Castle In The Clouds, Chapters Eleven and Twelve (standard:drama, 3146 words) [6/21] show all parts
Author: Brian Cross	Added: Aug 15 2009	Views/Reads: 2393/1597	Part vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
Continuing a serialisation of my completed story, Castle In The Clouds

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story

we need to keep account of, be sure that I will do so – and while I'm 
away, see that I am advised of any abnormal behaviour -' 

'Forgive me for interrupting sir – but has Miss Llewellyn been informed
of this development?' 

'Good Lord no, I have yet to advise Miss Day, but I remind you that the
say-so is mine,  Hambleton, not my sister's.' Llewellyn gave the butler 
a long, reflective look. 'I have to say, that I am beginning to regret 
accepting her presence here. There has always been a sarcastic edge to 
her character; it seems of late to have developed a vindictive one.' 

'As I see it sir, the purchase could not have been accomplished without
her funds.' 

Llewellyn shrugged. 'I could have explored other possibilities,' he
said, head bowed, and then raising his eyes to meet Hambleton, 'perhaps 
I still can.' 

'I fear she will not be easily dislodged.' Hambleton rose to his feet,
'If I might suggest sir, perhaps you should begin by asking Miss Day 
whether she would accept a room here; if she declines, it might greatly 
reduce any future altercations.' 

'I very much doubt that,' Llewellyn snapped. Hambleton's words had
arrived like a slap in the face; that he should even imply, as he 
appeared to be doing, that Veronica was in any way involved in this 
“bad chemistry,” was outrageous. But he'd asked for an opinion and been 
given one he hadn't liked. 

Llewellyn sighed, turned to the window. The skies had lifted, the sun
had broken through and with it, raised his spirits. After breakfast he 
would treat Veronica to a ride in the trap, and he would announce his 
offer of a room in the castle. 

*                                 *                               * 

'Oh but I have to practice my music if I am to entertain you to the best
of my abilities.' Veronica placed her cup in the saucer and brushed the 
arms of the light yellow dress she wore. 

'I thought that on such a refreshing morning a ride inland would be
invigorating,' Llewellyn persisted, overcoming a pang of 
disappointment. 'Are you familiar with horses? I could let you chair 
the trap -' 

Veronica gave an easy, relaxed smile, 'Familiar? Why I grew up with
them. Horses were another of my father's passions – but I never let 
anything interfere with my objectives and my objective now is to ensure 
that I entertain you to the best of my abilities this evening. So I 
must decline your kind invitation, at least on this occasion.' 

Llewellyn nodded, conceding unwillingly. 'Then before you leave,
perhaps?' 

'Providing you allow me to drive, I agree.' 

Llewellyn marvelled at her abilities, not too many women could handle a
pony and trap, certainly not Dorothea who had a dread of horses. 

Llewellyn, pleased with her acceptance of his offer, delayed as it was,
tweaked his moustache and felt the tension building within. 'Veronica,' 
he said leaning towards her, 'I want to make you an offer.' 

He saw her expression change, become at once more serious. 'An offer?' 

'Why, yes – you say you have a liking for the coast, you seem to have an
affinity for the island, and your company here has been heavenly. I'd 
like to make you an offer of a room here, any time you wish – your own 
special room.' 

Veronica chewed her lip, she looked uncertain, like the first time he'd
encountered her on the shore. 'There are no strings,' Llewellyn said 
quietly. 

'I don't know what to say, it is true that I find the island and the
coast in general alluring, but your offer is too much. I cannot warrant 
-' 

'But you do warrant it.' Llewellyn's hand was atop of hers, 'It is a
pleasure to offer it.' 

'And your sister, would she accept -' 

'My sister is not the owner of this castle – I am,' Llewellyn said
firmly, and aware of the bitterness in his voice abruptly moderated his 
tone, 'she oversees affairs while I am away. That is all.' 

'Well it is a most generous offer which I shall consider.' Veronica rose
to her feet. 'It would be nice to have such a place to stay as this, 
from time to time.' 

Llewellyn watched her stride out of the room, tall, elegant, composed.
She hadn't said yes to his offer, but there was a suggestion she would 
accept. And Llewellyn was a step closer to his ultimate desire. 

*                         *                        * 

Dorothea spent the morning perusing the castle's record books.
Management of castle affairs was no great strain on her resources and a 
couple of hours a day was enough to keep matters in order. But the 
strains of Veronica's violin were an unwanted background accessory and 
a constant reminder of an unwanted guest her brother foolishly doted 
on. She could see it in his eyes, the way he looked at her, but 
Veronica Day hadn't returned to the castle for him, any more than her 
concert that evening was arranged on the household's behalf. 

Someone else held her interest, perhaps even fancy, and that someone was
John Gibbings. 

