The Ladder: Part 1 Read online

  She startled and put a hand to her chest when she recognized him. She looked over her shoulder, then opened her window. In a hushed voice she said, “You shouldn’t be here right now, there are guards all over, you’ll be seen.”

  “I noticed. Do you know why? Is something wrong?”

  “I think so, though I’m not sure what. An officer came to the mansion with some news, next thing a whole group of them came and hurried about. All of the staff were sent to their quarters, the children to their rooms, Alexandra included.”

  “When you get the chance, can you tell her.”

  The door to Harriett’s room opened. Cameron ducked below the window and crouched toward his horse.

  Just as he put a foot in a stirrup, a whisper called for him. “Cameron, wait...”

  Cameron looked to the window. Alexandra beckoned him with a wave. Cameron took a deep breath. He checked his surroundings and walked to the window. Alexandra’s cheeks were flushed and wet. “Are you okay? There are guards at the gates... do you know what’s going on?”

  “I’m not sure what’s happening. Marsden came here. He was talking about you with my father...”

  “About me?” Cameron saw Alexandra’s lip quivering. He ducked into the window. “What’s wrong?”

  She shook her head. “I think they know about us.” Fresh tears fell.

  “Doesn’t matter.” He gave her a kiss and stroked her hair. “Uncle George said yes, and the will... I have land to my name.”

  “I don’t think it matters.” Alexandra climbed out of the window and jumped onto him with her arms over his shoulders. Her head buried into his chest, she sobbed uncontrollably.

  This was not the response Cameron expected. “Alexandra, what makes you...?”

  He was cut off by a swoosh of air and a sharp pain in his neck. Cameron let go of Alexandra and staggered backward. He looked down. Something was protruding out of his neck. He felt his legs weaken beneath him. His head felt warm, then he collapsed to the ground.

  Alexandra screamed.

  He looked up at her through a haze. She was on her hands and knees crawling toward him. A cloaked figure appeared behind her, then she was lifted off the ground in a blur. “Cameron!” her voice echoed in his failing ears.

  He reached out at nothing and darkness overcame him.

  5

  HAZEL

  A long wooden table was covered with an assortment of meats and vegetables. Trays of roasted mutton, venison, and poultry filled most of the surface. The spaces in between were filled with plates of potatoes, broccoli, carrots, and cabbage along with several ladles of gravy. Savory scents filled the room, beckoning Boman to the table. He rested his head on Hazel’s thigh, though he could have easily rested it on top of the table.

  Hazel scratched his head while she thought of John. The way he had looked at her before they parted, the sound of his voice as he said goodbye. She knew he had feelings for her, but she did not realize they were the sort that could cause him so much pain.

  “Hazel?”

  “Hmm?” Hazel looked up at her uncle.

  “Do you want to start without Cameron?” he asked loudly, over Fergus and Daniel’s laughter as they poured amber ale from a metal pitcher.

  “He still hasn’t arrived?” she asked.

  Uncle George shook his head.

  “Alright, we shouldn’t let the food get any colder.”

  Uncle George cut into the venison while Mr. Taylor did the same with the mutton. Across the table, Mrs. Taylor prepared plates for her two youngest daughters while Phoebe proudly served herself a helping of potatoes and broccoli.

  Aunt Beth said, “Are you okay, Hazel? I’m sure Cameron will be here soon. He wouldn’t miss your party if he could help it.”

  “No, it’s not that.” Hazel made an effort to brighten her mood and smiled. “I’m fine.” She focused her attention back to the party. “I wonder where he is, though. Did he say what he was doing this evening?”

  “Your uncle said something about him finishing an order at the shop.”

  Uncle George said, “That’s right, for General Marlow... he’s probably just finishing up there.”

  Hazel nodded and pulled a leg off of a roasted hen.

  An hour and a half passed and Cameron had yet to arrive. The feast had been reduced to scraps with the exception of a large portion of venison.

  “Well, Cameron’s already missed the meal. I’m sure he won’t mind if we start on some cake without him,” said Fergus.

