him I’ve got a headache. Whatever it takes but I categorically refuse. If he wants to have a chat in the library, fine, but no dinner. I mean it, Seefan!’
Seefan was about to reply but was interrupted by a light rapping at the door. The heavy lock drew back and the door opened. Carl stood holding a cardboard box which he deftly handed to Seefan before withdrawing, closing and locking the door behind him.
‘What’s that?’ Sarah asked, intrigued.
Carefully Seefan cut the seals then opened the lid to reveal a pure white gown of silk inlaid with seed pearls, trimmed with lace.
Sarah drew back, appalled, as Seefan lifted the gown out of the box, purring softly as she touched the exquisite fabric. ‘Oh, so beautiful. Sarah, feel how soft is the silk. He would have you wear this tonight.’
‘Over my dead body!’ Sarah reacted more in fear than anger. ‘Do you know what that is, Seefan? It’s a wedding gown. God in heaven!’ she gasped. ‘Seefan, you must go to him, explain that I …’
‘Words are of no matter now. He has decided that you are to be the one. You must now make whatever peace you can within yourself and accept your fate. It is the will of the gods.’ Seefan’s words cut like shattered glass. She stood and turned to face Sarah straight on. ‘You will bathe now, wash your hair and scent your body as I will prescribe, then you shall wear this gown like a queen and go to him of your own free will. If you do not, then you will be brought to him by force, like an animal.’
‘You knew all along, didn’t you?’ Sarah hissed, her hands clenched tight in anger.
‘Only of the possibility,’ Seefan replied casually. ‘You will make for this man a fine son and heir to all you see. This child you shall bear him will know unlimited power and wealth. From your womb will come a new generation, to his lasting joy.’
‘You’re crazy if you think I won’t put up a fight!’
Seefan smiled, tilting her head to the side. ‘Would you have Doctor Laird suffer?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Unless you do exactly as I ask, then I will go to him and tell him of what I saw between you and Doctor Laird in the library. He will not be pleased by such news.’ She smiled evenly. ‘If you choose to resist him, you can but try. He would relish such a challenge. But be warned, you will lose and then he will