Dorothea pulled back her chair, strolled to an oak cabinet beside the
window, then poured a double measure of Scotch and lit a cigarette. 
John Gibbings was in her pocket, she had him at her mercy and he knew 
it, she could read into those fine eyes. The violinist might have 
beauty on her side but in a few days she would be gone, and once she 
saw she couldn't sway him she would never return. 

She could afford to miss out on the concert that night, the devious
woman had got her way but it would produce nothing. 

Dorothea gulped down the whisky, poured another, John Gibbings would
come to her in the end of his own accord, and she would get some reward 
for settling on this island. 

She'd been bored in London, her social life had become stale and the
same old rounds bored her. When Thomas had proposed the castle, having 
seen its sale advertised in a national newspaper, it seemed the perfect 
adventure and she'd provided the money to back Thomas' purchase. 

But the island was small, few people inhabited it and events happened so
slowly they scarcely happened at all. Nothing excited her apart from 
John Gibbings. He had a wild side he was struggling to contain and that 
wildness was as challenging as it was appealing. Moreover she was 
certain that in a short while she would appeal to him. 

Life had its rewards and her duty here as administrator of the castle
would see that she got that reward through him – once Veronica Day and 
her brother were out of the way. 

Dorothea blew smoke rings into the air, poured a final glass of scotch
and allowed herself a smile. 

All she needed was patience. 

Chapter Twelve 

Llewellyn got his wish. The fine weather held, with the evening sun
beginning to sink behind the castle ramparts, leaving the roof garden 
bathed in a deep golden glow, while a soft, warm breeze rustled amongst 
the tubs of pansies. 

Prior to Veronica's recital, Mrs. Simms had prepared a seafood salad and
now she, Hambleton, Veronica and Gibbings were seated around the 
garden's oval table listening to an enthusiastic Llewellyn. 'It is 
indeed a pleasure to be able to listen to the music of a beautiful 
lady, in such a setting as this.' 

'Why thank you.' Veronica smiled, cleared her plate and gently brushed
her white dress. 'I am pleased that the weather is fine.' She locked 
eyes with Gibbings, 'Are you familiar with the violin, John?' 

Gibbings shook his head. 'No I am not,' he said, his expression surly. 

'Well now, with all the work you do I doubt that you'd have time for
music. After my recital I could let you take a closer look, perhaps let 
you play on it.' 

'No I don't think so,' Gibbings said dismissively, but Veronica appeared
not to have heard. She cocked her head at Llewellyn. 'Would that be 
alright, Thomas?' she asked quietly. 

Llewellyn raised his brows, he couldn't see how Gibbings would be
remotely interested in Veronica's violin, indeed why she'd invited him 
in the first place, but she was giving the distinct impression that 
refusal would disappoint her and he wasn't having that - 

'If Miss Day wants you to try playing her violin then I would deem it
rude should you refuse.' Gibbings reddened, his eyes didn't meet hers 
but he accepted and Veronica slapped the table. 'Good then it's 
settled, a little private lesson for you once the performance is 
finished - and please all of you, I insist you call me Veronica.' 

Mrs. Simms cleared the table, assisted by Veronica who waved aside any
protests. During their absence from the roof garden Llewellyn turned to 
Gibbings. 'Well you are honoured, young man,' he said without 
concealing his surprise, 'to be offered what amounts to a lesson by a 
celebrated violinist – and you were going to refuse -' 

'I think he was just simply taken aback,' Hambleton said, intervening on
Gibbings' behalf, 'as we all were.' 

'Indeed.' Llewellyn swallowed, glanced at Hambleton and then back to
Gibbings. 'Miss Day – Veronica, shows a marked interest in your 
welfare, you are most fortunate in that respect.' 

'I do nothing to encourage it, sir.' 

'Indeed, that is plainly evident,' Llewellyn grunted. 'You show a
distinct lack of courtesy in your approach towards her.' 

'I think the lad feels a little, shall we say, out of place,' Hambleton
said again. 'Miss Veronica exudes the kind of presence one doesn't meet 
on a daily basis.' 

'Hambleton I'm certain the young man can speak for himself,' Llewellyn
remarked showing a little irritation. 'Nonetheless I feel there is 
truth in what you say.' 

He broke off as Mrs. Simms came through the door, followed by Veronica
carrying her violin and bow; she took up a position at the far end of 
the roof garden which pleased Llewellyn, for what was left of the 
sunlight reflected there on her hair, providing it with the rich red 
tint that he loved. 

She played for an hour, the base of the violin tucked neatly under her
chin, while the bow glided effortlessly across the strings and the 
music both gentle and vibrant carried over the roof garden, blending 
with the soothing tumble of the sea. 

When she had finished, Llewellyn, deeply captivated conducted a generous
round of applause, before, reluctantly guiding the others away, he left 
Veronica in the company of Gibbings. 