  “Aye, why not.” Hazel was getting frustrated that Cameron would be willing to be absent for her birthday dinner, surely he could have planned accordingly? It was not like Cameron to miss out on a family celebration. Though he was preoccupied lately with work and with Alexandra.

  Hazel helped Phoebe clear the table.

  Mrs. Taylor brought out a simple white cake and Phoebe placed a portion of fruit on each plate before serving them.

  Aunt Beth brought a fresh brew of hot cocoa along with a bowl of whipped cream to the table. “We’ve got cocoa if anyone would like some, courtesy of John Hill.” She smiled at Hazel.

  “Interesting... isn’t cocoa claimed to be an aphrodisiac?” said Fergus.

  “Oh stop, Fergus, John isn’t the type to pay mind to frivolity. It was sweet of him to think of your birthday, Hazel,” said Mrs. Taylor.

  “Literally...” said Fergus chuckling. “You know, Daniel talked with Colonel Hill this morning, apparently John is in fact deploying. I guess you won’t have to dodge him at assemblies after all,” he said as he nudged Hazel’s shoulder.

  She looked down without a response. She tried her best to hold in a tear and failed.

  Fergus was baffled. “Hazel, I’m sorry, I thought you...”

  Mrs. Taylor slapped his shoulder with a spatula. “You’ve gone and made Hazel cry at her own birthday party, you idiot!”

  Hazel laughed and wept at the same time. “Don’t blame Fergus, Mrs. Taylor. He didn’t know any better. It’s just, when I saw John earlier today, he said goodbye and he was so sad, and... and...” Hazel caught her breath, “and now that he’s leaving, I just never really realized I could miss him.”

  Aunt Beth gave Hazel a hug and brushed away her tears. “Oh darling, you’re not having the best birthday, are you? C’mon, let’s distract you from all these tribulations. Mrs. Taylor’s cake will cheer you up, and we’ve got some gifts for you.” She gave Hazel a kiss on the cheek and went to get the gifts.

  Hazel wiped her face with a kerchief and tried her best not to feel so ridiculous. She took a bite of the cake. It was delicious. She followed it with a soothing sip of hot cocoa, its flavor was enriched by the whipped cream. She immediately felt better.

  Aunt Beth brought a stack of three boxes to the table. “Let’s start with the biggest one, it’s from the Taylors.”

  “You didn’t have to, you’ve already baked me a cake.”

  “Oh go on and open it, Hazel,” said Mrs. Taylor.

  Hazel opened the box and pulled out a gabardine riding coat with woolen braiding and pronounced mariner’s cuffs reminiscent of a military uniform. “It’s beautiful! Thank you!” She hugged the Taylors.

  “Mrs. Taylor deserves the credit,” said Mr. Taylor.

  Aunt Beth handed Hazel another box. “From your uncle and me.”

  Hazel opened the box to find a pair of insulated leather gloves and a three-point hat. She tried them on and they fit perfectly. She hugged and thanked her aunt and uncle. “I’ll stay warm this winter.”

  Aunt Beth handed her the last box, the smallest of the three. Its corners were dulled and the brown color faded from the edges. There was a bit of dust on it. Aunt Beth said gently, “From your mother, Hazel.” The room went quiet.

  Hazel held the box and stared down at it. “Do you mean...”

  Aunt Beth nodded.

  Hazel opened it carefully. Inside was a small brown comb with four prongs. It had thin sinuous lines of a reddish metal wrapped around the pr
ongs. There was a note. “Did she write it?”

  Aunt Beth nodded again with tears in her eyes. “Perhaps I should’ve given it to you in private. I wasn’t expecting such an emotional night.”

  Hazel laughed despite the tears running down her face. “No. Do you mind if I read it to myself though?”

  “Of course not, love.”

  Hazel unfolded the letter and read it.

  Hazel,

  If this letter has reached you at your sixteenth birthday, then I must first apologize to you. I am sorry that I am not there with you. I am sure your aunt and uncle explained that we meant to return to you. We left knowing that we might not be able to. Next, I must ask you to thank your aunt for waiting so long to give this to you, I know it must not have been easy for her.

