The Wave Queen

Chapter 11 - Charles's Confrontation

   It was a dank, dark place. Chains were chafing at my ankles. There was no daylight and my misery was compounded because I knew I had lost my Florry. Shivering, I huddled in a corner, pulling my ragged coat close about me. A great commotion startled me and I strained to make sense of the shouting outside. It seemed to be getting closer and I feared the angry mob was coming for me. I fingered my cross and chain anxiously, praying that I could see my Florry once more. A heavy key turned in the lock and the door burst open. I shrank against the wall as a dark shadow advanced and took hold of me, shaking me, shaking me roughly.

   'Mr Charles, Mr Charles wake up, you are wanted downstairs. Your father is here.'

   'What? Who?' I looked up. Mannings was standing over me. 'It is a good thing that you woke me, I was in a fearful nightmare and I should be getting dressed for the birthday celebrations.'

   'I'm sorry sir, but I have to get you ready immediately for the coach journey to Brighton. Your father says you must accompany him on an urgent matter.'

   'Did he mention what it was?'

   'No, just that it was urgent.'

   I knew of only one matter that could be urgent, my forgery of his cheques.

   Silently, I allowed Mannings to assist me. He tied my cravat and helped me on with my frock coat. Then after putting the few things I had brought with me into my travelling valise, he followed me downstairs carrying it. My father, the Major, was waiting at the bottom.