'Well John,' she said quietly when they were alone, 'I finally get the
chance to speak with you, I'm sure you're not that enthusiastic about 
playing the violin -' 

'No madam.' 

'No Veronica,' she said sternly. 

'No Veronica -' 

'Is that resentment I read in you?' 

The same height as Gibbings, she met him full in the eye and when he
didn't reply, said, 'Are you being manipulated, John Gibbings?' 

She saw him visibly tense, his jaw tighten, his face colour. 

'Madam?' 

'Veronica -' 

'I beg your pardon, Veronica?' 

'You heard what I said. The sea isn't that noisy today,' she waited
patiently, legs and arms crossed, eyes unwavering. 'Look, it couldn't 
be more obvious if it were written across your chest in large letters.' 
There was defiance, perhaps anger visible in his dark eyes but she 
remained steadfast. 'What hold has Dorothea got over you John?' 

'You're impossible,' he muttered beneath his breath. 

'No – but I could be,' she leaned close, her hair brushing his shoulder,
'now are you going to open up?' 

'Not now – not here,' his eyes darted to and fro, and then settled on
her. 'Christ, why did I save you from the sea?' 

'Then where?' 

'I don't know – you can't help anyway.' 

'Give me the chance to repay what you did for me.' She took a look round
the garden, checked they were alone and grabbed his shoulders with both 
hands, 'Give me that chance.' 

He lowered his eyes, then flicked his long lashes up at her. 'Tomorrow
morning early–  sunrise   -   the abbey grounds – though what good 
it'll do -' 

'Finally he concedes.' Veronica stooped down, collected the violin and
bow,shoved them into his hands. 'Now I don't care what kind of row you 
make with this, but for the benefit of the others inside, try and play 
it.' 

Gibbings exhaled deeply, gave her a look bordering on a scowl, laid the
violin clumsily against his cheek and the bow grated across the 
strings. Veronica pressed her hands against her ears and she saw John 
Gibbings break into his first real smile. 

*                                *                                * 

Hambleton heard the echo of heels, the swish of stiff dress fabric and
instantly knew Dorothea was approaching the hallway. He sighed, 
managing a polite smile as she hurried through. 

'Hambleton, did you enjoy the virtuoso performance this evening?' 

Bolting the door, turning back towards Dorothea Hambleton said, 'Quite
splendid Madam.' 

'Indeed,' Dorothea clasped her hands together. 'I also heard the most
awful grinding sound, it made my teeth judder.' 

'Gibbings, Madam.' 

'Gibbings?' 

'I believe Miss Veronica offered him the use of her violin -' 

'Absurd – quite absurd – as if Gibbings would be interested in such an
instrument.' 

'No Madam.' Hambleton took a step forward, 'If you'll excuse me -' 

'Were you all offered the opportunity to “fiddle” with her violin?' 

Hambleton baulked, drew a finger across his lip. 'As far as I know the
offer was restricted to Gibbings.' 

'What do you mean as far as you know?' Dorothea cried, 'Hambleton of
course you know.' 

'The offer was not extended elsewhere.' 

'How cosy -' Dorothea narrowed her hooded eyes. 'As if it wasn't to be
expected.' 

'If there is nothing further Madam -' 

Dorothea stepped across, blocking Hambleton's path into the passageway.
'You are aware that Mr. Llewellyn dotes on Miss Day, Hambleton?' 

'He – he displays a fondness Madam – I presume that is why he invited
her back.' 

'Hambleton,' Dorothea said, her voice lowered, 'would you not now
concede that the woman is not all she seems, that her interest in 
Gibbings is other than normal and that her effect on the castle is 
disruptive? Is it not my brother we should be concerned for? Be sure 
she shares no concern for him.' 

'I -' 

'Hambleton – Hambleton – oh, there you are.' Llewellyn swept into the
hall, ignoring his sister. 'I was looking for Veronica, she remained on 
the roof with Gibbings – I was seeking to ensure she has not been 
locked out.' 

'Miss Veronica has retired to her room sir.' Hambleton sidestepped
Llewellyn and Dorothea, readily taking the opportunity to extricate 
himself from her presence. 'And now if you will excuse me?' 

'Certainly, Hambleton.' 

Dorothea watched the butler recede along the passage, turning to her
brother with a glint in her eye. 'And she did not think to seek you out 
– to wish you goodnight?' 

'I have suffered enough of your presence for one day, sister,' Llewellyn
uttered through barely parted teeth, before turning on his heels and 
following Hambleton along the passageway. 

Dorothea noted his aggravated stance, placed a hand beneath her chin,
knew her words had found a weak spot in her brother's disposition 
towards Veronica and vowed to capitalise on it. 

And Hambleton was not only her brother's butler but also his ally. She
was getting through, he was having his doubts, she could tell in his 
manner. Veronica Day's association with the island would be short 
lived, of that she had no doubt. 


Tweet