  If you are wondering why I asked that this gift be withheld from you, it is because I did not want you to dwell on me. I want you to love your family fully, without distraction. You are a young woman now, and I trust that you can understand my intentions.

  You might be wondering why I chose this comb as the sole item of mine to leave for you. It was a gift from a dear friend I made on my first visit to America, a native. I cherished it, and I hope that you will too. Let it remind you of me, and keep it close, this is key.

  I love you.

  Hazel closed the letter and looked up to find the eyes of everyone in the room fixed on her. Her aunt and uncle embraced her. “Alright, that’s enough tears for one night,” said Uncle George.

  Hazel smiled and dried her face, then held the comb out toward Fergus. “Take a look, Fergus. It’s Native American.”

  His eyes widened, then he restrained himself. “You sure, Hazel? It can wait.”

  She nodded and handed it to him.

  He inspected the comb.

  Daniel looked closer as well. “It looks like it’s made from an antler.”

  Fergus nodded in confirmation. “It’s interesting, hardly any teeth on it, and this metal looks line fine copper, or maybe something precious, rose gold perhaps.” Fergus returned the comb to her. “I don’t remember Cameron getting anything on his sixteenth birthday.”

  “No, but we have something for him too. Your mother asked that we wait until you were both grown.” Aunt Beth looked to Hazel and touched her cheek. “I think she guessed you wouldn’t be able to wait.”

  Hazel smiled. “She was right.” Then she was reminded of Cameron’s absence and became frustrated. “Cameron should’ve been here... you said he was delivering an order to General Marlow?”

  Uncle George nodded.

  Cameron had been seeing Alexandra more and more often. He was getting too bold. She thought out loud, “His work couldn’t have gone this late.”

  “It does seem odd,” said Daniel.

  Uncle George concurred. “He did make it clear that he would be here.”

  Aunt Beth said, “Maybe you should go check on him at the shop, Daniel? I know it’s getting late, but it is a bit worrying.”

  He replied, “Aye, I was thinking the same. I’ll go there now.”

  “I’ll go with you, Daniel,” Fergus said as he looked to Mr. Taylor. His father nodded his approval.

  “Uncle...” Hazel begun to ask.

  Aunt Beth preempted her request. “Hazel, you stay here and help us clean up.”

  Daniel looked to Hazel with a shrug and silently mouthed the words, “I’m sorry.”

  Hazel looked to her uncle and petitioned, “Not even on my birthday?”

  He sighed as he leaned back in his chair and folded his hands on his stomach. “Alright, go ahead.”

  Aunt Beth shook her head at her husband.

  “Thank you,” she said as she gathered her gifts in a hurry. She looked to Daniel and Fergus. “I’ll meet you at the barn.”

  Hazel went to her room and set her gifts on her bed. She picked up the small box from her mother and set in her drawer. She put on her new riding garb and a pair of well worn riding boots then went to meet Daniel and Fergus.

  Daniel and Fergus were tacking up their horses as Hazel entered the barn. She went to the smallest of the three horses, a young and lean colt with a dark bay coat.

  “I tried to saddle your barb but he wasn’t having it,” said Daniel.

  The horse was pulling on the rope tied to his neck. Hazel stroked his neck, and he let out a snort of air before relaxing and sniffing her. She saddled him and put on his bridle without bothering to include a bit, then mounted him.

  The three of them left for Cameron’s shop. After a half hour of riding they approached the archery shop. Light could be seen from one of the windows. “Maybe that’s him,” said Fergus. They approached the front door, and Daniel knocked.

  Mr. Pegg opened the door. “Daniel, what are you all doing here so late?”

  “Evening, Mr. Pegg, we were wondering if Cameron is in?”

  “No, it’s just me here. He left a couple hours ago with an order. I haven’t seen him since.”

  “Was it for Marlow?” Daniel asked.

  “Aye, it was his only delivery.”

  “Thank you, sorry to bother you.”

  Mr. Pegg nodded and shut his door.

  Hazel said, “He wouldn’t have gone anywhere else, would he? Do you think he’s in trouble?”

