The apprehension in Elliot’s tone caused doubt to flare, but he brushed it aside. Elliot issued instructions to his coachman, and as they settled into their seats, he pulled the stopper from the bottle of blood and swigged the contents.
“What does it feel like?” Elliot said, his gaze curious as he lounged back against the plush squab. “What does it feel like to love another with all your heart?”
How could one define something so perfect, something so profound?
Alexander smiled. “It feels like heaven.”
Chapter 23
Evelyn was lying on the bed, her hands still tied to the posts, when Mr. Sutherby entered. She shot up and scrambled back, her feet slipping against the coverlet in her haste to reach the headboard.
“Here we are,” he said putting the tray down onto the end of the bed. “Thankfully, Briggs managed to find a few provisions down in the village, enough to tide us over until tomorrow. I’ll just nip and get the wine.”
She stared at the silver tray. The decorative plates contained a varied assortment: slices of salt beef, cheese, scotch eggs, and pickles. The cutlery was tarnished, and there were a few wilting tulips presented in a crystal bud vase.
Mr. Sutherby returned, minus his coat, with a pitcher of wine and two glasses and he placed them on the dressing table. It was only when he raised his hand to pour that she noticed the hunting knife, sheathed and tucked into the band of his breeches.
“What time is it?” she asked, glancing at the window. The sky’s orange-brown glow heralded the onset of dusk. Had Alexander heard her plea? As the daylight faded, so did all hope.
“It’s almost eight.” Mr. Sutherby walked over to the bed and untied one hand, rubbing the grazed skin at her wrist before bringing her a glass of wine, to which she turned up her nose. “Drink it. It will make the evening much more pleasant, make you feel more congenial.”
Congenial to what? She’d need a hundred barrels to ease her anxiety. Perhaps if she showed willing, he might untie the other rope, and so she took the wine whilst offering a feigned smile.
Mr. Sutherby proceeded to light a few candles before drawing the drapes. “Forgive me,” he said coming to join her on the bed, and her racing heart settled when he began distributing the food between two plates. “I’ve left you alone for far too long, but I wanted to give you time to rest. I wanted to give you time to become accustomed to the idea of a lifelong partnership.”
“A gentleman would have been more attentive,” she said, trying to keep her tone even when all she wanted to do was rant and curse. “A gentleman would not hurt a lady in such a vile and despicable manner.”
He glanced at the rope and looked genuinely sorry. “When we are wed, I shall make amends. When you’re mine, I shall devote my life to your happiness. And you will soon see this as a necessary step to secure our future.”
She took the plate he offered with an eager hand, her grumbling stomach feeling no prejudice. Having spent the whole day alone in the room, she’d been so ravenous she’d have eaten the bed sheets. And so she grabbed a piece of beef and tore at it like a fox would a rabbit.
Mr. Sutherby stared at her, and she froze mid-mouthful.
“You see,” he said offering a smile. “You feel more comfortable with me already. You’ll be pleased to hear that I have had a rather productive day. I have written to your aunt—”
“My aunt?” Poor Aunt Bea would be worried beyond measure. “What have you said to her?”
“I’ve explained our need to elope and ask she wait for our return before announcing the wonderful news.”
What in blazes was wrong with him? Either he was too simple to appreciate the gravity of his actions or was too cunning to care.
“And what need forces us to take such drastic action?” she said, her anger rising to the surface.
“As your aunt heartily approves of our match, there is only one reason why a couple would elope.” Mr. Sutherby placed his plate back on the tray. “Don’t get upset. I’ll be as gentle as I can. When you’re used to it, it can be a very pleasurable experience.” His beady gaze drifted up the length of her leg and he moistened his lips. “Perhaps we should dispense with all of this and just get on with—”
“You’ll leave me the hell alone.”
“I had hoped the meal and conversation would settle your nerves, but I can sense your apprehension and fear.” He stood and moved the tray to the floor. “It is to be expected. The process will be easier if you relax a little.”
Relax! Evelyn felt nauseous at the thought of him touching her. She’d fight him until her last breath, which proved to be futile. Picking up the piece of rope still attached to the post, he grabbed her wrist, holding it between both hands before securing it tightly.
“Leave me the hell alone,” she cried, the tugging action only causing the rope to burn into the raw skin.
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Mr. Sutherby stood back with his hands on his hips as he surveyed her clothing. “It would be easier if you were undressed as I detest the fumbling about. But I’ve waited long enough. Besides, it will appease your need for modesty and I shall just have to use my imagination.”
Evelyn watched him place the knife on the dressing table. She kicked him as he crawled up onto the bed and he grabbed her ankles and sat on them while he unbuttoned the fall of his breeches.