  Daniel concentrated. “I dunno, he’s been seeing Alexandra a lot lately. C’mon let’s go to the Marlow residence. We can at least find out if he made the delivery.”

  When they arrived, soldiers were posted at the gates.

  “What are they doing here?” Fergus asked.

  Hazel’s apprehensions amplified at the sight of them. She whispered, “What if someone found out about Cameron and Alexandra?”

  Daniel replied, “I don’t think they’d be placing guards at the gates if that were the problem. Let’s just ask them what’s going on.” He got off his horse and handed his reins to Hazel, then walked up to the guards. “Have you seen a young man here with a delivery for General Marlow? It would have been earlier this evening.”

  The guards looked at one another knowingly. “The lad was here,” said one of them.

  Daniel cocked his head, “...and he left?”

  The guard responded, “He gave us the package and went on his way.”

  Hazel detected deceit in the soldier’s curt response.

  The dishonesty did not go unnoticed by Daniel either. “You’re sure of that?” he said skeptically.

  “I think you should carry on,” said the guard.

  Daniel returned to Fergus and Hazel.

  “He’s lying,” Hazel whispered.

  “I know, follow me.”

  Hazel followed him out of the view of the guards. “He must be in there. Why would they lie to us?”

  “I dunno. Something’s wrong,” Daniel said. “We should get in there and find out what they’re up to.”

  Fergus replied, “I’m not sure that’s a good idea. I think we should go tell your father.”

  “What, so they can lie to him too?” Hazel said.

  Fergus tried to reason with them. “The gates are guarded. What do you propose we do?”

  Daniel nodded toward a tree.

  Fergus sighed at his defeat.

  Hazel tied her horse to a branch and climbed up first.

  “Careful,” Daniel whispered.

  She straddled a branch and made her way to the top of the wall. She looked down and saw that the other side was clear, then beckoned Daniel and Fergus. They followed suit and the three of them remained perched on top of the wall, a good fifteen feet above the ground.

  “Now what?” asked Fergus with more than a hint of impatience.

  Hazel looked along the length of the wall and noticed a tall fountain adjoining the inside of the wall. “Over there, we should be able to reach the top of that fountain.” She crawled to the fountain and inspected it.

  “Looks like marble,” Daniel observed, “it’ll hold.”

  Hazel trusted his judgment and eased herself off the wal
l while Daniel and Fergus each held one of her hands. Her whole body was tense as she found her balance. “You can let go.”

  Daniel helped Fergus down in the same manner then hung off the wall and let himself down. After he reached the bottom, Fergus said, “I can’t wait to climb back up.”

  “Let’s be quick about this, before someone notices the horses,” said Daniel. They walked through the gardens toward one side of the house until they were only feet away from a large window. The ledge of the window was nearly ten feet off the ground.

  “Let’s take a look, Daniel. I’ll climb up on your shoulders,” said Hazel as she moved toward him.

  Daniel looked to Fergus. “Make sure to catch her if she falls.”

  Hazel was hoisted up on to Daniel’s shoulders as Fergus spotted her. She gripped the ledge of the window and steadied herself, then peered into the room. It was a sitting room, unlit and empty, but through the doorway and across the hall she could see a lit study. Inside was the back of a soldier in his red uniform. He moved to the side and Hazel saw Cameron lying unconscious on a chair with a streak of dry blood on his cheek.

  Hazel gasped and almost lost her balance. She shook, unsteady, as she got down from Daniel’s shoulders.

  “What is it, Hazel?” Daniel asked urgently.

  As her heart pounded and her breath escaped her. “He’s here, Cameron’s here. There’s blood on him, and he isn’t moving.”

  6

  ALEXANDRA

  Alexandra stirred as the whole room around her shook. It was dark. She could not see a thing. As she became more alert she made out the muffled sound of horses trotting, a carriage she realized. Her head ached, and there was a sore spot on her shoulder. She went to touch it and felt a bandage in place of her sleeve, which had been torn off.

  She reached her arms out and felt around the carriage until she found a door handle. She tried opening the door, but it did not budge. She knocked hard on a side of the carriage where the sounds of the horses were originating. “Who’s out there!” she cried.